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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

DC2, I'm new to breastfeeding, any advice please?

16 replies

CrapBag · 11/02/2011 13:42

Didn't BF DS for various reasons. Thought I would give it another try this time around and DD latched on so easily, it has made it a good thing to do.

I wasn't expecting it to work and was fully preparing to FF so I haven't read that much. Got a leaflet and looked in the book you get in your Bounty Pack but I still have questions.

DD seems quite windy (I didn't think BF babies got that much wind). You can hear her gulping sometimes and she will come off (she does have a really good latch so I don't think that is the problem). This is usually after 10 minutes so she isn't feeding for very long, it isn't at every feed. Am I suppose to offer it back to her when she has dropped off and not really interested? When she does come off, do I offer the other breast or just assume she has had enough? Last night she seemed to want quite frequent feeds (she is 5 days old btw) and wasn't settling between and then it was time for another feed.

Many feeds have been about 15 minutes. Is this long enough? In the hospital she was averaging about half an hour each time. Is there a 'normal' time? I'm assuming that 10 minutes isn't long enough tbh and 15 minutes doesn't seem much better, given that in a short space of time (usually an hour or less) she wants feeding again.

Also she gets very comfy and falls asleep and I am constantly blowing on her and rubbing her elbow to remind her what she is doing (which is what they advised in the hospital). I use the under arm hold for one side as its the best way I can get her latched and its also suppose to stop them getting too comfy (according to MW) but DD can get comfy wherever she is. Any advice on this?

OP posts:

familyfun · 11/02/2011 14:04

hiya, im struggling feeding my 12 week old so no expert but thought id answer.
ive just had a breast buddy do a home visit for me as dd is very windy and keeps pulling off screaming, she said she isnt taking enough breast in.
bf babies do get windy, i have to wind dd 5 or 6 times per feed.
10 or 15 mins is fine if baby is content after.
if they want to feed again within an hour you should put them back on the same side so they get the fattier milk rather than just a drink each time.
hth

familyfun · 11/02/2011 14:05

oh and congratulations

sheeplikessleep · 11/02/2011 14:12

hi, congrats! i'm not an expert, but a mum who has fed (and still feeding) both my ds's.
sounds like you're doing really well. most important thing is getting a good latch. the rest of it, follow your dd's lead. some babies feed for 5 minutes and fine, others feed for hours. i've read a lot of 'make sure baby finishes first breast (i.e. don't pull them off if they don't seem finished or content), comes off and then offer the second breast' (both of mine always took both ).

as long as she is gaining weight well, lots of wet and pooey nappies, she'll be regulating her own intake. in these early weeks, frequent feeding is good for building up milk supply. if she seems content and comes off naturally after 10 minutes, offer the other side, just in case, if she isn't interested, that's fine .

babies that young want frequent, but small feeds. their tummies are tiny, breastmilk is digested fast. so respond to her crying quickly, but don't force more milk once she seems content after a feed, just to fit a time. if she's coming off by herself and doesn't want any more, sounds like she knows what she needs.

good luck!

sheeplikessleep · 11/02/2011 14:13

ps i wouldn't worry about her falling asleep (providing she isn't jaundiced) ... that's what's supposed to happen with a 5 day old baby.

TittyBojangles · 11/02/2011 14:31

My DS feeds quick too, but I always offer the other side when he comes off. Sometimes wants it, sometimes doesn't.

Also, very frequent feeding is totally normal at this age, not a sign that something is not right. She is building your supply. Frequent feeding in the evenings is really common too (cluster feeding). Just try to enjoy the chance to sit down

And congratulations

MoonUnitAlpha · 11/02/2011 14:42

If she's not jaundiced or losing weight, I'd stop trying to keep her awake and just let her get comfy! Doze-feed-doze-feed-doze is quite normal.

As for the short feeds, she might just be getting really efficient - so long as the feeds are frequent it's fine. When she comes off one side offer the other, but it doesn't matter if it's not needed.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 11/02/2011 17:51

Like the others have said, congratulations and don't worry, you sound like you are doing a fantastic job.

I wouldn't worry about her getting too comfy either but you could perhaps try winding her when she comes off and then offering the breast again.

