6/26 Nursing and/or Pumping Support Thread

katekat8721

BMaidPlanner said:

Those who introduced breast milk bottles now and then to get sleep, what week did you start?

I am worried about her not going back to breast if I start too soon. At 2.5 weeks now.

We've done bottles + breastfeeding since day one and we've had no issues going back and forth. We use a nipple shield 90% of the time though.

jldcjs

AmyG* you are amazing!

My daughter is almost 4 weeks. Almost every feed starts with about  20 minutes of latching on and off. She will latch on, suck, then kind of grunt and groan and pull off. This goes on until suddenly she just latches on and eats consistently. During the day this is fine, but at night I'd love to skip this part. I know there is milk in those first minutes because she pulls away and the nipple shield spills milk all over me. Any advice?

jldcjs

sunny1310 said:

Those who introduced breast milk bottles now and then to get sleep, what week did you start? I am worried about her not going back to breast if I start too soon. At 2.5 weeks now.

We did just 2-3 days before he was 3 weeks

We started at 2 weeks. No problems, but I do use a nipple shield.

fsumom

It may be a stupid question, but how do I make sure my supply increases with DS's appetite increasing if I'm not able to nurse? He is 4 weeks old and eating 2-2.5oz every 2 hours or so. I imagine that he'll be taking 3oz soon enough. Will pumping every 2-3 hours increase my supply? I currently pump around 2-4oz each session.

lest12

BMaidPlanner said:

@lest12 why twice a day?

@BMaidPlanner‌ - I have no idea. I am not having any supply issues or anything else. I'm glad I posted about it because you guys stopped me and made me think. This was the visiting nurse who is also an LC.

But, I met with a great LC at the hospital and after reading some responses I stopped and thought and she told me not to pump or use a paci until about 4 weeks. I forgot (tired new mom here!).

And I didn't even ask the visiting nurse why. She kind of just made me nervous that I was behind the 8-ball where pumping was concerned.

So much conflicting info. Maybe I'll call the original lc.

tbmadeamistake

Nursing is great at ten in the morning when it works how it's supposed to. Nursing at two in the morning when all he does is shriek, pull off, cry, and stay awake for hours while I watch the clock because C will be up soon sucks giant donkey balls and makes me want to quit...but we can't afford formula and don't qualify for wic and I wouldn't want to use it anyway when I have plenty of milk...I hate this.

jsnyder79

Nipple shield... Best invention ever. That is all for today

MrsRahl

Anyone else having issues with their little one spitting up milk as soon as you burp them? Am i burping too soon? I tried burping more often and that just leads to spitting up more frequently.

JulieSmiles

MrsRahl said:

Anyone else having issues with their little one spitting up milk as soon as you burp them? Am i burping too soon? I tried burping more often and that just leads to spitting up more frequently.

Mine spits up every time. We burp her on our knee sitting up instead of over the shoulder like many people can do. I also have to keep her upright for at least 10 minutes after she eats.

kbellizio3

There's a one week growth spurt right? I feel like DD is always hungry the last two days. My poor nips (

hjl050308

I haven't been on in a while, having 3 is a bit crazy lately but I'm looking for some advice for starting to pump.

DS just turned 6 weeks and I wanted to start pumping to build a stash for emergencies and going back to work. I came to the realization that I need to start one for emergencies this past Saturday when we went to buy a new car and I drove it home separate from my DH who had the kids with him. I ended up taking the wrong exit off the highway and got lost. The whole time on the phone with DH trying to find my away back my LO was screeching and needed to be fed (they were pulled over in a shopping center so eventually I could meet them and feed the baby). In the meantime though It was heart wrenching.

With DS 1 I did the bottle/pumping transition by using formula and pumping at that feed. I'd like to try this time without formula. I've read a ton of conflicting information. Do you pump before the feeding or after? For a long time or just another 10-15 minutes? Do you do it after each feed or just in the morning when supply is best or throughout the day? I feel so confused right now (if you couldn't tell). Also sorry if this is a repeat.

Thanks in advance!

