New Moms - 6/3 daily updates, issues, questions, accomplishments

btm013

Let's try to keep this going. We are all in the throes of a wild ride! Emotions may be running high and sharing them and our experiences might help. 

Last night was our second night at home. Eek. DS was giving us a run for his money. He slept perfectly from around 11-2:30ish. Then it was all downhill from there haha. My husband got up to do the first feeding but then there was very little downtime in between the next feeding. It all sort of blended together.

It's day 6 and my milk is barely coming in. The pediatrician is having me pump so I can track how much I'm producing (only 1 ounce a breast each time). I'm getting concerned. I've been keeping up and not having to use formula but it's not going to last. I'm truly not opposed to formula but now it's become a mental thing where I want to stockpile or keep up on my supply. On top of that, I'm having sporadic milk fevers. Ugghh.

My husband goes back to work tomorrow. I'm nervous!

HoosOnFirst

Can I just say how glad I am that I got the tip to buy Depends pull on underpants? Lifesaver!!

Will add more later once I don't have a baby on my chest. It's a great feeling, right?

scorredor2

Day 2, breast feeding is not coming in like I had hoped. Not giving up yet. DS loves to eat! Have been supplementing with formula (not going to starve him while my body reconfigures).

klkonwi

I just want to stop in and say that you guys are doing awesome!

@btm013 if your getting a fever this can be a great sign more milk is coming in !!!! Up your water intake at least 3liters a day!

You are all so great for sticking this hard part of breastfeeding out.
Can't wait to be sharing stuff on this thread someday!

hswan26

DD isn't tolerating her formula well. I changed her over to a sensitive one overnight. Hopefully that solves the issue. We went through the same thing with my older DD when she was a baby. Needless to say this is one tired mama today.

mishmardhiono

Day 2, bfing great on right side but left side still takes a while. Not sure if due to prev piercing but DD doesn't seem to be as happy on my left. Any suggestions??

Nurse said to tickle feet to stimulate sucking reflex, has worked great for us so far

amabarne

@klkonwi so glad you explained about the fevers. I thought I was crazy. I had chills and shaking and woke up sweaty a couple nights in a row last week.

Today has been good so far. Still breastfeeding through the pain of cracked and scabbed nipples. I've been feeding him swaddled so his hands don't scratch me.

klkonwi

Fevers can mean milk is coming in and OR it can be your hormones changing/coming down. A lot of patients report night sweats...... Damn hormones.

dancegurl1118

This monster has a narrow latch and is a biter. Couple that with my short nipples and I'm in a world of hurt. We're short staffed on lactation consultants so that sucks. I've been expressing and feeding her drops but I'd like to become more confident in this before going home and being in extreme pain and frustrated with little resources.

beckyk9109

I love reading everyone's stories about the first weeks and seeing how it's going!

beckyk9109

App deleted the rest of my comment...
But since my girls arrived at 35 weeks we had feeding issues from the beginning. Adalynn breastfeeds like a champ, but sister Aria still doesn't quite get it. Since they were so tiny at birth, I'm pumping and supplementing for the extra calories.

My supply was great in the beginning (4 surplus bags in the freezer from week 1!) then it nosedived. I know some friends who took Fenugreek so I asked my doc about it. What a difference! I could probably feed a small army! Definitely worth talking with your doc about if you're worried about hot producing enough

beckyk9109

Oh, also sorry for 3 posts but I find that a power hour pumping session first thing in the morning is most beneficial. It seems that's when I produce the most and I'm able to get about 6oz from each side!

henrytviii

dancegurl1118 said:

This monster has a narrow latch and is a biter. Couple that with my short nipples and I'm in a world of hurt. We're short staffed on lactation consultants so that sucks. I've been expressing and feeding her drops but I'd like to become more confident in this before going home and being in extreme pain and frustrated with little resources.

Have you gotten any help from LC yet? I don't want to chime in with amateur advice but will if you haven't been able to see LC and want something. Had similar issue with both kids. Also if you are in a major metro area son of the birth centers might have LC that will visit you at home.

aligons

Had our 2-week appt today. LO has gained most of his birth weight back! (Just short half an oz) Nighttime breastfeeding is getting to be rough as I'm just super tired!

Almost completely recovered from c-section. Haven't needed my pain meds for a few days.

His pediatrician referred me to an LC since his latch has gotten worse and I'm not pumping a lot of milk. Just started taking Fenugreek so hopefully that helps!

How long do you ladies usually pump for? My max has been 15-20 min. I'm wondering if I should be pumping longer.

dancegurl1118

@henrytviii she finally came in after she was helping someone else and told me to put my inconsolable hungry child skin to skin until she came (50 minutes later). It just sucks because I can get a baby on any nipple as a teacher of breastfeeding but am having trouble with my own. The damage has been done to my nipples from feeds last night so it's just working around the pain now. It's doable, there are worse things in the world I just wish I had giant long nipples, haha. Hoping for some good feeds today and I have some resources for when I go home!

