Nipple Shields and Breastfeeding

I was taught that it's less "nipple confusion" and more "flow confusion". As in, baby gets used to the faster flow with the bottle. We supplemented at night with all three of our kids so DH could do a night feeding. We always used to slowest flow nipples while I was breastfeeding. I never had any problems with nipple confusion. Also, if it saves your mental health, give her a pacifier and dont' feel guilty about it. My third kid wanted to breastfeed constantly. (He's still a chunker at 16 months old.) Thank God for the pacifier.

[Pollyanna]

That's not a bad idea. It might not be a good idea to skip a feeding, but the pump is easier. It's a pain to set up, but it doesn't fight back! Breastfeeding is important to me and I want to keep it up. I was hoping it would be a nice bonding time when I go back to work

This is a win-win idea. You keep up your supply and get more sleep and your dh is also able to get in on baby feedings. I don't think you'll have to give up nursing, just do it in a way that works best for you and your baby. Dh and I were talking about you last night and he pointed out that all healthcare professionals are "pro" breastfeeding but the problem with many that go around claiming their "pro" status is that they fail to include the mother in the equation and instead scare the moms with nipple confusion, etc. You and baby will find a groove and it will be the best for you and baby.

[SoonerTexan]

Well she is eating constantly now so maybe we hit a growth spurt? DH fed her a bottle last night while I pumped and she gulped it in 10 min flat...and it is a really slow flow breast flow bottle. I tried feeding her at 3:30 but she wouldn't wake up enough to eat well And we were both completely out 2 hours later so one bad night feeding and one missed one :/ I hope I can keep up today. 2nd feeding in an hour already

[Bittersweet]

You're doing great! Before long you'll be able to set up that pump with your eyes closed. I used to set everything up before bed so that when I got up all I had to do was attach myself, pump and throw everything in the fridge. Or better yet have your DH be in charge of setup and washing. Hang in there.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

You're doing great! Before long you'll be able to set up that pump with your eyes closed. I used to set everything up before bed so that when I got up all I had to do was attach myself, pump and throw everything in the fridge. Or better yet have your DH be in charge of setup and washing. Hang in there.

Frickin' genius! You've just saved my life :-*

[SoonerTexan]

Thanks again for all your advice and support...it really made a difference. Things are looking much better today with a decent amount of sleep, some reason, and a little wine but yesterday was unbelievably rough. The ideas and thoughts here really helped.

[moonlight]

Its amazing how a hour or two of extra sleep really helps keep your spirits up the following day! I hope tomorrow is a little better.

After watching the video of her activity level right from the hospital... I'm thinking she is burning calories more than the typical new born. Mine just slept none stop and didn't move a inch! All that moving and fighting you must take massive energy. Was she that active in utero?

[SoonerTexan]

Was she that active in utero?

Yes...at least at night!

It really is ridiculous. She's been lifting and moving her head around since birth.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

It really is ridiculous. She's been lifting and moving her head around since birth.

This is A - the first two weeks, I would cry to DH because I felt I just couldn't keep up! That seems like a lifetime ago at this point (thank you, sleep depravation!). Take time for yourself. Hang in there - you're doing an awesome job! It will all be a distant memory soon...

[SoonerTexan]

Judgement Day is tomorrow at 9 am (ped appt to check weight). I feel like we're being graded.

Little sucker better have packed on the pounds with the way she's been eating/we've been shoving milk down her throat.

I feel like I'm a freakin' Golden Corral, or as DH put it as N drained the last of a bottle of pumped milk:

"Oh, I'm sorry baby. It's all gone. Luckily we have mommy. Mommy is like Saudi Arabia...she has endless milk reserves. Daddy is like the United States...he only gets what mommy gives him. Luckily mommy is very willing to work with us, just like Saudi Arabia"

And then he flew her across the room to "invade" me.

So I'm Saudi Arabia.

[Pollyanna]

LOVE it!!

[HouseofWool]

That is hysterical.

[ladymoreta]

Haha!


Laurie

[SoonerTexan]

Ironically 5 minutes after I posted that I walked into the living room wearing pump parts and a hands free nursing bra (sexy, I know. I don't really care anymore and neither does he) and tried to remove the pump while talking to him. I pulled too hard and splashed him with milk. He was all "WTH" and then said "oil spill"

Thank goodness for boobie humor

[Thirteen]

Ironically 5 minutes after I posted that I walked into the living room wearing pump parts and a hands free nursing bra (sexy, I know. I don't really care anymore and neither does he) and tried to remove the pump while talking to him. I pulled too hard and splashed him with milk. He was all "WTH" and then said "oil spill"

Thank goodness for boobie humor

Good man.
Humor is a great way to survive the sleep deprivation!


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