Breastfeeding questions

[Whitney]

HELP!! I have some breastfeeding questions and hope that you can help me!!! My little guy is 2 weeks old today and so far breastfeeding is going ok. I am determined to keep it going for at least a year. I am however having some issues that I am hoping to get some help with.

1- Has anyone ever had to use breast shields? If so for how long? And how do I go about weaning him off of the breast shield? He is so use to using them that he won't latch on without them.

2- What does a sore area on my boob mean? It just started happening today. There is no lump or redness it is just sore to the touch. Could this be from me sleeping on it funny?

3- How fast should he be putting on weight? He was 7 lbs 1 oz when he was born and 6 lbs 12 oz when we left the hospital. When he went in for his 1 week appt he was 7 lbs even. Is that not enough weight? The doctor didn't really say anything about it.

[Victoria]

Weight wise the babe is doing well. at 1 wk he was just a pinch under regaining the lost birth weight. If you are still worried call and ask if you can bring him in, just to be weighted.

Sore areas do tend to happen just make sure he is latched on right.

I never used breast shields. I had flat nipples but a little nursing had them working well. do you use the shields for all feedings? I would try beginning each feeding w/o them.

[Val]

1- I used them for a couple days, they hurt like crazy and I later found out the nurse was wrong about me needing them anyway. Sorry I'm not much help there.
2- I'm not really sure what that would be, maybe a clogged duct
3- If the doctor didn't mention it, I'm sure he's doing fine. I was never told a certain amount they needed to gain, just as long as they gained something.

I hope you don't mind my offering unsolicited advice, please feel free to ignore me if you do mind- But it sounds like you could use the help of a lactation consultant. If you can afford it, the doctor or hospital should be able to help you find a good one and they could help you with all three of those questions. Good luck! I hope it works out for you and your son!

[YourMom]

NAK with a napping baby here

1- I don't have any experience with nipple shields, and I don't have my big blue book of answers handy, but here's an article from an IBCLC that has some good tips:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/wean-shield.html#weaning

2 - Sounds like a plugged duct.
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/mastitis.html
Whether coping with a sore breast, a plugged duct or a breast infection, the initial care is similar. Nurse frequently, rest and apply heat to the tender area.

* Frequent nursings serve to provide comfort, reduce inflammation and encourage opening the blocked area. Mothers find that varying breastfeeding positions drains all areas of the breast more effectively. For example, if you most commonly use the cradle hold, try the clutch ("football") hold or lying down to breastfeed. (Please note that it is a common myth that it is unhealthy for the baby to breastfeed when the mother has a breast infection. This is definitely not true. The antibacterial properties of human milk protect the baby from infection.)
* Rest is an important component in recovery from sore breasts, plugged ducts or breast infections. To do this, try resting in bed with baby cuddled next to you. This will also encourage frequent breastfeeding sessions to drain the breast. Keep supplies such as diapers, toys, books, the telephone, a glass and a pitcher of water nearby to minimize trips out of bed.
* Applying wet or dry heat with a heating pad or hot water bottle and gently massaging the sore area of the breast before breastfeeding can assist the breast in further emptying. Many mothers find that taking showers or baths and gently massaging with a warm cloth on the sore breast is a relaxing treatment during a stressful time. Another technique is to lean over a basin of warm water and soak the sore breast for about 10 minutes three times a day. This will also remove any dried milk secretions that may be blocking the flow of milk out of the nipple. Breastfeed immediately, while the breast is warm, to help unplug the blocked duct.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html

I have gotten these very often since having Francesca. Resting and drinking a lot of water have helped me a lot. I've also found that taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen helps relieve some of the swelling enough for me to sleep. Both of those are safe to take while breastfeeding. :) And have him nurse on the side that is painful as much as possible, switching to the other breast only when it starts to get a little uncomfortable.

3 - The standard rule is that baby should regain birthweight by 2 weeks of age, so it sounds like he's doing wonderfully there! :) You're doing a great job!

[Whitney]

Thanks for your help everyone!!!

I have an appointment with a lactation consultant tomorrow so I am anxious to see what they say. I really love breastfeeding Dublin and want it to go well. He doesn't seem to have any issues other than the nipple shield getting in the way or not being on right from time to time.

[Erika]

Whitney, a friend of mine had to use nipple shields at first with her little one. She persevered and around 4-5 weeks after her DD was born, she weaned her off the shields. A LC will help with that and its wonderful that you have an appointment set up.

He is putting on great amounts of weight. Sasha put on around the same amount of weight (i think a little less) and our PHN was more than happy with it.

As for blocked ducts, I used to get them fairly frequently and the best advice is water and lots of feeding. I didn't always feel the lumps but the soreness and pain was a giveaway sign.

You are doing great :squeeze And good luck tomorrow.

[Whitney]

Thanks Erika!!

I had my appointment today with the lactation consultant and I was worring for nothing. She said that he is latching on perfectly and that I do still need the nipple shields for a little while longer. I am suppose to try and wean him off of them slowly one nipple at a time. So I am going to start that this weekend.

Dublin also had his 2 week check up today and I am more than excited about his weight gain. He was 7lbs 1 oz when he was born and 6 lbs 12 oz when we left the hospital and I am happy to say that he is 7 lbs 13 oz as of today.

He gained 13 oz in one week as he was 7 lbs exactly one week ago today.

So I am doing just fine. And so is Dublin!!

[Kristi]

Oh I am glad he is gaining weight so well Whitney :D Good luck with everything else. :squeeze

[YourMom]

WOW! Great job! :D

I'm glad to hear that the LC appointment went well too.

[giffy]

You're obviously doing a great job, Whitney!:thumbsup

Just a word regarding the sore spots - treat them very seriously. If left go, they can cause mastitis and you really don't want that! I had it late last year and it knocked me on my butt for a whole week.