Breastfeeding Help!!!!

[Plumfairy]

Layla is only 6 days old so we're still getting the hang of breastfeeding, but so far so good... But today I think she may be comfort feeding abit... Because surely theres no way she can finish both boobs and then start again straight away?? This is what she did and Im so confused... Is she genuinely hungry or just after a little suckle?

Any advice much appreciated! x x x x

 

[Pyrrhic]

How long is she feeding for? All babies have a natural sucking reflex, even in their sleep. sometime Niamh will come off the boob on her own, other times when I think shes asleep I break the latch and she stays asleep on my chest. Babies will comfort feed/suck though too

Also, different people feed differently and this is totally my opinion only, but I only feed from one side during a feed. This is to make sure Niamh drains the breast and gets plenty of the fatty hind milk too. I worry that if I swap sides then she'll be getting fore milk only, and won't get full as easily.

 

[sam's mum]

How long is she feeding for? All babies have a natural sucking reflex, even in their sleep. sometime Niamh will come off the boob on her own, other times when I think shes asleep I break the latch and she stays asleep on my chest. Babies will comfort feed/suck though too

Also, different people feed differently and this is totally my opinion only, but I only feed from one side during a feed. This is to make sure Niamh drains the breast and gets plenty of the fatty hind milk too. I worry that if I swap sides then she'll be getting fore milk only, and won't get full as easily.

I've only ever used one side for each feed too, to make sure Sam was getting the hind milk (nothing wrong with doing both, but I was completely clueless and didn't want to switch him over too soon!)

Sam used to fall asleep on me at first but keep sucking too - I assumed he was still feeding but soon realised that he'd just carry on sucking in his sleep and I could take him off and put him down for a nap x

 

[Plumfairy]

I dont always use both breasts but sometimes she comes off one and is clearly still wanting more and opens her mouth to look for it (sooo cute when she does that ) She still has abit of a random feeding pattern, so fingers crossed we'll get into a bit of a routine with it... Was horrified last night when she came off the second boob and wanted more though... It must've been comfort feeding though, as she eventually stopped grizzling after a cuddle, so she clearly wasnt starving!

 

[Samantha675]

Plus a baby has its first growth spurt at 7-10 days. So that could account for it as well. You will find that when they have a growth spurt, they can live on the boob. Hang in there love, you are doing a fantastic job!!! I remember nights when I would spend hours switching back and forth between breasts. It is frustrating, but just get comfy on the sofa, find a good movie, and settle in. It does not last.

 

[Jemima]

They do feed a lot more than you expect for the first few weeks, it's perfectly normal. Just get yourself comphy and let her take the lead. You're doing fine! x

 

[Plumfairy]

Thanks for your support ladies. She's doing fab today.. we're getting better at it every day! x x x

 

[Freya]

ahhh yes, just wanted to mention the growth sppurt thing too!

Your milk isn't fully established yet, and can take up to 2 weeks if I remember right????!!! SO if your baby wants to keep going from boob to boob, I'd stock up with drinks and snacks and go with it! The more stimulation your breasts get from baby suckling, the better your supply will be.

Sounds like you're doing great! XXXX