@TomekiaB How are you doing with the unlatching? Baby girl has gotten much worse with it, and I'm at a loss. Going to a BF support group Monday. I used to think it was related to letdown, but now I'm not so sure. She acts the same at night when I'm more engorged and in earlier evening when I can express and don't get much. My nipples are killing me and I can't tell if it's because of this or my thrush is back.
Edited bc by autocorrect likes to add the letter v between words
@TomekiaB thanks. I'm not using shields and i don't really ever feel engorged except for once when I slept through a pump/feed session at night. I don't feel lumps or sore until the duct is good and clogged, either I've been mostly pumping since I got mastitis, which was about 5 days ago. I'm going to stick with my plan of pumping and saving as much as I can while supplementing and when my goal of 8 weeks are up if things are better I will keep going. I just ordered a box of Holle formula and I'll likely just offer it until he is full because he is a slow eater and rarely over eats. The formula was expensive but cost roughly the same per ounce as the ready to feed we supplemented with, he didn't do well on the powdered similac but that was when he was only a couple of weeks old.
PSA: Lansinoh breast milk storage bags leak! I read about this before, and at first I was defrosting the Lansinoh bags inside a ziploc bag, just in case. But I got lazy and defrosted the Lansinoh bag by itself..
Luckily it was a smaller quantity - 2.5 oz - but my heart still hurts seeing wasted milk.
Ok so my baby is swallowing a lot of air when she first starts feeding. Generally just on the first side, and I burp her good, but is there any way to keep her from swallowing so much air? She eats so fast, but her latch is good so I'm not sure what to do if anything.
Looking for some reassurance/support, we have been supplementing with formula since day 1 and this week we are working on getting my supply up and weenie from the formula. I have a bout of guilt today thinking that my DD isn't getting enough, I just need to make it to Tuesday for a weight check but it feels like a long way away. She's still getting formula but only a few oz a day. Her diapers are still wet so she's having good output.
Looking for some reassurance/support, we have been supplementing with formula since day 1 and this week we are working on getting my supply up and weenie from the formula. I have a bout of guilt today thinking that my DD isn't getting enough, I just need to make it to Tuesday for a weight check but it feels like a long way away. She's still getting formula but only a few oz a day. Her diapers are still wet so she's having good output.
@kdoak2015 Is there a local support group with a scale? It might help if you could use the scale at a meeting or at the doctors office and weigh her before and after a feeding. It may help put your mind at ease that she's getting enough.
Looking for some reassurance/support, we have been supplementing with formula since day 1 and this week we are working on getting my supply up and weenie from the formula. I have a bout of guilt today thinking that my DD isn't getting enough, I just need to make it to Tuesday for a weight check but it feels like a long way away. She's still getting formula but only a few oz a day. Her diapers are still wet so she's having good output.
@kdoak2015 Is there a local support group with a scale? It might help if you could use the scale at a meeting or at the doctors office and weigh her before and after a feeding. It may help put your mind at ease that she's getting enough.
We did this back at 2weeks and she was getting an oz. I have my nurse coming Tuesday and she's going to weigh her again and do the feed weigh. Thanks!
Looking for some reassurance/support, we have been supplementing with formula since day 1 and this week we are working on getting my supply up and weenie from the formula. I have a bout of guilt today thinking that my DD isn't getting enough, I just need to make it to Tuesday for a weight check but it feels like a long way away. She's still getting formula but only a few oz a day. Her diapers are still wet so she's having good output.
Output and weight gain are the two things they look at most so I imagine if the output is good you are probably fine. Newborns don't need a lot in the first few weeks but because breastmilk digests very quickly it seems like they are constantly eating. They also cluster feed and that is to help build your supply and - as long as output and weight are fine - shouldn't be taken as an indication that you aren't producing enough.
I've been lazy with breastfeeding and pumping because we've been supplementing with formula. I pump 2-3 times per day and breastfeed twice so right now only about a quarter of what DD drinks is breastmilk. I want to start increasing my supply so I can hopefully wean baby off formula. So I'd like some insight on how you all manage to breastfeed and pump? DD breastfeeds for about an hour and only a short time later is hungry again which is when I give in and give her formula. DD sleeps for 2-3 hour periods but I feel like if I EBF, feeding would take so much longer and so DD would either get less sleep or eat less in order to sleep ? And when would I have time to pump, if when DD is asleep I'd never have time to get anything done. Just curious on how you all manage because some moments I feel ready to throw in the towel!
