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It sounds like you're doing a great job! I think I could have very easily given up at any point between 2-5 weeks (esp at 3 weeks) but am now so happy that I stuck with it. I found using Lansioh after every feed and lots of airing helped
I also went through a dreading feeding stage... But feeds are more spaced out now and don't take as long and I'm finding myself missing the extended feeds.
Good luck - and keep in mind thats its not always easy
:hug: It can be very hard at first, you're not alone there. And I remember dreading feeding with DS too.
I urge you to find a good LC in your area - you can post here to ask or PM Barb Glare or even call the ABA for a rec - and get that tongue tie looked at. She may also be able to give you some more advice about the attachment - it's always worthwhile getting a 2nd or even 3rd opinion.
It really, really does get easier! But you may need some help in the mean time. Try to remember that she's only very little and getting used to being on the outside. She will want to be held all the time regardless of how youfeed her - it's just how babies are. Being able to breastfeed when they're fussy and needy can actually make things much easier for mums.
Thanks everyone!
I do want to state I have nothing against formula either - I know for some it is the best/only option. I just feel guilty as I know I am producing more than enough milk for DD, so it seems silly (or just really lazy/selfish on my behalf) to then not use it all to feed my baby.
And I was worried that my reluctance to introduce extra feeds (she currently gets 7 at most in a 24 hour period) would affect her, but she gained 120g in the 6 days since leaving hospital, and is already above birth weight...so I'm at least doing something right! Small positives at this point...
Well it's good news i think that the pain isn't lasting... as that means your attachment is hopefully okay and that you don't have anything else going on... I think some pain at the beginning can be inevitable for some people (esp if you're strawberry blonde - I am!) It really should ease off and get a bit better each day esp after 2 weeks. Just hang in there! My DH pretty much knows (we've got 4) that for the first few weeks my job is feeding lol..
It will also get much easier because the baby will get stronger - she'll get way better at aiming herself on to the breast, her head control will improve, etc. If you can hang in there then before you know it, it'll be just like riding a bike :D You only have another week at most before the first hurdle (from my experience!) is reached, nipple pain will ease, the baby is just that little bit stronger so it's not all so unco feeling.
And I agree, I think people should be prepared a little bit better at the antenatal classes etc- this is a new skill, and a new part of the body you've never used before, and a new little baby who's learning too!
I know a friend that had the same problem with her daughters hands getting in the way of attachment. She would wrap her the same as she did to sleep then undid her once they were settled into feeding. This went on for a few weeks until it stopped being a problem.
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Fiona - I have joked that I wanted to sew the sleeves of DDs clothes to the side of the onesies so she can't lift them, but DH told me that was a bit extreme!! Lol :D
We have wrapped her in the past, but generally when I finally manage to get her in a good position, she's managed to Houdini her hands out already :wall:
Glad to hear she's gaining well. You are certainly doing a good job of feeding her.
If she's a Houdini sleeping as well as feeding then you might want to google 'woombie' or something similar. I swear by my woombie.
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We've got a zip up suit for sleeping, which is awesome, as she can still bring her hands in front of her, but doesn't startle as much. I feed her in it overnight to minimise waking her, but it is slightly awkward other times. I also want to teach her to sleep during the day without being wrapped, and around noise/light etc so she gets the difference between night and day.
I have read that tounge tie can play a huge part in bf issues even when it is only a small tounge tie. Get it looked at Hun. How has today being? Xo
she's only 2 weeks old Kimbles, she'll probably want to be out of the wrap soon enough anyway (wrap me up one?)
It's been pretty good Zap, she's sleeping and has had some good big feeds.
Apparently the tongue tie shouldn't be an issue as long as her tongue can get past her gums/lips, which it does. I am guessing that's what I have too, as I've never been able to stick my tongue out very far either...!