Feeding Q about my 7 week old?

Question

Ok so i know every baby is different BUT just interested in how long an average breastfeed lasts when you feed your bub?

My son is nearly 8 weeks old while he was in the special care unit for 2 weeks he had to have formula because i couldnt get to the hospital to feed every few hours, to release him from hospital i had to reasure the doc's an midewifes that i'd keep topping up with formula...i can't totally get him off the formula because he will scream as if he's still hungry after i've already breastfed him for 30-40 mins...im not sure if he is actually still hungry or if it's just a case of routine and him being used to a bottle of formula aswell....

I want to get him off the formula but when i do breastfeed it's really painful...feels like somebodys holding a lighter to my nipple, it's only been happening the last week or so and i don't know why...sometimes it hurts so much i have to give in an give him a bottle, have any of you had this happen?

I dont want to give up on the breastfeeding but sometimes it just feels like i have no other option!

Answer 1

Your nipples can be sore.  Use Lansinoh cream (somes in a purple container), or if you notice white spots around your babies mouth (inside), or on your breast, it could be thrush (a yeast infection, which might explain the burning).  My baby usually fed for 20 mins on each side for the first couple of months.  I would time how long he feeds, and over a period of 2 weeks bring it back 30 secs each side (each day) so that he will only feed for 12 - 15 mins/side, eventually down to 10 mins/side after a month.  Ask your doctor, they're tons of help, or, if you're in Canada, call Telehealth.

Answer 2

You may have an infection, probably yeast/thrush.  Symptoms can be: your nipple is bright pink, you have deep breast pain (in your armpit area), your baby has white patches inside his cheek or lips or on his tongue.    

Also, if you have a bad latch it will hurt and take longer for your baby to feed.  It's common for young babies to feed for a long time, my son is 4 months and still occasionally has "marathon" feeds, but they are few and farther between now.  If you want to get him off formula than feed more often.  It'll be hard, not just because it will take so much more of your time (and I know you have next to none lol) but pain while feeding either from thrush or a bad latch will make things difficult for you.  Pumping is an option that might help with that.

Check out Dr. Newman's info on latch and making sure your baby is actually swallowing while feeding.

Answer 3

Hello,

Breastfeeding should never hurt you unless there is a problem.  Make sure that he is latching onto you properly.  If you feel that he is latching on properly, are your b*****s feeling engorged or anything? Maybe the milk isn't dropping for him (or you may be clogged).  I remember when I was breast feeding I got something called mastitise ( but it was more of a burning sensation on my breast and they were really red.  If I was you I would just go to see your doctor or maybe find out if there are any home services provided by the government where a nurse will come in to make sure that he is eating properly.  

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Breastfeeding can be painful for the first few week just because your nipples aren't used to all the activity.  Try using some lanolin cream (lansinoh is my favorite) after feedings (it's 100% baby safe).  You may also want to see your local lactation consultant to make sure the baby is latching on right.  He may be used to the bottle which is easier and is getting upset b/c he's working a little harder for his food.  DON'T GIVE UP!!!  So many moms give up b/c they don't have support when things get tough, and they do get tough but it gets better.  What you're trying to do for your baby and is the absolute best thing you can do for your baby.  You can also try to find your local le leche league group and someone from there will be more than happy to speak w/ you by phone or possibly even in person.  Make sure you're staying very hydrated so that you're producing plenty of milk.  If you stay determined you will make it happen!  I found pumping more painful but do it if you have to when he takes a bottle to keep up your supply.

Answer 5

Try pumping. If he is used to the formula/bottle that might help. I couldn't breastfeed for lack of milk but I've never heard of a burning feeling. I would call the Doctor. I hope this helps.

Answer 6

This is EXACTLY what happened with us.  My son was in the special care unit for a while, and I did not get to be with him after birth, and his first feedings were from bottles.  The topping-up thing... yeah.  I could never stop the cycle you are talking about.  Just remember ANY breastfeeding you are able to do is VERY beneficial.  Even WITHOUT the hospital stay, and WITH the assistance of formula most feeds are 45 min. plus.  Figure it's like a full-time job, JUST to nurse (8 plus hrs. a day)  As far as the pain get it checked out by your doc or midwife - could be an infection.  Good luck, sweetheart.  Give yourself a pat on the back for trying so hard.  It's hard work.

Answer 7

I would suggest that you buy a nipple shield.  It saved me for sure.  And I always thought pumping was a little easier.  But you have to let him nurse then pump any excess out to keep you milk up.  I'm sure it will get better.  But like I said, the nipple shield was a life saver.  You can get them at big baby stores or on line.  They are only like 5 bucks.  Get several and keep one in the diaper bag.  Worked like a charm.

Answer 8

You may have an infection if they hurt that much..call the doctor.

Answer 9

stick with the breast feeding...

Answer 10

Have you thought about pumping your milk.  You can sometimes rent them from the hospitals.  You just may not have enough milk if you haven't been pumping and your supply may be low.  I had to pump very often to keep my supply when we went from breastfed to bottle.  At least you know that you have tried everything you can, you should feel good about that.  Keep it up the right thing will come to you.  Call your hospital or doctor. They have allot of nurses specially trained to answer all those questions.