breastfeeding counsellors and wise women - I need tips to help me feed my baby sitting up ...

[ejt1764]

Following on from my thread yesterday about dd having a default setting of scream, we've been to the GP, and he's diagnosed reflux, compunded by a very fast let-down.

I knew about the let-down already, as I had the same thing with ds, so am already doing single-sided feeding, and letting the spray drain into a muslin when it comes too fast for her. I'd also already raised the head of her crib, as she had been quite snuffly.

The one thing that I feel I can do now to ease the situation, is to feed her a bit more upright - I've been feeding her lying flat on a pillow across my lap, but am going to try propping her up somehow - but whenever I try, I can't seem to get the latch right - I've got very dangly boobs, and they seems to flop over and suffocate her - which, obviously is not what I want.

Does anybody have any tips on how I can position myself - I've given myself a terrible backache tonight across my shoulder blades trying to sit up enough to not suffocate dd!

If I phone one of the bf helplines, is this something they could help me with, or is it not in their remit?

Which of the helplines has everbody used, and which did you find the best?

I know, so many questions ... I thought this motherhood lark was supposed to be easier, second time around!!!

[bambi06]

try feeding her sort of hanging between your legs while your sitting down sort of semi reclining so she semi upright..hope you understand

[cmotdibbler]

I'd attach at picture of what I am going to say, but it might be a bit scary !
If you have 'dangly' boobs, this can be a real advantage in these situations as you have a bit more flexibility in the baby/you arrangement. Lie back on the sofa so that you are at a 45' angle. Put the arm of the side you are going to feed on sort of alongside your boob, and then let dd latch on on her tummy, straight onto the nipple, with her feet pointing down towards yours. Once shes latched on well, you can let her roll onto your arm more so that her nose is a bit clearer. DS has always loved this position, especially in the bath, and now he's a toddler so that he can watch Lazy Town and have num nums..
Also, try using a sling so that she can stay upright against you after feeding - seems to help loads of people.

[ejt1764]

thank you both - I particularly like the idea of feeding whilst reclining (and watching crap tv!!)