Help-advice needed-breastfeedig

[shootingstar22]

I just can't do it anymore and it's only day one! Evie spent 2 hours on both my breasts earlier and was still begging for more. My nipples are bow just so damn sore! I don't know I an last until the better milk comes In. Midwifes were no help as they just sai I ha continue to breastfeed!

Can I not do at Lear one formula feed at night to tied Evie over and give my nipples a break? Anyone know how I can sooth my nipples...and will they toughen up in a fee days. I just feel like crying as I want to continue but it hurts soo much!

To too it off some woman is snoring and another is having a full blown picnic in her bay---seriously she chomping on crisps so loudly it's disgusting!

Plus side, little evangeline is sleeping in my chest soundly...she seems to like cuddled with mummy!

 

[Esoames]

Firstly congratulations!! Secondly, it does get easy, if it hurts when feeding somethings not right. Also if your nipple is a different shape, like a lipstick baby is not attaching correctly.

If you've had a section you will need help getting it right to start with, I know I did. Your nipples will soon toughen up, I barely notice Isla feeding now.

Make sure babys chin is touching boob and that she's taking a big mouthful of nipple. Xxxx

 

[shootingstar22]

That's the thing, she is latching on ok. It jutseems the sheer time she spends on them has really made them sore. Don't get me wring, the first couple of feeds she was on wrong, and my nipple was sucked into an odd shape, but now she goes on well. Wider if the first attempts have just stuffed up my nipples!

 

[Rayoflight]

Aw sweetheart, you poor thing. There is nothing worse than the labour ward!

You're tired, emotional, hormones all over the place. Whereabouts are you? I'll google lactation advisors in your area and pass on the info. You need someone patient and understanding to spend some time with you. Think these midwives in hospital are too stretched to have time to help people properly sometimes.

Have you got Lansinoh cream? If not, ask for it or get someone (your OH to buy it as soon as possible). This is a life saver.

At the moment she is learning. This is brand new to her and she's getting the hang of it. Her tummy is the size of a marble and she's getting literally a teaspoon of colostrum. Remember, we women are programmed to do this, our bodies and babies are amazing and it's all part of the process. It's so tough at first because you're so tired but I promise with all my heart it gets better and it's so very worth it.

I have found a nursing pillow (like a Boppy/my breast friend/widgey pillow) my lifesaver. I'm still using it now, right now infact, as it helps me get him to latch on properly. If someone could get you one of these today that will help too. It's one less thing to worry about and you have an extra hand in effect when using one.

The latching on position is the most important thing if you're to avoid sore nipples. Did you watch 'from bump to breastfeeding' DVD that they give you? That's really helpful for demonstrating the perfect way to get them to latch properly and why you need to. If you're able to access YouTube on your phone then there are lots of helpful videos there too.

Just remember to relax as much as you possibly can. Put your nipple to baby's nose so she can smell you and the milk and she should then open her mouth wide. Wait until it looks the the widest she will go and very very quickly aim your nipple towards the back of the roof of her mouth. She should take your whole nipple and a good lot of the areola too. If she's only half on or it's very painful take your pinky finger and gently put it into the corner of her mouth - she should release your nipple quickly. NEVER pull your nipple out of her mouth, this is what will make you so so sore. Always use your little finger to break her tight grip first.

You can do it! And I promise it gets so much easier and it's brilliant. As I write this I'm feeding my 3 month old and it's the best feeling in the world.

I hope you get better support from your midwives today. Let me know where you are and I'll do a bit of research for you, see if we can get you some support and a visit from a lactation support worker today.

You're doing an amazing job. You're a mummy now! And don't forget we are always here on PF to help you and give you advice.

Lots love, Gem xxx

 

[frankie707]

I know it's really tough but it will get better. It's great that she is already feeding from you - G didn't latch properly until day 3 and had caused loads of damage in the meantime and had to be suringe fed. So you're already doing so so well. As long as she's latching properly and you're slapping on the lansinoh nipple cream then you're nipples will toughen up - you just have to get through it. It is worth gutting it out I promise

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Aww hun, I remember that feeling so well! Lizzie didn't learn to feed properly until about a week old and midwives told me to 'keep going', which wasn't much help! My mum helped me in the end and it made the world of difference.
I think what made it worse is that you get told that babies know exactly what they're doing - NOT TRUE! They are learning too!
Try and stick with it if it's what you want to do, you will get through it!

Is she definitely feeding in those two hours on your boob or do you think she's just sucking? You can normally hear the swallows when they're feeding. If she's just sucking then take her off the boob and give her your little finger to suck (short nails!)

