Just some early days questions...

[cuckoochick]

Thanks ladies! Yes I've been feeding lying on my side as mastered that with C pretty early on. Plus this little girl seems to love sleeping on her side so needless to say she's already been in bed with me for the last two nights. Am using a lovely V shaped pillow which I'm getting along quite well with and once I'm happy she's latched well I'm using pillow to support her, one hand on the boob leaving another hand free for a sip of water etc.

Will give the biological nursing a try. Can't watch the video on my iPhone for some reason (flash) so once I can get on a laptop will check it out. Did look at a video on YouTube though.

Thanks ladies

[Love, laughter, & PJs]

Sounds like things are going well.   Yay for new babies!

[roseola]

I couldn't open it on iphone either, so annoying!

I ws so tired last night that I did let her go 4 hrs

But when I did on the computer I found that the author is not for waking babies to BF. Do you all feel that it's best to wake them up to feed?

[anna*]

I really wouldn't wake at night to feed. Really. I mean maybe if it had been something crazy like 6hrs, and sometimes you're told to for jaundice or whatever, but basically, at night, let them sleep.

[Fiver]

Only thing I'd say is really make sure you're doing nose to nipple to try to get the best possible latch and wait for a nice big open mouth with the head tilted slightly back before putting her on the breast (it all happens quickly and isn't always easy).

[weaver]

Sorry you can't see the video properly.  Basically you build yourself an armchair with pillows, including armrests, make it really supportive in the back as well.  It's a simple idea but the video does help.  Here's the 'recipe'...
http://www.biologicalnurturing.com/pages/recipe.html

Best wishes for a good night!

[cuckoochick]

Thanks ladies. My milk is definitely in...up to my armpits!
MW told me to wake her 3 hrly around the clock. They said this before with C but then I was told to stop once milk was in and we were established. Breastfeeding support worker is calling me tomorrow so I'll check then. Think I'll be pleased to wake to feed toniht as so full and uncomfortable.

Now milk is in should I just feed one side per feed? She's still sleepy but fed for around 20mins tonight from the right breast and was then conked. I know milk is going in because she's now pooing and weeing for England!

Should I get the pump out to get rid of some of this milk now as v uncomfortable?

[anna*]

You could offer the second side but such a wee one she probably full up in one. I wouldn't pump you will only increase supply and (Btdt) can end up with oversupply. I'd have a warm shower and just hand express a little just enough to be comfortable.

[weaver]

Yes, get those breast pads, muslins etc out to soak it all up!!

[Fiver]

What Anna said x

[shivi]

Big congrats Nicola - have been off most of the weekend so only getting a chance now to congratulate you!

To get your body used to what it needs one of the best ways is hot compress before and very cold (even ice cold) after - so flannels or even better those Oscar&Dehn gel packs from Mothercare - I used to pop them in my bra after feeds and walk around like that for 30 mins or so - freezing cold from the freezer if you can stand it. Really gets rid of engorgement.

Don't pump but with larger boobs (even with teeny ones like mine it was a hassle) you may need to hand express off before a feed to get a good latch if very engorged.

We went with 4-5 hr gaps in feeds in the night (two v.good sleepers here, partic Emma) early on once weight gain was good. If weeing and pooing for England weight gain is likely going to be good from now on xxx

S x

[*Ali*]

If your milk is in I wouldn't wake every 3hrs at night unless there is some medical concern like jaundice for LO. Even then when DS1 had jaundice I was only told to wake at night for the first two weeks if he slept longer than 4hrs between feeds (which meant every 5hrs since he took an hour to feed).

[roseola]

Nicola - are you planning to build up a supply of breast milk?

[cuckoochick]

Well I needn't have worried about waking her every 3hrs as last night she woke to feed and/or pooed so we had to change her and this prompted a feed every two hours. still in a bizarre way I'm pleased that she is demanding the breast more herself rather than feeling like I'm constantly shoving it in!

Boobs are still uncomfortable but better. Dolly Parton has nothing on me right now! Breastfeeding support worker telephoned this am and said not to worry about length of feeds when I have this much milk as she'll not be having to work hard to fill her tiny tummy. Forgot to ask about waking to feed but tomorrow is Day 5 when little G will be weighed so I guess that will be an indicator of how things are going!

Nini I'm not thinking that far ahead about supply yet but will probably want to introduce a bottle at some point.

Thanks ladies!

[cuckoochick]

Just a quick update! Day 5 check and little miss G has only lost 30g!!!!' Delighted! Going to try to relax and trust my body a little more even if (said with a little sigh and a totally smitten aaaah!) we are descending into prop city of co-sleeping and nursing to sleep!