Abby and I were doing fine with the only eating off one boob and me pumping the other for the freezer. Then I got mastitis in my pump breast and I made the mistake of telling my ob how I do it. And she said no baby should be eating off both breast. So I started latching on pump side. First off it feels super uncomfortable. Abby hates it. And it doesn't give off as much as the left. I think my real problem was not pumping at night. So my question is- is there any real problem with keep how I was going in the first place (feeding on one, pumping the other) I feel like it's less stressful on me and the baby
The only thing I'm aware of that you might want to consider is potential over supply issues. If you pump one breast while feeding from the other frequently, your body thinks its feeding twins and will make more milk to accommodate.
Abby and I were doing fine with the only eating off one boob and me pumping the other for the freezer. Then I got mastitis in my pump breast and I made the mistake of telling my ob how I do it. And she said no baby should be eating off both breast. So I started latching on pump side. First off it feels super uncomfortable. Abby hates it. And it doesn't give off as much as the left. I think my real problem was not pumping at night. So my question is- is there any real problem with keep how I was going in the first place (feeding on one, pumping the other) I feel like it's less stressful on me and the baby
The only thing I'm aware of that you might want to consider is potential over supply issues. If you pump one breast while feeding from the other frequently, your body thinks its feeding twins and will make more milk to accommodate.
I *am* feeding twins and my body hasn't caught on yet. Le sigh.
Abby and I were doing fine with the only eating off one boob and me pumping the other for the freezer. Then I got mastitis in my pump breast and I made the mistake of telling my ob how I do it. And she said no baby should be eating off both breast. So I started latching on pump side. First off it feels super uncomfortable. Abby hates it. And it doesn't give off as much as the left. I think my real problem was not pumping at night. So my question is- is there any real problem with keep how I was going in the first place (feeding on one, pumping the other) I feel like it's less stressful on me and the baby
The only thing I'm aware of that you might want to consider is potential over supply issues. If you pump one breast while feeding from the other frequently, your body thinks its feeding twins and will make more milk to accommodate.
Ekk!! You ladies are so smart I never even thought about that. Thanks!
So I scratched open the milk blister expecting immediate relief, but nothing came out that I saw with the manual pump. I then fed her before bed, but my entire nipple hurts without touching. I feel like I made it worse. I put some polysporin on it so it wouldn't get infected. Now at 3am, I'm trying to feed on one side with her falling off then wanting on, and I'm trying to pump the other side to keep it from getting engorged.
I'm at my whit's end. This is making me really hate these early weeks, and I'm about to throw in the breastfeeding towel.
I'm also at my wit's end with this whole ordeal. I woke up to plugged ducts again because I slept too long and didn't pump when I had to (currently going through the heat, pump, cold compress shenanigans. Ironically, pumping often to resolve this issue will cause my oversupply to come back, sigh). I am so tired of solving this boobs puzzle and dealing with the pain and mental game. I'm also ready to throw in the towel but I'll keep trying. I've decided that once I go back to work, and I still haven't solved the issue then that's it. I'm done.
Just know whatever you choose to do, you're doing what's best for you and your baby. Healthy and happy mom is much more important than anything.
@missnc77, I'm trying to channel my inner @araecasey, but don't give up yet! You're feeling sick and your OB clealy needs a swift kick, so everything must feel magnified right now. Please get to an urgent care, get some medication, and then see how you feel. BFing is challenging on even my best day, I can't even imagine it on my worst. You're doing great so far and have toughed it out when others might not have, get yourself healthy and then decide what's best for you and your LO. Hugs and I hope you feel better soon.
@missnc77 Hugs, lady! I hope you're feeling a little better by now. If not, definitely get to a doctor for antibiotics. If you have a really stubborn plugged duct now that the blister is open, other things that may help are: --Using a manual pump while in the shower. Really let the water get warm over the breast as you massage towards the nipple and pump. You could hand express too if that works better for you. -- Warm-compress, then dangle-feed. My favorite warm compress is filling a diaper with warm water; it holds the heat much longer than cloth and forms around the breast easily. To dangle feed, I think it is easiest over a changing table. Basically, lay LO down and breastfeed letting the boob hang down away from your body. Sometimes the extra gravity-assistance helps. If it's any consolation, plugged ducts/mastitis are way more common at the beginning and during weaning. Once you get in a supply groove by 8 weeks or so, they're much less common.
