I saw a lactation consultant today and had some similar questions (how did this happen? I nurse every two hours, etc.) and she said that nursing every two hours might mean that baby never actually drains the breast.
I'm so frustrated by how many mixed messages there are-- nurse often, but not so often that baby doesn't drain the breast; massage for mastitis but not if you have an oversupply (which I do); pump to relieve pressure but never pump if you have an oversupply, etc.
I just feel like I can't win. The antibiotics are helping me but I definitely have not fixed the root of the problem, so chances are pretty good that I'll be a repeat-mastitis case. I hope that isn't the case for you both, too.
Keep hanging in there (I'm almost saying that just as much to myself as to you...).
@entropicallyfavored - Mastitis is like the ultimate cruel joke to me. Your breasts are on fire? Great, nurse/pump more. The antibiotics your taking may give baby stomach upset? Great, but you have to nurse/pump. You need rest? Great, but you can't stop nursing/pumping every 3 or whatever hours and that newborn still needs you. Ready to throw in the towel? Not now, and who knows how long you should wait to avoid a worse problem. Cruel joke.
We'll all get through this. Our poor husbands may not, but we'll likely survive. Just keep swimming!!
Had anyone's pediatrician prescribed baby vitamins with iron? I remember doing them with DD#1 and them staining EVERYTHING! Who has started them with baby? Also, I plan on cloth diapering again once we go thru out NB disposable stash and I don't want to ruin my diapers. Any helpful tips to not ruining diapers/ clothes?
@MrsEWilson Every time. It's become habit to ask DH "Is it me?" now. It feels like a sauna.
On a tangent, had peanuts 2nd wellness today. He is now 11#, 22". At 3wks4days. That's a 3lb3ounce jump from his last appt 2 wks ago. I'm grateful for my supply, and his health but I left the appt virtually in tears. Such a large jump so quickly borders on abnormal weight gain- an issue I thought never existed with BF. Doc counseled and suggested a pacifier during his cluster every 45 min periods at night. DS never used a paci, and prior to this both DH and I stated we wouldn't use them for peanut due to parenting style. He has began sucking his hand though, so I do recognize the comfort need. Doc also suggested to offer a bottle when he only feeds for 3-4 min and falls asleep. (Average feeds 12-15min every 1.5-2.5 hrs, block sides). So now I have to try and pump more in between feedings. Up to now only got 3-5 ounces daily for 1 bottle a night.
Exhausted and feeling defeated. Last thing I want is to be the cause of a problem for him. It makes me doubt myself, hes crying but am I overfeeding him?
@lblu43, I'm confused. Why do you need to give a bottle?? Did you ask about rechecking his weight soon to see if you really need to change much?
@ShawnaLynn83, I found a really cool exclusively pumping Facebook group. I've found it SO helpful.
@jackiesue586, I am trying to catch up from a similar situation except no C/S but preterm labor / 1 week NICU stay. It's an uphill battle, but at 6 weeks I feel there is hope. Is your LO been checked for jaundice? (That makes them sleepy.) Fenugreek with blessed thistle helps for some people, have you called your lactation consultant? I think I wrote a long post a bit back about my situation.
@nikkoli98 how did you find your fb group? I am down to pumping only myself and supplementing with formula, my Milk supply is just too low to keep up and little one won't nurse except at night. Otherwise he cries and throws fits because the bottle is easier. I am going to assess at 4 weeks to see if i need to continue. Right now, it is hard to rest since trying to breast feed, formula feed, then pump takes most of my day.
For those of you who have moved to ff only, how did you wean from pumping? I pump 6-7 times a day now.
@Nikkoli98 She referred to his cluster feeding as a snacking period. Basically the last week he woke every 45 min or so to feed from about 9pm-5am. During that time though he'll only he 3-6min before he passes out. Normally he eats about 12 min on 1 side per feeding. She suggested a bottle w expressed if he falls asleep on me, to prevent only 1/2 feeds hoping it'll space out the cluster.
We go back in 2 wks. She didn't make a fuss but did imply if the gain continues it'll be considered highly abnormal. <Yea thanks>.
