Babies Born March 2008

[teachmum]

Lisa don't buy into the whole thing about beinga failure if you can't bf. You are obviously doing what is best for YOUR baby and YOU. IMO if you can maintain your milk supply Jake will become stronger and be able to feed for longer. Look on the bright side, if you need to leave him for a period of time at least you know he will take a bottle.

I've got sore, grazed nipples and find that the Lanisoh ointment really helps them heal. I ran out yesterday and noticed that my nipples started getting worse. Might go to a bf group on thurs but I hate all the different advise on how to bf. Sometimes the little buggers just won't follow the rules.

I usually only give Patrick one breast per feed because otherwise he doesn't empty it and I end up engorged. If he's super hungry he'll take the second boob but not for as long. I remember when I had my DD I worried about giving both but now I just go with my gut feeling. It suits me and bub to feed like this so that's what I'm doing. Trust your instincts.

I must say I'm enjoying having the large age gap. It's like having a new baby but knowing what to do. My two older ones have been a great help. DD just loves dressing him and soothing him. I had to leave Patrick at home and go and chase our cows back to our paddock (long story). DD managed to deal with a dirty nappy that leaked through to his clothes and a grizzly baby. I was so proud.

Off to bed before the boy wakes.

[Lisaqg]

We tried again last night to get him onto the breast and he had all the classic signs of breast refusal....he's had them from day one really, he takes the nipple has one or two sucks and then spits it out. I am going to give the nipple sheilds a go and if they don't work for him then I will just keep expressing for him (I have an electric breast pump so it's pretty handy!!!).

I have plenty of milk and let down very easily (ie if I think of feeding it runs out by itself LOL). My milk came in on day two and is well and truly established now so breasts are nice and soft.

I have been using the lanisoh cream which has helped almost heal one nipple but not the other as it was more damaged.

So far we have tried all the suggestions except the sheilds which are next...all to no avail. The Lactation Consultant is one of the BF australia ones and is pretty useless really but due to us being in a remote area I can't get to another.

All the midwives have agreed he attaches well, it's just that he can't get his mouth open wide enough to take enough of the Areola in and hence the damage to the nipple

[danniellabella]

Does anyone know what to do about baby hiccups? Jazz gets them all the time (even while I was pregnant) and sometimes they last over an hour.

Also. This morning she's been a bit bossy. She wanted a feed at 7am which is fine. She finished one boob, did a big poo, then had hiccups so I waited a little coz she wont feed when she has hiccups. Went back on the other boob about 7:30 (both times she fed for about 15-20mins each side). But then she kept demanding more, and then more and more. Then she fell asleep but as soon as I put her in her bassy she cried. I don't want her to become one of those babies who needs to be cuddled all the time, I have things I need to do but I need her to sleep for a while.

[teachmum]

Patrick does the same thing nearly every feed. He attaches to the nipple, sucks a couple of times and spits it out. After about three or four goes he finally attached properly and then it hurts like hell for a few seconds until he establishes his sucking. Can't wait for these nipples to heal!

Just be careful with nipple shields. I have heard that they can make your nipples hurt more (if possible) so I haven't tried them yet.

I tried one of those new bonds suits (the ones with no buttons) on Patrick last night. What a pain! I don't think they tested them on real babies. Certainly not ideal for a quick middle of the night nappy change. They do look very cute on though . Might be better suited to an older baby.

[prama]

I;ve been using nipple shields, my nipples still hurt but less with them.
but it's a bit of a pain, they dont stick on so well and Lakshman knocks it off all the time when he moves his hands or tries to latch.
They do reduce the amt bub can suck, compared to without. so its not always recommended.
But they have helped me put him on the breast...

[teachmum]

Danni don't worry about spoiling her with cuddles some babies, from my experience, need more than others. It sounds like Jazz is getting ready for a bit of a growth spurt and by feeding more is increasing your milk supply. When Patrick is really unsettled and wants lots of cuddles I use my sling. That way he is getting the cuddles he wants and I can do what I need to. If I'm really tired then I'll prop myself up in bed and cuddle him while I have a catnap.

Babies are very good at telling you to slow down. That's something I'm having to get used to