Breastfeeding - Las Vegas,NV

Hi M.,
I had my two daughters via C-section, and I think it took 3-4 days for my milk to come in each time. Breastfeeding is definitely not as easy as it looks at first. Have you tried calling a lactation specialist? Sometimes they can come visit you at home and help you get started. It's definitely a learning process for both us and the babies. Good luck!

Wow, sounds EXACTLY like my situation when my sone was born (he's now 14 months old). I, too, had a c-section and had difficulties with the feedings. It will work, but its might be a little work. Its hard to say, because its different for everyone. My saving grace in the whole upsetting ordeal was my lactation consultant (she worked at my son's pediatrician's ffice so there was no extra charge for her services). I called her ALL the time and met with her a few times as well. She was SO helpful. I even called her on the weekends sometimes. I know what you mean when you say its more stressful that relaxing or enjoyable... I struggled a lot. But we did eventually get it, for the most part. And I did breastfeed for about 5 months. You'll get it... hang in there! And call the pediatrician to see if they have a lactation consultant on staff. Take care!

Honestly I wouldn't worry. My daughter didn't even latch on until day 5. So, I was worried the whole time and finally she got the idea.

Having the baby early has nothing to do with your milk. Your body knows when you had the child and that is when your milk will start to change. It takes a few days for your actual milk to come in. You will see the difference in your milk!

Be patient, give it time. Remember the baby senses your emotions! So when you are frusterated, she will be as well!

If push comes to shove, you can always pump! I had to! all 5 of my children were very difficult to breastfeed!

I wish you the best of luck!

Hi M.,

I had the same thing happen to me after I had a c-section as well. My son would not breastfeed. I tried everything and he was just a lazy sucker and wanted the bottle. I even pumped my breasts for 2 weeks but that eventually got too tiring so I started formula. I don't know what else to tell you except that he ended up being formula fed because I couldn't get him to take the breast and it ended up being a good experience for him. He never got sick or had any problems formula feeding. We used Similac with Iron. I felt really bad that I couldn't breastfeed so the only advice I really have for you is that if breastfeeding doesn't work out don't feel bad about it. Formula provides the right amount of vitamins and the doctor told me that only the colostrum the baby gets in the first few days protects the baby against viruses and illness anyways and that formula nowadays is no worse than breast milk, so that made me feel better. Ideally, the baby should be breastfed, and I know this, but unfortunately this is not always possible or easy for all moms out there. Just don't feel bad if you try all that you can and it doesn't work out. Don't let other people judge you negatively because you aren't breastfeeding. Everyone has their own reasons and it is a personal and private issue and no one else's business.

Good luck, and no matter what happens, don't feel bad about it because regardless of whether your baby gets formula or breast milk, your baby is getting good nutrition and you should feel good about whatever choice you make.

Good Luck,
R.

Good Luck!

Hi M. ~

First off, you deserve praise for attempting to nurse your daughter after a C-section. These days, a "C" is the perfect excuse for women not to.

Stress has a lot to do with when your milk comes in and your daughter may also be feeling your stress. When I was having a hard time getting my son to latch on, my dear friend came over with an Enya CD, lit candles while I rocked him in the chair and helped me feel more at ease. Something happened, luck? Not sure, but it was smooth sailing from then on. I think it was the relaxing enviorment for the both of us.

Have you contacted a lactation consultant?

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

This website has a great deal of information for mothers wanting to nurse.....

Best of luck to you and your daughter & CONGRATULATIONS!

Nursing can be EXTREMELY difficult in the beginning. It took the better part of 3 months for me and my baby to get the hang of it (after scabbed, tender nipples healed), but I'm so glad we stuck it out. Get some professional help, and quick. I didn't look to see where you live, but the hospital system here in Sacramento has an outpatient lactation clinic, and I'm pretty sure most hospitals have something similar. For a small fee, you get one-on-one time with a nurse specialist. Not 10 minutes either, more like an hour or longer. They have pump rentals (very affordable) if you need help getting your milk going. If you can afford it, there are also lactation consultants who can come to your home. For moral support and other suggestions, contact your local La Leche League leader. Their web site has lots of articles, as well as links to your leaders phone numbers. Keep at it, and partner with your pedi to be sure she's getting the nutrition she needs while you work out the kinks. I don't personally know anyone who had a calm, relaxing nursing experience during the first few weeks. You're not alone!!

