I have been having problems breastfeeding since my milk came in and now we have to use nipple sheilds. This is giving me blocked ducts and are proving difficult to drain with her feeds and the sheilds also prevent her feeding as efficiently as she can. I have made the decision to change to formula but need to know the best way to go about it - can anyone help? I still have a painful blocked duct so I am reluctant to stop without knowing how else to fix the blockage but the whole experience is so painful that I can't bear to go on for much longer, I would appreciate any advice!!
2007-06-05 17:17:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
You might be surprised, if the feedings have been troublesome you might just be able to switch her right to the formula, check with your pediatrician first though, sometimes they suggest just alternating breast and bottle for at least a couple days.... a gentle brand that worked great for me with both babies at 2 and 3 weeks was the Nestle Carnation Good Start :) Good Luck! P.S. if you want to try to fix the blockage a lactation specialist might be able to help... do whatever feels best for you though!
2007-06-05 17:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Before answering your question I would like to congratulate you on making an attempt to breastfeed I see so many mothers who don't even try and it's very frustrating. however I understand how difficult breastfeeding can be since I have two kids and one is still nursing. The best way to get rid of a blocked duct is to massage your breasts as you nurse or pump, if you do want to continue breastfeeding I suggest you invest in a good breast pump like medella, If not slowly wean your baby off the breast remove one feeding at a time, you can remove one feeding every 3 days finish with the night feeding last and then as your breasts start to hurt use Tylenol, and cold towels directly on the breast will help too. hope this helps.
I hope you don't give up on breastfeeding it can be difficult but it's worth it for your baby!
2007-06-05 17:34:35 · answer #2 · answered by nursecici 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you met with a lactation nurse or La Leche League or WIC? Blocked milk ducts are frequently an issue in babies who aren't latching on properly and usually have an easy fix. Try breastfeeding.com, there are videos about positions and latching on etc as well as weaning and pumping. I don't understand why you would need shields or what exactly is happening, email me with some more info and I might be able to help you. Weaning her will cause more of your milk ducts to become blocked and it will be more painful than fixing the problem. Check with the people mentioned, email me and talk to your doctor before you make the decision to wean, you and your daughter deserve to make this work without pain and it is possible. Best wishes, and lots of love.
2007-06-05 17:33:51 · answer #3 · answered by Momofthreeboys 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Congrats on breastfeeding.
Please do get help, because you can get past this so easily and then continue feeding her and it will be good. You will be so proud of what you can achieve and it is all good for her.
Contact a lactation consultant now and get this sorted. Breastfeeding is hard work but so worth it. Please don't give up so easily and go to formula.
Some people would love to be in this stage especially when they don't have any milk. you have milk, please use it.
2007-06-05 22:03:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah blocked ducts can be painful. What you should do is start on the bottle at least once a day now, and then gradually increase the bottle while decreasing the breast. You can always use a breast pump if you need too. I used to get engorged breasts and would take hot towels and put on them, it helped to relieve the pain. Good luck.
2007-06-05 17:24:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Apply heat packs to your boobs if you can. It's really hard to breastfeed at first but once your through the bad bit at the start it will get easier and it really is the best thing you can give your baby. Maybe see your health nurse or doctor.
2007-06-05 19:22:22 · answer #6 · answered by Narelle E 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
honey go get some hands on help!!
you are still early in the game and this problem can easily be remedied......why are you using the shields??
have you tried without the shields?.....i really really encourage you to seek help and not to give up....get over that hump and you'll see that it will be a breeze
2007-06-05 17:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Maybe you could contact La Leche League for advice. They have local advisors in even tiny cities.
2007-06-05 17:21:10 · answer #8 · answered by Cris O 5 · 5⤊ 2⤋
there is nothing that you can realy do for the pain. the best way to help dry up is to get a sports bra that is like 2 sizes too small and wear it ALL THE TIME!! the only time you should take it off is to take a shower. hot compresses help with the pain a little too. DO NOT PUMP!! otherwise your body will start to reproduce the milk.
2007-06-05 17:29:35 · answer #9 · answered by Al Rose 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
you can start weaning your little one by offering 1 bottle a day, then wait two days, offer two bottles, wait two days and offer three bottles...you get the point. when baby is taking well to the bottle, you can start to offer it full-time. i weaned my baby at 3 weeks also because of my own issues and he took right away to the bottle. i also offered him pumped breast milk while i still had it. good luck!
2007-06-05 17:23:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