https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:47:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-441838 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:10:10 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 441838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't usually have flat nipples but I did when my milk came in (I was so engorged that my nipple ended up stretched flat). It was awful! I used the nipple shields for a little while until my engorgement slowed down some. My kiddo wasn't able to keep up with my milk production so it made for some really rough nights (him crying, me crying). Go to a LC and have her show you how to put it on; you have to put the tip of the nipple shield against your nipple, then flip it inside out (maybe there is a youtube video or something?) This helps to create suction to keep the shield on and it also helps to draw the milk out a little. I stopped using it after about two weeks or so I think. Once my engorgement ended I had the best luck with just fitting my nipple into his mouth by squishing/flattening it, if that makes sense ("making the sandwich" as my husband calls it). My breasts were so engorged that my husband actually started doing the flattening on some really bad nights. As for sleepiness we had this also, cool washcloth to the face, cold wipes for diaper changes, feet tickling all help. We set an alarm to feed. I wish I had done more of it so that my engorgement wasn't as bad. The thing about bfing is just being stubborn as all heck! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-440546 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 01:15:56 +0000 DillonLion 440546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingbrit: glad this helped! Nursing is slowly getting better, and I hope the same goes for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-440481 Sun, 09 Dec 2012 22:28:38 +0000 wheres_c 440481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to say this thread was a lifesaver! Slowly starting to nurse after a late start due to c-section. I have all the same issues as highwire. Nipple shields work but trying to avoid them. Going to try the pumping before and icecube tricks next. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424420 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 03:45:58 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 424420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: Yea, that's with "overnight" breast pads. :) I think I'm extra leaky? I've been reading about long term shield use and it seems to be a viable option. I guess a lot of the research about nipple shields impacting supply was done with the old school rubber shields and not the thin silicone ones with cut outs. I guess I'll keep playing it by ear - maybe with as the baby's mouth gets bigger and I get more experienced, we'll be able to go shield less? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424377 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:06:50 +0000 Mrs. Bee 424377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: the only problem with the shield may be that your lo gets used to the feeling of the shield and you have to wean them off it, whereas with the shells there's nothing to wean off of.</p> <p>but yah milk collects in the shells so you should wear breast pads over them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424355 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 01:30:33 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 424355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've only been doing this for a week - so keep that in mind. I wear the shells, but I hate them. They fill with milk every couple of hours (the absorb-y thingys stop absorbing), and then when I bend over milk pours out of the holes all over my shirt. It happens a few times everyday.</p> <p>The shield doesn't annoy me at all - it makes latching hassle free and eliminates the stress. Love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424271 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:04:33 +0000 lolabee 424271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any tips as I'm not there yet but CONGRATS!! Hope you're loving being a Mama and recovery is going well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424262 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:58:15 +0000 Maysprout 424262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of Lanolin.<br /> Congrats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424259 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:57:07 +0000 SAHM0811 424259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I put Medela shells in my bra in between feedings. Helped to draw out flat nipples and to let them air dry/heal from being sore. It was why I succeeded bf'ing the 2nd time because it allowed the baby to latch on easier and correctly. (I didn't know about them the first time and I think they would've helped me a ton). Call a LC too... Definitely! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424254 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:56:00 +0000 filly 424254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: i am going to try those STAT. thank you :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424204 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:34:49 +0000 Mrs. Pen 424204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used something called a latch assist and it worked wonders! It's like a suction cup for your nipples, it pulls them out so that it's easier for a baby to get a good latch. I swear by that thing. I used it for the first month. </p> <p>Good luck!!! And congrats :):) </p> <p>Btw my milk came in on the third day so hopefully yours comes in soon!oh and I echo seeing an LC or calling your local la leche league leader! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424181 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:15:42 +0000 prettylizy 424181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree w PP on pretty much everyting. My doula suggested an ice cube to draw my nipple out at the beginning too. I actually just kept a spoon in the freezer and would press it agains my nipple for a few seconds (my right side was flatter than the left, go figure) and it worked like a charm. Keep at it mama, you're doing amazing and she is gorgeous!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424075 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:35:02 +0000 autumnlove 424075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always undressed LO for nursing sessions during the first month because she fell asleep so fast!</p> <p>Good luck! She is beautiful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-424000 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:17:41 +0000 sera_87 424000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>also, try stroking along her jawline with your finger to get her to start suckling again. </p> <p>CONGRATS!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423988 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:15:32 +0000 MsMini 423988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The shells made a huge difference for us as well. We also used the shield just for the first minute or 2 of nursing, until the suction helped to bring the nipple out, then unlatched baby from the shield and latched him onto the bare nipple, that really helped until the connective tissue was more broken down. