@helen76d Oh, thank you! That makes a lot of sense because it started two days ago, when I wore a more normal nursing bra than the nursing sports bras I've been wearing. I was trying to wear decent clothes for Christmas, but that's over
Has anyone tried mother's milk tea from BRU to boost their supply? I tried it yesterday and it really increased my supply by about 20ml. The only con was DD was so irritable and gassy all night. Poor girl hardly got any rest. I googled side effects and got a lot of mixed reviews. Just looking for others experiences. I won't be drinking it again just to see if that was the culprit!
I've always read mixed reviews, too. I used the tea when I first bright DD home and didn't notice anything different, but I also have a larger supply in general. I have read that you should be careful if you're doing multiple things to increase supply, as it can cause some serious stomach acid and make you uncomfortable.
I used it the other week a couple times and found the same thing - I got more milk but I think it made DD gassy because she was crying a lot more all of the sudden those two days - like in pain crying. She hasn't been like that since I stopped drinking it.
I have almost given it up. I pump going out in public (Sorry ladies, I am a HUGE supporter of a mother's right to bf in public but i'm not that mom - at least not yet.) and I pump ahead of time if I plan to drink alcohol but otherwise, I am attempting to bf exclusively. I made this transition when I noticed she was getting a lot less tummy upsets and doing less gasping during feeds when she breastfed.
But, and this is a weird question, since abandoning the pump, I noticed that I have stopped leaking. Has this sudden lowering of pumping caused me to produce less milk or am i simply using more nursing her? (I nurse more often than i pump) I'm worried the sudden change might have dried up my supply. When I pump, i pump about 15 minutes per side and am getting 3.5-4.5 oz total.
I can't stop feeling weirded out by the whole blind feeding - i realize she'll let me know if she's hungry but i'm still feeling uneasy about no longer seeing how much i yield in a day. Combined with the sudden lack of leakage, it's left me feeling worried about the long term implications of my supply.
@groovylocks your baby is much more efficient than the pump so it could be the lack of leakage is because your DD is more completely draining your breasts. That said, I leaked much less the further along I went in my BF journey with my last. My guess is that it has to do with improved regulation between your supply and their demand.
When I would get concerned about how much DD was getting during feedings, I went to a BF group in order to use the scale. Weighing before and after a feeding really helped put my mind at ease.
I have a hole in my nipple. It's smallish but noticeable. Like tip of a pen. My breast doesn't hurt and neither does feeding. Should I be concerned you think?
How is everyones LO's weight gain? Mine dropped to 8 15 and is not gaining fast. She pees n poos good. She gets 1 oz supplement with an sns and will even spit up. I dont get why she hasn't gained a lot.
@groovylocks your baby is much more efficient than the pump so it could be the lack of leakage is because your DD is more completely draining your breasts. That said, I leaked much less the further along I went in my BF journey with my last. My guess is that it has to do with improved regulation between your supply and their demand.
When I would get concerned about how much DD was getting during feedings, I went to a BF group in order to use the scale. Weighing before and after a feeding really helped put my mind at ease.
She must be. I started nursing exclusively last night. She'd eat for MAYBE 15 minutes total (with a burp and change in between) and this morning, she threw up three times. It wasn't sour and she wasn't fussy which makes me think she was just full. So I can only assume she's getting more than enough.
Dad is 2.5 weeks. She's been BF constantly all throughout the day. It seems she's done so I burp and offer other boob. She doses off and I put her in crib. Then 10 min later she's showing hunger cues again. It seems like she's always hungry. But she's been spitting up and pee and poo normal. Idk what to do. I was up all night feeding her. She wont even sleep during the day. All she wants to do is eat!! I'm exhausted! Any other LOs doing this?!
How is everyones LO's weight gain? Mine dropped to 8 15 and is not gaining fast. She pees n poos good. She gets 1 oz supplement with an sns and will even spit up. I dont get why she hasn't gained a lot.
