I'm feeling down about BFing and O really have no one to blame but myself.
My LO was a preemie and was fed via a tube for the first month. We got the hang of BFing with a nipple shield as his suction was still too weak when he was so wee and he was always fine with the bottle. I have zero supply issues and have a massive freezer stash.
But I just can't seem to ditch the shield. We've been home for almost 7 weeks now and we still use the shield. At this point I can't even fathom a hold where he would latch properly without it and which would be comfortable with me. And I've tried all the holds which are supposed to be wonderful for easy nursing (laid back, side by side) and they simply don't work. I've reached out to some lactation consultants as of yesterday. However, I was disheartened to find that the LC which would have been easiest to use (she works out of my midwives' office just up the street from me) was one of my least favourite nurses at the hospital.
This is just a vent really. I just hate breastfeeding and contemplate EPing all the time. I hate the scratching at my breast, the time it takes, the thought of public feeding. I'm also mad at myself for letting this go on for so long without calling an LC and wonder now if it's too late for my baby to learn correct latch.
Does anyone have experience with a baby relearning correct larch after so long?
@seasalt123 I think it's still totally doable! My son was bottle fed for the first 2 weeks, then moved to the shield until he was like 3 months and then slowly transitioned off the shield and he EBF'ed til 16 months. I transitioned by latching him on initially with the shield, waiting until my milk let down, then popping him off and removing the shield and latching him back on. FWIW, the laid back & side lying holds never worked for me until my son was older and had better control, I had to be sitting up, with the boppy and lots of pillows supporting me, in order to get him latched on appropriately.
Thanks @bellodomani that makes me feel a bit better. My issue with him is that he doesn't latch properly or gives up his latch several minutes in. He seems keen on BF'ing sans shield but doesn't seem to have the skill set anymore to latch on. I almost regret going with the shield even though at the time I was just desperate to get going on oral feeds so that we would graduate from the NICU.
@seasalt123 is the shield preventing anything? I only ask because for the past week and a half I've been using a shield because my nipples were so sore. Every time I think about not using it l, I back out because I know it's the least painful. Just didn't know if it was a personal thing for you to not use it or if there are negative effects to using a shield?
@seasalt123 is the shield preventing anything? I only ask because for the past week and a half I've been using a shield because my nipples were so sore. Every time I think about not using it l, I back out because I know it's the least painful. Just didn't know if it was a personal thing for you to not use it or if there are negative effects to using a shield?
It's a hassle and prevents BFing if I am out anywhere as it pretty much obliterates discretion. I just feel envious of those moms who can BF without the ordeal of having to use it.
@seasalt123 You shouldn't regret the shield though, because IMO the newborn stage is all about doing what works to survive until it doesn't work anymore, and then you troubleshoot it and change strategies. I've had to see an LC after leaving the hospital with both babies, and I've always been really pleased with the results. Both times it was just small tweaks in positioning and hold that made it click for us, so if you're able to meet with a reputable LC I bet you guys will totally be able to make it work.
@seasalt123 I think it's still totally doable! My son was bottle fed for the first 2 weeks, then moved to the shield until he was like 3 months and then slowly transitioned off the shield and he EBF'ed til 16 months. I transitioned by latching him on initially with the shield, waiting until my milk let down, then popping him off and removing the shield and latching him back on. FWIW, the laid back & side lying holds never worked for me until my son was older and had better control, I had to be sitting up, with the boppy and lots of pillows supporting me, in order to get him latched on appropriately.
@seasalt123 Pretty much all of this is true for my first except we were able to sloooowly wean off the shield starting at 2 months using the same method as @Bellodomani. Kiddo number 2 is almost 5 weeks and also using the shield (I have crap nipples that make it really difficult to latch, and he has a tongue tie that will be fixed soon), but hopefully we can start to try without it soon. I know how you're feeling, and it sucks! I hate the shield with a passion, but I also love it because BFing wouldn't be possible without it. Hang in there, especially with a decent lactation consultant you'll figure it out. It's definitely not too late.
