Chiming in late, but @PharmDMom@ashleygorokhovsky@gigemily09 it sounds like I'm in a similar situation as you all. DD and I have had serious latch problems so she isn't gaining weight appropriately. So we've been bottle feeding formula and some BM. I have had to give up on feeding directly from the breast because it is so frustrating for both of us. Maybe we can try again when she is bigger. That fact has brought lots of tears for me.
If I went to a million LCs and kept trying, we could probably EBF, but I don't feel that I want to at this time. I have another kiddo who needs me, too. Also, I had PPD with my son and BFing made it worse. I was always worried about supply, weight gain, etc. So I am pumping and FF with the understanding that pumping may not last too long.
I've had a lot of guilt about all this. I think there is so much pressure to BF, BF, BF that we feel so guilty if we can't or don't want to BF. I get that "breast is best," but even more important is having healthy and happy parents.
So I'm sorry that any of you are struggling, but we're not alone!
@1982Babies have you seen an LC? It sounds like a potential latch difficulty? Or maybe fast letdown or oversupply issues. I hope a good LC can help.
@Mamax2 My DS1 had super severe reflux (got a feeding tube eventually bc of it). I would absolutely not thicken bottles with rice at this age. I'm guessing your LO is FF? If so, a change in what type would be the absolute first recommendation. Sticking with that for a week or two and then possibly trying another. DS1 was eventually on Alimentum. If you're giving pumped milk, elimination diets are key for helping determine what is upsetting their bellies. DS1's GI pedi doesn't think most babies reflux for no reason. She feels it is an intolerance to something in mom's diet or formula. So finding the right diet for mom or formula is the key for resolving it. Instead of masking it with meds or thickening bottles.
As a pharmacist and parent, after any formula or dietary issues in mom are addressed, I would definitely start with Zantac vs thickening bottles. The side effects are almost none unless a kid is on it for years which may alter their absorption of certain minerals etc. Some kids need Nexium or Prilosec instead. That is something that you don't want them on for long (same reasons) but CAN be helpful for short term.
Seriously DS1's reflux changed our whole lives. He ended up being allergic to corn (which is in almost every infant formula) by we didn't find out until way too late. I basically tried everything in the world to help/resolve infant GERD so although I'm not a physician, I am pretty well versed on the subject!
edited to change can't to can- major typo!!
This is great advice and consistent with what we learned with DS though his situation was a little different.
The idea that a baby is just "colicky" is often a cop-out for the arduous process of figuring out what's irritating a baby's system
5 days PP and I've already met with two lactation consultants and an IBCLC. While at the hospital, we had trouble latching and I kept being told contradicting theories from everyone, either he had a posterior tongue tie, or nothing was wrong. Delivered at 5 pm, so want able to meet with a consultant until the next day. I was spared to be her second stop of the morning after she arrived at 9 am, she did not come until 3 pm and that was after my nurse went and physically hunted her down because my baby had not eaten because he was not latching. She told me to keep trying and that she thought he had a tongue tie issue and we would need to talk to his pediatrician, then left claiming she'd be back to see how pumping was going for me. Insert angry nurse coming back around realizing that a feeding plan had not been established, so she hunted down the consultant again and it was determined that we needed to supplement in addition to me pumping so he could eat. Next morning I notice that LO is sucking on the bottle a lot better than the night before, so I stick my finger in his mouth, and he's sucking!! Different consultant is in this morning and made sure to come see me right away from all the notes about the day before. She confirms that he can suck just fine, is not tongue tied, and shows me how to properly latch him on for feedings. She comes up with a new feeding plan that is primarily breast feeding, wirh pumping, and supplementing with formula to make up the lacking amount. Since I went so long without latching, she thinks there will be a delay in my milk coming in, but has no qualms about my ability to breast feed, though she tells me to immediately so using nipple stimulation to supplement and to use syringe wirh finger to encourage sucking. She stated that because of his tiredness from birth then his snipping the next day, that he was alittle delayed with the sucking movement but was fine. Today was first post discharge appointment with the pediatrician who is also the IBCLC and she is now working with me to increase my supply because I'm only producing half what I should be and my LO needs more food as he's lost 6oz from birth and hasn't had a bowel movement since we left the hospital (had 3 our last day there). So now I'm a human cow that is pumping hourly that he's sleeping and nursing any time he is awake to get my supply up and taking 9 fenugreek capsules a day. Here's to dedicating my all to giving him breast milk and breast feeding like I have been wanting to. I will get this! But goodness, I just want him to poop! His farts reek, but I'm glad that at least he doesn't have an upset stomach or bloating.
