@mrsmtothek I have tried pumping to give the occasional bottlle so SO can help out. Did you give him the bottle or did someone else? I tried to give him a bottle and he wasn't interested in it?...maybe he's wondering why the heck I'm giving a bottle if I have boobs? It usually works if SO gives the bottle but there are times when he has refused. Still figuring this out too.
I read that breastfed babies should be getting a vitamin D supplement, but my pedi didn't mention it at all. Is this something I should be doing? If so, is it rx or can I get some at the store?
How do you know when to switch breasts during a feeding. I usually give baby one breast per feeding. But ive been reading that you should start on the breast you last fed on then switch to the next. My baby usually seems full after the first breast
I do ten minutes and then switch. I've pumped and can tell that I'm usually pretty drained after ten minutes... Babies are more efficient so... If I didn't pump, I could tell I was nearly drained because both my boob and baby go limp...
How do you know when to switch breasts during a feeding. I usually give baby one breast per feeding. But ive been reading that you should start on the breast you last fed on then switch to the next. My baby usually seems full after the first breast
If you don't do both breasts then do the one you didn't do for the next feed. I mostly do block feeding like this as well, however sometimes he'll go for the second side. I gage by how fast he's sucking/swallowing... so if he needs to suck a couple times to get enough to swallow then I know he's mostly drained the one side. So then we'll burp and usually he'll need a diaper change. And then I would offer the next side if he seems awake and it giving hunger cues. If he takes it, it's rarely for as long as the first side so the next feed, I'd start with that second side!
How do you know when to switch breasts during a feeding. I usually give baby one breast per feeding. But ive been reading that you should start on the breast you last fed on then switch to the next. My baby usually seems full after the first breast
I usually block feed, but I wait until he pulls himself off and doesn't keep searching for it. Then I'll burp him. Sometimes he'll start rooting again, so, that's when I offer the second.
How do you know when to switch breasts during a feeding. I usually give baby one breast per feeding. But ive been reading that you should start on the breast you last fed on then switch to the next. My baby usually seems full after the first breast
I usually block feed, but I wait until he pulls himself off and doesn't keep searching for it. Then I'll burp him. Sometimes he'll start rooting again, so, that's when I offer the second.
This is exactly what I do as well. It's pretty rare that she will want the second breast so I just use it the next feeding.This method is working well for us so far.
Me & DH - 2009
Gone but not forgotten: Identical twin boys born at 23 weeks - 2004
I think I have a yeast infection. My breasts are so painful, I mean like excrutiatingly painful. I can hardly stand for my nipples to rub my bra/shirt and I'm having the most God awful, excrutiating shooting pains from deep within the breast.
I know LO and myself both need to be treated at the same time. Do I have to call both my OB and his pediatrician or can one of them treat both of us? Not sure who to call first in the morning.
My LO is 4.5 weeks old. We used the shield for the first three weeks and have been off of it about 75% of the time since then. I've noticed some new kinds of pains since going shield-free that have since gotten better, but the one that's still plaguing me is a deep ache in the breast after feeding. (It's both sides, though only one at a time--whichever side I offered last.) Was this something you experienced? In some ways I feel like we've started BFing all over again so I want to be patient if it will go away, but I'm dreading feeds now because it's so darn uncomfortable afterword.
I think I have a yeast infection. My breasts are so painful, I mean like excrutiatingly painful. I can hardly stand for my nipples to rub my bra/shirt and I'm having the most God awful, excrutiating shooting pains from deep within the breast.
I know LO and myself both need to be treated at the same time. Do I have to call both my OB and his pediatrician or can one of them treat both of us? Not sure who to call first in the morning.
His pedi would probably be best. We just went to a walk in clinic yesterday for this because our pedi wasn't in. I feel your pain 100%, apparently it also gets worse before it gets better with the treatment, I keep telling myself that because today is terrible! Luckily I can't see any large sores in the LO's mouth so hopefully we caught it before it gets bad for her!
My LO is 4.5 weeks old. We used the shield for the first three weeks and have been off of it about 75% of the time since then. I've noticed some new kinds of pains since going shield-free that have since gotten better, but the one that's still plaguing me is a deep ache in the breast after feeding. (It's both sides, though only one at a time--whichever side I offered last.) Was this something you experienced? In some ways I feel like we've started BFing all over again so I want to be patient if it will go away, but I'm dreading feeds now because it's so darn uncomfortable afterword.