The last few days DS has been latching like a champ, but partway through a feeding he unlatches then rubs his face all over my boob and eventually relatches. I am pretty sure it is his way of refinding the nipple, but it is really adorably funny to watch.
I asked the pedi if I could take a vitamin D supplement since DD1 spit up the supplement every day. She said 6400 IU of vitamin D per day works instead of drops. I refuse to even try those drops again...as PP said they stain & they smell.
@entropicallyfavored - Mastitis is like the ultimate cruel joke to me. Your breasts are on fire? Great, nurse/pump more. The antibiotics your taking may give baby stomach upset? Great, but you have to nurse/pump. You need rest? Great, but you can't stop nursing/pumping every 3 or whatever hours and that newborn still needs you. Ready to throw in the towel? Not now, and who knows how long you should wait to avoid a worse problem. Cruel joke.
We'll all get through this. Our poor husbands may not, but we'll likely survive. Just keep swimming!!
Thank you, @kwilliams3402. It is so nice to hear someone else echo my sentiments, especially when I want to keep trying but all of my friends are "insisting" that I quit and switch to formula. I'm about to keep insisting that they mind their own business.
Thank you for saying exactly what I needed to hear. Hoping the antibiotics work for you.
@sbelle474, I'm not really sure how I found it, through a series of pages. It's called Exclusive Pumping: Breastfeeding without nursing. If you want to PM me your Facebook, I can request to add you. They have an "application process" basically acknowledging not to discuss direct nursing. It really helps to keep things focused.
@AmandaG225 We haven't started those yet with this LO, but we used that exact brand with DS1 and I had the same problem. They really do taste gross. What I did was mix the drops with about an ounce of pumped breast milk and have him take that bottle once a day before a feed. The taste of the milk masked the taste of the drops. Then when we started solids I would mix the drops into applesauce or something.
@lblu43, I'm confused. Why do you need to give a bottle?? Did you ask about rechecking his weight soon to see if you really need to change much?
@ShawnaLynn83, I found a really cool exclusively pumping Facebook group. I've found it SO helpful.
@jackiesue586, I am trying to catch up from a similar situation except no C/S but preterm labor / 1 week NICU stay. It's an uphill battle, but at 6 weeks I feel there is hope. Is your LO been checked for jaundice? (That makes them sleepy.) Fenugreek with blessed thistle helps for some people, have you called your lactation consultant? I think I wrote a long post a bit back about my situation.
@Nikkoli98 my LO was checked for jaundice but it has gone down since I have given him formula. I'm trying mother's milk tea, lactation cookies and a couple other things. I went to a support group yesterday which I feel like i got some hope and was told to just keep going from one breast to the other until either I or LO can't take it anymore and then give 1oz of formula and pump for 10 minutes. I have gotten such different advice and lots of bad advice from nurses that it has become overwhelming. All I want is to provide for my LO and I feel so disappointed in myself that I can't. I'll keep trying and the support group helped.
I asked the pedi if I could take a vitamin D supplement since DD1 spit up the supplement every day. She said 6400 IU of vitamin D per day works instead of drops. I refuse to even try those drops again...as PP said they stain & they smell.
DD spit them up too and made her CRANKY. I'm afraid to try them with DS. Good to know that's another option.
@MrsEWilson Every time. It's become habit to ask DH "Is it me?" now. It feels like a sauna.
On a tangent, had peanuts 2nd wellness today. He is now 11#, 22". At 3wks4days. That's a 3lb3ounce jump from his last appt 2 wks ago. I'm grateful for my supply, and his health but I left the appt virtually in tears. Such a large jump so quickly borders on abnormal weight gain- an issue I thought never existed with BF. Doc counseled and suggested a pacifier during his cluster every 45 min periods at night. DS never used a paci, and prior to this both DH and I stated we wouldn't use them for peanut due to parenting style. He has began sucking his hand though, so I do recognize the comfort need. Doc also suggested to offer a bottle when he only feeds for 3-4 min and falls asleep. (Average feeds 12-15min every 1.5-2.5 hrs, block sides). So now I have to try and pump more in between feedings. Up to now only got 3-5 ounces daily for 1 bottle a night.