I've been lazy with breastfeeding and pumping because we've been supplementing with formula. I pump 2-3 times per day and breastfeed twice so right now only about a quarter of what DD drinks is breastmilk. I want to start increasing my supply so I can hopefully wean baby off formula. So I'd like some insight on how you all manage to breastfeed and pump? DD breastfeeds for about an hour and only a short time later is hungry again which is when I give in and give her formula. DD sleeps for 2-3 hour periods but I feel like if I EBF, feeding would take so much longer and so DD would either get less sleep or eat less in order to sleep ? And when would I have time to pump, if when DD is asleep I'd never have time to get anything done. Just curious on how you all manage because some moments I feel ready to throw in the towel!
How long after you finish breastfeeding do you offer formula? How much formula does she eat?
@AnnH74 Usually within 15 minutes after I burp her because she starts rooting/crying again. She usually has another 3oz after breastfeeding. When I only give her formula, she has about 4.5oz in one feeding.
@AnnH74 Usually within 15 minutes after I burp her because she starts rooting/crying again. She usually has another 3oz after breastfeeding. When I only give her formula, she has about 4.5oz in one feeding.
How would you describe her breastfeeding? Is she actively swallowing or is she half sleeping? Sometimes I have to work hard to keep my DS eating and not sleeping or else he will be hungry soon after I finish.
Would it work,after you burp her and instead of giving the 3 oz of formula, to just keep breastfeeding? If anything it would start to boost your supply.
Another question...how long are you pumping each time?
@AnnH74 Usually within 15 minutes after I burp her because she starts rooting/crying again. She usually has another 3oz after breastfeeding. When I only give her formula, she has about 4.5oz in one feeding.
The absolute best way to increase your supply is to have her on the breast as much as possible. I'd skip the formula altogether and just keep offering the breast. It'll be tough for a bit (especially during growth spurts) but if you want to EBF it's worth it.
@AnnH74 She actively swallows for a good 10 mins each side then starts to slow down so I keep poking her and she'll swallow here and there until she unlatches. I usually pump 10-20 mins, both sides at the same time.
I'm still having some nipple issues which is why I'm a little hesitant to put her back on the breast immediately. I've become dependent on soothies and lanolin between feedings. The initial latch is still somewhat painful but then the pain goes away after a minute or so.
@AnnH74 She actively swallows for a good 10 mins each side then starts to slow down so I keep poking her and she'll swallow here and there until she unlatches. I usually pump 10-20 mins, both sides at the same time.
I'm still having some nipple issues which is why I'm a little hesitant to put her back on the breast immediately. I've become dependent on soothies and lanolin between feedings. The initial latch is still somewhat painful but then the pain goes away after a minute or so.
We are in the process of weenie off formula right now. My doc has prescriped me sometime to increase milk production and we cut the formula our substantially. She only gets about 6-8oz a day depending on what she "needs" and I think I'm just giving it to her for my own comfort as I'm not ready to fully take it away. I don't suggest taking the formula away if your giving 3oz per feed that is her main food source and you likely will take days to build your supply so she's going to be quite hungry. I suggest keeping her on the breast and cut out 1 or 2 formula feeds to start and just keep going from there. Somedays she's on the breast for hours straight just to build my supply and I let her sleep and suckle. Good luck!
We are in the process of weenie off formula right now. My doc has prescriped me sometime to increase milk production and we cut the formula our substantially. She only gets about 6-8oz a day depending on what she "needs" and I think I'm just giving it to her for my own comfort as I'm not ready to fully take it away. I don't suggest taking the formula away if your giving 3oz per feed that is her main food source and you likely will take days to build your supply so she's going to be quite hungry. I suggest keeping her on the breast and cut out 1 or 2 formula feeds to start and just keep going from there. Somedays she's on the breast for hours straight just to build my supply and I let her sleep and suckle. Good luck!
Good to know, thanks! Can I ask, how old is your baby?
My LO is swallowing so much air when she nurses that she continually unltaches herself gasping and I burp her frequently and she spits up with this a lot. She is gaining weight but I am at a loss on what to do. I have tried pumping through my let down and then feeding her, as well as keeping her at a more upright position while nursing and neither of these work. Frequent burping does not work either. ANY ADVICE would be appreciated because she is so uncomfortable like this and I feel like I have no idea what to do to help her not do this. She seems too eager with nursing and that may be the problem, but even when I calm her down a lot before latching she still does it.
My LO is swallowing so much air when she nurses that she continually unltaches herself gasping and I burp her frequently and she spits up with this a lot. She is gaining weight but I am at a loss on what to do. I have tried pumping through my let down and then feeding her, as well as keeping her at a more upright position while nursing and neither of these work. Frequent burping does not work either. ANY ADVICE would be appreciated because she is so uncomfortable like this and I feel like I have no idea what to do to help her not do this. She seems too eager with nursing and that may be the problem, but even when I calm her down a lot before latching she still does it.
