As most of you know I had my son about two weeks ago. I chose to breastfeed because I am not a fan of formula. Well my little one nurses every waking moment. Now, I know he is new and little and needs all that but today its been almost 7 hours of constant nursing. Now, the OTHER problem is that since he has been home, he has only had one "poop". I have called his doc and they put him on a laxative and still NOTHING. Now, from what I've read, breastmilk babies have bms a lot. The lactation consultation people told me that it isn't normal for him to go that long. But his pedi seems to be fine with it all. Now, he isn't gaining weight but not losing either. He was 9.2 at birth and his last weight was 8.5 which was the same as his first visit. SOOOOOOOO......I got a pump and I am only getting an ounce or so after 10 hours. They told me to supplement him on some formula which I just did and he puked ALL OVER. Sorry....I'm rambling. I'm just frustrated and I'm not sure if I'm just over-worrying (is that a word?) Advice? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

((((Hurt))))

You may not be producing enough milk. When it comes to pumping, are you using a hand held pump or and electric one?? You can usually get more milk with an electric one.

As for the constant nursing, it is almost normal with newborns. Have you tried to use a pacifire???

When it comes down to it, if you don't succeed with the nursing, don't beat yourself up, formula or breast milk, you still end up with a healthy baby. Plus, at least you tried.

Good luck

Hurt,

I lurk on here most of the time, but I thought I'd chime in on your post.
I nursed both my daughters for a year each, and had some troubles myself from time to time.

First...call your local hospital and rent a breast pump. They usually rent them for about 40-50 dollars a month. If you have about 200-300 dollars you can buy one instead.

Start pumping....One sitting at a time...have the baby feed on one side while you pump on the other...do this for at least 15 min. (Even if the milk starts to slow down keep pumping, you can sometimes get a second flow).

At the babys next feeding give him the bottle of breast milk you pumped and pump both breasts this time for at least 15 min. (you can pump both at the same time)

What's really important here is that you increase your milk supply ASAP. The electric hospital grade pumps are fabulous for this.

If this technique works for you...you will begin see a feeding pattern instead of "nursing all day"

One other thing....if you give the baby formula at all....it will reduced your milk supply within 24 hours.

I need to mention I am a huge supporter of nursing, however its not for everyone. So relax....and give this a try.

Rachel

Hurt are you drinking plenty of fluids? Lots and lots of water, milk and juice. Rest when you can and RELAX so your milk will let down. Do you feel the reflex of the milk letting down? I would call a lactation consultant or get a good friend who is experienced to come over and make sure your are latching on correctly. If he is not losing weight then he is getting something but he should be peeing and pooping regularly especially on breast milk.

{{Hurt}}

Hurt,

Mostly post on GQ2, but saw your post and wanted to offer something to look into....when DS (now 3.5) was born, I tried breastfeeding and thought things were going really great. My little guy would latch on and fed almost continuosly. I was raw and the little guy was crying ALOT. We finally broke down and called our pediatrician - found out DS was tongue tied and could not get a sufficient enough latch to get any food. After they snipped the little flap of skin under his tongue, he was fine....Look under your baby's tongue and see if the small flap of skin is like yours or does it extend clear to the tip of his tongue...

Just a though.

Regards,

Brit's Brat

Hi there everyone,

Thanks for the advice and posts. As for the electric one, we just don't have any extra funds right now to rent or buy because my income has completely stopped. I was told they are MUCH better and I wish I could get one. *sigh* I just feel like my pedi is giving me the run around with this whole no pooping thing. He does have a ton of wet diapers so he is doing that. But I'm just worried. The doc said he could just not be pooping and I wanted to say, well he should be. I will check the tongue thing, but I feel its me because even when I pump, I get less then an 1 oz a day. I am 100% fully wanting to breastfeed but I'm afraid I won't be able to.

Hurt --
Don't be so hard on yourself -- relax. Sometimes breastfeeding just doesn't work out -- it's not your fault and there is nothing wrong w/ formula feeding. What kind of formula did you try -- my first child could only handle soy formula - the others made him puke. You might want to give it a try.

I breastfed all three of mine and it takes alot out of you. You can not survive being sucked on continously -- so I know how you feel right now. I share your concern about poop -- is there another doctor you could talk too. My advice (and I have nothing but my own experience to base this on) would be to stop fooling w/ the pump -- it sounds like it is only frustrating you further. It has been my experience that only the expensive ones are worth a flip - and I too could never afford one. Try letting him nurse 10-15 minutes and then give him an ounce or so of formula. And as I said above - try something other than the milk base, it may help.

I would also wait him out - what I mean is space his feedings at least 2 hours apart. If he is eating every hour, he is teaching you milk to produce small amounts throughout the day. It sounds to me like he is snacking all the time rather than getting meals -- do you follow me? If you can stand it (and it will involve alot of crying) make him wait 15 more minutes past the hour, then feed him. Then make him wait 1 hour 25 minutes, then 1 hour 35 minutes, and so on until you space out his feedings to at least 2 hours.