Sammy K

As a STM, let me reassure you that breastfeeding is HARD! For the first 2 months, I had problems thinking that I couldn't do it or keep up. Get lots of fluids (besides wine :P ) and I was recommended Mother's Milk tea.

Tears come with the territory, but you're all doing great. And if it doesn't work out, that's OK too. Breastfeeding is not all sunshine and rainbows and it is not a reflection of how good of a mother you are. Just keep it up! I love the updates and hearing how you're doing. Hugs to all you new mammas!

btm013

aligons said:

Just started taking Fenugreek so hopefully that helps! How long do you ladies usually pump for? My max has been 15-20 min. I'm wondering if I should be pumping longer.

I need to check out this Fenugreek. I am meeting with the lactation consultant for the second time this week tomorrow. I was told to only pump for 15 minutes. I was shocked to learn that your milk supply replenishes after only one hour.

henrytviii

@dancegurl1118 good luck with everything, breastfeeding is so hard, even with lots of knowledge and help. My nipples are a mess as well, tongue tied little one with shallow latch. He's stretched out the tongue tie so latch and biting is better but I overproduce at first (until mastitis kills off enough tissue ugh) so he pulls off a lot and each relatch is torture. I am using the Honest company nipple cream and its really helping. More than the creams i tried first time around. They are chapped but that cream soothes them between feedings. As for during I just keep reminding myself it will be better in a week and try to breathe through each latch and relax. Impossible . . .

rklinge0

@aligons I pump for 15 to 20 on each side

amabarne

I'm so ready to give up on breastfeeding. I'm crying through every session and dread doing it. He latches fine but so much damage has been done already I feel like I'll never heal. I feel like I have the flu on top of everything but have no fever so I haven't called my dr. I know that this is worth every minute but it is the hardest thing I've ever done.

Sammy K

@amabarne I really wish I could give you a hug. Breastfeeding is so hard and the sleep deprivation and hormones make it worse. Have you tried Soothies? They are gel breastpads that help with sore nipples. Get rest and be kind to yourself, you're going through a lot!

dancegurl1118

@amabarne how are your breasts feeling? If you have a temp you may have mastitis and need antibiotics.

amabarne

DH just checked my temp and it's 103-104 with a temporal scanner and 101.1 with the old standby. I'm thinking mastitis too. Bummer.

karaelaine1991

Breastfeeding is definitely painful! I'm hoping this is just an "at first" thing. My nipples are so tender! Thankfully DD is taking in plenty, she's only lost 4oz since birth which the nurses seemed impressed with. I am so paranoid that she's not latching correctly since I am in pain when she eats but apparently I'm just sensitive still.

We got to take her home today - so far so good! My parents and two of my brothers came to meet DD and they were very excited. We also had our first diaper-related outfit change - gross, but more confirmation that DD is eating enough.

Tomorrow, off for our first pediatrician visit!

HoosOnFirst

Hi everyone we are in similar boat. Baby has hard time latching, possibly has minor tongue tie - getting checked on Friday and lost over a pound at his first pediatric visit. I was a mess. She also has jaundice so getting her hydrated is 100x more important than breastfeeding right now.

I've talked to two LCs and a visiting nurse and the plan is to pump to get my supply up. My left breast won't express by hand and so I'm screwed if I don't try something. So that is tonight's mission, and hopefully even if she is bottle feeding, it could be my own milk soon!

God this is super stressful right? Even when you know it's not anyone's fault, I cry every time I have to talk about it.

btm013

amabarne said:

I'm so ready to give up on breastfeeding. I'm crying through every session and dread doing it. He latches fine but so much damage has been done already I feel like I'll never heal. I feel like I have the flu on top of everything but have no fever so I haven't called my dr. I know that this is worth every minute but it is the hardest thing I've ever done.

Have you thought about pumping exclusively? I felt the exact same way and ended up needing to pump for the next two days. Tomorrow I go back to the LC. At this point, I'm not going back! I will just pump.

karaelaine1991

hoodoll82 said:

Hi everyone we are in similar boat. Baby has hard time latching, possibly has minor tongue tie - getting checked on Friday and lost over a pound at his first pediatric visit. I was a mess. She also has jaundice so getting her hydrated is 100x more important than breastfeeding right now.

I've talked to two LCs and a visiting nurse and the plan is to pump to get my supply up. My left breast won't express by hand and so I'm screwed if I don't try something. So that is tonight's mission, and hopefully even if she is bottle feeding, it could be my own milk soon!

God this is super stressful right? Even when you know it's not anyone's fault, I cry every time I have to talk about it.

So sorry you're having a difficult time, @hoodoll82! Definitely stressful and I'm sure postpartum hormones aren't helping. what matters is you're doing whatever it takes to get LO the nutrition she needs! Hopefully breastfeeding will work out, but if not, thank goodness formula is such a good alternative! No matter what, it'll work out you'll be in my thoughts!

