I'm a first time mom with a 4 week old daughter. I never thought I would have children
and I feel so confused about what to do for my baby. Her symptoms have been getting worse
and from what I have read through countless hours of research, I believe I have oversupply.
My partner and I labored at home with our homebirth midwives for about 42 hours of active labor.
My cervix would not dilate past 6-7 cm, baby was 42 weeks 2 days when she was born at the hospital
via a c-section. They kept her in NICU for 7 days on antibiotics but I was up 12 hours after surgery walking back and forth to breastfeed her. We didn't have problems at the hospital although they did keep her on an IV at first and I know they were giving her that sugar crap even though I told them
Not to. Anyway, it was a pretty traumatic experience for all
3 of us, we were so relieved to have her home and for the first couple weeks things went well. However, she nursed almost constantly. Especially in the evenings. I would have a 10-15 min break over the course of a 4 hour marathon feed. It was exhausting but everything I read about bf'ing said this was normal and to put her to the breast anytime she signaled hunger.
Situation now: before she would sleep 3-4 hour stretches at night and we nursed in bed really well. The past two weeks have been different she started getting really fussy at the breast sometimes, fussing for hours with gas and passing stool, it would come out explosive but took her so long and lots of leg pumping and tummy running from us for her to get there. When I put my hand on her stomach I could feel a constant disturbance, and she went from normal fussing over gas to being in pain and upset. Her poops were yellow and seedy when we came home and are now more brownish yellow but with lots of mucus in them. She started feeding more and more but being fussier and fussier where before feeding seemed to relax/comfort her. She will tongue the air and root but when I put her on my breast she will only suck for a few minutes and the unlatch, fuss to get the nipple again and then spit it out. I have tried the reclining and laying down etc and they don't really work so I am thinking that she isn't really hungry and that is why she is letting go? I read so much about letting her nurse whenever she signals and about not delaying her feedings but I am so frustrated. How can I feed her when she keeps pulling off? It is contributing to her gassiness and pain. We wanted to avoid a pacifier at all costs, she would barely take one really when she was in the NICU but they did get it in her mouth occasionally. However, I am wondering is this our only option? I don't want her to be distressed.
I've been block nursing for a little over 24 hours now. I think it is helping. She has been passing gas on her own (without us stimulating her legs/tummy for hours) and also pooping much easier
I have given her Gripe Water 3 times since the day before yesterday when she seemed really fussy but when I gave it to her before we started the block
Nursing she would start passing massive amounts of gas within minutes now that doesn't happen. I am hoping that this and the decrease in her tummy rumblings means that the block nursing is working.
Ok this is long and all over the place, I apologize. My main questions are:
What are some common signs that block nursing is working?
Thoughts on comfort nursing and pacifier use.
I return to classes in about 2 weeks and will need to pump just for 2-3 feedings twice a week- how can I do this and manage supply?
What should I do when she fusses at the breast?
Thanks in advance for any help and experience. I'm so sad that bf'ing has turned into this for us. It is a beautiful thing and I love feeding her but it has become to
Stressful I am
On the verge of giving up.