@wetherbeee We also did well with Similac Total Comfort. For a while we were able to mix a little expressed milk into his formula and that might be something you can try as well.
One of the reasons we went with Total Comfort is we were able to get it with WIC with a special authorization form from his doctor. His doctor had told us we could try any formula with hydrolyzed protein, meaning it's been broken down.
@Mizuiro007 I think I'll try mixing them! I'm trying to give him as much breastmilk as I can before switching him over. Thanks for the suggestion!
I've also heard that insurance may cover the more specialiZed formulas if your baby has a medical need for it, such as an intolerance or reflux. Considering talking to our ped next appointment to see if we can get a note and prescription if he is still having issues with BM. Glad you're able to get yours through WIC! Formula is so expensive.
I'm still barley hanging in there pumping and giving my LO pumped breast milk in a bottle. But I wanted to tell y'all the most recent fiasco.
The night before last my right breast was so engorged that I couldn't do anything but cry. I tried pumping, massaging, heat and ice and had no relief. Yesterday morning I noticed that my actual nipple had hard blisters on it that were raised and tender. I of course googled and kellymom called them blebs and said to try a cotton ball with olive oil on it in your bra over the area to soften the skin and then put a cotton ball with vinegar because vinegar breaks down calcium and hopefully help unblock the duct. I tried both of them and Im pretty sure a few of the blisters popped but I still was unable to get milk out. So I called the LC and my doctor. My doctor called in a RX for a compounded nipple cream and the LC told me to get in a warm bath and lay on my side and put my effected breast in the water and massage as long as I can and just let whatever milk come out in the tub. That helped I was able to get quite a bit out but I wasn't satisfied so about 30 minutes after I got out of the tub i pumped and finally was able to empty out 6 oz of breast milk- what a relief! This morning I woke up and the left breast wasn't putting out anything and was getting engorged I tried the bathtub and the pumping and was still having trouble and feeling uncomfortable ( it's been my trouble breast since day 1 so I wasn't surprised ) so I used a nipple shield and let LO latch on early before she got super hungry ( she is on a schedule) and she fed for a good 10 minutes and then I pumped again and was able to get 2 ounces out which is a lot for that breast. Now mommy is much happier and I can now hold LO without crying!
I just wanted to give you all this as an FYI just in case any of you expierence blistered nipples.
Also I go back to work in 2 weeks and I'm considering the 2 days a week LO goes to daycare sending formula for her while she is there and letting her have breast milk only while she is home with us or family. I feel like it might me easier for her teacher and I won't be worried about how long the milk has been out and if I sent enough for her. Im planning on pumping at work as often as I can but am not sure how long that will last. Anyone else doing this for daycare?
@wetherbeee We tried it through insurance and found that most insurance companies won't cover it but it was an easy thing to call them and ask. I seem to remember that in a few states you can get it covered and you may be in one of them. That's why we went with WIC. You're right, formula is so expensive.
I'm coming into this discussion kind of late, gave birth on 12/28. My question is about let down. I have yet to experience this. When I'm feeding on one side the other does not leak. In fact I never leak. Is this a bad sign? I worry my supply is not very good. I am giving my girl some supplement formula but she is breast fed for the most part. The goal is to be Exclusively breastfed, but we are having to work through some breastfeeding struggles. At 8 days postpartum I'm getting about an ounce when I pump. Does this sound about right?
@RSB1982 - when I was 8 days pp I didn't leak either, but baby gained 6 oz in 4 days so I knew supply wasn't the issue. I'm 16 days pp and started leaking for the first time after I showered. I don't think leaking is any indicator of your ability to make milk. The best things you can do are to nurse on demand when you can (given you've been having some difficulty) and try not to stress. I think it's so interesting how related our emotions are to supply. Stress and worry can actually lead to supply issues.
I have no idea about pumping. I was told to wait until I was 3 weeks pp to start pumping, but I know that at 8 days LO really doesn't need that much milk so an ounce probably isn't that bad.
I'm coming into this discussion kind of late, gave birth on 12/28. My question is about let down. I have yet to experience this. When I'm feeding on one side the other does not leak. In fact I never leak. Is this a bad sign? I worry my supply is not very good. I am giving my girl some supplement formula but she is breast fed for the most part. The goal is to be Exclusively breastfed, but we are having to work through some breastfeeding struggles. At 8 days postpartum I'm getting about an ounce when I pump. Does this sound about right?
