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Infant feeding

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

Original poster

Newborn latching on for hours is normal?

18 replies

SizzlesSit · 06/05/2014 11:18

Just having a slight wobble cos am still in hospital and have been offered to top up with formula cos I said DS2 (24 hours old) latched on for 3 hours in the night...

I didnt tell them he was off for 30mins before going back on again for 2 hours cos Im afraid they'd make me top him up.

But this is normal right? Im not convinced hes always drinking, just suckling a bit whilst asleep. (But doesnt want to stop if I try to unlatch him)

OP posts:
beccajoh · 06/05/2014 11:22

Totally normal. He's getting your milk supply going! Surprised the hospital staff don't understand this. No need for formula unless you want to of course. kellymom.com/ages/newborn/bf-basics/second-night/

JiltedJohnsJulie · 06/05/2014 11:50

Am a little surprised they are offering a top up with formula. Have they said why they think DS needs it?

Is there someone in the hospital who specialises in Bfing? You may have to insist on seeing them.

Get tongue tie checked! by everyone if you have too and have a read of Bfing your newborn: what to expect. You might want to get the MWs to read it too Grin

Original poster
SizzlesSit · 06/05/2014 13:09

Im in France. Not known for high BF rates!

I bf DS1 for 2 years but cant remember the early days and suspect I didnt put him onthe breast enough actually.

When DH told the midWives Id already BF, they asked if it was for long, he said yes and they said 'one month?' !!!!

Will read the link and follow what DS2 wants

OP posts:
schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 13:22

Yes it's normal. Firstly their tummies are teeny tiny at this stage so it's really important that they feed regularly. Secondly BFing is a skill he's learning and he will get better and more efficient over time. Thirdly more feeding = more supply. BF rates in France are shockingly low because they think newborns should feed 3 hourly and older babies 4 hourly. More frequent feeding is normal at night because your prolactin levels are highest.

Stay strong and refuse the top ups of formula. Use your instincts and his output as an indicator if your input. Wet nappies? Dirty nappies? Is meconium turning more green/yellow?

I have been BFing in France for nearly 4 years, the support is generally shite but you can access the UK national BF helpline, a local LLL group or if you're lucky a local Sf liberale with good BF experience. If you PM me where you are I may know a local or anglophone BFC/IBCLC or peer supporter and if you're in Paris I'll come to you if you need.

schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 13:23

Also just rereading suckling is stimulating your milk. If he's gulping down all the time at this stage you probably have oversupply :) which sounds good but isn't really.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 06/05/2014 13:25

When DH told the midWives Id already BF, they asked if it was for long, he said yes and they said 'one month?' !!!! think when ds2 reaches his 2nd birthday you should go and talk to the MWs about natural term bfing Grin

If you do feel like you need some help or reassurance, have a look at How do I find bfing help?. There may be a lactation consultant or a la Leche league leader near to you.

Have a read of Is baby getting enough milk?. It tells you about weight and nappy count Smile

Congratulations on your new LO Thanks

JiltedJohnsJulie · 06/05/2014 13:26

Xposted with fraudeSmile

rachyconks · 06/05/2014 13:29

Goodness. That's odd advice from the hospital. Agree that you need a bf'ing specialist. Fwiw, my DS fed more or less solidly from 2am-7am on his first night - he was just working to get my milk to come in. Now (at 3.5 weeks) he's the most efficient feeder - done in 10-15 mins tops. DD used to hang about for hours suckling away.

Artandco · 06/05/2014 13:37

Of course it's normal. Your milk probably isn't even through yet so he's suckling to produce it just like they should

violetlights · 06/05/2014 13:43

He wouldn't be feeding for that length of time but he might just be sucking. Bf is exhausting work for a newborn - is he napping between feeds but using you as a dummy in the interim?

It can be difficult to tell if they're feeding or just sucking... Can your dP hear milk being swallowed?

It might be worth checking tongue tie just in case. And look out for signs of dehydration - are his lips dry, is his fontenelle sunken? If not, it doesn't sound like there's a problem (Except maybe for your nipples if he carries on this way!!)

