I can't seem to save breastfeeding after her NICU experience. I need help. - Page 2

[Heba]

*Hugs* I'm sorry things are not going so well for you at the moment.

I'm going to suggest a few things really quickly - I think some of them have been mentioned already - but just in case any of them sound as if they might help.

- lots of skin-to-skin, babywearing

- get checked for retained placenta (this can cause delayed lactogenesis)

- breast compressions http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BC  and video http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=vid-4dayold 

- "laid-back" nursing to trigger baby's natural latching instincts http://www.biologicalnurturing.com (click on For Mothers for description and video)

- switch nursing - i.e. when baby stops actively feeding on one side (even with compressions), switch to the other side.  Babies will typically start to feed actively again.  Switch back and forth as often as you need or is helpful.

Is there a branch of LLL or Breastfeeding USA near you where you can access free help?  Or any other free lactation clinic?

Please keep checking in with us and let us know how you are getting on.

xx

[ichagirl]

Did you do anything in particular to help your baby get the suck-swallow-breathe thing down? The speech people have us using the haberman feeder to help him learn to pace (and work on his very weak suck. He was only transferring 10ml from each breast when eating from me) and it seems to be getting better but I would LOVE to be able to help him along more.

[craft_media_hero]

About the sns--I always wondered the same thing, how can it help stim milk sup when they are getting so much formula? Its my understanding u can clamp down the sns/slow the flow, right? So maybe starting it out at the beginning of a feed with the flow full open then clamping it down after babe is past the initial latch on and let down flurry might help.

Also, try not to stress about the amount you are getting with the after feeding pumps--maybe thinking of those as just a way to send your body the message to make more milk will help. Even if there are no drops of milk coming, the stimulation will tell your body that baby needs more.