My baby is 1 week old and she is finally latching on but gets really worked up and impatient. ?

Question

Sometimes we manage it and she feeds for about 10-15mins and sometimes I have to top her up with my expressed milk. I am finding it very difficult.

Answer 1

I know, it is tough for the first couple weeks, but you two will get on the same page soon.  It took my son & I about 3 weeks to really get the hang of it.

Also, as you probably know, the first few weeks are very important for establishing your supply, so supplementing is risky.  If you continue to give her pumped milk, be sure to keep pumping regularly to stimulate production.

Answer 2

Have a word with your midwife or health visitor, they will be able to refer you to a lactation expert.  Well done on making the effort even though you're finding it hard - your baby is learning along with you, and I'm sure you'll both get the hang of it soon.  My daughter was slow to get going, and it was painful too, but I persevered and it did become easy.  Don't feel guilty about topping her up with a bottle...you are doing your very best for her, and it's very handy for a baby to be able to bottle feed as well as breast feed so your partner can give you some help.  Don't stress, it's a hard enough job without giving yourself a hard time.

Answer 3

This is normal, as when they're that young they don't have any control and everything is a big issue to them... including hunger. What really helped with my son was swaddling him before feeding him and using a nipple shield when he was particularly angsty and ready to dig in (his digging in tore my nipples on quite a few occasions *shudders*) so that he didn't batter my nipple up as badly, and I also used it when they had gotten torn so they could heal (if I didn't they would never heal).

They say that you shouldn't give a bottle to a breast fed baby until they're 4-6 weeks old, otherwise it may cause nipple confusion. While nipple confusion is real, it's not like once they have it it's game over. But you do have to be patient and strong. If your daughter starts showing preference for the bottle, stop giving it to her and keep breastfeeding her. Only give her a bottle if 3-4 hours have passed and she still refuses the breast. Where people tend to go wrong is giving the baby the bottle right after she/he refuses the breast. Eventually they figure out they have to wait longer for the bottle than they do the breast. The only reason why they get a preference for the bottle in the first place is because it's instant gratification, unlike the breast. By making them wait longer on a bottle than the breast, you're making the breast look the most attractive because they don't have to wait as long on it. Once you get good at breastfeeding you can have your nipple in her mouth quicker than she can finish her first cry.

Answer 4

There are some really good videos on you tube about how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. You might want to check them out.

Congrats on your new baby !! :)

Answer 5

Here, darling, I hope this helps you.

hello. write down my email, you'll need it later!! email me anytime!!

ok here we go....

1) sit down and get comfy!!... get some pillows!

2) pull your shirt up, down, over, whatever, so you are exposed.

3) gently pick up your baby and hold him/her lying against you tummy to tummy, so your baby is laying completely sideways. (one hand supporting the back of the neck/head area, or head/neck in the bend of your arm for support)

4) bring baby to your breast so that baby's nose is in line with your nipple.

5) brush nipple around baby's mouth, so that baby's mouth opens wide.

6) when baby's mouth is wide open, quickly, but gently, place baby's bottom lip against the bottom of the darkened area of your breast, so your nipple is aimed at the roof of baby's mouth. Baby will then close mouth around you. (this may take a few tries at first)

7) check that baby is properly latched on... mouth should be open wide, bottom lip curled out, bottom of your breast resting on baby's chin, baby's nose clear.

8) baby should start nursing now.

9) if baby does not nurse , or if you are experiencing alot of pain, put your index finger into the corner of baby's mouth to break suction, and try to latch on again.. (repeat step 6)

this takes a few tries, but stick with it. If your nipples get sore, red, cracked, become discolored, or if baby has white specks in mouth after a few days, call your doctor.

also, remember, it's breast feeding, not nipple feeding.. alot of the breast should be in baby's mouth. nipple feeding leads to sore nipples, whiny babies, and ALOT of unneeded broken nights.

good luck, and stick with it... if you need more advice, email me (info on profile) :)

keep in mind that it takes time. It's a skill learned by both you and her. It's not natural, per sey, as many would state on here. Just stick with it. You both will be glad you did!

keep up the good work, mom!  and congratulations. I wish only good things for the both of you :)  

Answer 6

My baby was the same. I would absolutely go see a lactation consultant (there should be one at the hospital you gave birth in) of call the le leche league hotline. Breastfeeding is harder than anything. I cried and was anxious. After I saw my lactation consultant, she helped me with positioning, and told me why we were having problems.

I would pump my breast for a few minutes until milk came out and then latch my baby on. She was frustrated because it took my a long time to let down. Also she would get frustrated because when she did latch on my milk flow was too fast. My baby also has a deep palate which makes latching on difficult.

Just know that you are not doing anything wrong and it takes many weeks to become comfortable breastfeeding.

Answer 7

Because my son was a micro preemie, he was unable to breastfeed properly. It has been 6 months and we are just now exclusively breastfeeding! I pumped and used a NUK bottle (which I found seemed to best simulate the breast). Today we use a BREASTFRIEND pillow to get as comfortable as we can belly to belly. I hold my breast from the underside and gently squeeze my nipple. The shape of your nipple should be in the same shape of his/her mouth. It should look like he/she is eating a "sandwich". I rub his bottom lip until he opens wide then quickly "shove" my nipple in his mouth. If it hurts worse than a light pinching feeling, break the seal and try it again. Like I said, it took 6 painful months, but now watching him nurse brings me the most amazing sense of fulfilment! HOWEVER.....should you decide to pump and bottle feed or use any other method of feeding your baby please DO NOT FEEL GUILTY!! Breast milk is best, but enjoying your time with your baby is just as important! Pumping and feeding through a bottle IS breastfeeding.

Sorry for the long post, but also. if the baby is getting frustrated and turning away, it may be that either the flow of your milk is too fast and you should either lean back a little or express some milk first to slow it down, or the milk is coming too slow in which case you may need to pump more often to increase production! Hope it helps at all!!!!

Answer 8

my daughter gets impatient to because it can take a bit of sucking for the milk to come.  Maybe that is why she is getting frustrated? with a bottle she was getting milk as soon as she sucked and now she has to wait for your let down.  Stress can delay your let down so its really important you try and remain relaxed (I know thats not easy with a wriggling screaming baby in your arms).  Breath deeply and try and ignore babies fussing.  Maybe you could hand express until you are getting the milk flowing just before putting baby on your breast? good luck and keep up the good work.  Im sure your bubs will get used to it