PP Healing & Wellness 12.5

maamawaabangi · December 2016

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(or any kind of feeding... cause a mama needs a break!)

Questions for the Week ~

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

(Remember, this is a place you can ask any questions pertaining to PP and wellness... even if it's "off topic" for our question discussion).

karmba · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

2 weeks and 2 days. I'm feeling pretty good - I'm getting more sleep than I thought I would be getting haha. My Mom goes back home tomorrow so that's when the real test emotionally will start!

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

Things are going very well with breast feeding. Harvey is well over his birth weight and latching a champ. I'm very thankful it's been so easy - he wasn't very interested in eating while we were in the hospital and I was prepared for the worst.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

I have a question about pumping. Right now I'm not really doing much of it at all. My maternity leave is 16 weeks, so I haven't felt a need to build up a stash. Is this poor planning? When DS is about 4 weeks old I want DH to start giving him a bottle a few times a week to get him ready for day care. Any suggestions on how to really get started with pumping and when I should begin in earnest? I've managed to avoid an oversupply so far, but I'm wondering if that was the right choice.

cgss11 · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?
Almost 3 weeks. Physically I feel great. Tired, days and nights are mixed up here. Emotionally, I've been a little weepy lately over the thought of her going to daycare. I was feeling okay about it, then she came early and she just seems so tiny. But I'm trying to just enjoy my time now and not get too bothered over the future.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
Breastfeeding is going well...I think. I'm always worried she's not getting enough, but all signs say that she is. Diapers are wet and dirty, she seems happy. Yesterday and today she hasn't had as long of feedings but I think it's time for me to stop timing them and just be a little more relaxed. She went over her birth weight at 2 week appointment, so she's good, it's me.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

H4aPartyof5 · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

1 week 1 day PP. Right now, I'm feeling great physically, and have been since day 1 really. I've been fortunate in that each PP period has gone better than the last physically. This time around, my pain level never really got higher than a 1, which has been a blessing. Emotionally, I was really struggling the morning of day 2 (lack of sleep + hormones + frustration over still not having a name for DS3 brought me to tears) but things have gotten progressively better since then. I'm just trying to take things a day at a time and enjoy the ride so to speak.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

This go around, I've been breastfeeding, which Cooper seems to be taking to like a champ. If this continues, then I may actually breastfeed this time around rather than EP...it's probably more practical since it should be a quicker solution. So I guess my joy is that breastfeeding is going much better thus far than it ever has before (little pain with latch for the most part), my struggle is that I'm still experiencing some engorgement, which is a pain.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

Curious what others have done for engorgement? Right now, I'm pumping once a day (first feed of the morning) for approximately 5-6 minutes to relieve the pressure and ensure that I don't get any blocked ducts, mastitis, etc. Will this cause further problems? I don't really mind pumping once a day, especially since it will give me/us the chance to bottle feed if necessary, but I don't want to cause more of an issue either.

Toller · December 2016

@karmba it's totally up to you, but the mistake I made with DD was going back to work with a regulated supply instead of an oversupply. IF you can mentally handle it, I would suggest throwing one extra pump in there each day to build stash and supply. You can hit a double negative when you go back to work- the pump can't get as much milk out of you as a baby can, plus babies sometimes drink more from a bottle than they would from you (because it's easier/flows faster).

It's just one thought- many moms are just fine!! It just didnt work out for me all that well because my supply slowly went down (I had a ton to begin with!) and I had to fight to keep my supply enough for DD over time which was NOT FUN. If you were staying home with baby, then I wouldn't worry, but work can make things complicated sometimes....

jennbaylor12 · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?
I'm currently 5 days PP - feeling great emotionally/mentally. DH is super supportive and helpful and DS has taken to LO like a champ so those two things alone help a ton. Physically I'm having a more difficult recover with this c-section than the last but figured out it's due to the tubal, not the actual c-section. I have sharp, stabbing pain on each side which is so hard to work with.... the actual c-section site is mending well and I'm having no pain or problems

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?
This. This is where my struggle is at. I breastfed DS and, while I did get sore/cracked nips a couple weeks in, I was able to get through it and EBF for almost 4mths. This time, they were painful day 2, raw and bleeding by day 3 and I moved to exclusively pumping to try to get them to heal yesterday. I'm frustrated and disappointed and not sure what to do. I'm getting 1.25-2oz/breast/pumping so I know my milk has come in; I'm pumping every 3hrs. While they're still raw, it's not painful to pump but I cringe at the thought of LO latching.... DH is supportive and thinks I should just pump, both for pain as well as so others can help with feedings....I'm not sure if I want to give up on BF'ing just yet. I really enjoyed BF'ing DS and miss it with this one. I'm at a loss

