My son is 3 days old and having a hard time latching well. Some days he does better than others but he gets lazy and just starts sucking on his tongue. He fakes himself out and thinks he's really eating. I've worked with a lactation consultant and we haven't improved much. I'd like to pump to make sure he's eating enough but once I introduce the bottle will he ever go back on the breast again? He is always chewing on his hands so I know he's still hungry after he "tries" to eat but I just fear he's not getting enough from me. My nipples used to be pierced and now the milk flows out strangely on one side and barely any and only on the bottom part of the nipple on the other. Any advise. Has anyone experienced something like this?
2007-10-15 09:03:53 · 8 answers · asked by Jamie B 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Three days? Your milk probably hasn't even fully come in yet!
Babies are born with fat stores to last them a week, because some mothers don't get their milk until then. Try not to use a bottle, just keep trying with baby. I know you're frustrated, but really, this is a learning process for both of you. Don't give up, and don't give him a bottle. It's not necessary to give him the bottle. Their tummies are tiny and even if he gets a small amount for you it will be enough.
I found that a book really helped me figure out what I was doing. I used The nursing Mother’s Companion Guide, but my friends have also used The Breastfeeding Book, So That’s What They’re For, or the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. They are super-helpful and gave me even more information than the lactation consultant. You might find a Boppy, or other nursing pillow helpful, I know that I almost gave up without one, it makes positioning such a tiny baby much easier.
Have faith in yourself and your body’s ability to feed your baby. No one else can make milk like you can for your child. Don’t stop believing in yourself. Keep trying, sometimes it takes a week or even longer to figure out nursing (and then you hit your first growth spurt, haha!)
2007-10-15 10:35:41 · answer #1 · answered by maegs33 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give it a few more days. You may try using breast shields, they will direct the milk better and protect you nipples if he latches on poorly. You can pump if you are worried about your milk supply, but don't introduce a bottle just yet, he is very young and will likely get confused. Keep working with the lactation nurse, a strong support system will give you your best chance of success. If he latches on poorly, remove him and try again. I know what its like to have a poor nurser, it takes an hour to feed my son because he has a bad latch and a lazy suck, but we just keep at it. Good luck, it gets easier after the frist 2 weeks.
2007-10-15 16:13:23 · answer #2 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know you are working with a LC. Have you tried a second opinion? La Leche League might be helpful, as well as a BF support group.
Something you may want to check for is tongue tie. Does your son's tongue make a point when it stretches over his gums or does it look heart shaped? Tongue tie can prevent good latch and make your hurt like hell.
A bottle at this point may completely undermine your nursing. Your baby is only 3 days old. See how much he is getting from you by weighing before and after feedings, if you can. Unless he starts losing a lot of weight (more than 10%), don't freak. Your milk may not be in completely yet.
2007-10-15 16:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by jesikae 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I experienced something almost exactly like this. My daughter couldn't latch on when my milk came in because I was SO engorged. So for about a day, I pumped and someone else fed her by bottle at the same time. It seems to help and she didn't have any problems attaching once I wasn't so engorged anymore. I think if you don't have him on the bottle for too long,it should be fine.
2007-10-15 16:12:26 · answer #4 · answered by stina978 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most babies learn to prefer the bottle very quickly to the breast just because its easier for them. That doesn't mean he won't ever nurse again, but the more and more you use a bottle, yes, the more and more he'll refuse the breast.
But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm glad that you're considering pumping because you can still give your baby the very best that way!
I agree that you should get a second opinion...
2007-10-15 16:16:31 · answer #5 · answered by amber 18 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard for me to remember b/c the early days were such a blur, but I think I introduced a bottle during the first or second week and my daughter still took to breast.
2007-10-15 16:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by delgalfoal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 days is not long enough to give up. Make sure you are supporting his head. The milk will come. Maybe milk yourself to get the flow started then put the nip in his mouth.
2007-10-15 16:12:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
KEEP TRYING!! Just give it a week!! Then you can introduce a bottle but keep pumping!!!
2007-10-15 16:11:11 · answer #8 · answered by younglady215 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