I really hate the way fullness/engorgement feels. I'm lying here waiting for baby to wake up and relieve me. Crazy how nature works like that, making us need each other in this way. I'm so tired. Good bye.
We've been having a great few days of nursing, have barely needed to supplement with bottle, but in MOTN I can't get her to latch. She wakes up but is still so sleepy that she won't latch and just lazily has it in her mouth so it falls out and then makes a mess leaking everywhere. Any tips on helping her latch when she's half asleep during the MOTN?
I really hate the way fullness/engorgement feels. I'm lying here waiting for baby to wake up and relieve me. Crazy how nature works like that, making us need each other in this way. I'm so tired. Good bye.
This.. I drove myself mental because DH rented a movie last night and I stayed up until *GASP* 1030 watching as much as I could before putting Evie down (she's usually down no later than 10). I assumed I was missing out on sleep and that she'd be up by 230 like normal. Nope. Homegirl slept until 4 (holy 5.5 hour stretch!!!) and I was up at 2.. Then 245.... Then 330 because I was just begging her to get up due to my boobs hurting SO MUCH. Even if she slept throughout the night at this point, I'd have to get up to pump. Now as she's eating from one side, I'm counting down until I switch her to the other boob so I can be relieved.
I'm feeling down about BFing and O really have no one to blame but myself.
My LO was a preemie and was fed via a tube for the first month. We got the hang of BFing with a nipple shield as his suction was still too weak when he was so wee and he was always fine with the bottle. I have zero supply issues and have a massive freezer stash.
But I just can't seem to ditch the shield. We've been home for almost 7 weeks now and we still use the shield. At this point I can't even fathom a hold where he would latch properly without it and which would be comfortable with me. And I've tried all the holds which are supposed to be wonderful for easy nursing (laid back, side by side) and they simply don't work. I've reached out to some lactation consultants as of yesterday. However, I was disheartened to find that the LC which would have been easiest to use (she works out of my midwives' office just up the street from me) was one of my least favourite nurses at the hospital.
This is just a vent really. I just hate breastfeeding and contemplate EPing all the time. I hate the scratching at my breast, the time it takes, the thought of public feeding. I'm also mad at myself for letting this go on for so long without calling an LC and wonder now if it's too late for my baby to learn correct latch.
Does anyone have experience with a baby relearning correct larch after so long?
No advice here; just want you to know you're not alone. My twins were 32 weeks as well when they were born and we used the nipple shield in nicu because I wanted breastfeeding to work si badly so we could go home. Now that we're home I can swing a few feeds a day then I am just emotionally drained and pump the rest of the time. I don't know whether to do nipple shield permanently or EP. And I have pretty much accepted I'll never be able to bf in public.
I really hate the way fullness/engorgement feels. I'm lying here waiting for baby to wake up and relieve me. Crazy how nature works like that, making us need each other in this way. I'm so tired. Good bye.
This.. I drove myself mental because DH rented a movie last night and I stayed up until *GASP* 1030 watching as much as I could before putting Evie down (she's usually down no later than 10). I assumed I was missing out on sleep and that she'd be up by 230 like normal. Nope. Homegirl slept until 4 (holy 5.5 hour stretch!!!) and I was up at 2.. Then 245.... Then 330 because I was just begging her to get up due to my boobs hurting SO MUCH. Even if she slept throughout the night at this point, I'd have to get up to pump. Now as she's eating from one side, I'm counting down until I switch her to the other boob so I can be relieved.
Oh my god yes! It's such a mental battle to stick to one side per feeding, I do it because she needs the hind milk but its so hard to wait for full relief.
I keep a manual pump by my bed to help engorgement. I also am a one side per feed mom, but I tried to game the system last night now that she's sleeping longer. She usually goes 18-25 minutes per feed. Once we got past 20 minutes, I switched sides for about 4 minutes since I was already feeling full on the other. I knew I'd never make it 4-5 hours. it worked okay.
