The Great Breastfeeding Thread

[Deleted User]

Anyone using a nipple shield and trying to ween LO off? The LC at the hospital told me my left nipple was inverted and so I've been using it and on both sides because eventually she didn't want to latch without it. The LC at the Breastfeeding support group I went to last week said it looks fine and I should offer the bare breast at each feeding because she'll be able to eat more and get a better latch which will help my supply, etc... The LC Aldo thinks my DD is tongue tied so we are going to an ENT tomorrow ( thank you all who have shared your tongue tie experiences- I'm a lot less scared about the appointment).

Either way, every time I offer my bare nipple she screams bloody murder and shakes her head back and forth. I've only successfully fed her once in the last week without the shield and from one side during the support group last week. Any suggestions would be great!

ariel8200

babyprigge said:

Anyone using a nipple shield and trying to ween LO off? The LC at the hospital told me my left nipple was inverted and so I've been using it and on both sides because eventually she didn't want to latch without it. The LC at the Breastfeeding support group I went to last week said it looks fine and I should offer the bare breast at each feeding because she'll be able to eat more and get a better latch which will help my supply, etc... The LC Aldo thinks my DD is tongue tied so we are going to an ENT tomorrow ( thank you all who have shared your tongue tie experiences- I'm a lot less scared about the appointment).

Either way, every time I offer my bare nipple she screams bloody murder and shakes her head back and forth. I've only successfully fed her once in the last week without the shield and from one side during the support group last week. Any suggestions would be great!

My personal opinion is to wait until the tongue tie is addressed. Once my LO had her tongue tie fixed I didn't need the shield anymore, but I also did not have inverted nipples.

kenziebug22

AnotherDreamer said:

cko521 said:

Anyone else have a messy eater? LO will just lick my nipple and rub her face in the milk until I get a let down. Then she will pull away ( because it shoots our) and let me latch her once it stops spraying. I catch the spray in a towel, but she makes a mess before I let down. I end up with milk everywhere, which really sucks in public.

This made me LOL... mine do that sometimes. Once the letdown starts they
pull off, it shoots them all over the face, they then refuse to latch,
there's milk everywhere, I'm trying to sop up their faces and catch the
stream of milk, meanwhile they're rubbing their faces all over trying to
find nipples in the mess, and then when things are cleaned up they'll
latch back on and all is well. It used to happen a lot more often, but
now that they're a little older it happens less frequently.

edited because words are hard right now


LMFAO at both of these! I have the same problem, so glad im not alone

dobbyisfree

Lately from about 9 PM on, LO has been pretty much eating constantly fron 9-1130. Why cant this mean that he sleeps for longer than 3 hours? Right now hes pretty much just playing with my nipple but if I take him away hes a cranky man

ariel8200

Is it normal for baby to suddenly only eat from one side during a nursing session? The last two days my LO only eats from one side and she is eating more often because of it. If she does take the second side she constantly latches and then unlatches and then spits it all up.

Nichole8787

my lo is 5 weeks old. He had always woken up every two hours like clock work. How can I get him to stay asleep just a little longer?

kenziebug22

Nichole8787 said:

my lo is 5 weeks old. He had always woken up every two hours like clock work. How can I get him to stay asleep just a little longer?

Have you tried dream feeding? I tried it last night being desperate after a few horrible sleeping nights in a row and it wasn't a ton for us but i did notice a difference

McCormic1020

My son is now 8 weeks old and I am just facing the fact that he has a milk protein allergy..I thought he was severely colicky, then I thought it was antibiotics, I thought maybe his shot, maybe the onions I ate once, then after giving up everything; I ate a scoop of ice cream and his diarrhea was awful and he screamed like it burnt his little tooshy so bad. I am tired of poisoning the little guy. It's a shame because he loves the boobies. But we're going lactose free bottle feeding now. It's been a long tough road. You breast feeding mama's are tough!

