Breastfeeding a newborn - I've forgotten it all!

[BuntyCollocks]

DD is 12 hours old, and a total boob fiend already. I suspect tongue tie - DS had/has one which has regrown 5 times. I have the tell tale lipstick nipple, and my nipples are already shredded. :(

Earlier today, she fed for 2 hours immediately after birth and all was fine, she came off of her own accord, and was very contented. Tonight, however, she is constantly fussing, and I'm 100% certain she is comfort nursing rather than eating. When she's not nursing, she's chewing her hands.

Bilogical nurturing has failed - she bobs at the breast and gets frustrated. I'm following the guides on kellymom etc, (I have large, flat nipples which I had to compress for DS to feed), but still in agony.

She's had two meconium nappies so I believe she is getting something (as well as constantly throwing up - on our 5th babygro) - but I am so scared of her losing weight. DS was readmitted at 2 weeks due to weightloss.

I've requested an urgent meeting with the infant feedig coordinator at hospital tomorrow morning to see about tongue tie and check latch, but in the meantime, hand holding and/or tips greatly appreciated.

[ILoveSaladReallyIDo]

hi, not an expert but as it's late didn't wanna read and run

I don't think newborns comfort feed, they do (normally around 3rd day but give or take) turn into total boob monsters, clawing and feeding like little deranged creatures to make your milk come in, then they calm down again when all the boob attacking has made your milk come in properly so it only lasts a day or two, that sounds more like what she's doing than seeking comfort?

[ZuleikaD]

Lipstick nipple isn't only caused by tongue-tie - it can simply be a wrong latch - I had it with DD in the first week when she wasn't getting enough breast in her mouth, and she didn't have T-T. AFAIK it's the shape of the tongue when it's pushed out that is a more reliable guide.

If she's throwing up and has dirty and wet nappies then she clearly is getting colostrum, and probably more than she currently needs. (It won't be milk, as your milk won't have come in yet.) I'm sure it's a good idea to get your latch checked, but don't panic - it may all be fine! I would do plenty of skin-to-skin until you see the infant feeding specialist. Good luck

[leedy]

Also had temporary lipstick nipple from early bad latch without a tongue tie, fwiw.

[Loislane78]

Hope you got checked out OP :)

'Comfort sucking' is when the baby is helping your milk come in AFAIK (as well as wanting their mummy close) but if your nips are shredded that might hurt and need investigating. Good you know what to look out for!

Good luck :)

[geekette]

to be honest, for my lo, a hand going to the mouth was always immediately replaced by a boob at that age, even if the boob had come out two minutes before. I did have sore nipples and I can understand that it isn't pleasant.
I do not have experience of tongue tie or shredded nipples although I do distinctly remember being able to remove bits of nipple after 3 or so days...

[MissingMyBaubles]

Lansinoh is supposed to be superb for shredded nipples. I didn't use it but wish I had as it was agony at first. Also, another one who had lipstick nips due to bad latch for first week or so but no tongue tie. Hope you get it sorted and it gets easier soon - those first few weeks of breast feeding are hard!

[BuntyCollocks]

Thanks everyone. Apparently latch is perfect, no tongue tie, my nips just need a reeducation in getting abused! Milk came in already today before she was even 48 hours, so I'm really rather at her efficiency!