Biological nurturing - we're just not getting it

[Bumperlicious]

DD2 born yesterday. Been up all night feeding/screaming. Trying all sorts of positions, including biological nurturing but we are just not getting it. DD getting hot and sticky, too frustrated to latch on, complaining a lot. Do we both just need more patience?

How reclined should I be?

Tried asking the mws yesterday and the ones who visited today but none of them were into the bio nurturing style and said the cross hold (whatever they call it) is probably best.

Help! Had about 3 hours sleep since 6.30 yesterday. Really want this to work and not have the glass through nipples experience again!

Was thinking of having a bath with her later (haven't even showered post labour yet! been too tired and dizzy), is that a good idea?

congratulations!

do you mean you are trying to feed her in your sleep?

Congratulations :)

I found about 20 - 30 degrees worked for me, but just try to find something comfortable for you. I did find DS preferred it when I lay on my side (he still does), and he lay on his side facing me. He rooted around until he latched on.

I think a bath is a great idea - it would help relax you both. You might need someone to pass DD to you and lift her out afterwards though.

Good luck, and congrats again :)

Bath is a good idea - the skin to skin will be good for both of you :)

TBH I could never do the biological nurturing thing so can't advise there. Sure one of the more experienced ladies will be on soon though :)

hope you are having a better evening/night...hopefuly your lack of post is because you are curled up in bed with your lovely new baby!

You could skip it and go with the suggestion to try cross-cradle hold? Not all babies do things the way they're expected to .

Congratulations!

I never got the biological nursing either, I did try as I had alot of problems at the start. I know one girl who it was a total saviour for though - so worth persevering. Try to make sure you have loads of cushions at your back. You're maybe tensing up. Try every position you can think of - you'll find yoru prefered way.

Best davice I go twas to master doing it lying down (took me months to master though) - you can rest that way

Good luck - hope you get something sorted - congrats on yoru lovely bundle!

Hope you're squeezing your boob flattish to help with the latch -- make your hand into a C shape and grab the boob with thumb on top and fingers right underneath, then push your nipple all the way into the baby's mouth.

here Is Suzanne Colson herself giving instruction on BN.

Hope it helps and congratulations Bumper.

Did you get your HB?

30-45 degrees is what I've been taught.

Have you tried having her over your shoulder? Its generally suggested for CS mums, but might be worth a shot?

I second trying lots of holds. I initially could only feed in the rugby ball hold. The other holds will come with more practice but not all methods may work for you so just do whatever is most comfortable until you find your feet.

Congratulations! I remember you suffering insomnia on the pregnancy threads at about the time I did. I hope once bf-ing is established your DD is a fabulous sleeper.

Stupid cross-cradle hold nearly made me give up breastfeeding. DD does not want her head held and once she became really hungry on day 5 getting her to latch on became impossible. Biological nurturing helped me survive the night before we could see a bf counsellor for help.

We lay in a dimly lit room, me topless and resting on 3-4 pillows (probably a 30 degree angle) and DD resting on my tummy. I had my arms around her like a little harbour and left her to it. It took a really long time for her to latch on but whilst she was focussed on rooting she wasn't screaming so at least both of us felt calm. Patience was key, every time I tried to 'help' DD got cross again.

BF counsellor helped me establish cradle hold (just wang DD on as soon as she opened her mouth nice and wide) but I really needed someone to show me how to do this.