Feeding position

[N14 VJM]

Hi all, this is a plea for help/advice.....

I have been BF Chloe, however I have very large breasts (I'm not bragging, actually considering a reduction after I've finished having babies),  and I'm desperate to continue with the BF but it's getting increasingly stressful for both of us.

My midwife advised me to use a pillow and lay Chloe on her side, holding my breast with one hand and Chloe's head with the other. I have to maintain this position for the whole feed otherwise my breast falls out. I can't feed in public like this either. I have also tried sitting cross legged and propping her up in the middle when I'm in bed but it's not very comfortable for either of us.

Chloe has a cold at the moment and I think that may be contributing to the increase in fidgeting, pulling off etc but I am also worried as I tried to express just now and could only get 1oz, which took ages.

Does anyone have any suggestions? It's starting to get me down.

Many thanks

Vanessa

[aisling]

Vanessa,

I can't answer long as I have supper on, but will follow this post and help out as I too have "big ones."  Just wanted to say right now (((HUGS))) and that you do eventually get used to holding your boob in one hand and the baby's head in another.  I even did it in public no problem in Starbucks all the time.  Also, I found that a pair of rolled up socks, like the way you roll them together out of the wash to put in a drawer under my boob helped "perk" them up higher.  Got to run, but will be back eventually as well other fantastic Mum's will help out.

Aisling x

[RachelC]

I cannot offer any insight about size....

As far as pumping is concerned, your baby is much more efficient than the pump, so rest assured, she is most likely getting more than one oz per feed (watch for at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours, general contentment after feed and continued weight gain).  Some women just can't pump and seeing that they only get an ounce causes them to stress, which decreases the output during pumping.

{{{{hugs}}}}

You could also be at or approaching a 4 month growth spurt, which will have her eating like there is no tomorrow and will make you doubt your supply.  Just hang in there and feed her on cue.  How often are you currently feeding?

[N14 VJM]

Hi,

thanks for the replies, I'll try the sock tip.

I'm currently feeding every 3.5 to 4 hours and cluster feeding in the evening so she's getting 6 feeds a day and sleeps from approx 11pm to 6:30am give or take. She's really content most of the time so I guess that kind of answers my question, again I think the cold is having an effect, as well as BF on the last feed I gave some EBM this morning (what little there was) as she was not happy on the breast.

I'm keeping an eye on her weight as she had a tummy upset over the holiday and didn't gain, she stayed at 11lbs 4oz, mum says I was a really petite baby and we're still getting wet and dirty nappies, the dirty ones are back to normal now so I'm hoping she's put on when I go next Thursday.

Thanks again for the support.

Vanessa x

[aisling]

How's it going Vanessa?  Hope Chloe is feeling better.

Aisling x