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

princesslockness · December 2016

@karmba I would pump after first feeding. That 3-6am window. That is when you *should* produce the most. If you start pumping the other side or after a feeding 1-2 weeks before you go to work you should have a bit of breathing room. You really only need a 1 day stash, as LO should eat what you pump on Mon while at DC on Tues. now, if you can't keep up because pumps suck/not enough sessions/too stressful/anything really, then it's almost too late, but dealing with an oversupply isn't fun or doable long term either. It's really a catch .22

@jennbaylor12 Have you tried coconut oil in your nips? It has helped me a bunch. E sucked blisters over the 'milk exits' and using coconut oil helped them heal enough that I am considering letting her nurse at night again. Also, your OB can recommend/prescribe a cream that should knock out most things. I forget what's it called though.

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

2w4d. Bleeding is done, which makes me feel almost normal. Engorgement is almost over, so physically I'm alright. Emotionally I'm not so good. I think I slid into PPD last week. I just can't bring myself to care about anything. Not taking if care of E or L or even making myself eat.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

I am EPing right now. I have over 100oz in the freezer so It's going well. I still can't get E to not suck my nips off, so we'll probably stay EP.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

BFing is such a mind f*ck. You can do everything exactly perfect and it still won't work for some reason. Don't be yourself up, just make sure LO is fed enough. (Remember, this is a place you can ask any questions pertaining to PP and wellness... even if it's "off topic" for our question discussion)

DiFazette · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

Boys will be 3 weeks tomorrow. Feeling pretty good except for 3 counts of thrush... I honestly feel like I'm in survival mode right now. DS has become a bit more attached to me and with two newborns I'm literally just meeting little humans needs all day.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

Oh boy, we are on the struggle bus here. 3 counts of thrush. I stopped putting them to breast after Oliver was DX last week. I was hopeful that Ethan wouldn't get it (and was hoping to avoid it myself) but no such luck. Pumping is killing my spirit. I really want to nurse these babies.

ea301 · December 2016

1. 3 weeks, 1 day PP. Feeling okay overall. I am still baffled at how fast the day (and night) goes by while getting almost nothing done besides feed, burp, soothe, change, pump, wash dishes, repeat. I feel dumb for saying it since I only have one baby, no older kids, and no major health issues, but I feel like I'm in survivor mode too. It's been an adjustment.

2. I have a LC coming by tomorrow. We have been bottle feeding from day 1, so I really hope we can work something out with BFing. Otherwise I guess I will be pumping and eventually transitioning to formula. Time will tell. I am scared my boobs can't handle nursing. They blister and crack so fast...

3. I've been doing a lot of reading about using a pacifier at bedtime. It was news to me that it may help prevent SIDS and reflux, and that it may not have a negative impact on BFing (one article I read claimed it could actually help). We are trying it out tonight for the first time. I'm still anticipating a long night of me being awake, but she is much less fussy so far. If anyone else has experience with the pacifier at bedtime, please let me know!

princesslockness · December 2016

ea301 said:

3. I've been doing a lot of reading about using a pacifier at bedtime. It was news to me that it may help prevent SIDS and reflux, and that it may not have a negative impact on BFing (one article I read claimed it could actually help). We are trying it out tonight for the first time. I'm still anticipating a long night of me being awake, but she is much less fussy so far. If anyone else has experience with the pacifier at bedtime, please let me know!

We have always used one at night. L refused to sleep without a nip/paci in his mouth until 6 months. He consistently STTN unless teething from 2weeks old.

E also has to suck to sleep, but she won't stay latched on me or a bottle once she is full. Last night she gave us 7 hrs, and made up those 1-2 feedings by taking an extra oz in her first 3 bottles.

cgss11 · December 2016

We've been using a paci with no adverse impact on breastfeeding. BUT, it falls out a lot and then she fusses so that's a pain. It does help us get her laid down quicker though, especially once she's just using me for a paci after eating, but it's a trade off for us for sure.

dmontgo · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?
3 weeks and 4 days PP. Physically doing a lot better without the stress of going to the hospital everyday. I don't have pain anymore, though my belly itself is still tender. Got my incision looked at yesterday, and it's looking great.

