Overwhelmed with Breastfeeding
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- I've had differing advice from lactation consultants, midwives and tutorials online - you kind of find your own technique, ultimately it was suggested to me not to put nipple in their mouth until the mouth is open wide (like a yawn) so they're not only sucking on nipple (which hurts) but also areola. - You don't need to pump at all. It was suggested to me to have backup, but I've never been able to pump enough for it not to go to the next feed - when he's slept for a while though it's good for me to pump so I'm not leaking and usually can get my partner to give him that so my nipples can have a break/so I can go for a bath. - I've noticed that most of my milk is out within 10 mins of pumping, any longer than that and it's dribs and drabs, maybe trial lengths of time to see how long there's a consistent flow for? And that'll likely be the length of time you'll need to pump for - babies differ in hunger the way adults do, sometimes it's a 5 minute snack and sometimes its a half an hour, 3 course meal.
Sorry I reached my character limit on the last post, following on from feeding, I'd go on how long baby seems comfortable on the boob for, if he's fallen asleep on it, I tend to unlatch, and then if he starts fussing for more, I'll put him on. Sometimes they unlatch themselves. - Again, at first for my own sanity, so i knew he was definitely getting fed I would have pumped at the last feed. So then would breastfeed, give baby the amount pumped at the last feed, and then pump following this feed so there was some backup for the next feed, as I was confident I had enough milk supply, I've reduced the bottles. You should get an idea of if your baby is getting enough milk at weighings
I have similar worries. I didn't have a previous successful time bresst feeding, but I'm hoping to with this baby. Was your child checked for a lip or tongue tie? My last child couldn't latch right, and that's why. I hear there's no specific time for breastfeeding. Each baby is different. Make sure the baby is actively suckling and swallowing and not just using you as a pacifier. I remember how scary it was without support. And especially when they lose weight. Don't give up. Try to contact a lactation consultant if possible or see if the hosp you delivered has breastfeeding support groups you can go to. Write down all the questions so you can remember what to ask when you deliver. As far as pumping, I'm not 100%, but I think you should try 15 minutes on each side. I may be wrong. I just look to see when I stop producing milk, and then I stop. It def helps having back up in the freezer or having some so dad can feed the baby, too. Stay strong. Best of luck!!
1. Yeah nipple shields help in the beginning. Good latch might come with practice 2. If baby has bad latch and it caused you so much pain, you can pump. You can also pump if baby needs a top up. Having a mini freezer stash can help with anxiety of temporary supply drop. 3. Pump for 20 minutes if you are pumping instead of a feed. If you need to empty out after feed to increase your supply ( only if you are not satisfied with current supply) pump for 10 minutes 4. As long as they need or falls asleep. 5. Pumping breastmilk is better than formula milk even if it's a small amount
Thank you all for your advice!! Anything to keep the anxiety at bay 🙈😂
I hope this journey is easier for you mumma, there's a bit to unpack. - engage with an IBCLC. I suspect even an initial consult might be helpful for you. - Who says you should pump? I'd suggest not pumping. At least not until your supply is fully established (up to 12 weeks) Baby shouldn't need a top up and if they do, latch again. - Put the pump down mumma. - Baby should be latched for as long as they want. It's biologically normal for them to also comfort suck. Allow them the comfort and bonding with you. Try not to get caught up with timing. - Midwives aren't exactly trained on baby feeding. Birth, post birth and maybe initial knowledge. IBCLC is who you'd need to speak to.