BF problems 1day in, please help

[bethdivine]

DD was born yesterday morning, took a long good feed off both sides an hour or so post delivery, then another later in the afternoon. We got home by tea time and she just wanted to suckle all evening. I couldn't tell if she was getting anything out or not, but by midnight, was exhausted, boobs getting sore, and she kept screaming whenever I took her off, so we eventually caved and offered her formula, which she took 1.5oz, then fell asleep for a few hours. Today has been the same, suckling 30m each side, screaming when she comes off and I've given another bottle mid morning, after she'd been on the breast for ages, again, she took 1.5 oz and then settled to sleep.

DS wasn't like this, but it just seems like she wants to be on the breast constantly - I know it's helping to build up my milk, but until it comes in, it doesn't seem like there's enough to satisfy her. Do I just keep her on the breast as long as she wants - even if most of the day - until the milk is in, or do I offer her a couple of ounces after she's had a good feed if she still seems hungry? - She was 9lb 9oz.

nappies wet enough. feel like i'm going to fail before even beginning! I'd love to BF, as did it with DS for a year, but don't want it to take over my life this time, I just want it to work, but my poor boobs are so sore already and I'm exhausted!!!

any advice most welcome.

It is just frustration. DD was born on Saturday lunchtime, and spent all of last night feeding, crying and winding. But this morning I can feel that my milk is in, and she has been a lot more settled. Persevere, but I would avoid formula top-ups at this stage if you can, because she needs to give your body the right message.

bethdivine, is the midwife around?

This sounds like normal baby newborn behaviour - yesterday your baby was inside you, feeding and being close, and just generally being a part of you.

New babies get a great deal of comfort and satisfaction from being at the breast and truly she really really does not need formula. She just needs to be with you - another loving adult can step in, too, if needed.

This is not a sign your life is gonna be taken over.

It is much easier to change your expectations of her, than to change the normal behaviour of a newborn.

Relax,and see if you can enjoy this time

exactley what tiktok said, she is bulding up for when your milk comes in, in the first few days they really need very little, they need to be close to you, everything us scary and you are the only safe thing to her. I would just keep feeding her on demand, there should be no need for formula, i know when you have just given birth it is exhausting but this wont last long.
and congratulations.

I remember this bit! She honestly doesn't need formula she just wants to be near you! Just give in to it, go to bed and let her suck away. Just keep a close eye on how she's latched on and you will be fine.

thank you all for the replies - only just managed to get back on again now. today has been a bit better, I've been having an hour or so rest between the mammoth feeding sessions, so just getting my energy up for the night shift! feel like milk is starting to come in, got that familiar tingling coming up, so hopefully it'll all settle down, have not given any formula, and feel much better today, - apart from the cracked nipples and DS prodding them whilst they dry!!!
no, i didn't hear from midwife at all yesterday, I'd asked on post-natal ward for some advice, but nobody was forthcoming, but midwife turned up today, so had a chat with her about it too.
thanks again.

Hiya Beth-

I just wanted to say that I was in the same position with my DS (now almost 8 weeks old.) It took 3-4 days for my milk to come in due to blood loss during delivery, and we had at least one day with him crying the entire time (and me not far behind!) I was lucky enough to have a mw around to tell me that he would be fine for that period of time, he still had nutrients from feeding while in the womb etc, and that the frustrating process of attempting to feed but producing nothing/not much was fairly typical.

It's a bit of a trial by fire, but the milk came in eventually, and things got a lot better. Just be tenacious and you'll get there. Good luck!

Congratulations on your baby . If you have cracked nipples then it suggests that your baby may not be attaching in quite the best way they possibly can. Have you called one of the helplines to see if someone can make any suggestions? The national helpline is 0300 100 0212.

The best way to heal cracked nipples is by keeping them moist (actually the best way to heal any wound!). Something like the tiniest smear of vaseline, or lansinoh or jelonet (cheap from the chemist) after a feed inside a breastpad may help to promote the best conditions for healing.

I hope things are continuing to improve for you today.