Thanks @KarenBM13 and @TurtleMomma I also prefer my citations in text but I recognize that the general public does not, so I guess I can live with flipping to the back if I come across anything questionable. I'm going to go ahead and order
Thanks @KarenBM13 and @TurtleMomma I also prefer my citations in text but I recognize that the general public does not, so I guess I can live with flipping to the back if I come across anything questionable. I'm going to go ahead and order
No problem! Like you said, just a matter of preference. I'm still happy I bought it for a lot of the reasons @TurtleMomma mentioned, like the troubleshooting chapters. Just isn't a cover to cover read for me.
BTDT moms- Did any of you have issues with your milk letting down at regular feeding times if you didn't nurse LO right then? I remember after I had my routine going, once school started I missed a feeding/pumping time and ended up with a soaked shirt during class. Right on schedule too, my boobs didn't even give me a chance to be late.
@TurtleMomma I second being so thankful for your advice and expertise, and the fact that you can find time to share them with us! I can't find time to blow my nose, let alone reply to everyone.
AllyTheKid I had that issue early on after going back to work, but my body slowly adjusted to match my pumping schedule that I had while at work. I also shifted my pumping schedule towards the end of the day so I would pump shortly before leaving for the day knowing that as soon as I'd get home little one would want to nurse.
@LauraPCOS I would assume that's a possibility. As not being able to breastfeed doesn't necessarily mean you don't have milk, or that you have supply issues. Just like leaking doesn't mean you have an overabundance of milk.
Breastfeeding challenges can come from latching issues, infant lip or tongue ties, inverted nipples on Mom, fussy babies, etc. (these are all VERY general. I lucked out and had a successful breastfeeding relationship with DS, so I didn't personally experience challenges).
Thanks @F47. Both my bestie and my SIL were unsuccessful with BF due to lack of production, so I forget that there are other issues that could prevent it. I hope I'm able to, not because I'm a "breast is best" person (pa-lease! Considering my diet I should probably do formula, kid would get a better balance of nutrition!) - I just hate how much they gouge for formula.
That picture is hilarious! I remember doing that a lot when DS was little. Like, I'd be walking around topless to air my nipples and he would make a noise and then BOOM! Boob sprinklers.
But to answer your question any number of things can make breastfeeding difficult or unsuccessful. Whether or not you leak isn't an issue. My best advice is to do your research on how to be successful and just go from there. Do your best not to stress about not being successful.
FWIW, I never leaked when I was pregnant with DS and he's three and still nursing without issue. I haven't leaked at all so far (though I know the colostrum is there) and it doesn't bother me.
And besided, "success" is a relative term. Success in the eyes of one mom might be a failure in the eyes of another. What is most important is whatever *your* breastfeeding goals are. To one mom, her goal may be to exclusively breastfeed for 6 weeks and then go to formula and to meet that goal is success in her eyes. Another mom may want to BF till the babe weans naturally. Or another mom, who went through breast surgery at some point who may not be able to get a full supply might have a goal of only using formula 50% of the time and that is still a success in her eyes. Whatever *your* goals are are most important for defining success, not someone else's idea of success. If *you* meet *your* goals and are happy, that's what matters.
Very nicely said @TurtleMomma my goal is to have my baby fed and happy - if it's by my boob or bottle I don't care at the end of the day. Sure I have my "in an ideal world" goals, but unlike my SIL who refused to accept my attempt at giving her a bottle warmer and sterilizer (figured she'd need them eventually) because she was going to BF, and then ended up not being able to due to her breast reduction many years ago, I am prepared for feeding either way. I asked for a warmer and bottles, and I have a pump. This little guy is going to get chunky one way or another!
