Has anyone else hit a rough patch at day 5 of breastfeeding? Baby wouldn't latch because my breasts were overly engorged. He's taken small bits of formula for most of the day, because he needed to eat something. I pumped and pumped and pumped and he still won't latch on even though he's definately hungry. I tried hot shower, breast massage and pumping. Ready to give up - please help!!!
2007-03-04 06:00:08 · 15 answers · asked by ♥Lucky♥ 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
When you pump do you pump for a long time or just for a few minutes to get the milk flowing and then stop and offer your breast to your baby? If not try that, it worked for me.
Also he might prefer the bottle to your breast, my second one did, he had to work too hard to suckle on my breast, but the bottle just flowed as soon as he stuck it in his mouth. I am not saying give up the bottle, but definetly offer him your breast first before a bottle.
Past that the only other advice, that I can give you is practice makes perfect, especially if it is your first baby. It took me over a month to get good at it, and for my daughter to get good at it. Remember they are learning too. Plus with the pain I was hesitant to nurse as often as my baby wanted, it hurt!
Definetly check out the lactation consultants at the hospital where you had your baby. I found them very helpful and they were more than willing to give away a free handheld pump, and tons of free stuff. The problem could be that your baby is not latching on properly, and they can help you learn how to teach your baby to nurse. Even if you just call them and talk to them on the phone, they might be able to offer some advice.
Please feel free to email me if you have more questions or problems. It does get easier with time though.
2007-03-04 06:29:33 · answer #1 · answered by jayde_eyez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it took us 2 weeks to get it right. but I think around 6 days it was hardest I almost gave up too, but I was happy I didn't
The baby is tiny and may not be strong enough to hold the nipple unless you hold your breast steady at the mouth. I had to do that for the first 2 weeks. My daughter sucked well, but couldn't keep the nipple in her mouth unless I helped her out.
My breasts were so engorged that the nipple flattened out in the beginning. I had to pump until the nipple was more normal and my baby latched better. Since you're pumping too, maybe your breasts are overly producing milk? Try pumping first until you feel comfortable (don't empty your breasts) and then try breastfeeding your baby. If you want to avoid the bottle, then just freeze the extra milk for future use if you plan to keep it.
if you really want to breastfeed, keep trying, practice makes perfect. don't let others talk you out of it. If it's not for you, then make sure YOU want to, not because other mothers didn't do it.
2007-03-05 05:26:07 · answer #2 · answered by sweet_cincin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Day 3 - 5 of breatsfeeding are the MOST difficult...if you are too engorged for baby to get a good latch...i know this sounds awful...try an ice cube....this draws the nipple out and hardens it so its easier for baby to get a latch on it....its perfectly normal for a new mom and baby to struggle with getting the latch right for a few weeks...its took me an hour every time my daughter nursed just to get the nipple into her mouth...you are learning a new skill...but so is your baby! you have to teach this to him...and that can be slow going....the pumping could be causing too much milk to come in....tyr just pumping a small amount to releive the engorgement....but not for too long ....while milk is still on the nipples....this may entice baby...try to latch on....keep going until you get it...this will all be a distant memory SOON!!!
2007-03-04 23:10:41 · answer #3 · answered by motherhendoulas 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first put the bottles away i know your worried hes going to starve to death but worry not my fellow breastfeeding friend...babies can develop what is deemed "nipple confusion" getting the hang of latching onto the breasts and latching onto a rubber nipples are very different....your engorged and you have rock hard basketballs for breasts u may not want to pump all you can.... pumping will only keep you puppies producing loads more milk then your baby needs you'll have a day er two ( its uncomfortable I KNOW) of being engorged but then you body will realize it doesn't need to produce soo muck milk and pretty soon you'll just meet you babies needs and then you wont have to worry about trying to latch ur bitty one onto your huge rock like breasts
in the mean time pump a little before u feed to soften them up then try to put baby on........if the little guy covers your whole nipple with a layer of slippery spit wipe it off and start over...everyone hits a rough patch u just have to push through it! its sad that today so many women give up so easily because at the time formula seems soo much more convenient....... GOOD LUCK and happy boobie feeding!
