I searched our thread history and couldn't find a thread where we could talk all things breastfeeding!!
If we have one, please link it below.
How is everyone doing with breastfeeding? Do you have any tips? Questions? Need to vent? If so, post away!!
Married: 08.17.2013
Sweet Angel Baby: 02.01.2014
Emerson Shay: 10:28:2014
Two Fur Babies: Talli Mae and Lexi
Re: Breastfeeding Tips, Questions and Advice!!
Also, when she gets fussy, she acts like she wants to eat but ends up just using my nipple as a soothie. I don't mind it because it puts her to sleep but I'm not sure if this will cause problems in the future. Anyone else's baby doing this?
On the plus side. Pumping and bottle feeding=help from dh.
As far as using you as a soothie, both of my babies do/did this. I try to pull her off if she's not drinking so she doesn't do this.
.good luck mama. You are doing great.
I can only assume he's getting enough although he's still down from his birth weight
All in all, trust your bod! I sometimes give a pumped bottle too, just for a break for my breasts and the peace of mind that she is getting a full feeding!
Do what feels right!
It is so great to hear from other moms going through the same thing and I really appreciate it!!
As for me, I have a love/hate relationship with BFing. Luke latches great on the left side but I am having trouble with his latch on the right and that is causing some pain. Also, he is going through a bit of a growth spurt and wants to feed for hours at a time. I don't think I am producing enough milk for him just yet to keep up with his demand. Feeding for 2+ hours at a time is really taking its toll on me. I have had to supplement with a little bit of formula every so often in order to get him full enough to sleep once I am empty. So I'm a little frustrated right now but trying to take it one feed at a time and should be seeing a LC soon. The good news is he is growing!
Jacob falls asleep at the boob within 2-5 minutes of being latched on. Doesn't matter if he's naked, or clothed .. He's out almost instantly and then I have to poke at him to keep him eating. If I can get 15 min feed in every 2 hours I consider it a victory. He has plenty of wet and dirty diapers so I assume all is well there.
Are you ladies offering just one side or both? In the hospital I was told to offer just one side per feeding and alternate to the other side for the next. But his pedi has said to do 10 min per side , with a burp in between. I've tried both and I'm not sure which way works but it's overwhelming cuz I feel there SO much to consider/keep track of.
I feel like I'm starting back at the beginning (I realize I am, with a newborn!) and know nothing...
I talked to a friend yesterday who recommended plain black tea bags after feeding. These also feel amazing! Put just enough boiling water on them to moisten, let cool enough so it doesn't burn the sensitive skin and hold them on your nipples for several minutes.
During the day, I offer both sides. I let her nurse on one side for about 10 minutes, then I change her or play with her a bit to perk her up and then offer the other.
At night, she sleeps with me, so I just attach her on one side at a time-when she wakes up again I put her on the other side.
Me personally, I never pump until later, like 4 weeks old or later. I really want to get nursing between me and her well established before doing that. I did that with all my other kids too, I have 5 older ones and they were all bf for an extended time. It seems to me like pumping at this early time is extra work, in fact I still have to watch the dvd that came with the pump and figure out how to use it! I haven't pumped in a million years, I was home with the two youngest and never even owned a pump, I rented one for the oldest.
ETA: words are hard
I try to make sure they are completely awake before feeding and that helps some.m. I have also tried to pump at least once a day so someone else can help me at night when they are wanting to eat every 10 minutes.
I'm also glad to hear other mamas are having their LOs use their boobs as soothers. I wish Beckham would take a pacifier but he won't. I read that gripe water can help if you put it on a pacifier?
I know when Beckham has enough now because when he latches off, he drools milk. He also has enough poop and pee diapers!
2) I try to pump for at least 15-20 minutes.
3) I average about 2 ounces per boob and LO is 11 days old. However, I just pumped 6 ounces during my last session.
4) She eats between 1 1/2 - 2 ounces per session.
5)I try to nurse at night when she wakes up or will let her nurse prior to pumping. It is very soothing for her and I love the bonding we have!! Also, If my boobs are too full, it's hard for her to nurse because the milk comes out so quickly. In that case, I do the opposite and pump for 5-10 minutes before letting her nurse.
For those asking, my milk came in on Saturday morning and she was born Tuesday night. So, 3-4 days.
Blaaaahhhh
Anyone remember when it goes away/had it go away yet?
I'm already taking fenugreek. What kind of pumping schedule is best? And how do I increase the supply?
I just started cluster feeding yesterday. Isaac has been latching well but it took a little coaching. I was very hands on with the LC and nurses in the mother baby unit at the hospital. I had them teach me different latches and help me latch him. He has a very high pallet so he requires a deep latch. I was very timid at first but they helped me get over that.
Now I am dealing with engorgement. It has been so painful. I have been alternating between dipping my breasts in bowls with warm water then hand expressing and pumping. I nurse him as much as he will take but he sleeps all the time. I don't know if I should be concerned by how much he sleeps. He nursed 10 yesterday in half hour increments. He also met his goal with diapers. Any tips?
Good news? I've gone two days without needing to use any formula to supplement! Yay for increased supply and small victories!
BFP#4 3/17/14 - rainbow Baby BOY arrived 11/10/14 !!
DX: Uterine Septum - Resection 9/5/13 || MTHFR Hetero A1298C || My Chart
What nipples are yall using for feeding? I tried feeding Beckham after I pumped yesterday, and it all fell out. I used size one.
Do I need to use an insert? I noticed in a lot of my bottles, there is a long insert inside.
Is there a specific way to hold him while bottle feeding?
You may want to use a premie size bottle.
also google paced bottle feeding, where baby is sitting a bit more upright and tilting bottle downward so that gravity doesn't speed the flow. otherwise baby may chug a bottle fast, or have to drink fast to keep from drowning.
Thank you!!