@groovylocks you are not a bad mom! Breastfeeding is challenging enough with a full term, good birthweight baby. It sounds like you have a lot of obstacles you are trying to overcome and I'm sure you are doing great. Even if her latch doesn't improve keep in mind women exclusively pump all the time for their babies. And if that doesn't work, babies thrive on formula every day. BF is tough and you can still be an awesome mom if you struggle with it or find its not for you. Your baby is receiving the nutrients she needs to grow and thrive and that's the most important thing.
I'm on day 6 post-partum today and still not clear on whether my milk has come in... At our first pediatrician appointment my daughter had gained 2 oz. back, but I keep hearing that it will be very obvious when my milk comes in... Can anyone explain to me what it was like for them when their milk came in? Also, any suggestions for things I can do to get it to come in? I'm feeding on demand (14 feeds yesterday) and pumping as well... Feeling frustrated!
@sardavbak I was told I would know as well but I never felt any engorgement, pain or extra warmth in my breasts. I only knew it came in because I had to pump exclusively for the first few days. If your baby is gaining weight back I would say it has came in even if you aren't getting anything while pumping.
I'm on day 6 post-partum today and still not clear on whether my milk has come in... At our first pediatrician appointment my daughter had gained 2 oz. back, but I keep hearing that it will be very obvious when my milk comes in... Can anyone explain to me what it was like for them when their milk came in? Also, any suggestions for things I can do to get it to come in? I'm feeding on demand (14 feeds yesterday) and pumping as well... Feeling frustrated!
My boobs got hard as a rock and warm that's really the only explanation I can give. I don't know if it's less obvious for some people than others. Mine was very obvious.
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
I'm on day 6 post-partum today and still not clear on whether my milk has come in... At our first pediatrician appointment my daughter had gained 2 oz. back, but I keep hearing that it will be very obvious when my milk comes in... Can anyone explain to me what it was like for them when their milk came in? Also, any suggestions for things I can do to get it to come in? I'm feeding on demand (14 feeds yesterday) and pumping as well... Feeling frustrated!
My boobs got hard as a rock and warm that's really the only explanation I can give. I don't know if it's less obvious for some people than others. Mine was very obvious.
This. Hard warm boobs. Mine were itchy as well.
OP- if your pumping, what are you getting out?!?!?
I never felt any difference when my milk came in. I knew because after a feeding I was stuffing my boob back in my shirt and milk squirted out. So I checked the other and the same thing happened. A couple days later my chest swelled up bigger, but I haven't ever felt hardness or engorgement. I also can't really tell when they are full or empty, though.
@ATolentino89 I'm getting about 35mL between both breasts when I pump. I was also wondering if the fact that I was already a DDD before getting pregnant would impact the symptoms I would get when my milk came in... Not sure if they will get hard if they're already huge? I can't imagine them getting even larger - yikes!
@ATolentino89 I'm getting about 35mL between both breasts when I pump. I was also wondering if the fact that I was already a DDD before getting pregnant would impact the symptoms I would get when my milk came in... Not sure if they will get hard if they're already huge? I can't imagine them getting even larger - yikes!
I was a DDD as well and they definitely got engorged!
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
I am a DD and mine didn't change size as much as they just hardened and perked up. I was able to go out in public with no bra. It felt and looked like I got implants. But that only lasted a couple of days.
Sorry, I'm going to swoop in with another question here.
My baby is a week old today and has been spending less and less time nursing. The last couple of days, she has only done one side and spent about 10 minutes eating each time. She eats about every 2 hours and I haven't noticed a diaper decrease. I figured I'd call sometime, but does anyone know if this is a reason to worry? TIA
and @groovylocks you're definitely not a bad mom. I'm having no issues, other than pain and lack of sleep, and I'm not exactly loving BF over here. You are a wonderful mom and doing what your baby needs!
@mhuber223 As babies grow and get more practice they can become more efficient with feedings. It may just be that. Is she acting full or just sleepy? If it's just falling asleep you can try to keep her awake more. Otherwise as long as she's acting satisfied, having a sufficient number of diapers, and steadily gaining weight then I wouldn't be as concerned. Most doctors will let you come in for just weight checks and that may be something to look at if it helps reassure you that she's getting enough.
