How long to leave to express?

[Flower]

Hi all,

Well its day 4 since Jensen was born - he is gorgeous & we're so happy!!

I'll try to keep this short, I had natural labour with no drugs, & I feel like I'm still getting over the trauma of it. I had 2nd degree tears & trauma with the stiching. I also have massive piles, which I'll speak to mw about tomorrow.

Breastfeeding however is a bit of a nightmare! My nipples are so painful, first night home I was crying & bent over with the pain & it doesn't seem to be getting better! We've had to resort to formula at night as I just couldn't cope with the pain, exhaustion & other pains I have! My nipples are damaged & bleeding a bit!

I've seen a mw everyday since birth, but nothing seems to ease the pain & Jensen doesn't seem very satisfied after feeds. Today the whole of my breasts feel sore & I've had enough. So we've been feeding formula today.

I was going to try expressing (which I'm not looking forward too!), as I'm concerned if I give myself a break for today, my milk won't come in? How long can I leave it without a feed/expressing?

 

[Margerle]

Your milk production is automatic right now. If you decided not to breastfeed you would still have milk coming in. If you don't want to express right away you do not need to. But get some Lansinoh for those nipples. You may even consider the temporary solution of a nipple shield.

Keep in touch with your local lactation consultants they will be invaluable support and information.



Hang in there, it doensn't last forever.

Just think of one feed at a time - thinking of more makes it overwhelming and frustrating.

 

[marley2580]

It sounds like the latch isn't right, speak to your midwife about seeing a breastfeeding supporter, many areas have ones that will come to your home now, if not see if she can give you a few numbers. Many midwives are not as boned up on breastfeeding as they should be.

 

[Flower]

thanks girls, good to know about the milk coming in is auto.

Feels like my milk has come in today, so how long would you say is the longest to leave it between feeds/expressing (to give myself a break from the pain if need be) as I don't want to create probs with my supply or drying up etc?

Thanks!

 

[claire1983]

Hi I am a breastfeeding supporter - if you want to breastfeed your baby you will need to either put him to the breast or express every 2 hours to get your supply up and this includes at least 2 feeds through the night. It does sound like the attchment is poor if you are that sore and this could be why he is not satisfied - I know its hard but if you really want to breastfeed you need to avoid using the bottle because he will get so used to sucking the teat he wont be able to milk the breast properley as the suck is different. Try using a nipple shield for now as this creates a barrier between your baby and your nipple and it really works believe me. When you attach your baby make sure his mouth is really wide open before you attach him - bring him to you - dont shove your nipple in his mouth. Keep his body nice and straight body facing in towards your tummy so that he is not twisting his neck to feed, line your nipple up with his nose so that when he tilts his head back to open his mouth wide he is on your breast not your nipple - he needs to get a good mouthful as your nipple should be way into his mouth - run your tongue along the roof of your mouth right towards the back you will feel a difference where it is soft - that is where your nipple should be, not on the hard palette as this causes soreness. Does you nipple look a funny shape after a feed? - If so its cos its being pressed between his tongue and hard palette. Good luck any more questions please ask away

 

[ryder]

Breastfeeding is a constant thing for the 6 weeks or so (which is why I wont do it, I couldn't cope mentally), most of the breastfeeding women on here will tell you to feed on demand or every 2 hours.

Sore or chapped nipples usually mean the baby is not latched properly though. Same goes for the pump.

If you use the pump to express most will suggest trying to pump when you are most full (usually in the morning for most women). Drink lots of water and put warm towels or cloths on your breasts before to help them from getting sore.

If you choose that, you would be better off to decide a time when you will express instead of breastfeeding, and try to do it every day so that you become accustom to the pump and how to use it. Instead of waiting until you are desperate and in pain and find out you cant express anything anyways lol.

Good luck with everything! No matter what you are doing the right thing!

 

[leedsforever]

so many times have I nearly given up flower!!

Especially as I was still in hospital when my baby was 3 days old!! I had midwives helping me for over and hour at times to get her on!! Do not feel bad about giving your baby formula at times.... Ive given her lots... at night I dont even attempt the breast anymore its just too stressful and tiring!

Obviously you will then get the same problem I had of nipple confusion but with nipple guards... my LO is fooled

My health visitor said that it WILL hurt for the first couple of days... even if latched on correctly!! Its a sensitive area!! I remember yelping out a couple of times but you just need to be persistant and the pain will go away!!

Good luck hun... and remember if bf-ing isnt for you dont beat yourself up about it...

 

[Flower]

ah thanks girls, your posts really mean a lot!

I feel so much pressure to carry on, but I am in constant pain & get so stressed & unhappy & Jensen just doesn't seem satified after 30 mins of excruciating pain that I end up really tearful & frustrated!

I have enough worries as it is without this added pressure & pain, I don't want to develop PND which I'm really concerned about as my mother had it with me.

I'm going to give it a few more days (a couple of b feeds during day) & if its still too much then I'll switch to full bottle - I'll know I'll feel bad about it, but I really have tried. I just want to be a happy mummy & have a happy baby!

Thanks for all your advice xxx

 

[cupcake]

hun go and get the lanolin cream, your bleeding and cracks will clear up in a day or 2 with it, i thought it wouldnt work and like you i was crying in pain bit it did ! it made life much easier. breast feeding is really tough on you the first few weeks but after that i promise you it gets so much better u wont believe, i dont agree that u should feel pressured to carry on, its your choice, but if in your heart this is what u want then u just gotta hang in there, first sort the nipples with the cream, then work on the latching, u gotta get babba to open wide and take both the nipple and areola (sp?) then it wont hurt. best of luck!

 

[Flower]

I have the cream, & the technique right according to mw, but its not getting any easier.

I can't cope with anymore pain.

 

[leedsforever]

hun just do what you feel is right!!!

being happy is important