When is it okay to introduce your LO to a bottle?? I plan to breastfeed 95% of the time and supplement with a bottle if DH is watching him or I want to enjoy a glass of vino. I don't want to introduce nipple confusion too early! Any recommendations?
It's not sitting at room temperature for any length of time, it's going from fridge to heat, then back to fridge and being completely used within a very short time frame. It's not in any danger of spoiling because it's not sitting at ambient temperatures for long enough to allow bacterial growth, and always consumed/discarded the same day. The bottle also gets a clean new nipple each use.
Idk, I'm not worried. He gained 12 oz between weeks 1 and 2 so as long as he's cool with it, I'm cool with it.
When is it okay to introduce your LO to a bottle?? I plan to breastfeed 95% of the time and supplement with a bottle if DH is watching him or I want to enjoy a glass of vino. I don't want to introduce nipple confusion too early! Any recommendations?
Nipple confusion should not be a concern because there has not been a single study proving that it's actually a thing. I've had five LCs tell me not to worry about nipple confusion and in the first week had to supplement with a bottle and give a pacifier for the sake of my bleeding nipples. DD has zero problems BFing.
When is it okay to introduce your LO to a bottle?? I plan to breastfeed 95% of the time and supplement with a bottle if DH is watching him or I want to enjoy a glass of vino. I don't want to introduce nipple confusion too early! Any recommendations?
I usually breastfeed, but started supplementing with a bottle when DS was 11 days old (what can I say, sometimes boobs need a break!). We also started using the pacifier a few days later, and have had zero issues.
When is it okay to introduce your LO to a bottle?? I plan to breastfeed 95% of the time and supplement with a bottle if DH is watching him or I want to enjoy a glass of vino. I don't want to introduce nipple confusion too early! Any recommendations?
DS is primarily breastfed, but gets a pacifier everyday and a bottle about every other day. No issues here!
Anyone else who is pumping have really torn up nipples? Mine are cracked and the skin is peeling. I also keep getting horrible shooting pains in both breasts especially if cold air hits them. I've kept a heating pad on my boobs all day today!
@WiseUsagi my boobs tend to feel sore but my nipples have improved from how they were after BFing. Most of my scabs are gone. Nipples do feel sensitive at times. Try using the nipple shells it protects them from rubbing on clothes and let's them air dry.
@WiseUsagi Yes, mine are still cracked and blistered on one side. It took a while for them to heal last time I EP too. I also get the shooting pains in my boobs but mostly when I'm pumping. I've been using Motherlove nipple cream and it has helped a lot.
Anyone else who is pumping have really torn up nipples? Mine are cracked and the skin is peeling. I also keep getting horrible shooting pains in both breasts especially if cold air hits them. I've kept a heating pad on my boobs all day today!
That's why I started pumping! It was rough for a few sessions because of the sores from direct BF, but is much better and now they're just a little tender. They feel much better when I let them shrink back down before putting my bra back on. Definitely use your lanolin/cream and I highly recommend reuseable nipple pads. I got some off etsy (they're just serged layers of flannel and fleece) but they are SO MUCH less abrasive than disposable. If it doesn't improve, consider seeing an LC or someone at a LLL-type group about making sure your flanges are the right size.
Anyone else who is pumping have really torn up nipples? Mine are cracked and the skin is peeling. I also keep getting horrible shooting pains in both breasts especially if cold air hits them. I've kept a heating pad on my boobs all day today!
My nipples hate cold breezes. Cold feels good on the tatas as well. Target sells little pads that you can freeze or heat and they feel amazing.
For when you're pumping, put cream or coconut oil directly in the flanges to help your nipples too. I started doing this when I went back to work with DD1 and it made a world of difference. Your boobs/nipples will glide along the plastic rather than rub.
BF , more like my BM supply is a struggle. LO is 3w 4d and is not back to birth weight yet. We are having to supplement with 1.5 oz after every nursing session. I am on fenugreek, more milk plus, eating oatmeal, Brewers yeast. And my supply still isn't enough. This should be easy! And I am struggling with the fact that I can't/don't make enough milk to EBF.
BF , more like my BM supply is a struggle. LO is 3w 4d and is not back to birth weight yet. We are having to supplement with 1.5 oz after every nursing session. I am on fenugreek, more milk plus, eating oatmeal, Brewers yeast. And my supply still isn't enough. This should be easy! And I am struggling with the fact that I can't/don't make enough milk to EBF.
Anyone who thinks BFing is easy has never done it. It's hard as hell. And as long as baby is eating, you are doing your job as a mom. There's a reason they started making formula, and countless babies thrive on it.
