Help, I'm a New Mum

[BelindaL]

Hi,
My bub is 1 week old (Annaleise Kate) and is feeding really well. I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advise?

1. I have been feeding from one side only, each feed. Should I only feed from 1 side each feed? I find it really hard to stop her & pull her off in the middle of a feed, so I've just been alternating each time.

2. How long should she feed for? Her feeds had been varying from 10 - 15 mins and just today she's started feeding 20mins, then fussing a bit, change the nappy, then has a little comfort feed to fall off to sleep.

3. I did my first expression today (the old nipples are starting to get a big raw) will doing this make me produce more milk? If so, how will I slow it down again when I don't need so much anymore?

4. I haven't actually fed her from the bottle yet but when I do (prob tonight), will this give her nipple confusion when she feeds from me again?

I would be really greatful for some advise, answers. Thanx ladies :thumbsup:

[kadownie]

Firstly, congratulations on your new bub!!

I have twins which I have breastfed, and I've only ever given them one side only- even if you are wanting to offer two side, I would feed on the fullest side first until your bub comes off by herself (and you can feel that your breast has emptied), give her a burb and then offer the other side. If she's still wanting more she will take some more from the other side. I wouldn't be taking her off one side to give her the other in the middle of her feeding. Throughout the feed the milk changes- it becomes more fatty- and more filling- so it's best to just let her feed until she's ready to come off.

As for time, that varies as well. When mine were little it was common for them to feed up to 45 mins...I know, a long time, but they need it. Again, just feed until she's had enough. Burb, offer some more and then you'll know she's full.

As for expressing, your milk supply works on demand, the more you feed/express, the more your body will make. (providing all is well) I used to express at the about the same time every day and about the same amount. So it's fine to express- just know that it will increase your supply (your supply will still be settling down though). Just be aware of the symptoms of a blocked duct/mastitis...and you'll be fine.

Can't remember what else you asked.
If I've got anything wrong I'm sure someone will correct what I've said, please..
The Australian Breastfeeding Association have great info and support- it might be worth having a look at their website - http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Congratulations again!!;)

[kadownie]

Just found your question about nipple confusion- with my twins they had bottles with EBM from day one- and both of them have had trouble with nipple confusion- my little boy was terrible- we decided that he wouldn't have a bottle- we would feed him from a syringe or a cup- there would be more info on the Australian Breastfeeding association.

One of the things to remember is that the flow from the breast is different than from the bottle- and so babies can get a preference for the bottle because it has a constant fast flow- which can mean they struggle on the breast becasue they are frustrated. they also suck differently from the bottle- so it can mean their attachment on the breast is wrong (which is what's happened with both of mine- and it's annoying)

anyway- just wanted to share my experience.

[draught]

Congratulations on your baby's arrival - lovely name!!

Kylie has given you great advice already. Re the nipple confusion - breastfeeding experts say to try and avoid the bottle until your breastfeeding relationship is well established - in a few weeks time. At the one week mark I was expressing and feeding my DD2 as we were having attachment issues (which turned out to be mine not hers) and I was waiting to see a lactation consultant - she recommended cup feeding and it worked really well. I used a medicine cup and would hold it up to her mouth and her little tongue would lap it up - she was still getting her milk but there was no nipple confusion once we got my problem (of holding the breast into the wrong shape:rolleyes: ) sorted out. If you are trying to give your nipples a break give that a go.

[elissas]

One side per feed is great. You need to make sure she finishes one breast before offering the other, or you increase your risk of getting mastitis.

Plus, if you pulled her off half way and switched her over she may get too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk.

Count your blessings, it's much easier - no to-ing and fro-ing. DS is a one boob per feed bub and it's great.

[mamachops]

Congratulations.

I only used to feed from one side, and would take DD off after 20 mins as advised by the midwife.

To be honest, I had such painful nipples I needed to rest one side for a few hours, and she gained weight fine off one side.

Nipple confusion - never quite worked out what this was. I HAD to pump and feed. I was in so much pain and she was vomiting pink milk from my bleeding nipples that I was going to stop bfing otherwise. I was really worried about 'nipple confusion'. However, I only pumped one side for 24 hours at a time to rest one side. When I cup fed, she wore most of it! Incidentally, I was using Avent newborn bottles/teats. I don't know if this made a difference.

Anyway, she was happy, my nipples finally settled down and I fully BF now. I don't think we got any confusion, she went from one to another quite happily, although once I pumped for more than a day and I noticed she wasn't opening her mouth to the breast very well, so we stopped pumping for a bit.. Maybe we were just lucky.

If your nipples are getting sore, I would advise Lansinoh or Avent sore nipple cream ASAP, and check the websites someone posted to make sure your latch is OK.

Good luck.

[tanni_83]

Firstly Congratulations.
I agree with everything all the other ladies have said.
From my knoweldge though you arnt supposed to feed from a bottle for the first 6 weeks if you are planning on fully breast feeding.
Thats all i had to add

Good luck and if you need any more help we'll be here and like the person (sorry ive forgotten who it was) who mentioned the Australian Breastfeeding Assoc. they are a great bunch of ladies to get to know. so if you can find a group in your area and get alone to a meeting to just be reasured on your attachment etc that would be great!! :yelclap: :smiliedance: