i am trying to get my 10 day old baby to latch on but he just wont, he wont open his mouth enough and he is not letting his tounge come down enough to cup the nipple, so i am only pumping my milk but i am frustrated because i am only getting 1.5 to 2 ounces each pump which is every 2 hours. i am pumping for 10- 15 minutes and i dont feel like i am getting enough, i feel that something is wrong with me that i cant do this the right way and that i dont have a large milk supply, what do i do?
2006-06-15 09:18:24 · 30 answers · asked by hoffnerhooper 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I had the same problem with my daughter (now 3 1/2 wks). My nurse suggested using a nipple shield for a little while and then alternate between using the shield and just the breast, until they can latch on properly. The shield simply goes over your nipple- so you are still breast feeding, it just makes it easier for the baby to latch on. You can get one from most stores- they are around $6.
2006-06-15 09:57:58 · answer #1 · answered by Nikki 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all, please do not give up trying to nurse your baby. As a nurse I would recommend that you contact the hospital that you gave birth in and see if they employ Lactation Consultants. They are experts in this area.
Next, make sure you are comfortable when you try to get him to latch. Babies can pick up on your frustration immediately and may become frustrated as well. Only try for 10- 15 minutes at a time, cuddle him and give him some love, and try again. You can try to use a finger to help him drop his chin to assist in his latch. Also, make sure your nipples are not flat or inverted. If they are on the flat side, you can try rolling your nipple between 2 fingers to make it stick out more. If he is still refusing to latch, you may want to try a nipple shield, but be sure you have a nurse show you how to use it.
A 10 day old baby is only taking about 1.5 to 2 ounces per feeding, so you are actually producing adequete milk. Nursing is a "natural" thing that must be learned by both you and your baby. The first 2 weeks are the hardest. Just hang in there!
2006-06-15 18:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by RN&MOM22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For my first, I produced enough milk to feed a full ward of newborns. My daughter didn't suck, she coughed and gagged on the gallons. Then would turn away and I would spray everywhere. That was frustrating. But, I finally did talk to a lactation consultant, and it really helped. Talk to one as soon as you can, it is really worth it, even if just for the reassurance that you are doing the right things. It takes a few weeks to 'get connected', and that is very normal.
As for increasing your production, get some sleep. Relax, eat good food, have some chocolate, get a few minutes of exercise alone, read a book in a hot bath for a few minutes. He will come around, and you will be able to do it, be patient.
By the way, your feelings are completely normal, even if things were proceeding more easily. Talk to the consultant. Have you found a good baby group in your area? That helps allot. Its hard for anyone not going through it to understand what you are feeling, so even just talking live to somebody else with a baby regularly is very healthy. You will get through this!
2006-06-15 19:25:53 · answer #3 · answered by Karman V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although breastfeeding is a natural way to feed, it takes instruction for the mother and the baby to get it right. In the old days, mothers used to teach their kids, but now we tend to not live at home, nor want the help....
The first thing to do is relax. Hundrends of women before you have been in the same position (yes, frustrated!) and have managed! Your stress is also a contributing factor to your child's inability to latch on properly...
Once you have relaxed:
1. get a comfy nursing chair. you should never be putting any strain on any part of your body.
2. take your time
make sure that you have plenty of time on your hands - that there is nothing on the stove, no-one expected, nowhere to go.
3.foreplay
yes - infants need it too ;) Play with him, coddle him, talk to him before you begin
4. it is as hard for him as it is for you
give him some time to learn the tecniques
5. get help
whether from a lactation consultant (you may have a free on in your neighborhood) or from a neighbor who has kids
to help your supply: drink black beer, eat a lot of almonds, drink loads of water and eat well! rest as much as you can - a realxed mom is the best thing for milk
2006-06-16 03:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Leah S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I tried the pump I couldn't get much out and I found the process horrible and painfull. It may sound vulgar, but you can "milk" yourself. When your breasts are full, just gently squeeze until you get a good flow coming out. It helps to be in a hot bath. Keep on trying with the latching on. Have you tried squeezing the milk out near to the baby's mouth. I do wish you luck, I know how lonely and helpless it can make one feel. What do the professionals say? Could you offer baby just the breast and no other option?
2006-06-15 16:35:24 · answer #5 · answered by heypinkygirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sister, you need a lactation consultant, quickly. This time is crucial. Try to put baby to breast for now, even if he's not latching much - but there are ways to work on the latch!! Ask your hospital for local resources, if there are any early years centre-type places. Heck, email me and i will find you someone in your area, I will look far and wide. If you can't afford it, many people will help you for free.
La Leche League is all over the world, even in small communities. All you have to do is call one of their leaders and they can help you.
I feel your pain and I know what you're going through is really hard. Please don't give up, you could really regret it later. THERE IS HELP OUT THERE. Please email me if you want me to check my resources for someone to help you in your area - learningtolivelife@hotmail.com - I can also try and give you some tips via email but i'm not yet a lactation consultant (only a birth doula at this point) and I dont feel qualified enough - but I can try - and i can try and get you someone to help.
2006-06-16 00:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1.5 to 2 oz. 10 days after delivery is pretty good. Your baby isn't needing much more than that right now anyway. One suggestion might be to let him drink an oz. or so from the bottle to curb his hunger then switch to the breast once he's relaxed with a little food in his tummy. Don't give up. It's a little harder work with some babies but well worth the effort. Still, don't be afraid to supplement with formula if you need to. It's not a failure to make sure your baby is healthy and happy.
2006-06-15 16:26:47 · answer #7 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is contact a lactation consultant in the hospital that you delivered in. Or ask your OB/GYN's office if they can recommend a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant will be able to give you a whole lot of advice and see if your baby is latching on properly or if there is another problem. Don't wait any longer or your milk production may go down.
2006-06-15 19:22:14 · answer #8 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told that if he/she won't latch on, squeeze some of the breast milk onto the nipple and then try putting him/her on the breast. I was also told the first 6 weeks are the most diffcult when breast feeding. So try to be patient and make sure that you and the baby are in a comfortable position. Babies can sense what you are feeling. I wish you good luck
2006-06-16 10:22:58 · answer #9 · answered by srsvihl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do get frustrated, just enjoy the fact you are producing. My wife at (37) had our daughter, her supply was minimal and she was so upset that the baby was getting frustrated and not wanting to keep suckling. However, she hung in there and gave a decent supply for 11 months. Unless you have something physically wrong I would not give up. Talk to your OB/GYN and find decent support from the breastfeeding group.
2006-06-15 16:41:44 · answer #10 · answered by Peppino 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