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423961 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:09:40 +0000 Alivoo01 423961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No suggestions, but congrats on the birth of your baby!!! Can't wait to read about your birth story! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423782 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:38:07 +0000 sorrycharlie 423782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also loved the shells! I'm about to fall asleep but so passionate about breastfeeding now that i had to chime in.</p> <p>a combo of the following helped me: the breast shells (though i had ameda ones from the hospital), soothie gel pads (HEAVEN!!), pumping for a minute prior to feeding to draw nipple out and relieve some of my over active letdown as to not choke her, tickling the crown of her head when she got sleepy and feeding her either skin to skin or just in pjs, not swaddled! </p> <p>you can doooo it! </p> <p>also - lactation consultant. seriously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423763 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:34:43 +0000 hilsy85 423763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Added to what @mrsbee said, the shells also help protect sore nipples from rubbing against a shirt--MUCH better than nursing pads. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423447 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:21:40 +0000 Mrs. Bee 423447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: the nipple shields are a hassle to put on every time. the shells push your nipples out so they aren't flat. then you can just breastfeed without the nipple shield. kind of a pain to wear them, but still vastly better than the nipple shield, and once breastfeeding is established, you won't need the shells anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423364 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:06:35 +0000 travelgirl1 423364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: How do they make it easier to latch? I'm using a nipple shield now but these look interesting...</p> <p>@highwire: Are you able to finger feed the colostrum to her or give it to her on a spoon so she gets that? I have similar issues to you ans three weeks in she loves nursing but with a nipple shield. LCs are brilliant but don't worry if they don't have the magic answer, lot of patience, pumping and using the nipple shield have made the difference to us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423317 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:00:30 +0000 littlecasita1122 423317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO would always fall asleep during nursing sessions but I knew he wasn't full yet. I would take him out of his swaddle blanket and also undress him down to just a onesie. Warm babies = sleepy babies. When he started to fall asleep I would burp him to wake him back up - sometimes he was burped 3 or 4 times during a session. I also had flat nipples and highly recommend using a nipple shield, even if a LC tells you not to. After a couple weeks I slowly transitioned him to nursing without the shield and he never got hooked on using it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423296 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:08 +0000 MaisyMay 423296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our LO isn't here yet, so I am not the best to offer advice, but one thing that I've been told is to change her between breasts. This causes her to wake up more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423295 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:58:03 +0000 Mrs. Bee 423295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: use these breast shells in between nursing:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Comfort-Breast-Shells-2-Pack/dp/B000058DQJ" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Comfort-Breast-Shells-2-Pack/dp/B000058DQJ</a></p> <p>makes it easier for your lo to latch on. i've recommended them to moms who say it changed breastfeeding forever! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423294 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:57:53 +0000 Turd Ferguson 423294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Dude, totally had no idea that you had your baby!!! Congrats, lady! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423282 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:56:23 +0000 mediagirl 423282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First off - congratulations on your lo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>We would wake our sleepy baby with a cold wet washcloth. She would get angry but it would make her want to eat! Feed every two hours, timing from the start of the last feed, to get good milk production started from you. Don't stress about using formula, we used it too because she lost so much weight. </p> <p>More than anything else, I suggest what @hilsy85 said, See.A.Lactation.Consultant. Serious, they are amazing!! I wish I had seen one sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423281 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:56:20 +0000 Foodnerd81 423281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no advice but I missed that you had her!! Congrats!! Off to check if I missed the announcement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423091 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:25:13 +0000 SleepyMonkey 423091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For sleepy baby - diaper changes, talking loudly, wash your hands in cold water and put them on her, or take a cold washcloth and wipe her face or put it on her body, tickle or flick the feet. If she is on the bokb, blow on her head or massage behind her ears and massage your breast toward the nipple to get the milk flowing and your baby interested. I've done all of these and some combo usually works. Sometimes sleep just wins out though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423060 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:18:32 +0000 hilsy85 423060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>See a Lactation counselor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! No joke, they are super helpful and will save your nipples, as well as save you many cry sessions. Make sure the one you find is IBLC certified. </p> <p>In the meantime, you can try a nipple shield to help with the flat nipples, or try pumping before she latches. Both those things help draw the nipple out. You can try expressing some milk to put in her mouth so she opens it wider as well. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-off-to-a-good-start-with-breastfeeding#post-423049 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:16:18 +0000 DillonLion 423049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would love any and all tips! Currently.struggling with: baby has high roof of her mouth, she is very sleepy and then quickly gets hysterical when we don't get latched, and i have flat nipples.</p> <p>Would love any and all suggestions for getting a good start! Seeing lots of colostrum today. We are on day 3 of life. Pumping.after each feeding to try and.stimulate.things. supplementing with a little formula since she's lost almost 10% of body weight since birth. </p>