Nichole8787

@kenziebug22 I did and it didn't even get me an extra minute of sleep...I dont know what to do

Nichole8787

Has anyone seen the oliia wilde ice bucket challenge? She uses breast milk and says it took her all night to make it....I'm calling bs...oh and sorry if it's been discussed I searched and didn't see it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tqigLPbjDs 

kenziebug22

@Nichole8787‌ ugh that's aggravating! If its anything when my LO hit 5 weeks everything went downhill his sleep and eating were both messed up and super crankiness and crying more, he'll be 6 weeks Friday and im starting to notice him going back how it was so im thinking wonder week like @2lacyblue‌ mentioned. Maybe wait this out then try something to see if it helps?

And that video... who would waste all that milk!? I spilt some the other day after pumping and got mad lol

nolemomma14

Just fed DS lying down for the first time. Why I had I not tried this sooner!? A bit challenging at first, but once he latched on he was good to go!

livkight

Sorry if this has already been discussed-- I've been absent from this thread for a bit! 

My right breast started feeling tender when I woke up this morning-- it's soft, not engorged at all, and doesn't feel hot to the touch. But the underside of it is tender, almost feels bruised? Doesn't hurt to nurse at all, but I'm terrified of getting a plugged duct or mastitis. My right boob has always produced about twice as much milk as lefty, but I really make an effort to drain it frequently, either with baby or the pump. 

Should I start treating this like a plugged duct (with hot compresses and such) or is this sort of normal?

kenziebug22

@livkight‌ i have the same exact problem and its on and off ive had a pluged duct on the left so i know its not that but i usually pump and massage it while doing so and after a while it feels better. I noticed it usually happens when i lay on my side for too long at night or if im more on my stomach

ariel8200

I started on the mini pill this week and starting last night DD is eating more often. Is there anyway to know if my supply has decreased? She is 8 weeks old so maybe it's just a growth spurt. Any thought?

livkight

Thanks @kenziebug22‌ and @ZeroZeroOne‌ ! I did sleep on my stomach last night... Maybe that's what did it. I'll keep pumping and nursing and massaging this thing!

cookiemomma14

@2lacyblue‌ I did too! I used the swaddle blankets too while out to eat and in kohls! Success!

chrinikki1

McCormic1020 said:

My son is now 8 weeks old and I am just facing the fact that he has a milk protein allergy..I thought he was severely colicky, then I thought it was antibiotics, I thought maybe his shot, maybe the onions I ate once, then after giving up everything; I ate a scoop of ice cream and his diarrhea was awful and he screamed like it burnt his little tooshy so bad. I am tired of poisoning the little guy. It's a shame because he loves the boobies. But we're going lactose free bottle feeding now. It's been a long tough road. You breast feeding mama's are tough!

My 8 week old LO has MAJOR issues too if I eat dairy (amongst other things-beans, broccoli, Tomatoes). I asked a LC and the Pedi about long term allergies to dairy and they both said typically Newborns sensitive to dairy will grow out of it by year 1. I am praying this is us. Have u ever had lactose free cheese? That shit is not only gross, but it doesn't melt! What is it made of that it won't melt on a grill?!?!

hab83

DS is having trouble napping today and wants to do a lot of comfort nursing in order to fall asleep. Do you allow your LO to nurse to sleep? He won't take a pacifier and will only occasionally suck on his hand/fingers. Not sure I want to get him in the habit of associating nursing with sleep.

kwh33ls

hab83 said:

DS is having trouble napping today and wants to do a lot of comfort nursing in order to fall asleep. Do you allow your LO to nurse to sleep? He won't take a pacifier and will only occasionally suck on his hand/fingers. Not sure I want to get him in the habit of associating nursing with sleep.

At this age, yes. I do also, however, wake her very briefly when I put her down so she gets used to falling asleep on her own. She nurses to sleep every night and most naps, and it's fine by me for the time being.