Chiming in late, but @PharmDMom@ashleygorokhovsky@gigemily09 it sounds like I'm in a similar situation as you all. DD and I have had serious latch problems so she isn't gaining weight appropriately. So we've been bottle feeding formula and some BM. I have had to give up on feeding directly from the breast because it is so frustrating for both of us. Maybe we can try again when she is bigger. That fact has brought lots of tears for me.
If I went to a million LCs and kept trying, we could probably EBF, but I don't feel that I want to at this time. I have another kiddo who needs me, too. Also, I had PPD with my son and BFing made it worse. I was always worried about supply, weight gain, etc. So I am pumping and FF with the understanding that pumping may not last too long.
I've had a lot of guilt about all this. I think there is so much pressure to BF, BF, BF that we feel so guilty if we can't or don't want to BF. I get that "breast is best," but even more important is having healthy and happy parents.
So I'm sorry that any of you are struggling, but we're not alone!
@1982Babies have you seen an LC? It sounds like a potential latch difficulty? Or maybe fast letdown or oversupply issues. I hope a good LC can help.
@cjt121413 I saw one In the hospital. She is 2 weeks tomorrow and it just started a few days ago. I'll give them a jingle tomorrow. At dinner time tonight, she fought me for 40 minutes and latched and ate for 30, so I think she's just stubborn!
*SIGGY* Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19" #2 due Christmas 2016.
@littlebirdie28 I wouldn't bring it if I were you. We ended up at the hospital 4 days and LO had issues latching and eating at first. We had to supplement with donor milk, and the Latch consultant we met with let us use one of the hospital grade pumps to help get the baby my colostrum.
@1982Babies Sounds very similar to some of the troubles me and my LO have. He has been much better the past couple of days, but occasionally he will just FIGHT me--screaming, pushing, crying--prior to latching. Super fussy...
For now, I am trying to pump for a couple minutes before feedings to relieve the ultra-fast flow I have. Pediatrician also suggested I cut out caffeine (first day of this was yesterday, and it ended in me having a killer migraine....ugh!) and foods that would make me gassy (veggies, beans, and such). I'm not so keen on eliminating green veggies from my diet either, because with my diabetes, that's one of the only things I can eat without taking insulin, and they're generally healthy for you. We'll see how things go for the LO, I suppose.
@PharmDMom This is me since Day 1, I had trouble BFing... and then it didn't help that I couldn't feed DS after my milk came in as we were back in the hospital for his bilirubin. I'd pump, but it hurt so bad. He was also really little so he didn't latch well and I was in so much pain. I didn't even want him near my boobs. I figured out that I needed a bigger pumping funnel (can't remember what they're call) and that has helped. But, DS was getting supplement during that time and his weight was increasing so we were happy with that.
I had 2 LC appointments and both showed that although he could latch correctly, my supply was very low. I took pills to help and bought some lactation cookies but nothing really worked. So, we mainly do formula and he's growing! He was under 6 lbs when he left the hospital a month ago and now is up around 8... which is awesome. I'll still attempt to BF some days if he's been fussy and the formula needs to heat up. I don't know if he gets anything, but does stay for at least 10 minutes... could just be to calm and suck on something other than a paci.
I'd like to pump when I go back to work but feel my supply is still low when I do pump (a couple time a day), so not sure if it's worth it to buy a travel one. I have time to decide, as I go back to work Jan 30.
Me: 37 years old
DH: 39 years old
Married: October 17, 2014 TTC Since: November 2015 BFP: March 31, 2016 DS: November 21, 2016
December'16 December Siggy Challenge: Elf on the Shelf Fails **winner**
@Kacie209 Thanks for sharing. LC told me and that I could continue letting DS latch and suck even if my supply fizzled out to nothing. She said that doing it for bonding/comfort was special and to do that as long as he would and I wanted to. So I think letting your DS nurse while his bottle heats or when he fusses is a great idea!
Eta (posted too soon): recommend that until the next poo comes, keep LO in full leg onesie with feet (it caught most of our blowout) and keep a blanket under him/her when you can!
@BabyRobbinsAdventure Hope everything's ok for you! I just talked to our nurseline. They said 3-4 days for breastfed babies is ok as long as they seem fine otherwise. We go back Monday for a normal checkup anyways so they said that's fine.
@BabyRobbinsAdventure Hope everything's ok for you! I just talked to our nurseline. They said 3-4 days for breastfed babies is ok as long as they seem fine otherwise. We go back Monday for a normal checkup anyways so they said that's fine.
Once BF babies hit 5-6 weeks they can go 7-10 days between poops. BM is exactly what they need, with little extra so there isn't as much to poop out.
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.
Pedi nurse did not seem too concerned. We have a previously scheduled appt with them tomorrow anyways, so we will be sure to discuss it more in depth then. I think we should all do a poop dance so that our LOs clear up without a major blowout.
