first time BF woes

SassFrass

Hi ladies.
So, I have a 4 day old newborn. I plan to ebf, and we have moments we doreally well, and others ita a struggle to get her latched. My milk came in yesterday, thankfully because she has lost 10% of her weight since birth. I know it can be normal, loosing her own water weight and such from birth but now her pedi is slightly concerned. I've started pumping and supplementing with my milk after trying each boob so I know she's getting SOMETHING... however, I can't get any more than an oz each session. This is my first time to BF and I'm really lost as to what I'm supposed to do or how to het her to latch better and to increase my supply.

Eta: her pedi wants me to follow an every 2.5 hr schedule due to her weight loss, but dd is just not having it at all. She wants to sleep longer. If I rouse her, which we have been doing the past two days as suggested, she will refuse to nurse. This morning I let her sleep longer til she staryed to rouse herself and it was a bit easier but she still didnt nurse well , not as well as we have before....

Gogogirl16

I had trouble the first days too, mine lost almost 10% as well and she was only 5lbs 3oz at birth. I stuck with it and I'm glad i did because it's gotten much easier. Have you met with a lactation specialist? I suggest asking for help from the hospital. On discharge they gave me a number I could call with questions or if I wanted to meet with someone. If you didn't get that try contacting your OB and see if she can point you in the right direction. Good luck!

drmama115

I may not be the poster child, but I do have the benefit of some hindsight.  I had difficulty at first, even though he nursed wonderfully right after delivery.  I worked with the LCs before I left the hospital, but unfortunately, we developed thrush in the first week.  It made it so painful to nurse, that I just HAD to supplement because I just couldn't take it.  He is also a snacker, which doesn't help milk production very much.

I have avidly pumped, as well as tried everything that could possibly help.  Five months in, he still eats more than I can make, but I'm still doing my best.  I know you're looking for specific advice, but I would say two things: 1) Don't give up; everything you can do for her is beneficial and you're doing the best you can.  There's a lot in the first few months.  2) It will get easier, I promise.  Around 3 months, everything just clicks.  In the mean time, work with a lactation consultant, be sure to connect with other moms (I can't tell you how many women seem to have the same problem), and don't drive yourself crazy.  You have a beautiful new daughter who needs to eat.  Do what you can and just keep the faith.

nursej519

I am experiencing the exact same thing right now. I only get an once when I pump also. I've had to supplement with formula since I know I can't pump enough for her. Its stressful but every drop of breast milk I give her is better than nothin.

SassFrass

Thanks ladies.
I keep telling myself, one more day, lets jus try for one more day. So far we are making it. Today we had 2 perfect feeding sessions this afternoon with beautiful latches. It's all soooo over whelming. Eventually we will get there though!

etayislove

Ladies, an entire ounce for a young baby like that is amazing!!! Do not feel like your failing because a pump in not as efficient as your baby and their tummies are super tiny right now. Please get in contact with your local La Leche League group and/or a lactation consultant, pediatricians are not always well versed in breastfeeding babies and they tend to gain weight slower than formula babies.