I've noticed this too. I notice it particularly where his chin rubs against my breast. I think sometimes in his enthusiasm he thrusts too hard. But is could also be a clogged duct or mastitis.
@jonesl12 If baby is showing signs of hunger more often than usual, I would say so. LO tends to feed every 2.5 to 3 hours but a couple of days ago, he was showing signs of hunger every hour and a half in the morning (!) it doesn't last forever though.
So on Tuesday I made lactation cookies (super tasty!) but all day yesterday LO was spilling up more than usual and I'm wondering if it could be from the cookies. Could the flaxseed or yeast be the culprit? It's the only thing that changed in my diet and poor LO had waterfalls of spill up after each feeding and crying like no other. The most frustrating day so far. I am stopping the cookies to test it but just curious if anyone has experienced this?
Omg my right breast feels so sore on the bottom! Baby ate from it then i pumped because i thought maybe i was just really full. Pumped one oz and its still sore!
Omg my right breast feels so sore on the bottom! Baby ate from it then i pumped because i thought maybe i was just really full. Pumped one oz and its still sore!
Is it hard at all where it's sore? Could be the start of a clogged duct.
Omg my right breast feels so sore on the bottom! Baby ate from it then i pumped because i thought maybe i was just really full. Pumped one oz and its still sore!
Is it hard at all where it's sore? Could be the start of a clogged duct.
So on Tuesday I made lactation cookies (super tasty!) but all day yesterday LO was spilling up more than usual and I'm wondering if it could be from the cookies. Could the flaxseed or yeast be the culprit? It's the only thing that changed in my diet and poor LO had waterfalls of spill up after each feeding and crying like no other. The most frustrating day so far. I am stopping the cookies to test it but just curious if anyone has experienced this?
Haven't experienced this with the batch I've made..hope you figure it out though!
So on Tuesday I made lactation cookies (super tasty!) but all day yesterday LO was spilling up more than usual and I'm wondering if it could be from the cookies. Could the flaxseed or yeast be the culprit? It's the only thing that changed in my diet and poor LO had waterfalls of spill up after each feeding and crying like no other. The most frustrating day so far. I am stopping the cookies to test it but just curious if anyone has experienced this?
Haven't experienced this with the batch I've made..hope you figure it out though!
It was either a really bad case of reflux, stomach bug, or the cookies. We got reflux med from pedi and I stopped feeding him my pumped milk that would have traces of the cookies. He's been better today but still some spilling up. I was concerned of him becoming dehydrated since he didn't have a wet diaper last night (about 8 hours of nothing) but he his peeing normal now. We are waiting for ultrasound results.
Omg my right breast feels so sore on the bottom! Baby ate from it then i pumped because i thought maybe i was just really full. Pumped one oz and its still sore!
Is it hard at all where it's sore? Could be the start of a clogged duct.
Yes it is!
You've gotta start massaging it out while LO eats and when you pump. If it goes too long, you could end up with mastitis. No Bueno. Last time I got a clogged duct, I took my manual pump in the shower and pumped/massaged the hard spot while letting really hot water poor on my chest. Try massaging it towards the nipple. It works really well. You could also position LO's chin on the hard spot while he nurses.
As far as storing breast milk, is it ok to store in the fridge for a few hours, combine, and then freeze? I'm having trouble pumping more than 1-1.5 oz (both breasts) at a time, and feel like I'm wasting bags, but don't want to risk contaminating the milk, so I currently have 6 1-1.5 oz bags in the freezer. Also, I just started pumping two days ago. Is this likely to get better with time, or do I need to try something dietary to increase my milk supply?
As far as storing breast milk, is it ok to store in the fridge for a few hours, combine, and then freeze? I'm having trouble pumping more than 1-1.5 oz (both breasts) at a time, and feel like I'm wasting bags, but don't want to risk contaminating the milk, so I currently have 6 1-1.5 oz bags in the freezer. Also, I just started pumping two days ago. Is this likely to get better with time, or do I need to try something dietary to increase my milk supply?
You can combine refrigerated milk but make sure it's all cooled to the same temp. And freeze within 48 hours.
Id wait on dietary supplements to increase pumped milk. I started at 1.5 oz and now I get between 3-5 each morning. Not stellar, but good enough to start a stockpile.
I second waiting on taking anything. Just keep at the pumping & you should see increases. If you wanted to try something to increase supply if you don't see any changes, I would start with power pumping sessions before supplements.