Hi M.,

I understand your frustration. I had a hard time with my son from the start with nursing him. He never wanted to latch on. When he did he would fall asleep. It was like he had know idea what to do. I would continue to try and nurse her frequently. It took me about 3 weeks of frustration to get nursing my son down. I was at the point of crying at times. He would scream frantically when I tried to nurse him, but I didn't give up. I had a hard time getting my milk to come in too because I couldn't get him to latch on. I would suggest to continue trying to nurse often like you are. I had to nurse my son every hour or two in the start. Babies are very sleepy in the beginning and it is normal for them to lose a little weight at first. I now also have an 8 week old girl and nursing her is so much easier the second time, but only because I knew how to do things. If you are having problems still you can contact Family to Family at ###-###-####. They are affiliated with the St. Rose Hospitals, but they might be able to assist. I know they used to have a lactation specialist that might be able to help you more than I can. They don't charge anything either, so give them a call. I wish I would have known about them when I was having troubles nursing my son.

Hope some of that helps. Just don't give up. Once you get the breastfeeding down it's so worth it. It's not only so much better nutritionally for your child, but it's awesome for bonding.

L.

Hey M.,

I had my first baby in October. She had some difficulty latching on while we were still in the hospital. I don't know if you have tried this but my nurse sprinkled a little formula on my nipple so that she got a taste of food and I have never had a problem latching on since. My daughter is 5 months old now and still only get breastmilk. I would give that a try. You can also always call your babies pediatrician and they will direct you to the hospitals lactation consultant to give you advice of possible come in to watch and help with any issues.
Remember to always be calm when you are getting ready to feed. That is very important. Hope that helps!

M.,

Have you tried pumping? That would give you an indication if you are lactating sufficiently. It also might be easier for her to take a bottle--perhaps her sucking strength is weak.

My son was a horrible sucker and had a very hard time latching on. I ended up with the worst blisters on my nipples and was often painfully engorged. The pumping and offering it in a bottle helped me get over the hump until both of us could get the hang of it.

Also, you want to make sure you don't dry up, at least the pumping will ensure you have enough milk production. By the way, you can still bond with your baby while you are bottle-feeding your breast milk. If you feel the need to simulate the contact, cuddle and feed her with your bare breast against her cheek while you hold the bottle.

The important thing is that she gets the benefit of your breast milk--not from what vessel she consumes it.

Good luck.

I know how you feel. My first daughter was c-sectioned a week early. I beleive my milk never came. Did your breasts hurt at all while you pregnant, do they feel sore now?
If not for someone reason you might not produce milk. I was able to feed my last girlfinally. You have to relax and be patient. If she starts to fall asleep tickle her on the bottom of her feet, I know people don't like to do this to their babies but sometimes you have to give them a little pinch. Thats what I was told.
Also if you can't get her to eat, try not to do the bottle. The more you give her the bottle the less chance you have with breastfeeding. i received a device from my hospital that you put some formula in a dripper and you clasp it to your shirt and it has a little tube that you tape next to your nipple and then when you are trying to breastfeed you also give her a little formula at the same time. That way she doesn't see the differeance in bottle and breast.
I hope this helps. If for some reason you aren't able to breastfeed, don't feel down aboutit. Sometimes it's just not menat to be. Don't let anyone tell you your a bad mom either.
Because you tried your very best and formula is great. If anything get a costco membership and buy the kirkland formula there. You get two huge containers for the price of one at the normal grocery store. It's good stuff too.
hope it helps
Jen

It does take a few days after birth for the milk to start. What comes out before that is some kind of nutrient I forget what it's called. I would either use a breast pump on a regular basis, or you could pump manually yourself. It's the frequency of breastfeeding that produces the milk. I friend of mine who had trouble breastfeeding was told by her doctor to have one beer a day. Something about the yeast. I don't recall know how well that worked for her though.

Keep at it! Breast milk is what is best for her so don't give up. I also had a c-section and my milk came in on the 3rd day but no one was helping me learn to breastfeed. My daughter was 4 weeks premature and a very slow eater and was always very sleepy. I didn't give up even thru her frustration fits of screaming. Finally, at 7 weeks she caught on and never looked back. After pumping and then feeding her breastmilk in a bottle for almost 2 months, she suddenly just latched on like she had been doing it all her life. Family To Family can help but with my daughter she just needed some time. Birth is so traumatic especially a c-section. So, don't give up. You can do it and so can she!

B.

Give her time hun. When she is hugrey she will eat. I had the same problem. Have you seen your doctor to see if there is anything else you can try with her? She is latching on right... everything should be fine. I did the whole breastfeeding thing for a few weeks and then we started the bottle so her dad could bond with her. It was really hard to let go but to me she didnt seem to be fullfilled on the whole breast thing. keep going you will know when to switch to the bottle if need be. Also at the hospital there should be a breastfeeding class that might be able to help. Good luck honey let me know how it goes. R.