Emotionally, I am on my way to recovery. Glad I went to therapy yesterday--I have a lot to work through. I am going to be on anti-anxiety meds for a few months, but glad I got help. I was starting to have thoughts that I don't deserve my baby, DH would be a better mother than I would, etc. Today...I'm feeling hopeful.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

Ashton is a great breastfeeder, much to my relief. Everyone was surprised because he is a preemie, but he's doing great. Now that we figured out his cues better since visiting the pedi, I am breastfeeding a lot more and enjoying it. Still pumping some for DH to feed him, but overall happy about it now.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

Using a paci consistently has made a huge difference for us since bringing Ashton home. We were driving ourselves crazy because we thought Ash was constantly hungry although we were feeding him and changing his diapers, but he wouldn't always eat. He was rooting and fussing...so why wasn't he eating? Very frustrating. Then when we went to his Pediatrician for the first time yesterday and he started disaying those behaviors again even though he ate shortly before the appointment. She gave him a paci and immediately he was happy!

She said that if he had eaten pretty recently and was clean, but he started rooting...he is just looking for comfort sucks! I didn't know babies will root for comfort--I assumed it was just for hunger! She said a good way to tell is if you put the paci in his mouth a few times and immediately spits it out, more than likely he is hungry. We went from thinking he was trying to eat every hour to him only being hungry every 3-4 hours. Relief and more sleep!

penelope4612 · December 2016

@dmontgo - I'm happy to hear your update! I'm glad things are going well with Ashton being home and you're getting help with regards to the anxiety.

dmontgo · December 2016

@penelope4612 Thank you! My therapist was very comforting and reassured me that considering everything my reactions are expected and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Took one of the medications before bed, and for the first time since the birth, I didn't have any nightmares.

Kacie209 · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

2 weeks and 1 day! as LO is laying on me as I am typing this up, he can be a great child. But, every night, he goes hours with crying... and it's on DH's watch since I am sleeping so i can take the second shift so DH can sleep before he goes to work. We think it had to do with gas/constipation... and when LO's doing those things, he is better. But, it can get frustrating and I am overwhelmed as a FTM. I know it'll get better, so I just need to keep that in mind.

But, my bleeding has stopped but I still wear a pad just in case. It got really bad again late last week but I think that was just the rest of it funneling out. So far, so good. And still somewhat sore when I sit down due to my stitches, but know that will take some time.

I am so tired. I just feel like a zombie all day long, and have no energy to do much. I know it's only been 2 weeks and I just need to muster up the energy and use the time I have when DS is sleeping to either sleep, or do something to give me energy. It doesn't help when he'd rather sleep on me than in anything we have for him.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

Struggling. We are supplementing formula, although use that more than my BM. I do BM, but I don't producse nearly enough for DS to be satisfied, which is also why we supplement. I would love to EP, as I find that much easier and then at least know DS will be getting some of that, but DS has been Mr. Fussypants, and literally allows me no time to pump... so that has been challenging. I have another LC meeting tomorrow, so we'll see what happens (I had one last week, too). He latches great at those (OK, so just the one), but doesn't do well when I do try - better on the right than the left. At this point, I'd like to just EP and supplement with formula... or just go straight to formula cos it's easier. I don't know what I'll do when he goes to daycare and I go back to work. Formula just seems easier, although love the benefits of BM. IDK...

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

Like i said, LC meeting tomorrow to see how much DS is actually getting from me. I have been taking Mother's Milk pills and some lactation cookies to help, so we'll see. I know it's all about supply and demand... and I try. His 1st ped appointment is Thursday so I am excited to see where he's at weight wise (will get weighed tomorrow, too)... and just get my doctors (she does family medicine) thoughts on some things.

kbduke · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

1W2D post partum. Physically I'm fine. No pain from the c section for a few days. Emotionally not so good. I didn't realize how isolating and lonely it would be. I'm by myself pretty much all day (DH works 12 hour shifts) and it's been really hard mentally. Thankfully baby girl is a really good baby so all I do is feed, change, soothe, and lay down to sleep. However it leads to a lot of time to myself.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

This is our struggle. She hasn't latched at home at all. We have had limited success with a nipple shield about once a day. So I'm on a strict pumping schedule and supplementing with formula. Met with an LC today and she latched perfectly at first try. They gave us a new feeding program to try and it failed miserably the first time. No latch. Ended with both of us in tears. It's just so frustrating and hard. With the pumping schedule I can't really leave the house at all which is a huge struggle for me mentally. Im seriously considering formula just to be able to get out of the house.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

How are other moms dealing with the isolation? I don't have much support family wise and we have been by ourselves since pretty much the second day home from the hospital. That paired with my pumping schedule and living 30+ minutes away from town means that I have little to no social interaction and it's really getting to me.

sreysaw17 · December 2016

I have a question for you mom's with outside babies: Are you using some kind of belly wrap/band/girdle? If so, what brand would you recommend?