KaLikeAWind

I'm also going to try to not stick my nose in too often but did want to say that all of you ladies are doing a fantastic job. Even those of you who are struggling with something, I still think you're champs. Thanks for sharing so the rest of us can learn

mindaa

So sorry for those who have the extra challenge of tongue tie, I can't imagine. DS has taken 3 full days to really start getting the hang of bf. That was stressfull alone.

For anyone whose pumped, can you still have success if you don't get letdown the first couple tries?

DS started refusing one side and i found out why when I tried to pump and couldnt get anything. I can hand express, which is encouraging.

lovethatcolosun

I keep checking in on this thread hoping I can offer some support. All of you ladies are doing such a fantastic job. The first couple of weeks are the hardest when it comes to breast feeding. I would get so frustrated that he wouldn't latch I would break down in tears, then so would he. I was sore, exhausted, frustrated, suffering from PPD, hormonal mood swings, DS was on oxygen for two months straight, one boob lacking in milk production....you name it, it was a challenge. You all are not alone in your frustration with breast feeding. I will say it does get easier. You just have to find the balance that works for you. Pumping, supplementing with formula, bottle feeding, whatever mix works for you and baby. One day at a time ladies. Things will level out. Probably just about the time that I give birth and hop on here with the same frustrations as y'all. We're all here to support one another, so I hope you feel the ❤️. I'm proud of you all!!!! Hope you ladies can get some well deserved sleep.

mindaa

Oh, and this is a random, but I am still totally freaked out by my huge belly pooch, and the phantom movements I was feeling the first day. 

kkdb14

beckyk9109 said:

App deleted the rest of my comment...
But since my girls arrived at 35 weeks we had feeding issues from the beginning. Adalynn breastfeeds like a champ, but sister Aria still doesn't quite get it. Since they were so tiny at birth, I'm pumping and supplementing for the extra calories.

My supply was great in the beginning (4 surplus bags in the freezer from week 1!) then it nosedived. I know some friends who took Fenugreek so I asked my doc about it. What a difference! I could probably feed a small army! Definitely worth talking with your doc about if you're worried about hot producing enough

Mine nosedived in much the same way!! I'll have to ask about the Fenugreek. I'm beginning to be really stressed out. My stockpile is gone and I have to pump every second feeding. Glad to hear it works!!

dancegurl1118

So stressed out with this breastfeeding. I am in so so so much pain. Just trying to power through it but there's only so much you can do. Poor girl is so hungry. She only lost 3% over 24 hours so that's a normal amount and is peeing and pooping significantly so I'm okay with it...just nervous about not really having any support/help with feeding when I am out of the hospital tomorrow.

kkdb14

aligons said:

How long do you ladies usually pump for? My max has been 15-20 min. I'm wondering if I should be pumping longer.

I pump for anywhere between 30 min-1 hr and get about 8 oz a session.

amabarne

@dancegurl1118
You have us!

angiekay84

Also wanted to offer support, you ladies are doing great!! I know it's so hard and hurts like hell, hugs to those struggling. I know the pain and frustration and have to say BFing is one thing I have anxiety about doing again. Good luck and keep up with your check-Ins! Knowing you aren't alone really helps!

rklinge0

@mindaa yes after I delivered I felt movement on my right side where she usually hung out for a few days. I felt like I was losing my mind.

dancegurl1118

@amabarne thank you!! After that mini breakdown post we actually had a great feeding..and I have a pacifier and nipple shield on stand by-- as well as these lanisoh soothies on which are a GOD SEND. Already ordered more off amazon to get here Friday. Keep up the good work ladies!!

kkdb14

Does anyone else feel really anxious at night? The fact that I'm "on my own" really freaks me out. I'm such a baby, I usually keep some lights and the tv on & sleep on the couch. I'm thinking maybe some baby blues..

btm013

mindaa said:

Oh, and this is a random, but I am still totally freaked out by my huge belly pooch, and the phantom movements I was feeling the first day. 

I still find myself talking to my bump/pooch!! You are not alone haha

esampson1983

Baby boy is 1 week 6 days. He is adorable! He makes so many cute expressions. And he is so much like his dad already. It's also fun to see the bond between him and DH- DH is so in love with LO and it just makes me love him even more!!!

He is doing well with breastfeeding overall and is gaining weight. My left nipple hurts so bad though during latching, re-latching, and even between feedings. I apply lanolin after each feeding and also massage my breasts prior to each feeding, He does have a shortened frenulum which may be the source of some of my pain. I'm going to call the LC and see if she has any recommendations. It is also a 2 person process Because his hands go all over the place. The LC at my BFing support group said that it may continue to be a 2 person process; however DH is back at work and MIL is out of town for a week so my help options are gone for the next 2 days; I guess it will be sink or swim time...

Does anyone else get freaked out by the baby hiccups? LO gets some really deep ones and it just looks so uncomfortable and sounds awful. It doesn't seem to phase him; I think it bothers me more than me.