I'm feeling better this morning, and my right boob is getting drained by LO. It was a crazy night. She's 5 weeks today, and I'm wondering if she is hitting a growth spurt. She normally eats for 20 minutes. 10:30pm she ate for 40. Then up at 2:45am and ate for 30-40 betwee then and 4am. Then continued to cry, so I fed again for 10 minutes at 4:45. She finally fell asleep. We're now 26 minutes into a feeding.
@tgortney I'm waiting until our 2 month appointment before making any big decisions. But I think you're my breastfeeding spirit animal. I'd like to push at least until I go back to work. I have a feeling that I'll keep saying just a little longer though. Maybe pumping during the day at work will be a saving grace? As miserable as it is right now, I feel like I've made it this far, and it's hard to give up.
@missnc77 your motherly intuition is spot on - 4.5-5.5 is a wonder week! Not sure if it's been mentioned here before but the wonder weeks app and book are really great for understanding when LO is going through developmental leaps.
@missnc77 when do you go back to work? I'm going back August 1st and that means I'm giving it a good solid 3 months. I have nothing better to do but defeat this challenge. Honestly, I really hope I get the hang of this and figure out my boobs because the constant pain is really messing with me. FX you figure out what's best for you. At least you're not alone in this frustration. This crap is tough.
@camillaandcarson and @kbrands7, so I'm EBFing and LO just had a diaper full of green poop. He's had the classic yellow, mustard seed like poop since he cleared out all of the meconium at the hospital 8 weeks ago. Should I be worried? Of course it's almost 2 AM Saturday morning and the pedi is closed until Monday. Why don't weird things confine themselves to business hours?
@camillaandcarson and @kbrands7, so I'm EBFing and LO just had a diaper full of green poop. He's had the classic yellow, mustard seed like poop since he cleared out all of the meconium at the hospital 8 weeks ago. Should I be worried? Of course it's almost 2 AM Saturday morning and the pedi is closed until Monday. Why don't weird things confine themselves to business hours?
Holly sometimes has greenish poop, which I've been told is normal and OK. Some say it indicates a hindmilk/foremilk imbalance but I've also read studies that debunk the whole idea of hindmilk/foremilk so who knows. I find that if I feed her longer on each breast, not always switching sides during a feeding, her poop is yellow.
@lbachran I'm pretty sure green is still a normal color for BF baby's poop. My DS's poop has gone back to being more brownish after having the bright yellow poop for a while.
@Ibachran As pp said, green is still normal range for bf. It could be a bit too much foremilk if anything. If it's also very mucousy, it could indicate that something you ate didn't sit right with LO. Otherwise, it's fine!
@LadySamLady, I saw the hindmilk/foremilk imbalance and woke up DH stating "I broke my breasts. I don't know how, but they're broken and LO is going to starve!" Thank you @lalala2004 and @LadySamLady, you two are much more reassuring than the the after hours line with "Ma'am that's not an emergency. " I'm a FTM, he can look at me funny and I'll find a way to connect it to the worst possible option!
I wouldn't be concerned at all as green is within the realm of normal for infant poop. Also if baby recently had the rotavirus vaccine that can be a side effect. It was with my first baby.
DD is 6 days old so I'm not sure if I missed this topic earlier in the month. She's nursing great but her last two feedings have literally been projectile vomitted at me before I even have a chance to reposition her to burp her. I have a big supply and am wondering if she's getting too much too fast? Do I need to stop her mid feed to burp?
My latest lactation consultant visit ended in a recommendation to have a moderate top lip tie taken care of by an ENT. When I discussed with LO's pediatrician she stated that it was unlikely to do anything. I've been on the edge of jumping ship and going over to exclusively pumping. I'm torn as if it's possibly not going to change anything I don't want to put LO through a procedure.
