Re: Breastfeeding Questions

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I'm not an expert, but when I had this problem with my son, one piece of information I picked up is that allowing a newborn to nurse too long at once can be counterproductive. Prolonged suckling may contribute to cracked, sore nipples, especially if the latch is not right. Also, the fact that she is still hungry even after 30-40 minutes of nursing suggests that she may not be nursing in a productive manner. Are you sure that she is taking milk the whole time, or is she just sucking? Also, if she is trying to work your breast nipple like an artificial nipple, it might make you sore. I remember the nurse telling me not to let him nurse for more than 20 minutes total at a session, because then he is probably expending more energy nursing than he is taking in.

It sounds like you could really benefit from the services of a lactation consultant. Call the hospital where you delivered and ask if they can refer you to someone. I don't think it is particularly expensive (around here I believe it's about $25 for 30 minute session). You may find that a very minor change in positioning may make all the difference in the world. If nothing else, a nurse at your pediatrician's office should be able to provide some help.

Good luck!!

Andrea

At Thu, 27 May 1999, Chelsey wrote: >
>Hello,
>
>I posted on May 13 about losing my mucous plug, and guess what? I had
>our little girl the next day on the 14th!!! I am trying to breastfeed
>but I am so sore from doing this. What can I do to get rid of the sore,
>cracked nipples that I have now? We had such a hard time getting her to
>latch on because of flat nipples and finally a week ago she did it:) I
>do not want to give this up, but I am so sore and miserable everytime
>she starts to eat. It is almost painless to spend 15 minutes expressing
>milk. Also, how long should she be eating? She will suck for 30-40
>minutes and still be hungry an hour later, or if we give her a bottle of
>expressed breastmilk (which we have done because I am so sore) she will
>be satisfied for at least 2-3 hours (2.5 - 3.0 oz of breastmilk)! Thanks
>in advance for any suggestions!!!
>
>--
>Chelsey
>

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