I delivered our daughter over 2 months early. She did wonderful, and was out of the NICU in 4 weeks! While in the NICU we didn't really breastfeed, as the first goal was for her to gain weight and feed....so I pumped and she was fed through the tube and bottle, in the end.
This is our first child, so I really have no idea what I'm doing.
She still isn't breastfeeding and it's been almost 2 months. I'm pumping and feeding her with the bottle after each try with the breast..she is finally over 6 lbs so I feel like it's a great time to really jump feet first in and give it a really good try.....as I'm comfortable if she loses a little now in the transition period.
If anyone knows of a good lactation consultant and/or have any tips on how to transition from the bottle to the breast this late in the game for a preemie, I'd love some ideas/advice. Are there better bottles/nipples to use that will help?
Thanks!
Hi everyone - want to really thank you all for your suggestions! I called a few of your suggestions....never new it would be so $$! I think I am going to look into La Leche League first and then go to the consultant. I'm going to start another thread asking if anyone has a leader that they really liked....but looks like there are few around me! If I end up going with any of the consultants, I'll let you all know how it went!
I delivered at Hinsdale Hospital at they have a great lactation department and I think you can chat with them for free. Just call the hospital...
W.:
you are welcome to contact me...
I a a private practice lactation consultant.
warmly,
P.< RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
800 LACTATE (800 522 8283)
Hi W.--
You can also call a La Leche League leader. Go to http://llli.org and search for one in your area. They are great sources of knowledge--and free!
Good luck to you!
N.
I also recommend Peggy from the Art of breastfeeding (as did a previous poster). Whoever it is that you see make sure they are IBCLC certified. They've had the most vigorous training and have tons of experience. Peggy is very warm and patient.
Good luck
You can contact Peggy at Art of Breastfeeding www.artofbreastfeeding.com She is wonderful, soft spoken and very patient. And a mom of four herself!
Good Luck,
J. W. MPH
Congratulations on the birth of your extra-special
baby! I was in the exact same boat as you - my son was a 3 lb. 30 weeker!
We brought him home 4 weeks later doing great but
not at all fully breastfed....it does take a lot of perseverance to get coordinated, but totally
unrealistic to continue the "three step process" of nursing, pumping, bottle...support from your
ped. And a lactation consultant will greatly help. I remember we did lots of weight checks!
But I was lucky-we *were* able to
coordinate and I nursed to 11 months (a nipple sheild was essential for about 6 mo.).... Just remember that many have difficulties coordinating, and not to feel as though you failed
if it does not work, you've both been through so much, don't be too hard on yourself! Good luck!
Call to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital and ask for their Lactation Consultants. There are 4 women that work there and make appts. They are WONDERFUL!!
It sounds like you have some good suggestions for lactation consultants. Here is another I've heard good things about: Barbara Hardin, ###-###-####. I believe she comes to you.
These are the lactation consultants that my doula gave me when things were grim with my newborn. ###-###-#### She had lost too much weight in the hospital, wasn't regaining her weight, was struggling to nurse. It was awful and these women were saints. My daughter is 2.5 now and still nursing! I think their names are Peggy and Cindy. They are wonderful. Can't recomend them highly enough.
I delivered at LaGrange and they have wonderful Lactation consultants. Call them, they have a meeting on Tuesday mornings. You go, weigh the child, nurse and then weigh again so you know how much they are taking in. They can help with latching etc. Good luck.