Nichole8787

Just saying this again....BREASTFEEDING IS FUCKING RIDICULOUSLY HARD!!! That's all.

susanskowera

Does anybody know if Mucinex can lower supply? LO is being an absolute beast today, wanting to feed all the time and just never satisfied for more than an hour or so. I took a few Mucinex the last couple days for sinuses and don't know if that's causing it, or if this is a growth spurt (he's 4 weeks). I tried Dr Googling, but found nothing black and white.

honeybee434

babybell22 said:

Kraft cheese is lactose free

Like the blue box Mac & Cheese??

susanskowera

Does anybody know if Mucinex can lower supply? LO is being an absolute beast today, wanting to feed all the time and just never satisfied for more than an hour or so. I took a few Mucinex the last couple days for sinuses and don't know if that's causing it, or if this is a growth spurt (he's 4 weeks). I tried Dr Googling, but found nothing black and white.

EDIT:  Or could it be thrush?  I just noticed some white bumps (almost look like white heads) on his gums and he's been crying and pushing away when I nurse him, but is still hungry.  Sorry for the really crappy pic, but it's the best I could get with an angry baby     Said bumps are on the back part of his top gums pictured.  You can't see how white they are in the pic, but you can see the bumps. 

cookiemomma14

@susanskowera‌ I can't tell by that picture but the pedi told us that thrush had lesions that are white and not just bumps. Do they wipe away? If so it could just be milk residue.

As for mucinex, yes you can take it without it impacting supply. Just stay away from mucinex D, that will dry you up!

cookiemomma14

Also go to Kellymom.com and look up the growth spurt chart. There is typically a growth spurt at 4 weeks and LO may be fussy for a few days. Anything beyond 72 hours I would call the doctor.

susanskowera

@bcook530‌ , I did look at kellymom at the growth chart...hopefully it's just that. However , I tried wiping the white bumps off of his gums (looked at kellymom for that too) and they do not come off

honeybee434

susanskowera said:

, I did look at kellymom at the growth chart...hopefully it's just that. However , I tried wiping the white bumps off of his gums (looked at kellymom for that too) and they do not come off

My DD has a few little white bumps on the outside of her gums where her teeth would be if she had any. I didn't even notice them, but the pediatrician showed them to me and said they were just small little cyst type things and very common so not to worry if I saw them. She said they aren't a sign of teething or anything like that and will go away on their own. Not sure of that's similar to what yours has, but the fact that they don't come off made me think it could be.

jrinehart0

babybell22 said:

Has anyone had any white spots on their nipples? I have just one spot and it doesn't hurt but won't go away after nursing, pumping, or the shower.

Not sure if this is the same thing, but I have had a zit like white spot on my areola.  I am almost positive its a random milk duct not on my actual nipple and was slightly plugged.  I was able to pop it like a zit and the milk had thickened up a little.  It's happened once on both boobs but hasn't happened in the same spot more than once.  I guess I worked it out?

[Deleted User]

Sorry if this has been discussed previously in the thread, I tried searching but nothing came up.

Does anyone else have feelings of constant dizziness/lightheadness and headaches? It's not to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out and the headaches are more annoyances than anything. It's been like this for about the last week for me. I'm making sure I drink lots and lots of water and eat frequently (though admittedly my dinners are not super well-balanced when DH is away - some nights I just eat what I can devour in 2 minutes' time). I'm tired, of course, because I can't nap during the day when baby sleeps thanks to my 3 y/o who wakes up early and no longer naps but it doesn't even seem to go away after I do get a decent stretch of sleep. I have my PP check-up next week so I'll bring it up then but just wondering if anyone else had experienced this.

ichamommy

This is my first visit to this thread so please don't judge me if this has been said before...

Does anyone else do the double-booby jiggle lift to know which side to feed off of next? I molest myself for my son's nutrition.

hab83

ichamommy said:

This is my first visit to this thread so please don't judge me if this has been said before...

