I could really use some help. My right breast is producing 2-3x more than my left breast. However, the bigger issue is that my right breast has started getting really engorged after as little as 3 hours. When DD nurses from that side and I'm full she spits up (which she never does) or pukes. I've tried hand expressing before she nurses from that side, I've tried pumping on a low level for 5-7 minutes between sessions if she doesn't nurse on that side. I feel like this is a no win situation - everything signals to my right boob to keep producing, but this engorgement is getting painful!
I can't really offer advice on the engorgement, but the same thing happened to me. I nurse in a reclined positron or, more recently, on my side and didn't pump or hand express. It took about a week, but it fixed itself and I'm back to normal.
I could really use some help. My right breast is producing 2-3x more than my left breast. However, the bigger issue is that my right breast has started getting really engorged after as little as 3 hours. When DD nurses from that side and I'm full she spits up (which she never does) or pukes. I've tried hand expressing before she nurses from that side, I've tried pumping on a low level for 5-7 minutes between sessions if she doesn't nurse on that side. I feel like this is a no win situation - everything signals to my right boob to keep producing, but this engorgement is getting painful!
I had a similar problem. My right produces more then left and go make matters worse I have to use a shield on my left due to a large sore that is almost healed. Yesterday I fed on the left for 2-3 feeds in a row and pumped the right to comfort. DS only takes one side anyways and this seemed to even out my supply.
The weirdest thing is happening with DD. She latches great and nurses like a champ on the right breast. Then, on the left it's like she forgets how! It will take me 10 mins to get her to latch at all on that side and then it's soo painful the whole time, I can usually only last a few minutes before I have to pull her off. I know it can't be her mouth or a tie or anything because she's doing really well on the right. Could it be my left nipple is...different? Anyone having issues with being lopsided!? Im beginning to dread feedings becUse of the pain. I'm trying to wean her off a nipple shield and have been doing well so I hate to go back but I can't do this much longer...
My DD struggles on the left as well, which is super weird because that's the only she could latch on at the hospital first. I think it's because I'm right handed and have more control on my right side?
@Court11152325 I did! Laid back, cross cradle and side-lying are the ones I've been using. I just struggled with her for 25 minutes before giving into the shield. We were both just so frustrated. Lots of tears.
@kdoak2015 That makes sense and it's definitely hard when you feel like you need 3 hands to do this with any control. My LC suggested the side lying position for that reason- because you sort of just pop the breast in their mouth. She's just not getting it on the left though! I can see where she is flattening out my nipple when she pulls off. Something isn't right...
@Court11152325 Thanks. I saw the LC today for a home visit! Of course, DD performed beautifully with an audience. Everything was great. I'm not sure why she's struggling now. I guess I'll call the LC again tomorrow and see if she can come back...
I'm having the same problems and trying to wean from the shield. I visited an LC and also had LO perform like a latching professional while being observed. Got home and it's like he forgot how to do it. Eesh.
So I have a question. feel Pretty much solely like food source for my child. She will do okay with husband and as soon try to hold her she wants nurse. nurse all day if her. don't mind nursing from what I've read everyone says just let them on demand. When they stop this? would cuddle while sleeps but she's not happy when am holding unless nursing..
@dmendo01 I don't know when they get past it to be honest. My first was EFF after two months and was still like this as far as only wanting me a lot of times. It seems to me like they figure out what purpose each parent serves pretty early and keep expecting that. With DS, even FF, mom still means food and comfort even if Dad is closer and could give him the exact same thing.
As far as nursing all the time, as they get older their stomach grows and with larger meals they're satisfied longer. Depending on what's going on they may still want the comfort or will cluster feed with growth spurts. I think around the time they can sleep through the night it gets a lot better. DS started this around 4-5 months (consistently by 6-7 months).
I ebf but my midwife suggested to pump once a day, so I can eventually introduce a bottle once and awhile so baby does totally reject it. Does anyone have a tip on when I should pump once daily, should I try in the morning? Thanks!