@Bombmom3 I am hating breastfeeding too. It is a freaking roller coaster. I never imagined it would be so challenging and effect me so much emotionally. I don't feel like a bad mom but it makes me feel like a failure when I struggle like this. I can tell you that you are a great mom and doing better than you think. Sorry you are feeling discouraged.. I'm right there with you. We just have to do our best and that's all we can do. Xoxo
Thanks again @Mizuiro007 she does get sleepy. I'll tickle her feet and wake her up, but she's still uninterested. I talked to a LC and she said it's fine. I also weighed myself with and without her and she's almost back to her birth weight. So I'll stop worrying. This whole process just gives so many opportunities for worry!
I also just want to appreciate this thread. I hadn't posted a ton previously but, as we all are seeing, we are all going through similar feelings and frustrations as we're roughly in the same stages of breastfeeding. It's nice to read and post here, as opposed to always going to the BF board, where levels of experience or stages of the proceds, for lack of better wording, is more varied.
Thanks again @Mizuiro007 she does get sleepy. I'll tickle her feet and wake her up, but she's still uninterested. I talked to a LC and she said it's fine. I also weighed myself with and without her and she's almost back to her birth weight. So I'll stop worrying. This whole process just gives so many opportunities for worry!
You and I are going through the same exact thing. DD started eating less and now only eats for 10 minutes on one side each feeding every two hours. I called the lactation nurse too and weighed myself with the baby as well. Same here - apparently it's fine and okay. This breast feeding thing is stressful for sure. I'm always worried about doing the right thing. And I breast fed my 2.5 year old son for a whole year! DD is a completely different eater.
Sooo... Breast milk stains clothing. I didn't know this until recently. Apparently you need an enzyme stain remover to get it out as it is a "protein" stain. Just FYI if you didn't know.
@groovylocks you are not a bad mom! Breastfeeding is challenging enough with a full term, good birthweight baby. It sounds like you have a lot of obstacles you are trying to overcome and I'm sure you are doing great. Even if her latch doesn't improve keep in mind women exclusively pump all the time for their babies. And if that doesn't work, babies thrive on formula every day. BF is tough and you can still be an awesome mom if you struggle with it or find its not for you. Your baby is receiving the nutrients she needs to grow and thrive and that's the most important thing.
It doesn't help that my care practitioners whisk me off to professional lactation consultants whenever i say "Look, I'd just rather pump exclusively" I've done a lot of research on pumping. If you do it for at least 15 minutes every 3 hours, your supply doesn't suffer. I like it because i'm not feeding blind. My low-birth-weight daughter needs calories. I have no idea what she's getting if she's nursing but I pump into bottles with ml measured right on the side and then transfer milk from those into littler bottles that each hold (currently) one feeding.
But here's a question (because i want to try to learn to breastfeed properly) - how DO you know how much to BF LO? I mean, how do you know that "ok i can stop now because (s)he's had enough"? They told me at the hospital that she'd stop when she was done but if that is the case, it takes me five minutes to BF her. Olive is very small and sleeps most of the time so she can keep growing. Being at the breast soothes her in a very serious way and she just suckles for a minute or two, then passes out. Sometimes she can keep up a nurse for 5-10 minutes but that's about it. So "Let her stop when she's done" is not a good option for us.
Another question for pumpers.. So.. The literatures says 15 minutes/3 hours. But despite my crappy nipples, my supply is CRAZY and if i pump for 15 mins on each breast, I wind up with upwards of 150 ml. WAY more than I need to produce in a 3 hour period. Do i just keep bagging it up? And freezing it?
I'm dealing with some pretty serious anxiety - i've been having trouble eating and sleeping well, am antsy and always thinking awful things are going to happen etc. And BF anxiety is driving a great deal of that. I'm feeling discouraged, scared of what might happen and at a loss on what the right thing is to do.
