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Infant feeding

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

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Original poster

1 day old and latching issues

10 replies

peanutMD · 06/03/2013 19:37

Dd arrived by ELCS yesterday and I decided I would like to BF this time.

e haven't quite managed to latch on by ourselves yet but today she will not stay on for more than about 30 seconds regardless of who helps us.

Midwives say I have lots of colostrum, I am getting the latch angle etc correct and DD is an expert when she gets going so we don't seen to be getting anywhere.

She has had 6 green nappies since birth (5 today) which seems to mean she's getting enough breast milk?!

She won't be put down and no matter how many attempts won't really latch on and is crying every few hours with her fist in her mouth so I can only assume she's hungry.

should I give a bottle of formula or is this normal?

OP posts:

Purplecatti · 06/03/2013 21:26

Fist in the mouth is hunger.
Do you mean she has her fist in her mouth for hours or does it every few hours? If she does it every 2 hours or so after coming off you're doing fine.
I found holding the baby's head with the opposite arm to breast helpful. So say you're feeding on the right side hold your baby's head with the left. Its easier to position their heads rather than them being in the crook of your arm. At least until you get established.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 07/03/2013 14:28

If she's doing 6 poos it doesn't sound like she's hungry. If you do think she is hungry could you offer the breast more often? If you do want to top up, could you do this with ebm rather than BM? Honestly though, all this sounds like normal baby behaviour and you are both doing fine.

Are you feeding from both sides at least once during each feed and do the MWs seem concerned about her?

Not wanting to be put down is also perfectly normal. She's spent 9 months tucked up inside you, it might take her a while to even realise she's not part of you

congratulations too

JiltedJohnsJulie · 07/03/2013 14:31

Have a read of what to expect in the early weeks, try googling youtube Dr Jack Newman latch, and try googling biological nursing too.

Justaoneoff · 07/03/2013 14:51

It is quite normal to take a while to get going. I remember asking everyone in the hospital pretty much to help me with the latch, everyone had different advice, and I felt completely at sea. Finally the midwife at the first home visit really helped me - I don't think we did anything different, she just took some time, and gave me some confidence.

I assume you are still in hospital if you had ELCS, and so you might want to ask if they have a breastfeeding specialist available to help you. I was lucky when I had my DS (yes, second child, and needed help again!), in that the hospital offered this help and that was invaluable too.

Babies don't need much at first, so if she is only crying every few hours for food, she is getting something. You and your DD have to find what works for the two of you, that's all.

thistlelicker · 07/03/2013 14:56

Most hospitals won't discharge you until feeding is established ! Take your time. Ask questions! Feeding is a two way street! U need to learn to feed and baby needs to learn to sick! Patience is key

pixiegumboot · 07/03/2013 20:50

I found nipple shields really worked for my 2nd when he wouldn't latch. Midwives will probably freak out if you suggest this....they seem to think that you'll use them forever! I found them great for first few mins of feed to get latch on and flow going, then I'd take them off and pop him back on. also don't forget your baby may be tired from the section drugs + your pain relief. but little and often is best, none of this 3 hour rubbish offer ever hour at least, and most prob your milk hasn't come in properly yet. keep going!!!!

Original poster

peanutMD · 09/03/2013 15:36

Thanks for all your advice ladies :)

Later on after I posted I was advised to hand express and cup feed which I did twice to calm DD and persevere with latching which helped.

The next day we spent all day with various midwives and breastfeeding specialists who helped us both a lot I think DD was just feeling a bit lost in the big bright world so a day I'm bed with skin to skin really helped and since then we have getting on pretty well and I am loving it but those first few days were pretty bleak! :o

It still hurts a bit when feeding as we haven't got the latch 100% of the time but I'm hoping to join a breastfeeding group when things settle back to normality so we can only keep persevering and learning from each other :)

OP posts:

KatAndKit · 09/03/2013 20:16

Get her checked for tongue tie. It might not be the reason why she won't stay latched on but if it is it is better to get it seen to as early on as possible.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 10/03/2013 07:22

So glad things have improved and the bfing group sounds like a good idea. The first few days can be tough, you've had surgery, a massive hormonal change and have a new baby to care for, be kind to yourself and take things easy.

Also agree with kit, get Lo checked for tongue tie by the MWs and at the bfing group. It's often missed.

Stixswhichtwizzle · 10/03/2013 22:10

Keep up all the good stuff you're doing. I found that my DD wouldn't latch if I was at all engorged. In the first couple if weeks I had to express so my breasts were softer and do a c hold to help her latch.

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