I ebf but my midwife suggested to pump once a day, so I can eventually introduce a bottle once and awhile so baby does totally reject it. Does anyone have a tip on when I should pump once daily, should I try in the morning? Thanks!
My pumping supply is highest in the middle of the night or early morning, and I get the best results if it has been at least an hour since the last feeding.
I ebf but my midwife suggested to pump once a day, so I can eventually introduce a bottle once and awhile so baby does totally reject it. Does anyone have a tip on when I should pump once daily, should I try in the morning? Thanks!
My pumping supply is highest in the middle of the night or early morning, and I get the best results if it has been at least an hour since the last feeding.
I concur with @LaceyH13 - I try to pump when I know DD is down for a longer nap. Wait an hour and pump. I like to do it when I know it's going to be a little after I pump til she eats again too. The middle of the night is a good time for this. I can also get a decent amount in the morning.
Ok so this is my second rodeo here but dd is giving me a run! She screams bloody murder at the end of the day & some nights it's like she just can't settle at all. Things had been great- she's 1-month today- until 3 weeks, 2 days. Question is: I got gas drops bc it seems like she's gassy & maybe overstimulated. I've been giving the gas drops but only once she starts her freak out. Maybe I should do it ahead? The bottle says it's safe to give after each feeding. I'm thinking about doing it around 4pm (she freaks about 6pm) & maybe again at the first feed (11pm). Should I add a probiotic? My hubby is totally sure there's "something wrong" but she's fine the rest of the day. I know where's he's coming from bc ds was never fussy. I know it's not "colick" bc it doesn't fit the definition. Sorry so long....I'm so tired!
Ok so this is my second rodeo here but dd is giving me a run! She screams bloody murder at the end of the day & some nights it's like she just can't settle at all. Things had been great- she's 1-month today- until 3 weeks, 2 days. Question is: I got gas drops bc it seems like she's gassy & maybe overstimulated. I've been giving the gas drops but only once she starts her freak out. Maybe I should do it ahead? The bottle says it's safe to give after each feeding. I'm thinking about doing it around 4pm (she freaks about 6pm) & maybe again at the first feed (11pm). Should I add a probiotic? My hubby is totally sure there's "something wrong" but she's fine the rest of the day. I know where's he's coming from bc ds was never fussy. I know it's not "colick" bc it doesn't fit the definition. Sorry so long....I'm so tired!
The type of gas drops our DD uses are not effective right away so if you think that's what it is I would be following the usage on the package and administering them that way. Have your DH research the witching hour as this sounds like what DD is doing. Our DD is a nightmare from 8-11 sometimes later. I was exhausted last night so decided to do the night feed and head to bed shortly after 8, she slept for 1 hour and woke up freaking out and then wanted to cluster feed until 11:30. Good luck!
@dmendo01 you're definitely not alone. People are amazed because he cries when I hold him because he wants me to feed him the moment I pick him up. Pretty sure its our smell lol. I can't wait until he can just hug me so I feel like more than just a cow.
The past 3 days have been a total nightmare! LO literally wants to do nothing but nurse! It's gotten to be almost every hour for 30-45 min (only 15 min break between feedings) I'm producing plenty of milk and supplement with formula per her pediatrician for weight gain. The only time she sleeps sound is after a formula bottle and she'll sleep an hour and a half maybe 2 if we're lucky. I'm exhausted and at a total loss, how long will this cluster feeding continue? Mommas running on fumes right now..
@blended10 yes I also started giving the gas drops at first signs of her bad gas spells, and I'd say it's reduced it by half. I have also started probiotics, which cannot hurt. It's normal the 2 hour fussiness though, I've just noticed that she has bad gas as well as the fussiness.
@kami0327 my LO cluster fed for about 3-5 days and then she was better. I think they do this when they go through growth spurts so just try to hang in there and hopefully will be over soon! I feel your pain though she would do it from about 7 to sometimes 1 and from what I read basically try to sleep before and after get plenty of snacks handy as well as water and just sit tight and plan to be there cluster feeding. Maybe start a Netflix series? Haha
My DD was cluster and was a terror for 3 days, today of course when my sister visits and I've been messaging her the last few day telling her how hard it's been my DD is an angel. Eats, plays, sleeps with no issues, has longer naps and is just a peach.