What are your expectations for weight gain? My pediatrician said to expect 0.5-1oz a day. As long as LO is peeing and pooping several times a day I wouldn't be too worried unless the doc is.
Dad is 2.5 weeks. She's been BF constantly all throughout the day. It seems she's done so I burp and offer other boob. She doses off and I put her in crib. Then 10 min later she's showing hunger cues again. It seems like she's always hungry. But she's been spitting up and pee and poo normal. Idk what to do. I was up all night feeding her. She wont even sleep during the day. All she wants to do is eat!! I'm exhausted! Any other LOs doing this?!
I have had this issue at times as well. We just had a cluster-feeding-2-hour lunchtime actually. Lately when she finally dozes off I make sure she sleeps a good 20 minutes on me, swaddled, before I put her in the crib or bassinet. If I put her in the bassinet before she is really out, she wakes up soon after and decides to feed.
Dad is 2.5 weeks. She's been BF constantly all throughout the day. It seems she's done so I burp and offer other boob. She doses off and I put her in crib. Then 10 min later she's showing hunger cues again. It seems like she's always hungry. But she's been spitting up and pee and poo normal. Idk what to do. I was up all night feeding her. She wont even sleep during the day. All she wants to do is eat!! I'm exhausted! Any other LOs doing this?!
Mine is like this sometimes and i attribute it to her having a growth spurt. I figure that has to be what's going on. Is this a new thing or has she been like this for a long time? She may just be a cluster feeder.
If she seems done or dozes off, try to wake her up. Try to get her to feed for a longer period of time. Remove her clothing or tickle her feet. Keep her awake. If she refuses to eat when she's awake, THEN she's done. At least that's what has worked for me. If i can keep her awake for 15 minutes (20 max) eating, she'll then sleep for 2.5-3.5 hours. At least that's what has worked for me. But sometimes i have to work HARD to keep her awake for that 15-20 minutes. And often do a change in between.
I have a hole in my nipple. It's smallish but noticeable. Like tip of a pen. My breast doesn't hurt and neither does feeding. Should I be concerned you think?
I have a hole in my nipple. It's smallish but noticeable. Like tip of a pen. My breast doesn't hurt and neither does feeding. Should I be concerned you think?
Could this be a crack??
Where is this hole? The tip of the nipple, the side or somewhere else?
Does anyone know how often it is safe to skip a feed/pump session? SO got up with baby last night to feed him but apparently I didn't hear anything and slept 8 hours straight with no pumps or feeds. My boobs are hard as rocks. I'm 20 minutes into my pumping session and they aren't even a little soft I would hate to have this hurt my supply.
ETA I'm 13 ounces into this pumping session and just had a second let down. Good Lord.
Does anyone know how often it is safe to skip a feed/pump session? SO got up with baby last night to feed him but apparently I didn't hear anything and slept 8 hours straight with no pumps or feeds. My boobs are hard as rocks. I'm 20 minutes into my pumping session and they aren't even a little soft I would hate to have this hurt my supply.
ETA I'm 13 ounces into this pumping session and just had a second let down. Good Lord.
I've never gone that long, but I'm sure one time won't affect your supply as long as you pick up your usual routine.
Does anyone know how often it is safe to skip a feed/pump session? SO got up with baby last night to feed him but apparently I didn't hear anything and slept 8 hours straight with no pumps or feeds. My boobs are hard as rocks. I'm 20 minutes into my pumping session and they aren't even a little soft I would hate to have this hurt my supply.
ETA I'm 13 ounces into this pumping session and just had a second let down. Good Lord.
I have been all out of schedule due to having company. I seem to be getting the same amount even though I'm no longer keeping up a schedule. I'm hoping that once I get back on it for a couple days everything should regulate. ETA I've been pumping longer after a missed session
Any suggestions for transitioning to breastfeeding after bottle? He spent so long away from me at first that we didn't get to try breastfeeding until a day or so after he was born. He's latched and fed well twice or so in his week with us, so I know it's not anything physical like tongue tie or whatever people have suggested. We just need to work on consistency, I think?
