Tips on breastfeeding/expressing

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

Contact your local LaLache Legue because they have pamphlets, and show you while you are with the baby and really can help - especially with latching issues

Answer 2

i was told to let my son eat all he wants on the left breast and when he pulls himself off burp him. If he's still hungry offer him the other one right. for the next feeding/pumping start with the right.  

Answer 3

Depending on your child. You said that he is in the NICU if it is because he is premature the feedings may take a little bit until he gains the strength to nurse for as long as he needs.

I always teach my parents to offer a complete meal on one side of the breast (around 20 mins) and then if the infant is still hungry you can offer the other side for a dessert. The next feeding will start on the side that he didn't nurse on the longest. There should be a lactation consultant at the hospital, they should be able to help you. You may need to use a nipple shield to help him latch on. This is something that the nursery may keep in stock to help you.

Good luck and be prepared for it to take awhile. Give it all you got and then some more.