Establishing breastfeeding in first days

[JimmyMcNulty]

Just trying to think about this in advance to avoid what happened last time with ds1 - am expecting ds2 in July.

If the baby simply won't breastfeed, how long before you really need to get something down them, and how much? How do you know?

I had such conflicting instructions from 3 different paediatricians while in hospital (for 5 days just trying to get bfing established). The first one stuck a canular in ds's arm in case of need, took his blood sugar every few hours and gave me dire warnings about him not having bfed in the first 12 hours, the second then put us on a hellish 3-hourly routine day and night involving me trying to bf, then expressing, then giving ds colostrum, and then formula-feeding (milk didn't come in till day 5 and they weren't happy with the amount of colostrum I was getting). The last paed, whom I saw on day 5, looked at his notes, threw a strop at the others, told us ds had been 'ridiculously over-medicalised', watched me do a slightly better breastfeed (finally) and sent us home grumbling that ds never needed formula in the first place.

I just don't want to spend all that time in hospital again if I don't have to (or give ds2 formula if I don't have to). But not sure I would have the confidence to discharge myself and ds2 if I am again being told his health is at risk by people who ought to know best. Anyone got any wise words about how to cope with conflicting advice and is there something authoritative I can refer to?

Some paeds will be overly cautious and would rather error on the side of caution than end up with a truly sick baby. Do you know if where you are going to give birth at has lacation consultants or counselors available? They will often be a better source of support as that is obviously their area of expertise.

Obviously you will offer the breast often, anytime you see possible hunger cues...or just when baby is quietly awake. Generally, if you can have them on you, skin to skin, most babies will start to show interest before too long. Too vigorous suctioning at birth, or forcing baby to the breast can cause some babies to hold off on establishing feeding. Some medications you may choose in labour or if needed after birth may play a role for some and just giving baby some more time will be all it takes.

If it doesn't go well at first, express on a regular and frequent basis and offer baby the colostrum with a syringe...usually the easiest method since there often isn't a great deal. They are designed not to need much in the early days, and unless there is a true medical reason, you won't need to supplement. To know if there is a concern or not, you can watch for signs of possible dehydration...skin tone of baby, being lethargic, responsiveness.

I have known mothers who had a similar experience previously and brought in some expressed milk from a friend or family member just in case supplementing did become necessary. That may be an option to consider if you feel it would give you some peace of mind.

Thanks doulalc, that is helpful.

Apparently there are lactation counsellors at this hospital - don't think there were where I had ds1.

gosh what a terrible time you had with your first.

look up breast crawl for a lovely way to start things off.