[blparent] question of feeding a newborn

[Leanne Merren]

I like what Michael has to say on this.  I babysat a breastfed baby a couple 
of years ago, starting at 7 weeks, and she would not take the bottle at 
first.  We had to keep working with her on it.  Trying different nipples to 
find the right one, and warming the nipple and the milk with hot water 
before feeding were the things that eventually made it work for her.  Also, 
try starting the feeding before she is calling for fooe.  It's best for her 
to try latching onto the nipple when she isn't already upset.  Be careful to 
burp baby often though, especially at first.  The breast doesn't cause the 
air bubbles like a bottle does, so their little system might not be prepared 
for that and they may spit up after feeding.  This is what happened with my 
daughter.  She may still spit up at first with the bottle, even if you do 
burp her often, so don't be alarmed.  Just be prepared with a burp rag over 
her and you to catch it. :-)
Leanne
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Baldwin" <mbaldwin at gpcom.net>
To: "'NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List'" <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: [blparent] question of feeding a newborn


>I have been through this, so I know exactly what your going through. 
>Sadie,
> would not take a bottle for me at all, there were days when mommy was at
> work, she didn't eat, cause she would not take the bottle.  We tried 
> several
> different nipples and different types of bottles.  Then we figured out 
> that
> mommies milk flowed very easy, so we tried a stage 2 nipple, and that
> actually seemed to do the trick.  The stage 2 flows faster and is easier 
> for
> the baby to get fluid out of.  They are usually reserved for 6 months to a
> year, I think.  Sometimes the flow was a bit much, and leaked out around 
> her
> mouth, but at least she was drinking now.  If your not, I would also
> recommend warming up the milk, and the nipple.  Don't use a microwave, 
> just
> run hot water over the bottle, or bag until it is the right temp or so,
> shake good to mix the milk, and to make sure there are no hot or cold 
> spots
> in it.  Wrap the baby in one of mommy's shirts so the baby can smell 
> mommy,
> this will help reassure and relax her.  Hold her like mommy does, and put
> the bottle under your arm, this more closely simulates mommy feeding her. 
> I
> would never recommend mommy pump and all feeds are done through the 
> bottle.
> Mommy and baby need their bonding time, and pumping is not the same as a
> baby suckling, I don't care how good of a pump it is, and mommy's supply
> will definitely start to suffer.  Even if she does not eat for you during
> the day, trust me, she will get enough to eat.  The night feedings will
> increase, and the baby will start getting their days and nights backwards,
> which has its own frustrations.
>
> You need to be relaxed to, this is bonding time for you and your baby as
> well.  The baby can pick up on it when your not relaxed, and that can make
> things worse.
>
>
> Michael Baldwin
> Got print, need Braille?
> http://www.ReadWithDots.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Scott Lawlor
> Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 6:47 PM
> To: NFBnet Blind Parents Mailing List
> Subject: [blparent] question of feeding a newborn
>
> Hi.
>
> We have what could potentially be a giant problem so I'm hoping to get 
> some
> thoughts and or suggestions on the following situation.
>
>
> Leah is exclusively breastfeeding and as a result of this, she doesn't 
> know
> how to take a bottle, even if it's breast milk.
>
> This problem is further complicated by the nipple falling out of her mouth
> when she turns her head and this is something that I am struggling with.
>
> For times when Cindy is working and she needs to be fed, I need to be able
> to perform this task.
>
> I won't go into the thoughts I had running through my head while holding a
> screaming baby but they weren't happy at all, something I know I'm not 
> alone
>
> in.
>
> We have the bottles that are supposed to mimic the breast so I'm not sure
> what else I can do at this point.
>
> Practicing is a good idea and we can do that but if she won't even suck 
> the
> nipple and just chews on it, which is what she does with the pacifier, I'm
> feeling at a loss.
>
> Thanks for the help.
>
> Scott
>
>
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