@groovylocks I am so sorry that you're feeling that way. Please know that 1) your feelings are totally valid and 2) you are NOT alone in your anxiety.
I don't know if this will help, and I'm not pumping exclusively, but I chatted with a lactation specialist today and mentioned my own large supply. I also have a large supply, and it's causing DD to spend less time eating and do so frantically. IMO, if you're exclusively pumping, you'll want plenty of frozen milk. But maybe separate it when you freeze it so you have bags of 3-4 oz.
Anyway, the lactation specialist did say that I should pump for fewer minutes at a time because emptying my boobs each time I pump is confusing them and making them produce more.
@groovylocks I'm having the same feelings as you about breastfeeding. Anxiety and trouble eating. They are lactation specialists so they are obviously advocates for breastfeeding. It annoys me because every mom is different and maybe you and baby will be better off with you pumping. The only reason I'd rather EB is because it's alot less work cleaning and timewise than pumping. I hope you have people in your life to talk too about these feelinga. That's helping me not have a total melt down.
To tell if he is done I just feel LOS tummy. If it feels super full then I stop.
@groovylocks if you are pumping so much I would start to freeze it so you have a freezer supply. I would freeze in different increments i.e. 1 oz or 3 oz. it makes it easier later on.
@groovylocks my baby was the same when he was born. He had an awesome latch, but he was low birthweight as well and just didn't have the energy to nurse. He would fall asleep after a minute of nursing ,with the exception of a few times, and slept for hours. I pumped and we supplemented with formula as well because we had to wake him every two hours for a 1-2 oz feed. He fell asleep during most feedings because he was jaundiced as well, so we changed his diaper, undressed, redressed and rubbed wipes on his feet to keep him awake. None of these tricks worked with breastfeeding but after a few days he was able to stay awake and nurse well. He nurses for 15-20 minutes on each side now.
I'm sorry you are dealing with such anxiety, but you are doing awesome. Honestly, if you feel exclusively pumping would be best, then try it out. I was told to pump every two hours during the day, not going more than three without a pump, and every four hours at night making sure to completely empty the breast. I have EP'd a couple of days to test it out as I may have to switch methods when I return to work. It seems manageable with discipline.
@groovylocks, I'm in a similar boat. My daughter was a preemie and only 4lbs, she was also too small to latch at birth, so we had no choice but to bottle feed. I've been exclusively pumping for a month now. I put her to breast and do skin to skin everyday, she'll suckle for a few but that's it. I've come to terms with it, and after weeks of crying my eyes out with frustration, pumping just works best for us. I refused to allow my child to lose weight for my own need to breastfeed. She's healthy, thriving, and gaining weight appropriately. She was too tiny that she couldn't afford to lose anything.
Anyways, it took a month of hard work and dedication, but my supply is crazy now. I started pumping every 2-3 hours around the clock for weeks. Now that my supply is established, I can go 4-6 hours and fill a 5oz bottle/bag in minutes. I'm freezing now to keep it going. I'm hoping to keep it up for the first year. So exclusively pumping is definitely an option, and I've worked with several LCs that really couldn't help me with breastfeeding.
Hopefully you'll find what works for you. There is no right or wrong answer, you just have to find what works for you and your child.
By definition, breastfeeding means to feed with milk from the breast. Exclusively pumpers are still breastfeeders. No need at all to feel guilty if anyone here finds that EP works better for them. Baby is still getting the nutrients needed and that is most important of all. From what I have seen my baby is still able to bond very well with SO when he feeds him a bottle. He likes to hold his hand and make eye contact, so I really wouldn't even worry about losing the bonding experience either. I think we are all doing pretty great no matter how our babies are getting fed
Thank you all. I actually scheduled time with a consultant today who supports pumping. But when I told her I want to bf very badly, she rolled up her sleeves, hauled out my boob like Ayn Rand at a nightclub, and said "let's get to work then" I got weepy telling her how I feel challenged and she said "no, none of that. She can feel your anxiety. Relax. Don't worry. This is science. You are trying an experiment. No reason to be afraid or ashamed" and after feeling around my breasts and Olives mouth and asking a few more questions, she taught me how to make it work so that my flat nipples weren't such an issue. And her advice worked. Olive was calm and I was calm and I had that bf experience I had hoped for. And was able to recreate it when we got home. She said that no one piece of advice works because our bodies and breasts and babies are all different. But she immediately identified all these bad habits and showed me how to fix them. Like how I wasn't holding her close enough and was instead leaning into her. Or how hip, shoulder and ear weren't lined up right.when I did what she said, my flat nipples weren't even an issue. She also said due to olives small size, nursing ANY nipple is challenging for her and to keep pumping for now. She gave me a goal of two bf sessions per day. And to bump that up by one every 3-5 days or so.
