Breastfeeding - Edmond, OK

Hi S., I had similar problems with my first son and went to a lactation consultant on several occasions. It was the BEST decision I could have made. I go to the breastfeeding store at Gilbert/Southern. The lactation consultant recommended that I rent a dr. grade scale and compare before and after weight after a feeding..this gave me exactly the amount of milk the baby was taking in and let me know that he was not getting enough to eat. My second I did the same thing b/c now I am worried about milk supply and I am so glad that I did because it confirmed that I had enough milk and that she was ultimately just getting tired and then using me as a pacifier. Also know that it will get better as they get older and stronger..this beginning is the hardest..let me know if you have any more questions or I can be of help..A.

Is he burping up a ton of milk? Does he seem to be in pain after eating a lot? Baby will usually know when baby is hungry. It sounds like he is just still hungry. He may be going through growth spurts, or maybe he's just a marathon nurser. If he is spitting up a lot or seems to be in pain, then he may have some form of acid reflux, and he may be wanting to nurse to sooth the pain. Gripe Water works really well for that (medicine just made my daughter worse). They carry Gripe Water at Mt. Hope or New Frontiers. They don't carry my favorite brand, which is Wellements Organic Gripe Water for Colic, but you can special order it.

But if he's not having any symptoms other than just being hungry all the time, you can't overfeed him. His nursing schedule will change as he grows. He may just need lots of nutrition and milk from you right now. If he falls asleep while nursing, he may just feel like he didn't get to "finish" his meal. Or he may just be needing to be close to you and needs the comfort. Have you tried using any carriers? Babies that are worn in a carrier throughout the day cry 40% less, develop faster, are more secure, sleep better, helps regulate their heartbeat and breathing, and that's another way to give him the closeness and comfort he might be needing. If you are interested in finding a carrier that would work for you, contact me. I have a small collection that I can help you find one that would work.

You can also contact your local La Leche League leader and go to a meeting to get other ideas and support. To find your local group and leader, go to www.llli.org.
Cheers,
E.

I've been breastfeeding my daughter since she was born, she's 10 1/2 months old now. When my daughter was born, it would take her about 30-35 min. to nurse, but as they get older they become better at getting the milk to come, so now it only takes her about 10 min. tops. But when he falls asleep, wait a couple of mins. to be sure he's sleep, then take your finger to unlatch him. You don't want him to just hang on, or he'll start to use you as a pacifier and then you'll be in a world of trouble! Don't worry about not feeding him enough, because he'll definitely let you know when he's really hungry. He won't over eat either, they seem to auto. stop when they're full. My daughter has only seemed to over eat maybe once or twice, where she threw up, but that was quite a while ago, maybe when she was 2-3 mos. old. At this age (and I still do it) you really need to feed on cue to make sure they do eat enough. I know in the beginning it seems like all your doing is nursing, but trust me, it only gets easier. Good luck!

Just a couple of things to add...

Breastmilk can digest in as little as 10 minutes. So yes, he can be hungry that much. I agree that I don't think you can overfeed with breastfeeding - it takes too much work on the babies part to get the milk out that they stop when they are full whereas milk just flows out of a bottle with little work so they overfeed because they really just want to suck longer. As for falling asleep - try switching sides more often, like every 5 minutes and see if that helps or have a wet washcloth with you and wash is face and head while he's nursing. Sessions should last 30-40 minutes at this point, that's normal (I know it sounds crazy but they do get shorter and easier).

I always put my daughters mouth against my cheek to check if she was still hungry. Because it's smooth, she would try to latch on to my face and I knew she needed more. She wouldn't if she was full.

I think it's awesome you're going to a support group! Breastfeeding is so hard but well worth it if you can stick it out. Good Luck.

Breastfeeding a child is the hardest thing to do. What you are doing is one of the greatest gift you can give your child. My daughter was a sleeper when she fed. For the first few days, it took me AND my husband to keep her awake during feedings. It was quite comical. The lactation specialist gave me some solutions on how to keep her awake: With the hand you are supporting the neck with - take your finger and rub behind the ear or rub underneith the chin. You can also rub the bottom of the feet or palms of the hand with the arm/hand that is cradling him. Last resort is the cold washcloth. Lastly, make sure that when they are attached that they are actually swallowing. If they are not swallowing, they are suckling. Prolonged suckling can lead to sore breasts so be careful about that. Good luck and God bless.

Just a word about being tongue-tied, but first, Congrats on breastfeeding your baby! Watch his weight. My second son was always hungry and (unknown to us at the time) was tongue-tied. He seemed to nurse so much, and I knew he couldn't be hungry again!! He even seemed to be latched on ok. Turned out that although he was getting milk, when he hit a growth spurt it wasn't enough for him- he couldn't latch on correctly and he began to get frustrated, hungry, and didn't gain as he should. My doctor said that many times doctors don't even check for a "tied tongue" and it causes difficulty nursing (mom's often give up)but if never treated causes speech development challenges for the child later. In case you aren't aware of what it is, it's that the skin under the tongue is too short, so the tongue doesn't have the range of movement it should. If he can't stick his tongue out past his lips, it could be a problem. It was simple to fix, a doctor came right into the office and clipped under his tongue.
All the best to you and your baby!
-M.