I never ended up switching sides because she passed out.. Luckily she's up again to relieve that side (which I felt was about to explode), but now the other side is feeling full again... I'm going to have to use my manual pump after this feeding. Sleeping on these rocks is a B!
I let it go to long this morning and now have a low grade fever and body aches, yaaaaaaay. I took Advil, pumped one side and now nursing on the other. FX the fever stays low. I have no symptoms of a clogged duct, mastitis, or any other illness. I seem prone to this, ugh! I have my 6 week appt on Tuesday and will def talk to my OB about it.
@LadySamLady I have the same one as @missnc77 - Medela Harmony. Definitely Easy and portable. I haven't checked my temp and I'm not sure what a clogged duct feels like, but my boobs are definitely sore. I pumped both sides after she last nursed and massaged my breasts while doing so, however I do feel a knot in one that is tender to the touch and another tender spot on the other but nothing unmanageable.
@LadySamLady if you're prone to plugged ducts, you may want to look into taking lecithin. I found last time too, that if I went longer overnight and was sleeping on my side or stomach putting pressure on the breast, I was more likely to end up plugged than sleeping on my back. Also, another shout out for the Medela Harmony. It was my backup pump last time.
Just curious.... How many nursing bras do y'all have in rotation? Do you wear them everyday? I'm wondering how many I should stock up with.
i feel like this is silly, but need to ask too. I've been reading posts about people saying they were told to wear sports bras to dry up their supply, but that is surely all the time. I wouldn't see any effect from wearing an hour a day while I workout, would I?
Just curious.... How many nursing bras do y'all have in rotation? Do you wear them everyday? I'm wondering how many I should stock up with.
i feel like this is silly, but need to ask too. I've been reading posts about people saying they were told to wear sports bras to dry up their supply, but that is surely all the time. I wouldn't see any effect from wearing an hour a day while I workout, would I?
I hear they have to be SUPER tight to dry you up - like some recommend using 2 sports bras when trying to dry yourself up, so I'm sure you're fine but nursing bras are so much more convenient and less tight. I have 2 wireless nursing bras and about 4 nursing tanks. I've been living in my same 3 maternity leggings, nursing tanks, and cardigans because it's the easiest for nursing. We are also really on top of laundry (we NEVER were before) - I think DH feels worthless since he can't feed so he does all of the house chores to feel productive.
I'm going to brag. I'm notorious for taking forever to get dressed, but the baby changes things. After feeding her at 8:30am-9:15ish, I made breakfast, ate it, went on my first post birth treadmill walk for 30 minutes and worked up a much needed sweat, showered, shaved, used a round brush to blow dry my hair, did full make-up, got dressed, and had a snack. All by 11:30am for her next feeding. I feel like super woman. I'm also so thankful it is Saturday, and my husband is home. I haven't changed one diaper since 5pm yesterday.
Disclaimer: We're going out for lunch after she eats, so I'm sure the day will have plenty of opportunities to knock me off my high horse. But for now, I'll pat myself on the back.
Edit - Ugh. I meant to post this to the weekly random thread. See, already failing.
In the past two days when Ezra latches onto one breast I feel this like pins and needles feeling, almost like my let down feeling but it's a bit more painful and its during feeding. What is this?
Just curious.... How many nursing bras do y'all have in rotation? Do you wear them everyday? I'm wondering how many I should stock up with.
i feel like this is silly, but need to ask too. I've been reading posts about people saying they were told to wear sports bras to dry up their supply, but that is surely all the time. I wouldn't see any effect from wearing an hour a day while I workout, would I?
