Help please, new baby

[SR35]

Hi guys, I gave birth on Sat morning to a little girl. She only weighed 5lb 15 but she did latch on straightaway and it seemed to be going well. However now she is latching on and it is soooo painful but then after a few seconds she just stops and goes to sleep. But then when I pit her in her Moses basket she starts crying and sucking her hand. So I get her back again and then the same thing happens. I'm really worried she isn't getting anything and her weight was already low. She is sometimes a bit sick tho and her nappies are full so is this a good sign that maybe she is getting some? Thanks for any advice....Sarah xxx

 

[Maud]

Congratulations

Little and often is the key at this stage. Your milk won't have come in yet, so she'll be getting the nutrient rich colostrum. When it does come in you will produce more milk the more she feeds. You have to trust your baby to feed as much as she needs (and not restrict this), but lots of wet and dirty nappies are a very good sign. Have you got the little NHS guide to breastfeeding? Ask your midwife for it if you haven't. It has a good little guide to signs your baby is getting enough milk.

For the pain, ask your midwife to check her latch and use a good quality nipple cream such as Lansinoh. Your nipples will toughen up, but a good latch is very important.

It's normal for them to fall asleep feeding, but you can try stroking her face, pressing her palms, tickling her neck or gently pumping her arms to encourage her to drink more first.

Good luck!

 

[Sprk]

I agree with with Maud. Little and often is the key and you've got to trust your lo and body. I've had a few rough days here too (Emily is only 6 days), but I think they are getting better. Contact your mw or hv for any help you need

 

[cam]

Congratulations!
Sounds like you are doing brilliantly with feeding, all sounds normal use lots off lanisoh its a lifesaver, the pain will go soon and she should feed longer when your milk is in x

 

[Pin badge]

Congratulations, You sound like you're doing great!
New babies have tiny tummies so will feel full quite quickly, I remember seeing this pic in the early days which helped me get my head round it. For the first couple of weeks we had to wake DD to feed...stripping her off, changing nappy, cold flannels the lot! Maybe you could try changing her nappy after she falls asleep and then trying her at the breast again, she may take a little more.
It's worth noting too that she could suck her hands for a number of reasons...maybe just exploring, using for comfort, DD does this when she's tired for example.
Wet nappies is a great sign that they're feeding well but don't be afraid to ask your MW or HVs advice if you're worried.xxx

 

[Pin badge]

Meant to say too don't be afraid to take painkillers if your nipples get too sore, I did as it got to the point I wasn't sure I wanted to carry on breastfeeding. Make it as comfortable as possible for yourself, I'm 15 weeks in now and so glad I persevered. Lanisoh will be your friend too! Xx

 

[SR35]

Thanks everyone, had another night the same with Poppy crying every time I put her back but falling asleep as soon as she hit the breast! The midwife was really helpful yesterday showing me how to hold her for feeding and she had a really good feed while she was there. Just wish she would do that more often! Yes I've been using the nipple cream and cabbage in my bra, also on painkillers anyway because of the pain from the episiotomy. Also the midwife lent me an electric pump so if it gets too painful I can always express some. I will persevere as I know that the first few weeks are always hard and we are both trying to figure it all out. Thanks again for all the advice. xx

 

[Sprk]

Try tilting one end of her bed. Mine has trouble sleeping flat -noticed it before leaving the hosp- and the mw's tilted her cot. It's been a big help. Apparently she has a bit of reflux from time to time, but thus kerosene everything at bay send her nice and calm.

 

[Jajis]

Unless you are massively engorged I would stop using the cabbage leaves in your bra - the reason that people use them when they have mastitis is because they can dry up your milk (god knows how that works?!), which obviously you don't want the rest of the time!

I've heard good things about Medela Hydrogel pads, which can soothe sore breasts and help promote healing. Not sure where you get them from though I'm afraid, as I only heard about them after we'd got through the massively painful few weeks.

 

[solinne]

helloooooooooooooooo