Exhausted and feeling defeated. Last thing I want is to be the cause of a problem for him. It makes me doubt myself, hes crying but am I overfeeding him?
I was against the use of a pacifier too, but then I read that putting the baby down with a pacifier actually reduces SIDS risk, that helped me feel better about it. Thought it might give you some comfort too.
We held out until after 3 weeks to reduce nipple confusion, and he also uses his hand to comfort suck, but the pacifier does seem to help.
@MrsEWilson Every time. It's become habit to ask DH "Is it me?" now. It feels like a sauna.
On a tangent, had peanuts 2nd wellness today. He is now 11#, 22". At 3wks4days. That's a 3lb3ounce jump from his last appt 2 wks ago. I'm grateful for my supply, and his health but I left the appt virtually in tears. Such a large jump so quickly borders on abnormal weight gain- an issue I thought never existed with BF. Doc counseled and suggested a pacifier during his cluster every 45 min periods at night. DS never used a paci, and prior to this both DH and I stated we wouldn't use them for peanut due to parenting style. He has began sucking his hand though, so I do recognize the comfort need. Doc also suggested to offer a bottle when he only feeds for 3-4 min and falls asleep. (Average feeds 12-15min every 1.5-2.5 hrs, block sides). So now I have to try and pump more in between feedings. Up to now only got 3-5 ounces daily for 1 bottle a night.
Exhausted and feeling defeated. Last thing I want is to be the cause of a problem for him. It makes me doubt myself, hes crying but am I overfeeding him?
The doctor is confusing! If he were saying that there's a weight gain problem and baby falls asleep every time at the breast before eating enough, we had that problem and that's why I pump/we supplement. Baby is getting better at staying awake to breastfeed. I'd ask the doctor to clarify!
@sbelle474, I'm not really sure how I found it, through a series of pages. It's called Exclusive Pumping: Breastfeeding without nursing. If you want to PM me your Facebook, I can request to add you. They have an "application process" basically acknowledging not to discuss direct nursing. It really helps to keep things focused.
@Nikkoli98 please add me to the group as well! I'll PM you my Facebook.
@nikkoli98 how did you find your fb group? I am down to pumping only myself and supplementing with formula, my Milk supply is just too low to keep up and little one won't nurse except at night. Otherwise he cries and throws fits because the bottle is easier. I am going to assess at 4 weeks to see if i need to continue. Right now, it is hard to rest since trying to breast feed, formula feed, then pump takes most of my day.
For those of you who have moved to ff only, how did you wean from pumping? I pump 6-7 times a day now.
All the articles I've read say do it slowly. Pick one pump time at a time, and over several days either pump less each time until you get to zero, or slowly merge two pump times together. You can try cold turkey, but it's a real witch to end up with mastitis.
@lblu43. We've been using a pacifier since day 3. Breastfeeding is the one thing that has gone right post partum... No nipple confusion. The nurse suggested it when little guy was cluster feeding before my milk even came in. The lactation consultant was horrified, but it has worked out well for our family.
Do any of you ladies know when you stop waking to feed? I've stopped doing it at night (though last night I was worried because when she did wake up she only fed for about 5 minutes and then went back to sleep for hours, which is unlike her) but during the day I am still feeding her every 2-3 hours and waking her up if she's sleepinG past that. She's only 4 weeks, but I was just wondering if at some point you stop waking to feed period. Maybe that becomes a moot point as they start sleeping less during the day? Just curious!
Married May 2014 DD born August 2016 Baby #2 due December 2017
@cait5413 most docs say you can stop waking them at night for feedings after they have surpassed their birth weight. At 4 weeks you shouldn't need to wake her anymore.
Do any of you ladies know when you stop waking to feed? I've stopped doing it at night (though last night I was worried because when she did wake up she only fed for about 5 minutes and then went back to sleep for hours, which is unlike her) but during the day I am still feeding her every 2-3 hours and waking her up if she's sleepinG past that. She's only 4 weeks, but I was just wondering if at some point you stop waking to feed period. Maybe that becomes a moot point as they start sleeping less during the day? Just curious!
