Tips on breastfeeding and expressing milk for my baby

Question

My babys been in special care the last 3weeks ive been expressing my milk and hes been fed it through a tube through his nose- ive tryed to get him on the breast but hes still not brilliant at latching on so im going in tomorrow to stay the week with him to get him on properly anybody got any tips? also when i express say i finish with my left breast which one do i then start on? i usually finih left start right- is this correct? any help will be brilliant x

Answer 1

When you are trying to get your baby to latch, try different positions.  I have to use the "football" hold with my baby in order to breastfeed her.  You can also pump for a few seconds to bring your nipple out, making it easier for your baby to latch.  As far as which side to start with, I have always been told to start with the same side you ended on, because it was, most likely, not emptied on the previous feeding, where the first breast was.  

Answer 2

Ask to speak to a lactation consultant at the hospital, so they can see and guide you through any problems. Also a brest friend or boppy pillow will help. Cup your breast in one hand, and cradle the baby's head in the other. There are different positons to try, it's usually trial and error to see which one will work best for you. My baby loved the Brest Friend pillow, and would usu. fall asleep on it right after he would finish nursing.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Keep trying he'll start latching.. Usually feel for the most full breast and feed off that one then go to the other one if hes still hungry you know? I hope everythngs okay with your son!  

Answer 4

for breastfeeding lots of pillows and/or boppy for support, and bring him to your boob, not vice-versa, meaning bring his head and mouth as close to your boob as possible, and for expressing, I find i get the most milk and fastest in a bottle when I drink a tall glass of water before pumping.  

Answer 5

First of all, with any breastfeeding mother... never, EVER give up.  If this is really what you want to do, then keep at it.  There WILL be times when you want to cry (and you probably will) when you feel like you are some sort of failure and you can't figure out this breastfeeding thing... but trust me, you will.  Practice really does make perfect.  Breastfeeding is a learned behavior, for both you and baby!  It does not come naturally (your baby has the sucking instinct, but it takes coordination to really get things moving!)  Just keep at it, and you'll be a pro soon enough!

Talk to a lactation consultant too.  They are very helpful (most hospitals have some on staff!) at helping you get things right.  Also, use lots of pillows or something to bring your baby up to breast height.  Be comfortable as you're going to be in this position (and baby too!) for the next 15 minutes or so!

Also, yes, if you express/nurse on the left side, the next time you would start on the right and vice versa.  To remember what side to express/nurse on, pin a diaper pin to your bra strap to remind you!

Also,