@DiFazette I was told no baths until cleared by OB (typically at 6 week appointment). The goal is to avoid infection by keeping the bacteria in the water from traveling up to the site where the placenta detached until its healed.
Thanks ladies... I figured six weeks but I was hoping my guess was wrong. I'll call next week to see what they say... I'm hoping they say 2 weeks like @Kate08Young! I feel like a long, hot bath would do wonders for me right now.
Maybe not a stupid question, but something I have been wondering... Has anyone had success exclusively pumping? I am really struggling with breastfeeding and I've been doing some reading about EPing online and it seems like it is possible. I'm debating going that route but wanted to get some real life feedback. If anyone has any tips or advice i would love to hear it.
@DiFazette I think I recall that you EPed your first?
@ea301 I did! Honestly, it was hard... but doable. It's much more logistics based than nursing and having a newborn is its own logistical challenge. For me having to bring my pump, bottles to pump into, ice packs in case I couldn't refrigerate, a place to pump and time to pump became pretty difficult.
It's by no means impossible, but I just want to be honest that it was not easy. Do you have a LC through your ped? I can see mine as many times as I need to... have you seen anyone who may be able to help?
@ea301 I did with L and am with E. I had it fairly easy with my classroom and mini fridge. However I didn't get to pump every 3hrs like I was supposed to, and that made it very hard to keep up with L.
Also, I bought an extra electric pump off eBay, and would just leave one at work then have one at home. Took a bit of stress off of trying to remember everything everyday.
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.
@DiFazette I appreciate the honesty! That is exactly what I am looking for. I realize now that I am thinking very short term in a situation where I'm not leaving the house, so it wasn't that obvious to me that eventually I'll need to pack things up and figure out a way to make it work on the road. With regard to the LC, long story short, no I haven't really talked to anyone besides friends (Bumpies included!). I had two very short visits with the hospital LC before I was discharged, but they weren't that helpful. I've been trying to connect with their office since being discharged but they never answer the phone and they've been really slow responding to my voicemails. Very frustrating! I also contacted my insurance to see if they had any recommendations and there was one LC they said was 100% covered, so I need to reach out to her too. I didn't think to reach out to my pediatrician, so I will do that. That may be my best shot at getting some actual help. I guess that wasn't long story short... more like long story long.
@Kate08Young Thanks for the feedback! That is encouraging to know that you would do it again. I'm currently working from home as a Realtor where I can set my own schedule, but may go back to work part time for my dad in the new year. I think he'd be pretty flexible for allowing me time to pump, so that is a good thought to get an extra so I don't have to lug it around.
@ea301 have you checked out a local Le Leche league? they can be lots of help!! or contact your insurance company to find another covered LC?
It might be worth the extra effort right now to try and make it work, as overwhelming as I know it is (seriously, why it's not more "intuitive" is just crazy!! It's the one thing I try to warn all my new mom friends about- learning to nurse is very hard!!)... not having to worry about bringing bottles with you is very nice....
@Toller I did check with insurance but not La Leche League yet. Their website is not mobile friendly and I always forget when I'm on my computer. I will do that this weekend. ::adding to to-do list::
I agree, breastfeeding is very challenging! A few friends did warn me about the physical issues but not the psychological hurdles you need go get over. I'm pretty sure most of my problem is mental. While BFing is very painful for me (I got blisters after one VERY quick feeding in the hospital), I think the bigger problem is that it stresses me out so quickly. It is hard not comparing that to the pump where it's more inconvenient but at least I know what I'm doing and it is almost certainly guaranteed to work without a problem.
@ea301 I did a modified EP after DD1 was born. I say modified because we also were supplementing with formula since my supply was less-than-impressive. I pumped for about 3 months until I just had to let it go... it certainly isn't for the faint of heart because it can be much more isolating then BFing. If you want to EP, you need to be committed to keeping a solid pumping schedule (which will likely include getting up in the middle of the night). DD1 was STTN really early on, so that was one of the reasons I stopped... my rest/mental health needed to become priority because I was already dealing with pretty bad PPA. That being said, I have a dear friend who went through the surrogacy process last year and chose to EP after the baby was born. Initially it was to build a stash for the parents, but then she went on to donate to NICUs. She developed a schedule that worked for her and was committed to sticking to it and she honestly loved it!
