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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Biological nurturing.

13 replies

BrieMonster · 10/08/2013 08:27

I'm hoping this method will help my month old baby feed longer and latch better etc. And I understand the principle that you do what feels right and relaxed and I'm trying to be positive...

But I just can't do it! I don't have tiny boobs that he can just plonk himself on top of and latch on. I need to guide him on really to avoid soreness as he works out where to go. And then I feel I need three hands to keep everything where it should be and stop him suffocating. Have tried all kinds of positions but just get myself annoyed and want to give up and then get more annoyed!

This is not BN as I understand it. Sorry for the rant, I am going to give it a chance but like last time I've found it's ok when the midwife's there to help but falls apart as soon as I get home.

Anyone else NOT find this a breeze? Or find it easy even with big boobs and only two human hands and a short temper?!

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 10/08/2013 16:57

it should really work ok whatever size boobs you have
once he has latched on are you finding that he doesn't stay latched on properly? if so then it might be worth getting him checked for tongue tie

thisisyesterday · 10/08/2013 16:57

how old is he?

badguider · 10/08/2013 17:01

Have you watched lots of videos on YouTube? It didn't make a lot of sense to me till I saw it in action.
And are you lying right back? In the videos I've seen the women are on their backs so the baby can't suffocate (babies can lift their heads a bit when on their fronts right from birth.

StuckOnARollercoaster · 10/08/2013 17:25

I was shown it by the midwife and she actually got me to lay on a pillow so bottom half of body was flat on bed and upper half just gently inclined.
Unfortunately can't help much on the big boob issue but I seem to remember holding boob with one hand and gently guiding her with the other one...
It was never ad easy as when midwife was there and although the theory was its a good position for night feeds in bed I could never do it when we were both tired in the night...

Canalside · 10/08/2013 20:02

Hmmm, let me think...

How I used to do it was to sit on the bed/on the sofa, but recline, at maybe 45 degrees or so. Get comfy. If feeding from right boob, have baby facing you, legs either side of your right leg (or thereabouts, depending on how long they are). Put your right arm down their left side, supporting them from the shoulder down, and support their bum with your hand. Get them positioned so that their nose is about where your nipple is.

Now, my boobs aren't small, or perky (sighs wistfully) and so what I was taught to do was to then use my left hand to gently pull on the skin above the nipple so it points in the right direction. The baby should then be able to latch on. They should be able to pull their head back enough so they don't suffocate on your boob. They may bob around a bit. I often used to keep my left hand on my boob to make sure she could breathe.

When she got really tired, I used to use the side of my right arm to support her head IYSWIM.

Do the opposite for the other side.

Original poster
BrieMonster · 10/08/2013 20:11

Thanks for your replies..
He's just over 4 weeks (born at 38 weeks) and creeping along ok with weight gain, but only 2nd centile so I'd personally like to see him gaining a bit more.
BN was suggested as his nappies have been quite green, he feeds little and often, and doesn't always re-latch if disturbed. I'm trying not to actively seek out problems as we're are plodding along ok, better than with my first born. But I will seek the help of a LC as everyone seems to rate them so highly. Was checked at BF clinic for TT by midwife and nothing obvious.
I told them I'd try this position for a week and in theory it's very "me". I just lose patience when it doesn't fall into place. Will check out a few more videos and see if that helps. Cheers!

OP posts:
Original poster
BrieMonster · 10/08/2013 20:18

Thanks canal it sounds similar to what I've been attempting but I hereby promise to follow that step by step next time he stirs (usually every 30 mins!)

Really appreciate the help. A lot of it is probably a confidence thing. Did you not find baby's face rubbed/grazed your nipple a bit? Mine were painless until I started attempting this and I remember the same pain when I tried BN with DS1. Dr told me it was thrush without checking and midwife later said she didn't so.

Anyway, like I said I will try again with an open mind.

OP posts:
SunnyIntervals · 10/08/2013 20:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PurplePidjin · 10/08/2013 20:26

Are you switching sides every feed? I found block feeding good with my snacker - 8-10 on the left, 10-12 on the right, 12-2 on the left etc. If more than around 2 hours between feeds you can swap. Means you can be sure they get the creamier hind milk.

Fwiw, 2nd centile just means 98% of babies the same age are bigger. Not that your baby is unusual or "too small". Mine was following under the 0.4th till weaning at 6th months when he jumped up greedy guts! but there was nothing wrong - he was gaining weight, having lots of milk, meeting milestones, messing nappies. Just a little dink!

Canalside · 10/08/2013 21:10

To be honest, this hurt less than the cross-cradle hold I was doing as my DD was tongue-tied. But it did take a bit of getting used to. She did used to pull on my nipples more doing this. But it was an improvement from the bruising they got before!

Something a HV said to me was "if it hurts, don't do it." Which may sound obvious, but if you've found a way of breastfeeding that works for you and isn't too sore, and you've given this a go and it isn't great for you, well, go back to what works.

I know what you mean about losing patience! i am very much the same!

Original poster
BrieMonster · 10/08/2013 22:46

Thanks people.. Did successfully feed on my side once. But wasn't as relaxing as I'd hoped. High maintenance, me??!

Actually he did go on twice this evening. First time quite comfy but only lasted a minute. Then just now for 5 or 10 but a bit more awkward. Progress though! I will keep trying, though may revert to what I know come 1am.

Thanks purple, good things in small packages right? I was advised to do block feeding, and then to stop. Can't quite recall why, too tired!

OP posts:
KeepTryin · 10/08/2013 22:52

If feeding him wasn't sore before I wouldn't bother with the new position...
My understanding of green nappies was too much fore milk. I second the suggestion of block feeding off one side for a couple of hours. Worked a treat for me! Good luck.

PurplePidjin · 10/08/2013 23:43

Sounds like you might need to listen a bit more to yourself and a bit less to unspecified others?

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