worried about not being able to breast feed

[MissStimpy]

Hello everyone. I'm a new mum. My baby is 5 days old. I'm having a few probs and could do with some advice. My breast milk hasn't really come in yet, although I am still feeding baby with colostrum type stuff that is still being produced. My MF advised me to top this up with 2oz FF as, very like Somewhathorrified, he has lost a bit more than 10% in body weight now. I really really want to be able to breast feed, so it's important for me to keep trying. the formula does seem to be working for him though, and he is much more contented than during days 2 to 4.

I think one reason for the milk not coming in is that I am absolutely exhausted still from the birth, and also I think I might have some kind of infection, which I'm checking out. Has anyone got any advice about a) ways of encouraging milk to come along b)how to stop this horrible aching - feels like I've been beaten up all over and I can often hardly walk. My right leg especially sore. I'd be really grateful for friendly words and encouragement - I'm really upset about all this! guess i'm over tired.

MissStimpy - i know people will say it but honestly it will get better.

I like you had a delay with my milk coming in which DS wasn't happy with so he had top ups but we have now managed to get rid of them all together. The delay in my milk was because of illness and the HV told me the delay is because your body is prioritising making you better before producing milk.

You need to be rested so can someone else have your baby whilst you get some sleep? Make sure you're eating enough and drinking plenty too and with every feed as youre doing keep putting the baby to the breast. I found that expressing as well helped stimulate my supply.

Is there a lactation consultant in your area you can get in touch with?

Hang in there miss. You are doing well. SOme experts will be aong soon! The first weeks are the toughest!

Sorry probably not much help, but just make sure you're eating enough (and of course sleeping when you can!), it is recommended that you have 2500 - 3000 calories a day wehn BF! Also feed frequently as this encourages milk supply. Well done so far - it's not easy when you're knackered!

Hi, my milk took ages to come in too (had long labour and em cs) and my poor wee boy was really unsettled. He also lost >10% of his weight.

The best advice I got from a very nice community MW was to simply feed as often as possible to stimulate the milk supply. It really worked and he was like a different baby within a day or two.

I just offered him a feed as often as he would take it I think. slightly hazy memory, i wasn't too well at the time.

Really hope you get on ok soon.

Five days is a fairly long time without your milk coming in. Lack of food, or sleep, is unlikely to delay the milk, fwiw.

The best way to encourage the milk to come in is to keep feeding, particularly at night.

Can you explain more about the infection? And the aching? What was the birth like? Was your baby full term?

Some health issues (e.g. retained placenta, for example) can delay the milk coming in ...

TMI Alert - When I had my DD I too suffered with feeding. All the experts were telling me that my milk supply would get better and as my discharge sheet showed a complete placenta it was just a matter of sticking with it.

I had to top up with formula (and I hated it but at least my daughter appeared more satisfied) as I had a screaming baby who had lost more than 10% also. It was not until a fortnight after the birth that I passed a massive clot in the shower. It was huge and scary and would not go down the plug-hole. Literally as soon as this passed I felt a whole lot better. The next day my milk came in and boy did it come in!

Can you ask for someone to check or perhaps even a scan to check that you do not have a tiny bit of retained placenta? If you are not producing more than colostrum at this stage I do not think you are being un-reasonable.

I managed to go on and successfully drop the top ups to fully breastfeed within the next week.

Good luck.

You don't say how often you are feeding - newborns need 8-12 feeds per 24 hours which means you need to be feeding AT LEAST every 2-3 hours (from start of one feed to start of the next) This is the only way your milk supply will establish itself.

If your baby is particularly sleepy (as mine was) then you will need to wake to feed.

ZPlease arrange to see a BF specialist as you should have your latch/position checked to ensure your baby is transferring milk effectively - particularly if you are feeding regularly but there's still no weight gain.

good luck

MissStimpy give your MW a call about how you are feeling and if it was me in your position I would go to see the GP in the morning, not about the bfing problems but about your health.

As for the bfing, I think you should speak to a fully trained bfing cousellor, preferably tonight, just so that you can get some information and reassurance and then hopefully you will sleep a bit better tonight.

Do you have any local bfing counsellors?

Have you tried ringing one of the bfing lines?

Hope you feel better soon.

MissStimpy how are you getting on?

thanks for this - yes i have lots of support from husband and family. i feel better today, and hopefully milk will come in soon!

Thank you! Good advice.

Hi. Today I am feeling better, much better. The aching is greatly reduced. It was really strong, and seemed to be muscular. I could hardly move at all - e.g. sit up in bed, get out of bed, walk around. My blood was coming out with a funny smell too, and I just felt generally awful. I've been to the doctor now and have started some antibiotics, just to make sure. I don't think I have any retained placenta as the midwife examined it and we watched her - she explained it and showed us how it was complete. I think I just need to get better and that once I'm stronger milk will come in. I am also going to call the national breast line for advice - have you spoken to them ever? Baby is doing well. Still topping up with formula, but he's still BF too. Thanks for your reply and advice.

not sure if this is how you reply to someone's message - i clicked on add message. does this come straight to you, needsomesleep? i am feeling better, thank you, and more positive. thanks for your advice. i haven't called a bf line yet - can you recommend one? i thought i'd try the national bf line. mf came round today and baby has put on some weight, which is great news. we are stuffing him full! and i'm still bfing him every feed. hopefully milk will come in soon.

hello! thanks for all your replies. it really helped to hear from other mothers who had been through similar things. i am feeling a lot better today, and baby has put on some weight. he is doing really well. i have been to the doctor and my aches and pains have reduced. my milk isn't fully here, but it has changed in consistency and is definitely increasing, i think. i'm continuing to bf my baby each feed.

i was planning to contact the national bfing helpline - does anyone know whether this is a good one?

also, how do you reply to one message directly? can't seem to work this out... i've been clicking add message. sorry - being thick.

Yes, the Bfing helpline is very good - it is staffed by trained BF counsellors from BFN and ABN - they have loads of experience and training and should also be able to give you contacts in your local area. If no joy with that one, try the NCT one instead.

Depending on what area you're in, different organisations will be better for in-person support. If you're happy to say what town you're in, I can normally find something. But yes to the National Breastfeeding Hotline, which is as mess says, ABM and BFN. The NCT and the LLL also run hotlines.

MissStimpy sorry I haven't replied before, we have all been ill all weekend.

Glad you are feeling a bit better. Have you got in touch with a bfing counsellor yet?