Well I'm now on a elimination diet. No dairy , soy, or nuts for a month at least. LO had mucus in her poo and microscopic blood so she's likely intolerant / allergic to something I'm eating . no butter, crackers, chocolate , peanut butter etc... It's going to be an adjustment worse yet is that the 80 ounces of milk I have stored in the freezer for when I go back to work next week is useless until she gets older and outgrows whatever it is she is allergic to.
im so sad and now I'll likely have to supplement if I don't make enough while I work the first few weeks .
Dr gave alimentum hypoallergenic formula . I hope I don't have to use it.
@jonesl12 - I'm sorry you're having a tough time with it. Do you have a suspicion as to which food might be the problem?
And don't feel bad about supplementing. It can be a good thing! We had to supplement in the hospital because LO had low blood sugar, and we still supplement even now. It's made breastfeeding easier for us.
When LO is frantically hungry, she won't latch. She gets too frustrated. So I give her a little bit of the bottle, then offer the breast. The bottle gets her to calm down, and then she can latch onto the boob properly.
On top of that, I just don't have a good supply. Even though I pump as well, I just don't make a lot. I'm lucky to get 2oz total in one session. Usually I only get 1oz, which isn't enough. I'd rather supplement and have a happy baby with a full belly
Also, maybe you could sell or donate your stored milk locally so it's not a complete loss?
@jonesl12 - I'm sorry you're having a tough time with it. Do you have a suspicion as to which food might be the problem?
And don't feel bad about supplementing. It can be a good thing! We had to supplement in the hospital because LO had low blood sugar, and we still supplement even now. It's made breastfeeding easier for us.
When LO is frantically hungry, she won't latch. She gets too frustrated. So I give her a little bit of the bottle, then offer the breast. The bottle gets her to calm down, and then she can latch onto the boob properly.
On top of that, I just don't have a good supply. Even though I pump as well, I just don't make a lot. I'm lucky to get 2oz total in one session. Usually I only get 1oz, which isn't enough. I'd rather supplement and have a happy baby with a full belly
Also, maybe you could sell or donate your stored milk locally so it's not a complete loss?
They think its dairy.. I think it's nuts and tomatoes as weird as that sounds
Well I'm now on a elimination diet. No dairy , soy, or nuts for a month at least. LO had mucus in her poo and microscopic blood so she's likely intolerant / allergic to something I'm eating . no butter, crackers, chocolate , peanut butter etc... It's going to be an adjustment worse yet is that the 80 ounces of milk I have stored in the freezer for when I go back to work next week is useless until she gets older and outgrows whatever it is she is allergic to.
im so sad and now I'll likely have to supplement if I don't make enough while I work the first few weeks .
Dr gave alimentum hypoallergenic formula . I hope I don't have to use it.
I was on an elimination diet while pregnant. It definitely sucks. I would look into foods that cause an inflammatory response in the body- tomatoes, dairy, gluten, nuts. You're right about tomatoes and other night shades. They can be really harsh on our digestive systems.
For those of you pumping...is your supply keeping up with your LOs needs? DS will be 7 wks on Monday and this week he has been eating more than before 4-5 oz each time (3-4 hours). I feel like I can barely keep up. I'm afraid that I won't be able to produce more if he starts to need more. I don't want to use my saved stash so soon. I get about an oz per hour. I try to pump every 3-4 hours during the day and 5-6 hours once at night (trying to get some sleep). The max I have produced is 7oz combined (after waiting 6 hours or so).
I both pump and breastfeed, but I pump more often. DS (also 7 weeks) eats 3-3.5 oz at a time and I get 4-5 oz each daytime session. At night I get anywhere from 6-8 oz. Can you squeeze in an extra pumping session or two, just to let your body know you need more milk?
I both pump and breastfeed, but I pump more often. DS (also 7 weeks) eats 3-3.5 oz at a time and I get 4-5 oz each daytime session. At night I get anywhere from 6-8 oz. Can you squeeze in an extra pumping session or two, just to let your body know you need more milk?
I could pump once more at night but my sleep it's hard during the day because LO is so clingy lately that I can't always completely empty pump all the way. I try to do it when he naps but it's like he can sense it because he often gets fussy or wakes in the middle of it.
