She really wants to do this, but it seems all the nurses have different views. She had a c-section so she can't move really well right now. He latches on but after 4 or 5 sucks, he falls asleep. I think it is because her milk has not come in yet. He has lost some weight in three days. She is worried he is not getting nutrition but the doctor said is not concerned just yet, but is watching him carefully. Any suggestions or tips as to what she might do? I never breastfed, so I'm afraid I'm not much help and I don't want her to get discouraged.
2006-10-12 09:03:11 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I had the same exact problem with my son. I had a c-section & my son had a hard time latching on. I tried & tried. Finally, it was so frustrating & he was losing weight. The nurses & pediatricians warned me that if he didn't gain weight, they were going to need to give him formula. So, I pumped. I figured, he's still getting the benefits of the breastmilk & he's actually being fed. You try the best you can & if it dosen't work, tell your daughter to try the next best-pumping the breastmilk & bottle feeding.
2006-10-12 09:11:02 · answer #1 · answered by Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, don't worry about how much he is getting. Most babies lose weight, some up to 1/3 of their body weight and I tell you it's completely normal. You should tell her not to listen to the nurses, all they did was confuse me, and I feel it was their fault that breastfeeding my son didn't go as I had planned. They made me concerned he wasn't getting enough to eat and told me I should try a bottle, and then that was it. After that bottle he never really did take to breastfeeding because he didn't like to wait. For my daughter I had learned from expirience and just did things my way, and you know what? She's four months and still nursing like a pro. Sounds like your sister has a proper latch and as long as the baby sucks for a while that's fine. Remember their stomachs are the size of marbles at birth and they can't really fit much in there anyhow.
2006-10-12 16:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by dolly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly Congratulations!
Secondly, don't panic just yet.
Babies are born with reserves to get them through those first few days. This allows for the milk to come in and for the baby to be used to where it now is (ie, not inside mummy!)
If the baby was born a good size, then you really don't need to worry and as the nurses aren't worried yet, then neither should you be. It's perfectly normal for a baby to lose a certain percentage of their birthweight in the first couple of days (I think it's up to 10% that's OK)
The best time to feed a baby is when they've recently woken up after a good sleep (if there is such a thing for a baby!) They'll most likely be more hungry as they won't have eaten for a while and less likely to fall asleep as they've just had a good nap.
Now try to make sure the baby isn't too warm and comfy - I'm not suggest you freeze the baby by undressing him completely, but losen his clothing and swaddle a little bit. Babies like to sleep all cozy and swaddled, so if they are cozy and swaddled, they'll be more likely to fall asleep if the feeling arises (which with your grandson it probably would)
Now try to convince him to take the breast - the midwives should show you how (a friend gave me a great technique - cradle his head in one hand, hold the breast in the other, once the nipple is near his open mouth push his head firmly (not too strongly!) so that he gets a really good mouthful - he won't choke! - he needs to get the entire aerola in his mouth in order to get a grip in the right place)
If your daughter manages to squeeze out a little milk, try rubbing it onto his tongue/lips to get him to taste his meal - this may entice him.
Keep tickling his toes to try to keep him awake.
As someone else has already said, it's unlikely that your grandson would wish to starve himself.
Please don't worry until the doctors think you should - it's just wasted energy. Tell your daughter to get as much sleep as she can whilst her new son allows her to!
2006-10-12 16:27:22 · answer #3 · answered by SL 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Patience is the key...he will not starve. When he gets hungary he will let you know. Also her milk is not what will be the first thing that the baby will get. There is a yellowish milky substance called colostrum. It is full of good stuff for the baby. Also, try putting a warm towel on her chest, it will relieve the tightness and pain. It will assist with her milk coming down. Relaxing is also a the key. Try changing the babies diaper and washing his face to get him to wake up. She also needs to find a position that is comfortable for her and baby. The La Leche league has some great information and useful tools to help mom out. Tell her not to give up. Breastfeeding is one the most encredible experiences as a mother she will experience. The bonding time is just beautiful.
2006-10-12 16:15:35 · answer #4 · answered by kymmy_kins 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's normal for the milk to not come in until 3-5 days post partum. The colostrum is plenty until then. Remember that baby's tummy is about the size of a walnut/his fist.
Here are some good tips for sleepy babies -
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/cc-baby-A.htm#SleepyBabies
and
http://www.breastfeeding-basics.com/html/waking_a_sleepy_baby.shtml
It's normal for him to lose weight the first week. Hopefully it won't be more than about 7% of his birthweight. He should regain it by the time he is 2 weeks old.
She should be nursing frequently, about every 2 hours around the clock. That is 2 hours from the START of one feeding to the START of the next one. Breastmilk digests in about 90 minutes.
It would be a good idea for her to call her local La Leche League for some support. A Leader may even be willing to visit her at home for free to help her out.
http://www.lalecheleague.org
2006-10-12 17:49:02 · answer #5 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did not breast feed, I was just uncomfortable with the thought. BUT my sister and a friend of mine tried pumping to get the milk to come in. It can be painful they said, but it worked for both of them. Plus, most babies lose some weight the first few days of life, whether bottle or breast fed. My doctor said it's because of the reduced calories from in the womb to being out and them learning the process of being hungry and what fixes it. So, I don't know if that will help, but it's all I can offer. Good Luck!
2006-10-12 16:44:56 · answer #6 · answered by angie_laffin927 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hospital should have a lactation consultant in house or on call that should be able to help her. Otherwise, look for your local chapter of LaLeche League.
If the baby's only a couple of days old, it's normal to lose a little weight and for mom's milk not to come in yet.
Tell her to hang in there!
Good luck!!
2006-10-12 16:18:53 · answer #7 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly....that doesnt sound good. My mom just had another baby (40) and because she had a c-section with my brother...she couldn't go into labor with the new baby...so they had to make sure they took the baby before her body started contractions..they took shawn (the baby) a month too early...because she never got to even start the labor...and they took him so early...her milk wouldnt come in...She tried all the home rememdies and stuff but her milk wouldn't come in..and Shawn started to lose weight and become unhealthy looking...so she ended up having to bottle feed...I know that sucks cuz she seems to really want to breast feed like my mom did...but...sometimes were just not meant to do certain things..good luck
2006-10-12 16:08:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he's fine. babies usually lose weight in their early days. My little one was 7 pounds 13 ounces at birth, but dropped to 7 pounds 6 ounces by her 48 hour check up. Today she's 3 months old and she weighs close to 15 pounds (she's huge lol). Your daughter's milk may not have fully come in yet (usually takes about 4 to 5 days), and babies fall asleep on the breast is normal. I don't think anything is wrong. She just needs to keep trying and eventually he will fall in line
2006-10-12 16:30:35 · answer #9 · answered by Raina B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babies lose some weight right after birth. It's normal and to be expected. I had a sleepy baby that went to sleep as soon as she started to nurse. For the first several weeks I would constantly have to be slightly shaking her awake to keep her suckling. Another trick is keep them cold...sounds harsh but it works. So undress them for the feeding. Both of these methods were recommended by both the maternity nurses and the lactation counselor at the hospital.
2006-10-12 16:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