Breastfeeding help

[jpippin]

My daughter is 5 weeks old and for 4 weeks now I have been pumping my breastmilk and giving her a bottle at almost every feeding. I started this because my nipples became really sore and were bleeding. I thought I was only going to do the pumping for a couple of days till they healed but I kept it up. The main reason I kept pumping was because I knew how much she was eating. However, now that she is becoming more alert during the day it is harder to pump after I give her a bottle. I would like to spend time with her and not attached to a pump. Yesterday, I breastfeed her and had success on one breast but when I offered her the other she had a difficult time latching on. This maybe because I have a knot on my nipple about as round as a nickel. I really would like to breastfeed her as much as possible but how do I get over my insecurity about her getting enough to eat and knowing when she is full?

[blessedbythree]

Sorry I have no words of wisdom for you but you may want to post this on the general breastfeeding board as it gets more traffic. I know someone will be able to help.

[EAshley]

The nipple soreness and bleeding are a pretty common problem. Have you tried rubbing a little milk or colostrum on your nipple and areola after feeding? Also, you can try squeezing a little out before you start to soften things up.

As for your worries about your baby getting enough to eat, if you're getting in between 8 and 12 feedings a day and your baby seems satisfied, you should be fine. Every baby is different though so there are no hard and fast rules. There's a Q and A section on this site by Amy Spangler called "Is Your Baby Getting Enough to Eat?" (http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/spangler_anwers1.html) that you might want to check out. I also really like her breastfeeding books (http://www.amysbabies.com/breastfeeding_products/breastfeeding_books.html) because they have quite a bit of really good info about figuring out the right amount for your baby.

Hope that helps. I know this stuff can be tough.

[GirlsMama]

Sore nipples in the beginning is normal, I had sore nipples with all three girls. I would just nurse her as much as you can, still pump to keep your supply up but always nurse her first. She will let you know if she is hungry by fussing or rooting, and you will know she has enough if she has at least I believe it is 6 wets a day.

And yes, taking this question to the General board will get more answers.

[tiff25]

First of all don't give up. A baby won't starve itself any more than you would. If her diaper is wet and she is still pooping then she is eating plenty. Remember what goes in must come out. When she is full she will pull off and not want any more. Hope this helps!

[hedixo01]

I had a very similar problem. My nipples were sore and cracked, so I pumped for about a day, and then I used lanolin after every feeding. I know some people don't like lanolin, but it was a lifesaver. I currently work and still pump, so sometimes DS and I have a hard time nursing after a day of bottles, but I just let him eat what he will. If he doesn't nurse long (which happens often) I just pump if I'm feeling uncomfortable. It also might be the knot you're referring to. Keep up the good work!