2007-03-04 15:18:30 · answer #4 · answered by adriannemae 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes Breastfeeding is very hard at first. Hang in there and it will get better. You will start producing the right amount of milk in time. I had problems getting my first baby to latch too. It's unfortunate but nursing does not go that easy and is painfull in the first couple of weeks. Have you tried a nursing pillow? I remember when my daughter was that young and I had problems I found right after she finished her bath she would want to nurse and would allways latch on perfectly then, I don't know why. Hang in there and if you can have a public health nurse come over and help you that may help too. Good luck and congrats on the baby!
2007-03-04 15:12:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you give the formula via a bottle? Thats your problem. Sucking from a bottle is alot different than the breast and alot of babies will reject the breast after having a bottle.
The first link below is about cup feeding. Read it.
Its probably best to cup feed a little expressed milk (not a whole feeding) and then try to nurse. Put him to your breast at every feeding. The bath idea was a good one, as is getting into bed with as little clouthes as youre comfortable with. Skin to skin contact helps.
The second is about nipple confusion and getting a baby to latch.
You need to get in touch with a lactation consultant, but hopefully some of this info will help you unitl you can.
Feel free to email me with more qustions, YOU CAN DO THIS!
2007-03-04 15:07:38 · answer #6 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter didnt latch properly for the first 2 weeks. Because my breasts were so engorged and her little mouth was so tiny. But I just kept putting her on my breast and trying to get her to latch properly. Finally she got the hang of it and everything was fine. Yes it was painful, but dont give up. Just try and try again. Do not give formula as that wont help him with his latching.
Try and squeese the nipple to get it into his mouth. Or just hold him near your breast and let him figure it out and latch on himself. This will hurt a little bit but he will do it properly.
Good Luck and dont give up.
2007-03-04 19:34:56 · answer #7 · answered by Monkey Magic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My 3 month old had a hard time when she was younger, especially if my breast were very round from engorgement.
Use your hand to squeeze your breast into an oblong shape so that it fits better in his mouth. Change positions to see if he just isn't comfortable. And relax, babies can truly tell if we are stressed when feeding.
I hope you have access to a Lactation Consultant from your hospital. They are a fantastic tool. I would talk to one before giving up. Talk to one ASAP so that he gets into habit soon.
Breastfeeding is the best decision I made with my little girl. It's hard, but well worth it.
2007-03-04 14:12:21 · answer #8 · answered by sushishishi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want breastfeeding to work you have to lose the formula....lose the bottle. Serioulsy. It's work getting into the routine of breastfeeding....for both of you. Commit yourself to it and don't give up!! He will, eventually, latch on and go to it and you just need to be patient and guide him in the quest. Don't get frustrated because that will only make things worse.
I know you are tired and want to sleep and feel like a failure. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE...all of us that breastfed went through this. Don't give up!! Grab a relaxing CD....put on the headphones and visualize your son doing it succesfully. Bring him to the breast....do not bring your breast to him. Make sure you are using lanolin between feeding to ease the pain that will come once he does get the hang of it. Forget breast shields and all of that...it won't help!!
Contact your dr. if you really feel like giving up. The nurse or nurse practioner may be able to help you out....she will watch you attempt and tell you what you can do to make it easier.
2007-03-06 00:52:06 · answer #9 · answered by diapercakesbybecca 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It gets easier trust me. I almost gave up too. But now my baby is 20 months and I am starting to attempt to wean its not working though. You should stop with bottles or pacifiers it can cause nipple confusion and he might be prefering it since it is easier. The most important thing about latching is to roll your nipple before hand like get it to stick out a lot. Then cup it like a C-Shape... tickle the baby chin and when he opens his mouth stick it far back to stimulate the sucking reflex. Nipple should be really far back. I had lots of problems latching in the beginning and almost gave up too but dont it is really worth it to continue. My baby has never been sick or anything because of all the immunities offered by breastmilk. Do you have a local La Leche League? I strongly recommend you contacting them for help many times they will send someone to your house to help you out or they will arrange a meeting.
It is very tough without support. I almost gave up around day 4 too stick with it, It gets easier trust me.
2007-03-05 15:41:46 · answer #10 · answered by michellekyle12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