Remember there is nothing wrong with topping up if your baby needs it. The most important thing is that the baby is fed, happy and healthy. For medical reasons Our baby was topped up in the hospital and for weeks after - 2 months later we were exclusively bf.

Original poster
SizzlesSit · 06/05/2014 18:36

Thanks again.

DS is sleeping well and seemingly feeding well. Had a huge liquidy pooey nappy earlier which they told DH is a good sign as he's getting food and its runny cos hes BF.

Just asked them to check for tongue tie cos my nipples have started bleeding slightly (thank goodness for lasinoh!). She had a very quick look and said he was fine but that it means Im letting him feed for too long or the latch is wrong.

Im meant to ask someonento check the latch later tonight but dont know who...

OP posts:
Original poster
SizzlesSit · 06/05/2014 18:42

Im in Paris btw. Will see what LLL help is around for when I get out of the hospital (2 more nights in theory)

Im just a bit concerned cos up til now they've seemed to think Im an expert cos Ive done it before so dont need help but I am feeling a bit wobbly and need reassurance. Plus DS2 is brand new to it all!

OP posts:
Original poster
SizzlesSit · 06/05/2014 19:51

Me again. Just seen someone who was very positive about BF! And didnt flinch when I said 2 years for DS1 Grin

In the meantime Id googled latches and I was holding DS2 too low which I think contributed to the bleeding nipples.

If course, Id gotten used to BF a toddler!

Anyway she says my (new) latch is perfect so am reassured.

Thanks for your posts

OP posts:
schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 21:49

That's encouraging :) Get the name of the person you saw if you can - it's always best to be able to ask to see someone positive! If they run a milk bank they'll have lactation specialists there too.

In Paris both LLL and Message have anglophone BF support (which even if you're fluent in French may be culturally closer to home) and there's obviously the francophone LLL too.

Do take the time in the maternité to rest up and focus on getting BF off to a good start. You aren't the first to have to relearn how to BF a newborn or the first to feel a bit unsure about positioning and attachment even though you've successfully done it before.

Good luck for tonight.

schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 21:49

That's encouraging :) Get the name of the person you saw if you can - it's always best to be able to ask to see someone positive! If they run a milk bank they'll have lactation specialists there too.

In Paris both LLL and Message have anglophone BF support (which even if you're fluent in French may be culturally closer to home) and there's obviously the francophone LLL too.

Do take the time in the maternité to rest up and focus on getting BF off to a good start. You aren't the first to have to relearn how to BF a newborn or the first to feel a bit unsure about positioning and attachment even though you've successfully done it before.

Good luck for tonight.

schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 21:49

That's encouraging :) Get the name of the person you saw if you can - it's always best to be able to ask to see someone positive! If they run a milk bank they'll have lactation specialists there too.

In Paris both LLL and Message have anglophone BF support (which even if you're fluent in French may be culturally closer to home) and there's obviously the francophone LLL too.

Do take the time in the maternité to rest up and focus on getting BF off to a good start. You aren't the first to have to relearn how to BF a newborn or the first to feel a bit unsure about positioning and attachment even though you've successfully done it before.

Good luck for tonight.

schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 21:50

That's encouraging :) Get the name of the person you saw if you can - it's always best to be able to ask to see someone positive! If they run a milk bank they'll have lactation specialists there too.

In Paris both LLL and Message have anglophone BF support (which even if you're fluent in French may be culturally closer to home) and there's obviously the francophone LLL too.

Do take the time in the maternité to rest up and focus on getting BF off to a good start. You aren't the first to have to relearn how to BF a newborn or the first to feel a bit unsure about positioning and attachment even though you've successfully done it before.

Good luck for tonight.

schlafenfreude · 06/05/2014 21:51

That's encouraging :) Get the name of the person you saw if you can - it's always best to be able to ask to see someone positive! If they run a milk bank they'll have lactation specialists there too.

In Paris both LLL and Message have anglophone BF support (which even if you're fluent in French may be culturally closer to home) and there's obviously the francophone LLL too.

Do take the time in the maternité to rest up and focus on getting BF off to a good start. You aren't the first to have to relearn how to BF a newborn or the first to feel a bit unsure about positioning and attachment even though you've successfully done it before.

Good luck for tonight.

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