XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

so my buddy just had a baby girl and she is having some breast feeding issues. The lactation nurses at the hospital were less than helpful.

The baby came 3 weeks early and her milk is not in yet. Both mommy and baby came home yesterday from the hospital. The baby was latching just fine in the beginning but then stopped latching and won't suck.

The nurses told my friend to just try and pump and see how that goes. They felt her boobs and it felt like milk should be in within 4 days. She tried pumping and there's no milk.

We don't know if the baby has received any or much milk yet since she didn't lose a bunch of weight at the hospital and has been pooping and peeing. She pooped 5 times between sat and sunday and twice today along with multiple pee's.

So now she doesn't know what to do. Should she buy 1 thing of formula for now until her milk is in (hopefully just a few days) or will that screw the baby up (in terms of confusion)? Is it possible there is milk when the baby sucks but not upon pumping yet?

she's not sure the reason the baby stopped sucking... she thinks there was milk in the beginning but can't be certain.

I'm clearly clueless on breast feeding so I couldn't offer much advice. I figured you pro's would hopefully have some answers!!

Please any advice would be greatly appreciated.... give as many details as possible. The 2 of us are clueless with this part!!

THANK YOU from me and my friend!!!!



PS - a MAJOR part of the problem is that she won't suck and try. But she will suck on her mom's finger or a pacifier. What could cause no sucking? What could the mom do to stimulate the sucking on the boob?

Message edited 6/6/2011 6:14:16 PM.

Re: XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

I'm only 11 days into this, so I'm no pro.....but when I was in the hospital, the nursery nurse dipped a pacifier in some sugar water, dabbed it on my nipple - and that enticed DS to suck on my breast. They had the sugar water in small portion control cups - sp I assume they're commonly used.

DS took formula from a bottle while we were in the hospital and that hasn't seemed to interfere with his desire to BF. Also, I have been giving him pumped breast milk at night because it's easier (quicker) and he still readily takes the breast when offered (100% of the time during the day).

Again, I'm not a tried and true pro....but that's my feedback!

Good luck!

Re: XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

My youngest dd didn't understand that there was food in there. The lc at the hospital put a few drops of formula only nipple for her to " get it". That could be part of the problem. Good luck to your friend. I know it's super frustrating.

Re: XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

I havent had my first child yet but i have been watching videos on youtube about bfing that show you tips on how to adjust their lips/ chin to get them to latch etc.

Message edited 6/6/2011 9:36:03 PM.

Re: XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

First- the baby is pooping and peeing so I wouldn't be concerned that she is not getting anything. But be sure to keep track of it so that if at anytime she slows, your friend will know that the baby is not getting enough. Colostrum is very good for babies, even if there is no actual milk yet.
The fact that she is not getting any while pumping does not necessarily mean that she is not producing for baby. Hormones play a big role in the whole thing- could be that she is not relaxed enough, doesn't have the oxytocin going and she is not letting down for that reason.
I agree with the suggestion to put a drop of formula or sugar water on the nipple to entice baby.
Pediatrician should also be able to help.
Consider contacting LaLeche League for further help! Wish your friend the best of luck, and tell her to hang in there.

Re: XPost ... BTDT MOMS! NEED BREAST FEEDING HELP FOR A MEMBER FRIEND PLEASE!!!!

I agree - if the baby is pooping and peeing, then they are definitely getting something. Is the baby sleeping? That is also an indication that they are getting nourishment. They will not sleep if they are hungry. I would tell your friend to hang in there and definitely try to pump in between feedings! It's all about supply and demand!!