DD 11 days old t- has been a nightmare with BF from the start - PLEASE SUPPORT ME

[munchkinmum]

For a variety of reasons (poor attachment, jaundice, DD not pooing for 4 days) I have been mixed feeding for 6 days using hand expression and pumping as I have beenwaiting for very sore nipples to heal.

Thought I had cracked attachement at the hospital today but came home to feed and just couldn't do it - DD just fell asleep at the breast and woke up after 2 minutes screaming for milk. Ended up giving EBM and formula again.

Not sure how long I can keep trying - feel like cracking up. My dad is also v. poorly in hospital which does not help.

Feed due in 30 minutes (have to do this every 3 hours from advice from hospital) and terrified that it will not happen.

Anyone else been through this and cracked it?

Anyone?

Munch
xxxx

That is wonderful news about the attaching going so well. And once you're both more confident with feeding, you can always try it laying on your side with baby facing you - that way, you can get a nice nap while they feed, or even read a book. It is kindof trial and error getting the positioning right but it is easily my dd's favorite way to feed and I love being able to read or sleep while she's suckling away!

Well done, I was told to squeeze a bit of breastmilk and massage into nipples to keep them in tip top shape. I like to think it worked. Your baby is feeding for a long time I guess to encourage your milk supply so that's a good thing really. It takes time for the jaundice to get flushed out and feeding is the way to do it so keep up the good work.

Good advice about the 'rubbing breastmilk into the nips! Poohbah, I 1st gave advice a few days ago and since then baby 8 days old I have developed 'thush' in my nipples!!
I had it with my 1st dd so noticed the signs straight away! V sore nips especially after feeding and shooting pains. my nips also have lost the the brownness and look bright red with a shine to them!!
em v. nice! So watch out for that!
My midwife has recommended switching breasts through out a feed to stop baby sucking for too long. She said it will also help him to stop comfort sucking and the surge of milk will help fill him up quicker!! I'll see if it helps!! But I suppose it makes sense! So something else for us feeders to have to think about!

Vicky, Do you mean that caused your thrush or do you mean it eased your thrush??

Hi

Just quick update - DS feeding well - feel like he has been feeding ALOT the last few days - sometimes for long stretches of 2-3 hours. Is this usual for a newborn (11 days old)?

Really feel we are getting there though - nipples still OK but sensitive. Feel a bit 'fingers and thumbs' but heh ho, I guess I will hopefully beocme a bit of an expert! Managed to feed at a friends house yesterday, which I was pleased about. However, my DD has a bithday party tommorow at the local soft play so I guess I am gonna have to get on with it, find a quiet corner and wap my norks out regardless! It's getting the latch that I cannot be discreet about, once he is on I'm OK and can cover up. Will look into that bib type thingy - sounds interesting!

Thanks!

Munch
x

use a wide pashmina type scarf to cover if if you like. maybe get him latched on somewhere you feel comfortable to wap the nork out and then go back to the party, with scarf after he has settled on. or if you are as unglamourous as me, a muslin.

long feeds are normal as long as you are not having nipples in pain and damage. feeding lying down/semi reclining is good for these long sessions. it may take a bit of faffing around at first but well worth the trouble.

here and here

Munch,

A ring sling is great for discrete feeding, and for giving you your "arms back" so you can play with your older child, get a drink etc.

Monkies

Hi Munch

Sounds like things are coming together.
It is hard work and very demanding.
Accepting that it is (only temporarily) basically a f/t job is helpful i found.

Ring slings are really discreet but if you haven't got one in time.....

I sometimes just sit turned away towards the wall, that way no one can see norks.

Ring slings are really discreet but if you haven't got one in time.....

I sometimes just sit turned away towards the wall, that way no one can see norks.

I'm really pleased you are doing so well! You will both become experts, don't worry! I hope your party went well, and don't worry too much about being discreet, people really can't see anything when you are feeding, even if baby comes off and on sometimes.