If DD is sleeping through feeds at night, do I need to keep trying to wake up to pump? I can't seem to get up every 3 hours at night and it goes to 4 hours but DD is eating every 6 at night. I'm exhausted cuz my pump schedule and DD's eating schedule are not on the same times so I'm up every 1.5 or so.
@sourlemon, try for at least 1 pump overnight. I think you'll be okay with a 6 hour stretch. If you see it diminish, try for every 4.
@silverfrost - I think the 15 bean soup we made is the culprit, which is a damn shame because it is SO delicious. She's had a few 45 minute sessions today with minimal fighting, which is great. Overnight and first feed today weren't awesome though.
*SIGGY* Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19" #2 due Christmas 2016.
@sourlemon I also only pump once overnight and haven't had any issues with supply. I also pump before bed and first thing of course.
But GUYS seriously I passed the shower and towel test today so am going to gradually go back to BF starting tomorrow!! Woooootttttttt!!!!!!!
Thensevret ended up being to wear plastic wrap over my nipples with ointment during the day. Clears up the cracked nipples like a charm. Bad thing is the plastic wrap itches a bit but whatever it is worth it.
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
Anyone have experience with upper lip ties? My poor kid is struggling with it so bad...she sucks so hard cuz she can't latch that it's causing blisters on her lips...then they burst and peel and start over again.
@Kate08Young we will be making an appointment tomorrow but I've thought it might be tied for a while...I thought maybe I was crazy until DH asked if something was wrong with it. But the blisters then peeling lips every day are concerning for me too. Poor kid.
@sourlemon does she seem to be in pain? I seem to remember this happening with DD1.... but just associated it with the whole newborn skin shedding thing... and it didn't seem to be a problem? I'm not really bfing this time, so no comparison for these babies though....
@Toller she won't eat when the blisters are there until they pop/peel. I guess it's like building a callous. Luckily they pop/peel pretty fast and it hasn't impacted weight gain. She's up almost 2 pounds since birth (just under a month ago). But those few hours when the blisters are full of fluid she won't eat...and seems to hurt when opening her mouth very wide.
It seems like the recommendation is to let LO "finish" on one breast before moving to another - how do you tell when they are "done"? Yes, my breast gets softer after like 5-10 mins of feeding but usually I'll still let him eat for 20-30 mins on one side before switching. Not sure that the right thing to do is.
It seems like the recommendation is to let LO "finish" on one breast before moving to another - how do you tell when they are "done"? Yes, my breast gets softer after like 5-10 mins of feeding but usually I'll still let him eat for 20-30 mins on one side before switching. Not sure that the right thing to do is.
I switch after the 5-10 minutes, especially in the night. I was told after that point baby is usually just pacifying anyways. Our nursing sessions have always been shorter though.
We has a great night last night, it's like she knew I needed sleep. Tonight it appears we're back on the every two hours plan. Sigh.
@penelope4612 I let LO detach on her own, hoping she'll get some of the hind milk, then burp her and change the diaper if necessary before offering the other side. FTM here, so no clue if that is the correct thing to be doing.
@penelope4612 watch your baby's chin when he's eating. Look for a bigger drop in his chin after a number of smaller ones - that's him swallowing. Once I notice my baby has stopped swallowing, then I know he's only sucking on me, and then I switch to the next side.
I tend to let them go on one side at least 15 min... but I don't have a vigorous let down either. Once they start to fall asleep, have relaxed hands or unlatch I try topping off with the second side. That way you know you're emptying it totally and avoiding mastitis and also getting them hind milk.
I don't empty! She drinks slowly enough still that by the time she's done, more let down comes. It makes her so mad because she tries to comfort nurse so gently but still ends up with a mouthful of milk.
My restless legs have no gone away since birth. Now it's like a nerve is connected from my nipple my leg. I get this lightening pain in my nipple that jerks my leg. So annoying! And it's ten times worse at night.
We have had to supplement with formula and pumped milk while I was laid up with the headache, but these last few days I've felt almost human again and have been able to get back to working on BFing. Still pumping and supplementing, but her latch is still really good which has been so encouraging.
My my biggest issue right now is my right nip. The LC noticed that it had some cracking probably due to a shallow initial latch in the hospital. I've been putting coconut oil on it per her suggestion but it's still so sore. Pumping and BFing irritates it. Is this just a wait it out kind of thing? It's the most sore when she first latches and then as she nurses for a while the pain either goes away or becomes tolerable.
@Christinaruth74 try covering your nipples with plastic wrap after you put the oil on. It was the miracle for me getting my nipple cracks healed - good luck!