A lot of what I'm seeing in my research points to it making you look better faster. In reality though, I'm more concerned about the feeling of my insides falling out when I stand up. I like the idea of something holding it all in there... Any advice?

princesslockness · December 2016

Srey Saw said:

I have a question for you mom's with outside babies: Are you using some kind of belly wrap/band/girdle? If so, what brand would you recommend?

A lot of what I'm seeing in my research points to it making you look better faster. In reality though, I'm more concerned about the feeling of my insides falling out when I stand up. I like the idea of something holding it all in there... Any advice?

I was denied one after my CS with L, and this time I didn't want one. I found that if I took it slow the first couple days, that I was fine within a week.

princesslockness · December 2016

@kbduke Take your pump with you. Just because you have to pump, doesn't mean you have to stay home. Manuals are easier to transport, but electrics can be on-the-go just as well.

ea301 · December 2016

@kbduke I'm sorry you are feeling isolated. My husband is here but he is doing other things much of the time. I can't imagine how tough it would be if he was gone for long stretches of time.

In general, I am not someone who needs a lot of social interaction but I have been dealing with the loss of freedom. It is tough. I have been trying to think of it like my special time with my daughter, and focus on the fact that this is temporary and she will be more independent soon. I dont know if that is helpful but that is my thought process so far. As for interacting with people, maybe you could try facetime or skype with a friend?

maamawaabangi · December 2016

@Srey Saw
I used one after my last and feel it's essential! It made my back feel more relief and also speeds up diastasis separation healing. That said, if worn too tight they can cause prolapse issues or really stop your pelvic floor from healing... so not too tight.
Check out tummyteam.com they have many resources for postpartum wraps or belts.

tinattt23 · December 2016

@Srey Saw I just ordered mine. Forgot the brand, but just a basic Velcro wrap. Nothing fancy. Went to a postpartum healing seminar with a PT and she was on the fence about wraps. Said they can help support if worn correctly (not too tight, squeeze guts up not down) but that a lot of people use it as a crutch. She doesn't really recommend one way or another and says they probably don't have too much impact either way. Whatever makes you comfortable.

dmontgo · December 2016

@kbduke We are very much in the same situation with lack of support, although we do live in town. But, we have just one car now, and DH has school.

My therapist recommended getting some sunshine everyday--don't stay cooped up if you can. Walks are a good way to get some fresh air, depending on where you live and the weather. Or, pump right before you go into town and take the milk with you. That's what I do and it's a lot less stressful. Or, just bring formula.

I'm like @ea301 that I don't have to talk to people everyday, but as a Highly Sensitive Person to crowds, going to Target is enough to make me feel social haha. Baby steps.

Or hey...we can exchange numbers and I'll keep you company!

jennbaylor12 · December 2016

Any recommendations for healing raw/cracked/bleeding nips?? I've been trying breastmilk and lanolin for 4 days with slight improvement... I'm solely pumping because I can't manage to let LO latch, the pain is just too severe

kbduke · December 2016

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try to take my pump with me tomorrow to visit with some family and we will see how that goes. I definitely thought I would enjoy the down time so it's a shock to me that it's so hard. @dmontgo I might have to take you up on your offer!

princesslockness · December 2016

@jennbaylor12 Coconut oil. IDK if it speeds anything up, but the antibacterial aspect is what sold it for me. Also if you 'lube up' with it before pumping it helps to not re-injure the cracks.

jennbaylor12 · December 2016

@Kate08Young - I have some here, I'll give it a go!!

ea301 · December 2016

@jennbaylor12 @Kate08Young Yes to coconut oil! I was using Earth Mama nipple butter but I think my cat knocked it under the couch or something, so I can't find it. Going to give it a go with coconut oil on the recommendation of my lactation consultant.

I have a breastfeeding question (surprise surprise!) - I met with my LC today and it was really, really helpful. She said that LO was used to the stiffness of a bottle moreso than the flow, which is good. She thinks I can correct with a nipple shield for now, and eventually wean off of it and BF like a normal person. We were also able to get a couple good latches after she gave me the right size nipple shield. Anyway, my question is: How do you guys deal with nip bites? LO has bit me 3x REALLY hard to the point where I yelp like a puppy and yank her away. It's unreal how much it hurts... Do I just have ridiculously sensitive nipples? Is there anything I can put on them to desensitize them a little bit? (I'm also planning to ask my LC tomorrow, but figured I'd ask here too)

maamawaabangi · December 2016

@jennbaylor12 have you tried the soothies gel pads? That and making sure they get air helps.
Lanolin has never helped me.

