@Wearmi1 I've read that using the pump on max power can really do damage. Speak with a lactation consultant while you are at the hospital. Also make sure that you are taking care of YOU so that you're in the best shape possible to take care of everyone else. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods and basically over dose on oatmeal. Follow those steps and you should be a lactating maniac. Pump on momma you are doing great and your baby knows it!
Guys the congestion I've been dealing with for the last week is unreal. I can't tell if it's a head cold or just a pregnancy symptom. So much boogers and mucus and my ears are blocked. I get this gross cough every once in a while. If you take these things away I feel fine- no headache, chills, or fever, etc. It's the worst in the morning. Ugh.
@Wearmi1 Hugs to you! The weepy feelings are totally normal, and I'm sure the guilt you feel isn't helping. Even without all the added stress that you have, I remember crying at home all the time during nursing sessions. Try to be kind to yourself, you are doing everything you can and you are an awesome mom! I remember some bad nipple pain lasting for a week or two just with normal nursing so I'm sure you're suffering. Using lansinoh lanolin on them after every session really helped me, and like PP said, eat oatmeal and use warm compresses.
MC Sept 2010 BFP Oct 2011 - DD born July 2012 TTC again since July 2014 First IUI 9/26/16: BFP! EDD 6/19/2017 It's a girl!
Born 6/26/17, 9lb 5oz
@Wearmi1 Sending all the hugs and good pumping vibes your way!
This baby seems to have decided that letting me work is unacceptable. If I try to type at my computer, I must be violating his personal space and am punished with sharp jabs for doing so. I've retaliated by holding my cup of ice water to my belly (temporarily helps by forcing his retreat, and makes it feel a bit better) and have resorted to emailing from my phone with my feet up on my desk to maximize his space. My colleagues must think I'm nuts - my office has glass walls....
I've had a couple Braxton hicks contractions each day for the past few days. I don't like it. I know it's normal and I'm trying to increase my water intake, but I was hoping these wouldn't start until closer to my due date. I'm almost 30 weeks, so now it's like will these continue for the rest of pregnancy? I'm not loving it.
@Wearmi1 I'm so sorry. I want to add to everyone saying that you are doing an awesome job and you are so strong.
I'm so done with this week already. I had to get up, on crutches, to pee 5 times last night. I took one of my precious sick days yesterday, but I'm back today and it just blows. My sprained ankles hurt, my arms are sore from compensating, and the whole thing is not helping my pelvic pain. I'm just going to be a grumpy mama for the next couple of weeks.
@Wearmi1 I was told by the LLC chapter here that pumping on the highest setting can cause damage to your nipples. You need to find the most comfortable setting and so that you can relax a little more which is going to help your let down and basically empty your breasts. I agree with checking the flanges size too that could also add to the pain.
@hgpa hang in there! I can only imagine your struggle. I'd be a total mess. I'd be crying out of pity for myself if I was trying to hobble around on crutches while pregnant.
Thanks ladies for you love and support. I'm going to start making oatmeal part of my day. The lactation lady here at the hospital taught me about power pumping this morning and also suggested lightly rubbing my nipples with olive oil before pumping to lubricate them so they move easily in the flanges.
@Wearmi1 agreed that you do not need the highest setting!!! I did that with DS1 and it SERIOUSLY hurt so I feel your pain. I learned like other mommys here that its better to do a moderate setting with massage, etc. You can also try cluster pumping if you feel like you need to up your supply/get more out of a sitting.
Thanks ladies. They let me nurse her a little bit this morning with an empty boob and nipple shield. She did pretty well for a 32w preemie. They want me to start doing this everyday so at 34 weeks we can try to start breast feeding for real. And also so that she stimulates me to produce more milk.
I'm still trying to figure out Braxton Hicks. I sometimes get a hard tight feeling but its only in like one section of my bump, not the whole thing. I think its either braxton hicks or baby's head/body up against that area. They don't hurt (a little pain if I push on it) just really hard compared to the normal squishy bump. Any ideas what this is?
This. I can't figure out if I'm having Braxton hicks. I feel exactly what you feel!
@wearmi1 as a parent of a preemie that mommy guilt is so real. I would feel like an awful mother leaving him at the hospital and I don't think there is anything anyone can say to make you feel better. The little ones really are so strong and you will be amazed at what she can accomplish. I struggled with supply with pumping and hopefully as she is able to breastfeed more your supply will increase. I agree with warm compresses. There are some teas, snacks, fenugreek supplements that say they increase your supply but I didn't notice much improvement with any of those.
@tjvan@danij0 My BH seem to only be on the top of my bump. It just gets really hard and tight and uncomfortable to breath. They also usually occur later in the day or when I'm very active.
I feel so big this week. Like stretched and can barely bend or reach in ways I used to be able to. It's so uncomfortable, I can't wrap my head around another 8 weeks (or those of you brave souls carrying multiples) @halfthetree Also, the insomnia, ugh I can't lie on my back because of shortness of breath (and I'm not a back sleeper anyways) but either side I lie on soon results in a burning sensation under my right rib and sometimes numbness. The burn gets so strong it keeps me from sleeping. Ugh.