Edit: autocorrect everywhere..
It did. and if I can help at all, I will try. It is very individualized but if this continues to work for me I will be transparent about anything I can.
Is anyone waking their baby up to eat every 2-3 hours? She will be 2 weeks Friday and I've been under the impression to wake her up that often to eat by LC and pediatrician... But I'm hearing from just about everyone else to let her sleep and eat when she wants. Sucks if that's true she seems to be on schedule every 2 hours now...
Is anyone waking their baby up to eat every 2-3 hours? She will be 2 weeks Friday and I've been under the impression to wake her up that often to eat by LC and pediatrician... But I'm hearing from just about everyone else to let her sleep and eat when she wants. Sucks if that's true she seems to be on schedule every 2 hours now...
I was told that I should not wake them up unless it's been more than four hours during the day. At night I was told they can have one longer sleep, like 6 hours.
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
I've been feeding on demand or every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night, but my LO is so sleepy and hard to wake at night, it's super frustrating when I can't get her to wake up to eat. Even diaper changes / stripping her down to her diaper don't wake her enough. Our pediatrician said as long as she eats 8-12 times per day and has enough wet diapers not to stress as much about the exact timing though.
@groovylocks I'm happy to hear that you had a great experience with the LC and are able to bf! I know how you were feeling. I have had a hard time getting my daughter to bf as well. She did a great job after birth, she actually latched for a good hour. I had some help learning techniques while at the hospital, but since we have been home I've really been struggling. She wakes up in a frantic state and instantly wants milk and has no patience for latching. I have been pumping since my milk came in, but it's not the same experience. I always thought that bf would be easy and wouldn't have any problems because people act like it's so easy. I still try to get her to latch half way through her bottle feeding, but she isn't that interested because my nipples aren't like the ones on bottles. It has been a bit of an emotional journey dealing with this, but like @sarahgn said, she's still getting the same nutrients and getting to see her and DH bond during bottle feedings makes up for it. I hope you continue to have success with bf!
@groovylocks I'm happy to hear that you had a great experience with the LC and are able to bf! I know how you were feeling. I have had a hard time getting my daughter to bf as well. She did a great job after birth, she actually latched for a good hour. I had some help learning techniques while at the hospital, but since we have been home I've really been struggling. She wakes up in a frantic state and instantly wants milk and has no patience for latching. I have been pumping since my milk came in, but it's not the same experience. I always thought that bf would be easy and wouldn't have any problems because people act like it's so easy. I still try to get her to latch half way through her bottle feeding, but she isn't that interested because my nipples aren't like the ones on bottles. It has been a bit of an emotional journey dealing with this, but like @sarahgn said, she's still getting the same nutrients and getting to see her and DH bond during bottle feedings makes up for it. I hope you continue to have success with bf!
Have you any opportunity to book some one on one time with an LC outside the hospital setting? That's what I had to do. It was very reassuring. And btw, pumping exclusively works just fine and if you do it right (every 2-4 hours, 15-20 mins per breast) you won't dry up. La leche league says to do this whenever your LO feeds to mimic baby's schedule and you will produce more or less what you need. I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. I know how you feel and according to the LC I saw today more women have trouble than not. So none of us are alone.
