Sleep/breastfeeding issues

[Rósa]

in her crib, she will only sleep on us. She was the same in hospital, I didn't sleep there at night all I seem to do is breastfeed, the she sleeps on my chest for 30 mins then spends another hour feeding,

I'm to afraid to co sleep so unless she sleeps in her crib, me or my partner dont sleep, (though he gets more sleep than me cos he doesnt feed her) as she sleeps on us

also is it normal to constantly feed for 1-2 hous then stop for 30/40 mins then start again? my nipples are so sore

 

[smess26]

K done that it it could be.comfort.sucking.
I Ann sorry.not hun help hun but maybe one of the other girls.who are nd may help you x x x

 

[amyjayne77]

Totally normal. She probably not even realised she's not still part of you yet so naturally wants to be close.

It can be sore to start with. Invest in Lansinoh nipple cream, it's a godsend!!

You might notice she cluster feeds like this til around 4-6 weeks when your supply becomes established and her tummy gets a little bigger. I PROMISE, it does get easier!!!

What you're doing is fine xx

 

[PinkPunch]

She just doesn't want to leave her mummy does she! She's definitely comfort sucking which is very draining you on you, my daughter used to do this too.

How would you feel about offering a dummy after she appears to have got all the milk from you? Perhaps lie on her crib bedding for one night and put it back in so your smell is in there and swaddle her?

Sounds harsh but she will have to learn to fall asleep herself for your own sake. I hope others give you better advice x

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Aww hun, I remember how hard those first few days are, but like Amyjayne says, it DOES get better!! If you can't hear/see her swallowing when she's on your boob, try giving her your little finger to suck instead, it might help.

In terms of sleeping, IMO it's too early to leave a baby to cry to sleep, I didn't do that till 6 weeks, but you can try swaddling her really nice and tight (with her arms by her sides), and fill her crib with rolled up blankets to make it really small and cosy. I gave up with crib/moses basket tbh and got a phil&ted carrycot which is really small and could fit on the bed between me and OH. Then it's similar to co sleeping but Lizzie had a bit of protection. I would lay next to it with my little finger for her to suck and she'd eventually drop off.

It's really just a case of trying lots of different things to see what works for you/Caitlin, and waiting it out!! I think the worst thing is not knowing when it's gonna get better, but just try to take one night at a time. Try your best not to get stressed as this can pass through to her and make things worse. Keeping going hun, you're doing really well

 

[PinkPunch]

How old is she rosa? I can't see tickers on my phone. But from what the others have said she sounds quite young yet.

 

[Rayoflight]

I think she is a few days old off memory.

Rosa - YOU'RE AMAZING!!!! well done mama. You're doing everything right we promise.

It's tough at the beginning. She is learning to feed just like you are too. Lansinoh cream - get it slapped on constantly. It's the only one that doesn't need to be removed before a feed so well worth it. When she is more established at the feeding, try some Medela nipple shields these really help. Don't introduce until she feeds well though.

Has your milk come in yet? Just because I know you've had a c section and you were worried about it coming in.

Remember her tummy is teeny tiny. Think i've posted this pic for you before but here it is again, tummy marbles:

So because it's small, it needs filling often as it empties quicker until it grows.

Rest as much as you can, get everyone else to wait on you and just enjoy the closeness with Caitlin. Also it might seem like a pain but enjoy her sleeping on your chest. I really really miss that. He won't do it anymore, he just wants to look around and won't stay still. Those were my favourite moments in the early days when he would sleep on my chest. I tried to always do it skin to skin too for both of us.

Anyway I'm babbling but well done. You're doing the most wonderful job for your daughter and we all promise it gets easier and is so worth it!

Xxxx

 

[Rósa]

Thank you all, feel much better now. midwife called today and weighed her, she hasn't lost much weight so she got to be eating! she watched her latch on an said she a little pro at it and what she doing is right as she encorouging my milk to come in, which she said it is starting too.

We do like her sleeping on us, feels special, she will get it, she is only 3 days old. it just feels like she always been here lol.

 

[inky]

ahhh.....sounds like you're doing a brilliant job xx

 

[Rayoflight]

Thank you all, feel much better now. midwife called today and weighed her, she hasn't lost much weight so she got to be eating! she watched her latch on an said she a little pro at it and what she doing is right as she encorouging my milk to come in, which she said it is starting too.

We do like her sleeping on us, feels special, she will get it, she is only 3 days old. it just feels like she always been here lol.

Aww that just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I miss the early days. Xxx

 

[PinkPunch]

Rosa I didn't realise she was only a few days old and i was suggesting a dummy lol sorry! Thought she was older. Yeah she's just building up your supply which is great!! x

 

[ShadowWolf]

Just wanted to offer my support as another breatfeeding mummy, it does get better, I promise You may feel like a zombie for a few weeks but eventually you will come out the other side.

xxx