First of all...it's quite normal to be frustrated, it's not always easy or come as naturally as most want to think...really! Secondly...please call your OB/GYN or Labor and Delivery of the hospital you gave birth in, and ask them for the number of a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant will be able to work with you and your baby through the frustration and give you a lot of help and support to be successful with breastfeeding.

Take care and good luck!
A.

I would call a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group (you can have access to a consultant there for free), you can find one on the La Leche Leagues website. Don't give up! It gets much easier and a lactation consultant should be able to help you and your daughter with the breastfeeding. Congratulations on the new baby!

cntact the laleche league, they will help you. You need to make sure your baby is eating, So contact your babies dr so they can weigh her and make sure she is getting milk

My son had a hard time latching on as well and I also had a C section. I would just keeping trying. Just remember to be calm and patient cause the baby can sense if you are not. Also if you pump your breast that will help the milk come in faster. And after feeding if your breasts still feel full I would pump and store the milk. I learned all of this from a lactation consultant from the hospital. So I would recommend seeing if the hospital has one on staff and if so make an appointment.

I understand! It can be really frustrating trying to learn for both of you. Just hang in there. It's normal. She will be hungry and frustrated, but you have to remember, she is just learning, so are you. The milk that comes out in the first few days is colostrum (sp?), it is very thick and full of the nutrition and immunities your baby will need to keep her healthy in the first few months, fighting off colds, and keeping her safeR from potentially fatal viruses, so don't give up. Also, she needs very little to sustain her. You should call your hospital and request a lactation nurse to visit your home, even if it is only for moral support. My husband and I had a heck of a time the first few days, but he was very helpful in calming our son down enough to eat. My son is 6 months old now and I had a c-section and my son would try and try and then scream, then Chris would rock him and calm him down and we would try again. Keep him awake, too. Sometimes he would nurse for 45 minutes dozing in and out, then he would be hungry again after only an hour of rest. If you cant get a lactation specialist to visit your home. I am almost positive that your local social service agency has a program that will send out a nurse to help. At least they do that in California? Good luck

I agree with the other advice - get yourself to a Lactation Consultant soon! hopefully you've already done so.
For online resouces, check out kellymom.com and also buy Dr. Jack Newman's Book about breastfeeding and check his website, drjacknewman.com

best to you!

M.,
Glad to hear that it is improving. It was difficult for me at first too, especially at the hospital. I thought that if it was going to work it had to be done there, but when I returned home and the milk finally came in, it got easier each day.. Lastly, the lying down position was the easiest for me at first. Once I got the latching on down pat, I varied positions.
Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.

I had a cesarean and my breast milk had no problem with producing. Having your baby naturally has nothing to do with your breast milk "working" or not. Have you talked to your doctor or your babies pediatrician about this? There are people out there who can help you and your baby to learn the breastfeeding technique. Sometimes babies just won't breastfeed, but if this happens, you can always pump and still give your baby the nutrition that she needs. It also might be something that you are eating. When I breastfed, there was somethings that I had to omit from my diet, otherwise I would get a dirty look from my son and a lot of crying and carrying on until that food was out of my system. Another thing that works also is to message their cheek a little bit when they are latched on. Sometimes they seem to forget that they should be sucking. The message seems to encourage them to nurse for some reason.

M. *~

Hi M.. Congratulations! I was 27 when I had my first child. I also breastfed him. I had trouble to in the beginning weeks, just getting comfortable. I watched my cousin who could breastfeed practically while cleaning the house. Finally my son and I found the perfect chair. It does help to find a comfortable place where you can relax. I think relaxing is the most important part. When we don't know what to expect because its our first time we mom's can become tense and a little nervous and the baby may sense that.

My suggestion to you is keep looking for the right position and place to nurse your baby, where you can relax and she can too.

it is the detachment of the placenta that signals the body that the baby has been delivered. Be patient, that special time will come but it takes about 2 weeks. Sometimes your milk can take upto 4 days to come in all the way. Don't give a bottle. Stick it out it will happen and you'll never want to stop. I nursed my daughter 18 months and my son 19.....precious!

Hi M.,

If it is the problem that your not producing enough milk try Yogi's tea called Nursing mom. It works really good to full you up with milk. I will drink one cup and the next day I can really tell the difference. There is also another tea called Mother's Milk that you can get at Whole Foods that works the same. My daughter was born on Feb 2 at Peninsula. When I was there a lactation consultant came in and talked to me 2 times and gave me her card. I would check through the paperwork from the hospital and try contacting the lactation consultant to see if they recommend anything. I know my daughter gets really fussy while feeding because she needs to be burped and then she will eat more. She always goes to sleep eating too.

