Post by kellyds on Mar 2, 2005 14:06:54 GMT -5
Thank you for all of the responses on the "reminding a baby to nurse" thread. It helps to know that this is a pretty typical problem.
I've been using a breast shield and that helps him to nurse efficiently most of the time. I heard that the shield can interfere with milk supply, so I've been pumping what's left when he's finished nursing. Sometimes he's just too tired to suck very hard, and then I use the expressed milk to finger-feed him (tube and syringe)..
I found that he can manage without the breast shield if I rub ice on my nipples first. I share this not to make you giggle or cringe
, but hoping that it might help someone else. None of my other five children have had trouble latching on, but Joshua seems to need a long, firm surface to stimulate his sucking reflex, and the ice forces my body to accomodate to his needs. It's so nice to nurse without the "equipment".
He's been waking up to eat! He woke up hungry three times last night. He sure doesn't cry very long or loud, but luckily I'm a light sleeper. I'm still setting my alarm just in case he forgets.
I'm encouraged.
I've nursed my other children until well into their toddler (or preschool) years, so it would really feel strange to me to give Joshua a bottle. I want him to have the immunities that breast milk provides, as well as the mouth and tongue exercise.
I've been using a breast shield and that helps him to nurse efficiently most of the time. I heard that the shield can interfere with milk supply, so I've been pumping what's left when he's finished nursing. Sometimes he's just too tired to suck very hard, and then I use the expressed milk to finger-feed him (tube and syringe)..
I found that he can manage without the breast shield if I rub ice on my nipples first. I share this not to make you giggle or cringe
, but hoping that it might help someone else. None of my other five children have had trouble latching on, but Joshua seems to need a long, firm surface to stimulate his sucking reflex, and the ice forces my body to accomodate to his needs. It's so nice to nurse without the "equipment". He's been waking up to eat! He woke up hungry three times last night. He sure doesn't cry very long or loud, but luckily I'm a light sleeper. I'm still setting my alarm just in case he forgets.
I'm encouraged.
I've nursed my other children until well into their toddler (or preschool) years, so it would really feel strange to me to give Joshua a bottle. I want him to have the immunities that breast milk provides, as well as the mouth and tongue exercise. 
I got up to nurse him one night and I was coooold. When I went to put on the breast shield, I noticed the bodily changes brought about by the cold and thought maybe that would be a good substitute for the shield. It worked, so the next morning, after I had warmed up, I duplicated the previous situation by using ice. 