Discourage or encourage frequent feedings?

Shema N

I?ve posted a few times about how my nipples are incredibly sore between and during feedings.

LO feeds almost every hour and a half. I have at home doula support and my doula told me that I should try to stretch out how long he goes between feedings. She said if he feeds frequently I will only get more sore.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this? Should I stretch out the length between feedings or should I continue to nurse on demand (LO is just over a week old).

I should note that the one reservation I have about stretching out the time between feedings is that LO is usually already very worked up and impatient when he is ready for a feeding. I worry that he?s less likely to latch well, or may even bite out of frustration, if I wait too long...I?m very confused about what to do...

michelle142

LO is only a week old, frequent nursing will help establish your supply. Nursing frequently at this age is completely normal.

It's completely normal for your nipples to be sore this early on. Just keep it up and slather on that nipple cream and/or use those soothie gel pads, it will get better

thanxbaby

While its normal for your nipples to hurt some in the beginning I would look into why they are shaped like lipstick. In our case it was tongue/lip tie causing it. It doesn't hurt to check, and your LC may not have.

shotzie

Follow your gut. The best thing for baby and for your supply is to nurse on demand. Baby's stomach is tiny and breastmilk is easily digested, so they need to eat frequently. Nursing frequently also tells your body how much milk to make and helps establish your supply.

You're right that LO would become more frantic and feedings would be more difficult, if you made him wait. Nothing good comes from making a baby wait to eat. You want to feed him as soon as he shows hunger signs. [Rooting around, sucking hands, smacking lips]. Crying is a late sign of hunger.

I wouldn't take any bf'ing advice from your doula. If you need bf'ing help, see a lactation consultant.

And ditto about using lanolin or gel soothies between feedings. It does get better, I promise. You're doing great!

kalette

Maybe try a nipple shield? I wish someone had told me about them before I.resorted to EP.

pepomntpat

What she should be doing is offering help on latching techniques. You should feed on demand and you should also be looking into the cause of your nipple soreness. I loved the Lansinoh soothie gel pads. I kept a box in teh fridge. They were amazing.

bpv101283

In my case, baby had a shallow latch, and it just hurt. It hurt for weeks. Not 2 weeks like I read. But probably 6 weeks. I ended up mixing pumping and nursing for some relief to my nipples. I would not stop feeding the baby on demand though, and definately get the latch investigated by a LC. Good luck!