Breastfeeding 101

Hi Heather,
Thanks for reaching out! This sounds stressful. Can you please help me understand how your baby is eating, how often, and how much? And please let me know what your goals are and what your questions are. I'd love to be able to help out.
Thanks!
Beth

He is a snacker and was eating 2 ounces or so every 2 hours then some feedings he would go three. I’m stretching out feedings now to 3-1/2 hours in hopes he would eat 4 oz but usually he stops at 3. He would take a bottle before but now he refuses from everyone. So with my efforts he still falls around 20 oz a day he weighs 9.9

So, he's breastfeeding? Or is he taking all meals from bottle? When you said he fights you on nursing, what does that mean?

Anyway, I know that’s long, but if you have any additional insight I’d appreciate it! I’ve done a lot of research and between that and the lactation consultant feel like I’ve identified the problem (shallow latch). However, none of the tips or tricks I’ve been given seem to work to help her latch on deeper.

Fortunately, my milk supply is still strong, and baby is growing well. I just would like to be able to enjoy our nursing time rather than dreading it!

For some additional insight, Baby did come 3 weeks early (not induced, just came early on her own). She was 7lbs, 11ozs at birth, so not small, but her head (and therefore mouth) we’re/are small. At her 2 week appt her head measured in the 23rd percentile.

Hi Kyndra, thank you for reaching out and for giving me a pretty clear picture of what's been going on! It sounds like you have done a great job with breastfeeding even when it's tough, and seeking the help you need. Well done, mama!
I advise you to ask your lactation consultant to do a thorough and careful assessment for tongue and /or lip tie. Let me know what she thinks!

Hi Megan, thanks for reaching out, and congratulations on breastfeeding for this long!
You have quite a bit of time to work with before you are ready to wean your baby, so that gives you plenty of options and flexibility. I do not advise to wean in a week. That could cause pain and possible mastitis for you, not to mention the sudden loss of nursing for your baby.
Weaning does not have to be hard or stressful. That said, the nighttime feedings are usually the last to go, since babies love those feeds and they do provide so much nutrition and calories that make up for all the distractions of the day.
Your baby still needs a lot of your milk though, and those nighttime feedings are really super valuable to him. I encourage you to not wean too fast, or you risk losing milk supply before you are ready at 14 months, and have to use a supplement.

When you are closer to your goal of 14 months, I think your plan is a good one. Eliminate one feeding at a time until your body and your baby adjust, then eliminate another feeding. I can't guarantee he won't complain, but I assure you he will definitely get used to the new routine pretty quickly. But until then, if you can stick with nighttime feeds a little longer, you and your baby will both benefit.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and keep up the great work!
Beth

Hi Angelica,
Thanks for reaching out, and congratulations on your new baby!
Try these tips to get your baby to latch:
Start with gentle breast massage and hand expression to get the flow started.
When you see drops or squirts from the nipple, try to offer the breast to your baby by rubbing the nipple on or near his nose.
When he opens his mouth, very quickly put the nipple in his mouth and hold his head very close to the breast.
Hold his head at the base of the skull, with your hand cupping the lower part of his head and your fingers reaching around to his ears. Babies don't like to have the top of their head messed with, and he might push back.
Frequent skin to skin will help. Make sure the meal is readily available and close by.
Attempt to breast feed when your baby is drowsy and not fully awake, and not fully hungry. He may be more willing to try if he's not super hungry.
Stop the attempt at the first sign of frustration from either you or your baby. Keep the experience pleasant so that even if it doesn't work this time, he will be willing to try again.
Get help from a local lactation consultant if you can, if these tips don't work.

I hope these tips help. Please let me know if there is anything else I can answer for you.
Keep up the good work!
Beth