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Infant feeding

baby breastfeeding constanty

8 replies

NorthKate · 21/04/2014 15:53

I posted about this a few days ago that my newborn wants to suck constantly, comes off the breast and instantly wants back on again and is often sick, not loads and not projectile. This can go on hours or all day without him sleeping in between. Am worried there is something wrong, that maybe he isn't getting enough milk, or my milk isn't good enough? He seems to latch well but maybe he isn't getting a big enough mouthful?

I know they can suck for comfort but he seems so stressed out about it that it doesn't seem like he is finding it comforting, when he comes off he is thrashing about in desperation to find the nipple again and his breathing is really fast and crazy.

Also we had a couple of dirty nappies on Friday and then not another one until today, is that ok?

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tiktok · 21/04/2014 16:04

Kate, can you speak to a midwife or health visitor about this?

Your baby and the feeding might be perfectly ok, but the 'fast and crazy' breathing needs checking out. If his weight gain is fine, then that would be reassuring.

His poos are infrequent for a baby of his age (I reckon he is 12 days old?) and this could be ok, or it could need checking out.

Your milk quality will be fine, by the way. Milk quality does not vary much at all.

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domesticslattern · 21/04/2014 16:05

I am not sure about the one about dirty nappies- I would ask my MW about that one if you are still under her care. But I do know that constantly sucking and possetting babies.. normal. Just no-one warns you. He is getting your milk supply up- clever baby.
Sounds like you are doing really well- I do remember though how much hard work it is. It won't last forever... honest. Smile

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domesticslattern · 21/04/2014 16:06

Ah Kate, listen to Tiktok, she is the expert.

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NorthKate · 21/04/2014 19:39

Thanks for your advice. I phoned the national breastfeeding helpline and she told me straight away that my positioning wasn't right as his nose was pressed against my breast, so have corrected that and it feels more comfortable. This is very frustrating as i kept asking the midwifes to check latch whilst i was in the hospital and they seemed to think it was ok for his nose to be pressed right in against breast.

she also suggested that just for tomorrow so it doesn't interfere with supply that we work on his spacing of feeds so i will feed him and then my husband will take him for 2 hours for a walk or drive and then bring him back for me to feed and then repeat the 2 hour break to see if this helps him feed better when he does feed.

i will also be making an emergency appointment with the doctor tomorrow to speak about my mental health as i think i need help i cant keep having these complete meltdowns everyday. It gets to the point where i cant cope with my son being near me and am close to walking out the door.

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Pigginnora · 21/04/2014 23:52

Good luck op.

sounds like a good plan.

Take care of yourself. X

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Writerwannabe83 · 22/04/2014 14:17

Can I ask how you handled the 'nose to breast issue'?

DS has always been a bit of a nightmare to feed on the left side whereas he has no problems on the right. When he feeds on the left his nose is typically pressed into my breast tissue but when the midwife observed this she didn't say it was a problem. I asked about DS having difficulties with his breathing during feeding but she said that if he is struggling to breathe he will just move.

I think I must have some kind of latch issue on my left side though as I have a cracked nipple. Ouch.

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TheScience · 22/04/2014 14:21

I can usually sort nose-in-breast by pulling the baby's legs round more as this pulls the head back and nose up/chin into the breast. So if the baby is on the left pull his legs back to the right.

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AnythingNotEverything · 22/04/2014 16:53

To add the TheScience's advice, I was advised to stop the nose-in-boob issue by tucking baby's bottom in to your body. This causes them to lift their head a little. Very clever little creatures.

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