I normally don't do lists but I have one this time around after learning my lesson. I had poor H run home twice to get things we had forgotten to pack. For one, I had H get my breast pump because I wasn't even getting any colostrum after the delivery so that really helped get things going quickly. I hadn't thought to even pack that at the time but definitely not forgetting it this time! It was a life saver.
Also, for mom's who've had a csection previously.... what positions worked best for you when it came to breastfeeding right after surgery? Could you still sit up with a nursing pillow or was it easier to nurse on your side? Thanks in advance.
************* First BFP: 12/16/13 EDD: 08/23/14 Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
@concreteangell I was NEVER able to side lay to feed due to breast fullness unless he had like a pillow under him and my arm and I was about to fall over. anyway, it was complicated..
I found this infograph and did basically everything but the lying hold but prefered the "biological hold" that has to have a better name. my kid ate ferociously though.
I could never get comfortable with the football hold. It just felt awkward to me. I always did the cradle/cross cradle hold and that was fine. I always used my Boppy or throw pillow and never had any c-section pain.
Side-lying worked for MOTN feedings as well.
The hospital gave me a belly binder and after my tummy went down a bit, I switched to the Belly Bandit. I might try to get a better binder but I felt it was crucial. It felt like my insides would fall out without one for the first 2 weeks so I really want a good one.
They did but they were going to charge us for it, even just to borrow so rather than pay, H went home and picked ours up. Thankfully we don't live far from the hospital.
I really feel like i need to look up some belly binders and get myself informed. Not sure what the hospital will supply us with either. Either way, I feel like I'm going to need one.
************* First BFP: 12/16/13 EDD: 08/23/14 Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I'm also concerned about being induced as a FTM, as both my mom and sister were induced (although both ended up with epidural free vaginal deliveries from those inductions). My OB will let me go to 42 weeks unless there is an issue with me/baby. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with any of the "natural" ways to move things along that worked well for them? My doula has suggested doing regular exercise especially hill walking, sitting on an exercise ball at work instead of a chair, and then suggested sex and nipple stimulation when it gets closer to the due date. She also has an "induction shake" that she swears by - but is all this just bs and the baby isn't going to come until it's ready either way? Wondering if anyone has used /had success with anything like this.
This was even more beneficial for me than I thought it would be. As someone with big breasts, I hadn't thought of trying some of those positions. Thanks for posting @PerraSucia!
************* First BFP: 12/16/13 EDD: 08/23/14 Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
@concreteangell that totally sucks. Both hospitals I've delivered at have pumps available for you to use in the room. Maybe my insurance covered it and I didn't know?
The belly binder was definitely essential. I used it the first 4 ish days the first time and about a week the second time but the first time I went home with baby in NICU and the second time I had a 4 year old and a baby who had a lot of doctors appointments so I was up and around a lot more.
I like barely packed last time. I woke up to contractions 3 minutes apart and was like oh shit we have to go!! I used a hospital pump (hoping this time I will be successful without it) and the mesh undies, pads, creams, diapers, wipes, etc from the hospital. Left it what I came in with (yoga pants and a shirt). I did however have a cute outfit packed for DDs hospital pictures!!
Dude, I used the belly binders for my measly little minimally invasive surgeries and they were a God send! So I can imagine how helpful it would be for a major c-section. Not only is it more comfortable, but I think having your stomach squeezed like that helps any air left over from the surgery to get out. I'm not sure exactly where that air goes but I remember the nurse saying something about it while I was still groggy. So I totally recommend the binders.
What about the car mirrors that let you see baby in the carseat? Are they helpful/necessary or a distraction like I've read some places?
We had one that went on the headrest in the backseat. We didn't have an issue but I was also extra paranoid about DD quitting breathing or something crazy on long car drives and we wouldn't find out until we got to our destination. My anxiety controlled a lot of my life at that point as you can tell, lol.
Also for the hospital bag - I packed a robe which I never ended up wearing. But with how cold it might be this time around, it might be helpful. +1 to fuzzy socks.
What's the deal with wanting a pump at the hospital? Is it for babies that won't latch to encourage milk? Because my milk didn't come in until I came home but I had enough colostrum for the whole ward
When I think about driving with one of those mirrors, I think about taking my eyes off the road (even for a second) and getting into an accident. Also, it's just one more thing that could fly off and hit the baby if we did actually get into an accident. But to each their own
We didn't use ours for us to see her, it was to calm her down while in the car. Ours was pretty secure, at least I thought. I mean, people have all kinds of shit in their cars that can fly around if an accident is that severe, a little lightweight plastic and padded material mirror is the least of my concern. The diaper bag probably would have done more damage than that little plastic mirror.
Yea I'm less worried about the flying off part. More worried about being distracted while looking at her. Which one did you get @spicyweiner ? I wouldn't mind one that would just entertain her
What's the deal with wanting a pump at the hospital? Is it for babies that won't latch to encourage milk? Because my milk didn't come in until I came home but I had enough colostrum for the whole ward
It was for me. We did have trouble with the latch because DS had a tongue tie and couldn't put enough pressure on the boob to squeeze out the colostrum and so I had a very outraged and hungry baby. I pumped a few times to get things going and it was easier for him at that point. Once the tongue tie issue was resolved, I only pumped for reserves and such.