I learned the hard way ( after a year of no sleep) that some sort of schedule is a must. So w/ my second and third children I implemented the BabyWise philosophy -- not entirely or rigidly but I followed the basic concept. That was to
1. feed baby every 2-3 hours (dependning on his/her needs)
2. play with baby for a little while - put in bouncy seat, swing, hold him, whatever
3. lay baby down to rest until it was time to feed again (keep in mind this required enduring some crying)


You would be amazed at how they learn this schedule and what a load it takes off of you - It does take nerves of steel to endure the first couple of days but it works. Both of my babies I did this with slept through the night before 8 weeks and are still good sleepers.


This is just the advice that worked for me and I am only sharing it as an option for you. Sounds like you have been given alot of suggestions today to look over and think about -- but one thing everyone has said and it's worth repeating -- Relax and take care of yourself. You are a good mother -- not being able to breastfeed doesn't change that. Please remember that your love of your little is far more important than whether or not he drinks breastmilk or formula!

Good luck.

If you're having a lot of wet diapers, the baby is probably getting enough milk. Some babies are just really efficient at processing it and poop very rarely. Nothing goes to waste, if you'll pardon my pun. I know it's scary, but it's not that unusual and it sounds like your pediatrician isn't worried either. As long as it's still soft poop when it does come out, it's not constipation.

Breastfeeding that first month can be miserable. I've done it with two. It usually does get much better when you and the baby get the hang of it.

Us moms always over-worry. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The good news is that it's normal. The bad news is that we never stop.

The constant nursing can just be a comfort thing. The baby isn't hungry, it just likes the action. This is extremely hard on your nipples. How often are you offering it? I wouldn't offer more than every 90 minutes to two hours. Then the baby still gets his tummy full regularly, but he's not using your nipple as a pacifier.

I've breastfed both of my children and I never could tolerate the breast pump. I'd get engorged and leak like crazy, but the pump would still never work for me. I know some women find it very useful. It was never worth it for me. I just breastfed exclusively in the beginning then gradually introduced formula for those times I couldn't be home. I'm not sure if that'd fit your lifestyle.

Good luck!

Dobie

You should talk to a Lactation Consultant. If you can't afford one, talk to your local La Leche League and you will get tons of good advice from pro-breastfeeding advocates.

thanks again! I won't try and feel guilty if I have to stop. As for another doc, there is another one up here or another practice but it is where ow brings oc and I will not go there. There are only to practices that take our insurance because we are military. Base has a pedi but it takes weeks to get in to see her because of the base kids that go there. So I am at a loss with the doctots. There are others in the office but I feel like I would still be getting the runaround.
As for his feeding, it is not every two hours.....its more like every 20 mins. Although he slept three hours and I pumped twice during that time and got three oz!!! LOL....still might not be a lot but maybe pumping is stimulating it more??? As for working, I am not planning on going back to work. I just want to have milk so when I got out. Not that open with breastfeeding in public.
I hope I don't sound like a crazy new mom worrying...lol...

I had some of the exact situation you are having Hurt...I kept going to Lactation consultants, rented the hospital pump, went to LaLeche meetings, etc. If I had a chance to redo this situation - I would have rested rested rested. The LC and my doc kept saying - drink fluids, lots of fluids, every time you sit to nurse...make sure you are drinking. and REST...take the baby to bed with you and rest rest rest. I had two other children that I nursed sucessfully...and I so wanted to be able to nurse my 3rd and last one just as sucessfully. I kept going to all of these different docs and differnt people to figure out what was wrong. I still had colostrum after two weeks...It took that long for my milk to come in...but I kept at. I did exactly what Whistles said to do...I would pump one side while he ate from the other...then next feeding - give him the bottle while I pumped both breasts..etc. I did the supplemental feeding system with formula and a little tube that was taped to my nipple...etc. THere didn't seem to be anything wrong with his latching on, it was just me not producing enough milk. Eventually, I did end up supplementing with formula...I went back to work when he was 3 months old...I pumped mid morning break, husband brought baby to me for lunch feeding, and pumped again mid afternoon break, then breastfed after work until next day...I never really pumped very much...but as the LC would say - some is better than NONE. So husband would give him whatever I was able to pump the day before along with formula to make up the feedings for the day. Of course, the Friday pumpings would go in the freezer for Monday feedings...and to end this story - I ended up nursing him until he was 3 years old. Neither one of us wanted to give it up....but by then it was definitely time. You could also visit a great site that I would go to everyday - it is
www.lactations.com They have a daily inspiration and message boards etc. and Carol is a wonderful leader on that board. Look up the LaLeche league in your area and attend some meetings. They were an awesome help to me during this time. As I said before, REST and FLUIDS are the most important item. Nothing else should matter at this point...but that. I would love to talk more with you. As you can tell, I am pretty passionate about breastfeeding, although it is not for everyone and I don't believe in pushing it on anyone either. But if you really want to do it...there are ways to achieve it...and I would be glad to help.