Little one was born at nearly 10lbs and was impossible to satisfy. Even with good latching milk coming in drinking he was looking for breast every hour. Not only did it make it impossible to pump but he's been crying non stop. Pediatrician had me start adding in formula because he lost nearly a lb. I've been trying to wean off the formula as much as possible and will start collecting the letdown as pp have suggested. I'm going back to work in a week but will be bringing him with me since it's our business. Hopefully I won't need too much of a supply
@thaisac1 my lo grunts and growls if you try to remove the breast or bottle. He also sometimes has fits at my nipple and almost gets so hysterical that he sounds like a mad man.
Anyone have a baby that plays with his food? Doesn't want to latch...but will just lick and smack while you are trying to nurse? He usually only does this during the day and doesn't seem upset...it almost looks like he's having fun. He'll smile and coo and eventually latch after much guidance. He really wants to push against me though until he's ready. It always makes me laugh a bit..
Anyone have a baby that plays with his food? Doesn't want to latch...but will just lick and smack while you are trying to nurse? He usually only does this during the day and doesn't seem upset...it almost looks like he's having fun. He'll smile and coo and eventually latch after much guidance. He really wants to push against me though until he's ready. It always makes me laugh a bit..
Mine does this crazy head shaking like she gets really excited and then lunges forward at the breast. It makes me giggle every time!
Anyone have a baby that plays with his food? Doesn't want to latch...but will just lick and smack while you are trying to nurse? He usually only does this during the day and doesn't seem upset...it almost looks like he's having fun. He'll smile and coo and eventually latch after much guidance. He really wants to push against me though until he's ready. It always makes me laugh a bit..
Mine does this crazy head shaking like she gets really excited and then lunges forward at the breast. It makes me giggle every time!
My boy does this too! My hubs and I laugh and say it's like boobie crack, he gets so excited and hyper lol.
Went to another LC today. Ever sincr we started bottle feeding a week ago, LO has hsd trouble latching. She gets too frustrated after a minute or two trying at the boob. She did latch a few times after the bottle, so I know she can do it..I just think she's wantinf the milk as fast as the bottle.
Started on a nipple shield today and so far we have done three feedings where she's latched with it! It hasn't been easy, but at least it's making me feel a little better. They are having us try to exclusively breast feed with the shield this weekend and if she's still hungry after offering each boob, to use a bottle. On top of that I'm gonna try to pump every hour after feeding.
Went to another LC today. Ever sincr we started bottle feeding a week ago, LO has hsd trouble latching. She gets too frustrated after a minute or two trying at the boob. She did latch a few times after the bottle, so I know she can do it..I just think she's wantinf the milk as fast as the bottle.
Started on a nipple shield today and so far we have done three feedings where she's latched with it! It hasn't been easy, but at least it's making me feel a little better. They are having us try to exclusively breast feed with the shield this weekend and if she's still hungry after offering each boob, to use a bottle. On top of that I'm gonna try to pump every hour after feeding.
Yay for even less sleep. I hope this works!
My LO was having some issues latching. She would get impatient and pull off if she didnt get milk immediately. I had to start massaging my breast to get my milk literally dripping out and now she latches better. Sometimes she still does seem to "play" when I'm trying to get her to latch on like other people have been saying, but that usually only lasts a minute or less before she latches and starts gulping the milk down. I havent had to use a shield but i got close there for a while because her latch had been really painful at first. Good luck, I hope it gets better for you quickly.
Anyone have a baby that plays with his food? Doesn't want to latch...but will just lick and smack while you are trying to nurse? He usually only does this during the day and doesn't seem upset...it almost looks like he's having fun. He'll smile and coo and eventually latch after much guidance. He really wants to push against me though until he's ready. It always makes me laugh a bit..
Mine does this crazy head shaking like she gets really excited and then lunges forward at the breast. It makes me giggle every time!
Yup, and sometimes if he doesn't get it fast enough he gets super mad and makes this cute angry squeak!
We have a consultation with a tongue tie specialist on Tuesday. My pediatrician said he didn't have enough of one to bother with ( he has a clear lip tie) ... But his latch is not getting better so my chiropractor referred me to a specialist.... Kicker is that ins won't pay for it
We're seeing an LC on Wednesday. LO will still only nurse with a nipple shield and even then sometimes it's a crapshoot on whether he'll latch or not. So frustrating! Anyone who thinks BFing is easy has obviously never done it or was super lucky.