Edited for horrible spelling

jaybee11

So...I'm trying to figure out whether I need to make any changes to my pumping routine. I'm EPing and bottle feeding with fortified BM (adding a small amount of formula to each bottle). Currently I'm keeping up with demand--in 24 hours the girls eat an average total of about 35 oz. and I pump somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 oz. Because there is some waste with bottle feeding, it works out that I can only add a bag to my freezer stash every couple days. My concern is that as the girls grow and their feeding volumes increase, there will be a point at which their demand exceeds what I'm pumping. Since they're already getting formula I'm not horrible averse to further supplementing, but that stuff is expensive and I'd rather save my pennies for other things the girls need! So here's my question--on average, I pump 5 times a day. When I pump more frequently, I get less per session, but end up with about the same total amount. Does it make any sense for me to pump more often to try to increase production, or have I pretty much leveled off? Juggling two babies, It's hard to make time to pump much more often, but I worry that I'm hurting my supply waiting 5+ hours between sessions.

bridie926

My LO was latching on to my breasts with the nipple shield great in the hospital. Now he's 4 days old and won't take my breast at all, nipple shield or not. He has a red rash on his face around his mouth and on his cheeks. Could I be causing this somehow?

I pumped for the first time this morning and was able to give him almost 2 oz thru a bottle (he took the bottle very well and easily). But I haven't been able to pump much of anything since then.

katekat8721

amtellez28 said:

I pump (double electric) for 20 minutes every 3 hours (along with LOs feeding schedule) including all but one MOTN feedings. I'm also eating 'lactation cookies' and drinking milkmaid tea. But I'm still only producing about half ounce to an ounce per pumping session (from both breasts combined). What else can I be doing to increase my supply? LO takes 2-2.5 oz per feeding by bottle and I'd like to catch up so I can stop supplementing with formula.

Nurse a lot and try fenugreek! Though it makes ya stinky

otter1103

I've gone to EP'ing and over the last 2 days my right boob sucks! I used to get 2-3 Oz per pump out of it. Now I'm lucky to get 1, even though it's engorged, I've used heat and massage and no luck. Now it's sore & I feel like crap. Possible mastitis coming on? Why can't I just nurse and everything work like it's designed ( X(

kks4471

AmyG* said:

jsnyder79 said:

Nipple shield... Best invention ever. That is all for today

If poor latch causing damaged nips is reason for nipple shield, the poor latch can keep baby from getting sufficient milk.  So Keep an eye on supply and diaper count with nipple shield. Most babies do't have that trouble, but some definitely do.  A niple shield doesn't fix a bad latch, but can certainly protect the nips from injury until you get latch fixed. so get help with latch in person so when you want to get off the shield you don't get damaged nips all over again, cause that sucks!

I'm using a shield too, because in the beginning, it was excruciating to nurse.  Now he's doing great, and while I've had emotional difficulties with nursing, I'm thankful he's physically doing so well with it.  I'm really afraid to ditch the shield though!  Do I have to?  I'm just afraid to be in that pain again, but is there a chance that it may be better now?

ricecakes1216

amtellez28 said:

I pump (double electric) for 20 minutes every 3 hours (along with LOs feeding schedule) including all but one MOTN feedings. I'm also eating 'lactation cookies' and drinking milkmaid tea. But I'm still only producing about half ounce to an ounce per pumping session (from both breasts combined). What else can I be doing to increase my supply? LO takes 2-2.5 oz per feeding by bottle and I'd like to catch up so I can stop supplementing with formula.

I'm with you on this. I'm eating oatmeal as well. When I'm lucky I get 2oz combined, but that's very far and few between.

hjl050308

@AmyG*‌ thanks so much!

kks4471

I just tried 10 minutes with the shield, burped him, then 10 minutes without the shield.  It wasn't too bad nursing, but my nipple did hurt afterwards.  I put the shield back on and let him go until he was done.  I'll just see what works for me, but definitely not ready to ditch the shield yet.

lest12

AmyG* said:

lest12 said:

@lest12 why twice a day?

@BMaidPlanner‌ - I have no idea. I am not having any supply issues or anything else. I'm glad I posted about it because you guys stopped me and made me think. This was the visiting nurse who is also an LC. But, I met with a great LC at the hospital and after reading some responses I stopped and thought and she told me not to pump or use a paci until about 4 weeks. I forgot (tired new mom here!). And I didn't even ask the visiting nurse why. She kind of just made me nervous that I was behind the 8-ball where pumping was concerned. So much conflicting info. Maybe I'll call the original lc.

@lest12 Don't pump cause someone tells you that you have to.  Think it thru, make a plan, read up on it a bit at kellymom and other places and look at what is going to be coming at you soon.  Return to work at 6 weeks with limited time to build milk, you may start pumping earlier on and more regularly.  Return to work after 12 weeks, wait a bit to pump and you don't have to do it like it's a part time job.

it really is best to wait til after 3 week growth spurt for most moms.  Not because pumping once or twice a day before that is going to kick a mom into oversupply if she doesn't already have that issue.

