Breastfeeding Questions

Hi Blessedmom,
Hope all is well.
My LG is now almost 9 months now, she still breastfeeds about 3/4 times a day with solids at "mealtimes", and then about 3/4 times at night.
She has just had her 5th tooth out, and the 6th is cutting. In the last week it's been really sore feeding. It's as if her top teeth are scraping my breast! She isn't biting though (only does that when I'm distracted!)
I don't remember this happening with my first child though (but they are quite diff in personalities).
Any advice as to what I can do? Or will the nipple get tougher?
Will a nipple shield help? Am worried she won't want to feed with s nipple shield on now since we so far down the line already.

Thank you


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I think "reflux" is quite normal in babies under 12 weeks. Seeing that the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach is not yet fully mature. The valve only starts closing properly between 4 - 6 months.

Breastfeeding her is the best you can do & letting her feed as often as possible. It really sounds like she is doing wonderful.

You can look into a chiro or osteopath if you really feel like it's becoming a problem for her BUT she sounds ok. Not a lot of parents are into chiros but I believe in them. It did wonders for my lb.

Thanks for all the advice.

The reason I think she has reflux: about half an hour after a feed, she will squeal, and then bring up curdled milk. And she prefers being held upright, or on a wedge pillow.
I don't think it's serious though, and did not take the meds when the dr suggested that they are available.

My nipples used to hurt, but now they are ok. Will try the tickle.
She starts of well, and as she gets drowsy....

Gosh my shirt was covered in milk that she just brought up as I turned her upright!!


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Hi Maj

When you do give the bottle occasionally, start off with only 60mls & see if she wants more after that. Unfinished bm can be given once more later on but then needs to be chucked away.

You can express milk & store it at the back of the fridge for about 5-8 days! If you know you not gonna use it in those days, rather freeze it.

Regarding the teat. You get the smallest one & stick with it.

With regards to the tugging. You can maybe try breast compression to see if it helps OR just offer the other side.

www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BC


Also,
As she starts to get full, she may pull away only to decide that she would like a bit more milk after all. In this case, let her show you when she’s truly through eating. Help her latch back onto the breast to see if she continues eating. If she pulls away again and seems content and calm, consider the feeding done and move on to burping her.

Bringing up milk is quite normal. The milk some times lie on top of a wind & when she burps it get brought up. It doesn't really sound like she suffers from reflux cause she is gaining well & seems quite happy overall.

Remember that your milk supply gets established around 6weeks & your breasts will become softer later on & won't feel "full" & firm anymore. It's perfectly normal because your milk doesn't get stored in your breasts So don't panic once that happens.

Does she hurt you when she feeds?

The trick is that she needs to open wide when taking in the nipple & areola(not the whole part). Tummy to tummy! Tickle her upper lip with your nipple until she opens wide enough & then bring her in quickly towards the breast. Lips curled out like a fish

Thanks for the reply Blessedmom.

I will do 3 pump sessions and have the extra milk ready just in case- if she does not drink all, I can use it for another feed.
Now to explain to hubby about paced bottle feeding......
Regarding the teat- should I just get the smallest size?

The tugging is generally at the end of the feed. When she tugs, it's a lot of sucking and an occasional swallow.
She feeds only on one breast. I have offered the 2nd the other day, she did drink more, but soon after the feed, she brought up a lot of milk! Even though she burped well.

I have noticed that she has become a lot more distracted since about 7 weeks- wanting to talk during feeds.

She has a good no of dirty nappies, and is growing well. She is a big baby!!
I have noticed that my breasts have gotten more firmer since my post, they were quite soft (which was worrying me as well).

No thrush!

Any advice on getting her to latch better? Some feeds it's the nipple and a small area around it only!

Thanks for the links


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hi Berry, do not worry about it. you might have a slight dip on the first day, but your milk won't dry up.

i had my period back like clockwork 6 weeks after baby was born with both my boys. only difference i see is i express a bit less on the first day of my period

Hi Berry,

I am still BF at 15 months and got my period at 14 months (very very light) and at 15 months a normal period. Milk supply did decrease but in no way to such an extent that it negatively effected BF.