@sarahgn Do you give only bottles at night? If so, how's that working out? My nighttime engorgement is making night feedings a really unpleasant experience for everyone, so I'm wondering if I should do bottles and pump.
@sarahgn Do you give only bottles at night? If so, how's that working out? My nighttime engorgement is making night feedings a really unpleasant experience for everyone, so I'm wondering if I should do bottles and pump.
We do bottles at night when SO is home. He works 12 hour nights so he is home 4 nights out of the week and stays up to keep his sleep schedule. He feeds him pumped milk in a bottle and I pump 15 minutes twice a night then go back to sleep. Baby is a lazy night time nurser so I get more sleep this way. How far PP are you? Your supply may not be regulated to what the baby needs just yet. Maybe try pumping just long enough to relieve the engorgement then letting her nurse? You don't want an oversupply either, blocked ducts and mastitis are no fun.
Only 3 weeks PP, so I'm sure you're right. My only problem with pumping beforehand is that the baby completely loses her mind. I've tried doing skin to skin, giving her a finger to suck on, various methods of the 5 Ss while we wait, but DD just wants the boob.
I'm also dealing with weird pain. Doctor told me possible thrush and had me get Monistat. Also waiting on a call back from an LC and about to call the pediatrician. Basically I'm frustrated and need to just suck it up
ETA: Yep, we are being treated for thrush. I have to get rid of all of my frozen milk and sterilize everything, but I'm glad that DD is prescribed something before she starts experiencing any discomfort. Anyone else experience this? Such a pain (literally!)
How is everyones LO's weight gain? Mine dropped to 8 15 and is not gaining fast. She pees n poos good. She gets 1 oz supplement with an sns and will even spit up. I dont get why she hasn't gained a lot.
What are your expectations for weight gain? My pediatrician said to expect 0.5-1oz a day. As long as LO is peeing and pooping several times a day I wouldn't be too worried unless the doc is.
Dad is 2.5 weeks. She's been BF constantly all throughout the day. It seems she's done so I burp and offer other boob. She doses off and I put her in crib. Then 10 min later she's showing hunger cues again. It seems like she's always hungry. But she's been spitting up and pee and poo normal. Idk what to do. I was up all night feeding her. She wont even sleep during the day. All she wants to do is eat!! I'm exhausted! Any other LOs doing this?!
I have had this issue at times as well. We just had a cluster-feeding-2-hour lunchtime actually. Lately when she finally dozes off I make sure she sleeps a good 20 minutes on me, swaddled, before I put her in the crib or bassinet. If I put her in the bassinet before she is really out, she wakes up soon after and decides to feed.
She was 8lbs 15 oz last week and yesterday was 9lbs 6 oz. They don't seem worried.
I try pumping and maybe get like .5 oz. From both put together! Wtf?? But when she sucks i hear her swallowing. Why does something so natural have to be so difficult?
Also, I just worked through a really horrible clogged duct and thought I would share incase it would be helpful to someone else. Two days ago my left breast was slightly tender but didn't think much of it. Woke up yesterday and it was swollen with a hard lump and felt bruised. I tried letting LO nurse on that side first after hot compresses and massages, it didn't budge. I tried pumping that side after all the heat I could stand and massaging even more, but nothing. I stopped nursing him on that side because it was too painful and he wasn't able to draw anything out even with his crazy strong suck, however I did keep pumping to keep up supply. Pumping was more comfortable because I could easily stop when it became unbearable. I thought I got it unclogged last night because there was a big gush of milk that flowed fast and furious. I pumped until I could get anymore, then tried hand expressing to make sure it was empty. I expected it to be sore and slightly swollen this morning but it was so much worse. I considered going to the urgent care incase it was mastitis. I wanted to avoid that. I took a hot shower, massaged the area with soap for as long as I could stand, hand expressed in the shower attempting to get it flowing then kept heat on it after getting out. I got on all fours hoping gravity would work with me and pumped that way while alternating massages and heat. It was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. A minute or two after let down the milk started shooting out so fast that I could feel my duct draining. It took 20 minutes to totally empty that breast and deplete the duct. It's been a couple of hours now and the tenderness is subsiding and the duct still feels empty.
How is it going now? I'm having a difficult time!!!!!
I'm 3 weeks PP and when I pump I never get more than 4oz. - normally closer to 2-3 oz. (both breasts)... Just wondering how much others are getting? I've tried mother's milk cookies, steel cut oatmeal, and supplements so far, and haven't been able to get my supply to increase at all. I mostly breastfeed on demand during the day and pump at night - occasionally I will give her a bottle during the day and pump instead, but not often. Any suggestions on how I can get my supply to increase?
I'm 3 weeks PP and when I pump I never get more than 4oz. - normally closer to 2-3 oz. (both breasts)... Just wondering how much others are getting? I've tried mother's milk cookies, steel cut oatmeal, and supplements so far, and haven't been able to get my supply to increase at all. I mostly breastfeed on demand during the day and pump at night - occasionally I will give her a bottle during the day and pump instead, but not often. Any suggestions on how I can get my supply to increase?
2-3 oz / 30 mins across both breasts is very good though, right? I was told that most women get half that per pump session. I also bf constantly. That changes your pump yield a lot. And the pump is not a great indicator of what you are capable of producing.
@mhubbar5 I'm so sorry! I had thrush with my first and it was the worst couple of days! I had great success with gentian violet although it can get a little messy. It was gone in about 3 days of treatment and didn't come back.
Question: how do you warm up refrigerated breast milk? I've been reading mixed answers online. I'm scared of spoiling the milk. I had a terrible experience when I was supplementing where my LO had a reaction to a new formula that upset his stomach and don't want to go through that again. I'm EBF now and starting to build my supply enough to also bottle feed.
@enigmaanjel my baby lost a lb in his first 2days. Then gained it back by week 2. Now almost a month old has gained 1 lb, 5 oz from birth weight.
@abteamb I Ebf since approx day 5 and my LO wants to eat around the clock as long as hes awake. When I started pumping and giving him 3 oz in one shot he FINALLY seemed full and sleeping 3-4 hours through the night. I havent build a supply yet to have bottles readily available to do this during the day so for now I reserve that bottle for night time we both get rest.
@mhuber223 mine can't wait 10 mins until I pump either. He will scream his head off. I have to have it ready by the time he wakes up or immediately to my boob it is. Its very difficult having a bottle ready since hes attached to me if hes not asleep (he won't nap longer than 1 hr during the day.)
@sardavbak the most I get is 3 oz from both breasts in 10 mins. (I don't make much any longer) the norm is closer to 2 and thats if my LO has been off my boob for at least an hr. A lactation consultant last night told me to pump whenever possible to build my supply.
@angelicac06 put the bottle of breastmilk in a cup of warm water until it's is lukewarm if that is what your baby prefers. As long as it's just warm enough so that the fatty layer mixes in with the rest, then it's good to serve. The temp is usually just for comfort of baby, but a lot don't mind drinking chilly milk.
@angelicac06 2-3 oz. in 10 min is awesome! I have to pump for closer to 30 to get 2-3 oz!
My LO is being super finicky today, so I've been pumping more trying to get a few extra bottles for her, as she's very sleepy and won't stay latched for more than about 5 min (normally will eat for 25+ min). Unfortunately I'm barely getting 2oz right now... Starting to worry that she hasn't had enough to eat today!
@sardavbak thanks, I was worried it wasn't enough since I read about women that get so much more. I definately understand your concern. Wow I can't imagine having to pump for 30 mins! Hang in there, and I hope your LO eats more soon. I'm sure the bottle once she wakes up will help her catch up since they drink.it so fast!
@Murphyer Thank you! It's nice to hear that yours cleared up quickly. Most things I've read say it takes forever, so you've given me hope. DD has decided that she's newly into cluster feeding, so I need this to go away!
So I took my son to the doctors today because I had a gut feeling something wasn't right and it turns out I've been starving my kid. I feel terrible. I am EBF and apperanyly my supply isn't enough and my son has lost weight since his one week appointment and I have not been giving him enough calories. Now I am supposed to supplement with formula, breast feed and pump. Anyone else with this issue? Any advice? I feel like a terrible mother I cried so hard at the doctors office.
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!
@keiragann I'm struggling with the same issue. My daughter is 3 weeks old and still down from her birth weight. When we had a weight check last week I cried so hard when I found out she had only gained 0.5 oz. in 4 days. We have another weight check tomorrow, and I've been working my butt off feeding and pumping since the last visit. I'm so stressed out for tomorrow! I feel ya!
So I took my son to the doctors today because I had a gut feeling something wasn't right and it turns out I've been starving my kid. I feel terrible. I am EBF and apperanyly my supply isn't enough and my son has lost weight since his one week appointment and I have not been giving him enough calories. Now I am supposed to supplement with formula, breast feed and pump. Anyone else with this issue? Any advice? I feel like a terrible mother I cried so hard at the doctors office.
I have had similar issues. We are 3 weks pp. She went from 9 lbs 11oz to 8lbs 14 oz. She stayed about 8 15 for a week. Now after 5 days of reglan, pumping ten mins after feedings and just putting her to the breast a lot, she is up to 9 lbs 7.6 oz. So we are headed in right direction. Reglan is not for everyone. If you have history of depression you shouldn't take it. I have ptsd and anxiety but not depression and haven't had anything else go on thus far. We have been supplementing with the similac supplement formula for breastfed babies uaing an sns system. So we dont use bottles. I stared out using about an ounce each feeding...and i am slowly taking that away every few feeding a little at a time. If you can find a lactation consultant they can help you so much! Look to your local health dept or wic office. I refuse to give up on bfing. I hope to ebf. But i will supplement as long as she needs it.
@keiragann I'm struggling with the same issue. My daughter is 3 weeks old and still down from her birth weight. When we had a weight check last week I cried so hard when I found out she had only gained 0.5 oz. in 4 days. We have another weight check tomorrow, and I've been working my butt off feeding and pumping since the last visit. I'm so stressed out for tomorrow! I feel ya!
Big hugs mama. You are doing good! I know it's scary. I worry way too much. My lc said bf babies gain 4-6 oz a week and the dr is okay with mine only being 12 pounds when she hits 4 months. Instead of doubling her weight (birth weight 9 11). Keep us posted on how it goes.
I have a hole in my nipple. It's smallish but noticeable. Like tip of a pen. My breast doesn't hurt and neither does feeding. Should I be concerned you think?
Could this be a crack??
Where is this hole? The tip of the nipple, the side or somewhere else?
Guessing this was discussed but the thread is so long couldn't find it. Do sore nipples go away? I gave birth last week and LO latched on great first few days. The problem is the initial latch during feedings became more and more uncomfortable to the point where I ended up with cracked bleeding nipples. I decided to supplement with formula and pumped breast milk for a few days while my nipples healed. Then today went to my hospital's breastfeeding support group. Wasn't much help. They latched on baby which I'm also able to do but the initial pain to my nipples is almost unbearable. It lasts about 60-90 seconds then subsides. I've bfed LO twice since and I can already feel my nipples becoming super irritated. So my question is whether this is just a phase thay I need to fight through and will eventually get better? I need some hope!!
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
I have almost given it up. I pump going out in public (Sorry ladies, I am a HUGE supporter of a mother's right to bf in public but i'm not that mom - at least not yet.) and I pump ahead of time if I plan to drink alcohol but otherwise, I am attempting to bf exclusively. I made this transition when I noticed she was getting a lot less tummy upsets and doing less gasping during feeds when she breastfed.
I can't stop feeling weirded out by the whole blind feeding - i realize she'll let me know if she's hungry but i'm still feeling uneasy about no longer seeing how much i yield in a day. Combined with the sudden lack of leakage, it's left me feeling worried about the long term implications of my supply.
