My son is 9 days old I have been nursing him since birth. And right from the start he prefered my left breast to my right. What can I do to change that. He'll eat from the right but not for long he spits it out. My other problem is I got a pump the day before yesterday and every time I pump I can only get 2-3 oz total. Is this normal for the beginning? I'm clueless this is my first child.
2007-11-03 04:27:49 · 6 answers · asked by Gabby 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
First of all, two or three ounces at this point is awesome! That's a lot for having a nine day old, so your milk's great. As for preferring one breast to the other, have you tried giving him the left breast first? He may do better on that breast if he's really hungry. Also try holding him in different positions while you nurse. Sometimes it's more comfortable to hold him on one side, and he is more comfortable nursing on that side. Just continue trying, and he'll eventually come around. It sounds like you really are doing great!
2007-11-03 04:34:36 · answer #1 · answered by momof3 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you're getting a lot when you pump! It's normal for a mom who is pumping along with nursing to only get an ounce or two. A breastfed baby will usually take 2-4 ounces of milk every couple of hours, so you're pumping an entire feeding at once.
Right now you and your baby are still learning about breastfeeding. It's best to wait to start pumping for a few weeks, when your milk supply is well established. For now, relax and just enjoy your new baby!
It's also normal for babies to prefer one side to the other. Perhaps your right breast isn't making as much milk as your left, or maybe he finds the left easier to latch on to. It's entirely possible to breastfeed from only one breast, but you can encourage him to nurse on the right by offering it first at most feedings, offering it when he's mostly asleep, nursing him in a sling or in the bathtub so he feels relaxed and secure. As long as he's growing well and having lots of wet and poopy diapers, you'll know he's getting plenty of milk. You don't really need to worry about this unless it really bothers you.
2007-11-03 16:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by cherikonline 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some babies just prefer a certain breast. If your son likes the left breast he may just like to lay more on his right side. Try the football hold, which will allow him to lay more on his right side while nursing off your right side.
As for pumping, if you can get 2-3 oz with a 9 day old baby, you must have an awesome supply. For most moms, myself included, when you pump after nursing or between nursings, they are lucky to get 1 oz. It usually takes several times pumping to get enough for your baby to eat in one feeding. Sounds like you are going great. Congrats on breastfeeding!
2007-11-03 04:42:53 · answer #3 · answered by howdesdoit 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's very normal for a baby to prefer one breast to the other. In the beginning, the only way my little one would take the right breast was if I had her in a football hold. It really helped to do this with the Boppy pillow, which was a lifesaver for me when I started nursing. Once they get the hang of it, they can nurse upside down ... anywhere, anyhow, anytime :)
As for the pumping, that's great to have 2-3 oz. from the beginning! Good luck and enjoy your little one!
2007-11-03 04:41:25 · answer #4 · answered by kiddos 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, your baby is nursing and using up all your supply, you'll not get a whole lot when you pump. Beyond that, its hard to relax for let down with a breast pump. Try using it when baby is in the room with you crying, or when you're holding baby across your lap. The sight, smell and sound of him will help your milk let down.
Yes, its normal for baby to have one boob he likes better. It'll change as he gets older. Each breast has a different flow, so one might let down faster with a greater flow than the other, so it makes him spit a lot of it out. Dont worry about it. Just keep nursing as usual, your milk will regulate, and he will strengthen in his nursing, and it will fade.
2007-11-03 04:31:33 · answer #5 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is normal to get very little when pumping. A pump is not even closely as efficient as your baby.
As far as the preference, I don't know. Just keep trying to offer the right, I would think eventually he will somewhat submit. Try changing the positions on the unpreferred side.
2007-11-03 04:37:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anasmom 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