This is exactly where I was last week, I'm 12days pp. My milk really started coming in over the past weekend. My LC told me to try to pump for 5 mins after each feeding to stimulate milk production. I'm getting approx 1.5-2oz per pump session now, after feeding DS.
This feed is so large I am sure I am repeating some stuff but the search feature didn't yield me good results! So my LO is 1 week old today, and she is breast feeding wonderfully. I usually nurse both sides with each feeding which is anywhere from 2-3 hours apart. My pediatrician told me to continue to do 2-3 hour feedings. My breasts get hard and painful after about an hour after nursing. She also has kind of a rough time with spitting up, and I attempt to burp her after each breast but sometimes she won't burp! So I have a few questions. Do you guys generally nurse both sides each feeding, and for how long? The spitting up makes me worry she's over eating. Also, should I be pumping since I am swelling and getting painful an hour after nursing? Since she nurses both sides every 2 hours I have been nervous to pump because the two times I tried I got about a quarter of an ounce! Oh and one more question, are most of you still doing 2-3 hour feedings? Even at night? I have been waking her if it hits 3 hours but wondering if it would hurt to wait til she wakes.
@dmendo01 I had some of your same questions! From what I've read, I let LO nurse on one side until she either pulls herself off (which she rarely does) or her suck/swallow patten becomes very slow with lots of pauses between sucks. This lets me know that what she's getting from that side has dramatically slowed. For me, this usually happens around 20 minutes, but this would be different from woman to woman. Then, I offer her the other side if she's still interested. Sometimes she is, sometimes she isn't.
We also have lots of spit ups that, for now, don't seem to be caused by any issues. From what I understand newborns generally don't over eat. My pediatrician told me to burp her often (I do every 5-7 minutes while feeding), feed upright as much as possible, and keep her upright after feeding when possible.
We do every 2-3 hours generally, but that's because she's never slept past that I set an alarm at night for every 4 hours on the off chance she does keep snoozing. ETA; for you this might depend on your LO's weight gain patten. Mine is 10 days old and 8 ounces from her birth weight, which is why I won't let her go much past 2-3 hours.
@laurabwalker Last couple of days we've had about 5 wet and 5 dirty. Poop just transitioned to the yellow seedy poop.
That all sounds great, it is suggested to judge supply that way instead of pumping. Baby will be able to drain the breast more effectively then the pump. You want to see mustardy stool and 6 wet (heavy weight) diapers a day. I have not leaked either but I have a good supply
@hailees thanks for the info! She was back up to birth weight at her 1 week appointment so she's gaining well! she sleeps in a rock n play which keeps her upright and surprisingly sometimes she actually burps from the rocking motion haha. But she has spit up while in it and seems to have no problem other than wetting her swaddle. I may try to pump some again at some point but i have this weird stigma about it right now! Haha
@ATolentino89 My son was pulling off a "good latch" to a straw
like latch because my let down was choking him it was fast (the straw sucking
tore me up). I went to the LC over the choking and how he wouldn’t stay latched
and would scream if forced to stay latched. All the nurses up until this point
said he latched great…but didn’t watch long enough to see him pull off or when
he’d pull off they wanted me to push him to latch harder which made him frantic
because he couldn’t keep up. I did pump and feed every other time for a couple
days while my nipples healed and to relieve the engorgement that was making all
of these issues worse.
@stephaniearthurs Are you engorged? It can be hard for them
to latch if you are, I had to pump a little before feeds for 2-3 days I was so
engorged he couldn’t latch.
@demendo01 Mine burps better if I just sit him forward and
rest is head between my index and thumb and wait a minute or two, traditional
burping rarely works for us.
Who else is having to go dairy free due to a milk protein intolerance? We found out yesterday that my DS's fussiness and severe diaper rash is probably from the dairy I've been eating. What are some good resources to check out to find more information on what I should be avoiding? What are some of your favorite meals and snacks or fake dairy hacks
@AnnH74 I'm trying out dairy free for the next 2 weeks or so to see if it's causing gas and fussiness. It's difficult because I love milk, cheese, and yogurt! However, I got some almond milk so I can still have cereal and a dash of milk in oatmeal. I also would suggest hummus, peanut butter, non citrus fruit, nuts, pasta dishes with no cheese, etc.
