So we're on the boob but...

[onthefly]

You're doing so great!
It probably will get better as she gets bigger, but it's really best to get on top of these things - you now how quickly you can do serious damage if attachment is not right.
As well as Sterla's leads, perhaps Barb knows someone down there? Or can the ABA refer you to someone? Also, if the first (or even second) LC you see doesn't fix it, keep trying cause sometimes you have to see a few before you get the right solution.
All the best~~

[Arimeh]

Jodie - I'll give that a go - thanks. We don't usually have much success with any hold other than the football hold - too much boob for the poor thing.. LOL

Marcellus - when I called the aba yesterday, they said there wasn't any LC's in Launceston, but gave me the number for the group leader of one of the groups up here. I just emailed Sue Cox to see if she can help out at all with a referral to someone - its a shame she is in Hobart because I have heard good things about her. I will also text my midwife and see if she has any numbers for people that she recommends.

Still haven't had another feed yet - must of filled her up at 7 cos she is still sleeping.

[onthefly]

D'oh! Must be someone out that way that can help.
The ABA counsellor is definately worth a go, and they are great for ongoing support and advice too.
Way to go milk machine

[Pretty Butterfly]

Jodie - I'll give that a go - thanks. We don't usually have much success with any hold other than the football hold - too much boob for the poor thing.. LOL

Hehehe, just reverse it!!!

I also had too much boob, and just couldn't get all the proper areola and some breast in.... If you pinch it together a bit, and use it to push the mouth down, you can quickly get the pinched up bit in the mouth just before bub clamps shut!! Well, thats the plan anyway, may not work for some, but does for others...

Oh, and again, SO SO proud girl!!!!

[thepixie]

I won't add to all the sterling advice you've already received, just wanted to let you know the cheer squad is shaking their pom poms in the background here!

Go Mel!!! I am just rapt with how well you're doing - bloody brilliant woman!!

[~clover~]

You've come a long way already! Pat yourself on the back hun x

[Arimeh]

Thanks guys

She's still sleeping.........

She usually has a huge sleep during the day, and I thought it was because of the formula she was getting - but obviously she still continues it with booby juice!!!

OOh I hear a little murmur from the loungeroom.... gotta go!

[Inanna]

Mel you are doing beautifully. I had all these issues too. The mouth opening especially with Immy as she was so tiny & I had big breasts too... Remember to take Eden to the breast not the breast to Eden. And hold your breast pinching down on the nipple so it fits in & bring her quickly to the breast. hold your breast but let go of the pinching whilst she feeds...

It's hard to describe when I am not there. Bigger breasts are difficult to manage with BF in those first weeks sometimes. But you are doing an ace job my love.

Your midwife should be able to help you??? Can she come out to you? Surely there would be a LC in the whole of Lonny??? A LC can be really helpful.

[Jennifer13]

Mel, you're doing a great job persisting. I think putting away the pump and trying with bb feeds alone for a few days is definitely a good idea.

How does she bf lying down? I don't know if you've mentioned it or not, but sometimes lying down can help on the side they don't 'like' as much. It could be less comfortable for her or you for any number of reasons, but if it's something physical (from birth, for eg), lying down might take that away.

I'd echo the other girls in having a LC come to you and sit through a feed or two. Get her to show you some different holds/positions, because you may just have to find the one that works best for you.

FWIW my DD never had much of a thing for my left bb, so I'd bf her twice on that side, once in cradle hold, then switch her to football hold to trick her into continuing. I suspect my let-down was a lot slower, she bf less on that side, so the supply was diminished. I never worried beyond that, the other side will provide enough milk for it not to be an issue. After all, mums manage to bf twins, so they must be producing twice as much as those of us with one bub! Get the LC to look into it and she might be able to help solve the issue. You'll probably find when she goes through a period of increased bfing (6 weeks of age for my DD) it's handy to have both sides available at their best!

Let us know how you're doing, hun, I think you're a STAR!

[Arimeh]

Hey guys

I think I'm doing ok - still in pain, but once she lets off the sucking it doesn't hurt, so its just the initial panic to feed haha. She seems to cluster feed in the mornings, then have a huge sleep, then cluster feed in the late arvo till about 9.30 - then she will sleep till 3am, feed on both sides, then wakes around 7. So its not too bad. Seeing middie this arvo so will get referral to LC.

I was so crappy at one of my facebook friends yesterday (if anyone saw her comment on my status) about being able to express 110 ml in a few minutes. I'd like to give her the big F. YOU buddy - but can't say anything cos she's my ex-boyfriends wife (and him and I are still really good friends)

Why do women feel the need to rub it in that they are better by expressing more? Tell ya what she can stick the pump fair up her arse for all I care.

Pfft. Well thats my vent.