What would you do? Part of me thinks I need to explore this so I know I've exhausted all efforts to make this work. Otherwise I'm not sure I'll make it to 6 weeks with my current breakdown of breastfeeding 2-3 times per day and pumping 5-6 times per day.
@TinaTho anyone I've talked to who had a lip tie revised saw almost immediate results. DS1 had a lip tie that we just struggled through and he eventually learned an efficient latch. It still bothers hI'm sometimes as a toddler, sowe still may haveit lasered. DS2 had a tongue tie that we had revised with immediately positive results. He has a lip tie as well that I've been coaching him through by flangung his top lip for him as he eats, but I'm having him evaluated by an ENT hopefully this week. I'm waiting on them to call me with an appointment time.
Hi folks - I'm 3.5 weeks postpartum and am having a really hard time with breastfeeding for a number of reasons. One of my current issues is about supply changing drastically for one boob. I used to get two to three ounces out of my right side when pumping no problem and it always outperformed the left. In the past few days it started hurting in an all over / non-specific type of way. Generally hurting more when LO starts eating but then settling down into a constant ache all over even when I'm not feeding him. Now right boob gives max one ounce during pumping and always the same or less than the left side. I'm a bit concerned that my supply on this side has dropped so drastically so quickly and also obviously want to try and reduce my pain. Any ideas? I've seen six lactation consultants, two since this issue started, and all I've been told is that it's nerve pain and to take supplements to increase my supply. But it's frustrating since my supply used to be so good only a few days ago. Note that I use a nipple shield (because of other BF challenges I won't get into now) in case that matters. Thanks.
So I've been EBF for almost four weeks and was finally able to ditch the nipple sheild last week. However for the last two days have been having incredible pain on my areola on my left side. I think maybe it is a plugged duct but not sure. Everything I read says hard spots on the breast- well where on the breast? Does the nipple count? And also a how hard is the lump? My areola on the right side is completely soft all around and on the left side it feels denser where it hurts but I wouldn't say hard. It hurts so bad! Like almost tears when DD nurses on that side. I've even taken to pumping because it doesn't hurt as much. I'm seeing my midwife on Tuesday but any advice before then is much appreciated!!
So I've been EBF for almost four weeks and was finally able to ditch the nipple sheild last week. However for the last two days have been having incredible pain on my areola on my left side. I think maybe it is a plugged duct but not sure. Everything I read says hard spots on the breast- well where on the breast? Does the nipple count? And also a how hard is the lump? My areola on the right side is completely soft all around and on the left side it feels denser where it hurts but I wouldn't say hard. It hurts so bad! Like almost tears when DD nurses on that side. I've even taken to pumping because it doesn't hurt as much. I'm seeing my midwife on Tuesday but any advice before then is much appreciated!!
sounds like the start of a blocked duct to me. When LO feeds try massaging the area to work the duct loose. Keep feeding, you got this!
ive also been having pain when not using the nipple shield so I've been using it on and off. I have been getting clear blisters when not using it and unsure if it's from a bad latch or the fact that she nurses for 30-60 min and half of that time is pacifying (I'm starting to take her off/wake her up so she just eats). Going to a LC group on Thursday to figure it out but I also know you have to 'tough' out the pain for a bit before it gets better, so we'll see if it's a bad latch/lazy eating issue or if my nipples just need some time to get used to it and suffer through the pain.
@Kennedy0830 I'm sorry that you're feeling pain. Blisters are generally a sign of a narrow latch. The LC group should be able to help. It may be as simple as a narrow comfort sucking latch. Besides trying to cut down the comfort sucking as you mentioned, in the meantime, you could try to be sure that she's really dropping her jaw and flanging her upper lip when she eats. If she's doing both and you're still getting pain and new blisters, I'd suggest having her checked for a tongue tie. GL!
Dang it. Too many nighttime feedings in the laying position (always on the right side) got me lopsided! I did this to myself! Now I gotta work on even-ing myself out.