I have like six nursing sleep bras and two wireless nursing bras I bought while pregnant that still fit me. I have to wear something every day and night with a nursing pad, or else I risk leaking all over the place. Mostly I just stick to the sleep bras, because my cup size can change depending on how recently I've nursed/pumped. I've already lost two of them though...pregnancy brain has turned into sleep-deprived mom brain and I can't find them anywhere. :P
I have 3 really great underwire nursing bras from Motherhood Maternity that make me look like my normal self in clothes. I also have 2 sleeping nursing bras and 2 without underwire. I have big, heavy boobs so those last 4 leave me droopy and feeling unsupported. I don't like them and only wear them to sleep or around the house. I prefer the support of my underwire bras. I also have 2 nursing tanks that I can wear with or without a bra. They don't provide me the best support but it's a lot better then the ones I mentioned before. I wear the tanks alone depending on what type of shirt I wear.
The nice thing about the tanks is how well they help with feedings in public. I just dug out two spanx like tanks though that actually work better for me. The boob part is cut out so my underwire bras are exposed. The tank just covers my tummy and provides a more tight fit, which I want, then my nursing tanks. Here's a picture I found that might help you understand.
In the past two days when Ezra latches onto one breast I feel this like pins and needles feeling, almost like my let down feeling but it's a bit more painful and its during feeding. What is this?
This is what it felt like when I got thrush with DS1
In the past two days when Ezra latches onto one breast I feel this like pins and needles feeling, almost like my let down feeling but it's a bit more painful and its during feeding. What is this?
This is what it felt like when I got thrush with DS1
Oh no! He doesn't have any spots in his mouth and the "pain" is more just intense pins and needles. I've been trying to increase my supply by pumping but stopped last week because I felt like it was throwing me off the rhythms of my baby. Could it be just an intense let down?
In the past two days when Ezra latches onto one breast I feel this like pins and needles feeling, almost like my let down feeling but it's a bit more painful and its during feeding. What is this?
This is what it felt like when I got thrush with DS1
This is what I was just going to say. DD and I have thrush and she's had symptoms for over a week but my boobs have felt the pins and needles feeling for a couple days now.
Question about thrush... Will it be really obvious or no? From reading this thread I'm wondering if we have it because LO has white on the back of his tongue (but maybe it's just leftover milk from his last feed?) and I do get the pins and needles sensation but not all the time. No sores on LO either. Could it be a mild case? I'm going to a breastfeeding moms group at my hospital tomorrow but thought I'd see what you all think first. Love this thread!
@babyfmama DD's ped told us yesterday that it's super hard to diagnose thrush simply from seeing white patches on the tongue. I was really upset because DD has been so fussy for over a week, spitting up excessively, has had red spots on her butt that absolutely will not go away, and white on her tongue that I thought was milk and after my nipples became super sore and I got the pins and needle feeling along with bright pink nipples, it all came together. I was crying to the pediatrician for not catching it sooner and now she has white patches on her lip, inside of her cheeks, and roof of her mouth. I personally had a hard time telling that anything was wrong with my breasts because the pins and needles, aches and pains, and sore nipples of thrush don't feel all that different from my regular sensations from being a breastfeeding/pumping mom. If your DS doesn't have any signs of thrush and if your breasts/nipples don't feel different from your regular sensations then I'd say just keep an eye on his mouth and see if that white on the back of his tongue spreads or if you start to see any white patches on the sides of his mouth, on his lips, or on the roof of his mouth. From what I understand, the bright pink sore nipples on mom are a fairly good sign that there's thrush.
Forgive me if this question has already been answered but I didnt have the patience to read all 14 pages and didn't see when I searched . How can i successfully pump and feed at the same time? I want to be able to have SO feed her at least a bottle a day so that they can bond too and I want to be able to successfully pump for when she has to go to daycare so that I won't have to ff. Kirra is 10 days old and a fantastic latcher/eater. I currently have a Medaella manual breast pump and can't get my electric one until the middle of July. Currently, when I pump I only get a combined 1/2 oz or so. That seems so low! She eats pretty often and has had fabulous weight gain so am I doing something wrong? My LC told me to pump after every feed to get out what she hasn't ate but what comes out is an immeasurably small amount so I just pump during her naps but I'm afraid she'll wake up and I'll be empty. Advice please!