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO GET LO OFF BOOB LONG ENOUGH TO TAKE A SHOWER AND WASH HAIR. ( ok the hair maybe a stretch) I'm exclusively trying to breastfeed. Formula is too damn high especially when you can waste alot because it needs to be thrown out after a hour even if LO doesn't finish it. Loosing my mind while DH is at work!
Feed them and burp every 5 minutes to ensure they're getting the good stuff for milk coma, swaddle, snuggle, put in rnp, rock for a few minutes, pull rnp into bathroom and shower. It also helps to do it during one of your baby's natural sleep times.
@AnnH74 I'm trying out dairy free for the next 2 weeks or so to see if it's causing gas and fussiness. It's difficult because I love milk, cheese, and yogurt! However, I got some almond milk so I can still have cereal and a dash of milk in oatmeal. I also would suggest hummus, peanut butter, non citrus fruit, nuts, pasta dishes with no cheese, etc.
@Court11152325 We definitely eat our share of cheese and our nightly ice cream snack and pizza...sigh. I'm hoping to get to the store this weekend to search for things to eat. Are you cutting out things that may have a trace of milk?
I give up on the breastfeeding thing! I'm pretty sure his latch is wrong cos he is chewing my nipple (with the guard and isn't interested in it at all without the guard...). We will pump and do that. So long as he is getting breast milk is all I'm really concerned about.
Yeah I bring baby into bathroom with me. The sound of the shower is calming and I can usually get a decent shower and wash my hair. I EBF too so I know the struggle. My LO is 3 weeks old and glued to my boobs. I feel like I do nothing but hold and feed him.
Is anyone else only feeding from one breast at a time? My son is 3 weeks and we still do just 1 boob at a time bc he will feed on one side for up to an hour at a time before unlatching himself or falling asleep and have no interest in the second breast. Today/yesterday I decided I will start trying to do what "they" say and just have him on one side for 20 and then switch to the other for 20 and he just had a bright green poop when his poops have been the right yellow color for weeks now! I know the green means they didn't get enough hind milk which was why I haven't wanted to do this yet so can I just go on feeding him from one breast at a time indefinitely?
Is anyone else only feeding from one breast at a time? My son is 3 weeks and we still do just 1 boob at a time bc he will feed on one side for up to an hour at a time before unlatching himself or falling asleep and have no interest in the second breast. Today/yesterday I decided I will start trying to do what "they" say and just have him on one side for 20 and then switch to the other for 20 and he just had a bright green poop when his poops have been the right yellow color for weeks now! I know the green means they didn't get enough hind milk which was why I haven't wanted to do this yet so can I just go on feeding him from one breast at a time indefinitely?
I mostly just feed one side at a time for the same reason. She's been doing very well as long as I do. I feed her as long as possible on one side, pit her back to that same side if she needs to burp. Then after 30 mins if she still seems really hungry I switch sides. If she's close to sleep I just let her fall asleep there. So far my supply seems to have regulated for this but a couple times I've had engorgement on the off side and pump once she's done. As long as it keeps working I'll keep doing it.
@AnnH74 our ped was mostly concerned with direct dairy sources, though she did suggest coconut milk as a replacement for cooking/baking. So as far as something that may contain dairy, I will try to avoid it if is a major ingredient. Bye bye most baked goods and chocolate.
@rachel10488 - if DD is on one boob for more than 25-30 minutes I switch her. Usually her sucking is much less enthusiastic at this point anyway. It also ensures I get a good burp out of her. Sometimes she lets go on her own and sometimes she doesn't - the difference is her level of tiredness.
Is anyone else only feeding from one breast at a time? My son is 3 weeks and we still do just 1 boob at a time bc he will feed on one side for up to an hour at a time before unlatching himself or falling asleep and have no interest in the second breast. Today/yesterday I decided I will start trying to do what "they" say and just have him on one side for 20 and then switch to the other for 20 and he just had a bright green poop when his poops have been the right yellow color for weeks now! I know the green means they didn't get enough hind milk which was why I haven't wanted to do this yet so can I just go on feeding him from one breast at a time indefinitely?
