breastfeeding and upset tummy questions.

[littlemslazybones]

My 4wo is very unsettled and has ramped up his number of dirty nappies to more than 15 over the last 24 hours.

I think he has an upset tummy. My dh thinks that because his nappies are very wet that the dirty nappies are high because I'm feeding him SO MUCH. When I tackled him on that and told him he should be more thorough washing his hands he told me I should be washing my nipples after feeds.

That's not right, is it? I'm pretty sure I am, that was never something I did with my other bfed child but would hate to be wrong and making this worse. Dh is as knackered as I am, I don't think he's intentionally baiting me.

I'm no expert and you are his Mother so you uan nderstand him better than anybody - but does he have an upset tummy or could he be having a growth spurt which is why he's feeding more hence having more wet/dirty nappies? My 3.5 wk old went through 20 (20!) nappies one day last week (thank goodness for Sainsburys own brand cheap nappies!).

As for washing yourself after every feed, I don't (but like I said, I'm no expert) my midwife said that you don't need to clean/sterilise yourself because the breast milk is sterile.

Definitely don't wash your nipples after every feed - you'll just wash away the natural oils that keep them flexible and soft, and end up with dry, cracking nipples instead.

15 dirty nappies in 24 hours is a lot, though, and might be diarrhoea. I'm with you on the suggestion it's a tummy bug. Keep an eye on his wet nappies and feed him lots to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated, and if it's the same tomorrow ring your GP.