2.) EBF with the occasional bottle of pumped milk. My DH wants me to pump more often though.
3.) How can I get through to DH how difficult and yet important establishing breastfeeding in the early weeks is? He thinks I am making things needlessly difficult for myself. I BF on demand which winds up being almost constantly sometimes, and I have severely inverted nipples and use a nipple shield. Sometimes I get the latch wrong and get sore and bleeding nipples. It is hard for us to go out because when LO wakes up and wants to feed I want to drop everything and BF right away...It kills me to listen to him cry and not be able to respond right away. I think I should stop going out as much so I can focus on LO...DH thinks I am crazy. He wants me to pump a lot to spare my nipples and get a stash we can use when we go out in public, and he also thinks I should be more open minded about supplementing with formula if needed.
I admitted to him I'm being a perfectionist about all this...he told me I've been acting stressed out and should just relax without trying so hard to control things. I'm trying to process his criticism. I think he has a point and I would really like to relax and let go of the perfectionism, but on the other hand I don't want to let go of all the good progress we've made so far.
I watched some latching videos today and I think my technique has improved. It helps to be at home, in a calm and familiar spot though. Today I tried to BF outside in the park on a windy day while we were out and it was a disaster. But usually we get a good latch pretty quickly these days.
2.) EBF with the occasional bottle of pumped milk. My DH wants me to pump more often though.
3.) How can I get through to DH how difficult and yet important establishing breastfeeding in the early weeks is? He thinks I am making things needlessly difficult for myself. I BF on demand which winds up being almost constantly sometimes, and I have severely inverted nipples and use a nipple shield. Sometimes I get the latch wrong and get sore and bleeding nipples. It is hard for us to go out because when LO wakes up and wants to feed I want to drop everything and BF right away...It kills me to listen to him cry and not be able to respond right away. I think I should stop going out as much so I can focus on LO...DH thinks I am crazy. He wants me to pump a lot to spare my nipples and get a stash we can use when we go out in public, and he also thinks I should be more open minded about supplementing with formula if needed.
I admitted to him I'm being a perfectionist about all this...he told me I've been acting stressed out and should just relax without trying so hard to control things. I'm trying to process his criticism. I think he has a point and I would really like to relax and let go of the perfectionism, but on the other hand I don't want to let go of all the good progress we've made so far.
I watched some latching videos today and I think my technique has improved. It helps to be at home, in a calm and familiar spot though. Today I tried to BF outside in the park on a windy day while we were out and it was a disaster. But usually we get a good latch pretty quickly these days.
2.5 weeks is very early to be out and about much. The first six weeks are a really critical time for bonding and establishing breastfeeding. Can you get a book and read to DH from it? Most of the ones I've read (Dr. Sears, Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Girlfriends Guide, etc.) all agree on this/with you. I don't think you're being a perfectionist at all - I think your baby and your instincts are telling you to take it easy and get this right. DH needs to support you, not work against you on this.
If you felt differently, then I'd say do what makes you comfortable. But you want to EBF and be home with baby, and that's not wrong!! Hope your DH can get more understanding and take that added stress off you.
Ugh, what has happened to my little dude's latch? He was really good about it until maybe yesterday he has stopped opening up wide for the nipple and tries to suck it thru a small mouth like a straw. Ouch! Also, he's not splaying his top lip out anymore. And another fun new feature - he has started to arch his back, taking his head away from the boob and will sometimes turn his head in a no gesture - all while still attached to the boob! Ouch again!
Ugh, what has happened to my little dude's latch? He was really good about it until maybe yesterday he has stopped opening up wide for the nipple and tries to suck it thru a small mouth like a straw. Ouch! Also, he's not splaying his top lip out anymore. And another fun new feature - he has started to arch his back, taking his head away from the boob and will sometimes turn his head in a no gesture - all while still attached to the boob! Ouch again!
@teather5 thanks for sharing that article! I appreciate how it addresses all the misconceptions of low supply. Reading this is also very reassuring if I were ever in a place when I'd want to give up. I wish I saw it when I first started breastfeeding with DS1.