I need to start doing some reading. I didn't have a very successful nursing experience my first time around due to baby blues and lack of support. Baby blues hindered my ability to have common sense and figure out how to get help! And the LC my pedi wrote my a prescription for was over an hour away! And at that point I couldn't fathom getting myself anywhere that far away (I had just had a c section) and it was completely overwhelming to think about! And the one support group I went to gave me advice that Contridicted itself... And I didn't know what to believe! I'm gonna check out that book @turtlemomma! I would also be interested in your online class!
i need to look at some classes in the area but my funds are a little limited as I will most likely be back on full time bedrest soon and have already exhausted all my sick and vacation time.
Also those talking about nursing bras for big chested! I haven't explored the option but I heard Nordstrom can make any buy you bra into a nursing bra. Might not be good for right away since you aren't supposed to use underwire but maybe when you go back to work!
****Dirty Lurker***** @kelliott09 and anyone else looking for large nursing bras. I found some great ones with/without underwire on eBay. They are Jenunique and GODDESS brands. They were each under $30 including shipping. They also fit my 46K size pretty comfortably for sleeping and day wear.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I'll make a PSA next time my group is having an online meeting. I believe it will be the 25th of this month.
Does it matter your location?
No, they're on Facebook on a private page. They start at 8:15PM PST, so if you're on the east coast it might be a bit late. There is also a group in Alabama that does online meetings if that helps anyone.
I've heard of moms developing let down problems if they follow too strict a feeding/pumping schedule (for example like what is proscribed in BabyWise parenting) Maybe next time through try pumping before you would reach a "max out" time where you would start leaking?
I went to check out a local breastfeeding support group a few blocks from our house that meets every week (i plan on going when baby gets here!) Anyway, I'm pretty excited since it seems like they're super helpful and a good resource (they have a scale to weigh baby before and after feeding, etc).
I have a breastfeeding question: dh and I were at a prenatal class taught by a maternity nurse, and she mentioned that we strictly should NOT pump for 6 weeks, unless it's a hospital grade pump. Then after 6 weeks it would be ok on a store bought one. I thought that was the weirdest thing ever, but I am a ftm and my research has been mostly from this forum so... is that really a thing? Why would they recommend that?
@annabenanna - I ordered something like that too! The ones I ordered are called Milkies and just slip into the other side of the nursing bra. I'm interested to see how it goes and if they were worth the money
@annabenanna - I ordered something like that too! The ones I ordered are called Milkies and just slip into the other side of the nursing bra. I'm interested to see how it goes and if they were worth the money
ooooh @bnsmith85, now I'm off to google Milkies! lol. There are neverending gadgets. Have you looked up #breastfeeding hashtags/posts on instagram? It's a rabbit hole.
I just got 2 nursing bras in from Target. I like them because they're super comfortable but for some reason the clip seems kind of hard to do. Maybe I don't have the hang of it? Anyway, I give them a thumbs up for comfort for sure.
For some reason the link isn't working but it's these:
@Kittens22 A common recommendation is to avoid pumping at all until 4-6 weeks (if possible), so baby and boobs can adjust and establish a solid supply/routine. A hospital grade pump supposedly (??) has stronger suction to better mimic baby, so maybe that's why she recommends hospital grade if you need to pump during the first six weeks ... But, I personally think a regular pump is fine.
HOWEVER, I should note it's better to avoid any pumping in those early weeks if you can manage. I mentioned in a previous post that you shouldn't freak out about pumping for a freezer stash right away. By putting baby to breast on demand in the beginning, you'll establish a better supply for the long run.
And, when you run into trouble in those early weeks (and everyone does!), a pump should really be your last resort. A lactation consultant can help you with latch, positioning, etc., and practice makes perfect! It will be extremely frustrating, but the more you nurse, the easier it will be!
Question about pumps: what my insurance covers is limited. I chose the Medela Pump In Style out of the options we were presented. Does anyone have experience with that pump? Does it get the job done? I really wanted the Spectra S2 after reading reviews but insurance doesn't cover that one. It's only $120 on Amazon so I may switch to it if this one doesn't perform, but I would like input and to also not come out of pocket where it's not necessary.
The other options are: Tomy, Ameda, Natures Bond, and maybe one other that I can't remember.
