I cant do this, overwhelmed

[Connor]

How many wet/poopy diapers are you having? You aren't looking for much on day 3. Relatching until latched correctly is a good thing, you're working on getting it right...good work. Try to stick with it mama, it will get better.

[ktbug87]

It will get MUCH easier, I assure you. Nursing was VERY stressful and overwhelming for us until baby was 8 weeks old, but DS is 6 months old now and I'm SO glad I stuck with it.

[VeganCupcake]

What kind of help and support do you have? Have you seen an IBCLC or another lactation consultant? Have you called a LLL leader? Having hands-on, qualified help can make such a huge difference, especially in making you feel like you *can* be successful! Here is the IBCLC directory: http://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3337

Also, your siggie says you have PCOS--that can sometimes affect milk supply later on (I don't think it should be an issue this early). But there are things you can do to help--here's a Kellymom link about that: http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/pcos/ You may want to mention your PCOS to a lactation consultant when/if you meet with one to get some more feedback about that.

[colin-mylilguy]

You can do it, Mama! You got lots of good advice so I will just add a little and a and agree with others that setting small goals is a great idea! It is very normal for babies to nurse a TON in the beginning and it might seem (and might actually be) all or most of what you do! But things will settle down! Hang in there - you are doing great and your baby is doing exactly what she should be! Try to just enjoy her, relax and find a comfy spot to nurse. You can do this!

[jessnic]

Oh mama nursing can be so hard to get started! My milk took a full five days to come in. Nursing all the time is normal. Get a comfy nursing spot made up, settle in and watch some good shows or movies. It will get easier!!

See if you can find a LLL or a breastfeeding USA counselor to help you make sure things are going well. If you must supplement don't fret, if you can get a hold of a SNS until your milk comes in that will make things better all around.

You can do this!

On my smart phone which is clearly not as smart as it seems to believe

[kaia.aline]

I'm going to see if I can get an LC to help with the latch issue today, we are going to the ped and they have one on staff.

As far as the wet/dirty diapers yesterday she had 4 wet and 2 dirty, according to the book that we got from the LC in the hospital she should have had 6 wet and 3 dirty

For the most part she feeds about 15min a session with a hour- a hour and a half in-between. Husband keeps asking when he can give her a bottle because I'm not sleeping really and am just so tired but I need him to at least support me trying to nurse her. She doesn't really burp or spitup much but she is super fussy, I'm not sure if the colostrum I'm producing has something that doesn't agree with her or if she is hungry bc there is no milk or if there is something else wrong.

I just feel helpless.

[MDever]

Oh mama You have waited so long for this and it is beyond normal to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Your hormones are OUT of control. I am so glad you are getting some support today. I agree with everything the other mamas already said. I have over 10 years of nursing and well remember the first go. Latch can be tricky and every breast and baby is different. If you do not like this LC find another one. The hospital where you delivered should offer ongoing lactation support as well as a local LLL leader. The best thing you can do is nurse nurse and nurse some more. Your husband wants very much to help you and probably needs direction. Give him specific tasks to help you.

[tibeca]

If your baby is 4 days old, they should have 4 wet and 1 poopy diaper per day. Sounds like she is right on track. Graves disease can also cause supply problems.

That said, if she is going an hour and a half without nursing, she is probably satisfied. It is exhausting at first to manage it all. Hope the LC is helpful to you today!

[Computermama]

Originally Posted by kaia.aline I'm going to see if I can get an LC to help with the latch issue today, we are going to the ped and they have one on staff. As far as the wet/dirty diapers yesterday she had 4 wet and 2 dirty, according to the book that we got from the LC in the hospital she should have had 6 wet and 3 dirty For the most part she feeds about 15min a session with a hour- a hour and a half in-between. Husband keeps asking when he can give her a bottle because I'm not sleeping really and am just so tired but I need him to at least support me trying to nurse her. She doesn't really burp or spitup much but she is super fussy, I'm not sure if the colostrum I'm producing has something that doesn't agree with her or if she is hungry bc there is no milk or if there is something else wrong. I just feel helpless.

Oh mama, don't stress about a few less diapers. Seriously there's not that big a difference between what the textbook says and what she's outputting - she's fine. You're exhausted and overwhelmed, understandable. Do you feel comfortable bringing her to bed with you? It took a little bit for DD2 and I to master nursing sidelying, but once we did I could at least doze through her feeds and it made me feel so much better. We did that off and on for the first 6 weeks and then she graduated into her own room full time. Keep talking to LCs make sure that latch and position are right. Discomfort can be normal early on but pain needs to be addressed.

DD2 actually refused the breast for a while because she was upset at how long colostrum took to let down. Once my milk came in she was much less fussy.

[drkelli]

First of all, congrats! youve gotten a lot of great advice your milk will be coming in any second now. i also had tons of pain, to the point of scabs, but let me assure you it will get better. keep your nipples dry between feeds and use tons of lanolin. youre gonna feel like a milk cow for awhile (first 6 wks or so you'll barely wear a shirt) but think of it as a wonderful bonding experience for you and DD. At first I felt like I had no life, but my life was SUPPOSED to be dedicated to this little person. And now, I got to the 8 month mark. Never thought I would say that! You can do this!!!