I hear you.. this is my 2nd (1 wk old) With first I was diagnosed with IGT and could not BF. We supplemented at first but my supply never picked up and after a couple of weeks LO refused breast all together. This one born 4555g (10lbs) lost 555g and was down to 8lb 13oz. (initially pediatrician said he was down to 7lbs 10oz(24%) but that is another horror story) Anyway I have been breastfeeding pumping and supplementing 15 min each side, 15 min pump, and 1-1.5 oz formula every 2 hrs day and night for the past 3 days. LO weight is consistent at 4kg, but my supply is still next to nothing as far as I can tell. I pump drips and it takes three sessions 15 min each to get 1 oz.
Ugh, what has happened to my little dude's latch? He was really good about it until maybe yesterday he has stopped opening up wide for the nipple and tries to suck it thru a small mouth like a straw. Ouch! Also, he's not splaying his top lip out anymore. And another fun new feature - he has started to arch his back, taking his head away from the boob and will sometimes turn his head in a no gesture - all while still attached to the boob! Ouch again!
I read that when a baby with teeth bites you, push their head in towards your boob, which makes them let go. I use this trick for when my kid pulls at the nipple like you describe. He either lets go, or stops turning but fusses at me a bit. Either way, he stops ripping the nip!
But hopefully football hold resolves it for you anyway.
ETA: sometimes I pull out his upper lip with my fingers. If that doesn't fix the latch, I unlatch him... But this works for me maybe half the time he tucks the lip
Spectra Pumps? Anyone using one? @CillyMama I think you mentioned these? I have always hated my pump in style. It hurts and now its has a heavy year of use on it and I don't think it works as well as when it was new. I don't want to spend the money but if it helps me pump more comfortably and effectively I will. Unfortunately my insurance only covers one pump every 5 years.
Spectra Pumps? Anyone using one? @CillyMama I think you mentioned these? I have always hated my pump in style. It hurts and now its has a heavy year of use on it and I don't think it works as well as when it was new. I don't want to spend the money but if it helps me pump more comfortably and effectively I will. Unfortunately my insurance only covers one pump every 5 years.
Yes! I got the Spectra S2 and I LOVE it. I used to have the medela pump in style too. With the Spectra I like that you can adjust suction and speed. It's way more comfortable than the medela once I found a setting that works best for me. Some reviews I read swear that they pump more milk but I'm not sure that's the case for me. I did notice though that I can pump the same amount of milk that I get with my medela in less time.
My insurance doesn't cover the spectra but I took a chance and just bought it. I was hoping to continue using the medela but it started making weird noises and wasn't working as well as it used to.
ETA one more thing... With a little modification I was able to use my medela pumping parts with the Spectra. That was a major plus!
6 weeks tomorrow Breastfeeding and now Pumping - first day back at work today
Right now I am pumping in a storeroom with no door . . . and no curtain because the Boss forgot to install it. He's a good guy, he feels terrible. This just a crappy work situation for pumping. Luckily I must have no dignity left as I am getting a decent amount of milk.
How many times do people pump in a work day? Hoping to get away with just 2 times. Nurse at 11am, pump at 2 or 2:30 and again at 5:30 or 6, nurse again at 9pm and pump opposite side at home? Thoughts?
My lc said whether pumping or nursing from the boob, you should empty your breasts at least 8 times a day. This way your supply stays up. I hope this helps!
LO is 11 days old. Mostly bf with a little pumping here and there. I get about 4-6 oz when I pump. Week one I had a couple meltdowns at night, and since I hadn't had problems getting baby to latch, hubby and I decided to try a bottle once in a while. I think we made a mistake since LO struggles to latch every now and then now. No more bottles for a while.
I don't know if anyone asked, but when did your LOs start sleeping through the night, and did you have to wake up and pump even though they slept?
Football hold did help the lip / open mouth issue. I'll try the gentle push towards the boob next time he gets restless and starts to thrash around. Thanks ladies!
Football hold did help the lip / open mouth issue. I'll try the gentle push towards the boob next time he gets restless and starts to thrash around. Thanks ladies!
I think my LO gets bored/uncomfortable with the same hold over and over. I'm pumping and bottle feeding more than I initially planned, but when I was EB, I would rotate holds and found the football hold to get a better latch every time.
My LO is doing the same thrashing thing. I can't figure out the football hold so she is really bad when I try it. I'm going to a la leche league meeting tomorrow so I'm going to pick up some tips.
