New mommys and BFing....

Im soooo sore!!!!! How is everyone else handling it? Last night i decided to pump to relieve the pressure and i noticed blood... ouch... So now one breast is out of commision until i have it heel. it was a bit scarey..

How often is everyones DC feeding? My DD falls asleep five mins into feeding and wants to eat about every hour, i tried undressing her, tickling feet and chin, wet washcloth and changing diaper before, all dont work at keeping her up.

Though im sore im the happiest i ever been and I LOVE HER sooo MUCH, she truley is a blessing that i find hard to believe is here.

Good luck to all ...

Re: New mommys and BFing....

Try taking 2 tylenol about a half hour before BF'ing. Also make sure to use the Lansinoh...it helped me!!!

My DD was sleeping through feedings so at first she would only eat every 4-5 hours, but she wasn't gaining weight quicke enough so her pediatrician made me start waking her ever 3 hours to feed her.

Good luck!!

Re: New mommys and BFing....

PLEASE call a lactation consultant. Your baby is not latching correctly if you are bleeding. It's normal to feel sore, but cracked or bleeding nipples should NOT happen.

Re: New mommys and BFing....

Hang in there. I had the WORST time in the beginning. I feel like my BF class did NOT prepare me well for the reality of what could happen when BF. What I have learned in the past few weeks from myself and two other friends that just had babies is that for some people it does hurt even if the baby is latching on right as your nipples get used to breast feeding. Also, it is REALLY hard to get some babies to latch on right.

I do agree we the pp who said to call a lactation consultant - they are VERY helpful and may prevent things from going from bad to worse.

I had the cracked nips, the blood, etc. ended up with mastitis. It was terrible and I cried for weeks. But, at 4 weeks I am still hanging in there and it has gotten better. What I do is nurse 1-3 times a day and pump the rest and feed DS pumped milk in bottles. It is what works for me and keeps my nipples from being in pain.

Hang in there - the first few weeks are tough for MANY MANY people...its not as easy or natural for everyone as we are made to thinkk!

ETA: Also, I found the following helpful:
Soothies
Lasinoh Breast Pads
Rinsing with salt water after to clean the area
Not putting my bra back on immed after nursing or pumping

Message edited 9/30/2007 12:04:22 PM.

Re: New mommys and BFing....

I would ask on Parenting. They are a great help on there