There are so many points I could give. Here's what I've gathered: *try pinching your breast and placing your nipple and majority of the nipple and areola in the baby's mouth. This helps get a hood latch the first *hydrate. Water. H20. Drink lots of it. (Key here is everytime you bf, drink 1.5 cups of water..that's 12oz.) * lanolin cream is your BEST FRIEND keep it handy. * massage your breasts to help ease the engorgment pain. * nursing bras are probably the best thing since sliced bread. *bfing will increase your milk supply. More time bfing, more milk produced. (Baby's stimulation is curtail ti you just as much as it is to her.) *make sure that you have a comfy and quiet place to bf. I lay down with my daughter as she feeds. *most latching problems are due to not holding the baby properly. Make sure she's level with your breast and you hold her close and steady (this is where comfy and quiet come in handy) * to unlatch baby ( because of a poor latch, switching sides, etc.) Stick your pinky finger in the corner of the baby's mouth and unhook her mouth from your nipple. ( Don't pull your nipple out!! It hurts!!) * make sure to eat lots of snacks throughout the day. I know it can be hard to find time to even shower, but even if you have a banana with a cup of some tea or a small bowl of quick oats. You need calories! * hot showers are heavenly when you just begin to bf. * if you cannot bf, and you are engorged, take a hot shower (or a hot washcloth) and hand express some milk (massaging and squeezing breast) it helps that "stones in your chest" feeling. * keep fresh nursing pads handy. Because if you hear a baby cry, you WILL leak. * if baby starts to doze on the boob, try burping baby to stimulate her. * say "bye bye, baby" to your cute padded push up bras. The underwrite makes it nearly impossible to bf. * when feeding, make sure her her body is completely facing you.
There are so many points I could give. Here's what I've gathered: *try pinching your breast and placing your nipple and majority of the nipple and areola in the baby's mouth. This helps get a hood latch the first *hydrate. Water. H20. Drink lots of it. (Key here is everytime you bf, drink 1.5 cups of water..that's 12oz.) * lanolin cream is your BEST FRIEND keep it handy. * massage your breasts to help ease the engorgment pain. * nursing bras are probably the best thing since sliced bread. *bfing will increase your milk supply. More time bfing, more milk produced. (Baby's stimulation is curtail ti you just as much as it is to her.) *make sure that you have a comfy and quiet place to bf. I lay down with my daughter as she feeds. *most latching problems are due to not holding the baby properly. Make sure she's level with your breast and you hold her close and steady (this is where comfy and quiet come in handy) * to unlatch baby ( because of a poor latch, switching sides, etc.) Stick your pinky finger in the corner of the baby's mouth and unhook her mouth from your nipple. ( Don't pull your nipple out!! It hurts!!) * make sure to eat lots of snacks throughout the day. I know it can be hard to find time to even shower, but even if you have a banana with a cup of some tea or a small bowl of quick oats. You need calories! * hot showers are heavenly when you just begin to bf. * if you cannot bf, and you are engorged, take a hot shower (or a hot washcloth) and hand express some milk (massaging and squeezing breast) it helps that "stones in your chest" feeling. * keep fresh nursing pads handy. Because if you hear a baby cry, you WILL leak. * if baby starts to doze on the boob, try burping baby to stimulate her. * say "bye bye, baby" to your cute padded push up bras. The underwrite makes it nearly impossible to bf. * when feeding, make sure her her body is completely facing you.
I just wanted to added to this a little.
-When you "pinch" to help with latching, try a "c" hold where your thumb and first two fingers form a c around the breast and aim to make impressions where you would like baby's lips to be.