 

[Emmamb]

Definitely get some lansinoh cream! It's expensive but sooo worth it.

It does get easier,1st night with kieron he spent 6 hours on the breast,swapping every 10 mins! Then second night he was 4 hours doing the same. Then wen my milk came in he feeds every 1 1/2-3 hours for 10 mins at a time then settles straight back to sleep. My last son was exactly the same,I had my section at 10pm and he fed near on constantly all night then slept all day,but by the time I was discharged my milk was in and he also wasmore settled.

I actually said to my dh the other day that I don't know how 1st time mums manage to bf cos the only thing that kept me goin this time was that I knew it would get easier at day 3.

Get some cream on them nipples and also leave ur bra off if possible (won't b possible once milk comes in). Hope things get easier 4 u soon xxx

 

[Stunned]

It will get better hun! Check if she is actually feeding or just sucking. My Eva does use me as a dummy sometimes! If it's just sucking, give her your finger instead to give ur nips a break. Nipple cream is a lifesaver too.

 

[flexilexi394]

like the others have said, it gets so much easier. the first 2 nights i was feeding every 20 minutes non stop, and i thought god how am i going to carry on, but once your milk comes in and you get past them squirting milk everywhere lol youll be fine. i used nipple shields on day 3 as my nipples had taken a battering too, and lansinoh lanolin really is the best nipple cream in the world, i dunno what id do without it! youll be fine. xxx

 

[shootingstar22]

My poor nipples look like they haves blood blisters all over them. Problem is Evie has a very strong suckle so even latched on correctly it hurts. I broke down today, so shes had one feed of SmA as she hadn't eaten all day and the shields I have didn't seen to allow her to get any milk- I dint think I have much anyway. I will still breastfeed as much as I can, but will do a 7pm feed of formula every night just so I know she's getting enough

 

[Rowesb]

Have you a baby cafe near you? Try the breastfeeding helpline if not and see if they can link
You to a bosom buddy. Lanisinoh cream, you can get this on prescription applied like buttercream after each feed (warm it between your fingers to get it on) and try different positions to relieve the pressure on the sore area. I have yet to find anyone who didn't find the first few weeks hardest, but as someone else said you are both learning. Just remember that you cannot compare formula like for like to breast milk, it is also easier for baby to get so she may not to like to work so hard on you, try and keep it as a last resort, if she is peeing she is getting enough

 

[shootingstar22]

Well you will be pleased to know that a lovely midwife gave me the time of day and showed me loads of different positions. She was shocked at the marks on my nips, but said baby clearly is latching on well...just need to change positions. Baby is feeding on my right boob rugby ball style and I am a happy mummy.

Thank you all for your help, really boosted my confidence and made me feel better!x

 

[Tasha89]

I find the rugby ball postition LOADS easier on my right side and she goes on the left normally. I do occassionally put her on the 'normal' way on my right as it's easier if out in public.
Glad you're feeling loads better
Babies feed a LOT in the first week or so initially to help your milk come in and secondly to regulate a constant supply.
It gets a heck of a lot easier - you're doing a great job mama! x

 

[Rayoflight]

So pleased you've had some support. It gets easier, promise. Well done you! Xxx

 

[Rowesb]

for fab midwife

 

[Stunned]

Oh thats great to know that you've got some proper support and advice from a midwife at last! I found the first 2 weeks the most difficult but it does get better! And so much more easier.

Today I went to a Tobys carvery for dinner and confidently fed Eva in public with only a muslin for my modesty, without any problems at all. No one noticed or cared. So much easier than getting a bottle, heating it up and needing 2 hands to feed her.

I made a couscious decision last week to carry on the breastfeeding long term and got some more nursing bras. Up till then, I was still thinking "I'll feed her for 6 weeks so that she benefits from it - not thinking about what happens beyond" And now here we are - 8 weeks and still going!

 

[Rayoflight]

Well done Stunned!

Blake will be 3 months old on Monday and it still feels like breastfeeding is in it's infancy for us (if that makes sense?). I had intended to EBF him until 6 months then stop but I'm now aiming for a year.

 

[Rayoflight]

Sorry shootingstar22, thread hijacking! Xxx

 

[JJ Mum]

Well done for hanging in there Shooty Star - brilliant

I got no help on hosp too despite telling them I was new to BF, in the end I gave up trying normal positions and for all the days I was in used rugby ball style till I got home and could try different position on my BF pillow in peace and less stress. Once milks in it's easier. Def get that cream tho, Lansinoh we love you X