Our pediatrician said wake after 5 hours between feeds up to a month. We are at a month and stopping, but get about 4 hours routinely at night... Eagerly awaiting the day the middle of the night feed goes away. FTM, but as I understand it, the real question is when your kiddo will be able to get all the calories they need during the day. A couple nights, we've extended a wake at 3 hours to 5 by offering the paci, but it didn't work last night.
Our pedi said after surpassing birth weight we could let him sleep up to 5 or 6 hour stretches. Of course he usually only sleeps a max of a 4 hour stretch.
During the day I would still wake to feed, just to keep her on a schedule and get calories into her so she learns nights/days and sleeps longer at night. But like others said, if she's past her birth weight you don't need to wake her at night.
So the "wake to feed vs. not wake to feed" question was tricky for me, because I didn't wake to feed at night (although baby only went two 4-hour stretches without feeding and got on both sides each time) and the next morning was when I came down with mastitis.
Update- just went to his 1 month appt and the doctor said we no longer have to wake to feed as he is 12 lb 3 oz! I'm definitely going to try to get him to eat as much during the day as possible so maybe he sleeps longer at night soon, though.
He already is pretty good with at least doing 3-4 hr stretches after 11pm instead of his 2-3 hr stretches that he does during the day.
You guys make me so jealous. My kids are such awful sleepers. I am convinced it is genetic now. My three year old still wakes. My 21 month old wakes. And, the newborn is starting the same pattern his siblings did of every few hours and likes to sleep with the nipple halfway out of his mouth like a cigarette. My oldest, who is not biologically my husband's, is a phenomenal sleeper and always has been.
@Allisun85 I'm glad to hear it worked for you. Still a little uneasy about it,but he seems to be fine with it. Today was the first day he went for a 3 1/2 hr stretch between feedings! I'm hoping he'll switch his schedule from day to night. I can't remember the last time i slept more than 2 hrs at once. We'll see. @cait5413 our doc also suggested no more wakes to feed last wk. He went from 7# 13.8ounces to just over 11# in 3 wks.
I've been renting the hospital pump for the past month since baby was born and just got the Almeda Purely Yours in the mail. I'm used to only pumping 1.5 oz each sitting, and am nearly exclusively pumping. I've been keeping the pump at 55 cpm and 35% suction... And faster isn't comfortable. I need to return and fully transition to the non-hospital pump in 8 weeks before I return to work. Any tips from these that have been there? Tips for using a non-hospital grade but electric pump?
So the "wake to feed vs. not wake to feed" question was tricky for me, because I didn't wake to feed at night (although baby only went two 4-hour stretches without feeding and got on both sides each time) and the next morning was when I came down with mastitis.
Sounds like my case is not normal, though.
I'm not waking to feed at night anymore and baby is sometimes doing larger stretches, and if she does wake to feed, she'll often fall asleep hard after 5 minutes, so my boobs get pretty engorged/start to leak. I'm thinking about getting a manual pump to keep by the bed just to get some releif. Still trying to figure out how to best handle it
Married May 2014 DD born August 2016 Baby #2 due December 2017
@lblu43 I am really curious about how big she is now; she was 7 lbs 9 oz at birth and 8 lbs 6 oz by 2 weeks. She's 4 weeks now but we don't have an appointment tIL her 2 month checkup. Maybe we'll get the all clear then not to wake to feed at all.
Married May 2014 DD born August 2016 Baby #2 due December 2017
Adding to the "wake to feed vs. not waking" discussion - our little girl just turned 3 weeks yesterday and we got the all clear at her 2 week appt. to not wake her since she was above birth weight. She is routinely sleeping 4-5 hour stretches for her first "sleep" of the night (waking up around 3:30 for her middle of the night feed), and then another 2-3 after the middle of night feeding. Unfortunately it takes forever to get her back to sleep after the middle of night feeding, so we usually don't go back to sleep until around 5 or 6.
She did have one 7 hour stretch a few days ago. I woke up, looked at the clock and about had a total meltdown. I called the doctor and she said if she is hungry she'll wake up and to not fret about it too much.