Good Luck, I know it can be frustating.

Sorry this is hard for you. I was blessed with what the nurses called "the posterchild for breastfeeding". Some of the things I did was:
1) Stroke your babies cheek. This sends a reaction to them to have them open their mouth to begin eating.
2) each time your baby stopps sucking, stroke the cheek again. If this doesn't make her eat again, remove her from the breast. You don't want her to get into the habit of playing at the breast.
3) If it hurts when she latches on, take her off and latch her on again. Breastfeeding doesn't hurt if its done right.
4) If the baby is hungry and being fussy about eating, squeeze some of the milk out so she can taste it then latch her on
5) This will be later, but once the baby has teeth, you will NOT get bitten if the baby is latched on right. The tounge covers her teeth so she can't bite you.

Hope some of that helps.

First of all- Congratulations! Now, to your question, the first couple of days after birth your body has colostrum, a super antibody packed version of breastmilk. Within a week (every body is different) your milk will come in, swelling your breast even more. Because your body & your baby are in such a flux period, my advice is to simply stick with it and relax. Breastfeeding is all about the latching on correctly, which takes practice and patience from you and baby. Your milk WILL come in and when it does, latching can become even more difficult for baby if you breast become extremely full. In this case, try hand expressing some milk to get your nipple softened for baby to latch. When baby does latch, if it isn't right(i.e. it hurts or is uncomfortable) get a finger in babys mouth and break the suction, and then try again. Keep at it until it feels right. Both you and your baby are learning how to do this together and it takes practice from both of you. Don't let baby feed on a bad latch because she is learning and if she learns wrong, it's hard to re learn later. I appluad you for your efforts to breastfeed and remember- ALOT of women have trouble breastfeeding at first and it can be discouraging when there is an idea that as a woman you are just supposed to "know" how to breastfeed. It really is something you and you little bundle get to figure out together- and you will find as a mom that the really deep bonding happens not when baby is peacefully suckling at your breast, but when your struggling together to find solutions to your situation. One last thing... the La Leche League is the greatest source for breastfeeding mothers. There are local gals here and there is tons of info on the website- check it out, and hang in there, it really is worth it- for you and baby. and it is SO much easier once you get the hang of it- Once again congratulations and Good Luck!!

Hi M.,

I know what you are going through, I was there, but the key is to try to relax, there is a certain way to have her latch on right, hold her at the level of your breast (use pillow or Boppy to support her there)then have her front touch your front, her body should not be away from your front, now with the other hand hold your breast from the bottom, and when she opens wide pull HER towards you, you DONT lean forward to her. It takes practice, go to an area where there is noone but your supporting partner. It will be difficult at first, but it should not be painful just a tugg but not painful. Remember you are giving her the best and she will benefit greatly from breastfeeding. Don't worry that you don't have any milk, you will always produce enough milk, and the right amount for her. I have a 3 yr old and a 17 mo. old and I breastfed them both it does get easier, please don't give up. You will feel that wonderful bond that everyone talks about, I promise. Please if you need any help I can always go over to help, I went to classes when I was pregnant and they where excellent. I did'nt think that I could pull it off, but I did, and so can you. CAll me anytime do not hesitate. Take care, and Congratulations!

D. Pace
###-###-####

I have seen milk "coming in" delayed in C-Section moms. Some babies who are a week early just don't "get it" and you need help!!!! Don't waste more time struggling and getting upset!! Call St. Roses Womenscare Center and leave a message for the Lactation Concultant. Marie Bevins or Avery Short ###-###-####) will be able to help and solve your problems. Unfortunately, The LC at Family to Family is no longer available for free home visits. That was me and I retired in December. There are no plans/money to fill the position.
B. Fitzgerald RN, IBCLC

M.,
Congrats on the new baby. I had a c-section almost 9 months ago and had the same problems. Breastfeeding did not last very long because it was difficult - so don't give up trying. I would love to talk to you. I also had a difficult time bonding. If you want to call me or send me your number so I can call you I would love to chat.

Sincerely,
B.
###-###-####

Find out where your nearest Women,Infant and Children office is. The W.I.C. team of women are trained for just the kind of problem you are having and would love to help you. Also try (easier said than done) not being so stressed out about it because your baby can pick-up on that. Good Luck and well wishes.

First off congratulations on becoming a parent and good for you to be breastfeeding its great once you get the hang of it. My DS took a while to latch on and eat too. My first suggestion is to call your dr and her pediatrician to get thier suggestions. Then I would ask if anywhere in your area there is a lactation consultant. The hospital where I had my son offered one. If not you can look up a local chapter of La Leche league they have expirenced mothers and lactation consultants. They have great ideas and alot of expirence. Try pumping if you can to get the milk flowing take a hot shower first it softens the breast and makes the milk flow.

