More breastfeeding help please!

[Whatsername17]

Dd2 is now 6 days old. We got off to a good start with feeding because she latched and tookcolostrum regularly from birth. We've managed to completely avoid the jaundice that was threatening to develop on day 2 and yesterday at her weigh in he had only lost 2.5% which was 3oz. We are getting plenty of wet and dirty nappies. All poop is yellow or orange and most are mustard seedy with one or two being a little more firm. Until yesterday, feeds were every 2 hours as she demanded. Yesterday she fed from 6pm until 1.30am. Every time I thought she'd finished she slept for a few minutes before crying and routing. A couple of times she let out a small cry whilst on the breast abs they both felt pretty drained. I definitely think she is windy but we struggle to get any burps up. She slept for 2 hours then had a small feed from both breasts before sleeping again for 2 more. She started to feed again about 8am and has only just stopped. About half an hour ago I handed her to dh and went and had a shower because I felt like I couldn't cope any more. My boobs feel very squishy and empty and it is difficult to express any milk. I know from my experience with dd1 that formula isn't the answer. I didn't know what I was doing with dd1. She slept for 24 hours after being born and I didn't realise I needed to wake to feed her. I missed all of the cues, tried to feed but ended up with lactation failure. I mix fed for a while but think that was too harsh on her system and she developed colic. I'm keen to avoid that this time. I would be grateful for any help or advice. If this is normal and I need to suck it up I can do that. I should also say, I think her latch is OK. My nipples are sore from the continual feeding but she is getting milk.

That's called 'let down' OP and it's a great sign.

You are doing REALLY well. The early stages are so difficult as all you seem to do is feed but it will get easier. As long as you baby is pooing and weeing and putting on weight then everything is good. I was advised that the rugby position is excellent in the early stages. It helped me with the latch with both my babies.

I posted this on the very first thread I started too. Thank you all for your help. Getting through that cluster feed led to me producing lots of milk last night. She then slept for three lots of two hours at a time and has been the most chilled and contented baby today. Plus I am currently experiencing my first pain free feeds despite my nipples still being a little sore. Thanks for helping me through the first hurdle.

Yay! Sounds like things are on the up :)

Keep going OP. BF is tough in the beginning but so much easier than the faff of making bottles!

I just wanted to say keep trying to BF lying down because if you can get it, it makes getting rest so much easier.

I'd also agree with Elphaba's advice: don't bother expressing for now and don't bother trying to move her if she's settled. She needs to be with you. I'm BF my 3 week old DS and also have a 21 month old DD- DH gets bonding time changing nappies at the moment!

With DD, I listened to advice from my mum and MIL in the early days- biggest parenting mistake I made. Unfortunately their experiences of BF are so out of date (e.g. shouldn't need a feed yet, going to be clingy, rod for your own back, blah blah) so if your mum or MIL say this, please ignore them! At this stage, feed, feed, feed. If in doubt, feed. If she murmurs, feed. The more you feed and the more time she spends cuddled up you, the easier your BF journey will be.

Remember that cluster feeding comes and goes as well every time there is a growth spurt. There is a massive growth spurt at 4 months and you go back to the non stop feeding for a wile thinking you are doing something wrong, but that passes.

wss: "At this stage, feed, feed, feed. If in doubt, feed. If she murmurs, feed."

Ha ha I love that. Yep just feed feed feed 🙊

I managed to BF for 21 months and the Facebook Group UKBAPS (uk breastfeeding and parenting) was a brilliant help!

Your doing so well it can feel very draining, drink lots of water and try and eat well, if you are worried speak to your midwife or doctor. I remember being so sore and as you have described it, no great tricks or great advice just wishing you well and keep up the good work

savagehk

Ha yes that!

Sounds like you're doing fab! I've got a (nearly) 4 mo old and she was very similar. I like the phrase 'if in doubt, whip it out'- in reference to your boob, obviously! 9/10 it's what your baby wants- remembering that they feed for other reasons than just hunger- for closeness, for pain relief, for tiredness. Yes, it means they're on the boob a lot, but it also means that you have everything they need for them! ❤️ Good luck! And I agree- get plenty of snacks in easy reach - you use 500 extra calories a day when breast feeding! Xx

Yay! So glad you came through this tough stage! My Moto is "if in doubt, boob! If it cries, boob!"

Keep going

Get plenty of calories in yourself too I found it helped in the beginning. Lots of Fluids too. Sleep when you can and only worry about you and baby for now. Easier said than done but hey. Also remove mirrors so you can see yourself looking like shit - I wish I had done this I looked absolutely horrendous the first few weeks but give yourself a bit of praise as what you are doing in amazing and not always easy.

You sound like you are doing an amazing job but it is so tough. Hats off.

Re your DP. Get him to make you a big bowl of porridge and fresh Juice every morning first thing when he gets up with your older child. If you get breakfast in bed delivered as you finish that first feed, you and the baby can snooze until the next feed. That extra hour is a life saver. Then feed again, quick shower and a second breakfast like toast and peanut butter will give you some energy. Can he do the school run in the morning for a few weeks? 6weeks / 10lb mark was a really turning point for us. Baby could feed properly and not come back for more almost immediately (most of the time 😀)

Feeding lying down is a bit of a skill that takes practise but is a game changer imo.
You - lie on one side with one arm up above your baby's head. Prop your head with pillows so you are comfortable. Experiment with how far you have to lean your upper body backwards/forwards so your boob rests on the bed and the nipple doesn't point at the bed or the ceiling! Prop behind you with pillows. Bring baby to you, with them on their side. (Having them in a sleeping bag means you can shuffle them around a bit by pulling the sleeping bag - this helps). You want to be tummy to tummy - their legs etc should all be nice and close to your body. You may need a rolled up towel initially to stop them rolling onto their back - you want them to keep a straight line up their spine and not need to twist/turn their head to feed. You want the baby's nose to be level with your nipple. The baby should have to tip their head back to reach for your nipple. Stay aware of their spine and head so they don't turn their head or twist their body, and your position - lean forwards or backwards to keep your nipple in the optimal position. Make small adjustments in your and their position until you're able to get a latch. And then relax and doze! Good luck

So dd is 11 days old and she's been weighed today; she has jumped from 7lb8oz on day 5 to 8lb! She was 7lb11oz born so I'm over the moon. It makes it all worth while!

Wow you've got yourself a little feeder! well done

Woop! The liquid gold is good stuff!! 😊 forgot to say, there's a great Facebook page/group called breastfeeding / mama talk (American) but lots of good tips and advice 😊

Yay!