Hi hurt! I haven't read this whole thread, but thought I would chime in here! First of all, dont be fooled by the amount of milk you get when you pump...it is MUCH different when the baby is feeding and when you are pumping..do not go by oz when it comes to breast milk...you will drive yourself batty!

Secondly, I would not PUMP at all...why are you pumping if you dont want to bottle feed? There is no reason to pump, unless you plan on going back to work or leave baby with someone else...I do not recommend pumping over nipple...

Thirdly, a baby will get most of his milk within the first 3-5 minutes of feeding...Feed for 5 - 10 minutes on one breast then cut him off and switch to the next...Try to do both breasts at once...and switch which one you start with...ie...at 2:00 you start with right and finish with left, at 4:00 start with left...usually you can get away with feeding on second breast for 5 minutes

If he is sleepy after a full 10 minutes, then cut it to five on each side...Beleive me he is getting plenty of milk in the first five minutes...really 3 minutes...

I would suggest to STOP pumping for the first 5 - 6 weeks...you are both still new and need to adjust...It is exhausting...dont worry about the housework...you rest, sleep when he sleeps...dont feel guilty about it...this is YOUR time to recover and his time to learn how to feed...

As for the poops...my son went 6 weeks without a poopy...

Are you supplementing formula at all? forgive me if this was already answered...if you ARE supplementing, then it will constipate baby...also their poops are harder on formula...on breast they should be mustardy in color and pasty...

My 2nd son ate constantly...I never supplemented with him and I do not regret it...but my 3rd one, I had to give him formula...My 1st one...he was HUGE! ***I*** made the mistake of starting to supplement because I THOUGHT he wasn't getting enough..so I pumped and supplemented...I thought he was too hungry and I wasn't producing anything...big mistake for me...the pumping only reduced the amount of milk I produced and therefore HE didn't get enough...he eventually went to the bottle and I missed breast feeding...but was fine with it...

Dont beat yourself up over it if you have to bottle feed him...I would stop pumping...give him a good 3 or 4 weeks to get used to feeding and get your breasts used to producing...he may eat constantly...let him...it is a wonderful time for both of you...

good luck!

[color:"red"] IT ahs ONLY been 2 weeks, ONE ounce is NOT bad! Are you SURE he is feeding NON-stop every 20 minutes? OR does it jsut feel that way?

Do NOT give up. CALL yoru local La LEche League immediately, they will give you soem GREAT advice & recomend soem books. CHeck out the local library for breastfeedign books.

I nursed all my babies well but it does not start out that way. I knew of a mother who's baby did not have a BM excpet EVERY TWO WEEKS....as another poster said, some babies are more efficient. Are you aware what breastfeeding BM's look like? They are thin, seedy consistency & mustardy color.

Is baby extra fussy? Try feeding him on ONE side (breast) ONLY for each individual feeding instead of both sides @ once. Some babies are SLOW nursers & will only get the formilk for the first 20min then if you switch them over...they are getting the formilk again & will remain hungry. SO instead feed on ONE side for a full 40, w/ burbs in between & see if that helps.

Try to stay relaxed. Don't rely on teh #'s to tell you...it's not the ounces but rather if baby seems content & satisfied. ALSO...he may be going through a VERY natural growth spurt, I forget when they are but there are predicatble times & baby WILL feed continuously to increase your supply. Once the supply meets the demand, then baby will go back into a routine. kwim?

Try not to worry too much. Avoid supplementing. Giving a baby a bottle will lessen the demand on your breasts which will cause them to produce LESS milk. The MORE you breast feed, the MORE milk you produce ect.

You can find La Leche League online....& probably lots of other resources on thier site as well as someone to contact.

Also if you can find a breastfeeding forum online, you can also get more info & support that way as well.

take care.....

xoxoxox
kt

PS:Let us know if you need any other suggestions.

I BF ALL 3 of mine & one was on bottles for a week FIRST then I switched to breast & he was fine...once he got latched, he never wanted to let go. lol ALL 3 bf for OVER a year, the longest 19 months! whew! LOL[/color]

Hurt,

The breast pumps are expensive, although I've heard of organizations (maybe WIC) offers them. I'm not sure..

I only recommended pumping because it is one technique to try. I agree with the others that you should relax and drink lots of fluids. This is a must <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Do not measure what you pump in ounces as the amount your baby is getting, especially with the pump you are using. It is not accurate and it will only make you worry!!

It seems there is an assortment of opinions...your best bet is to contact your local la leche league. In fact most have meetings for nursing mothers.