So. I've noticed that my LO has an improper latch most of the time. But it doesn't hurt me... And I can still hear him swallowing... And he's gaining weight... But he's defiantly not latched on deeply. It's pretty shallow. Does it really matter if it's working for us? Sometimes I can get him to latch on right if I work with him... But it seems more trouble than it's worth if it's working for us.
So. I've noticed that my LO has an improper latch most of the time. But it doesn't hurt me... And I can still hear him swallowing... And he's gaining weight... But he's defiantly not latched on deeply. It's pretty shallow. Does it really matter if it's working for us? Sometimes I can get him to latch on right if I work with him... But it seems more trouble than it's worth if it's working for us.
I don't know the official answer, but I don't see why it matters if it's working for both of you. Better than a painful latch that "looks right". I'd say use your instincts on this, and if you're fine and LO is thriving, it's a success! Probably one for the "don't overthink it" category, but I find myself doing that... Especially when I'm comparing my experience to the ladies here. I'm glad you've both found something that works for you!
so.. breastfeeding with giant breasts is fricken hard. LO was born on the 7th at 8pm and its exactly 2 days later and i cant tell if my nipples hurt because of a bad latch or if its just because they havent been played with for a long time/are just sensitive not used to being used. im worried my nipples are too big for him to get as far back as he needs (theres been a few times wheres hes choked on them) and i think my milk is coming in because my boobs are suddenly a lot heavier. what do i do -_-
FTM... How many ounces should baby be eating per feeding or in the day? Is there some type of guideline? My mom keeps telling me I'm not feeding the baby enough. LO is 1 Weeka today. I usually feed on demand about 1oz each time aside from some BF.
@JessHeppell when i was in the hospital the 2 days after birth (freaky good timing of birth let me stay 2 whole days and 2 whole nights) the nurses and LC told me that LO had a good latch, but my nipples got mad sore and chapped / bled anyway. I even on accident ran my stiff plastic hospital band bracelet across one nipple by accident and tore the skin - be careful with that. I think its a nipple learning curve and probably happens to most women. I'm two weeks PP now and the nips are almost all healed over. They don't hurt except at the very moment he latches, but I still have some small scabbing that's healing over.
FTM... How many ounces should baby be eating per feeding or in the day? Is there some type of guideline? My mom keeps telling me I'm not feeding the baby enough. LO is 1 Weeka today. I usually feed on demand about 1oz each time aside from some BF.
I believe it's roughly about 25oz per day. But instead of focusing on the numbers, I would suggest looking at your LO. If they seem satisfied after feeding, are gaining weight appropriately and having plenty of wet and dirty diapers then they are getting enough.
I can't figure out if I'm severely underproducing on one side or not. I mostly feed first on that side because I'm trying to prevent the clogged duct that is still hanging around in the shadows...but I offer both sides each feeding. When I pump I get like 3x more on the other side than the clogged duct one even though she ate off both. Ugh. I want to start taking supplements to boost production but I'm nervous about engorgement/clogged ducts.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
In contrast those articles drive me crazy since the IBCLC's are telling me I do have low supply from the poor start with the tongue tie. I get paranoid that they are wrong and I shouldn't be supplementing
^ right. Those articles both make me feel better, but at the same time make me feel worse because my kid definitely lost weight on the breast alone and I had to start supplementing, and I read these and wonder if I am now making enough but can't know it because we've already started the supplement process. 8-}
so.. anyone want some extra breast milk? its day 3 for me, a nurse stopped by to check on things and LO has already gained weight. whichever breast i dont feed him with at the time leaks.. (may use my baking stuff and take a measurement cause it feels like a lot) and so because of the large flow, LO is getting lazy with his latch which is incredibly frustrating for me. and he always falls asleep on the boob. but at least he is cute and things look good.
ETA: right after posting this.. i was putting lanolin on my sore nips, i put it on the left one first, then started on the right. all of a sudden my stomach was wet, check the left nipple? leaking. as im checking the left one.. the other one starts leaking. [-(
Clean up, aisle 4. Someone spit up and wiped it across her face. @virginiaunicorn11 What was that German phrase about a spitting baby is a thriving baby?