Also, anybody BF and introducing a binkie? My lo has been doing A LOT of comfort nursing, and my nips are getting very sore. My husband thinks a binkie and some snuggles would do the trick. Probably still can't put him down but at least my nipples won't feel like they're being attacked
Dang it. Too many nighttime feedings in the laying position (always on the right side) got me lopsided! I did this to myself! Now I gotta work on even-ing myself out.
Also, anybody BF and introducing a binkie? My lo has been doing A LOT of comfort nursing, and my nips are getting very sore. My husband thinks a binkie and some snuggles would do the trick. Probably still can't put him down but at least my nipples won't feel like they're being attacked
I'm in the same boat and have been working on getting him to take a pacifier. I have tried just about every brand available and this past week he's just starting to take the avent soothies! Sometimes I cuddle him against me and give him the paci and he really seems to like it. Good luck!
Dang it. Too many nighttime feedings in the laying position (always on the right side) got me lopsided! I did this to myself! Now I gotta work on even-ing myself out.
Also, anybody BF and introducing a binkie? My lo has been doing A LOT of comfort nursing, and my nips are getting very sore. My husband thinks a binkie and some snuggles would do the trick. Probably still can't put him down but at least my nipples won't feel like they're being attacked
I made it six days and one three hour comfort nursing session in the middle of the night before we got a pacifier. Here are the tips I used to maintain my breastfeeding relationship: -for the first week, I only gave him a paci at night. After about two weeks I felt comfortable giving it to him at other times because I felt like he had learned about what it's for. -I only gave it (and continue) to give it only after breastfeeding. -I pay close attention to Ezra's feeding cues. He will latch and stay latched if he's hungry, he will latch and pop off after less than five minutes or continue to do rooting behavior when the nipple is in his mouth if he just needs comfort. -if Ezra pushes the paci out I take it away for a minute and when I give it back sometimes hell close his mouth. I wanna make sure I listen to him if he doesn't feel he needs it.
Some babies just like that comfort, and it's okay to give that to your baby. I love ultimately decided to give Ezra a paci because I thought our breastfeeding relationship was established and I thought it was dangerous for him to be so stressed so often and not be able to seek comfort.
My husband got him to take the Avent soothie. And he seems happy! Off BF topic but he could tell I was stressed and kicked me out to go check on my rabbits (I have 2) and haven't had much time for them since lo arrived.
I went on to say the constant cluster and then comfort feeding is exaughsting. Even though I love that I'm the one he needs. There's just so much I need to do for my family. its emotionally and physically draining. I know in hindsight I'm going to feel like this time went by too fast, but right now it's a struggle.
So I've been trying the side lying position but I can't get the hang of it. Gravity + piranha baby=painful nips. Is it possible my boobs are too big for that position? Anyone got advice?
So I've been trying the side lying position but I can't get the hang of it. Gravity + piranha baby=painful nips. Is it possible my boobs are too big for that position? Anyone got advice?
No advice because I haven't tried it, but my LC had said its good if you have a fast let down, but not good for painful nips. And that it's a little more work? So it sounds like it takes practice. Hopefully you get it worked out!
@LadySamLady When they're little like this, I think it's easiest to feed from the side you're laying on (ie right side, right boob) and lay baby a few inches higher up than where your nipple naturally falls, then use your top hand to bring boob up to the baby. (So, ex: lay on right side, feed from right boob, position boob with left hand, position baby with right arm or gave right arm under your head). This way, the other boob doesn't crowd the baby out. Once they are old enough to crawl or at least sit, side lying is super easy because they just position themselves where they're comfortable.
@ladysamlady I just bought the wonder weeks app and it's amazing! I bought the first chapter of the book and am going to try to find the full length version in a shop today. Thanks for the reco!
Over the past few days, LO has been feeding more frequently from me, and draining both breasts during almost every session (if not both breasts during a particular session, the next one will on average be less than an hour later). I haven't been able to pump because of this. On the nights he isn't working, DH has been covering the first couple of sessions with formula so I can sleep, and she seems to go longer between feedings during that time (she takes about 4oz formula-wise before she's satisfied, but back when I was pumping on the reg I'd fill a bottle with that much from one breast).