-massaging in the breast, heat, and hot showers help the pain of engorgement but can stimulate milk production
-two things that help ensure proper position of baby are "belly to belly" and that baby's ear, shoulder and hip are aligned
-besides burping to keep baby awake you can tickle baby, lightly blow air on their face, undress them, change diaper, or a cool damp cloth against their skin
Alright ladies, would like some opinions here. I'm breastfeeding currently and supplementing but I would like just to breastfeed. Without making this post too long, a little background on my situation. After birth my dd was sent to the special care nursery for meconium. Due to some other issues, she remained there for 4 days. She had an iv while there and had pretty much zero interest in nursing. I was given a pump with few instructions, just told that if I got anything we could feed her with a syringe. Well long story short, she never did take to the breast at the hospital and we felt we had no choice but to supplement. Because of these issues, I believe I now have a supply problem. When I pump I don't even get a whole ounce. When I pump right after a feeding I get 10 ml if I'm lucky. Anyway, I'm drinking a lactation shake daily and taking fenugreek. I've been working with an LC who advised to pump 10 minutes after each feeding to build my supply. I guess I'm wondering if I am just screwed here. Any positive stories or advice for me?
@RSB1982 I find kellymom.com to be a great resource and you can probably find a lot of information there that will help. Here's one I found just quickly looking.
As long as you're producing there's a very good chance you can increase supply. The biggest things seem to be to drink as much water as possible and feed or pump as much as you can to increase demand. It may help if you can even just comfort nurse.
Some women seem to be helped by eating oatmeal (I want to say steel cut oats) and taking fenugreek seed and these may be something you can ask the LC about.
@RSB1982 I'm sorry you are struggling with supply. I know how frustrating it is feeling like you will never catch up to the needs of your baby. I cried many nights in the first week while I was waiting for my milk and supplementing.
On the plus side, it is possible to increase the supply and catch up to baby, and it sounds like you are doing all the right things. We had to supplement the first week because it took forever for my milk to come in after a c section with some complications, and I made a HUGE hungry baby. To help things along our LC had us feed her on demand, even before the milk came, for 10 minutes per breast, then my husband would feed her formula while I pumped whatever I could. Even now, when she only gets breast milk, if she is eating from a bottle, I am pumping. I also try to sneak in some extra pumping when my supply is highest, (overnight and early morning). Nursing at will and extra diligent pumping is the best way to get there. I have also been drinking Mother's Milk tea, although I have no idea if this does anything or not.
Good luck Mama! Keep at it, and keep your head up.
@mltarrio and @Mizuiro007 thanks for the encouragement! I've been really frustrated and experienced a lot of anxiety over this. I have been on kellymom, lots of good info there. I suppose I feel a bit guilty about not getting off to a great start pumping in the hospital. I feel like this all could have been avoided if I were better educated/prepared.
Just reading some of the (great) tips and wondering if I am the only person for whom lanolin has done NOTHING!? I slather it on (which in itself is painful), and it doesn't help anything. What does it do for you?
The only thing I find remotely soothing are the Lansinoh gel stickies that you can put in the fridge/freezer. Those things save my life. i wish there was some sort of anesthetic cream that was safe for baby...
I use the earth mama nipple cream (I've also used lanolin) and it keeps my nipples hydrated and they have never cracked or anything. I put it on religiously @Alyssaerin996
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
@kdoak2015 That makes sense and it's definitely hard when you feel like you need 3 hands to do this with any control. My LC suggested the side lying position for that reason- because you sort of just pop the breast in their mouth. She's just not getting it on the left though! I can see where she is flattening out my nipple when she pulls off. Something isn't right...
Ugh. Feeling so beat down.
I think it's pretty common. My DD is either nursing or sleeping on me.
Leftover baby brain+new mom brain is a disaster.
As far as nursing all the time, as they get older their stomach grows and with larger meals they're satisfied longer. Depending on what's going on they may still want the comfort or will cluster feed with growth spurts. I think around the time they can sleep through the night it gets a lot better. DS started this around 4-5 months (consistently by 6-7 months).
Thanks!
She screams bloody murder at the end of the day & some nights it's like she just can't settle at all. Things had been great- she's 1-month today- until 3 weeks, 2 days.
