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Help needed with breastfeeding

Discussion in 'Breast Feeding' started by ptamil2007, Mar 10, 2008.

  1. ptamil2007

    ptamil2007 Gold IL'ite

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    Hi ladies,

    My baby is around 3 weeks old and I have some challenges with breastfeeding:

    First week he didnt know to latch on, now-a-days he has learnt it.
    But he holds the nipple area so tightly that it really hurts very badly.

    He keeps sucking for an hour or so, let it be day time or night time.

    I am not sure is this because he generally sucks very slowly or is my milk coming out very slowly?

    Also at hospital they suggested to apply Bepanthen cream over the nipple area to prevent cracks. Ihave been doing it but it doesnt seem to help

    Its becoming more and more difficult when he sucks for a longer time, I am not able to feed him for the next feed time.

    Please advise!!!!
     
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  2. dsrini

    dsrini Bronze IL'ite

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    Pavi

    Don't worry. Most of us have gone thru' this phase. For me from the day 1 I had soreness & very tender nipple. I used to cry a lot but don't worry its just the beginning phase & will get better pretty soon.

    Apply breast milk in ur breasts(best anti-bacterial [all anti-bad things]), this will definitely help.

    Please check this link:

    Cracked or bleeding nipples - BabyCenter

    Don't give up, coz once u get over this u both will get a great bonding also great pleasure from this.(just from my experience)

    Hope this helps.

    DSrini
     
  3. vkrithika1

    vkrithika1 Gold IL'ite

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    hi,

    Almost all the ladies face this problem.Recently my cousin had this problem and someone suggested to buy pump.You can suck out the milk through the pump and store the milk and feed him when he is hungry.She followed this method.Now she is feeling much better.Now she is also getting more milk.

    you will get the pump in bigger shopping malls.

    In US Most of the moms use this method.
     
  4. ptamil2007

    ptamil2007 Gold IL'ite

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    Thanks dsrini a lot. That was quite informative.

    Kritika thanks for your reply. I do have the breast pump. It also hurts, but I use it only when occassionally needed
     
  5. Neesha

    Neesha Senior IL'ite

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    Hi

    Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
    My son was born premature and was in hospital for 15 days. He also couldn't latch on properly in the beg. I must thank the amazing nursing sisters and the tough paedratrician who insisted that only breastmilk must be fed to the baby cos the digestive system is immature.
    At times it was so frustrating but they tried even with a nipple shield. Eventually he latched on. Remember baby must latch on to the breast not just to the nipple. If he is only latching onto the nipple put your finger between the breast and mouth and break the suction and help him latch again.

    Secondly I was also feeding baby for an hour at a time. Imagine 6 -7 feeds taking 6-7 hours. I was tired and stressed. He'd drink, doze off, suck again. Because we were so worried and we wanted him to put on weight we continued. However on my visit to the paed for his checkup I told him abt this. The doctor said babies can empty mum's breast in 8 minutes. He said let him feed for 8 minutes on one breast, burp him then change to the next breast for another 8 minutes. Thereafter feed him after an interval of 21/2 to 3 hours. He said baby was using me as a DUMMY (pacifier). It really worked - I kept him 10 minutes max on each breast. I also had a dummy for him especially at night.

    Your nipples must be sore cos he's latching onto the nipple - if there are nursing sisters or a baby clinic nearby go for advice there. Lansinoh lanolin nipple cream works magic. see if you can get it.

    Good luck and take care
    Neesha
     
  6. ptamil2007

    ptamil2007 Gold IL'ite

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    That was what worrying me that if I take it out will he get enough milk.

    But if I try to take it out, he starts crying all over again and doesnt get pacified without latching on...
     
  7. Aadhusmom

    Aadhusmom Gold IL'ite

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    The 8 mins rule only works when the baby is much older. A newborn will not be able to empty your breast in 8 mins. I would suggest giving him atleast 30 mins nursing time on one side before switching sides. Pavi, the first mnth is really tough but if you hang on (like Dhivya said) it will become the easiest thing in the world. The lanolin is a great idea as is applying a little breast milk on the nipple after each feed and letting it air-dry before covering the breast. Also use a good nursing bra day and night. Try to get a doc/nurse to check his latch when you feed - they will be able to help you with proper positioning (the whole areola needs to be in his mouth for good latching). Dont give up...

    Vanathi.
     
  8. SupriyaDinesh

    SupriyaDinesh Silver IL'ite

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    Hi ptamil,
    I would like to give some tips based my experience.

    1.Before letting your baby latch on express some milk by hand and keep ready..so that the hungry baby wont hurt u much.
    2.Drink warm water b4 and after nursing.
    3.if Possible take warm shower before first feed
    4.Fluid intake must be enormous- water,soups,juices
    5. Dont avoid feeding coz of pain..apply cream.

    My son would cry a lot if i eat the following

    1.Mushrooms 2. Chana dal vada 3.deep fried items..

    Find you which one makes your baby cry(especially in the evening)

    Babies tend to have growth spurts now and then.. they wil nurse every few hrs during that period.. dont mistake that milk is insufficient.

    Food items that help to increase milk supply

    1.Garlic - Pressure cook 3-4 cloves of garlic with milk.. mash well and mix with honey
    2.Black chana salad- soak,cook bkack chana,season and eat
    3.Fish



    Hope it helps.
     
  9. ptamil2007

    ptamil2007 Gold IL'ite

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    Thanks Vanathi for the advice. When he cries a lot, he holds it on all the more tighter.
    However despite all the pain, I shall not give up.

     
  10. ptamil2007

    ptamil2007 Gold IL'ite

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    Thank you Supriya for your valuable tips.
    Yesterday only my SIL was mentioning to me about growth spurts and so his need to feed frequently.

    All replies have been quite useful. Thanks a lot


     

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