Welcome to our new Breastfeeding section

[bean]

Hi and welcome to our new breastfeeding section.

We are here to support and offer tips and advice that we have gained through our own experiences. I personally have breastfed all 3 of my children for 7, 15 and 18 months respectively and know how fulfilling it can be, also how stressful if things are not going too well. This is why I suggested we set up this section as a little help could make a lot of difference.

Whether it is establishing breastfeeding in the early weeks, or support around the transition to weaning, support is here.

I have put my name forward to my local Health Authority for Breastfeeding Peer Support Training, although have been advised that funding is not available again until next year so I am on the list and will undertake this training as soon as I am able. In the meantime, we can share our experiences and help where we can, I also have contact with a Healthcare Professional who is a Breastfeeding expert and is happy to offer any suggestions or advice if needed.

I hope this section can be of some help and look forward to sharing the breastfeeding experience.

Bean xx

[stevensmummy not logged in]

Hi bean,

What a great idea for a section.

On the subject I have a question. My Lo is now 7m and I'm thinking he doesnt need a feed thro the day. He eats 3 meals thro the day and snacks. But i do still sometimes give him a breast feed for his nap in the afternoon. Is this normal, i really cant remember what i did with the other 2 lol, but does he need this? I'm concious of having him too attached as I struggled to get my 2nd off the breast, and ended with cold turkey and 3 nights crying!

He also still feeds thro the night. Should I stop this? Push him with a drink of water and put him back down? Some nights he is up 3 times expecting a feed! I often end up taking him in the bed and letting him lie next to me, he only wants the comfort. He sees me as a walking boob i think, as soon as he gets close to bare skin in that area hes rooting for me and biting anything he can get to lol. He can be quite vicious!

Sarah x

[bean]

Hi Sarah
Good to hear from you, I cant believe your Lo is now 7m old, where has the time gone? I dont think a feed during the day for his nap will hurt. I used to give Martha feed for her nap in the afternoon, its also a good reason for you to have a little rest too.

As for the night time, he shouldnt be feeding three times during the night, it is habit and comfort and he just needs a little training. As he is having three meals a day plus snacks, he is getting all the nutrients he needs. Is he having some supper? Maybe try giving him some porridge or toast or something before bed and then a feed. If your OH is supportive, could you ask him to help out, and maybe give Lo a bottle the first time he wakes expecting a feed, it is easier if your OH gives the bottle, LO will get used to not relying upon you for a breastfeed. Just try it gradually, with one feed, then two, and LO will get used to it and you can then start to cut those feeds out too, so he learns to self comfort and get himself back to sleep without milk.

I know its really hard when they are screaming, but in the long term, they will learn.

I hope this is of some help to you Sarah, let us know how you get on.
Take care
Luv bean x

[stevensmummy]

Cheers bean luv, I think I already knew what you said lol but needed reminding lol.

Last nite he fell asleep on the way home from my mums so he didnt actually get a feed, untill he woke at 12. Then he woke again at 4.30 and was screaming the place down. I thought to myself right no feed, a drink of juice and back to bed. But hes so full of the cold he ended coughing and choking and being sick everywhere. Its just the end of his cold and theres mucus running down his throat, choking him all the time. I ended up giving him a cuddle and a very small feed. Then put him back in the cot and he was fine till 7.30. My Oh pointed out this morning its prob not the best time to start taking him off thro the night since he stil has the cold and hes maybe right. i guess he prob has a sore throat, i know mine is.

Shall i persevere while he is ill or do I be a little more lenient just now? xx

[bean]

Hi Sarah
Sorry only just replied, by the time id got all my little monsters settled last night after the excitement of a visit to the fair it was late and I was shattered, sorry.

I agree with hubby, its probably not the best time to try this while little fellar is not feeling well, you will put yourself through more unnecessary stress when all he will be craving is comfort and cuddles. I have had this too when feeding and just went with the flow until they felt better. Sounds like you have his cold coming too, so last thing you need is to be pacing the floor during the night. Look after yourself too hun and get plenty of liquids to keep up your supply without draining yourself.

Hope you're both feeling better soon and remember to give yourself some TLC too.

Bean xxxxx

[stevensmummy]

Hi bean,

Well so much for my being lenient coz of his cold lol. Last nite I decided enough was enough. My mum pointed out that yesterday he was much better thro the day and drinking much less, he had gone all day without a feed other than his naptime one. She suggested giving him a night feed then a drink of water thro the nite if he wakes incase his throat is sore. He woke at 12.30, so fed him and put him down but he didnt dettle he wanted in our bed and get a cuddle. But I was shattered and wasnt wanting him in when I knew I'd be restless with this cold coming on. He cried so i send OH thro 2 boys room, he woke Stuart, my middle one so Oh took him downstairs. I settled him put him down then went out of the room. Thinking he'd settle better he didnt. i left it 5 then bk. By this time he'd woken steven who I sent downstairs too. I settled him again and then went down myself. i left him for 10mins this time and went up again. Gave him water again and put him down after a wind, he whimpered and fell asleep. that was him till 6am. I fed him, by this time it was like a tidal wave, milk eveywhere lol. Poor soul was gulping to keep up with it!

I thought after about 15mins well I've started now, it'd be cruel to just go get him. Its not learning him anything other than if I scream long enough she will eventually come!

Think I'd just going to go for it. I've started now so better to just carry on. The kis are on thier october hols just now so its the perfect time, steven wont be too tired for nursery and can nap if need be. I just need the back up now!!

