pacifier

melgul001

When did you introduce one and why. just trying to figure out if this is what we need to introduce. 8 of the 9 nights we have been home, we run into a 4 hr stint at night where i will feed like normal, go to put her down, she arouses. I have tried to bf her again, bottle feed her again (usually ends up sucking a few times and then is back to sleep) we lay her down and the process starts again in 5 mins. i know she is getting me dry as i pump after each feeding and usually just get a few cc's. plus we bottle feed her after too if she still acts hungry. This is not an issue after this 4 hr stint. if anyone has advice that would be wobderful even if its "suck it up, this is normal". Also, should i go with the pacifier i have the nuk ones bey have a diff nipple, should i get onesimilar to thebottle nipple?

melgul001

Also, fwiw, we have tried rocking, the swing, swaddle blankets, we have a white noiselamb thing, kangarooing (which knocks her out, but arouses the second we move her). Etc. We have also tried having my dh getting her to sleep and him laying her down. Our lactation consultant wantedus to feed feed feed at any sign of hunger in which when she is in these fits she tries to knaw off her hands, soHave been trying the feeding thing, but she typically pushes it away or sucks a few times and is done. Sorry for errors, on my phone.

Wilwarin

I think I might've missed something? Did she lose a ton in the hospital? Is that why you are bottle feeding as well? If not, stop offering the bottle, and offer more breast when she still looks hungry. If you don't think she is done after feeding, but keeps falling asleep, try some techniques to wake her back up (tickle behind her ear, take off some clothes, etc.). Otherwise, you (and she) sound like you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. But damn, those first few weeks were so hard!

Regarding the paci, I think the thing to remember is not to offer it when there is any chance she may be hungry. Offer breast first. 

Oh, we offered the paci around 1 month, but he didn't take it until 8+ weeks. 

melgul001

She lost 11% so we have been doing the triple feed route. I feed to her hearts contentand as long as she's hungry I feed, but then I think she over eats . but at times appears to eat to pacifiy. I'm sure its just tired ole me.Ill keep doing what I'm doing and it can only get better I don't want to jepardizeAnything by using the pacifier at all.

Wilwarin

I would hold of for now, just to make sure it didn't interfere with breastfeeding, since her weight is an issue, but that said, we had a hell of time with breastfeeding and when we did start the paci, it did not cause any problems. 

You are doing great! And yes, it really does get better, much better, and much more enjoyable. *hugs* 

MissManda

We offered one in the hospital because I was the pacifier. He wasn't nursing - wasn't even sucking - just wanted something in his mouth. We use the green one that they give at the hospital -- the Soothie ones.The second he was rooting, or started sucking on the paci, I took it and offer the breast. I've never used the paci to hold him off, and the LC & pedi both said paci's are OK if used correctly! :-)

But, yes, the first couple weeks are really hard figuring out signals and "what now" and "what if" things! You're doing great Momma!