Well after probably 7 hours or so of being home, it's definitely challenging. I can't seem to get her into the right position. My arms are killing me from literally like holding her up snd it seems like whenever she latches that the nipple shield caves in which means it's a bad latch. Getting frustrating, esp. Bc we were feeding her 2-4oz every 2 hours and now we are trying to only bf her every 2 hours, using the bottle if she serms hungrier. I just know she's not eating as much now and I feel like we are back to square one
At what point should I try to wean from nipple shield? They recommended that I do every other feeding without it if I could, but I couldn't due to bleeding cracked nipples (thanks to my chewer! Ow!). She is one week and one day now. We started w the shield on day 2. I tried starting the feeding w the shield and taking it off but she makes this "yuck" face when she approaches the bare nipple. Not sure if I'm trying to wean too early, or too late. Hopefully I'm not stuck using this thing forever!! Any tips? Thanks in advance!
Well after probably 7 hours or so of being home, it's definitely challenging. I can't seem to get her into the right position. My arms are killing me from literally like holding her up snd it seems like whenever she latches that the nipple shield caves in which means it's a bad latch. Getting frustrating, esp. Bc we were feeding her 2-4oz every 2 hours and now we are trying to only bf her every 2 hours, using the bottle if she serms hungrier. I just know she's not eating as much now and I feel like we are back to square one
I loved my Brest friend pillow when we were getting the hang of nursing, it essentially allows you to nurse hands-free. Also, how old is your LO? 4 oz is a lot for a newborn!
@BeatboxBaby ditto what @AmadorRose said about the Brest friend pillow. I had to have the LC come to my house last week because of a bad latch and cracked nipple and she showed me how to use it and I'm almost completely healed. I was sort of annoyed that the nurses never showed me how to feed LO anywhere except the bed, which is not what I did when I got home. Can you have a lactation consultant come help you?
At what point should I try to wean from nipple shield? They recommended that I do every other feeding without it if I could, but I couldn't due to bleeding cracked nipples (thanks to my chewer! Ow!). She is one week and one day now. We started w the shield on day 2. I tried starting the feeding w the shield and taking it off but she makes this "yuck" face when she approaches the bare nipple. Not sure if I'm trying to wean too early, or too late. Hopefully I'm not stuck using this thing forever!! Any tips? Thanks in advance!
If you feel like you're ready to go without, go for it. There will probably be a bit of a learning curve to nursing without the shield, but the sooner you start trying, the sooner you will be done with it. My DD1 was older when we started the shield (5 weeks), and it took us a couple of months to fully wean off of it. Things that helped: trying initially when she was sleepy, skin to skin/laid back nursing and letting her bob around and try to self-latch, and starting with the shield waiting til I could tell she was getting a letdown (lots of swallowing), then detatching, flicking off the shield, and trying to latch her after the milk was ready to go.
I've gone to see a LC twice and we end up doing well there but as soon as we get homr it doesnt work.
LO is only 3 weeks and 3 days old. I know she should only be getting like 2oz every feeding but there were a couple of days where she just wouldnt stop crying no matter what we did and she would end up eating sround 4oz. Her next feed she would only eat an oz or so..so maybe thst evened it out?
I've done a lot of thinking though, and I've come to terms that I'm just gonna pump and bottle feed. I get too frustrated and overwhelmed when BF isn't working and it's not like I haven't tried. I just feel like my happiness is more important considering she will still be getting the nutrients from me. Thanks for everyones help
Slowly introducing the boob back but LO is still favoring the left. Laying down on my side works best but no matter what position I try he won't take the right. He'll be on it for a sec then shake his head like crazy and start crying. Any suggestions? He doesn't seem satisfied with just the left but he won't take the right which leaves me to still bottle feed him.
It feels like razor blades shooting through my nipples when LO latches for at least the first 30 sec, sometimes longer. This happened with DD1, but neither #2 or #3. Any advice? We don't have an LC at our hospital and the nurses in l&d weren't very helpful. It lasted for 6 wks with DD1 and I'm hoping to nip it in the bud with this one right away.
It feels like razor blades shooting through my nipples when LO latches for at least the first 30 sec, sometimes longer. This happened with DD1, but neither #2 or #3. Any advice? We don't have an LC at our hospital and the nurses in l&d weren't very helpful. It lasted for 6 wks with DD1 and I'm hoping to nip it in the bud with this one right away.
I've found that if my boob is a little softer, it doesn't hurt as bad. I massage it, let a little milk drip out, then latch him.
It feels like razor blades shooting through my nipples when LO latches for at least the first 30 sec, sometimes longer. This happened with DD1, but neither #2 or #3. Any advice? We don't have an LC at our hospital and the nurses in l&d weren't very helpful. It lasted for 6 wks with DD1 and I'm hoping to nip it in the bud with this one right away.
This happened for the first week or so with this LO. It sometimes still is uncomfortable at the initial latch until the longer sucks begin. With my other son it lasted longer by we had a lot of issues getting to latch and dealt with tongue and lip ties.
It's only been 4 weeks and I'm already ready to throw this pump out of the window.
I've been experimenting with different flanges to try to make pumping less painful and OMG I injured the crap out of my left nipple/aerola using a too large flange. It's been throbbing and having sharp, shooting pains for the last 8 hours and of course since I'm EP I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and it hurts like hell to pump that breast. I just want it to be numb.
It's only been 4 weeks and I'm already ready to throw this pump out of the window.
I've been experimenting with different flanges to try to make pumping less painful and OMG I injured the crap out of my left nipple/aerola using a too large flange. It's been throbbing and having sharp, shooting pains for the last 8 hours and of course since I'm EP I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and it hurts like hell to pump that breast. I just want it to be numb.
Are you using a low setting? Higher power doesn't mean more milk, it only means more pain!
It's only been 4 weeks and I'm already ready to throw this pump out of the window.
I've been experimenting with different flanges to try to make pumping less painful and OMG I injured the crap out of my left nipple/aerola using a too large flange. It's been throbbing and having sharp, shooting pains for the last 8 hours and of course since I'm EP I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and it hurts like hell to pump that breast. I just want it to be numb.
I know exactly how you feel. I pretty much felt the same way the entire 8 months I EP for my last baby. I'm 3 weeks + this time and pretty much feeling the same way. It is painful and so much more work .
I wish I knew what to tell you to help the nipple trauma. The only thing I can offer is an LC told me to pump on the lowest setting while it's healing and to only pump for 15 minutes at a time. I'm also using motherlove nipple cream and it helps .
It feels like razor blades shooting through my nipples when LO latches for at least the first 30 sec, sometimes longer. This happened with DD1, but neither #2 or #3. Any advice? We don't have an LC at our hospital and the nurses in l&d weren't very helpful. It lasted for 6 wks with DD1 and I'm hoping to nip it in the bud with this one right away.
This week I've been feeling some sharp nipple and breast pain only on the left boob. I saw that there was a white dot on the centre of my nipple. Looked it up and I think I have a milk blister. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, let's see what he says.
Re: Breastfeeding Thread
It's not sitting at room temperature for any length of time, it's going from fridge to heat, then back to fridge and being completely used within a very short time frame. It's not in any danger of spoiling because it's not sitting at ambient temperatures for long enough to allow bacterial growth, and always consumed/discarded the same day. The bottle also gets a clean new nipple each use.
Idk, I'm not worried. He gained 12 oz between weeks 1 and 2 so as long as he's cool with it, I'm cool with it.
Definitely use your lanolin/cream and I highly recommend reuseable nipple pads. I got some off etsy (they're just serged layers of flannel and fleece) but they are SO MUCH less abrasive than disposable.
If it doesn't improve, consider seeing an LC or someone at a LLL-type group about making sure your flanges are the right size.
Started on a nipple shield today and so far we have done three feedings where she's latched with it! It hasn't been easy, but at least it's making me feel a little better. They are having us try to exclusively breast feed with the shield this weekend and if she's still hungry after offering each boob, to use a bottle. On top of that I'm gonna try to pump every hour after feeding.
Yay for even less sleep. I hope this works!
@jmoew1 It's exactly like booby crack!
Good luck!
LO is only 3 weeks and 3 days old. I know she should only be getting like 2oz every feeding but there were a couple of days where she just wouldnt stop crying no matter what we did and she would end up eating sround 4oz. Her next feed she would only eat an oz or so..so maybe thst evened it out?
I've done a lot of thinking though, and I've come to terms that I'm just gonna pump and bottle feed. I get too frustrated and overwhelmed when BF isn't working and it's not like I haven't tried. I just feel like my happiness is more important considering she will still be getting the nutrients from me. Thanks for everyones help
I've been experimenting with different flanges to try to make pumping less painful and OMG I injured the crap out of my left nipple/aerola using a too large flange. It's been throbbing and having sharp, shooting pains for the last 8 hours and of course since I'm EP I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and it hurts like hell to pump that breast. I just want it to be numb.
I wish I knew what to tell you to help the nipple trauma. The only thing I can offer is an LC told me to pump on the lowest setting while it's healing and to only pump for 15 minutes at a time. I'm also using motherlove nipple cream and it helps .
I hope you get relief soon
eta Also, are you using a hospital grade pump?