I also agree with the posters who recommended waiting in between feedings, although I can't say I agree with putting baby on a strict schedule....

But then again we all do what has worked for us.

You're a new mom <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Take it one day at a time and enjoy the ride....this is one of many little bumps you'll encounter along the way (I'm trying to potty train right now - wanna swap? ) LOL !!!

Many good wishes,

Rachel

Hi everyone,

The reason I'm pumping is because I wanted to be able to have some in a bottle for when I go out to do things. I am not open to nursing in public at all. Next weekend we have a wedding to go to. I would like to enjoy the wedding, the WHOLE thing, without having to run off for an hour every 30 seconds to berastfeed. Instead, I could give him a bottle of breastmilk. Today I had a doc appt and needed to go to Walmart. I bought the 3 ounces of milk I pumped in a bottle and gave that to him after the appt. He was content for 2 hours!!! Longest ever!! Hehehe!!! I also wanted to pump to see how much I'm producing so I could get an idea of how much my little man is getting. As for the who BM thing, I guess I just need to realize that he isn't "extra" fussy and his belly isn't tight (they told me to watch out for that). I guess I am just worrying too much. I have not been giving him formula because he won't take it. The doc said to supplement him ever so often to give my chest a chance to fill up again. He thinks because he is nursing CONSTANTLY, they aren't filling up. KTBUNCH..lol..yes, he is or has been except for today on the breast most of the time he is awake.
Thanks again everyone for your suggestions. I tried feeding him on one side today and pumped the other and got an ounce! =o) Tomorrow I will try again and not give up with anything =o) Thanks!! *hugs to all*

Hi Hurts, not that you need more input!!! But, I would skip the whole formula thing. You will produce enough milk for what baby needs. Introducing formula at this point will only complicate things. Of course you could pump once or twice a day so you can take a break, but I don't think you need to supplement anything. As long as he's weeting enough, your fine. Some BF babies hold onto that poop for days! And then, watch out! IT WILL get easier. And it's SO worth it. Try one of those paicifiers that has the weird shape (like a real nipple), can't remember what they're called, but it's the only kind that looks "different". That's the only kind my BF babies would take. This will help when your not available or are trying to stretch out the feedings. Good Luck! Let us know how it's going.

Hi Coldday,

Well I'm not sure what's going to happen. We both have thrush and I have never felt so much pain in my whole life when he breastfeeds. *tears come to my eyes* So I pumped and have been mixing 1 oz with 1 oz formula and he has been taking that. I just can't have him breastfeed right now, its hurts so bad! It takes 2 weeks for it to go away so I have been sucking it up and having him still bf sometimes so I keep producing and I have been trying to pump. *sigh* lol...One good thing is his focused on my face this morning. I know they smile involuntarily at this age but when he focused, he smiled so I like to think he did it on his own *melting*

Sorry to hear about the thrush. My last baby and I had it 3 times. So I know how you feel. It is miserable and nursing does bring you to tears. Did the doc give you cream and medicine for him? Even at 3 wks. or so, ped gave her some sort of antibiotic and me a cream to use. In just a couple of days, we felt much better. But like I said we got it again and again. Hang in there, it will clear up.

Enjoy your little man's smiles! There is nothing like it in the world when your little baby looks into your eyes and his/her little face lights up. Enjoy it.

Good luck.

Actually the doc gave him an oral med and I use it to wipe on my chest. We have had it for 2 days and I still dont' feel any relief. So if by monday or tuesday I don't feel any better, I'm calling my doc. The reason I didn't call my doc first was because they are military and it takes a week or so to get an appt so I figured if the pedi would prescribe something we both could use, then I would try that. It does hurt pretty bad and I'm at a loss due to the fact that everytime I give him formula, he spits it back up.

Hi Hurt, i know you really want to breastfeed, so don't give up, it will get better. My second child was born prematurely and wouldn't nurse. I pumped and gave her breastmilk for 6 weeks and decided I was done. I didn't want to pump anymore, well I didn't consult my Ped and just switched from one to the other and, of course, she got constipated. After about a week, I was talking to H about how the I hated the bottle thing and I was really going to be sad I couldn't breastfeed her, he said "you can still try". After a week of formula and constipation I decided to pump again. I realized that just because I stopped, if I started pumping again, I would produce milk again (supply and demand). After another 6 weeks one day I was pumping at the same time she was hungry (I used to put her in the car seat in front of me while I pumped to hopefully help the milk drop). I looked at her being fussy and just said, "Can we please just skip the middle man??", I put her to the breast in hopes of her latching on again, and she did! We never gave her another bottle and I was so grateful I nursed her until she was over 2 years old. All I'm saying is if it's what you really want to do, just try to stay calm and know that at some point everything will come together and you can have a great brestfeeding relationship. HUGS!