DAY 9 AND FEEL LIKE A WALKING BOOB- HELP!!!

[Sella]

after 2 reasonably unsuccessful attempts at breast feeding i'm trying really hard to embrace feeding on demand this time around but for last couple of days all i've done is feed her, and half the time she is basically asleep but if i take her off she cries.boobs are killing me and it still hurts to sit down from all the stitches so could really do with some advice.

Have you tried feeding her while you lie on your side? If you put her on her side, tummy to tummy with you, it works quite well, and makes it easier to relax.

You're still so early on, and doing great for persevering, so don't beat yourself up; it often does feel like being a "walking boob" at this stage.

More people will be along with suggestions soon.

Has someone seen you feed and checked latch okay? Not an expert but maybe ask hv?

She is just stimulating your milk supply. The first month or so does tend to feel like you are a walking milk machine, but it does tend to get easier!
Are you using lansinoh on your nipples? I found that using pillows to prop DD up whilst I was feeding her really helped. I couldn't lie on my side for a while because of having a section, but if you can, I would recommend giving it a go so you can rest!

you are a walking boob lol

no, seriously, frequent feeding, on demand, is a GOOD thing in the early days. you're establishing your milk supply and you're giving your baby all the warmth, food and security she craves right now.

if your boobs are killing you though then something isn't quite right
i would see a breastfeeding counsellor if I were you, or at least call one of the helplines and see if they can help

Sella set up some feeding stations around the house - I had sore stitches too and was a walking boob. So I had giant soft cushions to sit on in the living room and bedroom plus snacks etc to hand for feeding. This is especially important for the night feeds (flasks of hot chocolate really help).

I had really sore nips and got some nipple cream. I also got my local breastfeeding counsellor to come over and show me how to latch (forget asking health visitors/midwives - you need a professional). She also showed me how to feed lying down and how to support baby when feeding. So I recommend you do it - it's hard making the call at first, but it's a free service and worth it. Try ringing NCT 0300 330 0771

Restrict the number of visitors too - you need to rest, be fed high calorie cake snacks and feed your baby! Visitors claim they'll help but they wont, they'll hold baby til she cries, expect you to make them tea etc etc.

You're doing well! When you look back, you'll be pleased you got through it.

A few things to try:

When you feed her sat up put her on a pillow so you're not taking the full weight of her.

BF on your side- I would so reccommend this

Your stitches will hurt when you Bfeed as it makes your uterous contract (getting your bits back in place sooner and less swollen)

Paraceatamol and don't use sanitry towels use maternity ones- you will feel like you have a cushion down there but this will help no end- the sanitry one are too absorbant and will sting

Raise your feet on something to angle yourself so your bits aren't even on the settee

Get some sexy maternity lingerie from on line- hotmilk- nice easy bfeeding bra's will make you feel great

Nipple balm (doubles up as lip gloss )

This time will pass and don't feel guilty for not enjoying every second of it- just do what ever it takes to get through these next couple of weeks and it will just get easier. FWIW my stitches stopped hurting when they disolved at 11 days

Oh yes MrsVidic, forgot about the pads thing! I used tena lady which were fab (wide as a mattress but so cushioned) and cleaned my stitches two/three times a day in a bucket with a couple of drops of tea tree oil and they healed a treat (TMI maybe?? )

THANKS EVERYONE! I know I just have to get through this first bit but my God forgot how hard it is. I know what you mean about visitors, had at least one everyday and just want to drop off radar. Got a couple of really good friends and parents helping though. Think I will go to see breast feeding support group, maybe not quite latched on right. Midwife saw and said was perfect but that was before they really started hurting. Do the damage at night I think coz they aren't as bad in the day.
The worst part is willing myself to get her latched on at the beginning, i make it so much worse by dithering about and thinking about it. Just want it to be all nice and beautiful BOO HOO!

Hey Sella I was told I had baby latched on correctly when he lay on his back and I was hunched over him... . Once I saw the counsellor she soon put me right!!!