agitated 5 day old and breast feeding

[advance01]

Had baby by c section on Sunday. Came home from hospital on Wednesday. Breastfeeding has generally been ok but today it has been variable. Midwife came this am and all well. However, since than she will not latch on. Keeps screaming and just won't take breast. Finally got her going after 2 1/2 hours. Any tios on calming her and getting her to latch appreciated. appreciated.

[crikeybadger]

Hi and congrats on your new DD.
I would suggest lots of skin to skin if you can and keep her close so that you can easily see when she might be looking to nurse.

You might also find having a bath with her is relaxing for both of you (you will probably need an extra pair of hands to help).

Ideally by keeping her close, you will pick up on her early feeding cues and therefore you can get her latched on before she gets to the crying/agitated stage.

Hope things get better.

[aokay]

Hi and congrats - don't forget to express to prevent engorgement - really helps to do it under a warm shower - also make sure you're relaxed as when you tense your let down reflex gets messed up - wrestling a screaming newborn who won't nurse is damn stressful so take it very easy, stay cool and calm - also - try some different holds - rugby position with baby under my arm worked best for me - i used a bean bag support cushion from nct ()get one they're fab!); could be your milk coming in, could be a bit of colic, get comfy and have someone pass babe to you - skin to skin contact brilliant suggestion (co-sleeping with care?). PLease don't give up - I bfed all mine and had mastitis, engorgement issues almost every time; after the first few weeks its easy, blissful and convenient but you and the baby have to learn how to do it and you need loads of support and encouragement - hate it when peeps give up after trying and then feel failures - if you actively decide to bottle feed then fine but if you want to bfeed stick out the rough bumps - also - think about your diet - avoid wind making veggies, too much orange juice etc - mine all loved garlic and curry - experiment a bit and drink enough yourself (guinness? - used to be prescribed y'know). Well done for sticking it out - if you cant resolve quickly phone the la leche leage - fab fab fab and very practical. Good luck!

[advance01]

Thank you. I ended up giving up with 1st so I will be perservering this time. Have tried hand expresssing but not had vany success yet.

[aokay]

do the warm water thing - either bath or shower - battery pumps pretty good - you can borrow a pump via nct if struggling - dont forget to rest as much as possible - also - a bottle will not be end of world - you can use expressed milk or a bit of formula just to give you both a break but keep expressing and the skin contact. helps if someone else bottles while you rest as babe smells milk on you and screams (which escalates difficulties) _ sometime s a feed for babe and a rest for you will turn the corner - hugs