Does this sound like a growth spurt? Should I be supplementing her breast feeding during the day with a small amount of formula, or should I just ride this out? My nipples are about to fall off from the frequent feedings (she doesn't seem to want her paci at all)!
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
one breast while feeding from the other frequently, your body thinks its feeding twins and will make more milk to accommodate.
I'm also at my wit's end with this whole ordeal. I woke up to plugged ducts again because I slept too long and didn't pump when I had to (currently going through the heat, pump, cold compress shenanigans. Ironically, pumping often to resolve this issue will cause my oversupply to come back, sigh). I am so tired of solving this boobs puzzle and dealing with the pain and mental game. I'm also ready to throw in the towel but I'll keep trying. I've decided that once I go back to work, and I still haven't solved the issue then that's it. I'm done.
Just know whatever you choose to do, you're doing what's best for you and your baby. Healthy and happy mom is much more important than anything.
--Using a manual pump while in the shower. Really let the water get warm over the breast as you massage towards the nipple and pump. You could hand express too if that works better for you.
-- Warm-compress, then dangle-feed. My favorite warm compress is filling a diaper with warm water; it holds the heat much longer than cloth and forms around the breast easily. To dangle feed, I think it is easiest over a changing table. Basically, lay LO down and breastfeed letting the boob hang down away from your body. Sometimes the extra gravity-assistance helps. If it's any consolation, plugged ducts/mastitis are way more common at the beginning and during weaning. Once you get in a supply groove by 8 weeks or so, they're much less common.
@tgortney I'm waiting until our 2 month appointment before making any big decisions. But I think you're my breastfeeding spirit animal. I'd like to push at least until I go back to work. I have a feeling that I'll keep saying just a little longer though. Maybe pumping during the day at work will be a saving grace? As miserable as it is right now, I feel like I've made it this far, and it's hard to give up.
Also if baby recently had the rotavirus vaccine that can be a side effect. It was with my first baby.
My latest lactation consultant visit ended in a recommendation to have a moderate top lip tie taken care of by an ENT. When I discussed with LO's pediatrician she stated that it was unlikely to do anything. I've been on the edge of jumping ship and going over to exclusively pumping. I'm torn as if it's possibly not going to change anything I don't want to put LO through a procedure.
What would you do? Part of me thinks I need to explore this so I know I've exhausted all efforts to make this work. Otherwise I'm not sure I'll make it to 6 weeks with my current breakdown of breastfeeding 2-3 times per day and pumping 5-6 times per day.
sounds like the start of a blocked duct to me. When LO feeds try massaging the area to work the duct loose. Keep feeding, you got this!
Also, anybody BF and introducing a binkie? My lo has been doing A LOT of comfort nursing, and my nips are getting very sore. My husband thinks a binkie and some snuggles would do the trick. Probably still can't put him down but at least my nipples won't feel like they're being attacked
-for the first week, I only gave him a paci at night. After about two weeks I felt comfortable giving it to him at other times because I felt like he had learned about what it's for.
-I only gave it (and continue) to give it only after breastfeeding.
-I pay close attention to Ezra's feeding cues. He will latch and stay latched if he's hungry, he will latch and pop off after less than five minutes or continue to do rooting behavior when the nipple is in his mouth if he just needs comfort.
-if Ezra pushes the paci out I take it away for a minute and when I give it back sometimes hell close his mouth. I wanna make sure I listen to him if he doesn't feel he needs it.
Some babies just like that comfort, and it's okay to give that to your baby. I love ultimately decided to give Ezra a paci because I thought our breastfeeding relationship was established and I thought it was dangerous for him to be so stressed so often and not be able to seek comfort.
I went on to say the constant cluster and then comfort feeding is exaughsting. Even though I love that I'm the one he needs. There's just so much I need to do for my family. its emotionally and physically draining. I know in hindsight I'm going to feel like this time went by too fast, but right now it's a struggle.
Does this sound like a growth spurt? Should I be supplementing her breast feeding during the day with a small amount of formula, or should I just ride this out? My nipples are about to fall off from the frequent feedings (she doesn't seem to want her paci at all)!