Breastfeeding

How to get BFing off to a good start

Hi, I haven't really posted here before, but I thought I'd ask for advice on how I can get BFing off to the best start.  At the latest, he'll be born on Tuesday (being induced), but he really could come any day now.

I know it's best to try to BF as soon after birth as possible, and our hospital is going to let him room-in with me.  The first day or two I'm in the hospital, how often should I be putting him to the breast to encourage him to feed?  Even that young, should I be waking him at least every 4 hours as I've read you should for a newborn if they don't feed sooner?  Should I be keeping guests out of the room during feedings so he doesn't get distracted?  Any other general advice for starting BFing?

Thanks in advance!  You ladies have taught me so much already with your responses to each other.

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Re: How to get BFing off to a good start

  • I am sure you'll get a lot of wise words here, I just wanted to add my two cents.  Don't make the mistake I made.  I was obsessed with the notion that I had to get DS to nurse perfectly in that hour after he was born.  It ended up taking some of the amazing joy away from the experience as I was getting upset and frustrated because the little guy just wasn't super interested and wasn't doing it "perfectly."  So, take that hour or two after birth to snuggle and love and adore and be amazed.  Sure, try BF-ing but if it's not going well take a step back, take a deep breath and just focus on loving him some more.  It will be okay!

    With that said, I also like to tell people that it's a high likelihood that it's gonna hurt.  Everyone tells you (including those lactation consultants) that "it shouldn't hurt."   I suppose there is a lady or two out there that felt no pain, but I was literally crying in pain.  And he was latched decently.  Your nipples just aren't used to this!  Anyways - the point of this is to tell you: DON'T GIVE UP!  Give it 2-4 weeks, it will hurt less, I assure you.

    I went with the "on demand" feeding and basically ended up feeding every 2 hours or so.  In those beginning times you shouldn't let them go more than 3-4 hours without eating so yes, you'll probably have to wake them up a couple of times.  You may also suffer from the sleeping feeding baby - my DS fell asleep at the breast ALL.THE.TIME.  I just did a lot of blowing on his face and rubbing a cool wet washcloth on his body.

    Finally - he won't really get distracted until ~4 months old, so I wouldn't worry about that.  Depends on your comfort level but I didn't want guests for long stretches that first month because I basically had  my boobs out 24/7.  For me, it took me a while to learn how to nurse without being completely topless, haha.

    Good luck!

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  • You should start out feeding at least every 3 hours. You time feedings from the beginning of the feeding. So if you start a feeding at 1, the next feeding will be at 4 - regardless of whether the feeding ended at 1:30 or 2:00, for example. It can be hard to keep LO awake for feedings at first. You can start by changing their diaper and you may have to take off their clothes/unswaddle them.
    Newborns aren't super aware of their surroundings, so they won't be distracted by visitors. But, you might find it hard to focus on feedings with tons of visitors around. Ask people to call before visiting and you can try to feed LO before they get there. Or have your DH chat with them in the hall for a few min if you need to concentrate on feeding LO. Or, it may not be an issue and you'll feel comfortable feeding with visitors there. It's up to you.
    If your hospital has a lactation consultant, definitely ask to see her during your stay. She'll be able to help with any questions/problems you might have. The nurses are usually helpful with nursing questions too.
    The first 6 wks of bf'ing are generally the hardest. It'll feel like all you do is bf. LO has a very small stomach and breastmilk is easily digested, so they'll need to eat frequently. Eating frequently also lets your body know how much milk to make for LO. So it's important for your supply to nurse, nurse, nurse. LO may want to eat every hour at times, and that's normal. Eventually, as they grow, their feedings will space out and become faster.
    If you haven't checked out www.kellymom.com, I highly recommend it. It's a great bf'ing resource.
    Also, make sure you have a good support system in place. Bf'ing is exhausting at first, so it's important for your DH to be able to provide encouragement in those times. Your hospital probably offers a free bf'ing support group too. And there's always La Leche League meetings too. Good luck!
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  • Someone else on the board said it best...if you feel lke all your doing in feeding then your doing it right! I literally hung out topless with the baby in a diaper for weeks. The nurse practitioner said to get her on a three hour schedule and I ignored the advice and I think it really helped our early bf relationship.

     

    try to be as zen as you can about it...force yourself to relax your neck,shoulders, arms and remember that the baby is learning too and your just doing a little dance together.

     Early on they aren't really very distract able but if you feel uncomfortable in front of guests do feel free to limit them. Nurses will always play interceptor.  

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  • Just relax, enjoy your baby, skin to skin doesn't matter if it's you or dad. I took my boys as soon as I could get them and started. But it's not prefect right away ask questions, try diffrent things. Let them get use to it. Figure out what works, chances are over time it'll change and you'll figure something else out. It can hurt but it really shouldn't. Nipple pain is diffrent then nursing and having it hurt. I can't remember what it's called (maybe someone can help me out) its a purple tube of cream to put on your nipple totally safe if the baby should end up get some in their mouth. You need some it helps with the nipple tenderness. Drink plenty of water! My sisters rule was a glass everytime she sat down to nurse. It really helps with your milk coming in and your over all supply. Good Luck! It's hard work, but once you see your LO has grown and it's all from you it's so worth it and the most amazing feeling ever!
  • ^^She's referring to lanolin for your nipples. Gel soothies are also great for your nipples. Stick them in the fridge before using them.
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  • ns1ns1 member

    Lots of great advice!

    I just wanted to add too about feeding ASAP after birth.  My LO had to be taken to the nursery for at least 3 hrs. right after she was born (fluid in her lungs or something?), so I didn't get to feed her or snuggle w/ her right away.  I was crushed, but everything still went well.  They knew not to feed her anything, so when I got her she was hungry and she latched on and ate very well!  So, if something happens and you don't get to feed immediately, it's not the end of the world!

    And, you may want to get some numbers of some Le Leche League leaders in your area.  I ended up calling several in the first few weeks just to seek advice or even just make sure I was doing everything right.  (I think I even cried to one...hmmm...)  It was pretty helpful. 

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    And, you may want to get some numbers of some Le Leche League leaders in your area.  I ended up calling several in the first few weeks just to seek advice or even just make sure I was doing everything right.  (I think I even cried to one...hmmm...)  It was pretty helpful. 

    They are used to a few tears on the phone. I second knowing the LLL number and feeling free to call. They're moms. They've been through it. They're really good at knowing if what's happening is normal or if it's something you need more help with.

    Breastfeeding early isn't as important as just having that initial skin to skin. Definitely don't stress about perfect breastfeeding in those first hours - remember, baby is fed up until the cord is cut. It's okay if he's not hungry in the first minutes. Cuddle and get to know each other and follow your baby's lead on when it's time to feed.

    Expect to feed often! Some newborns are sleepy, but mine wasn't. He ate really often (every couple of hours.) If you don't want your visitors to see your boobs, they shouldn't come to the hospital or they need to be willing to leave when the baby needs fed. Don't delay feedings because you're embarrassed for your FIL to see boob. Kick him out. That goes for home, too. Do what you need to be comfortable.  I had way too many hospital visitors, but they all cleared out for a while if I needed to breastfeed.

  • The hospital is a stressful environment, so if keeping guests out of the room helps, do it. It's awkward at first- you're getting used to how to hold your baby and he's learning how and where to suck. Take advantage of the nurses, probably all of them can help you with technique and help get him latched, tricks to get him to keep sucking, etc. If he won't wake up to feed, use the hospital pump. You won't get anything but the pumping helps stimulate you to get your milk in. I recommend "the Nursing Mothers Companion", i refer to it almost every day. Good luck and most of all enjoy this special time with your baby. You are learning together.
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