Does anyone else do the double-booby jiggle lift to know which side to feed off of next? I molest myself for my son's nutrition.

Haha! If I forget which side I used last or don't think I remembered to switch my hair tie to the other wrist (when I remember to even grab the hair tie after I take a shower) I totally fondle myself to try to figure it out. I started using iBaby again this week since his 2 month checkup is tomorrow but also to help track so I don't mess up my supply on one or both sides by forgetting all the time.

[Deleted User]

ichamommy said:

This is my first visit to this thread so please don't judge me if this has been said before...

Does anyone else do the double-booby jiggle lift to know which side to feed off of next? I molest myself for my son's nutrition.

I totally do this too. You're not alone. I also use the MammaBaby app to track feedings and diapers. Best $5.00 I ever spent!

shamyfowler

@lealupins  Could you possibly be low on iron??  Just a thought.

@ichamommy  I am having a hard time lately keeping track of which side I fed from last, so yes I totally do a groping/squeeze to see which side feels fuller!

[Deleted User]

Kbelle24 said:

@lealupins  Could you possibly be low on iron??  Just a thought.

It's possible - I'm going to mention that to the doctor next week and see if they want to test it.

squnkie

I think we've finally rounded the corner on breastfeeding! Ive had mastitis twice (once on each side), a latch that shot pain down my arm and made me tear up, and chronically cracked and bleeding nipples. I've now made it two days with no blood, no tears, and manageable pain! Y'all, I'm so excited to finally be experiencing some of the breastfeeding bond with my LO!

likeanoldtimemovie

squnkie said:

I think we've finally rounded the corner on breastfeeding! Ive had mastitis twice (once on each side), a latch that shot pain down my arm and made me tear up, and chronically cracked and bleeding nipples. I've now made it two days with no blood, no tears, and manageable pain! Y'all, I'm so excited to finally be experiencing some of the breastfeeding bond with my LO!

Girl, you are a warrior. I probably would've quit.

cookiemomma14

squnkie said:

I think we've finally rounded the corner on breastfeeding! Ive had mastitis twice (once on each side), a latch that shot pain down my arm and made me tear up, and chronically cracked and bleeding nipples. I've now made it two days with no blood, no tears, and manageable pain! Y'all, I'm so excited to finally be experiencing some of the breastfeeding bond with my LO!

Hopefully as your nips heal the pain will lessen even more. Such determination momma! >:D<

squnkie

Aw thanks @likeanoldtimemovie‌ and @bcook530‌! I was tempted a couple of times to quit, but DH was very supportive and my mom helped me immensely. She lives near by, so when I had my fevers from the mastitis and was in the ER for it, she took care of my LO and would bring her to me to nurse, but let me rest besides that.

Getting to finally start enjoying breastfeeding was so worth all of it though. I'm hoping the pain subsides some more - the left side is fine, but the right is still healing. At this point, it's just an overwhelming sense of relief and joy for all the progress I've made in the last few days!

hab83

DS had his 2 month checkup today. He is gaining weight just fine - he was in the 45th percentile at 2 weeks and is now in the 75th percentile. We talked a lot about his gas and fussing. She suggested I continue the dairy free experiment since it has only been a week. She also set me up with an appointment with the LC since I've noticed his latch has gotten worse instead of better. He doesn't keep his top lip flanged out and his latch just seems to be getting weaker for lack of a better term. His latch also gets shallow and he falls asleep while nursing. His sleep totally stinks and he's constantly on my boobs.

She also suggested a trial of formula that has the proteins partially digested already if my diet changes don't work, my supply is fine, and he just doesn't improve. Of course, I would pump during this trial but I'm still hesitant. I didn't get to nurse long with DD because of supply issues and now this crazy colic-like stuff is about to make me quit BFing this time.

Any other ideas? Could it JUST be colic? How long do you think I should I continue to wait before I do something else if he doesn't seem better after we fix the latch issues?