Poor weight gain, lack of poo, overactive boobies and now mastitis..........

[GizzyBoo]

I can still do this though, can't I?

Just having a wobble and need someone to tell me this shall all pass and soon I shall be feeding a calm relaxed baby who doesn't fight me at every feed, who's back up to his birth weight and fills a nappy more than once a week.

I just need my boobies to work like they should

I am not at all feeling sorry for myself today, nope, not at all

[tiktok]

Gizzy, sorry things are not going well.

No one here can tell you anything though - not enough info in your post :(

Give a few more details esp age, weight, what's been going on...

[GizzyBoo]

Sorry

Ds is 3 weeks and 5 days. He was 9lb8oz at birth and at his weigh in yesterday was 9lb3. He had put on 3oz in 8 days so at least we are moving in the right direction.
He's a real fidget when feeding. He pulls and punches the boobs. He is constantly on and off, though when on his latch is good (had it checked yesterday and she said all looked great). I have no soreness at all.
The flow of milk is very fast and I often have to let it spray in to a muslin when he takes a break. He gulps and fusses and only really relaxes towards the end of a feed. I usually have to wind him once or twice a feed.
The last couple of days getting him on initially has become a real battle. He screams and arches and shakes his head (this is new behavior). Once the milk starts to flow on its own he will eventually start to take it.

HV was slightly concerned he'd gone 8 days without a poo but he has been yesterday and today and it was normal mustard coloured, liquid, soft bf poo.

He sleeps well on a night, waking every 3-4 hours to feed and is generally alert and happy.

To top it all off I now have a temp, feel flu like and have a hot, lumpy, sore right boob. I will see doc tomorrow.

[tiktok]

Thanks for the more info, Gizzy.

I think you are right to be concerned. No, no one should say to you it will all pass soon as if by magic. No reason to think you won't bf perfectly easily and happily after the difficulties have been resolved - but they are difficulties and you need to get 'em sorted :)

You need to find someone knowledgeable who will observe a feed, check your baby for any anomalies (eg tongue tie), consider whether he is sucking and swallowing effectively and if not why not, and really find out from you what the feeding is like. The fidgeting and fighting is not normal and indicates a real discomfort feeding. He is taking ages to reach birthweight, though as you say he is heading in the right direction and he seems healthy (from what you say). Somehow, though, he is not getting the milk he wants in a comfortable easy way and that needs to change.

You do need to seek medical advice on the possible mastitis.

It's beyond a talkboard's scope to help, except to say you do need real life help from someone you trust and who knows about bf.

Hope this happens soon.

[GizzyBoo]

Well due to where I live I have the MW or HV I can ask. The HV saw me feed him yesterday and said he was just needing the frequent breaks due to fast let down. Said his latch was good and he was letting go frequently due to this. Not every feed is a battle. He is worse in the evenings. He feeds better when sleepy.
She seemed unconcerned regarding his weight and said the fact he was gaining meant he was getting what he needed.
I just don't know.
I was worried about his weight until she said this.
I will take him to the GP with me tomorrow and ask again.

Thanks tiktok

[tiktok]

What about breastfeeding counsellors near you, Gizzy?

[GizzyBoo]

There is none. I'm a little restricted as I live on a very remote scottish island. I suppose I could put a plea out on fb for a bf mummy to help.

There is someone coming over from another island to do a workshop but not until 6th december so not much use just now.

My mw was lovely, I will try calling her tomorrow too.

X

[sleepdodger]

Hmm poss worth pushing for check on silent reflux- not reflux where they're sick post feed, but the fidgeting is a sign- also worth trying to prop him up and night a bit
Baby gavisgon would be a dr first port of all but it's fiddly esp bf,
Hope you're feeling better- it does get easier but use your instinct to push still for help when concerned

[GizzyBoo]

Thank you. I went to see the Doc yesterday and have antibiotics for the mastitis as we had a dreadful night with me feverish and talking jibberish.
He checked the wee one over and there is no physical reason why he is being so fussy.
Mw came out too and observed a feed. She thinks I have over supply issues and a forceful let down. Hi is therefor struggling to stay latched. She has given us some advice and is coming out again on Monday with the HV to check on us.

I noticed this morning he has some white spots in his mouth so assuming we now have thrush from the antibiotics.

We WILL get there. And hopefully once I don't feel so ill it wont all feel so hopeless.

Thanks for your help x