Most babies will let you know if they're done by turning away. Babies also change how much they take in, depending on if they feel ill, or may be going through a growth spurt.

It's possible your baby has a bit of gas and needs his little legs bicycled and scrunched to his tummy and out to relieve the gas. It's a great little exercise for him, too.

And a baby may take the breast if they're full, simply for comfort in strange settings or even from the sore tummy. You'll be able to feel whether he'd actually drawing down milk or just comfort nursing.

Hi S.,

First, congratulations on the birth of your son and being determined to breastfeed him -and for seeking support for it. Breastfeeding is natural, but it does take time to get it all down...and once you get a great routine going, sometimes it can change. So just take one day at a time with it. As far as your questions. Newborns will fall asleep during feedings. They sleep alot. And nursing sessions can take up to an hour at a time because they fall asleep so much. I don't like to give "rules" for parenting, but there are some guidlines that can make it easier for you.
Nurse on both sides every time. Usually, newborns will need only 2oz or so at a time. Since you can't measure out your breatmilk while he's nursing...it's usually about 15-20 minutes each breast. If he falls alseep half way, gently wake him up by burping, massaging his back, rubbing his cheek so he can root that way. Babies will stop nursing when they are full and eat when they are hungry. Sometimes they just want to suckle for the comfort. For the first few months it's best to nurse on demand. It's not just physically good for them, it's emotionally healthy for them, and it help keep up a good milk production. When he's a little older he might just naturally space out his feedings or you can encourage more of a "routine", or you can feed on demand until you are both done with breastfeeding. (This is where no rules come into play - you parent from within...doing what's best for you and your baby.)
As far as being confused by his signs or being afraid of misreading his cues......it can be difficult and even frustrating to figure out what our little ones are trying to tell us. Next time it's time to feed him, I want you to just breathe him into you, settle into your bones, and just listen to him. Listen with your ears, eyes, heart, and mind. And be gentle with yourself during this new journey. Now listen to your inner deep knowing. What is HE telling you S.? Not what is a book telling you, or what is a nurse telling you, or what is your mother or friend or online support mamma telling you. What is your son and your inner knowing telling you? It's ok to seek support from your village - it's good. But in the end - you have everything you need to nurse your baby. To parent your baby. To guide and love your baby.
Below is a little article written by a friend and fellow mentor. I hope you will find it encouraging and helpful.

Much good energy to you and your little one for many beautiful, messy, crazy, and joyous days together.

Breastfeeding From Within
By Virginia Bobro

Birthing From Within encourages and teaches "doing the next best thing" when it comes to making decisions within the flow of labor and birth. The same mind-set is important during postpartum and breastfeeding. In the days, weeks, months, and even years that a woman is breastfeeding, she will face numerous obstacles, detours, and unexpected events. How she prepares prenatally and how she views these challenges can make a difference in her ability to cope.

As a breastfeeding counselor, I support many breastfeeding mothers who have to change their perception of what a "successful" breastfeeding relationship is. Some mothers need to wean much earlier than they hoped. Others need to supplement with bottles or formula. These are opportunities to re-envision what it means to nurture and nourish their babies. Many mothers are humbled when the "breastfeeding fairy" presents them with difficult circumstances and spoils their fantasy that nursing is easy and blissful.

When breastfeeding does not go as expected or hoped for, a mother can feel regret, anger, blame, grief, and guilt. Inevitably, this negative self-talk begins to affect her self-esteem and attitude, her ability to receive support, and her relationships with her baby, partner, and others in her community.

So, what can be done?
In addition to learning practical things that make breastfeeding easier, do this:
♥ Learn and practice mindfulness.
The same pain-coping practices you learn to help you cope with labor can help you postpartum when you need to still your mind, quiet negative self-talk and deal with physical discomfort and stress. (See Birthing From Within, pp. 213-238).
♥ Get a breastfeeding "reality check."
Breastfeeding is natural, but not always straightforward and easy. Very few women sail through breastfeeding on calm seas from beginning to end. Even for the most vigilant captain, storms arise outside of her control, and still, she can do the next best thing. When women know that they can influence but not control what happens, they can see the wisdom of preparing for all possibilities.
♥ Set up your breastfeeding support system.
Having a supportive crew onboard in the first months of motherhood can make all the difference. Welcome meals, errands, and compassionate listeners. When breastfeeding gets rough, support is needed to keep going and not get mired in "what ifs" and judgment. You need to hear acknowledgment that you are doing your best, not more advice and information.

