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Infant feeding

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

BF problems - how is easy is mixed feeding?

7 replies

redorwhite · 19/04/2009 19:22

I am looking for some advice please. DS2 is 6 days old and is BF. I was very ill a couple of days ago so he ended up having a couple of bottles then.

BF did not work out with DS1 as we had trouble with the latching on and although it seems better this time it is still a difficult process esp as I have big boobs and small nipples!

Each breast feed is taking approx 1.5 to 2 hours, although DS does then tend to go 3 hours or more before waking for another feed.

I am concerned that in a week when DH goes back to work it is simply not feasible to spend over hal my day feeding when DS1 will need attention and his normal activities will need to resume. I am not at all confident about BF in public in part due to the latching on issues but it is also a general reluctance.

How feasible is it to mainly BF when DS1 is in nursery (3 days per week) or at weekends but FF when he is around or if we are out?

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 19/04/2009 19:26

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StarlightMcKenzie · 19/04/2009 19:30

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redorwhite · 19/04/2009 19:37

I am feeding from both sides although one is easier than the other I perserve with the "troublesome" breast

My MW is due tomorrow (first time since Wed) so will talk to her and then perhaps give NCT a call. DS2 does do alot of stop/starting.

If it was DS1 I would be alot more relaxed and just go with it, but I am conscious that normal (ish!) life will have to resume ASAP as DS1 likes to be out and about and we will have serious terrible two tantrums if we are all stuck in the house

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StarlightMcKenzie · 19/04/2009 19:42

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doulalc · 19/04/2009 19:45

If at all possible, keep trying to build your comfort level with breastfeeding and your supply for right now.

You might try feeding him more often, but for a shorter duration.....say every two to three hours at most for about half an hour. Put him on sooner if he shows any hunger cues. The frequency can usually help with supply and also give both of you more practice with feeding. At times, you will feel like you are wearing your baby, but this is what is expected in the early weeks of breastfeeding.

Over the next week, while DH is home, try the more frequent schedule. You will likely find things are more comfortable, you feel more confident, and there is a bit more of a routine.

If you definitely want to supplement some feeds, consider a finger feeder. This will help lessen the possibility of a nipple preference. If you decide to go with a bottle, use rhythm bottling. Hold him a bit more upright and the bottle a bit more horizontal. Let him such 5-6 times and remove the bottle, suck 5-6 times, remove, and repeat the pattern. It can help to pump for a bit after the feeds that he is on the breast, and if possible a few times when you are not nursing.

As redorwhite said, the early introduction may effect supply so it will be something you will just want to keep watch on. If you suspect a diminishing amount, try to up the number of breastfeeds for a few days.

As he gets a little older, he will likely become more efficient at moving the milk and his time at each feed will improve....at that point you may find you start breastfeeding more often, and maybe start doing some expressing for the occasional bottle of EBM for when you are out. There are a variety of ways women manage to continue with some breastfeeding if they choose not to do so exclusively.

Your body may surprise you at what it can adjust to, but you will have to pay attention, and seek support if need be.

redorwhite · 19/04/2009 23:51

I do demand feed, but at the moment he sleeps between feeds and wakes every three hours or so when hungry. I have tried to wake him earlier but he was just not interested.

Days with DS1 can be busy and we are often out all day. I don't want him to feel like he is losing out as DS2 is here.

I really want BF to work this time round even if it has to be in a somewhat limited capacity. I really wish I had had more success with DS1 as I would not feel like such a novice now.

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RockinSockBunnies · 20/04/2009 00:08

Whilst breastfeeding out and about may seem daunting to begin with, as you grow in confidence feeding your DS and he gets more efficient, it'll be far easier to feed if you're out and about with DS1.

Do you have a sling that you could breastfeed in, if you were out in public, if you think you may feel awkward. What about if you took a friend with you for moral support the first few times you went out with the children?

Also, it is very early days. Introducing formula is often a slippery slope to full bottle-feeding. As your DS gets bigger, the time he'll spend feeding will become less.

I'd definitely recommend seeing a breastfeeding counsellor. Also, are there any breastfeeding support groups in your area that you could go along to?

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