Can a newborn eat too much?

[egoldber]

Obviously I don't know why you're exclusively pumping, but can you let her suck at the breast anyway? Will she not take the breast at all?

[sidmand]

I can definitely try that. I wasn't sure it would help if she's not really nursing, but just kind of "hanging out." We are doing some skin to skin but she hasn't seemed all that interested in the breast itself! My son used to scream when he saw it (a breast) coming, so this is an improvement I thought to myself (when the crying and hormones passed) that someday he probably wouldn't be so upset to see a breast...

[egoldber]

I seem to recall you scheduled an early-ish c-section because of your diabetes? If so, you may find that a nipple shield may help her to latch. I used one with Amy until she was about 39 weeks actual gestation (she was born at 34 weeks). They get a bad rap, but the shield saved our nursing relationship. Just something else to try.

[sidmand]

I seem to recall you scheduled an early-ish c-section because of your diabetes? If so, you may find that a nipple shield may help her to latch. I used one with Amy until she was about 39 weeks actual gestation (she was born at 34 weeks). They get a bad rap, but the shield saved our nursing relationship. Just something else to try.

Wow, good memory! Or maybe I mentioned it more than I realized

I tend to forget that although DS and DD were techically full term, they were a bit early too. The c-section was at 38 weeks, so she is 39 weeks actual gestation now, but that is worth a try. I know I did have one with DS (didn't really seem to help and/or I was using it incorrectly).

Although I know it sounds bad, particularly on this board, but I'm not sure I'm totally into nursing. I'm fine with pumping and it's taken me a long time (and a lot of tears!) to realize that and to realize that that's not the end of the world. And my supply is getting up to the point where DD can do BM for almost every feeding (even when she's eating 3 oz per feeding!).

[tnrnchick74]

Although I know it sounds bad, particularly on this board, but I'm not sure I'm totally into nursing. I'm fine with pumping and it's taken me a long time (and a lot of tears!) to realize that and to realize that that's not the end of the world. And my supply is getting up to the point where DD can do BM for almost every feeding (even when she's eating 3 oz per feeding!).

Don't apologize for your personal decision! Pumping takes a lot of committment and time/energy. KUDDOS TO YOU FOR EVEN ATTEMPTING!!! Plenty of babies do just fine on formula too! Do NOT make yourself feel guilty! No one knows your situation, your family dynamics, or your medical history! You are doing awesome!!!

[o_mom]

If you want to try to get some nursing in, a shield may help. A LC or LLL Leader might be able to help you get her sucking more. At only a week old, you certainly aren't committed to any path and EP-ing can be a hard road. Good luck!

[egoldber]

The thing is EPing is really, really hard. And it is also hard to maintain supply long term.

[tnrnchick74]

The thing is EPing is really, really hard. And it is also hard to maintain supply long term.

I'm sure the OP understands this. None of us should question HER decision to EP. We should be supporting her and encouraging her to WHATEVER feeding decision SHE makes. YOU may make another decision, but that is not necessarily what is best for her.

[egoldber]

I'm sure the OP understands this. None of us should question HER decision to EP. We should be supporting her and encouraging her to WHATEVER feeding decision SHE makes. YOU may make another decision, but that is not necessarily what is best for her.

OK, not sure where that came from? Maybe she knows that, maybe she doesn't. If she has never EP'd long term and not had time to research it, then maybe its new information.

IMO it never hurts to offer information. The OP can take that information and use it however she sees fit. I fail to see how that is questioning anyone's decision. If she had come on and said "I am choosing to EP and that's my decision and I have no interest in putting DD to the breast" then I would accept her decision as best for her and her family. But the OP did not say that (or at least not anywhere that I have read) and is considering the suggestion of a nipple shield, so apparently direct breastfeeding is still a consideration for her.

[tnrnchick74]

Maybe I'm just a little sensitive, and I've seen it on this board many times of people being criticized for their decision (especially when its NOT to BF). I read her post and saw the statement "I'm fine with pumping and it's taken me a long time (and a lot of tears!) to realize that and to realize that that's not the end of the world." and take that as she HAS made a decision and it was a particularly difficult decision.

All I'm saying is that the OP needs support to EP. I'm assuming by now she understands how difficult it is. I also know how much guilt some people have regarding breastfeeding and I try very hard to support ANY decision a mom makes...even if its not what I personally will/would choose.

So, I'm not trying to attack anyone. I'm just gently saying to make sure that we DO support her no matter what feeding choice she makes. There is nothing wrong with EP, allowing baby to comfort him/herself at breast, BF, EBF, extended BF, or even totally bottle feeding formula.