How fast do you go through those little nipple pads? I bought a huge box of disposable ones to get me through the begining and until I could make some washable ones. It's been 2 weeks and 2 days and I'm nearly out! I didn't realize I'd be leaking so much!
@1mae2016 I pump and nurse at the same time sometimes. It works, but I haven't noticed more output. It may be that you need a different flange size? I would look into it to rule it out.
@lalala2004 i have two different sizes. They both work ok, neither really gives me a better result. Sometimes the bigger one gets things going a little quicker but I end up with the same output either way.
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
My LO was a preemie and was fed via a tube for the first month. We got the hang of BFing with a nipple shield as his suction was still too weak when he was so wee and he was always fine with the bottle. I have zero supply issues and have a massive freezer stash.
But I just can't seem to ditch the shield. We've been home for almost 7 weeks now and we still use the shield. At this point I can't even fathom a hold where he would latch properly without it and which would be comfortable with me. And I've tried all the holds which are supposed to be wonderful for easy nursing (laid back, side by side) and they simply don't work. I've reached out to some lactation consultants as of yesterday. However, I was disheartened to find that the LC which would have been easiest to use (she works out of my midwives' office just up the street from me) was one of my least favourite nurses at the hospital.
This is just a vent really. I just hate breastfeeding and contemplate EPing all the time. I hate the scratching at my breast, the time it takes, the thought of public feeding. I'm also mad at myself for letting this go on for so long without calling an LC and wonder now if it's too late for my baby to learn correct latch.
Does anyone have experience with a baby relearning correct larch after so long?
@Kennedy0830 @missnc77 what kind of manual pumps do you have? I think I need one.
I have a Medela Harmony. https://www.target.com/p/medela-harmony-manual-breast-pump/-/A-528690?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=t&location=9029827&gclid=CObs2t_ajs0CFQ6maQodkwANsg&gclsrc=aw.ds
I've heard they are also useful once you introduce a bottle and get out of the house more. That way you can release engorgment on the go.
i feel like this is silly, but need to ask too. I've been reading posts about people saying they were told to wear sports bras to dry up their supply, but that is surely all the time. I wouldn't see any effect from wearing an hour a day while I workout, would I?
Disclaimer: We're going out for lunch after she eats, so I'm sure the day will have plenty of opportunities to knock me off my high horse. But for now, I'll pat myself on the back.
Edit - Ugh. I meant to post this to the weekly random thread. See, already failing.
I have like six nursing sleep bras and two wireless nursing bras I bought while pregnant that still fit me. I have to wear something every day and night with a nursing pad, or else I risk leaking all over the place. Mostly I just stick to the sleep bras, because my cup size can change depending on how recently I've nursed/pumped. I've already lost two of them though...pregnancy brain has turned into sleep-deprived mom brain and I can't find them anywhere. :P
I also have 2 nursing tanks that I can wear with or without a bra. They don't provide me the best support but it's a lot better then the ones I mentioned before. I wear the tanks alone depending on what type of shirt I wear.
The nice thing about the tanks is how well they help with feedings in public. I just dug out two spanx like tanks though that actually work better for me. The boob part is cut out so my underwire bras are exposed. The tank just covers my tummy and provides a more tight fit, which I want, then my nursing tanks.
Here's a picture I found that might help you understand.
DD: 05/14/16
How can i successfully pump and feed at the same time? I want to be able to have SO feed her at least a bottle a day so that they can bond too and I want to be able to successfully pump for when she has to go to daycare so that I won't have to ff.
Kirra is 10 days old and a fantastic latcher/eater. I currently have a Medaella manual breast pump and can't get my electric one until the middle of July. Currently, when I pump I only get a combined 1/2 oz or so. That seems so low! She eats pretty often and has had fabulous weight gain so am I doing something wrong? My LC told me to pump after every feed to get out what she hasn't ate but what comes out is an immeasurably small amount so I just pump during her naps but I'm afraid she'll wake up and I'll be empty. Advice please!