Sometimes I think formula feeding would be so much easier

Re: Sometimes I think formula feeding would be so much easier

• PsyDr04 member

  January 2012

  Aww, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I haven't had to deal with mastitis, but my nipples were sore and cracked for about the first week of BFing. So far, BFing has proven to be the biggest challenge overall. It is not easy! I know you are committed to doing what is best for your baby, but please don't make yourself suffer in the process. Best of luck momma.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• SmittyPants member

  January 2012

  I hear ya. Yesterday and today my LO has been at breast all the time. She'll feed for an hour only to start wanting to be fed again 20 minutes later. There's no time for me to do anything else. My nipples are also cracked and sore. It's exhausting. Plus, she's not gaining like she should so it makes me think I'm not producing enough. 

  

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• PsyDr04 member

  January 2012

  I have had this same fear. We haven't weighed LO since our last visit to the pediatrician, at which time he had gained 2.5 ounces (but was still down from birth weight). I do think I'm producing enough, but some days he wants to eat ALL the time. Other days, he'll nap from 2-4 hours, so it's a crapshoot. And speaking of crap, this kid is gassy and poops all time so at least I know he's getting something, but I swear it's like it goes right through him.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• taurus424 member

  January 2012

  you read my mind....at least i know i am not alone. My nipples are sore and DS initial sucks make my toes curl with pain. i have used a nipple shield and it does lend some relief for the discomfort. I know that the lactation consultants do not like the shields...but i say its use that little plastic piece of heaven or quit all together.

  additionally my DS at times falls asleep at the breast and i was getting "knots" feeling...so i deciede that after he was done i emptied the breast with the pump...and i feel a million times better.

   dont forget happy  mom is happy baby....

  so whatever you decide will be the best!

  DC:#1 10/2006 born at 40 weeks (33 weeks PTL)
  DC#2 born silent at 22 weeks 1.11.11
  Dc#3 born vbac 1/2012 <bra DC#4 born VBAC 3/2014

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• star173 member

  January 2012

  I promise it will get easier, and soon enough it will be enjoyable! I had mastitis both times, and the soreness/cracked bleeding nipples- it sucks, but will be worth it. Hang in there!

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• Annya26 member

  January 2012

  i feel your pain as well! my lo is also 10 days and it is still really hard. here are a few things that are helping me:

  after nursing i take a wet tea bag out of the fridge and put it on my nipple. feels great and has healing enzymes, apparently cabbage works too. this really really helps.

  after that i put on either lanolin or a prescription that i got from the mw called dr. newmans nipple ointment. (just depneding on how bad/which side)

  also let you nipples air dry before applying product/putting your bra on. your milk is antibiotic and it is good for them.

  to get him to eat more i have started feeding when he starts to make faces like he wants some, then undressing him a little bit at a time as he starts to drift off. about halfway through i change his diaper and then put him back on to finish. this seems to be working to get him to take a full feed instead of passing out.

  ftm and no expert but i do have the support of an amazing mw so hopefully this will help you too!!! good luck!

   

  (excuse the format bumping from phone)

  

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