Expressing advice for a formula fed baby.

wannabewillow · Dec 5th, 2009, 03:01 AM

Hi there
I gave birth to my beautiful daughter on Tuesday, although I was breast feeding her for 2-3 hours at a time with about an hour's break in between, midwives were concerned as her fontanelles were sunken (signifying dehydration) and she was very fractious, crying constantly. As a result, yesterday I reluctantly switched to formula feeds which made me feel like such a failure. Today, my milk has come in and my boobs are really full. I tried to get Mairi to latch on, but she was having none of it (think it's nipple confusion). Anyway, I was wondering, does anyone think it would be worth expressing so that my little one could still get some of my milk, ir should I do as my midwife recommended, put a good bra and pad on and let it all dry up? I just don't know what to do.
Thanks
Joanne x

dom · Dec 5th, 2009, 05:26 AM

Hi Hon, Im sorry I dont have any advice for you but didnt want to read and run and wanted to send you a big hug xxxx

freckleonear · Dec 5th, 2009, 05:26 AM

Congratulations on your daughter!

I'm not sure how supportive your midwives are of breastfeeding, but if they aren't being very helpful it may be a good idea to speak to a breastfeeding counsellor. Newborn babies are born with stomachs the size of marbles and stores of food and water to last them through the first few days. Unless their mouth is dry and sticky, a sunken fontanelle is unlikely to be caused by dehydration.

Expressing can be hard work but every bit of breastmilk she gets is good for her. It sounds like you're disappointed that breastfeeding hasn't worked out so far, so I say give it a go!

Even if she won't latch on now, it's still worth putting her to the breast often and eventually she may learn. If you express for a little while first to get your let-down to work then she may be more interested.

becstar · Dec 5th, 2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freckleonear

Congratulations on your daughter!

I'm not sure how supportive your midwives are of breastfeeding, but if they aren't being very helpful it may be a good idea to speak to a breastfeeding counsellor. Newborn babies are born with stomachs the size of marbles and stores of food and water to last them through the first few days. Unless their mouth is dry and sticky, a sunken fontanelle is unlikely to be caused by dehydration.

Expressing can be hard work but every bit of breastmilk she gets is good for her. It sounds like you're disappointed that breastfeeding hasn't worked out so far, so I say give it a go!

Even if she won't latch on now, it's still worth putting her to the breast often and eventually she may learn. If you express for a little while first to get your let-down to work then she may be more interested.

WSS absolutely. If you have noone near to ask, try calling the La Leche or NCT helplines for advice, too.

MelanieF · Dec 5th, 2009, 11:07 AM

Dear Joanne
Congratulations on your lovely daughter!!! It is great to hear that you want to give her such a good start in life. I am sure you will make it back to breastfeeding, too, although there are lots of perils associated with supplementing, it sounds like you are determined to fight for your daughter!!!!

There's a good set of information here: http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/...klc_ans87.html.

In particular I'd take the time to be with your daughter skin to skin, as much as possible. Doze, relax, stroke, and just enjoy her presence. If she starts rooting, she will be able to reach your nipple and latch on by herself.

Dec 5th, 2009, 03:01 AM	#1
wannabewillow Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 864	Expressing advice for a formula fed baby. Hi there I gave birth to my beautiful daughter on Tuesday, although I was breast feeding her for 2-3 hours at a time with about an hour's break in between, midwives were concerned as her fontanelles were sunken (signifying dehydration) and she was very fractious, crying constantly. As a result, yesterday I reluctantly switched to formula feeds which made me feel like such a failure. Today, my milk has come in and my boobs are really full. I tried to get Mairi to latch on, but she was having none of it (think it's nipple confusion). Anyway, I was wondering, does anyone think it would be worth expressing so that my little one could still get some of my milk, ir should I do as my midwife recommended, put a good bra and pad on and let it all dry up? I just don't know what to do. Thanks Joanne x

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Dec 5th, 2009, 05:26 AM	#2
dom Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lancashire Posts: 865	Hi Hon, Im sorry I dont have any advice for you but didnt want to read and run and wanted to send you a big hug xxxx

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Dec 5th, 2009, 05:26 AM	#3
freckleonear Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Devon Posts: 4,048	Congratulations on your daughter! I'm not sure how supportive your midwives are of breastfeeding, but if they aren't being very helpful it may be a good idea to speak to a breastfeeding counsellor. Newborn babies are born with stomachs the size of marbles and stores of food and water to last them through the first few days. Unless their mouth is dry and sticky, a sunken fontanelle is unlikely to be caused by dehydration. Expressing can be hard work but every bit of breastmilk she gets is good for her. It sounds like you're disappointed that breastfeeding hasn't worked out so far, so I say give it a go! Even if she won't latch on now, it's still worth putting her to the breast often and eventually she may learn. If you express for a little while first to get your let-down to work then she may be more interested.

Status: Offline

Dec 5th, 2009, 11:07 AM	#5
MelanieF Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 185	Dear Joanne Congratulations on your lovely daughter!!! It is great to hear that you want to give her such a good start in life. I am sure you will make it back to breastfeeding, too, although there are lots of perils associated with supplementing, it sounds like you are determined to fight for your daughter!!!! There's a good set of information here: http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/...klc_ans87.html. In particular I'd take the time to be with your daughter skin to skin, as much as possible. Doze, relax, stroke, and just enjoy her presence. If she starts rooting, she will be able to reach your nipple and latch on by herself.

Status: Offline

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