@kleshelle This is a question you will have to ask your child's doctor or the LC because when you can let them sleep longer is dependent on their weight gain. Babies that have a hard time eating and gaining weight will often easily sleep through a feeding that they really do need. However, if your child is gaining weight appropriately generally starting to let them sleep longer is normal. The babies medical provider needs to look at the baby's weight gain or growth chart to determine if your baby is ready to sleep longer between feeds.
Hey random question - and if this has been answered, i apologize - it's a long thread
How long does it typically take you guys to drain your breasts? So for example, normally when I pump, I can get APPROXMATELY 40-60 ml (approx 1.5-2.5 oz) per breast per 15 minutes of pumping. Today I fed Olive for about 10 minutes on each breast, then pumped for 10 minutes and got A LOT LESS than i would have expected in the pump.
I am not nursing tonight due to my parents arriving in town (SQUEE! Haven't seen them since October!!) and booze flowing. So I will pump tonight to maintain supply only. But seeing such a small amount in my pump (10 mins per breast, 60 ml total across both) i kind of freaked out.
If it's not getting her to latch properly, it's making sure things don't dry up. UGH..
My explanation of my problem is really muddled so if i didn't explain well, let me know and i'll try to break it down better.
My LO is tongue tied too, but it's a full tie and he is biting to nurse, so I hope to have it clipped before we leave the hospital. I hope it helps the nursing because it is pretty painful right now.
Hey random question - and if this has been answered, i apologize - it's a long thread
How long does it typically take you guys to drain your breasts? So for example, normally when I pump, I can get APPROXMATELY 40-60 ml (approx 1.5-2.5 oz) per breast per 15 minutes of pumping. Today I fed Olive for about 10 minutes on each breast, then pumped for 10 minutes and got A LOT LESS than i would have expected in the pump.
I am not nursing tonight due to my parents arriving in town (SQUEE! Haven't seen them since October!!) and booze flowing. So I will pump tonight to maintain supply only. But seeing such a small amount in my pump (10 mins per breast, 60 ml total across both) i kind of freaked out.
If it's not getting her to latch properly, it's making sure things don't dry up. UGH..
My explanation of my problem is really muddled so if i didn't explain well, let me know and i'll try to break it down better.
Do you usually pump after feeding? Babies are more efficient at drawing out milk than a pump. Also, prolactin levels are highest in the middle of the night then taper off throughout the day. My supply is lowest in the evening then starts to pick back up at night.
Hey random question - and if this has been answered, i apologize - it's a long thread
How long does it typically take you guys to drain your breasts? So for example, normally when I pump, I can get APPROXMATELY 40-60 ml (approx 1.5-2.5 oz) per breast per 15 minutes of pumping. Today I fed Olive for about 10 minutes on each breast, then pumped for 10 minutes and got A LOT LESS than i would have expected in the pump.
I am not nursing tonight due to my parents arriving in town (SQUEE! Haven't seen them since October!!) and booze flowing. So I will pump tonight to maintain supply only. But seeing such a small amount in my pump (10 mins per breast, 60 ml total across both) i kind of freaked out.
If it's not getting her to latch properly, it's making sure things don't dry up. UGH..
My explanation of my problem is really muddled so if i didn't explain well, let me know and i'll try to break it down better.
Do you usually pump after feeding? Babies are more efficient at drawing out milk than a pump. Also, prolactin levels are highest in the middle of the night then taper off throughout the day. My supply is lowest in the evening then starts to pick back up at night.
Yeah I've never pumped after feeding until today. And I wasn't ready for what it would be like to drain them. I'm transitioning from pumping most to nursing mostly so a lot of changes that I'm still getting used to. I pumped this evening and my supply is back up, though one breast is SUPER over producing while the other is producing modestly. Ugh. Science you guys... Am I right?
Hey random question - and if this has been answered, i apologize - it's a long thread
How long does it typically take you guys to drain your breasts? So for example, normally when I pump, I can get APPROXMATELY 40-60 ml (approx 1.5-2.5 oz) per breast per 15 minutes of pumping. Today I fed Olive for about 10 minutes on each breast, then pumped for 10 minutes and got A LOT LESS than i would have expected in the pump.