We got a 7 hour stretch last night. It was beautiful. But most nights are exactly like yours @BritMC18. Except levi typically goes to sleep pretty quick after eating.
@cait5413 I have an Avent manual pump and a cooler with ice packs that I keep on the head board for night time pumping. My LO sometimes sleeps 3-4 hours and my breasts often get very full which make it harder for him to latch, not to mention the leaking. I usually pump an ounce or so just to get some relief, help him to latch easier, and keep from leaking everywhere.
@cait5413 I also have a manual pump by my bed and pump about an ounce in the middle of the night so I don't get as engorged. I also pump some right after his first morning feeding (another 2 ounces usually) as a way to build up my stash. I use my electric pump during the day, but it's so convenient to have the manual pump for quick pumping.
Re: Breastfeeding
I saw a lactation consultant today and had some similar questions (how did this happen? I nurse every two hours, etc.) and she said that nursing every two hours might mean that baby never actually drains the breast.
I'm so frustrated by how many mixed messages there are-- nurse often, but not so often that baby doesn't drain the breast; massage for mastitis but not if you have an oversupply (which I do); pump to relieve pressure but never pump if you have an oversupply, etc.
I just feel like I can't win. The antibiotics are helping me but I definitely have not fixed the root of the problem, so chances are pretty good that I'll be a repeat-mastitis case. I hope that isn't the case for you both, too.
Keep hanging in there (I'm almost saying that just as much to myself as to you...).
We'll all get through this. Our poor husbands may not, but we'll likely survive. Just keep swimming!!
Also, I plan on cloth diapering again once we go thru out NB disposable stash and I don't want to ruin my diapers. Any helpful tips to not ruining diapers/ clothes?
On a tangent, had peanuts 2nd wellness today. He is now 11#, 22". At 3wks4days. That's a 3lb3ounce jump from his last appt 2 wks ago. I'm grateful for my supply, and his health but I left the appt virtually in tears. Such a large jump so quickly borders on abnormal weight gain- an issue I thought never existed with BF. Doc counseled and suggested a pacifier during his cluster every 45 min periods at night. DS never used a paci, and prior to this both DH and I stated we wouldn't use them for peanut due to parenting style. He has began sucking his hand though, so I do recognize the comfort need. Doc also suggested to offer a bottle when he only feeds for 3-4 min and falls asleep. (Average feeds 12-15min every 1.5-2.5 hrs, block sides). So now I have to try and pump more in between feedings. Up to now only got 3-5 ounces daily for 1 bottle a night.
Exhausted and feeling defeated. Last thing I want is to be the cause of a problem for him. It makes me doubt myself, hes crying but am I overfeeding him?
Did you ask about rechecking his weight soon to see if you really need to change much?
@ShawnaLynn83, I found a really cool exclusively pumping Facebook group. I've found it SO helpful.
@jackiesue586, I am trying to catch up from a similar situation except no C/S but preterm labor / 1 week NICU stay. It's an uphill battle, but at 6 weeks I feel there is hope. Is your LO been checked for jaundice? (That makes them sleepy.) Fenugreek with blessed thistle helps for some people, have you called your lactation consultant? I think I wrote a long post a bit back about my situation.
For those of you who have moved to ff only, how did you wean from pumping? I pump 6-7 times a day now.
We go back in 2 wks. She didn't make a fuss but did imply if the gain continues it'll be considered highly abnormal. <Yea thanks>.
Thank you, @kwilliams3402. It is so nice to hear someone else echo my sentiments, especially when I want to keep trying but all of my friends are "insisting" that I quit and switch to formula. I'm about to keep insisting that they mind their own business.
Thank you for saying exactly what I needed to hear. Hoping the antibiotics work for you.
We held out until after 3 weeks to reduce nipple confusion, and he also uses his hand to comfort suck, but the pacifier does seem to help.
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
Sounds like my case is not normal, though.
He already is pretty good with at least doing 3-4 hr stretches after 11pm instead of his 2-3 hr stretches that he does during the day.
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
She did have one 7 hour stretch a few days ago. I woke up, looked at the clock and about had a total meltdown. I called the doctor and she said if she is hungry she'll wake up and to not fret about it too much.