i had a baby 3 days ago and i am kind of wanting to breast feed. my right breast is very sore and is very heavy im not sure if that is normal or not. and is it too late to try to start and breastfeed?
2007-12-26 18:14:08 · 17 answers · asked by <3 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
if i try it and dont like it then what do i do?
2007-12-26 18:28:27 · update #1
Breast-feeding, or nursing, is the practice of nourishing an infant with the milk in the human breast. Full-term babies have a natural suckling instinct, and breast-feeding comes naturally to most as soon as they leave the womb. After delivery, levels of prolactin, the hormone that triggers milk product, begin to rise in the body. At first, babies feed on a nutrient-rich substance known as colostrum, which is produced by the breast before milk production begins. New mothers will experience engorgement in the days following the birth of their babies, where breast milk "comes in" and engorges the breasts.
You have to practice and drain out the milk already stored in the breasts during which time you will feel some difficulty. After some time you will feel it easier to feed the baby. -
2007-12-26 18:33:24 · answer #1 · answered by Jayaraman 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No it's not too late! Your milk probably 'came in' that's why your breast is so sore. You should still have a lot of milk, and the sooner you get baby on your breast, the easier it will be. If you have problems latching, speak to a lactation consultant. Contact a La Leche League consultant in your area (http://www.llli.org) or phone the hospital where you gave birth, they should be able to point you in the right direction. The baby should take your nipple and a good part of the areola. If you can't get baby to latch immediately, get some nipple shields, this well help a lot and you won't have to stress about latch.
Good luck and congrats with the little one!
*Edit*: As to your last update... if you don't like it, then you can always express and give the baby a bottle or switch back to formula. It's best to stick to either breast milk or formula though as switching back and forth this early, can cause your baby some serious cramping (and stomach pain). Try breastfeeding, it's very rewarding... most women enjoy the experience - I know I do. When my son is super cranky, nothing calms him more (or faster) than nursing. We both love being that close to each other.
Breastfeeding takes some work, it's a learning experience for you both, don't get discouraged. Just keep putting baby to your breast and give both of you some time to learn. I had such a hard time breastfeeding, my son wouldn't latch properly, and for 5 weeks I pumped exclusively. I then started to re-introduce him to my breast and he's now used to taking both bottles and my breast. It can be done... just be stubborn and don't take "no" for an answer. And your baby will benefit so much from your breastmilk.
Good luck!
2007-12-27 02:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by elainevdb 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not too late, even moms who adopt children can sometimes breastfeed. At 3 days, your milk is just barely coming in. It's normal to be heavy, it's called engorgement. You keep nursing and it will both relieve the pain and help your baby.
The two of you need to learn how to nurse. You will be nursing what seems like constantly for a few weeks. If you can make little goals it helps: make it to 2 weeks, past the 3 and 6 week growth spurts and you'll be home free.
If you feel like you need help, call your local La Leche League, sometimes they can send someone to visit you, or at least let you know when a meeting might be so that you can get some help.
If you honestly try to nurse your baby for at least 7 weeks and you don't like it, you can always switch to a bottle. However, I never hear women say, "I wish I'd switched to a bottle sooner" but I hear lots of women say "I wish I'd breastfed longer."
Call your the lactation consultant at the hospital where you delivered, they can help you get the baby latched on and give you some pointers.
Good luck!
2007-12-27 04:23:12 · answer #3 · answered by maegs33 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you had your baby 3 days ago chances are good that your milk hasn't actually come in yet. Your body is producing colostrum right now which is great for baby as well.
Put baby to breast and go for it. Your milk will come in in the next 1-4 days.
If you don't like it then stop and make a bottle. Breastfeeding is best but if it isn't for you then, fine, formula feed.
2007-12-27 02:36:59 · answer #4 · answered by ~ Amanda ~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you're still producing milk by all means breastfeed. They will be sore especially if you're not breast feeding. Once the baby starts to latch on it will relieve some pressure. Its normal to sore when you're full. May take some time to get use to breastfeeding but its a wonderful experience for baby and you. Don't give up
2007-12-27 02:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by Latteladybug 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would start with pumping the milk and using a bottle since the baby has used that thus far. This will let him/her get use to the taste (if you've been using formula).
If he/she takes to the taste within a day - I'd switch to the breast.
The nipple won't be the same as the bottle and it may take a few days for the baby to get the hang of it but keep at it - making sure you still feed with bottle so baby doesn't go hunger while trying to adjust.
Don't get discouraged - if your nipples are small the baby may not take to them at all - this is not your fault so don't be upset if baby only wants the bottle.
2007-12-27 02:22:41 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly R 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't really know but if you want to try to breast feed you should start right away. If you wait much longer it will be too late. Good for you breastfeeding is soooo good for the baby. Your baby will be healthier and will not get sick as often. It will help you bond with your baby also.
2007-12-27 02:19:48 · answer #7 · answered by frenchielove4ever 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
your right breast is probably sore cos ur milk has prob come in and thats normal,its not too late to feed ur baby breast milk so long as he/she isnt depended on the bottle.
2007-12-27 02:29:40 · answer #8 · answered by shaz70a 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Within the first week is a good time to start breastfeeding your local wic office has lactation nurses to help show you how to get started it is very simple because it is natural for the baby to want to breastfeed if you find it difficult please call the pedi. or lactation nurse it always was a big help for me
2007-12-27 08:47:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is never too late to start! :o) And good for you for wanting to have a go at it. This webiste: kellymom.com is a great breastfeeding resource, referred to a lot by la-leche-league leaders. You can read up on engorgement, pain, correct latch, breast massage, pumping, etc, etc. It was a great resource to me as I was a new breastfeeding mommy.
2007-12-27 02:18:27 · answer #10 · answered by momof2kiddos 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