Breastfeeding

Sophia has lost almost a pound and a half and has jaundice. They want me to supplement. I am also having some problems with her latching on. Sometimes she shakes her head back and forth like she cant find the nipple, even if its in her mouth. I am so frustrated at this point, it feels like everything is working against me breastfeeding. I have been crying off and on all day about it, because it is something I wanted to do so bad. I almost feel like im in mourning. I am trying to pump, of course only getting like 1/2 oz that way. Dose anyone have any advice or similar stories? Thanks ladies.

It's still really early- I gave up at this point with my daughter too because of her jaundice and weight loss- but I have since learned that it is such a process and can take up to six weeks or more to establish. My bottle fed babies also do the thrashing of the head with the nipple in the mouth- I don'e think it's related to the way you're feeding. Did you call a lactation consultant? They may be able to help you through the supplementation and get you back on track once the jaundice is gone and she's gaining. Just a thought. I also mourned that loss, and I still feel guilty about it. Also, are you retaining a lot of water? I ended up retaining water in my breasts, which made breastfeeding impossible, as it cut off my milk supply and ended up damaging tissue. Just something to watch out for- sounds like your experience is really similar to mine. Good luck!

Carrie

Omg, yes I am retaining alot of fluid!! My left lower leg and foot are the size of my thigh!! I do need to call the lactation specialist, and im going to talk to the nurse at WIC today. I am hoping to get a breast pump so I can keep up my supply.  Thank you so much for understanding. My hisband is trying to tell me everything is ok, but he cant truly understand why I feel like im in mourning. thanks for reaching out!

My first child (who is 9 now) was jaundice and had trouble latching on. Actually all three of my kids had jaundice, my first was the only one that needed to be treated for it. I remember crying and thinking I was starving my him because I was having so much trouble. 

I think part of the problem is that the jaundice makes them sleepy so they have a hard time focusing on what they need to do, then they get mad. One thing that can help is to get her undressed down to their diaper so that she isn't so warm and comfy that she falls asleep right away. Also, have a wipe handy to rub across the belly if she starts to dose off. 

Before you start, take a couple of deep breaths so that you are relaxed and also make sure you are in a comfortable position for nursing. Then pinch your nipple a little to help make sure she can feel it once it's in her mouth.

Try not to give up. Sometimes when you pump you just can't get out as much milk as when they nurse. It will get better! :)

Melanie

Thank you so much for the tips! Def going to try them today!!!

Supplementing is not a crime and getting enough food can help her nurse more effectively, which will up your supply.  Ideally, you can supplement without a bottle, but that can be difficult.  Some LCs suggest giving a small supplement, like half an ounce or an ounce and then offering the breast.  This perks the baby up and gives her energy to keep nursing. 

Like the other poster said, jaundice will make her really tired.  The pumping WILL help your supply stay up and grow, even though you're not getting a ton per session.  I never let down well for a pump, but you can learn to do so.  What kind of pump are you using?

Hang in there - we had a rocky start to nursing but we figured it out.  Do you have any friends who successfully nursed their babies?  Getting someone there in person to help you might really be beneficial.

I'm also a fan of nipple shields if latching is difficult.  It's true that they are a crutch but they can help with latch issues and keep the baby nursing at the breast.  Ask your LC about them.  They are not always appropriate but they can help.

Don't cry, it will be OK.  The number one rule is "feed the baby," and you are doing a great job.

I had never thought about the jaundice making her sleepy. I tried giving her the bottle first and then my breast this am, and it did seem to work! Thanks for the suggestions!!!

Oh good, I hope it keeps working!  As the newborn sleepy stage comes to an end in the next several weeks, maybe you can just put less in the bottle and eventually stop offering it.  I think it can work out for you.  Rough starts are hard but very common!  You are doing a great job.

Carter does the shaking head thing - I am like DUDE! It is in your mouth! LOL! I have noticed he does this when he is distracted for some reason A) dirty dipaer  or  B) gassy. I read somewhere once that a baby will attempt to nurse even if not hungry to comfort it's self. I had one night where Carter literally SCREAMED from 1130 pm to 530 am because he was so gassy. He was rooting around and then doing the head shake the whole time. He finally passed the biggest fart I have ever heard out a child and then chilled out and slept for 8 hours.

Do you think maybe she is having tummy problems?? I am like you I want to nurse SO BAD. It hasn't been going so great for us either and it really upsets me because I feel like it is a special bond that is being denied between my son and I. My girlfriend told me that she was having similar problems (her son is 8 weeks right now) and she ended up nursing during the day but giving her son the Similac Sensitive gas and fussiness formula at night. We have been trying it out and so far it seems to be an ok compromise.

Hang in there Momma I hope it gets better!

Im so glad someone understands exactly what I am talking about!!! Maybe that is something to look into, maybe gas etc. Maybe it is a distraction thing too. Thank you so much for understanding how I feel, and I hope things go better for you and Carter too!!