************* First BFP: 12/16/13 EDD: 08/23/14 Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I didn't have one with ds- he was a car seat screamer and I had major anxiety driving him around. I got one for dd and really liked it. She loved looking at herself in the mirror and I liked being able to check on her at lights, even helpful if you're in the passenger seat. I just had a cheap basic one. It was like plastic mirror and cushion. Cost like $12 on Walmart I think.
We used the car mirror. It helps me see him when he was little and now it helps him see me. Like when I'm sneaking treats in the front seat and he calls me out on it.
ETA - the bump are half my post. But I wanted to add that helps to know if your kid is awake or asleep. And when they get older and have snacks, it helps to see that they aren't choking. In an SUV, even at a stoplight, I could not see into his rear facing car seat.
What's the deal with wanting a pump at the hospital? Is it for babies that won't latch to encourage milk? Because my milk didn't come in until I came home but I had enough colostrum for the whole ward
It was for me. We did have trouble with the latch because DS had a tongue tie and couldn't put enough pressure on the boob to squeeze out the colostrum and so I had a very outraged and hungry baby. I pumped a few times to get things going and it was easier for him at that point. Once the tongue tie issue was resolved, I only pumped for reserves and such.
I also used their pump at the hospital - I didn't think to bring my own because in my magical dream world, I thought everything would go smoothly. DD wouldn't latch and I had inverted nipples and it was really stressful and horrible - even with the help from the LCs. She was starving and I was in immense pain and it was just a really horrible emotional experience because I so wanted those first moments to be perfect. I am going to try again this time but honestly, I am still really ok with being an exclusive pumper. Especially because of how quick I have to return to work. So for us, it's a must have.
@fourPsinapod did your milk come in that fast? I can't imagine hand expressing not being enough the first couple days.
I really don't remember much about the amount - but I did have a lot of success with pumping. I would say my milk came in within a few days. By the time I came home, my milk was in. At the time in the hospital, I was pumping and supplementing.
@fourPsinapod that's so interesting. You always hear all the BF propaganda about how small babies stomachs are so they don't need to supplement unless you're not producing anything or jaundice or whatever.
My kid was super duper easy the first two weeks and then basically has not been for the next 3 years. I can't imagine having a brand new tiny baby losing their mind and how overwhelming that would be.
@fourPsinapod that's so interesting. You always hear all the BF propaganda about how small babies stomachs are so they don't need to supplement unless you're not producing anything or jaundice or whatever.
My kid was super duper easy the first two weeks and then basically has not been for the next 3 years. I can't imagine having a brand new tiny baby losing their mind and how overwhelming that would be.
I'm not sure if this was supposed to be condescending or if it's legitimately interesting to you (I could be projecting my own fears/worries on your response and if so, I apologize honestly) - I was emotionally and physically scarred for my first few days with my DD and it was really a painful experience. I can probably attribute a lot of my doubt and fear to inadequate knowledge (although I went to classes and I thought I wasn't truly prepared for everything) and maybe LCs who weren't fully invested in my BFing experience (the one I really loved from our class was not in on that particular weekend). Maybe I shouldn't have spoken about it because it makes me really upset even to talk about it.
BFing was never a wonderful experience and I am even scared to attempt to BF again but I am trying to get past those emotions and do the best I can. Even after we got home, nothing was working and I just couldn't handle the anxiety and stress anymore so I decided to do the best I could and pump. Pumping totally sucks but I was committed to doing what I could to get her the nutrients she needed. DD did have mild jaundice too but luckily did not need additional treatments thankfully.
I didn't mean to hack the thread with my horror story, guys! TLDR; I guess the best advice I can offer is try to be as prepared as possible and be your own advocate but also be willing to adjust based on what you and your kid both need.
@fourPsinapod no I didn't mean to make you feel shitty I honestly can't imagine just giving birth and having a inconsolable baby. My kid latched great and I have an amazing supply, breastfeeding was one of the hardest things I've ever done still. There were days he was just sobbing all night long and I felt like my boobs would never be enough. I chipped one of my molars gritting my teeth through a milk blister. I mean it's really ducking emotional and you hear all this shit about how natural and beautiful it's supposed to be and you feel like you're failing your baby.
I mean no one warns you but BFing is pretty much the hardest part of being a new mom.
I hope this time is way easier for you and you get a way better LC to help you at the hospital.
@PerraSucia so true (no one really does warn you) - it's not always as magical and fluffy as sometimes it's made out to be! I wish I had heard more stories like mine earlier so I could have prepared myself for anything.
I actually am switching hospitals this time due to my new insurance covering the hospital with more resources. I'm hoping the LCs there are more able to help with my situation too.
