A Question For Experienced Breastfeeding Moms, Please Help?

My daughter is a week old today and i have been breast feeding her. At first, the breast feeding started off a little rocky and now that i though it was getting better, i'm starting to question if it really is. Well, it seems as though i' not producing enough milk to feed her as often as i should. Tonight while i was feeding her i couldn't tell if she was getting anything or not. It didn't hurt like usual and i couldn't tell if she was swallowing or not. I know for a fact she was latched on though. I stopped her from eating for a moment and squeezed my nipple to see if anything was coming out, it was but i don't know if she was getting anything. So confusing. So, was she getting something? Am i just used to the feeling of her eating now or is she not doing as well as she was?


One more question. I also pump bottles for her for whenever we go places. Earlier, i was pumping and when i looked down i noticed that blood was coming from my nipple. Why is this and what can i do to make this better?

I think most breastfeeding mothers go through the worry that our babies aren't getting enough milk. Especially since there is no way to measure what's being produced. Just know that your daughter can express way more milk than when you pump. You will definitely know if she was still hungry because she would be extremely fussy, and nothing you do will calm her down until you offer your breast. I would just let her feed until she decides she's done. If she's falling off the breast on her own, or falling asleep, rest assured she's getting plenty. Also, you will know when you take her in to the pediatrician. As long as she's gaining an efficient amount of weight you have no worries. As far as the pain is concerned, it's not necessarily that you are used to her latch, she's probably latching on more efficiently therefore doing better than she was at first. Breastfeeding is tricky, and no matter how much research you do, or classes you take, you won't really know what to expect until you are actually going through the motions!!

As far as the blood is concerned, it could just possibly be a cracked and bleeding nipple. For that you can apply lanolin to ease the pain and cracking. However, if it's actually coming from inside your breast, you need to seek immediate medical attention. You could have a breast infection or worse. It's better to be safe than sorry. I just got over a breast infection and it was not pleasant. Good luck to you! And don't get discouraged. Breastfeeding is challenging. Just keep at it and you will be successful!!

shes probably getting enuff if shes latched on corectly your body knows what she needs

and id say get a nursing cover and skip pumping give your boobs a break haha

The best advice I can give you is to contact your local La Leche League. They will send someone over to help you two get more comfortable breastfeeding. They are awesome at giving out helpful tips and working with you no matter how many times it takes to get it right. Blood from the nipple sounds like the baby wasnt latched on properly at some point which led to cracked nipples. They can bleed from that but it isnt anything to worry about. Use a little lanolin on them when baby isnt feeding, and there is no need to wipe it off when baby does feed since it is harmless. Anyway, you can go to the La Leche League website and find the local one in your area....hope this helps, and best of luck!!!

If she wasn't getting anything, she would gret frustrated and let you know...hungry babies don't hold back when they aren't getting what they want. I am guessing that since you said that it didn't hurt like usual, that your breats were sore in the beginning, chances are your body has adapted and the soreness has gone away...that is what happened with me after a few days. So long as you are only nursing your baby (no bottles of formula), you will produce enough milk. It is hard to not worry in the beginning, but so long as your baby has enough wet and poopy diapers and is gaining weight you can rest assured that everything is going well. The blood was probably from a crack in your nipple... put some lanolin on after you nurse and maybe avoid the pump for a few days...I always found the pump to be hard on me!

If you are worried about her not getting enough from your breast. Try pumping and see how much you get. Then feed her the bottle. I am sure that if you have milk coming out when you pump or squeeze and she is latched on, she is eating. The more she eats the more you make. And the pump/blood. Do you have your pump adjusted too high? Lanasol makes a really good cream that is for breastfeeding when you get sore or cracked. My lactation consultant told me not to touch my nipples at all becuase that would make them even more sore. Not even wash them with soap in the shower. Good luck! And if you have any questions you can contact a lactation consultant from the hospital you delivered at or, your local WIC office. They will come to your house and give you support with breast feeding.