Need some advice & support!! New breastfeeding mother....

[Snacks]

Congratulations again, Ren. Yours is such an encouraging story - I am so pleased that you have shared this journey with us so far. Hoping everything keeps falling in place for you and Ava, and that your boobs heal really quickly.

[MantaRay]

Ren, when you feel up to it, don't forget to post in Breastfeeding Success Stories - because you are one now!

[Shanti]

Thanks girls!

MR - yes i will have to do that thank you!! Great idea.

Girls just a question - is it normal for a newborn to want to feed for 1 1/2hrs at a time? She will feed at one side for say up to 1hr and then pull off so i offer other side and then she's still feeding well on that side for at least 30mins!!!! It really makes feed times so long and by the time we are finished then settling her it can take us up to 2hrs or more then its nearly her next feed time!!!

Any ideas?? It's really tiring as I'm not getting any rest. None during day. If we're not feeding she is wanting to be held so i have to walk her around everywhere in the sling. Is this normal for a newborn?

[Jennifer13]

Very normal, Ren. She will start to get more efficient and feed more quickly soon. Then the bfs will get furthe apart, and the next thing you know she doesn't want you to hold her all of the time!

The good news is, since you are doing this now, she will likely be more settled and content as she gets a bit bigger. She is getting EVERYTHING she needs from you right now and you are doing a fabulous job!

[Lenny]

Ren - that's sounds really really normal. DS used to feed for such a long time. I know everyone says it, but try not to worry about 'getting things done'. If you just try to get one thing done a day then that is plenty. I used to try to do laundry and dishes and groceries and walk the dog and cook dinner. When i couldn't do it all i'd get frustrated and feel useless. Newborns (especially when it's your first time) are a demanding full time job.
I found that my hugabub saved me.
One day she'll feed for 10 minutes each side and you'll not remember those hour long feeds. But she's just a tiny bub now, and she needs all that good food and cuddles.

[Janie]

Ren, what does your LC say about the 1.5 hour feeds? I would be inclined to ask her opinion. If she says all is good, the you can go with it, if she thinks it's too long for Ava, then you can come up with a strategy. I'm sure she wouldn't mind you calling her to ask what she thinks Yes, lots of babies feed for a long time, but given the hiccups you've had, and that you're now managing without comp feeds, I think checking with your LC would be a good step. It's difficult when you need to gt a certain amount of feeds into them, but they feed for such a long time, and then don't settle. You wonder when they're going to sleep!!!

Otherwise, yes it's tiring when they want to be with you all the time, but can be quite normal. It doesn't last forever

[onthefly]

Oh no! Hope you can get home again soon

[alioops]

Oh hun Excellent that she IS feeding ok, That means you are not likely to be in for too long. Make sure you go for a walk when you need to, hospitals will send you nuts.

[Janie]

Oh Ren, I'm so sorry sweetie I wish I had your mobile number so I could text you a big, reassuring hug. I hope you get some answers soon hun, and that you're home all together before you know it

[Olive]

ren hun hang in there

[BabyQ]

Hi Renstar, please forgive my very late reply of support but I just wanted to let you know you are NOT alone! It seems your post could be written by myself! Seems we had our little bundles at around the same time, and we both have had the same major BF issues. My ds was born on jan 28, and from the getgo we went on the same rollercoaster as you and your dd. Just letting you know I'm still struggling too, I cried when I read your posts because I finally found someone who could understand and share (and not in the past tense iykwim)! so if you ever want to catch up to talk or vent or just cry (just cause that's what I'm finding I want to do with even the nearest stranger) please don't hesitate to contact me (I'll be floating on BB and FYI I'm in Berwick Victoria)! Probably because I need it just as much as you do! Again I'm sorry I haven't given my words of sympathy earlier, but just have not been able to do much other than think about the next feed as I'm sure you know! And thank you for taking the time to share your story, it's more appreciated than you might think.

[~StarBright~]

Any more updates on Ren and Ava??? Are they home form hospital yet? I hope all is well with them- if anyone has anymore news please let us know its all ok.

[AJC]

Hi everyone

I got a message from Ren on Wed night: she & little Ava were home. Paed wanted them to stay in longer but Ren had enough of hossie & they went home. Cross fingers that things are getting better for them.

[Maruschke]

I got a text from Ren this morning. Ava got diagnosed with silent reflux and now has medicine so she isn't in pain. Ren said she is a much happier mum now! Hopefully I will see her for 20 mins or so tomorrow. So it sounds like things are improving for Ren & Ava!!!

[Shanti]

Hi Renstar, please forgive my very late reply of support but I just wanted to let you know you are NOT alone! It seems your post could be written by myself! Seems we had our little bundles at around the same time, and we both have had the same major BF issues. My ds was born on jan 28, and from the getgo we went on the same rollercoaster as you and your dd. Just letting you know I'm still struggling too, I cried when I read your posts because I finally found someone who could understand and share (and not in the past tense iykwim)! so if you ever want to catch up to talk or vent or just cry (just cause that's what I'm finding I want to do with even the nearest stranger) please don't hesitate to contact me (I'll be floating on BB and FYI I'm in Berwick Victoria)! Probably because I need it just as much as you do! Again I'm sorry I haven't given my words of sympathy earlier, but just have not been able to do much other than think about the next feed as I'm sure you know! And thank you for taking the time to share your story, it's more appreciated than you might think.

Hi hun
I'm sorry to read you are going thru the same thing as me!!! I can't PM you as you haven't got enough posts yet otherwise I would. Shame you don't live in QLD near me!
How are you coping?? Have you got help of an LC near you?? It truly is what is keeping me going, otherwise I am afraid I may have given up BFing already if I hadn't of gotten the help and support of a LC.
How are your nipples? My right one is SOOOOO incredibly sore and painful but I just put up with it.

[Snacks]

Aw Ren, I am so happy that you and Ava are doing so much better. What a relief! I hope things continue to improve heaps, and these troubled first couple of weeks will be a distant memory!

[Janie]

Ren, I am so glad to hear how things are going, and that it's all improving! I hope you enjoy your ABA coffee morning It's great spending time with other BFing mums.

Just a thought, it may not apply to you guys at all. I would have a chat with your LC about allergies/intolerances in regards to Ava. Given the combo of silent reflux and low weight gain, it might be something to consider. If your LC isn't sure there are other people who can help you out. HTHs

[hj1981]

Hey Ren - im soooo glad all is going much better with u and beautiful Ava now