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July 2015 Moms
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Breastfeeding woes

Melis222Melis222 member
in July 2015 Moms
if you've had baby and are breastfeeding maybe u can give me some advice. My baby is just 2 days old and my nipples are super sore, I'm exhausted and I have a 6 year old that I need to spend time with too. I am thinking of pumping or supplementing. When can you start to do that. All the articles will say 1 month but I don't think that is realistic for me. Help (if you can)
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Re: Breastfeeding woes

  • alanna7777alanna7777 member
    Pumping is tough if you plan to just do it exclusively. Has your milk come in yet? Also, seeing a lactation consultant can help. Personally I supplemented with my first son and pumped exclusively as well. I was in so much pain from c section recovery and he wouldn't latch so we were both frustrated. I pumped and did bottles which was double work but with husband helping doable. Plus baby was so hungry he wasn't sleeping. Do what yoy have to for baby and you. Medela has lactation consultants for free as does La Leche League if they are local to you. Supplement if you have to though is my advice. As long aa baby is happy and healthy abd you too nothing else matters. Just my opinion.
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  • Juliebird8307Juliebird8307 member
    Did you breast feed with your first? My advice is that the first 3 weeks are really hard, so try not to make any major changes in your original plan unless medically necessary. I delivered DD on the first and my milk came in last night. My nipples are super sore too (bleeding and cracking) but I know that will be gone in a week or so. Keep using lanolin and if you can get breast shells, they really help. They are little plastic dome things that keep your nipples exposed so that they don't rub anything and they get air.
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  • CanadaMom17CanadaMom17 member
    Try to see a lactation consultant - you shouldn't be super sore if the baby is latched right.  Fixing the latch should fix a lot of things!
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  • Kmommy5Kmommy5 member
    I was gonna say to make sure baby is latched right. Help baby open mouth wide enough and make sure babys belly is touching your belly. Not babys side of belly touching yours. And if baby does not have a good latch, it's ok to reposition baby better. I would call a lactation consultant as well, they have so many tips that could help you! I feel for you, I know it can be hard! I wish you the very best of luck!!!! :)
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  • shannonotashannonota member
    You can try a nipple shield also. I did that because I have flat nipples and makes it difficult for him to latch. I leave it on for 10 min or until my nipple is popped out enough for him to latch better. It's been a miracle for us. He would get so frustrated not being able to latch, now we are both happy :)
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  • lcronk7014lcronk7014 member
    Sounds like your latch is the problem. You can still supplement now. Just try nursing first (use a warm pack 10 min before to stimulate better flow) if u feel a pinch or any pain the latch could be wrong. Aim your nipple to the roof of babies mouth and make sure it's pronounced-so by pouncing before hand to make it pop out or by using a nipple shield. After you nurse both sides if baby is still hungry then supplement a few mls as needed. Up to you. But always try attempting nursing unless just too sore then pump for a feeding. Use either lansinoh cream between feedings or some of your breast milk on your nipples
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  • Melis222Melis222 member
    Thanks! I did breastfeed my 1st and used a nipple shield but she latched so easily that I wasn't going to get one but I think I will as my nipples are flat. I have been improving how I latch her and the pain only lasts for about 30 seconds then gets comfy. I read that if the latch is good that is how it is...painful for 1 min or less then fine. I'm going to try to push on for at least a few weeks unless she isn't getting enough nutrients. I appreciate all the responses!
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  • NYMominCANYMominCA member
    If your nipples are flat, try to pick up a Lansinoh Latch Assist. Seriously the best thing EVER.

    It is hard in the beginning, but at 5 days old for various reasons I had to start pumping for my DS and seriously it was HORRIBLE. Just so much time spent hooked up to the pump, washing bottles, feeding him, etc. and I had a 6-year-old at home who I felt like I was neglecting, too.

    Does your 1st have a favorite show or something you can watch together while you're nursing? With DD at the time it was Phineas and Ferb. We might have watched way too much of it. ;)
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  • ToAoSheshaToAoShesha member
    Nipple shield... help get that BFing relationship going & protect your nipples... In a week or so you can wean off of it
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  • v&drustonv&druston member
    My baby was born on the 2nd, but my milk hasn't come in yet & DS want getting enough to eat, so the Dr told me to breastfeed on both breast then give some formula to help him fill up. I'm using a nipple shield so instead of giving the formula in a bottle we have been giving it with a syringe through the top of the shield. This way he gets the extra food, but still on the breast. I agree with pp, you have to do whatever you have to do to make sure your baby stays healthy & gets enough to eat. It is hard for me to accept that I'm not producing enough right now, but I hope that changes when my milk comes in. Fingers crossed it will be tomorrow or the next day. Good luck!!
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  • audi681audi681 member
    The first 30 seconds is so, so tough. I shudder, tense my shoulders, and forget to breathe. My husband (who is really just being great and supportive) constantly tells me to "breathe" when baby latches, and I kind of want to punch him in the face bc he doesn't understand how awful it is. 

    I use a heating pad to warm up the area pre feeding, and I use lanisoh cream and soothies after feeding. I also give them a good massage when I am in a warm shower. I assume my ladies will toughen up and it will soon be second nature. 
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  • LittleRueLittleRue member
    The nipped shield is amazing in addition to that when you bring baby to your breast you want your nipple to be at baby's nose so baby opens wide and brings her head up. That helps with a good latch.
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  • CkorinesCkorines member
    audi681 said:

    The first 30 seconds is so, so tough. I shudder, tense my shoulders, and forget to breathe. My husband (who is really just being great and supportive) constantly tells me to "breathe" when baby latches, and I kind of want to punch him in the face bc he doesn't understand how awful it is. 


    I use a heating pad to warm up the area pre feeding, and I use lanisoh cream and soothies after feeding. I also give them a good massage when I am in a warm shower. I assume my ladies will toughen up and it will soon be second nature. 
    My husband says I make this "face" when she latches on and it makes him crack up. It enrages me. I'm tempted to punch him and see what "face" he makes! but seriously, you are right. Get past the first 30 seconds and you can do it!
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