Oh and for the bottle bit with my OH, no that wont work he refuses a bottle, anytime we were away mum had to give him breast milk in a cup! He also wont take a dummy. Oh is prepared to support me for this. he says he can deal with the other 2 and sleep on the sofa with them if need be so at least thats something. I dont exactly have the most helpful OH so its better than no help!

xxxxx

[stevensmummy]

Just an update for u, I know uve not got back yet but dont worry I know how hectic 3 kids can be.

Last nite he was asleep on way home yet again but it was early kind so I didnt rate my chances. He woke at 12 and screamed a bit, did the water and put him down. Went out to go to the toilet and came back after about 5 mins and he was quiet. He wasnt asleep but quiet so i just went in and to bed. Woke 3 more times but did the same and he settlked within 10mins. Surely this is progress. Although i did allow him up for his morning feed at 5.15 since he was in bed very early.

I do think i'm going to give him something to eat b4 bed tho. What do you suggest? I do give him a biscuit but wasnt sure about giving him anymore incase it left him too full for bed. The only thing that keeps him going is really porrige or weatabix. Lunch the only time he lasts till. Thats a bit heavy for bed time tho is it not?

Got to go calm the war thats taking place in the sitting room! Bye xx

[monica]

Hi

Just wanted to tell you that you're doing brilliantly . My son was the same waking up for feed but in his case he had a lot of tummy ache too. thru exhaustion I would feed him although did try on occasions to leave him. Anyway, to cut a long story short he doesn't get fed at night anymore but he does sleep with us!!! So you're doing great and it will make your life easier in the long run. Just need to find energy to tackle the sleep thing.....

Love

Monica

[bean]

Wow Sarah, look at you! Sounds like youre strong enough to do this right now and probably the best age for LO too. You're doing fab hun.
What about trying some of the baby porridge for supper, or weetabix? Martha usually has some toast (mind you she's being a little mare at the mo re: bedtime !)
Doesnt have to be much, just a little might make the difference.
But it does sound like hes learning very quickly, to be able to settle that well during the night after only a couple of night - well done you.
Sorry I didnt get on yesterday, mayhem at the Smiths household once again lol. Will try to look in more often.
Take care, hope last night was ok for you.
luv bean x

[stevensmummy]

Thanks for the support monica, its really is hard but I was in the same situation with Steven, my eldest. He too slept in out bed and I vowed I'd never do that again. Suart slept with me as a baby until he stopped night feeds and was never a problem although i do vaguely remember an issue getting him off too. He was a little fatty!

Thankyou so much bean, I dont feel like I'm doing well tho lol. Last nite was hell!!!!! 3hrs later he fell asleep. I ended up in Stevens bed with them dowstairs with OH. But when I asked my HV about it yesterday she said be prepared for day 3 to be backwards again. And it was! So hopefully its going to be better 2nite. My OH is tried and complaining alot but I had a go at him this morning. Said hes suposed to be supporting me not giving me a hard time. I got a grunt and he sulked for 5mins then came round. He has never been of any support to me so I didnt expect any help. I'm happy to deal with Scott but if the other 2 wake up he has to get up too.

I did think about a wheetabix actually. Will try some 2nite. Hes always asleep early, i strggle to get him beyond 7, sometimes even half 6 so will maybe start giving him tea at 4.30 so i can give him something about 6ish.

Glad to hear its not just my place thats chaos, lol
xxx

[winegirl]

I did the wheetabix thing too about half 6 ish then milk right before bed and it seemed to work...

[stevensmummy]

Hi guys,

Thankyou all so much for the support your amazing you know that!!

Last nite gave him an earlt tea about 4 then we went up to my MILs and I gave him 2 richtea biscuits and then a feed b4 I left. When I came home he had another small feed and bed. Hes never a problem going down he settles really well then. He woke at 2.30, gave him some water and he gave me a huge wind, so presumably that was what was wrong. Woke at 5.15! I fed him then as we get up about 6 anyway so it was ok time and he lay in bed until 6.30 'talking' to himself. He settled well at 2.30 only a few mins of crying then that was it.

I think I'm going to go to the shop 2day and get somesort of baby muslei so he can have 1 for breakfast and one for supper.

Maybe I've cracked it??? I'm not going to tempt fate tho lol xx

[bean]

It sounds like he is getting it Sarah, know what you mean tho - lets all touch wood and fingers crossed etc.
That baby muesli stuff is good, or even fromage frais.
Other than that Sarah you sound like youre doing well with this, better than i am at the mo, Martha the Merciless is not settling at bed time at all and its driving me mad, we've had to put Joe in Dans room again cause shes got an almighty set of lungs on her and can scream for england!
Hope tonight is ok for you, keep it up hun, your doing great.
Luv bean xx

[stevensmummy]

Hi,

Success again! Only work at 11 for a drink then 5.30 ready for up. I feel such alot better of it.

Sorry to hear about Martha. She sounds like shes doing a good job of waking the whole house lol. Thats hell when they start that. I remember stuart starting that again at about a year and half. The problem turned out to be his bed. He was alwasy fractious in it, but we got a 'glow bug' and he loved it. When u cuddled it he sung a little lullaby and glowed. I think he was uneasy and finding it hard to go to sleep when there was no background noise. It was a comforter to him. Does she have a comfort blanket or bear or anything like that?

xx

[monica]

Hi You've done brilliantly! You should be very proud of yourself cos with three little ones it's easy to be weak (like me), but you've cracked it and will feel better for it. Love Monica