I both pump and breastfeed, but I pump more often. DS (also 7 weeks) eats 3-3.5 oz at a time and I get 4-5 oz each daytime session. At night I get anywhere from 6-8 oz. Can you squeeze in an extra pumping session or two, just to let your body know you need more milk?
I could pump once more at night but my sleep it's hard during the day because LO is so clingy lately that I can't always completely empty pump all the way. I try to do it when he naps but it's like he can sense it because he often gets fussy or wakes in the middle of it.
Mine does the same thing! I used to EP but he'd always decide that he needed me in the middle of a pumping session. For me, it was easier to make breastfeeding work at least a few times per day.
At at night I just pump when DS wakes up to take a bottle from DH. Getting up just to pump sucks, but you might have to lose some (more) sleep to get more milk!
Babies must know there's milk around, mine does the same! I've gotten pretty good at giving LO a bottle with him resting on my legs while I pump. It kills my back though. If I'm alone I'll do that or I'll pump immediately after he's eaten & can be content for a few mins.
I have a feeling my supply is dropping. I EBF so I have no idea how many ounces Thomas eats or I produce. However, my boobs feel soft pretty much all of the time now and he only nurses for a few minutes every 2 hours- 5 minutes tops. This happened suddenly. I have always felt firm in between feedings up until a couple of days ago. Thomas is 7.5 weeks. Do you think my supply is finally regulated or could it be dropping?
eta: I think I'm starting my period. Maybe that's something to do with it?
I have a feeling my supply is dropping. I EBF so I have no idea how many ounces Thomas eats or I produce. However, my boobs feel soft pretty much all of the time now and he only nurses for a few minutes every 2 hours- 5 minutes tops. This happened suddenly. I have always felt firm in between feedings up until a couple of days ago. Thomas is 7.5 weeks. Do you think my supply is finally regulated or could it be dropping?
eta: I think I'm starting my period. Maybe that's something to do with it?
The same thing is happening to me (only I BF and pump) and my period just started today at 7 w 5 days PP. My supply didn't drop drastically - I was getting 4-5 oz each session and now it's between 3.5 and 4.
I have a feeling my supply is dropping. I EBF so I have no idea how many ounces Thomas eats or I produce. However, my boobs feel soft pretty much all of the time now and he only nurses for a few minutes every 2 hours- 5 minutes tops. This happened suddenly. I have always felt firm in between feedings up until a couple of days ago. Thomas is 7.5 weeks. Do you think my supply is finally regulated or could it be dropping?
eta: I think I'm starting my period. Maybe that's something to do with it?
Re: Breastfeeding Thread
i try to make a bottle last 15-20 min.
dr Browns with a preemie nipple helps
I know LO and myself both need to be treated at the same time. Do I have to call both my OB and his pediatrician or can one of them treat both of us? Not sure who to call first in the morning.
Luckily I can't see any large sores in the LO's mouth so hopefully we caught it before it gets bad for her!
But is could also be a clogged duct or mastitis.
Id wait on dietary supplements to increase pumped milk. I started at 1.5 oz and now I get between 3-5 each morning. Not stellar, but good enough to start a stockpile.
no butter, crackers, chocolate , peanut butter etc... It's going to be an adjustment
worse yet is that the 80 ounces of milk I have stored in the freezer for when I go back to work next week is useless until she gets older and outgrows whatever it is she is allergic to.
im so sad and now I'll likely have to supplement if I don't make enough while I work the first few weeks .
Dr gave alimentum hypoallergenic formula .
I hope I don't have to use it.
And don't feel bad about supplementing. It can be a good thing! We had to supplement in the hospital because LO had low blood sugar, and we still supplement even now. It's made breastfeeding easier for us.
When LO is frantically hungry, she won't latch. She gets too frustrated. So I give her a little bit of the bottle, then offer the breast. The bottle gets her to calm down, and then she can latch onto the boob properly.
On top of that, I just don't have a good supply. Even though I pump as well, I just don't make a lot. I'm lucky to get 2oz total in one session. Usually I only get 1oz, which isn't enough. I'd rather supplement and have a happy baby with a full belly
Also, maybe you could sell or donate your stored milk locally so it's not a complete loss?
Can you squeeze in an extra pumping session or two, just to let your body know you need more milk?
At at night I just pump when DS wakes up to take a bottle from DH. Getting up just to pump sucks, but you might have to lose some (more) sleep to get more milk!
eta: I think I'm starting my period. Maybe that's something to do with it?