^ right. Those articles both make me feel better, but at the same time make me feel worse because my kid definitely lost weight on the breast alone and I had to start supplementing, and I read these and wonder if I am now making enough but can't know it because we've already started the supplement process. 8-}
Most babies lose weight on the breast in the beginning. I'm in the same boat as you, except my LO has a shallow latch and we didn't get a good start in the hospital. My production has suffered greatly. It's kind of starting to increase, but I'm a religious pumper and only put her on the breast a few times a day. I'm hoping once her mouth gets bigger we can work on this latch.
so.. anyone want some extra breast milk? its day 3 for me, a nurse stopped by to check on things and LO has already gained weight. whichever breast i dont feed him with at the time leaks.. (may use my baking stuff and take a measurement cause it feels like a lot) and so because of the large flow, LO is getting lazy with his latch which is incredibly frustrating for me. and he always falls asleep on the boob. but at least he is cute and things look good.
ETA: right after posting this.. i was putting lanolin on my sore nips, i put it on the left one first, then started on the right. all of a sudden my stomach was wet, check the left nipple? leaking. as im checking the left one.. the other one starts leaking. [-(
I'm the same, after I have a shower I have to rush to put my bra on before I drip all over the floor. It's a good problem to have but I'd really like to be able to go 5 minutes without a bra! LO falls asleep at the breast all the time too - I burp him or change his diaper whenever he does which usually wakes him up, then I put him back on the breast. The upside is he's really easy to get down at night. My routine usually goes - feed, burp, feed, burp, feed, change diaper, feed, burp, put on sleeping bag, feed and burp one last time if needed and then he goes down for a sleep without complaint. All in all it takes 45-60 mins in total, but there's no crying, no rocking or soothing required which makes nighttime much less stressful.
yeah @aliciaspinnet i change his diaper before feedings(due to stitches and not wanting to get up again mid way) the nurse that checked him said to try to use a cold cloth on his face or expose some skin. hopefully he gets better once time goes on.
i really wish the nurse could have helped a bit more with his latching, even with her help it took around 10 tries, and he lost it shortly after. so unfortunately getting him on right is still something im struggling with. i can feel my nipple in his mouth clicking against something sometimes when he sucks and it hurts a lot. X_X. but i can never get it deeper in his mouth. just kind of dreading feeding time right now till his mouth gets biggerso he can get my nipple better and my boobs calm down and produce normally so he will stop being lazy
@JessHeppell this sounds like me and my LO, did you have yours checked for tongue and or lip tie?
no we didnt. his first appointment is on monday so i may ask the doctor what my opinions are if i have any. whether it be nipple shields for the first few weeks or whatever is needed. im working through the pain, but sometimes when im trying to break his bad latch it hurts so much i almost cry.
I feel your pain, literally, I hope you can get help from the dr or find a lactation consultant. The one I went to was very helpful. LO had a posterior tongue tie, and this prevented her from nursing correctly. We had it corrected by an oral surgeon. Then we were able to work on positioning.
Oh my god, I've created a monster! About an hour ago LO finished most of a 5oz bottle and then fed from the breast for at least 5 minutes. And now he's hungry again. Where the hell is he putting it (other than his diaper of course).
LO is two weeks old today & breastfeeding is not getting better. It makes me want to cry. I hate this. I want to do it so bad though but I can't keep this up
I'm sorry girl! This is where I was a month ago. I was miserable BF. I started introducing formula and now exclusively on it and I feel a huge weight of my shoulders. I was definitely becoming depressed. BF is so hard. But you need to do what's best for you. You can still do a combo of both BF and formula too! That's what we did for a while and I started to actually enjoy BF so much. We ultimately started exclusively feeding formula though. You have to take yourself into consideration. I have heard though from other BF moms that it gets better. I do believe that there's a huge hump you do need to get over and maybe if you stick it out for another week or two it'll start to get easier. I noticed at 3 weeks it did so maybe it could for you? Just don't feel guilty for any decision you make. As long as baby is getting fed and happy that's all that matters
Re: Feeding Check-In & Support 7/6-7/12
2.) EBF with the occasional bottle of pumped milk. My DH wants me to pump more often though.