♥ Focus on connecting with your baby and yourself as a mother
Come to breastfeeding with an open heart. To the degree that you can, let go of your ideals and goals, such as breastfeeding exclusively for six months. Just hold the intention to do the best you can. When you love yourself and feed your baby in love, this is the heart of breastfeeding from within

EXERCISE: Feeding with Love

When sitting (or lying down) to feed your baby, try this:

Begin to notice all the sensations around you, beginning with your baby:
Look at her face, notice the touch of her skin, take in her smell and her sounds.

Then begin to bring your attention to your own body: Where does your body touch your baby's body? How is your breath moving in and out of your body?
Where do you feel relaxed and open?
Where does your body feel tight, tense, or closed?

Gently and mindfully breathe into those places, softening and releasing anything that is unneeded in this moment. This may take several minutes. Go slowly and do not expect perfection!

As your body lets go of anything extra, feel your heart opening.
Allow yourself to inhale the presence of your baby, loving her in this moment and loving yourself as well. With each new breath, feel into your baby's heart, visualizing a connection that endures beyond feeding time.

If feeding is difficult, your focus may return to the task of latching or monitoring the feed. Do what needs to be done, then, when you are ready, take another conscious breath and return to your opening heart.

In light and joy,
A.
mom of 4, Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

I think overfeeding is only an issue with bottle feeding - I don't think it's possible for them to overfeed on breastmilk.

If he is sleeping while eating he could very well still be hungry at the end. We had the same issue with our son and it ended up being a problem because he started losing weight. Our pediatrician put us on a program where he was only allowed to feed for 20 minutes with a minimum of 30 minutes in between feedings. He was upset for the first couple, but then he was good and hungry, so he didn't sleep feed. It's really important to keep them awake during feeding - otherwise they can sleep/feed and not get enough. Try a wet washcloth! Blessings!

Don't worry about overfeeding a breastfed baby, especially a baby so young. Perhaps he is having a growth spurt and requires the extra nutrition. Perhaps he is not hungry, but requires your comfort and security. If this is the case he will do what they call "nonnutritive sucking:" Sucking, but not drawing much milk. Sucking for the pleasure of sucking, and being held in your arms. Often times if mothers are overwhelmed by the sucking needs of their infant, they choose to meet some of that need with a pacifier. This of course is a personal decision.

May I recommend a nursing book I found to be wonderful when my little one was new: "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding."

Good luck. I am still breastfeeding my daughter who is about to turn one. It hasn't always easy, but I find it wonderfully rewarding for both of us.

If he's getting fussy after eating it could be that he has gas or that he really is still hungry! Does he nurse on both sides? My son nursed on both breasts until he was about four months old and then he started only really nursing from one breast (although I still offer the other). If your son acts hungry and then latches on when you offer the breast then he is probably still hungry! Does he spit up a lot when you burp him? If he's keeping it down then I wouldn't worry about overfeeding him. He's probably not getting as much as you think he is. When my son was that age he easily nursed for 30 minutes each time--without falling asleep! However, if your son is spitting up a lot after nursing then he could have reflux...which can cause him to feel hungry when he's not. Good to hear you're going to a support group! I go to one at Banner Gateway on Thursdays and I LOVE it! It's great to be around other moms who have gone or are going through the same thing! Plus, having a professional talk to you is so helpful and reassuring! Good luck!

Breast-feeding is really hard in the beginning. It is worth every bit of frustration however you can get discouraged at times. I know so many people who give up and say they are not producing enough milk or they are worried about how much the child is getting. What you will find out in your support group is that more than likely your child is getting enough to eat. Breast milk is very thin so breast fed babies are hungry more often.

And I know what you mean about feedings taking along time.....It would take me 2 hours or more to do one feeding because my son(s) always fell asleep. When did I start the next feeding if I am supposed to feed him every 2 hours??? It took 2 hours to feed him; do I just keeping going into the next feeding?????

You are not alone. And believe it or not it works itself out. It takes a little bit for the baby to get into a routine and figure out what is going on. You do have to try and dictate that. By 2 months you will have this down. Hang in there.

You cannot feed a newborn too much. When they are hungry, they eat. When they are full, they stop. New borns truly eat all the time. His stomach is so small that they are hungary again soon after they are done.

When your child is older is when you need to avoid feeding them when they upset. My sister is constantly feeding her now 3 year old just to get her to calm down and this has already led to unhealthy eating habits.

I'm glad you'll be getting some support. Hopefully they'll help you feel more confident. Basically, at this stage, your baby will be constantly nursing. It is your full time job, as well as his. At this age, he's either nursing or sleeping, with very little calm alert time. He will root at anything at this point because that is how baby's are designed. They are meant to nurse constantly. It's the healthiest thing for him AND for you, to set up a strong nursing relationship right now. You cannot overfeed a newborn, so don't worry about that! There is no negative domino effect. Nursing and more nursing is the name of the game for now.