I'd also recommend going along to a group where there are some other Bfing Mums, just so that you can have a chat, maybe pick up some tips and see that what you and DD are doing is perfectly normal. Try LLL, NCT, Baby Cafe or ask your MW if there are any Bfing Support Groups near to you.

tiktok · 11/02/2011 18:02

CrapBag - please don't bother with blowing and rubbing to try to keep her awake - very bad* advice in the hospital :( :( Just let her set the pace! It's never a good idea to try to keep a baby awake when she clearly wants to doze.

I don't understand what on earth would be wrong with making a baby comfy and I don't understand what 'too comfy' would be....

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 11/02/2011 18:28

CrapBag - please don't worry about how long she is feeding for. She's feeding until she is full, and then when she's hungry again she'll root for more.
Trying to keep her at the breast for X minutes is only going to drive you mad :) (Disclaimer - I did all this with DS, if only I had known about MN!!)

It sounds to me like things are going brilliantly - if things go half as well for me when I have DC2 in 6 weeks I shall be delighted, honestly!

Congratulations, and carry on! :)

Original poster

CrapBag · 11/02/2011 22:29

Thanks for the advice.

We had a good 3 and a half hour break this afternoon which was nice, then a massive cluster feed this evening. I was just chatting to my friend anyway and just got on with it. I'll just let her set the pace and hope she doesn't do it too much in the night! Its fine whilst DH is home and I am in a lot anyway but its when I have a toddler to deal with and going out and about that I am starting to worry about. Also I'm hoping she isn't trying to comfort feed as a couple of times I noticed she has finished but doesn't come off and lays there gently tickling my nipple with her tongue (which makes me cringe a bit as I actually hate my nipples being touched so I am pretty impressed with myself for even getting this far).

OP posts:

japhrimel · 11/02/2011 22:35

Comfort feeding isn't a bad thing - she may be stimulating your supply for a growth spurt, it'll be relaxing her and helping produce more relaxing hormoes for you and it helps them feel secure. Plus bfing becomes an amazing tool for comforting them later!

My DD still cluster feeds at 2 mo, but will get distracted or sleep when out & moving. So we get out alot - I just have to accept that if we're stopped, she will want feeding. However that's not an issue when sitting anywhere now - I just feed while having a coffee or waiting in the car for DH or wherever. And getting out and about is so much easier without bottles and faff!

theboobmeister · 11/02/2011 22:39

CrapBag, the thing about tickling your nipple with her tongue is actually a normal part of breastfeeding. Babies often like to take a little rest half-way through. The tickling is her way of stimulating another let-down of milk, so she can carry on feeding when she's ready.

It's like: you're having dinner at a restaurant. You're not full yet but you need a little breather - you don't want the waiter to take your plate away so you hold onto the knife and fork so he knows you haven't finished!

JiltedJohnsJulie · 12/02/2011 08:56

Don't worry about having to deal with DC1 when DH is back at work. DC2 should be fine going to all your normal places and it will be easier for you not having to wash, sterilise, warm bottles etc. You can just go.

If you are struggling you could always get a sling. They are great for sticking DC2 in whilst at playgroup, cooking the tea etc.

TittyBojangles · 12/02/2011 20:37

theboobmeister what an awesome analogy! I love it

Original poster

CrapBag · 12/02/2011 21:22

Thanks for all the advice.

Unfortunately, I have completely failed and we have moved on to bottles.

The cluster feeding went on for 7 and a half hours and at 2.30am I couldn't take anymore and gave DD a bottle, she took well over 2oz and then settled. I BF her in the morning but early afternoon she had 3 feeds off me and was still wanting more and I couldn't take it. I have been crying since yesterday, stupid baby blues, and I was cringing at the thought of having to feed again as I have always had a thing of hating my nipples being touched. I was handling feeding with a break in between but the contant on/off was just making me tense up and dread it each time so after speaking to my MW, we have decided to move on.

I do feel gutted as it was going really well but I also feel like a weight has been lifted. My nipples are still very tender and the thought of having to latch DD on makes me cringe and its no good for either of us.

OP posts:

sheeplikessleep · 13/02/2011 14:26

oh crapbag, you need to do whatever is right for you. you've done really well with 5 days, getting the colostrum in them is like liquid gold.

good luck and enjoy your lo. i remember the baby blues being so tough. take it easy.

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