@sjo_thetwins I am getting the Medela PISA too. Most all of my friends have had it and liked it. Other than that, I've got nothing so I'm interested to see what kind of responses you get!
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
@annabenanna@mommathoner - No offense intended, but there are parts of both your posts that I couldn't disagree more with...
While I realize this is the BFing thread, a) pumping is very much a part of breastfeeding, and b) you can only feed pumped milk via bottles (okay there's like the SNS and whatever, but MOST people are feeding with a bottle).
I feel the need to say something because the fact is that no one knows how things will go after baby gets here. There are lots of babies that have latching issues, tongue ties etc. early on, there are lots of moms that decide fairly early that BFing simply isn't for them after all, despite all intentions to do so. Obviously there are also many moms for whom BFing is successful - and simply having bottles in the house isn't going to be some kind of overwhelmingly tempting reason to stop BFing and start on formula instead. This is the part of LLL that I hate. It can be SO RIGID. Life just doesn't work that way (super strict/inflexible) for most people.
As for not pumping the first 6 weeks - that's all fine and good advice in theory, however again - you just don't know. I don't want to start the undersupply/oversupply argument, but many very experienced & intelligent LCs, pediatricians, etc will ask you to pump early on to get your milk to come in, or to help increase your supply if LO isn't gaining weight at the rate they want to see, or if they are jaundiced and need more milk to flush the bilirubin. And probably for other reasons too.
My point is, it's better to be prepared than to go into it thinking that things are going to go the way you imagine.
@NoraAurora, no no, I totally get you there. When I said those ladies gave me those recommendations (no bottle before 4 weeks), I took that with a grain of salt...but always knowing that things may not go as planned. I think about things like my baby being tongue tied, or complications, etc.... and I've always thought that just in case things don't go as planned, I won't beat myself up if he has to take formula in addition to my breastmilk.
I'm gonna try my dardnest to breastfeed exclusively till I have to go back to work... but if that doesn't work, I'm not going to consider myself a failure.
**I'm hoping I can truly be nice to myself if things don't go as planned**
@sjo_thetwins I have the Medela swing (just the single) not the double that your talking about but I'm sure it's similar and I absolutely love it. It's last 2 kids now.
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@sjo_thetwins I used the Medela PISA with DD and had no issues with it. If my insurance will cover a hospital-grade pump, then I will go with that this time around, but otherwise I'm just going to get new parts for the PISA and use it again. I would highly recommend it!
I have a breastfeeding question: dh and I were at a prenatal class taught by a maternity nurse, and she mentioned that we strictly should NOT pump for 6 weeks, unless it's a hospital grade pump. Then after 6 weeks it would be ok on a store bought one. I thought that was the weirdest thing ever, but I am a ftm and my research has been mostly from this forum so... is that really a thing? Why would they recommend that?
The thing behind recommending against pumping before 6 weeks is that around 6 weeks is when your supply regulates for what baby actually needs. Before than, if moms getva little over-zealous (which is common) you can create an over supply, which can be a huge PITA to deal with (plugged ducts, mastitis, engorgement, etc). The different grade pumps, well, I'm kind of scratching my head on that one. Hospital grade pumps are generally more effective at removing milk from the breast but are 'reserved' for babies in the hospital and moms with production problems.
Re: All Things Breastfeeding
I also prefer my citations in text but I recognize that the general public does not, so I guess I can live with flipping to the back if I come across anything questionable. I'm going to go ahead and order
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
Did you have a strict schedule that you followed at home (in terms of feeding/pumping times)?
I know leaking is normal, and not leaking doesn't mean you won't be able to BF - but can you leak during pregnancy and not be able to successfully BF?
Breastfeeding challenges can come from latching issues, infant lip or tongue ties, inverted nipples on Mom, fussy babies, etc. (these are all VERY general. I lucked out and had a successful breastfeeding relationship with DS, so I didn't personally experience challenges).