@dmendo01 I find it somewhat helpful to recline when I nurse her or even feed her in a side lying hold. As she gets older she seems to be struggling less as well like she maybe starting to keep up with my let down better. It also seems to help feeding her more often and catching he before she's super hungry.
So I've been pretty much EPing for the last few days and haven't had any clogged ducts or pain in my breasts since. I still nurse Henry a couple of times a day but not for every feeding. I believe he doesn't transfer milk as effectively as originally thought or empties my breasts too slow because he gets lazy and sleepy. I pump for 10-15 minutes every 3 hours and get 5-6 ounces each session during the day and 5-7 at night. Maybe I somehow have an oversupply without the engorgement? Is that possible?
So I've been pretty much EPing for the last few days and haven't had any clogged ducts or pain in my breasts since. I still nurse Henry a couple of times a day but not for every feeding. I believe he doesn't transfer milk as effectively as originally thought or empties my breasts too slow because he gets lazy and sleepy. I pump for 10-15 minutes every 3 hours and get 5-6 ounces each session during the day and 5-7 at night. Maybe I somehow have an oversupply without the engorgement? Is that possible?
You only get engorgement when you aren't keeping up with your supply. Since you are pumping and feeding regularly I'm not surprised you aren't feeling engorged.
My LO is swallowing so much air when she nurses that she continually unltaches herself gasping and I burp her frequently and she spits up with this a lot. She is gaining weight but I am at a loss on what to do. I have tried pumping through my let down and then feeding her, as well as keeping her at a more upright position while nursing and neither of these work. Frequent burping does not work either. ANY ADVICE would be appreciated because she is so uncomfortable like this and I feel like I have no idea what to do to help her not do this. She seems too eager with nursing and that may be the problem, but even when I calm her down a lot before latching she still does it.
I agree about the recline. Sitting your baby in an upright position helps also. I use the football hold and that has helped some. As your baby gets older she will figure out how to control the flow. For now just keep burping and re-latching her. Do you get spit up with different methods of burping? If you try a few different ones you might have more success. My son is a tricky baby to burp so I've had to get creative! You could also try to see if you notice her hungry signs before she is really feeling it. That way she might not be as frantic.
I wanted to share this link from kellymom for other moms struggling with fast flow and/or oversupply. I'm finding it helpful with DD and gained some needed hope as well.
Has anyone who uses a nipple shield tried this? I ordered it as my last effort to not use the nipple shield so we'll see. It had decent reviews and it doesn't sound like something that needs to be used all the time.
Hi all- wondering if anyone has gotten a severe headache with a clogged duct? My milk just came in 2 days ago and instantly I was engorged and had heat in both breasts. I thought it was normal but yesterday a headache set it. A BAD one. It's persisted today and one breast has 2 harder lumps. I'm trying ibuprofen, hot compresses and having DD nurse that side first but just wondering if I should be more concerned and call a dr. instead of trying home remedies. Is it even possible to get mastitis in like a day!? I would really like to avoid a trip to the doctor. It's a 30 min drive into the city and I'm barely functioning at 6 days PP...
Has anyone who uses a nipple shield tried this? I ordered it as my last effort to not use the nipple shield so we'll see. It had decent reviews and it doesn't sound like something that needs to be used all the time.
The LC gave me one of these at the hospital after LO was born. It was great to help him latch when I had no idea what I was doing!
We are in the process of weenie off formula right now. My doc has prescriped me sometime to increase milk production and we cut the formula our substantially. She only gets about 6-8oz a day depending on what she "needs" and I think I'm just giving it to her for my own comfort as I'm not ready to fully take it away. I don't suggest taking the formula away if your giving 3oz per feed that is her main food source and you likely will take days to build your supply so she's going to be quite hungry. I suggest keeping her on the breast and cut out 1 or 2 formula feeds to start and just keep going from there. Somedays she's on the breast for hours straight just to build my supply and I let her sleep and suckle. Good luck!
Good to know, thanks! Can I ask, how old is your baby?
Has anyone who uses a nipple shield tried this? I ordered it as my last effort to not use the nipple shield so we'll see. It had decent reviews and it doesn't sound like something that needs to be used all the time.
This is cool I may have to get one. If you pump a bit before it will extend your nipples.
@Alyssaerin996 do you have a fever? That's most telling of mastitis. My breasts were hot for days when my milk came in and I have some lumps in my armpits. How often are you feeding?
@laurabwalker No fever, no. Really no symptoms at all except an absolutely crushing headache. I'm feeding every 2-3 hours. I basically flushed my system with Gatorade all day today in case I'm just dehydrated but it hasn't touched the pain. Ditto the ibuprofen. I guess I'll call the doctor in the morning if things don't improve... The fun just keeps on coming postpartum, huh??