I am not nursing tonight due to my parents arriving in town (SQUEE! Haven't seen them since October!!) and booze flowing. So I will pump tonight to maintain supply only. But seeing such a small amount in my pump (10 mins per breast, 60 ml total across both) i kind of freaked out.
If it's not getting her to latch properly, it's making sure things don't dry up. UGH..
My explanation of my problem is really muddled so if i didn't explain well, let me know and i'll try to break it down better.
I pump every 2-3 hours for 20 minutes and at 9 days pp I'm getting 60-70 ml total. Sometimes a little less sometimes a little more. My LC said pump for either 15-20 minutes or until after the let down when it does back to dripping.
So, alcohol and breastfeeding. I'm getting mixed messages all over Google. I got invited by a friend to help celebrate her divorce at the end of this month, but I'm getting mixed messages of breastfeeding and alcohol. Saving milk isn't a problem, I have 40 oz frozen already and I can pump and dump to keep my supply up, even though it will break my heart pouring it down the drain what I'm wondering is how long it stays in the milk and if the test strips are actually accurate? I read that if you can drive you can nurse, but others said it stays in your milk longer. Some say the strips work, some say they don't. I don't know what to think about it and I definitely don't want my baby to consume alcohol from me. Also, all of the posts I found were in regards to wine and light drinks. I don't do wine or beer, I intended on some good liquor but won't be drinking a lot of that.
So, alcohol and breastfeeding. I'm getting mixed messages all over Google. I got invited by a friend to help celebrate her divorce at the end of this month, but I'm getting mixed messages of breastfeeding and alcohol. Saving milk isn't a problem, I have 40 oz frozen already and I can pump and dump to keep my supply up, even though it will break my heart pouring it down the drain what I'm wondering is how long it stays in the milk and if the test strips are actually accurate? I read that if you can drive you can nurse, but others said it stays in your milk longer. Some say the strips work, some say they don't. I don't know what to think about it and I definitely don't want my baby to consume alcohol from me. Also, all of the posts I found were in regards to wine and light drinks. I don't do wine or beer, I intended on some good liquor but won't be drinking a lot of that.
I assume you'll get a bunch of mixed answers. Honestly, if you're drinking hard liquor, I'd pump and dump to be on the safe side.
So, alcohol and breastfeeding. I'm getting mixed messages all over Google. I got invited by a friend to help celebrate her divorce at the end of this month, but I'm getting mixed messages of breastfeeding and alcohol. Saving milk isn't a problem, I have 40 oz frozen already and I can pump and dump to keep my supply up, even though it will break my heart pouring it down the drain what I'm wondering is how long it stays in the milk and if the test strips are actually accurate? I read that if you can drive you can nurse, but others said it stays in your milk longer. Some say the strips work, some say they don't. I don't know what to think about it and I definitely don't want my baby to consume alcohol from me. Also, all of the posts I found were in regards to wine and light drinks. I don't do wine or beer, I intended on some good liquor but won't be drinking a lot of that.
I've heard it's as much in our milk as it is in our blood. Which I think is why they say if you're ok to nurse you're ok to drive. If you're going to drink a lot (to at least the point of tipsy) then I would pump and dump once or twice, depending on how long you're away from babe for. But I've also heard if you're looking to have the occasional drink in the evening with your hubby, the best time is to start during a feed/ immediately after. So that you have the longest period of time between feeds and drinks! But I agree with PP... You're going to get a lot of different opinions on here too. Heh
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
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OP- if your pumping, what are you getting out?!?!?
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Tips"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1dbf8a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0" /></a>
My baby is a week old today and has been spending less and less time nursing. The last couple of days, she has only done one side and spent about 10 minutes eating each time. She eats about every 2 hours and I haven't noticed a diaper decrease. I figured I'd call sometime, but does anyone know if this is a reason to worry? TIA
and @groovylocks you're definitely not a bad mom. I'm having no issues, other than pain and lack of sleep, and I'm not exactly loving BF over here. You are a wonderful mom and doing what your baby needs!