I feed from one side and pump the other at the same time. It helps me build my supply for both my breasts and the freezer.
@Court11152325 Karob makes a decent replacement for chocolate in baked goods. There are some really good vegan recipes out there including some for Mac n cheese using nutrition yeast flakes. So delicious brand makes coconut ice cream and yogurt. I can't remember the brand but I also used to get chocolate bars at Hyvee in the health food section and at Nature's Grocer which is dairy free (made with rice milk).
@Mizuiro007 oh how I miss hyvee. I live in rural south ga now with crappy grocery stores, but to get stuff to make decent dairy free meals it's probably worth going in to the city we're near! Thanks for the suggestions.
@rachel10488 I just feed from one side. My LO feeds for 15-25 minutes then unlatches himself and falls asleep, and I'm feeding every 2-3 hours. My LO is gaining weight approriatey so I know he is getting enough without feeding on both sides.
@ATolentino89 I like the idea of pumping on the other side while you feed on one side to maintain supply! I'll have to try that!
I did a search but didn't find the question I was looking for, sorry if it has been covered. Landon is one week today and we have been breast feeding followed with a 15 min pump session due to 10% weight loss by Sunday. So he feeds then we are giving him 12 ml from pumping after each feeding. Anyway now that my milk is in I'm getting about an oz per pump session so I draw out the 12 ml and put the extra in the fridge. My question is: is it ok to mix milk from different pumping sessions? I haven't yet but am wondering because I have all these little stashes and use up what I can when I don't want to pump during the night sessions. But if it's ok to combine it, it would allow me to start my freezer stockpile. I have an appt with his ped tomorrow and can ask for clarification, but if anyone has input or can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it! Thanks
I did a search but didn't find the question I was looking for, sorry if it has been covered. Landon is one week today and we have been breast feeding followed with a 15 min pump session due to 10% weight loss by Sunday. So he feeds then we are giving him 12 ml from pumping after each feeding. Anyway now that my milk is in I'm getting about an oz per pump session so I draw out the 12 ml and put the extra in the fridge. My question is: is it ok to mix milk from different pumping sessions? I haven't yet but am wondering because I have all these little stashes and use up what I can when I don't want to pump during the night sessions. But if it's ok to combine it, it would allow me to start my freezer stockpile. I have an appt with his ped tomorrow and can ask for clarification, but if anyone has input or can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it! Thanks
Yes, when I was establishing my supply I did this a lot. Maybe just make sure it's the same temp before adding it together. But I really don't know if that's even necessary.
So I have two questions, couldn't find them anywhere sorry if I'm repeating: 1. I tried pumping for the first time, got 1.5 oz from one side in about 15 mins is that decent? It kinda stopped after that so I quit. 2. If I take a break once at night and let DH feed the baby so I can get a solid four hours, would that hurt my milk supply?
So I have two questions, couldn't find them anywhere sorry if I'm repeating: 1. I tried pumping for the first time, got 1.5 oz from one side in about 15 mins is that decent? It kinda stopped after that so I quit. 2. If I take a break once at night and let DH feed the baby so I can get a solid four hours, would that hurt my milk supply?
1. Combined that would be around 3 oz, which is average also, if you pump for about 5 minutes after the milk stops flowing you will get a second let down and more milk. Your baby draws milk more effectively then any pump so what you can pump is not indicative of your supply. 2. Yes. It will signal your body to produce less milk and you can get clogged ducts and mastitis. Neither is fun. I've dealt with them both and a reduced supply as a result that is just getting back to normal. If you want more rest maybe let her eat expressed milk and have your husband take care of her while you pump and go back to bed. I keep a second pump beside my bed for this because we do it pretty often.
I have a question about formula that I think might be better suited here. Due to basically chronic clogged ducts and most recently a nasty bout of mastitis I want to start supplementing 1-3 bottles a day of formula and pumping through those feeding to build a freezer stash. If I combine that with what is frozen from the first weeks I'll have to do this for around 8 weeks before I can stop breastfeeding and still be able to give him breastmilk and supplement with formula until he is at least 12 months old. If that makes any sense? I respond pretty well to the pump and get about 3-7 oz each session depending on time of day. I've seen my doctor and a lactation consultant and neither can see any issue, such as improper nursing or oversupply, that would be causing the issue. I feel like death with clogged ducts and worse with mastitis. It's interfering with the bond I have with my baby and making me feel insane. I need a light at the end of the painful, lumpy boob tunnel.