Question is: I got gas drops bc it seems like she's gassy & maybe overstimulated. I've been giving the gas drops but only once she starts her freak out. Maybe I should do it ahead? The bottle says it's safe to give after each feeding. I'm thinking about doing it around 4pm (she freaks about 6pm) & maybe again at the first feed (11pm).
Should I add a probiotic? My hubby is totally sure there's "something wrong" but she's fine the rest of the day. I know where's he's coming from bc ds was never fussy. I know it's not "colick" bc it doesn't fit the definition.
Sorry so long....I'm so tired!
Here's what I've gathered:
*try pinching your breast and placing your nipple and majority of the nipple and areola in the baby's mouth. This helps get a hood latch the first
*hydrate. Water. H20. Drink lots of it.
(Key here is everytime you bf, drink 1.5 cups of water..that's 12oz.)
* lanolin cream is your BEST FRIEND keep it handy.
* massage your breasts to help ease the engorgment pain.
* nursing bras are probably the best thing since sliced bread.
*bfing will increase your milk supply. More time bfing, more milk produced. (Baby's stimulation is curtail ti you just as much as it is to her.)
*make sure that you have a comfy and quiet place to bf. I lay down with my daughter as she feeds.
*most latching problems are due to not holding the baby properly. Make sure she's level with your breast and you hold her close and steady (this is where comfy and quiet come in handy)
* to unlatch baby ( because of a poor latch, switching sides, etc.) Stick your pinky finger in the corner of the baby's mouth and unhook her mouth from your nipple. ( Don't pull your nipple out!! It hurts!!)
* make sure to eat lots of snacks throughout the day. I know it can be hard to find time to even shower, but even if you have a banana with a cup of some tea or a small bowl of quick oats. You need calories!
* hot showers are heavenly when you just begin to bf.
* if you cannot bf, and you are engorged, take a hot shower (or a hot washcloth) and hand express some milk (massaging and squeezing breast) it helps that "stones in your chest" feeling.
* keep fresh nursing pads handy. Because if you hear a baby cry, you WILL leak.
* if baby starts to doze on the boob, try burping baby to stimulate her.
* say "bye bye, baby" to your cute padded push up bras. The underwrite makes it nearly impossible to bf.
* when feeding, make sure her her body is completely facing you.
-When you "pinch" to help with latching, try a "c" hold where your thumb and first two fingers form a c around the breast and aim to make impressions where you would like baby's lips to be.
-massaging in the breast, heat, and hot showers help the pain of engorgement but can stimulate milk production
-two things that help ensure proper position of baby are "belly to belly" and that baby's ear, shoulder and hip are aligned
-besides burping to keep baby awake you can tickle baby, lightly blow air on their face, undress them, change diaper, or a cool damp cloth against their skin
ETA my dd is 3 weeks 4 days old.
https://kellymom.com/hot-topics/low-supply/
As long as you're producing there's a very good chance you can increase supply. The biggest things seem to be to drink as much water as possible and feed or pump as much as you can to increase demand. It may help if you can even just comfort nurse.
Some women seem to be helped by eating oatmeal (I want to say steel cut oats) and taking fenugreek seed and these may be something you can ask the LC about.
On the plus side, it is possible to increase the supply and catch up to baby, and it sounds like you are doing all the right things. We had to supplement the first week because it took forever for my milk to come in after a c section with some complications, and I made a HUGE hungry baby. To help things along our LC had us feed her on demand, even before the milk came, for 10 minutes per breast, then my husband would feed her formula while I pumped whatever I could. Even now, when she only gets breast milk, if she is eating from a bottle, I am pumping. I also try to sneak in some extra pumping when my supply is highest, (overnight and early morning). Nursing at will and extra diligent pumping is the best way to get there. I have also been drinking Mother's Milk tea, although I have no idea if this does anything or not.
Good luck Mama! Keep at it, and keep your head up.
The only thing I find remotely soothing are the Lansinoh gel stickies that you can put in the fridge/freezer. Those things save my life. i wish there was some sort of anesthetic cream that was safe for baby...