Very early breastfeeding and using nipple as a dummy like all night! What to do?

[Sheera1]

Hi all. Breastfeeding help please.

We are doing great 5 days from birth. One nipple is harder for him to latch to due to being a bit flat and introverted. so we favour the other when he gets frustrated. He does managed sometimes and using a pump first to get milk flowing and help latching but sometimes he is too frustrated and hungry so we use the other one and then swap when less antsy.

He is also after a long feed staying on nipple and just sucking like a dummy which I know is normal, but when I put him in the cot he wakes up again within 15/20 mins with quite a scream for the nipple and gets cranky and it is def not for needing a feed.

I did use a dummy last night (only day 4 and milk is in) and that worked great and was def what he was needing to suck rather than more milk. However, I did feel that when he woke after a couple of hours he seemed to have difficulty latching again when he hadn't before even on the face nipple which worried me he was getting confused and ow not wanting to use the dummy again.

So what do I do? I read onkine and advice says wait till breastfeeding is established for like 4/5 weeks before using a dummy
But I can't keep my nipple in his mouth overnight which is what he is wanting and my favoured nipple is def starting to get sore and crust a little. Using lansohlin.

Do I just have to suck it up (pun intended) and sit like a zombie with agony nipples or risk the confusion? Any alternatives or advice?

The problem doesn't seem to be as bad during the day. He does prefer to sleep on people but will most times move to the cot and stay asleep without waking for a suck.

Normal. It starts to get easier about 6-8 weeks in. He's just come from a warm place where he knows no hunger. It's a huge adjustment and you're only a few days in.

He'll only be this little and needy for a short time. But yes, boob as comfort is totally a thing.

Normal, you're four days in. That constant suckling is building your supply. Google cluster feeding and also the fourth trimester.

Congratulations on your DS OP.

Coming from a FTM to a 10 month old EBF DD, this is totally normal. You're doing great. Trust your instinct. My DD slept nowhere but in my arms for probably the first 12 weeks. Look into co sleeping, The Lullaby Trust has some great information.

Newborns typically want to to suck and want to be in your arms. When I was confident DD had finished her feed I would replace my boob with the dummy. Could you try that?

Good luck, and go easy on yourself.

As others have said this is totally normal. I think the dummy thing is tricky. The constant sucking is Promoting your milk supply. I did use a dummy in the first week with my 2nd baby but it did definitely affect her latch. I got away with it because I had fed previously and had a good supply - I think it might have been detrimental to my feeding journey if I’d tried first time round.

Have you looked into feeding lying down on your side? That should allow you to get some rest. This time will pass xx

Normal. Stick with it, you’re in the thick of it now but soo. it will be easier and it will be so worth it. This period is very intense and you’re probably knackered but hang in there- you’re doing really well.

It's normal I'm afraid. But it sounds like you need some help with latch if you are getting sore. Can you speak to a lactation consultant?

All sounds very normal.
I'm EBF my third baby and they've all done this.
I swear by the Nuk genius dummy for breast feeding. It's a flat shape and didn't cause any nipple confusion.

Congratulations on your baby!

Totally normal newborn behaviour and important for establishing your supply. I'd suggest finding a decent box set to get stuck into in the evenings and just try to make the best of it (even though I'll agree it's shit hard - trust me I've been there!). Also worth giving the National breastfeeding helpline a call. They were great with me and very reassuring.

Could you try a medela nipple former or lanisoh latch assist for your flat nipple or a nipple shield even?
Also, it takes about 20 minutes for a newborn to get into a deep sleep and their sleep cycles are only around 40 minutes unfortunately so if they can't get themselves over the end of one sleep cycle into to next (by suckling usually) then they will wake.
I do know plenty of people who have used dummies straight away and had no issue with nipple confusion.
I'd maybe see what you can do about the latch on the flat nipple before introducing a dummy again though. Personally I wouldn't leave it til 6 weeks or they'll probably never take one.

Agree with all the others it's normal but will improve. Do you think your DC would stay asleep if being held. So if your concerned the dummy is causing latch issues maybe take turns with you partner/DH to hold him? With my first DD we literally couldn't put her down the first few weeks so me and DH took turns in sleeping. In the end it did turn into cosleeping as I would feed her lay on my side and she would eventually come off but stay asleep as she was so close to me still. If your considering this obviously look up how to safely cosleep.

Congratulations btw

Your baby is instinctively working to ensure your milk supply. Just continue as is.

Normal- exhausting and feels never ending, but normal! Baby is working up your milk supply. I'm currently BF DS2, he's 8 months now, but for the first few months he slept in my arms every night as that was the only place he would settle, and as you said, he fed continuously.

Congratulations by the way xxx

Sending you love. I had a baby that did this and my older bossy sister ( 3 kids) said use a dummy. I did this... Really buggered up my milk supply and I have a 3 yr old who wont give it up. You can get through this. This is the worst. It WILL get better. You. Can. Do . It. Go sister xx Congratulations btw.