Questions on breast feeding and supplementing

[Mississippi03]

Hi! My wee man is only 3 days old.. But i have tons of questions. Even if anyone could shine light on one or two that would help.

I have been breastfeeding.. Except for one feed in the middle of the night, i have supplemented with premade similac bottles because my nipples hurt sooooo much.. I have extremely fragile skin. He does super well between breast and bottle. And i still do skin to skin after this feed in order to still help bring on my milk.. Which is starting to come in today!

Questions!!!!
- when can i/ should i start pumping?
- when pumping, how long should i be pumping per sitting? I have a double electric medela.
- has anyone successfully breast fed and still supplemented once or so a day?
- im currently feeding every 3-4 hours but letting him guide when hes hungry.. I wont wake him for it. My mw said this is fine.. Any experience with this? Advice?

Tia!!!

 

[noon_child]

Your milk will come in whether or not you feed LO (just ask the FF mums!) as at this early stage it is based on postpartum hormones not supply and demand. However, very shortly your supply will start to decrease if you don't feed LO or pump for every bottle feed LO has.

It is very common for nipples to be sore, but just because it is common doesn't mean it is normal or you should put up with it, it is your body's way of telling you the latch is not deep enough or correctly positioned, or LO is not using their tongue correctly.

Please contact the infant feeding team at your hospital, or an organisation such as LLL.

 

[Mississippi03]

Thanks girl!
I started pumping tonight to see what i can get

 

[Poppiebug]

You sound like you are doing an awesome job!

Definitely start pumping now. I have the same pump as you and I usually pump about 10 mins. I supplemented both my boys with formula after a breastfeed as my supply was low, which I put down to the BP medication I had been taking and perhaps I just dont produce a lot of milk. 2nd time around I was taking Motillium / Domperidone to help build supply. I also saw a lactation consultant this time at about 4 weeks (after developing Mastitis at 3 weeks) to make sure I was on the right track with everything and she suggested pumping 1/2 to an hour after each feed to help build supply. This was particularly difficult with my 3 year old as well but I just did it as much as I could. I've now got a fairly good supply happening, but I still do give a top up after most feeds. He only takes about 60ml - 90ml max formula or expressed milk so I'm happy with that. I also like that he has no issues going between breast and bottle, which is great for when we are out and about as I'm not a confident public breastfeeder. We use the medela calma teat for bottle. I definitely recommend seeing a lactation consultant if you feel the need to get some reassurance on your breastfeeding.

Both times I have always fed on demand, with generally about 3-4 hours in between feeds. My 10 week old now goes to bed about 8-9pm and will have his longest sleep then which is about 5-6 hours which is lovely if I can get to bed soon after he does!

Keep up the great work. Those first few weeks and months seem like you are just constantly feeding, but it does get easier. Also use the lanolin cream for your nipples. We also have something here called Hydrogel pads, they are cooling and soothing for sore nipples as well.

All the best! xo

 

[kajastarlight]

- when can i/ should i start pumping?
A - Good you have already started
- when pumping, how long should i be pumping per sitting? I have a double electric medela.

A - 15-20 min each time your LO needs a supplement or every 2-3 hours
- has anyone successfully breast fed and still supplemented once or so a day?

A - Yes and No. I have always had to supplement and my LO has no problem going back and forth. But, now at 6 months it is more like his formula is supplimented with breast milk. He probably gets 50/50 - but I have low supply.

- im currently feeding every 3-4 hours but letting him guide when hes hungry.. I wont wake him for it. My mw said this is fine.. Any experience with this? Advice?

A - MY LO was under weight so I could not let him go more than 3 hours max without eating. But if your midwife says to let your LO go 3-4 hours and let him guide then it is probably with good reason

 

[Mississippi03]

Thanks guys!

Its good to get perspective from other people. We seem to be getting better at it today.. But i like knowing info so we can get even better then we are!