Anyway, talk about long story long.... if you truly feel BFing isn't the right route for you, try out EPing! You may love it and get into a schedule that works well for you. But know that whatever you choose, as long as your baby is fed, you're doing great❤️
And... I've hit a wall with pumping. I hate it right now. The fact that LC has discouraged me from nursing too much plus now the added thrush - I just feel like I'm being forced into it and that makes me frustrated. Now I'm pushed 2 weeks from trying to nurse again
@DiFazette ugh hugs... that sounds frustrating. I really hope the thrush clears up soon and you guys can get into a good flow (whatever that may look like).
My question:
sterelizing pump parts- did you just boil them? If so, for how long? And what parts specifically? The hoses and all, right?
I didn't think I would, but I am BFing and pumping, which is frustrating, honestly. Ashton went from eating every 4 hours in the NICU to eating every 2, 2.5 hours at home. Because he is eating more often, he's not completely draining my breasts, so I have to pump after he's done. This is frustrating because we are running out of room for milk, and also because he has to drink poly-vi-sol (liquid iron) twice a day from a bottle mixed with breastmilk. So either way I have to pump, but trying to BF and pump is exhausting right now.
I feel like until he goes into longer stretches between feedings, EPing is the easier choice for me. Hopefully I can knock down some on my stash, and if this surplus continues, I was considering donating to the NICU.
@ChristinaRuth74 It seems like everyone's experience with pumping is different... it's been so interesting to hear so many different stories. I guess time will tell what happens with us. Part of me feels like since she's almost 3 weeks old, she might not be able to breastfeed now, but I know that's probably crazy talk.
Also, re: sterilizing pump parts: here's what we do - I had to ask my husband because he's in charge of this
1. Wash everything before sterilizing 2. Bring pot of water to a boil 3. Add pump parts (we haven't been doing the hoses - you shouldn't have to unless you see that milk has gotten into them somehow) 4. Keep the parts boiling for 10 minutes 5. Use tongs to pull out the parts and rinse right away in cold water 6. Air dry
We're rinsing in cold water because we're using tap water, which will result in a bit of white film after boiling. (If you use distilled water, you shouldn't get a film.) The cold water rinse will get rid of a lot of the film right away before it dries on.
Our pump also came with a quick steam bag which was really easy. You just add water to the bag and microwave it for 3 minutes.
@Christinaruth74 you can boil - whether or not you need to do the hoses depends on if you have an open or closed system. If no milk goes into the hoses they don't need to be sterilized often. I also have Madela steam bags that I sterilize in... you can use each bag 30 times so it's a month of sterilizing per bag... worth the small price to me rather than boiling every day.
@DiFazette ugh, I'm sorry. I hope things clear up soon for you. I wish I had some advice on making pumping better I tried to find a good gif to cheer you up and this is all I could come up with... hope it works!
So, confession... I'm just going to try and re-use the pump my insurance gave me for DD1 and idk that I ever sterilized it. Granted it was 2.5 years ago and I can barely remember what I had for breakfast, but I just don't remember doing any of that. Needless to say, I definitely want to sterilize this time around. Mine didn't come with a bag, so boiling it will be.
Which leads to my next dumb question: if you're pumping, how often do you sterilize your parts??
@Christinaruth74 I think that's what everyone here is talking about - sterilizing the parts, at least I am. I bought Madela sterilizing bags from Target for my shields and other pieces. It didn't come with my pump.
Ok awesome thanks! I thought they just needed to be sterilized before the first use and then just as needed after that, like for cases of thrush or build up or something. Oopsies.
I sterilized before using the first time. I wash the parts every day (keep in the fridge between uses), but haven't sterilized them again. I was thinking once a month or so? Maybe once a week with the bags.
It's such a relief reading some struggles other moms are going through with breastfeeding. This is hard guys. My LO won t latch so we have been using formula, supplemented with pumped milk. I met with two different LC's and left frustrated. Right now we are trying with a nipple shield but she only latches 1/3 of the time and with pumping every two hours I'm only getting enough for two bottles a day. It feels like I'm doing 3X the work to try to keep her fed. I don't know how much longer I can do this. It's such a strain on my mental as well as physical health.