Mamax2 · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

4 days since delivery. Physically, I'm okay. I have my good days, and my bad days (like today) where the pain is almost too much. Emotionally, I'm stressed. We were discharged yesterday, and as soon as we got home, we found out that there is a mold problem in our house. We had to turn around and pack up for 2 kids and 2 adults for a week at least of staying in a hotel. Poor DD had really had her world flipped upside down with Michael's arrival, and not being able to sleep in her own bed. I love being Michael's mama! He definitely completes our family, and we're all smitten!

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it? We are formula feeding. Michael loves to eat, and easily takes 2 ounces every 2- 2 1/2 hours.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care? Were any of you c-section mamas given driving restrictions afterwards? Last time with DD, my doc said no driving for 2 weeks. This time, my doc said at my 36 week appt that we'd discuss it closer to time, but I forgot to mention it again. The nurses at the hospital didn't mention anything about no driving when I was discharged, so I'm just curious.

karmba · December 2016

@Mamax2 my OB said no driving until I was off the narcotics and I felt comfortable enough to drive. It was a little less than 2 weeks for me.

jennbaylor12 · December 2016

maamawaabangi said:

@jennbaylor12 have you tried the soothies gel pads? That and making sure they get air helps.
Lanolin has never helped me.

I haven't - I actually just put them in my Amazon basket.... what do they do?

maamawaabangi · December 2016

They offer pain relief and reduce any swelling because they are cool. The issue that I have with creams/lanolin is that it keeps the tissue tacky and moist and raw. I have very fair and sensitive skin and find that reducing the inflammation and also letting them scab and then ultimately heal makes the process quicker... so my tactic is to usually wear the gel pads when I need a shirt on to reduce any rubbing and for about 15-20 min after nursing I let them air out and dry up. Even getting sun on them is good.

MissLeighAndBabyG · December 2016

1. How many weeks are you PP? How are you feeling... physically, emotionally, as a mama to your sweet babe?

1 week. I'm feeling great physically. Emotionally I'm a lot quicker to get teary eyed at sad commercials and stories. Wonderful as a mommy. I'm so much more confident this time around.

2. Let's talk boobs, breastfeeding, pumping or bottle/formula feeding this week ... What's happening in your world with these things? How is your little one doing adjusting to the method of feeding you are doing? What is your joy and struggle with it?

Breastfeeding with a bottle of formula here and there to give the girls a break. She rolls with it! I'm enjoying the connection with her, but my nipples hurt so much and she's tongue tied so that may just be my reality.

3. Any questions, advice or resources to share in regard to feeding and PP care?

gowenc · December 2016

I have a question for STMs and/or FTMs who have outside babies already. We just got back from the hospital today, and LO has figured out how to latch but my milk isn't in yet. He has wanted to nurse pretty much nonstop since this afternoon and will fall asleep on the boob pretty quickly. If I try to move him at all he screams bloody murder until I get him latched again. I think maybe it's just that he's hungry, and he's only getting little bits of colostrum at a time. But what do I do until my milk does come in? Just keep him on the boob? I'm already exhausted...was hoping for at least a couple hours sleep tonight.

Toller · December 2016

@gowenc have you tried using a pacifier at all?

gowenc · December 2016

I have, and it helped, but I was advised not to until my milk had come in and we had established a good nursing relationship--at 3-4 weeks old.

dmontgo · December 2016

@gowenc If the pacifier helps, I would use it. Ashton was on a paci pretty immediately in the NICU and he still latches great (despite what breastfeeding reading material says...) I was having the same problem where he was wanting to latch every hour and I was frustrated because I *just* fed him! But he was rooting for comfort, not because of hunger. Now that I'm using the paci, he eats every 3-4 hours and I get some sleep again!

gowenc · December 2016

I just tried the pacifier again and he wasn't having it this time. Sigh.

princesslockness · December 2016

@gowenc Remember that until a week old their stomach is the size of a cherry - a walnut. They don't need much. Also, it sounds like clusterfeeding, and LO trying to get your milk to come in faster.

ETA: As long as wet/dirty diapers are happening, don't stress. Stuff has to be going in, so stuff can be leaving.

maamawaabangi · December 2016

@gowenc my experience has been to just keep feeding and milk comes (check diapers for wetness) I never supplemented as it usually only takes me a few days for milk to come in, but keep talking to you LC person if it doesn't come. Also up your fluids and eat good yourself. How long has it been?
Using a paci or your finger can help... mine generally reject it once the milk is there and it's only needed to help bridge that time.

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