Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Faux Nipple Advice Needed

So, I have a TON of things I want to post about! Ideas have been swarming around in my head. However, Tucker has decided over the past couple days that he no longer needs as much sleep. AND he only wants to sleep when Mommy is holding him. So, I'm a much less productive blogger when I've had minimal sleep!


I knew Tucker's 4 hour sleep sessions at night and 3 hour nap during the day was too good to last! On top of his need for Mommy, he also wants to eat every time he wakes up, even if it's only been an hour since his last meal. It's obvious that he finds "eating" comforting. I'm considering introducing his paci a little early. I was trying to wait until 3 to 4 weeks like they recommend in the breast feeding books. Up until now, there really hasn't been a need for it. He never cries, unless he "thinks" he's hungry! He'll be 3 weeks on Thursday, so I'm so close! Any advice on this? Also, what about pumping? When is a good time to start? Tucker was such a lazy eater in the beginning that I fear he will find a bottle way too easy and prefer it over me. We finally have breast feeding down pat and I'm afraid introducing any artificial nipples (pacifier or bottle) will take us a step back...
Here's a picture of my sleeping boys just so I can remember how well Tucker was sleeping!!! :)

5 comments:

Jeanne said...

Sorry, girl! Wish I could offer some advice here. I didn't have such luck with bf. I did the paci & bottle. Our situation was too different. I am sure Rachel, Melissa & others can help. But this pic is super precious of your boys! I am sure you will make the right decision for you and Tucker, what that decision is!

Lindsey said...

Hey Girl. I'll tell you what has worked for us (for what it's worth.) Henry has used a paci since day 1 and I pumped within the first week he was born. I know both are considered "no-no's" in the breastfeeding world, but he had such a good suck reflex and the paci definitely soothes him in moments where I know he's not hungry yet. As far as pumping goes, whenever you feed Tucker, just pump after that. You might not get a lot of milk when you pump, but it's a good habit to get into, especially if you want to start building up a supply for when you go back to work. Our Pediatrician had a great point when I raised my similar concerns...he said he doesn't believe in nipple confusion(aka baby won't take a bottle nipple if they only know the breast) but that sometimes babies do develop nipple preference. We have never had an issue with Henry. I breastfeed 95% of the time, but if and when he needs to take a bottle, he always does so. I would say 3 weeks in, you're absolutely find to start integrating paci's and bottles in-but you've got to do what works best for you :) If you have more questions email me at lindseymperkins@gmail.com. Good luck!

Stover's site said...

Oh tiff - I know the struggles - Breastfeeding is the most unnatural "natural" thing I've ever done...I agree with lindsey...we did the paci pretty early with both boys. Now granted, geting rid of the pacis is tough when the time comes...BUT, OH SO WORTH IT!!! I just couldn't be a human pacifier. I was kind of neurotic about the whole schedule thing and really tried to make him go 3 hours between feedings. Oh - start pumping whenever you think you can! I didn't start as early with Jacob and I think it would have helped. I started really early with jonathan and I was getting milk like crazy. It will definitely help your supply later. And as for the sleep thing... hang in there, but try to let him sleep in his crib or bassinet. I know how sweet the snuggles can be, but you'll lose your mind!!! And I also know that you do desparate things in desparate times - been there done that!!! Jonathan slept in his carseat a lot the first couple of months. (confession time...). Anyway - your gut will give you the best indication of what to do. I can't wait to come see ya'll!!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with all above. I started pumping right after Eli was born, in the hospital (out of necessity) and it really helped my milk supply. Lindsey in right, you may not get much AT ALL at first, but just stick with it and it will eventually happen. It may hurt a bit at first, but stick with it. We introduced the paci in the hospital. The lactation consultants said they didn't believe in nipple confusion. They told me - and I think they are right - that babies get used to whatever they know from an early age. Also, we did bottles from the beginning, and I plan on doing that with my next one too. Even though I stay home it makes things sooooo much easier, and it makes you feel less tied down. I just pumped and froze milk every time I fed him and ended up with a freezer full. I am by NO MEANS an expert on the subject, but call me if you want to talk to someone! Love you! You are a GREAT Mommy! - Melissa

Angie Wilson said...

I tried the pacifier with Jax but he really didn't care for it, I think because it was SO different from my nipple! So he doesn't take a paci, I kinda wished he did at times but he really isn't a fussy baby at all. I didn't go on schedules either, he just went into his own schedule from the beginning. I really didn't pump at all because I stayed at home. But you should start soon to help with the supply when you go back to work, because it will definitely slow down then! Baby's go thru a growth spurt right about now, 3-4 weeks and 6-8 weeks I remember Jax being on the breast constantly. So keep up the BFing as much as he wants because he is growing. I am so glad everything is going so good!
I have some clothes that I would like to give you, if you think that you might need them. Just LMK!