My question is how much should I supplement during those feedings? The same amount of breastmilk he would drink or a different amount? He usually eats 2-4 oz at a time of expressed milk but would formula be more? I'm going to ask his ped at his appointment in a week and a half but I'm curious if anyone has had experience with supplementing.
@sarahgn I'm sorry! I fear both a lot--and probably pump a little to often in an attempt to keep my ducts cleared (it is probably hyperchondria to some extent but if I feel a bump I pump until it is gone if BF didn't clear it--DS only eats from one side most feeds which might contribute).
BM changes composition with babies age so you wont necessarily produce greater volumes as the baby gets older but it will provide more calories in a similar volume (my LC reassured me that the volume of BM would not go up much--when I was almost in tears of engorgement and fast letdown). Anyway, I think it would be really hard to predict how much an older baby would eat of an infants composition of BM if that makes sense.
Formula generally takes longer for them to digest too so it wouldn't be a straight substitution. Formula volumes do go up with age. I think you'd have to discuss the specifics with your LC.
Are you using shields? I was told to try them because of the challenges I was having with the fast letdown and DS pulling off and on (the shields just made bad latches easier for him--so I went to the LC). Anyway the LC asked if I was emotionally invested in them (I wasn't) and she discouraged them if the baby can still learn to eat directly, her main concern with them is she believes they contribute to mastitis--I hadn't heard that before so I thought I'd share in case it can help you.
@parkerhouse I would if the volumes were under 1-5oz (depending on what your baby would eat if the baby got a bottle from someone else if you went somewhere without LO). I personally would try to not mix more than 24 hours if possible but if the volumes are small I'd consider up to 48 hours (assuming of course it has all been stored at ideal temperatures for the length of time recommended).
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
One of the reasons we went with Total Comfort is we were able to get it with WIC with a special authorization form from his doctor. His doctor had told us we could try any formula with hydrolyzed protein, meaning it's been broken down.
I've also heard that insurance may cover the more specialiZed formulas if your baby has a medical need for it, such as an intolerance or reflux. Considering talking to our ped next appointment to see if we can get a note and prescription if he is still having issues with BM. Glad you're able to get yours through WIC! Formula is so expensive.
I'm still barley hanging in there pumping and giving my LO pumped breast milk in a bottle. But I wanted to tell y'all the most recent fiasco.
The night before last my right breast was so engorged that I couldn't do anything but cry. I tried pumping, massaging, heat and ice and had no relief. Yesterday morning I noticed that my actual nipple had hard blisters on it that were raised and tender. I of course googled and kellymom called them blebs and said to try a cotton ball with olive oil on it in your bra over the area to soften the skin and then put a cotton ball with vinegar because vinegar breaks down calcium and hopefully help unblock the duct. I tried both of them and Im pretty sure a few of the blisters popped but I still was unable to get milk out. So I called the LC and my doctor. My doctor called in a RX for a compounded nipple cream and the LC told me to get in a warm bath and lay on my side and put my effected breast in the water and massage as long as I can and just let whatever milk come out in the tub. That helped I was able to get quite a bit out but I wasn't satisfied so about 30 minutes after I got out of the tub i pumped and finally was able to empty out 6 oz of breast milk- what a relief! This morning I woke up and the left breast wasn't putting out anything and was getting engorged I tried the bathtub and the pumping and was still having trouble and feeling uncomfortable ( it's been my trouble breast since day 1 so I wasn't surprised ) so I used a nipple shield and let LO latch on early before she got super hungry ( she is on a schedule) and she fed for a good 10 minutes and then I pumped again and was able to get 2 ounces out which is a lot for that breast. Now mommy is much happier and I can now hold LO without crying!
I just wanted to give you all this as an FYI just in case any of you expierence blistered nipples.
Also I go back to work in 2 weeks and I'm considering the 2 days a week LO goes to daycare sending formula for her while she is there and letting her have breast milk only while she is home with us or family. I feel like it might me easier for her teacher and I won't be worried about how long the milk has been out and if I sent enough for her. Im planning on pumping at work as often as I can but am not sure how long that will last. Anyone else doing this for daycare?