Thats about all the advice I can give you along with keep trying and get all the suppourt that you can, eat well and don't worry.

Most hospitals have lactation nurses that will work with you to teach the baby how to breastfeed, even after you have the baby they will help you. Call your hospital to see if they offer this service. I had 2 c-sections and a very difficult time with breastfeeding also. My pediatrician had to talk me into continuing to do it.

Answer to your question...yes...it is possible that your milk wont come in, for whatever reason. My milk didnt come in with my first son...I tried and tried, the nurses were telling me, "If you would just relax, it will happen..." but it didnt.

Finally, when I was about to give up and do bottels, it was on the 4th day....I was prescribed Reglan...a stomach medication that has the side affects of lactating (lol). And wow did it work! I only had to take the meds for a week and it kept my milk going enough to start on its own. Only side affect was it made my baby lactate for that week...not alot, but enough that I noticed swelling in his nipples.

Good luck

Believe it or not I have four children - Breastfed 1-3 with no problem - - - #4 was born 14 days early - and all he wanted to do was roll his tongue around - - - It turns out that he did not know how to suck. I had to get some sterile gloves and massage the roof of his mouth with the glove for a few minutes before each feeding - once he had a good strong suck on my finger - I took my baby finger to gently break the suction at the edge of his mouth and switch him to the breast - - - I had to do this religiously for every feeding for several weeks - - - but once he got the hang of it - Well, I ended up breastfeeding him until he was 16 months old - because he had pneumonia twice his first year....

Good Luck - don't give up - I know it's hard - very frustrating and makes you feel a bit blue - just don't give up -

If this doesn't work call the hospital and talk to one of the lactation nurses - they have lots of tricks to help you...

Hi M.,
My little boy was born four weeks early, and we were in the hospital for 5 days because of high billirubin levels. He would not latch on either, and would get frustrated because my milk was a bit delayed. The nurses encouraged me to pump whenever my son would want to eat. We would feed the breastmilk or formula in a fine tip syringe inserted next to our pinky finger in the baby's mouth. By doing this, we were able to preserve his ability to breastfeed once my milk did come in. After a few days of trying, trying and trying, we got it. So hang in there...but you might ask your dr about using a syringe and you pumping for a few days. You just have to make sure that the baby is progressing!
good luck!

M., get thee to a lactation consultant! (If you're a Kaiser family, they can help.) I don't know about the possible effects of the c-section, but an hour with a lactation consultant can work miracles. I have two children and both had their individual challenges with breastfeeding. Once we figured it out though, the BF experience worked beautifully (I weaned both at 13 months). The key is to be sure your sweet baby is getting the nourishment she needs. I'm sure that you feel frustrated and concerned, so it's important for both of you to get help now. Good luck, and congratulations on becoming a momma! Being a mom is not always easy, but what a joy it can be.

M.,

Hang in there and keep trying but do not make it a battle. Offer her the breast but don't try to force it. Both of my boys were born at 37 weeks, the first via c-section and the second via vaginal birth. It took several days to get breastfeeding going with both of them. My youngest is 5 months (he was the vaginal birth) and he didn't want anything to do with the boob until there was milk there. It was really frustrating and even though I'd breastfed before, I still couldn't figure out why it wasn't working. It took 4 days for my milk to come in after I had my c-section and 3 after my vaginal birth. Hang in there. Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn't mean it is easy...because it isn't. If you need help, contact someone from La Leche League. Sometimes it really helps to have some one on one time with a mom who has breastfed to help you get started.

T.

Hormones could be the problem. Have you talked to your doctor about this yet? Or try the La Leche League they have a lot of information on their site for moms.

R. Williamson
Stayin home and Lovin it!!
You can to check out my website for more info
www.asparrowsfreedom.com

Dear M.,

This is a scary time for you, and you want her to get the nutrition right away. I understand perfectly, my great grand daughter did the same thing, and her Mom finally gave up and started pumping the breast and putting it into a bottle, she took it that way, then later on she switched to formula. Maybe you could try that.

Her next baby was a boy and he latched on and sucked right away and she breast fed him for a long time, I can't remember the length of time, but just because your first baby is not successful doesn't mean the next one will be the same.

Also, my grgranddaughter was 2 weeks early, so that probably has something to do with it.
Be brave and let yourself cry. This is a big deal for you both, and I know that you are upset and need to let it out. Being a Mom is the best and the most hurtful. God chose us to do this job because he knew that we could take the hard times. Take care of yourself.
Sincerely, C. N.