Sanchez - i just leave the nipple shield on for the whole feed. I have tried to get him to latch a few times mid feed with no success - its like he's looking for the big bump to actually latch on to, and completely misses the nipple. He is also very impatient, so just keeps bobbing his head around hunting for it. I figured if i need to use the shield for part of the feed, then its easier just to leave it on. My Lactation Consultant said it seems once a day pumping and the shields are not making my nipples stick out more all the time so just to stay with the shields - a hassle, but worth it for a baby that feeds well. Goodluck with the holiday packing - i think keep some paper on the bench and everytime you use something in the day write it on the list to take if you think you'd need it. We are also going away for a long weekend next week, 6 hour drive - so hoping Tadhg sleeps all the way with one stop for a feed - thank goodness he likes the car.

Sangie - you are certainly not a dummy for not getting shields to stay on, they are a pain in the butt - but i can't feed T without them, so not much choice for me. It gets easier with practice, and the odd 'stop and have a deep breath then try again' its very tricky to keep 2 hands away from bub's face / your nipple and get them in the right position whilst holding the shield on!

Janine - i was going to suggest a sling or front pack too - but that does sound tricky with being so hot You are doing a fantastic job, but you need to look after yourself and eat & shower or you wont be able to keep it up. I'm sure it will feel horrible but Em isn't going to hurt herself by having a cry for 15 mins while you shower and eat. Goodluck x

AFU - i feel a bit bad to say i have the opposite issue to many of you, with having too much milk and a very sucky baby. You can almost hear him drowning as he latches on and does these massive 'glug, glug glug's so he only takes 10-15 minutes to finish a feed, but then about 20 minutes to burp and often still can't be put down on his back cos of the wind! We are trying infacol now and working hard on our burping techniques - and so far doing much better (in 24 hours). Tadhg is attached to his dummy, not surprising when he only gets 15 mins sucking time from a feed i guess. Our little bottomless pit will finish off 100ml EBM at a feed and be hungry 2-3 hours later - no wonder he is growing. He fed at 7:30pm, 12:30pm and 5am last night which seemed pretty good to me. Today's goal is to move the last feed to 9pm and aim for a slightly later wake-up call!
Hugs to the bubs.
Kelly