BF Help - LC is MIA tonight.

[CPAMOM]

I have a DS that is 10 days old. He just passed his checkup with flying colors....Back up past his birth weight!

Questions:

1. He is feeding every 2 hours. Do you feed 10 minutes (or so) on each boob? or .... do you feed one boob for as long as possible, then switch to the other boob for the next feeding?

2. He is not latching on properly because it HURTS! I am trying to cram as much of the nipple and surrounding patch, but he doesn't like to take everything. What can I do to improve this issue?

Thanks soooo much...

[Sputterduck]

Feed as long as he wants.

I only fed on one side each time, but I had bad overactive letdown.

As for the latching, put your boob lightly against his mouth until he opens really wide and then bring his head up to latch. Sometimes it takes awhile for them to open all the way.

[Amy_G_]

If you are sore, you can switch back and forth every 15-20 minutes. Or you can put em on one side and leave him there for a feeding to give the other boob "time off." you'll have to see what works for you and him.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/index.html

especially check out the http://www.kellymom.com/bf/start/basics/latch-resources.html

there are even videos.

for pain relief, take motrin before nursing, it lasts 6-8 hours. try different positions for nursing, so he's putting pressure on a different "side" of your nipple at each feeding. warm water soaks occasionally for the boob (stick it in a bowl of warm water if you gotta) let air dry, rub in breastmilk if no chance of thrush going on and let air dry. consider lanisoh ointment as well. air time and even some sunshine helps with healing (no flashing the neighbors, and no sunburns)

[Sputterduck]

Oo! The lansinoh is a great idea! I second that. It's a lifesaver and totally safe for your baby to ingest (since it'll be on your nipple).

[Earthmama]

I 2nd feeding as long as he wants on one side - that ensures he's getting fatty hindmilk. When I tried switch-nursing DS in the beginning, he had green stools from a lack of hind milk - but when I let him nurse on through on the one side, they yellowed. Also, after 10 minutes, he would often be too sleepy to relatch, but if I let him continue, he'd continue to suckle for quite some time.

Also, check to be sure his tongue is sitting on top of his lower lip, and that the lip is turned out. With both of mine I had to tug on their lower lip with my finger to turn it out when they latched during the first couple of weeks.

Good luck.

[Earthmama]

Oh, and love your Lansinoh! I agree.

[CPAMOM]

It looks like he has blisters on his lips. Is this normal? (I can't believe I have forgotten everything since DS #1 - and it's only been a year!)

[nicurn]

Blisters on his lips means he's clenching them on your breast to maintain his latch. My suggestion takes a little bit of acrobatic skill, but if you have another persont to help, you shouldn't have a problem.

First, support your breast the way you would support a stacker-type deli sandwich: hold it between fingers and thumb a couple of inches away from your nipple so that the line of the "sandwich" (flat part of the breast) is parallel to the line of your baby's closed mouth.

Once your baby is latched, continue to hold your breast in this support position for a few minutes. Release the support slowly, watching your baby for signs that his latch is slipping. If it slips at all, then continue to support your breast through the whole feeding.

Second, once your baby is latched, look at his lips. Are they pinched, or flanged (turned outward)? If they are pinched, lay a finger on the skin just above (or below, for the lower lip) the lip and as your baby sucks, pull gently to flange them. Another person will likely be able to do this more easily.

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time!

[Nipple_nectar]

Congrats on your new baby and the decision to BF!:) I agree that positioning will help you, the football hold seems to good, if you need more control, what position are you using? Using a positioner like a boppy will really help if you are large breasted. You can also roll a washcloth and place it under the breast you are nursing from to help align the areola.

Let him nurse at the first side as long as he wants to, allow him to fall off himself. Then burp, stimulate, change diapers and then offer the second side and again allow him to stay as long as he wants.

Watching the video tutorial here, will help with the good latch versus bad latch: www.drjacknewman.com

Here is a good reminder of what to expect in the first few weeks: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing.html

[AlrightyRoo]

This is my favorite video for latch. It is soooo clear!

http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/started/latch_on.aspx

[CPAMOM]

How long will it take the blisters to go away? I have found a local LLL meeting to go to for some extra support....but changing to the football hold made a HUGE difference. Thanks Ladies.

[nicurn]

It can take a week or more, depending on how often the area is still stimulated. I hope you enjoy the LLL meeting!

[JenniferH]

You've gotten great advice. My only other suggestion is to make sure he is not turning his head to latch. His whole body should be facing you.