When I would get concerned about how much DD was getting during feedings, I went to a BF group in order to use the scale. Weighing before and after a feeding really helped put my mind at ease.
I have had this issue at times as well. We just had a cluster-feeding-2-hour lunchtime actually. Lately when she finally dozes off I make sure she sleeps a good 20 minutes on me, swaddled, before I put her in the crib or bassinet. If I put her in the bassinet before she is really out, she wakes up soon after and decides to feed.
If she seems done or dozes off, try to wake her up. Try to get her to feed for a longer period of time. Remove her clothing or tickle her feet. Keep her awake. If she refuses to eat when she's awake, THEN she's done. At least that's what has worked for me. If i can keep her awake for 15 minutes (20 max) eating, she'll then sleep for 2.5-3.5 hours. At least that's what has worked for me. But sometimes i have to work HARD to keep her awake for that 15-20 minutes. And often do a change in between.
ETA I'm 13 ounces into this pumping session and just had a second let down. Good Lord.
ETA I've been pumping longer after a missed session
How far PP are you? Your supply may not be regulated to what the baby needs just yet. Maybe try pumping just long enough to relieve the engorgement then letting her nurse? You don't want an oversupply either, blocked ducts and mastitis are no fun.
I'm also dealing with weird pain. Doctor told me possible thrush and had me get Monistat. Also waiting on a call back from an LC and about to call the pediatrician. Basically I'm frustrated and need to just suck it up
ETA: Yep, we are being treated for thrush. I have to get rid of all of my frozen milk and sterilize everything, but I'm glad that DD is prescribed something before she starts experiencing any discomfort. Anyone else experience this? Such a pain (literally!)
I try pumping and maybe get like .5 oz. From both put together! Wtf?? But when she sucks i hear her swallowing. Why does something so natural have to be so difficult?
Here is a good website with more information: https://www.breastfeedingplace.com/15-tips-curing-thrush-gentian-violet/
@enigmaanjel my baby lost a lb in his first 2days. Then gained it back by week 2. Now almost a month old has gained 1 lb, 5 oz from birth weight.
@abteamb I Ebf since approx day 5 and my LO wants to eat around the clock as long as hes awake. When I started pumping and giving him 3 oz in one shot he FINALLY seemed full and sleeping 3-4 hours through the night. I havent build a supply yet to have bottles readily available to do this during the day so for now I reserve that bottle for night time we both get rest.
@mhuber223 mine can't wait 10 mins until I pump either. He will scream his head off. I have to have it ready by the time he wakes up or immediately to my boob it is. Its very difficult having a bottle ready since hes attached to me if hes not asleep (he won't nap longer than 1 hr during the day.)
@sardavbak the most I get is 3 oz from both breasts in 10 mins. (I don't make much any longer) the norm is closer to 2 and thats if my LO has been off my boob for at least an hr. A lactation consultant last night told me to pump whenever possible to build my supply.
My LO is being super finicky today, so I've been pumping more trying to get a few extra bottles for her, as she's very sleepy and won't stay latched for more than about 5 min (normally will eat for 25+ min). Unfortunately I'm barely getting 2oz right now... Starting to worry that she hasn't had enough to eat today!
@sardavbak thanks, I was worried it wasn't enough since I read about women that get so much more. I definately understand your concern. Wow I can't imagine having to pump for 30 mins! Hang in there, and I hope your LO eats more soon. I'm sure the bottle once she wakes up will help her catch up since they drink.it so fast!
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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We have been supplementing with the similac supplement formula for breastfed babies uaing an sns system. So we dont use bottles. I stared out using about an ounce each feeding...and i am slowly taking that away every few feeding a little at a time. If you can find a lactation consultant they can help you so much! Look to your local health dept or wic office. I refuse to give up on bfing. I hope to ebf. But i will supplement as long as she needs it.
Keep us posted on how it goes.