That picture is hilarious! I remember doing that a lot when DS was little. Like, I'd be walking around topless to air my nipples and he would make a noise and then BOOM! Boob sprinklers.
But to answer your question any number of things can make breastfeeding difficult or unsuccessful. Whether or not you leak isn't an issue. My best advice is to do your research on how to be successful and just go from there. Do your best not to stress about not being successful.
FWIW, I never leaked when I was pregnant with DS and he's three and still nursing without issue. I haven't leaked at all so far (though I know the colostrum is there) and it doesn't bother me.
i need to look at some classes in the area but my funds are a little limited as I will most likely be back on full time bedrest soon and have already exhausted all my sick and vacation time.
Also those talking about nursing bras for big chested! I haven't explored the option but I heard Nordstrom can make any buy you bra into a nursing bra. Might not be good for right away since you aren't supposed to use underwire but maybe when you go back to work!
@kelliott09 and anyone else looking for large nursing bras.
I found some great ones with/without underwire on eBay. They are Jenunique and GODDESS brands. They were each under $30 including shipping. They also fit my 46K size pretty comfortably for sleeping and day wear.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@Kate08Young Heeeey fellow August 15 mama! How are you December 16 girls?
Edit: typed arm instead of alarm.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
I've heard of moms developing let down problems if they follow too strict a feeding/pumping schedule (for example like what is proscribed in BabyWise parenting) Maybe next time through try pumping before you would reach a "max out" time where you would start leaking?
They gave me a few tips, such as "don't register for bottles. you don't want to feed him from a bottle earlier than 4 weeks if you can help it.... and also you don't know what your flow and what your baby will be like" They also told me to catch my breastmilk (leaking from the other breast) when I breastfeed the first few weeks... and suggested I buy this gadget: https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Breast-Phthalate-Release/dp/B01F8W7CF0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471361768&sr=8-1&keywords=haakaa
This is totally going on my registry!
For some reason the link isn't working but it's these:
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
HOWEVER, I should note it's better to avoid any pumping in those early weeks if you can manage. I mentioned in a previous post that you shouldn't freak out about pumping for a freezer stash right away. By putting baby to breast on demand in the beginning, you'll establish a better supply for the long run.
And, when you run into trouble in those early weeks (and everyone does!), a pump should really be your last resort. A lactation consultant can help you with latch, positioning, etc., and practice makes perfect! It will be extremely frustrating, but the more you nurse, the easier it will be!
The other options are:
Tomy, Ameda, Natures Bond, and maybe one other that I can't remember.
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
While I realize this is the BFing thread, a) pumping is very much a part of breastfeeding, and b) you can only feed pumped milk via bottles (okay there's like the SNS and whatever, but MOST people are feeding with a bottle).
I feel the need to say something because the fact is that no one knows how things will go after baby gets here. There are lots of babies that have latching issues, tongue ties etc. early on, there are lots of moms that decide fairly early that BFing simply isn't for them after all, despite all intentions to do so. Obviously there are also many moms for whom BFing is successful - and simply having bottles in the house isn't going to be some kind of overwhelmingly tempting reason to stop BFing and start on formula instead. This is the part of LLL that I hate. It can be SO RIGID. Life just doesn't work that way (super strict/inflexible) for most people.
As for not pumping the first 6 weeks - that's all fine and good advice in theory, however again - you just don't know. I don't want to start the undersupply/oversupply argument, but many very experienced & intelligent LCs, pediatricians, etc will ask you to pump early on to get your milk to come in, or to help increase your supply if LO isn't gaining weight at the rate they want to see, or if they are jaundiced and need more milk to flush the bilirubin. And probably for other reasons too.
My point is, it's better to be prepared than to go into it thinking that things are going to go the way you imagine.
*steps off soapbox*
I'm gonna try my dardnest to breastfeed exclusively till I have to go back to work... but if that doesn't work, I'm not going to consider myself a failure.
**I'm hoping I can truly be nice to myself if things don't go as planned**