I have no idea about pumping. I was told to wait until I was 3 weeks pp to start pumping, but I know that at 8 days LO really doesn't need that much milk so an ounce probably isn't that bad.
We also have lots of spit ups that, for now, don't seem to be caused by any issues. From what I understand newborns generally don't over eat. My pediatrician told me to burp her often (I do every 5-7 minutes while feeding), feed upright as much as possible, and keep her upright after feeding when possible.
We do every 2-3 hours generally, but that's because she's never slept past that
Pumping would probably increase your supply even more right now. Here's a good resource with some suggestions: https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/engorgement/
@ATolentino89 My son was pulling off a "good latch" to a straw like latch because my let down was choking him it was fast (the straw sucking tore me up). I went to the LC over the choking and how he wouldn’t stay latched and would scream if forced to stay latched. All the nurses up until this point said he latched great…but didn’t watch long enough to see him pull off or when he’d pull off they wanted me to push him to latch harder which made him frantic because he couldn’t keep up. I did pump and feed every other time for a couple days while my nipples healed and to relieve the engorgement that was making all of these issues worse.
@stephaniearthurs Are you engorged? It can be hard for them to latch if you are, I had to pump a little before feeds for 2-3 days I was so engorged he couldn’t latch.
@demendo01 Mine burps better if I just sit him forward and rest is head between my index and thumb and wait a minute or two, traditional burping rarely works for us.
Today/yesterday I decided I will start trying to do what "they" say and just have him on one side for 20 and then switch to the other for 20 and he just had a bright green poop when his poops have been the right yellow color for weeks now! I know the green means they didn't get enough hind milk which was why I haven't wanted to do this yet so can I just go on feeding him from one breast at a time indefinitely?
@ATolentino89 I like the idea of pumping on the other side while you feed on one side to maintain supply! I'll have to try that!
1. I tried pumping for the first time, got 1.5 oz from one side in about 15 mins is that decent? It kinda stopped after that so I quit.
2. If I take a break once at night and let DH feed the baby so I can get a solid four hours, would that hurt my milk supply?
2. Yes. It will signal your body to produce less milk and you can get clogged ducts and mastitis. Neither is fun. I've dealt with them both and a reduced supply as a result that is just getting back to normal. If you want more rest maybe let her eat expressed milk and have your husband take care of her while you pump and go back to bed. I keep a second pump beside my bed for this because we do it pretty often.
Due to basically chronic clogged ducts and most recently a nasty bout of mastitis I want to start supplementing 1-3 bottles a day of formula and pumping through those feeding to build a freezer stash. If I combine that with what is frozen from the first weeks I'll have to do this for around 8 weeks before I can stop breastfeeding and still be able to give him breastmilk and supplement with formula until he is at least 12 months old. If that makes any sense? I respond pretty well to the pump and get about 3-7 oz each session depending on time of day. I've seen my doctor and a lactation consultant and neither can see any issue, such as improper nursing or oversupply, that would be causing the issue. I feel like death with clogged ducts and worse with mastitis. It's interfering with the bond I have with my baby and making me feel insane. I need a light at the end of the painful, lumpy boob tunnel.
My question is how much should I supplement during those feedings? The same amount of breastmilk he would drink or a different amount? He usually eats 2-4 oz at a time of expressed milk but would formula be more? I'm going to ask his ped at his appointment in a week and a half but I'm curious if anyone has had experience with supplementing.
BM changes composition with babies age so you wont necessarily produce greater volumes as the baby gets older but it will provide more calories in a similar volume (my LC reassured me that the volume of BM would not go up much--when I was almost in tears of engorgement and fast letdown). Anyway, I think it would be really hard to predict how much an older baby would eat of an infants composition of BM if that makes sense.
Formula generally takes longer for them to digest too so it wouldn't be a straight substitution. Formula volumes do go up with age. I think you'd have to discuss the specifics with your LC.
Are you using shields? I was told to try them because of the challenges I was having with the fast letdown and DS pulling off and on (the shields just made bad latches easier for him--so I went to the LC). Anyway the LC asked if I was emotionally invested in them (I wasn't) and she discouraged them if the baby can still learn to eat directly, her main concern with them is she believes they contribute to mastitis--I hadn't heard that before so I thought I'd share in case it can help you.