@fourPsinapod I had a really tough time breastfeeding initially too. My son had a tongue tie and I had flat nipples (never even heard that until the hospital) and my son got immensely irritated if I tried to stick my breast in his mouth. He didn't eat for almost 24 hours despite the nurses and my efforts. He became inconsolable and so was I. I cried like a baby whenever he was going to have his circumcision and tongue tie clipped because I was already freaked out he was having those things done, let alone on an empty stomach. I was given a hand pump, which was a joke and I couldn't get a drop out of. The LC came in and after failed attempts to force his face onto my breast she milked me. Like Meet the Fockers milked me. It hurt like hell and she squeezed a teaspoon amount onto a tiny spoon and forced his mouth open to give it to him. He felt better and developed the desire to find out where the source was. It still took several months to get "down pat". My story isnt exactly like yours, but I relate with how emotionally horrible breast feeding attempts can be! Especially with a starving kid. I mean who knew a newborn baby would resent the fact you were putting your nipples anywhere near his mouth and turn his head away like, "GTFOH with your tits!"? In nursing school during my maternity rotation we watched a video of a newborn crawl from his mother's belly and find her nipple on its own and immediately start feeding. All on it's own! No football holds, shoved heads, milked humans, screaming and writhing! Yeah. That SO didn't happen as I imagined.
Re: Ask a STM: November Edition
Also, for mom's who've had a csection previously.... what positions worked best for you when it came to breastfeeding right after surgery? Could you still sit up with a nursing pillow or was it easier to nurse on your side? Thanks in advance.
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I found this infograph and did basically everything but the lying hold but prefered the "biological hold" that has to have a better name. my kid ate ferociously though.
Also, could you maybe post the link to the info graph? The pic you posted isn't popping up for me!
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I sat up with a pillow and did the "football" hold where they were on my side.
https://www.lalecheleague.org/faq/positioning.html
Side-lying worked for MOTN feedings as well.
The hospital gave me a belly binder and after my tummy went down a bit, I switched to the Belly Bandit. I might try to get a better binder but I felt it was crucial. It felt like my insides would fall out without one for the first 2 weeks so I really want a good one.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
I really feel like i need to look up some belly binders and get myself informed. Not sure what the hospital will supply us with either. Either way, I feel like I'm going to need one.
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
https://mama-milk.co.uk/breastfeeding-with-large-breasts-top-5-tips/
Thanks for posting @PerraSucia!
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
The belly binder was definitely essential. I used it the first 4 ish days the first time and about a week the second time but the first time I went home with baby in NICU and the second time I had a 4 year old and a baby who had a lot of doctors appointments so I was up and around a lot more.
Not only is it more comfortable, but I think having your stomach squeezed like that helps any air left over from the surgery to get out. I'm not sure exactly where that air goes but I remember the nurse saying something about it while I was still groggy. So I totally recommend the binders.
Married: 9/2013
Love my LEO!!
TTC #1: 9/2015
BFP: 2/1/16 MC 2/8/16 @ 5wks
BFP: 5/22/16 RAINBOW BABY
EDD: 1/30/2017 *IT'S A GIRL!!!!*
Kirsten Grace 1/20/17
Ours was pretty secure, at least I thought.
I mean, people have all kinds of shit in their cars that can fly around if an accident is that severe, a little lightweight plastic and padded material mirror is the least of my concern.
The diaper bag probably would have done more damage than that little plastic mirror.
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
ETA - the bump are half my post. But I wanted to add that helps to know if your kid is awake or asleep. And when they get older and have snacks, it helps to see that they aren't choking. In an SUV, even at a stoplight, I could not see into his rear facing car seat.
My kid was super duper easy the first two weeks and then basically has not been for the next 3 years. I can't imagine having a brand new tiny baby losing their mind and how overwhelming that would be.
BFing was never a wonderful experience and I am even scared to attempt to BF again but I am trying to get past those emotions and do the best I can. Even after we got home, nothing was working and I just couldn't handle the anxiety and stress anymore so I decided to do the best I could and pump. Pumping totally sucks but I was committed to doing what I could to get her the nutrients she needed. DD did have mild jaundice too but luckily did not need additional treatments thankfully.
I mean no one warns you but BFing is pretty much the hardest part of being a new mom.
I hope this time is way easier for you and you get a way better LC to help you at the hospital.
I actually am switching hospitals this time due to my new insurance covering the hospital with more resources. I'm hoping the LCs there are more able to help with my situation too.
The LC came in and after failed attempts to force his face onto my breast she milked me. Like Meet the Fockers milked me. It hurt like hell and she squeezed a teaspoon amount onto a tiny spoon and forced his mouth open to give it to him. He felt better and developed the desire to find out where the source was. It still took several months to get "down pat".
My story isnt exactly like yours, but I relate with how emotionally horrible breast feeding attempts can be! Especially with a starving kid. I mean who knew a newborn baby would resent the fact you were putting your nipples anywhere near his mouth and turn his head away like, "GTFOH with your tits!"? In nursing school during my maternity rotation we watched a video of a newborn crawl from his mother's belly and find her nipple on its own and immediately start feeding. All on it's own! No football holds, shoved heads, milked humans, screaming and writhing! Yeah. That SO didn't happen as I imagined.