Kathy--please help!
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| Mon, 09-18-2006 - 6:42pm |
I need advice from an LC quickly!!! My 12 month old had a frenoplasty this morning and as of yet, he WILL NOT nurse. It honestly seems like he has forgotten how! I posted earlier that I thought it was discomfort causing him to not latch but I just tried to nurse him again and he seems like he wants to but it seems like he cannot latch the same. He does not appear to be in any pain, just that he can't nurse. I am absolutely beside myself right now. I don't even know what else to do besides keep offering but it really seems as if he does not know how to latch with his new tongue. Please, please, please help me. I will try anything, I am at a total loss right now. Please help!
Edited to add: He will drink from a bottle but not well. He just took 2 ounces and started pushing the bottle away. So he basically will drink SOME from the bottle, not at all from me. He does okay with a sippy cup (but just okay). He did seem to have enough wet diapers today, mostly probably from the bottle of dliuted juice they gave him in recovery and some EBM from a cup but I am most concerned with getting him nursing again.


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Shannon-
(HUGS) Take a deep breath, sweetie. Relax. More (HUGS)
Kathy is in the hospital herself and away from the boards. Paula got caught up out of town and is away until possibly Thursday. Did you take a look at the nursing strike links I gave earlier? Here are also the 'back to breast' links. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html
I have been under general anestesia. It is not fun, and it took a long while for me to feel 'up' to anything, let alone eating. I know it seems like forever, but it's barely been 12 hours since the surgery, right? He might still just be feeling 'off'.
You might want to post at the x-bf board... I think an LC or two hang out over there. I will also ask them to visit here. Keep offering, keep pumping, and try to relax (impossible, I know).
Off to post at the x-bf
I am sure it DOES hurt him.
Shannon - I came across your post on the Extended Breastfeeding board, and just wanted to extend my support, and tell you I'm thinking of you and Chase. I can only imagine how worrisome this must be.
I agree with PP - I'd bet it's still sore, even if it's not super painful, kwim? Mouths heal very quickly, and he'll probably be right as rain in a day or so. Just keep offering it to him, and try (and i know it's hard!!) to stay as calm as you can - he'll sense it if you're uptight and worried, and wonder what's wrong, too. And keep pumping - he'll get the hang of it again! I know you don't usually nurse him to sleep, but you might try nursing him when he's really sleepy/groggy - he might be a little more eager if he's relaxed.
I'm really hoping it's resolved itself by the time you're reading this. Please keep us posted, okay?? Hugs to you and Chase!!!
I saw a request for help on the XBF board, so I thought I'd come by and offer some support. The others are right, first of all. He's probably still uncomfortable, and stretching that part of his tongue may hurt too much to really try. As the others said, keep pumping, and give him a day or so to heal. Keep offering, but try not to get anxious if it's not working right aways (easier said than done, I understand!)
One thing you can also try - this is sometimes used to teach newborns who are having trouble latching - let him suck on your clean pinkie, nail side down.
If he's still having a hard time in a few days, you might want to talk with the Dr. who did the procedure, and see if they can take a look at it to make sure it's healing properly. Did they suggest you give him any tylenol to ease the discomfort?
{{HUGS}}
HTH!
Amy
Shannon,
(HUGS) I know how hard a nursing strike can be - BTDT myself MANY times.
Is this the first time you have ever had him refuse to nurse?
Thank you all so much. I am trying to hang in there, really. He is on Lortab every 4 hours for the pain. Amy (I think there are two Amy's) thank you both for your good points. Yes, he is refusing other things and as my godmother (former BF mama) pointed out, it must be hurting him to lift his tongue to nurse. Is using a sippy cup a different motion because he seems to be okay with this. He also does okay with his bink, although sometimes pushes that away as well. I offered again this morning before daycare he he again, opened his mouth and immediately turned away so i guess it is just the discomfort that causes him to stop. I hate that i had to take him to daycare but maybe it's good for him. I have been pretty upset about this so maybe a day away will be good for me. I asked the daycare to try the bottle and to give him the sippy if that doens't work.
Any suggestions for when I should offer? 30 minutes after the pain med? An hour? Should I try when he's asleep or sleepy?
Really, thank all of you so much. We are 2 days shy of one year and I have never really run into a problem like this. Your support means so much to me.
Hi Shannon,
I can imagine that you must be scared and second guessing. You gave me so much good input and advice when I asked the frenulum question earlier and I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with nursing now that he had his procedure.
I don't really know how to help you but I wanted to offer my support even if I cannot really help.
We are going to the ENT today with my ds for a frenulum evaluation. He is 5 months old.
I will continue to check in and I will celebrate with you when Chase is back to nursing like a Champ!
holly
Shannon,
Both the sippy cup and the binky can be used via "just suction" without any real big mouth or tongue action.
Shannon, I'm sorry you and Chase are having a hard time getting back to nursing after his surgery. Once the discomfort and pain are over, hopefully he'll be right back at nursing! Offering 30 minutes after the meds seems like a good idea!
Hugs from Katie and me for Chase!
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