@kbduke hugs... I've totally been there with DD1. I feel like BFing is so much more of a mental battle and with the added PP hormones on top of sleeplessness... just give yourself some grace. Youre doing the best you can right now, but if it's really starting to feel like a strain on your own well being, it's ok to take a step back and reassess. BFing didn't happen with DD1 unless I brought out the shield but the LC shamed me hardcore for that so I avoided it. Then came FFing and supplemental pumping, but after 3 months I went to strictly FFing and it was such a weight off my shoulders. Anyway, all that to say, don't be too hard on yourself ❤️
@kbduke yes, the idea of breastfeeding seems easy, but it's just not always so. When I had DD1 I was struggling to get enough nipple in her mouth for a good latch. So this LC nurse comes up, grabs my boob hardcore, and literally shoved it in DDs mouth! She said the faster you can get it in, the more nipple they get, the better latch. I thought it was a little aggressive, but it ended up saving me with both DDs. But again, you try your best, and what works for some doesn't for others. DD 1 only BF for 5 months, and my supply dried up when I switched birth control. Then it was FF for her. There are so many options and combinations of what you can do. Just make sure you do what is best for your situation. You are the mommy
My milk is really having a hard time coming in. It's been five days and I'm getting maybe a teaspoon when I pump. I haven't had a chance to even try BF'ing yet, just bringing him my puny little teaspoon bottles to the nicu to add to his formula. Why isn't it coming in? Am I doing something wrong? I'm pumping every 3hours for 20mins and I'm starting to get worried it's just not going to come in for me. I really, really want to breastfeed him. If he had got to come home from the beginning my baby would be starving with what I have to offer him.
I was in the same boat @Austenista and my milk eventually came in. Have you had any engorgement? I had three really bad days where they hurt soooo bad, but eventually I started being able to pump more. I'm still not getting a ton... for example, my most recent yield for 15 minutes of pumping was 40 ml. Sometimes I can get over 100 ml, and my all time record was 150 ml. No idea why it varies but it is definitely more than a teaspoon. I'm actually not even sure if those are good numbers!
Also FWIW: We are still supplementing with formula when there isnt enough breastmilk available for a feeding. I know exactly what you mean about there not being enough for him to be fed just on breastmilk alone. It is so difficult. But as many others have said to me, what matters is that he is fed and loved and cared for. Keeping that in mind during "low flow" times has been reassuring for us.
@Austenista have you tried massaging while pumping - From outer breast towards nipple? It can help get things moving. Also - seems easy but be aware of your water intake. You can't produce a good yield of milk if you aren't VERY hydrated. FX it comes in soon!!
@Austenista You can always add in some herbal remedies. Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, Brewers Yeast, Flax seeds- all are lactogenic. There are pills, powders, and tea that I know of. You should be able to hit a local natural food store to grab some.
Ladies, the pump isn't a good example of your supply. Not everyone responds well to them. Try hand expressing, heat, massage, and make sure to drink plenty of water. My last LC recommended over 100 oz a day of just water.
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'm right there with you ladies on the BF struggle. LO is only 3 days old but she nurses so aggressively and frequently that my nipples are already cracked and bleeding. Every time she latches now makes my toes curl and makes me want to cry...sometimes I do. I'm trying to get a good deep latch but it's hard, plus when she cluster feeds!!!! Yeouch!! I'm just taking it a feed at a time at this point
@jennbaylor12 I knew it would be a struggle but I didn't know it would be this difficult. I'm looking forward to hearing what the LC suggests for me. I think I must have bad or awkward nipples because it is so hard to get her to latch. I am scared that if we ever get it right with latching and BFing, I will have the same problems with cracking, bleeding, blistering... I really hope you find relief soon!
Thank you @DiFazette and @kate08young for your insights also btw! I forgot about water intake being a potential issue. I bet that is one of my problems too... I am inconsistent with staying hydrated.
--
Slight change of subject but its another stupidish question... do any of your LOs sleep on their side? If so, what does your doc say about it? I always put her down on her back but she rolls to the side almost immediately. The pediatrician told me not to worry about it ("if she rolls on her own it's fine," was the exact quote) but I can't help it! I wish she would just stay on her back. Nervous nelly here.