It doesn't help that my care practitioners whisk me off to professional lactation consultants whenever i say "Look, I'd just rather pump exclusively" I've done a lot of research on pumping. If you do it for at least 15 minutes every 3 hours, your supply doesn't suffer. I like it because i'm not feeding blind. My low-birth-weight daughter needs calories. I have no idea what she's getting if she's nursing but I pump into bottles with ml measured right on the side and then transfer milk from those into littler bottles that each hold (currently) one feeding.
But here's a question (because i want to try to learn to breastfeed properly) - how DO you know how much to BF LO? I mean, how do you know that "ok i can stop now because (s)he's had enough"? They told me at the hospital that she'd stop when she was done but if that is the case, it takes me five minutes to BF her. Olive is very small and sleeps most of the time so she can keep growing. Being at the breast soothes her in a very serious way and she just suckles for a minute or two, then passes out. Sometimes she can keep up a nurse for 5-10 minutes but that's about it. So "Let her stop when she's done" is not a good option for us.
Another question for pumpers.. So.. The literatures says 15 minutes/3 hours. But despite my crappy nipples, my supply is CRAZY and if i pump for 15 mins on each breast, I wind up with upwards of 150 ml. WAY more than I need to produce in a 3 hour period. Do i just keep bagging it up? And freezing it?
I'm dealing with some pretty serious anxiety - i've been having trouble eating and sleeping well, am antsy and always thinking awful things are going to happen etc. And BF anxiety is driving a great deal of that. I'm feeling discouraged, scared of what might happen and at a loss on what the right thing is to do.
I don't know if this will help, and I'm not pumping exclusively, but I chatted with a lactation specialist today and mentioned my own large supply. I also have a large supply, and it's causing DD to spend less time eating and do so frantically. IMO, if you're exclusively pumping, you'll want plenty of frozen milk. But maybe separate it when you freeze it so you have bags of 3-4 oz.
Anyway, the lactation specialist did say that I should pump for fewer minutes at a time because emptying my boobs each time I pump is confusing them and making them produce more.
To tell if he is done I just feel LOS tummy. If it feels super full then I stop.
I'm sorry you are dealing with such anxiety, but you are doing awesome. Honestly, if you feel exclusively pumping would be best, then try it out. I was told to pump every two hours during the day, not going more than three without a pump, and every four hours at night making sure to completely empty the breast. I have EP'd a couple of days to test it out as I may have to switch methods when I return to work. It seems manageable with discipline.
Anyways, it took a month of hard work and dedication, but my supply is crazy now. I started pumping every 2-3 hours around the clock for weeks. Now that my supply is established, I can go 4-6 hours and fill a 5oz bottle/bag in minutes. I'm freezing now to keep it going. I'm hoping to keep it up for the first year. So exclusively pumping is definitely an option, and I've worked with several LCs that really couldn't help me with breastfeeding.
Hopefully you'll find what works for you. There is no right or wrong answer, you just have to find what works for you and your child.
Edited for sounds not mounds
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Tips"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1dbf8a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0" /></a>
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Parenting Tips"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1dbf8a" alt=" BabyFruit Ticker" border="0" /></a>
How long does it typically take you guys to drain your breasts? So for example, normally when I pump, I can get APPROXMATELY 40-60 ml (approx 1.5-2.5 oz) per breast per 15 minutes of pumping. Today I fed Olive for about 10 minutes on each breast, then pumped for 10 minutes and got A LOT LESS than i would have expected in the pump.
I am not nursing tonight due to my parents arriving in town (SQUEE! Haven't seen them since October!!) and booze flowing. So I will pump tonight to maintain supply only. But seeing such a small amount in my pump (10 mins per breast, 60 ml total across both) i kind of freaked out.
If it's not getting her to latch properly, it's making sure things don't dry up. UGH..
My explanation of my problem is really muddled so if i didn't explain well, let me know and i'll try to break it down better.
My LC said pump for either 15-20 minutes or until after the let down when it does back to dripping.
Also, all of the posts I found were in regards to wine and light drinks. I don't do wine or beer, I intended on some good liquor but won't be drinking a lot of that.