a few questions...

[Niki&Isaac]

Amber had a check up today, she was 7lb1oz born, and at 5 weeks nearly she is 9lb4oz.
I'm presuming this is good? I wasn't given any feedback on her weight. She is exclusively BF....

Also i've noticed that areas of my nipples are hard whilst some are soft, even after a feed (just not so obviously) is this normal?

She also head butts me with her mouth and gets frustrated and cries sometimes half way thru a feed - i've guessed it is when she's not getting milk either due to poor latch or she's just emptied me a bit quicker, what do you think?

I have noticed that my boob feels kind of bruised towards my underarm with each suck too - is this normal?

Oh and i'm thinking of expressing for the first time to a) give my nipples a break - b) let Hubby have a turn at feeding her  - c) to see how much i'm producing (kind of a yield check) - and d) to give my boob a really good empty (sometimes LO feeds loads, and sometimes not so much - and my boobs throb by the next feed when its the latter)

Sorry for so many questions, i kept thinking of more as i was typing
I'd really like your advice on whether you think i'm on track?

[RachelC]

Amber had a check up today, she was 7lb1oz born, and at 5 weeks nearly she is 9lb4oz.
I'm presuming this is good? I wasn't given any feedback on her weight. She is exclusively BF....

FANTASTIC!  She's doing beautifully there.  This weight gain will most likely slow down, but don't be concerned.  Keep up the great work!

Also i've noticed that areas of my nipples are hard whilst some are soft, even after a feed (just not so obviously) is this normal?

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I *think* I know what you mean, and I believe it is normal.  Almost like dry skin?  I had that also.  Eventually went away.  I think it's your nipples "toughening up"

She also head butts me with her mouth and gets frustrated and cries sometimes half way thru a feed - i've guessed it is when she's not getting milk either due to poor latch or she's just emptied me a bit quicker, what do you think?

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I am thinking it is because the milk has slowed down as hind milk is thicker and flows slower.    Are you single or double side feeding?  If double, you do want to be sure she empties the first side before offering the second.  You can try breast compressions  http://www.kellymom.com/newman/15breast_compression.html

I have noticed that my boob feels kind of bruised towards my underarm with each suck too - is this normal?

Hmm, not sure about that one, but the milk glands are wide spread and it could be the "pulling of milk" for lack of a better explanation.  I think I recall that feeling too and will get better as your body adjusts.

Oh and i'm thinking of expressing for the first time to a) give my nipples a break - b) let Hubby have a turn at feeding her  - c) to see how much i'm producing (kind of a yield check) - and d) to give my boob a really good empty (sometimes LO feeds loads, and sometimes not so much - and my boobs throb by the next feed when its the latter)

Sounds like a plan.  Just be careful about c.  The pump is no measure of what you are producing.  Your baby is way more efficient than the pump will ever be.  Just don't panic that you can only pump 0.5-1 oz at a time.... that is totally normal.  Your baby is obviously getting what she needs (shown by her weight gain).  Also, you may not find pumping gives your nipples that much of a break.

Don't worry about all the questions!  I think you are doing a great job!   

[Jonahs Mom]

can I just add in here?>

The bruised feeling - I got that alot! It was just my breasts regulating milk production and sometimes a clogged duct. It was gone in a matter of days. Just keep nursing for it to go away, or pump.

The head butting - you could also have the problem I had. I had fast let down. DS was good to go, but then got frustrated because it wasn't coming as fast as he would like. Latch on again and keep trying, or else pump first, for a minute or two till the letdown subsides, then latch her on. Then your dh can offer that milk later. Make sure you pop her on again after that bottle to keep production up or else pump while he is giving her a bottle.

Pumping/Yield - I agree, it is not a true measure. I could pump like crazy, but my mom, who also have overactive letdown and too much milk (like me), could never pump more than an ounce  . I could get 4 in less than 2 minutes, so there you go!