My daughter is 3 months and 3 weeks. When she was first born (4 weeks early) she wouldnt latch on so there fore I was unable to breastfeed. My mom contacted a lactation consultant and they said to keep trying every day. So I tried for a couple weeks then just "gave up". Tonight I thought I would give it a try again. She actually latched on and stayed on for about 20 minutes. Is this normal for her to want to breastfeed 3 months after birth? How do I know if she is getting enough? I need as much advice as I can get because I would like to breastfeed if it is possible.
2007-10-22 12:17:23 · 10 answers · asked by נєѕѕι¢α (ανα'ѕ мσмму) 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Also she had reflux so could the reflux have interfered with breastfeeding or not?
2007-10-22 12:20:42 · update #1
Sugar- My mom already contacted the LLL and I didnt like them. They came one day and helped a little. They said they would be back in a couple days and never came back not even 3 1/2 months later.
2007-10-22 12:23:00 · update #2
mystic_eye_cda- Yes, I have been pumping since she was born because I always wanted her to at least have some breast milk.
2007-10-22 12:26:14 · update #3
Happygyrl- Where the hell have you been? I have NEVER asked any questions in Singapore!!!
2007-10-22 15:07:02 · update #4
Have you been pumping to keep your supply up?
Most full-term babies will start latching properly by 8 weeks even if mom does nothing. So for a 4 week preemie that would be about 12 weeks. Almost 4 months is kind of surprising but babies know what they want.
Even if she is sucking on you and not getting anything there is nothing wrong with that either, breastfeeding is about more than just food. Sucking helps with proper jaw development and babies can enjoy the closeness. Some adoptive mothers and mothers who have lost the ability to make milk from surgery still breastfeed.
Here is a protocol for weaning from formula supplements, but the same holds true for bottles of breastmilk (except babies need less breastmilk than formula in a 24 hour period).
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/decrease-formula.html
If you haven't been pumping you need this too:
Relactation and Adoptive Breastfeeding: The Basics
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html
Index:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/adopt/index.html
2007-10-22 12:24:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry you had an unfavorable experience with a La Leche League leader. Just like any other group, there are bound to be a few in the group that don't represent the others very well...
That said, I would really advise getting some in-person help with this one from an IBCLC. The fact that Ava is latching on speaks well to your success in going back to direct nursing, even if you can't ditch the formula 100%. Remember, it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing.
Although you're not too keen on LLL, you can call the leader in your area to get the contact info for the lactation consultant, or you can try the website for IBCLCs at http://www.ilca.org/
Good luck!
2007-10-22 16:01:44 · answer #2 · answered by Evin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How wonderful! Yes, it's definitely possible. Many babies who are unable to breastfeed at first will eventually begin if given the opportunity. How great that you've been pumping to maintain your milk supply. If you've been able to pump to meet your baby's needs then she should be able to get plenty of milk at your breast. Expect that she'll nurse for 20 minutes or so every 2-3 hours. It's normal for babies to sometimes nurse more frequently and sometimes less; by following yoru baby's cues, you'll know if she's getting enough. You'll want to monitor her weight gain to be sure it stays consistent as you switch from pumping to breastfeeding. I'm sorry that you felt your local La Leche League Leader wasn't helpful. Remember that Leaders are volunteers and mothers with their own families. If you need additional support, you'll need to follow up with her. Most don't make house calls at all! The La Leche League website has lots of great information, too.
2007-10-22 15:15:02 · answer #3 · answered by cherikonline 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I am also going to have to agree with users ddawwnnw... and Do your own thinking!
You have pretty well been contradicting yourself. Just yesterday I read a post from you about buying formula on e-bay. Now you are going and trying to start breastfeeding again at 4 months (after you say you've been pumping this whole time) and now you are having cramping at 12 weeks pregnant. Maybe you should take your 14 year old butt off the computer and go do some homework! Do America (or is it Singapore... I get so confused cause you are constantly posting in both places) a favor and get on birth control before you really do end up pregnant.
2007-10-22 14:24:09 · answer #4 · answered by HappyGyrl 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Hard to predict what will happen but I think it is VERY COOL!
You won't have an abundance of milk during your pregnancy, (I recall a prior post; you are still pregnant?) but you will still produce some and the baby will benefit from it. The reality may be that some formula could be necessary, but you have to wait and see.
FYI- you may get advised about nursing while you are pregnant. If the pregnancy is going well it won't be a problem. I did it through 2 pregnancy's. But if you are threatened with preterm labor, you would be wise to take it easy and just cuddle with your daughter.
2007-10-22 13:02:36 · answer #5 · answered by Rocky Raccoon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never know it to happen. I would guess though, that you will begin to produce enough for her. Breastfeeding is supply and demand, as long as she is demanding you will supply. If she seams to be loosing weight then you should speak to her doctor.
edit: I am not sure of the acid reflux, but that could be from the formula, so it may calm down when you are fully breastfeeding. If she seams to still be hungry when you have dried, then supplement with a bottle until you milk supply responds to the demand.
2007-10-22 12:22:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
check if your local hospital has a (mothers resource center) for breastfeeding. They will usually weigh the baby before and after you feed. If your not producing enough milk you can take Fenugreek 3 pills 3X a day for 3 days. Believe me this Works. you will have plenty of milk. (Fenugreek is all natural you can get it at a local vitamin store.
-I nursed my daughter for 18 months ( she is now 3 years old) and now I have a new baby 8 weeks old.
2007-10-22 13:01:31 · answer #7 · answered by nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! I didn't know you asked this until a woman told me I should send you the milk I've been pumping! (I'm making TOO much!) Heheh! It's awesome she'd latch on like that! What a soldier! It's normal to want to start breastfeeding again, especially with all they hype about it and the good it does for babies that's going around.
Just nurse her often to bring up your supply, whenever you get the chance! She must be so happy! (I'm sure breastmilk tastes better than formula too!)
2007-10-22 14:47:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
well i think its amazing your milk hasn't dried up. And the only way i felt confident that my 3 babies were getting enough was to hav them weighed reguarly at a health clinic. If she is settling well after a feed then well done and good luck!! I loved breast feeding it is mad....
2007-10-22 12:24:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Too many variables to answer here. Call your local La Leche League (yellow pages) and a LLL person will come otu to your house and give you individualized training and info... for free!
2007-10-22 12:21:05 · answer #10 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