Help with breastfeeding

[montie2]

Posted under the breastfeeding forum, trying here too.
Getting desperate.
My son was born last Thursday.  He is four days old and my milk is not in yet.  As of last night, h e quit being satisfied with colostrum.  He stays on one breast for about 25 minutes, switches, for 25 minutes, and then 20 minutes later is just ticked.  Finally, at 5am, i broke down and gave him formula and he was much happier.  My husband got up with him and ended up giving her another bottle around 9:30 or 10am.  By noon, I had him back on the breast.  He stayed on one for 25 minutes and then the other for 25, then we were back to the other one for 20 minutes.  He wasn't sucking hard the whole time but he wouldn't give it up.  Twenty minutes later he was totally ticked.  I couldn't calm him, I know he is hungry.  I got out the formula bottles (mind you, these are the little ones they give you when you leave the hospital, 30ml) and he chugged the whole thing and has been happily asleep since.  

Can anyone help me?  This is my first time breastfeeding and it seemed like it was going off without a hitch until last night when he finally let me know he is not getting enough to eat.

If I keep trying to breastfeed first, and then supplement if he is still hungry, will my milk come in?  Shouldn't my milk be in by now?  

[tahariel]

I know they are expensive, but the Medela pumps really are the best. I bought a Pump in Style at Target for my first baby, plus used it for the 2nd baby, and plan to use for this baby too. I sure have gotten my money's worth, and more!

[shesherm]

yeah montie  get on the pictures

[Tanker Chic]

Pictures, pictures, pictures... can't wait to see some pictures :)  

[montie2]

Thanks ladies.  I thought I was home free when he just seemed to take to it.  Just figured the milk would come in when it was supposed to all would be well.  Just sent husband to go get a pump.  I would type more but I can't seem to put this beautiful baby down.  Hee, hee!!

[tahariel]

Did you have a lactation consultation, or does your area or hospital have lactation consultants?  A consultation would be extremely helpful for you. I can't even describe how helpful a lactation consultation is and I don't know what I would have done without them!

Visit the La Leche League website. You can search for resources in your area by location.
http://www.llli.org/
http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html

I know it's difficult those first few days, but try to resist giving formula. You need to nurse as often as what baby needs to help your milk come in faster. Supplementing with formula, even just once in a while, you can slow milk production. Your milk should come in soon. Nurse as often as baby needs to. The first 3 weeks of breastfeeding are the most difficult, then the two of you will both become pros. It's a learned art and not an instinct, so having help will benefit you both. Hang in there!!!  Best wishes and congrats on your determination to breastfeed!!!  Wish there was more I could say to help, but a lactation consultant would be the best advice I can suggest.

[shesherm]

montie,
your milk should come in soon.  yeah latching is the hard part Saraya wouldnt latch on for more than 5 mins or so then she was done.  

We gave her formula in the hospital also but then went to just breast...at our 2 week appt she hadnt gained enough weight because she only nursed for about 15 mins or so ...so DR wanted us to use bottles to see how much she was getting...and her 1st bottle it took 1 hour LOL so obviously she wasnt getting enough in her 20 min nursing sessions
She is NOW getting 1 bottle at night and I nurse her the rest of the time.

If you are supplementing your milk will still come in but you can pump inbetween...WHEN you pump inbetween you are not getting EXACTLY how much they are getting when they nurse because they nursed befroe you pumped.... so keep that in mind and dont get discouraged....IT IS ALOT TOUGHER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE...hang in there
((Sheila))
PS CONGRATS

[Tanker Chic]

Typically it takes 3 to 5 day for your milk to come in.  Yes if you breast feed him first and then supplement with formula your breast milk will come in.  If you want to help it along start pumping.  That is what I did.  

Good luck.  Sounds like things should be great once your milk comes in.  Getting them to latch on and stay on was the hardest part for me.  

[sjm72]

I'm so sorry I felt the same frustration when I first breastfed.  I know lots of people say lots of different things but do what makes you and baby happy.( i did a combo of both)  The pumping idea may be a good idea and sometimes makes your milk come in quicker when you have a lazy little sucker.  I don't know if you had a c'sec or not but it seemed my milk came in a little later because i had a c.  Much Luck and Many blessings!

[2wonderfulboys]

also stay away from foods that might give him gas, like broccolli etc.. and also the caffeine. you may already know that but I learned the hard way with my first... But I would try pumping in between and see how much you get, save it and give it to him the next feeding..

[azqtpies]

It should come in anytime now! try and pump in between feedings and see how much you are getting, that will give you a better idea how much your lil guy is taking in. Make sure  you are drinking lots of water, and still take your prenatals that all helps with milk production =)
Good luck, I hope it helps.

Kelly