Breastfeeding/Lactation Consultant

If your baby is back to birth weight before 2-3 weeks that is really awesome, you are doing fine. (m)

Try to bf in the side lying position as much as you can. It will help you to get some much needed rest and that will give you a whole new perspective.

The side lying position can be a little tricky when you are new at it but it is soooo wonderful. Lay on the side of the breast you want to feed from, lay on your right side if you want to use the right breast. Lay the baby on her left side facing you, just on the bed not on your arm. Move the baby either up toward your arm or down toward your toes to make the baby's nose aimed at your nipple. Roll in toward the bed or out toward your back to lift or lower your nipple to the appropriate height off the bed to match where the babys mouth is. Bring the baby in close to your nipple (this is the part that you may need help with until you are a pro at this) and when she opens wide, pull her in close. Once you both are in position have dh or someone else put a pillow behind your back to prop you and a rolled receiving blanket behind the baby from her neck down ( never prop anything behind the baby's head) Once you are both propped in position, enjoy, aaaaahhhhhhh, and don't be afraid to dose off. Tuck the baby's bottom in close to your body to assure the nose is not blocked (the two of you should form sort of a "V" with your hips near and your shoulders apart)

Never do this on a water bed, or soft bedding. Don't allow anyone who is intoxicated in the bed with the baby or anyone who is extremely obese. Make sure your bed does not have any places between mattress and headboard or wall where the baby could potentially get trapped. Remember mothers and babies have been lying side by side and sleeping and bf together since the beginning of mothers and babies, you are meant to rest while feeding. It is definitely an advantage to breastfeeding since you can not bottle feed in your sleep.

Get back to us, we really care about you. You can do this, I'm so glad you felt comfortable enough to ask for support on the bb, there are WONDERFUL women here with oodles of wisdom to share with you.

(((((((HUGS))))))))) Kathy

Don't give up! Your baby sounds perfectly normal (m)

Nursing for an hour at a time sounds perfectly normal as well. I know it seems like an awfully long time, but look at it as time to put up your feet and rest. In a few weeks (or maybe even less), your baby will become more efficient at eating and will be finished a lot sooner.

The hardest part about BFing is knowing whether your baby is eating enough, but as long as you are getting an ample amount of wet and dirty diapers, your baby is getting enough to eat.

It's frustrating when you are tired and sore, but it does get better! If you take it a day at a time, soon you'll wonder what was so difficult about the whole thing.

Good luck. Hang in there.

-Mary and Kate 10/30/99

I just have to give my support, YOU are doing a great job!!!! Its so hard in the beginning. The first 2-4wks are the (m)

Cheryl