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Infant feeding

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

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Original poster

DD is 5 days old, please give me some words of encouragement

17 replies

flootshoot · 22/03/2011 13:50

We've had problems latching from day1, now I'm starting get to know her I realise the problem isoften when I offer the breast and she's tired rather than hungry. But it can take half an hour just get her on while she gets more and more distressed. I also can't put her down- she has spent the last 3 nights asleep on my chest in bed and will not sleep anywhere else! As a result as well as the inevitable tiredness i am stiff and sore. I am starting to struggle and feel terribly guilty that I haven't had a proper cuddle withDS since she was born as DD has been constantly on me. I know it's early days but I'm so tempted to just whip out the formula and regain some semblance of the sanity that we had with FF DS. Words of wisdom please...!

OP posts:

Wigeon · 22/03/2011 13:54

Congratulations on the birth of your DD!

I feel for you! Ok, attempt at encouraging words:

Your milk has only just come in, probably in the last day or two (is that right?). Waaaay to early to be worrying about BF not going right.

Yor DD still thinks she's part of you and is still in shock that she's in the big world. So of course she wants to be on you all the time at 5 days old!

You feel physically crap because you have just given birth! I think there is loads of pressure to be up and about / dressed within a week of giving birth - with DD I made a conscious decision to aim to stay in in the house for a week, and spend as much of that in bed as possible, and only get up or leave the house if I felt I really wanted to. I plan to do the same with DC2 (due May).

How is your DS reacting? He might not actually be noticing that cuddles with him involve your DD as well as him.

Original poster

flootshoot · 22/03/2011 14:16

DS has been fab actually, it's my issue rather than his. I think the main problem I'm having is being unable to put DD down. We're co- sleeping but she won't settle next to me even if I cuddle her - so I'm having to sleep flat on my back with her on my chest - not great after a c-section! No- one said it would be easy...!

OP posts:

marzipananimal · 22/03/2011 17:07

poor you that sounds really tough. Things can change so fast though. In the first few weeks I was constantly despairing at each phase ds went through but then things would change by themselves - 'this too shall pass' and all that. My (and ds's) preferred cosleeping position is me lying on my side with his head and shoulders resting on my upper arm so my arm is round him. That way he's partially on me but i can lie on my side. Maybe something like that might work?
Do you have a sling? I'm definitely planning to get one if i have a second dc

Have you tried biological nurturing? It could help your DD latch on without getting so distressed.

I found bf so tough at first but am incredibly glad i persevered. It's brilliant now :)

Original poster

flootshoot · 22/03/2011 19:28

I have a sling (thank god!!). I think she's got s sore tummy - hasn't pooed for 3 days, midwives back tomorrow to check. Hence the crying etc. Hopefully now my milk is in things will improve.

OP posts:

RitaMorgan · 22/03/2011 19:32

Is she having wet nappies? Not pooing for three days sounds a bit of a concern.

thisisyesterday · 22/03/2011 19:38

flootshoot whereabouts in the country are you?
have you seen a qualified breastfeeding counsellor? I wonder if there is a problem with her latching which means she isn't taking much milk which is then affecting your milk coming in and her poo (or lack of?)

kirrinIsland · 22/03/2011 20:00

My DD passed her maconium(sp?)and then didn't poo for 4 days. She still averages a poo every 2-3 days now at 11 weeks. I mentioned this to 2 midwives, the health visitor and the GP at her 8 week check and nobody thought it was a problem - it just seems to be the way she is. I was told that 7 days would be cause for concern. Different for ff babies, they said, but for bf it's ok - lots of wet nappies is the important thing. My DD got over the refusing to be put down thing after about 10 days - it's exhausting but it will end I went to a breastfeeding support group in the early days and it was invaluable.

CamperFan · 22/03/2011 21:02

It is such early days, you really need to remember that. DS2 is now 22 weeks and I am so glad I persevered with bfing. Lots of babies want to sleep on their parents at such a young age, regardless of whether you bf or ff.

Can you get a good mw to come round and watch you feed?

Give it a bit longer, esp if you can get the latch sorted.

Re: your DS. I know exactly what you mean, but with hindsight, I also feel that me being with DS2 all the time gave DS1 and DH such a great bonding time - I feel like they are closer now than they were before, and it is lovely to see.

Original poster

flootshoot · 22/03/2011 21:18

She's quite a windy baby, but we've had a few farts so hopefully things are moving! The midwives I've seen all say the latch is fine once she's on and I've got loads of milk. Will see how it goes tonight and what midwife says tomorrow

OP posts:

Original poster

flootshoot · 22/03/2011 21:20

We've not had many wet nappies, but she did wee everywhere last night so not worried on that score!!

OP posts:

RitaMorgan · 22/03/2011 21:42

I think I've read that you should have one wet nappy for each day of life until the mum's milk comes in, then at least 5-6 a day.

Original poster

flootshoot · 23/03/2011 08:28

well - we had a poo explosion this am....! Far less trouble latching, and a baby who's looking decidedly more pink than yellow....so good all round!

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CamperFan · 23/03/2011 11:59

Hopefully things will start to improve now!

PatronSaintOfDucks · 23/03/2011 13:14

Flootshoot, have you tried swaddling for the night sleeps? It really might help. Try doing a tight swaddle and putting the baby next to yourself in bed. As for feeding - if latching on takes ages because of the flying arms, then swaddling can help here too.

stinkyfluffycat · 23/03/2011 13:25

Will she sleep on your husband's chest? Then you could get a few hours of sleep in a comfortable position..

I found breastfeeding tough to begin with but after a while couldn't remember what the problem was (although I imagine it was the baby wanting to feed during every waking minute).

It will definitely get easier, and I'm really glad I never gave in to formula in the end. In fact breastfeeding ends up being easier than formula after you've got the hang of it - you don't need to sterilise bottles, carry bottles & powder around with you, or run around trying to find somewhere to warm a bottle. Hang in there, I'm waffling but I promise it definitely gets easier, especially once your baby goes for a few hours between feeds.

Original poster

flootshoot · 23/03/2011 13:47

she got a bit cross when i swaddled her - but now i've made my peace with her sleeping on me it's actually quite comfy. Extra pillow, duvet up to my waist and a blanket over her (and my arms), and we're away!

OP posts:

crikeybadger · 23/03/2011 13:50

flootshoot.

Things sound a lot better now.

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