@jennbaylor12 I knew it would be a struggle but I didn't know it would be this difficult. I'm looking forward to hearing what the LC suggests for me. I think I must have bad or awkward nipples because it is so hard to get her to latch. I am scared that if we ever get it right with latching and BFing, I will have the same problems with cracking, bleeding, blistering... I really hope you find relief soon!
Thank you! --
Slight change of subject but its another stupidish question... do any of your LOs sleep on their side? If so, what does your doc say about it? I always put her down on her back but she rolls to the side almost immediately. The pediatrician told me not to worry about it ("if she rolls on her own it's fine," was the exact quote) but I can't help it! I wish she would just stay on her back. Nervous nelly here. Yes, mine does and I've been told the same. I just keep a close eye on her
@Austenista my milk took about 5 days to come in! I wouldn't have realized it did except my doula was there to help me. I also needed to use a heating pad on my back to encourage my body to just F'ing RELAX!! BFing is sooooo mental!!! I really had to focus on relaxing and breathing- almost meditate??
And there's always the dark beer go- to trick:) I hate dark beer, but I'll definitely be having some this time around during nursing sessions because nursing 2 babies is really going to stress me out (and hurt omg!)
@ea301 my boys have been rolling to their sides since the day of their birth. I've asked about 37 professionals now and I've never been told it's a concern. If they get there on their own, it's not a problem. They are in rock and plays at night so they can't roll to their side. They do it during nap time but that's pretty supervised as I'm zipping around the house or have the monitor on them in their room. Talk to YOUR pedi about it more but I wasn't concerned with a single response I received.
I caved shortly after my prior post and pulled out all my pumping stuff. I was looking for nipple shields, didn't find any, but decided to discuss pumping with DH when he woke up - we had decided I wouldn't start pumping for at least 2 weeks - well much to my surprise he was completely on-board and was going to suggest it himself! So pump I did and I feel sooo much better!! No excruciating pain or bleeding, LO got a full belly, everyone is happy :-D
@ea301 DS likes to roll on his side as well. Everyone I've asked is ok with it - but ask your pedi for peace of mind! He sleeps in the "newborn napper" of a pack n play at night so he can't really turn on his side, he's kind of cupped in there.
Stupid question. I was packing the hospital bag since I seem to be having some early labor symptoms the last couple of days (back pain, loose BM, baby is very low, fatigue more than usual) When packing for baby, do I need to bring a certain type of outfit (onesie, pjs, shirt/pants) because of their umbilical stump? I packed a cute onesie and leggings/pants, but then I freaked thinking it would rub the stump so I also packed a footie PJ type outfit but is not as cute. Both are NB size. Then I thought, do I have her wear 0-3 months until stump falls off since that might be more comfortable for her? these are the thoughts that kept me up last night.
Re: Stupid Questions December
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.
@DiFazette I think I recall that you EPed your first?
It's by no means impossible, but I just want to be honest that it was not easy. Do you have a LC through your ped? I can see mine as many times as I need to... have you seen anyone who may be able to help?
Also, I bought an extra electric pump off eBay, and would just leave one at work then have one at home. Took a bit of stress off of trying to remember everything everyday.
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 Thanks for the feedback! That is encouraging to know that you would do it again. I'm currently working from home as a Realtor where I can set my own schedule, but may go back to work part time for my dad in the new year. I think he'd be pretty flexible for allowing me time to pump, so that is a good thought to get an extra so I don't have to lug it around.
It might be worth the extra effort right now to try and make it work, as overwhelming as I know it is (seriously, why it's not more "intuitive" is just crazy!! It's the one thing I try to warn all my new mom friends about- learning to nurse is very hard!!)... not having to worry about bringing bottles with you is very nice....
I agree, breastfeeding is very challenging! A few friends did warn me about the physical issues but not the psychological hurdles you need go get over. I'm pretty sure most of my problem is mental. While BFing is very painful for me (I got blisters after one VERY quick feeding in the hospital), I think the bigger problem is that it stresses me out so quickly. It is hard not comparing that to the pump where it's more inconvenient but at least I know what I'm doing and it is almost certainly guaranteed to work without a problem.