3.) How can I get through to DH how difficult and yet important establishing breastfeeding in the early weeks is? He thinks I am making things needlessly difficult for myself. I BF on demand which winds up being almost constantly sometimes, and I have severely inverted nipples and use a nipple shield. Sometimes I get the latch wrong and get sore and bleeding nipples. It is hard for us to go out because when LO wakes up and wants to feed I want to drop everything and BF right away...It kills me to listen to him cry and not be able to respond right away. I think I should stop going out as much so I can focus on LO...DH thinks I am crazy. He wants me to pump a lot to spare my nipples and get a stash we can use when we go out in public, and he also thinks I should be more open minded about supplementing with formula if needed.
I admitted to him I'm being a perfectionist about all this...he told me I've been acting stressed out and should just relax without trying so hard to control things. I'm trying to process his criticism. I think he has a point and I would really like to relax and let go of the perfectionism, but on the other hand I don't want to let go of all the good progress we've made so far.
I watched some latching videos today and I think my technique has improved. It helps to be at home, in a calm and familiar spot though. Today I tried to BF outside in the park on a windy day while we were out and it was a disaster. But usually we get a good latch pretty quickly these days.
If you felt differently, then I'd say do what makes you comfortable. But you want to EBF and be home with baby, and that's not wrong!! Hope your DH can get more understanding and take that added stress off you.
2. EP/bottle feeding
3. Per pedi suggestion, we're going to attempt to BF again. Wish us luck!
https://www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com/twitter-and-blog/low-milk-supply-101
This one born 4555g (10lbs) lost 555g and was down to 8lb 13oz. (initially pediatrician said he was down to 7lbs 10oz(24%) but that is another horror story)
Anyway I have been breastfeeding pumping and supplementing 15 min each side, 15 min pump, and 1-1.5 oz formula every 2 hrs day and night for the past 3 days. LO weight is consistent at 4kg, but my supply is still next to nothing as far as I can tell. I pump drips and it takes three sessions 15 min each to get 1 oz.
But hopefully football hold resolves it for you anyway.
ETA: sometimes I pull out his upper lip with my fingers. If that doesn't fix the latch, I unlatch him... But this works for me maybe half the time he tucks the lip
My insurance doesn't cover the spectra but I took a chance and just bought it. I was hoping to continue using the medela but it started making weird noises and wasn't working as well as it used to.
ETA one more thing...
With a little modification I was able to use my medela pumping parts with the Spectra. That was a major plus!
My lc said whether pumping or nursing from the boob, you should empty your breasts at least 8 times a day. This way your supply stays up. I hope this helps!
I don't know if anyone asked, but when did your LOs start sleeping through the night, and did you have to wake up and pump even though they slept?
I think my LO gets bored/uncomfortable with the same hold over and over. I'm pumping and bottle feeding more than I initially planned, but when I was EB, I would rotate holds and found the football hold to get a better latch every time.
I'm glad you've both found something that works for you!
LO was born on the 7th at 8pm and its exactly 2 days later and i cant tell if my nipples hurt because of a bad latch or if its just because they havent been played with for a long time/are just sensitive not used to being used.
im worried my nipples are too big for him to get as far back as he needs (theres been a few times wheres hes choked on them) and i think my milk is coming in because my boobs are suddenly a lot heavier.
what do i do -_-
Re: my post above I found this to be helpful. Hope it helps some of you ladies. It's definitely encouraging
ETA: right after posting this.. i was putting lanolin on my sore nips, i put it on the left one first, then started on the right. all of a sudden my stomach was wet, check the left nipple? leaking. as im checking the left one.. the other one starts leaking. [-(
i really wish the nurse could have helped a bit more with his latching, even with her help it took around 10 tries, and he lost it shortly after. so unfortunately getting him on right is still something im struggling with. i can feel my nipple in his mouth clicking against something sometimes when he sucks and it hurts a lot. X_X. but i can never get it deeper in his mouth.
just kind of dreading feeding time right now till his mouth gets biggerso he can get my nipple better and my boobs calm down and produce normally so he will stop being lazy
whether it be nipple shields for the first few weeks or whatever is needed. im working through the pain, but sometimes when im trying to break his bad latch it hurts so much i almost cry.
sidenote: the boob he was on though feels really nice. no stiffness or hardness at all.