But because trying to pump with a newborn for a lot of moms sends them into an even more panicked overwhelmed mode.  And if pumping doesn't go well, then you add in anxiety and worry over supply.  With the added side effect of if mom starts pumping early on, the novelty of it will definitely be all worn off when they return to work and they HAVE To pump, and then it becomes a chore that can also be overwhelming and stressful. 

 Pumping to replace a feeding in the initial post partum period can be a useful tool, but it does risk problems with latch since baby has to hold their tongue in a different place for a bottle than they do with the breast.  bottle nipple preference is another issue which does happen right away with some babies-- there are posts on this thread or one of the other june threads about newborns given bottlesand rejecting the breast afterwards.  Another concern is that if supply is a bit low, giving the bottle instead of the breast doesn't provide the skin to skin contact that mom needs to increase her prolactin levels.  Then you got the worry about how to pump, how often to pump, not letting down for the pump, no getting "enough" oz with the pump and pumping can add headaches instead of fixing them.

A breastpump is a useful tool in mom's toolbox to care for a baby.  like a bottle, pacifier, even formula.  inform yourself and be sure to read up on the potential issues and make a decision.  if you run into troubles, back off and change course.

[note: In my experience babies prefer the bottle either right away[newborn] or it may become an issue only after 6 weeks to 3 mos when mom's supply regulates downward and baby comes to prefer the flow of the bottle if caregiver isn't using super slow flow nipples, appropriate amts in bottles and paced feeds.]

Thanks. I definitely have to stop and think it through more. Everything is going well but the pumping did seem a little overwhelming - the one time I even did it, lol. I'm going to try and meet with that original LC from the hospital - she was great and I feel like her thinking process made the most sense to me (and got LO off on the right foot).

nunzchucks

Oversupply has been such a struggle for me. Today, after three days of pulling DS off during letdown and only nursing from one side, we had FIVE great sessions in a row! He finally pulled off satisfied and not choking and gagging!

amackattack

From what I can tell, everything with BFing is going well so far. We have our occasions where she latches and unlatches and cries and spits milk all over and relatches but I have been trying to lean back so she's not drowning. I use the nipple shield occasionally at night if I am trying to nurse her to sleep (I am trying to keep her from having wake time at night, and she won't take a pacifier). She is 2w2d, was born at 6lb8oz and is now 8lb. We're lucky so far that it's going well. 

However, we have been having some trouble with bottles. H has given her a few bottles but she chugs them in no time at all even if he tries to make her go slowly, milk is dribbling out the sides of her mouth, and she is screamy afterwards. H is great at burping her but she always is angry afterwards until she can suckle a little. I want her to get to the point where they can have good feedings together and she's not asking for the boob afterwards. I also want them to do the bottle once a day so I can pump because usually when I get in a good pumping rhythm (once a day) I can get enough for two feedings and I'd like to start my freezer stash. The nipples have two holes...I recently ordered the one hole kind but the two hole kind is for a one month old which she almost is so I wouldn't think she'd really be drowning that badly? Anyone know what we are doing wrong with the bottle, how to slow her down and keep it from all dribbling out? Any advice on how to get her to take a pacifier? How long do most babies use the newborn nipples for as opposed to the one month nipples(the kind with two holes)?

Taymiller

I cry every time I pump because I don't think I am getting enough. We have a small stash in the fridge just in case DH needs to feed him. I was hoping to pump more so DH could do more feedings but I now just don't think I can do it. I am taking a break from pumping for at least two days. DS is getting enough from just breast feeding now so I will just stick with that, it isn't worth me crying.

tbmadeamistake

@yellowbird219‌ yes, I would call the doc. Feel better!

@Babywear‌ keep in mind that a pump is not as effective as baby at getting milk, so what you pump may not be an accurate representation of what bub gets.

Taymiller

@yellowbird219‌ - I am on Vicodin and am breastfeeding, who told you you can't breast feed on it? I had a c/s and there is no way I couldn't be on it and the doctors never said I couldn't breast feed on it.

Cherylwang

I don't remember who but someone on here posted about maybe getting their period... Just curious if anyone who is EBF has gotten it. My LO is 5 weeks. I stopped bleeding about a week ago. I don't have a period but I am bloated and really crampy. Like I am getting a period. I never got one with my last two babies the whole time I BF them. I will cry if a period shows up!