That being said, I have a dear friend who went through the surrogacy process last year and chose to EP after the baby was born. Initially it was to build a stash for the parents, but then she went on to donate to NICUs. She developed a schedule that worked for her and was committed to sticking to it and she honestly loved it!
Anyway, talk about long story long.... if you truly feel BFing isn't the right route for you, try out EPing! You may love it and get into a schedule that works well for you. But know that whatever you choose, as long as your baby is fed, you're doing great❤️
My question:
sterelizing pump parts- did you just boil them? If so, for how long? And what parts specifically? The hoses and all, right?
I feel like until he goes into longer stretches between feedings, EPing is the easier choice for me. Hopefully I can knock down some on my stash, and if this surplus continues, I was considering donating to the NICU.
Also, re: sterilizing pump parts: here's what we do - I had to ask my husband because he's in charge of this
1. Wash everything before sterilizing
2. Bring pot of water to a boil
3. Add pump parts (we haven't been doing the hoses - you shouldn't have to unless you see that milk has gotten into them somehow)
4. Keep the parts boiling for 10 minutes
5. Use tongs to pull out the parts and rinse right away in cold water
6. Air dry
We're rinsing in cold water because we're using tap water, which will result in a bit of white film after boiling. (If you use distilled water, you shouldn't get a film.) The cold water rinse will get rid of a lot of the film right away before it dries on.
Our pump also came with a quick steam bag which was really easy. You just add water to the bag and microwave it for 3 minutes.
Which leads to my next dumb question: if you're pumping, how often do you sterilize your parts??
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.
@Christinaruth74 I sterilized once or twice, that was it. otherwise I just washed, rinsed and dried. but I never dealt with thrush or premies either.
stupid question NBR- why do I keep getting a pop up asking me to open or save something on desktop bump? it's extremely annoying. anyone else?
My Wedding Bio!
Youre doing the best you can right now, but if it's really starting to feel like a strain on your own well being, it's ok to take a step back and reassess. BFing didn't happen with DD1 unless I brought out the shield but the LC shamed me hardcore for that so I avoided it. Then came FFing and supplemental pumping, but after 3 months I went to strictly FFing and it was such a weight off my shoulders.
Anyway, all that to say, don't be too hard on yourself ❤️
But again, you try your best, and what works for some doesn't for others. DD 1 only BF for 5 months, and my supply dried up when I switched birth control. Then it was FF for her. There are so many options and combinations of what you can do. Just make sure you do what is best for your situation. You are the mommy
Also FWIW: We are still supplementing with formula when there isnt enough breastmilk available for a feeding. I know exactly what you mean about there not being enough for him to be fed just on breastmilk alone. It is so difficult. But as many others have said to me, what matters is that he is fed and loved and cared for. Keeping that in mind during "low flow" times has been reassuring for us.
Ladies, the pump isn't a good example of your supply. Not everyone responds well to them. Try hand expressing, heat, massage, and make sure to drink plenty of water. My last LC recommended over 100 oz a day of just water.
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.
Thank you @DiFazette and @kate08young for your insights also btw! I forgot about water intake being a potential issue. I bet that is one of my problems too... I am inconsistent with staying hydrated.
--
Slight change of subject but its another stupidish question... do any of your LOs sleep on their side? If so, what does your doc say about it? I always put her down on her back but she rolls to the side almost immediately. The pediatrician told me not to worry about it ("if she rolls on her own it's fine," was the exact quote) but I can't help it! I wish she would just stay on her back. Nervous nelly here.
And there's always the dark beer go- to trick:) I hate dark beer, but I'll definitely be having some this time around during nursing sessions because nursing 2 babies is really going to stress me out (and hurt omg!)
When packing for baby, do I need to bring a certain type of outfit (onesie, pjs, shirt/pants) because of their umbilical stump? I packed a cute onesie and leggings/pants, but then I freaked thinking it would rub the stump so I also packed a footie PJ type outfit but is not as cute. Both are NB size. Then I thought, do I have her wear 0-3 months until stump falls off since that might be more comfortable for her?
these are the thoughts that kept me up last night.