@Alyssaerin996 agh a terrible headache on top of everything. Post partum is so rough. I would call just to check in, shouldn't have mastitis but definetly massage the breast while feeding if you haven't been doing that, you can do cold compresses after the feedings as well. I'm barely functioning at 12 days pp, and I have the help of my husband at home, he may have to take another week off for me.
@Alyssaerin996 headache might be due to sleep deprivation- I've gotten quite a few. Get someone else to hold baby so you can sleep for 3 hours and see if it helps.
Last night I suddenly came down with a fever, chills and horrible body aches. It almost feels like the flu but without the head cold part of it, and I did get my flu shot. I'm thinking this could be the beginning of mastitis, but I don't have the extreme breast pain, just my regular general soreness. Can you have mastitis without a plugged duct or bad pain??
I've been using nipple shields based on my LC's recommendation due to sore nipples and overactive letdown, but now I'm reading it can contribute to mastitis. I tried latching my baby without them last night and it didn't go so well -- hard to latch and when she did it was not a good one. Ugh, just one thing after another.
I've got a call into my OB, but thought I'd see if anyone had mastitis without breast pain being the main symptom?
Thanks @laurabwalker and @jennknitspretty - I called the doc today and they thought maybe sleep deprivation too. They mentioned a spinal headache from my epidural but sort of rules it out because it didn't get better when I was laying flat. DD slept for 2 almost-3-hour stretches last night so I got decent sleep and I do feel better today. After this next feed, I'm giving her to my husband with strict instructions not to wake me until her next one. Never thought no sleep could cause a headache that painful! I mean...I did go to college!
@breezypip Ugh, sorry you're feeling sick. Sounds like mastitis from the textbook definition (well Dr Google anyway), but I can't give any personal advice. Hoping it gets better for you soon.
I'm also trying to wean DD off nipple shields. It's really hard and frustrating. Something that is working for me (that my LC showed me) is starting with the nipple shield and after about 2 minutes slipping it out and latching her right back on. It helps her practice the exact same latch without the shield almost before she can think about it. It's not perfect but Baby steps! Good luck.
You can mix milk! Try to mix from the same day or date the milk from the older pump session. I'm pretty sure you just need to cool milk before adding it to other cooled/frozen milk.
Anyone have lumps in your armpits? I have no fever, not sure if it's a swollen lymph node or clogged duct. I will ask my midwife but just wondering if anyone else has it?
I know this was discussed previously, but how are things going with ladies who have cut dairy? I was just told to do this. I've already found a vegan mac n cheese recipe, but I'm mourning the loss of chocolate and ice cream.
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
Edited bc by autocorrect likes to add the letter v between words
I've been mostly pumping since I got mastitis, which was about 5 days ago. I'm going to stick with my plan of pumping and saving as much as I can while supplementing and when my goal of 8 weeks are up if things are better I will keep going.
I just ordered a box of Holle formula and I'll likely just offer it until he is full because he is a slow eater and rarely over eats. The formula was expensive but cost roughly the same per ounce as the ready to feed we supplemented with, he didn't do well on the powdered similac but that was when he was only a couple of weeks old.
Luckily it was a smaller quantity - 2.5 oz - but my heart still hurts seeing wasted milk.
Most women also appear to prefer the target up and up brand breast milk bags.
How would you describe her breastfeeding? Is she actively swallowing or is she half sleeping? Sometimes I have to work hard to keep my DS eating and not sleeping or else he will be hungry soon after I finish.
Would it work,after you burp her and instead of giving the 3 oz of formula, to just keep breastfeeding? If anything it would start to boost your supply.
Another question...how long are you pumping each time?
I'm still having some nipple issues which is why I'm a little hesitant to put her back on the breast immediately. I've become dependent on soothies and lanolin between feedings. The initial latch is still somewhat painful but then the pain goes away after a minute or so.
https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/fast-letdown/
Has anyone who uses a nipple shield tried this? I ordered it as my last effort to not use the nipple shield so we'll see. It had decent reviews and it doesn't sound like something that needs to be used all the time.
@kdoak2015 I'll let you know how it works! When I use the shield it extends them a bit too but not enough for her to be interested. The struggle
I've been using nipple shields based on my LC's recommendation due to sore nipples and overactive letdown, but now I'm reading it can contribute to mastitis. I tried latching my baby without them last night and it didn't go so well -- hard to latch and when she did it was not a good one. Ugh, just one thing after another.
I've got a call into my OB, but thought I'd see if anyone had mastitis without breast pain being the main symptom?
I'm also trying to wean DD off nipple shields. It's really hard and frustrating. Something that is working for me (that my LC showed me) is starting with the nipple shield and after about 2 minutes slipping it out and latching her right back on. It helps her practice the exact same latch without the shield almost before she can think about it. It's not perfect but Baby steps! Good luck.