Taymiller

@yellowbird219‌ - I assure you my son is not sedated and if this is sedated I am totally screwed for when I am off the meds

Bozzy2

Ok I am sure this question has been answered but I can't find it. How do you start to pump with out taking away a feeding? I want to make a stash before I go back to work because I would like Aamie to be breastfeed until she is done with the bottle thing or I can't stand it.

ricecakes1216

@Babywear‌

I don't have the best supply either, mostly pump 1-2 oz every 3 hours. My LC told me to give LO whatever I pumped followed by formula. He gets about 2 oz of breast milk and an oz of formula. I'd really like to get to the point of him just being on breast milk.

katekat8721

ricecakes1216 said:

@Babywear‌

I don't have the best supply either, mostly pump 1-2 oz every 3 hours. My LC told me to give LO whatever I pumped followed by formula. He gets about 2 oz of breast milk and an oz of formula. I'd really like to get to the point of him just being on breast milk.

You guys will get there! We had to supplement formula with BM with every feeding at first. Now we're doing BM all day and supplementing only at night. Your body will figure it out!

Has your LC mentioned trying an SNS? Mommy brain but I think that's what it's called lol. Then you can supplement formula while nursing so it helps stimulate the tatas. It didn't work for us bc the nipple shield was annoyingly in the way but I liked the idea of it.

fsumom

Babywear said:

So pumpers,

Do any of you have a guide for how much pumped milk to offer LO?

I don't really want to waste my modest supply, but I don't want to be offering little bits at a time

I *think* I had a note on this, but baby brain!

DS is 1 month old and gets 2-2 1/2 oz every 2-3 hours. He seems satisfied and is gaining great now that I mostly bottle feed so I figure it's sufficient.

ricecakes1216

C just nursed. We've been practicing and usually he'll only nurse for 5 or so minutes and then gets frustrated. It's also usually painful. He nursed from each side for about 15 minutes, only got frustrated for a short period, seemed satisfied, and it didn't hurt! I am so excited! Hopefully this isn't just a fluke! I'm so tired of pumping.

ElTrain5

What's the deal with washing pump parts after each pump? Breastmilk is supposedly ok at room temp for 4-8 hours....so why would the milk residue in the pump parts be any different? Why do they have to go in the fridge when the bottle of milk is ok sitting out for a bit?

My bed is obviously many stairs away from my fridge.

Editing to tag @kaysa2 I feel like this has a scientific answer that I'm just not seeing.

ElTrain5

yellowbird219 said:

Any recommendations on an electric bottle warmer? Preferably one that is faster than the five minutes it takes me to do the sit-in-boiling-water method?

I use my kuerig. I just run the hot water into a coffee mug and dip the bottle in that. Takes about 45 second start to finish.

tbmadeamistake

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/bunmi-laditan/how-to-breastfeed-appropriately_b_5530806.html

jaybee11

@Eltrain5 said:

What's the deal with washing pump parts after each pump? Breastmilk is supposedly ok at room temp for 4-8 hours....so why would the milk residue in the pump parts be any different? Why do they have to go in the fridge when the bottle of milk is ok sitting out for a bit? My bed is obviously many stairs away from my fridge. Editing to tag @kaysa2 I feel like this has a scientific answer that I'm just not seeing.

I have no idea about the science aspect, but I have noticed that my pump parts get sticky with that little bit of residue, so the valves don't work as well if I don't rinse and store them between pumpings.  I'm with you on the steps to the fridge though--I'm getting around that by packing a small cooler to leave in the nursery every evening.  Through the night I pull out the bottles to feed the girls, then put in pumped milk and pump parts.  Everything stays cool until morning when I can make it downstairs and put in the fridge.

Bozzy2

I just pumped for the first time and only got about 2oz is that normal or should I be getting more?

babygabe614

Sorry if this has been asked already. My pedi is having me pump after each feeding to help get my milk to come in (we are on day 4 and it's not really in yet) and I need to feed LO the pumped milk when I'm done to help with the weight loss issues she's had (she's down 13% since birth ). I just pumped for the first time... when do I give the pumped milk to LO? At the beginning of the next feeding? At the end?

ETA: She sleeps between feedings usually, so I can't tack it on to the previous feeding since by the time I pump for 15 minutes she's asleep already.

ElTrain5

@kaysa2 once again, thank you ma'am

katekat8721

@babygabe614 yup nurse, then pump new milk while your DH feeds her previous pumped milk.