Breastfeeding Mom’s of newborns——- how are you surviving?

Question

Hi! I gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy on Saturday and have been exclusively breastfeeding.  I am so exhausted... I am definitely sleeping or trying to whenever baby sleep but that is only 60-90 minute stretches.   Obviously every few baby naps I eat and shower etc.
I am tempted to pump once a day so husband can do one feed but wasn’t sure exact ideal timing of this?!
Thank you for listening! Any advice is appreciated.

Answer

As hard as it is wait if you can till 6 weeks.  It's best to establish a good routine first.    I know it is so hard I exclusively breastfed my first and plan to with my second.    Just try to focus on napping every chance you get.   It will ease up  but the first few weeks are brutal.

Answer

My daughter dropped more than 10% of her birth weight and I had to pump and bottle feeding after breastfeeding starting at 3 days. We only needed to do this a few times but I would still pump and leave a bottle for my husband. He would take her 6 ish morning feed and I would sleep. It was so good for them to have that special time and I got to sleep which made me feel so much better. We never had issue with nipple confusion or latch problems. We used the lowest flow nipples possible. You are doing a great job! Congratulations on your little one💕💕💕

Answer

My daughter wasn't gaining weight so we introduced a bottle at 1 week old. Our pediatrician actually suggested it. I was so exhausted and just needed a short break. It also allowed my husband time to bond. We never had an issue with latching or nipple confusion. We also used the slowest flow nipple for her bottle.

Answer

I struggled just like you in the beginning. I was exhausted but it does get better. I wouldn’t worry about nipple confusion, if it’s only once a day or even once a week so you can have longer than a 90 minute break it won’t make a difference. I would worry more about nipple preference....with that in mind, I’ll mention something our pediatrician recommended at our 4 month appointment. I had noticed that my son would nurse for like 5 minutes and then throw a fit. She asked if we had switched to the stage 2 nipples for his bottles and we had. She suggested going back to stage one, the super slow flow ones, so that it came out at the same pace as the breast. Worked like a charm!

Answer

I thought this too, but in the end it was just easier to exclusively nurse. We waited I think 6 weeks to introduce a bottle, when we did my daughter hated it and I felt as if I was cheating her. So I stopped...I know it's hard to be the sole food supply, but as you continue your nursing journey it becomes so easy and effortless. Newborn stage is very difficult...have husband help in other ways, maybe after you nurse baby he can give you a 2 hour nap. My husband did every diaper change at that age. I got my husband a daddy's survival book as well, and it even suggests that he should let you sleep and put baby on your boob to eat but continue to let you rest, lol. We never did that, but it may be something you guys find useful! Hang in there.

Answer

I don’t pump but do have a haaka so have a supply of milk ready . Baby is 1 mth old tomorrow and has had no problem with the occasional bottle no nipple confusion .

Answer

Yes! My little one is 5 weeks...and have a 3 year old! Those first few weeks are tough...I did pump and have a nice stash going! All depends on your supply though. It’s also nice to get a break. You can do it and it will get easier!

Answer

It will get better I promise! U and baby are getting ur supply established right now so it’s important to stay in the groove of things. If ur husband takes over for a feeding, u would have to pump again to make up for it so it’s really not saving u any time(it’s making it harder imo because u have to pump, whereas u could’ve just nursed). It sounds like u are doing what u need to do, and before u know it u guys will be in a routine and u will be so glad for the hard work!

Answer

The first few weeks it's not recommended to pump just so you can create enough. I think the first few weeks the baby depends on you for all their milk and then you start making extra. You just have to feed them everytime :( it sucks because you are so exhausted! But good news, when the extra milk comes in it's usually a ton. Keep pumping so you can develop a freezer stash and your husband can feed the baby most of the time and you can just pump whenever you have the time :)

Answer

I had the same question and concern. And I went for it and then I was scared of “nipple confusion” so i asked my pediatrician and she said wait at least 4 weeks until feeding and supply is established to then introduce a bottle into the mix.

Breastfeeding Mom’s of newborns——- how are you surviving?

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