Me: 38, DH: 36 Married Jan 2008 DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18" so in love Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
Very frustrated and kind of worried about Ashton's eating. He projectile vomits/spits up everytime he eats breastmilk...his entire meal. Then he's hungry again. He spits up with formula too but not as violently. He has a doctor appointment soon, but I'm just confused. He has been gaining weight, or seems to be, so I'm wondering if he has reflux. But, his spit up is very chunky, like curdled milk. When I did a quick Google search, his symptoms indicated pyloric stenosis, which requires surgery, which I hope isn't true.
So I'm sitting here wondering if it's something in my breastmilk that is causing this, or if because he is a preemie something in his digestive system is underdeveloped.
@dmontgo no advice but hugs. My son has digestive issues and I feel we are still working them out. He's small and skinny and it torments me when his tummy is upset! I know how stressful this can be - working out digestive problems in a little one that can't tell you anything hugs hugs
@dmontgo, stay away from Google. You'll go crazy. Your best is to talk with your doc if you're concerned. FWIW, my baby is similar and I'm not overly concerned. I assume LO is just a happy spitter. I did, however, cut out dairy to see if that helps.
Re: All Things Feeding
If I went to a million LCs and kept trying, we could probably EBF, but I don't feel that I want to at this time. I have another kiddo who needs me, too. Also, I had PPD with my son and BFing made it worse. I was always worried about supply, weight gain, etc. So I am pumping and FF with the understanding that pumping may not last too long.
I've had a lot of guilt about all this. I think there is so much pressure to BF, BF, BF that we feel so guilty if we can't or don't want to BF. I get that "breast is best," but even more important is having healthy and happy parents.
So I'm sorry that any of you are struggling, but we're not alone!
@1982Babies have you seen an LC? It sounds like a potential latch difficulty? Or maybe fast letdown or oversupply issues. I hope a good LC can help.
Me: 33 H: 36
Married: 12/14/13 DS: 1/29/09
BFP2: 10/9/15 MMC: 11/12/15
BFP3: 4/6/16 DD: 12/12/16
The idea that a baby is just "colicky" is often a cop-out for the arduous process of figuring out what's irritating a baby's system
(WOW, I wrote a lot, sorry)
Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19"
#2 due Christmas 2016.
For now, I am trying to pump for a couple minutes before feedings to relieve the ultra-fast flow I have. Pediatrician also suggested I cut out caffeine (first day of this was yesterday, and it ended in me having a killer migraine....ugh!) and foods that would make me gassy (veggies, beans, and such). I'm not so keen on eliminating green veggies from my diet either, because with my diabetes, that's one of the only things I can eat without taking insulin, and they're generally healthy for you. We'll see how things go for the LO, I suppose.
I had 2 LC appointments and both showed that although he could latch correctly, my supply was very low. I took pills to help and bought some lactation cookies but nothing really worked. So, we mainly do formula and he's growing! He was under 6 lbs when he left the hospital a month ago and now is up around 8... which is awesome. I'll still attempt to BF some days if he's been fussy and the formula needs to heat up. I don't know if he gets anything, but does stay for at least 10 minutes... could just be to calm and suck on something other than a paci.
I'd like to pump when I go back to work but feel my supply is still low when I do pump (a couple time a day), so not sure if it's worth it to buy a travel one. I have time to decide, as I go back to work Jan 30.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
Eta (posted too soon): recommend that until the next poo comes, keep LO in full leg onesie with feet (it caught most of our blowout) and keep a blanket under him/her when you can!
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 think we should all do a poop dance so that our LOs clear up without a major blowout.
@silverfrost - I think the 15 bean soup we made is the culprit, which is a damn shame because it is SO delicious. She's had a few 45 minute sessions today with minimal fighting, which is great. Overnight and first feed today weren't awesome though.
Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia. 5lb12oz 19"
#2 due Christmas 2016.
But
Thensevret ended up being to wear plastic wrap over my nipples with ointment during the day. Clears up the cracked nipples like a charm. Bad thing is the plastic wrap itches a bit but whatever it is worth it.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
L's pedi took care of his tongue tie while we were in the hospital.
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.
We has a great night last night, it's like she knew I needed sleep. Tonight it appears we're back on the every two hours plan. Sigh.
Due December 27th with baby #7
We have had to supplement with formula and pumped milk while I was laid up with the headache, but these last few days I've felt almost human again and have been able to get back to working on BFing. Still pumping and supplementing, but her latch is still really good which has been so encouraging.
My my biggest issue right now is my right nip. The LC noticed that it had some cracking probably due to a shallow initial latch in the hospital. I've been putting coconut oil on it per her suggestion but it's still so sore. Pumping and BFing irritates it. Is this just a wait it out kind of thing? It's the most sore when she first latches and then as she nurses for a while the pain either goes away or becomes tolerable.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
So I'm sitting here wondering if it's something in my breastmilk that is causing this, or if because he is a preemie something in his digestive system is underdeveloped.
Any experiences with this?
hugs hugs