@JAGinMI and anyone else on the constipation train - my midwife suggested Natural Calm (powdered magnesium) which you can get at Whole Foods. I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and it's been very helpful. I had been taking a chelated magnesium supplement in addition to my prenatal all along and this still made a huge difference (I swapped the powder for the supp). It also comes in different flavors - lemon raspberry
@Wearmi1 sending hugs to you for having to leave sweet Adeline and your sore nips. As a FTM I can't offer any advice, but hoping the advice of others helps bring some relief.
@Wearmi1 everyone else basically covered all the pump advice I was going to give so I'll just add to hang in there and it should get better! You are doing such an amazing job . Take care of yourself and make sure you are getting enough protein. You won't produce milk if you aren't eating enough. Now that you are able to practice nurse I bet that helps your supply a ton. Skin to skin time might help as well. You got this!!
@sparrow thanks for the info! I bought Trader Joe's new organic 100% prune juice and it seriously did the trick! I plan to drink some every night now. But I will look into what you suggested if I have it again.
Me: 36; DH: 38 DD: 7; DS1: 4; DS2 due 6-21-17! **TW** MMC & D&C Aug 2016
The inability to sleep is killing me. I spend hours trying to get comfortable every night. And my DF keeps asking what I need when I'm tossing and turning. I need to have the baby!
@LMMama. Me too. I had no problem sleeping with DS but this little one isn't having it. I have to sleep propped up with pillows on either side. Still, I wake up hourly. If one more person tells me that it's my body's way to get me ready for being up at night when she arrives, I may punch them.
Me: 34 DH: 35 Married: July 2009 BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013 Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016 3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3 First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
@MKRLTX unfortunately my boobs can't stop growing. Pre-pregnancy i was wearing a DD, these days I am spilling out of my DDD. I am terrified of what they will look like when my milk comes in!
Has anyone else had basically zero breast growth? I'm still in all of my same bras.
I'm in all of my same bras too, but I'm popping out of them. Fitting DDs (Es?) into C cups is kind of hilarious at this point. Bras are too pricey for me to go out and get new ones that may or may not fit when I'm nursing or weaned, so I'm just going to suck it up for two more months! I didn't grow much at all when I was pregnant with DS, though.
Has anyone else had basically zero breast growth? I'm still in all of my same bras.
I've had some growth but not a lot. I was in a 32A and they just started being too tight and giving me arm fat. So now I'm in a 36A. With my first I didn't need new bras at all.
Has anyone else had basically zero breast growth? I'm still in all of my same bras.
I wish this was the case for me.. I was a 36c prepregnancy... and I'm spilling out of my 36DD nursing bras now... thankfully most of the growth was in the 1st and 2nd trimesters and has now slowed down. However, I refuse to buy anymore bras lol
Who here has dealt with lower than desired fluid levels? I had an u/s and appt with a doctor on Friday and she told me my levels were at 9ish, but I should be at 12 or so. They are having me come back tomorrow for another u/s and follow up with another doctor. The doctor I saw last week mentioned bed rest, but I'm not sure what to expect.
I was diagnosed with low fluid at 36 weeks last time. (If I'm remembering correctly, I was around 51... under 5 would have meant emergency csection.) After up-Ing my fluid intake and it not making a bit of difference, my OB just had me avoid over exerting myself and I had weekly u/s to the end. Baby was breech (he couldn't flip with such little fluid) so had a c/s anyway at 39w5d. Going this time for an u/s at 32 to check size and fluid. GL to you!
With my first pregnancy, I don't recall noticing much breast growth, but then each subsequent pregnancy it has been more of a thing. I am really uncomfortable in my bras and completely spilling over them in the cups and the band but I am not willing to buy any since I am being cheap and know they won't get a lot of use after.
Me: 36; DH: 38 DD: 7; DS1: 4; DS2 due 6-21-17! **TW** MMC & D&C Aug 2016
Can I just take a moment to b*tch about these post partum night sweats. I literally wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. I also have learned a valuable lesson about sleeping with a bra and nipple pads... because if you don't your side of the bed linens will start smelling like sour milk from leaking at night
@Wearmi1 Those night sweats are seriously no joke! And I actually think I wore nursing pads at night for the entirety of breastfeeding DD - I decided it was more economical and less annoying than having my bed smell like the dairy section at a subpar grocery store!
Ahhh the night sweats. Yes, not looking forward to them again. Also the leaking. I used to soak through the nursing pads when DD started sleeping more at night and I'd have to get up and express a little into the sink to get relief.
MC Sept 2010 BFP Oct 2011 - DD born July 2012 TTC again since July 2014 First IUI 9/26/16: BFP! EDD 6/19/2017 It's a girl!
Born 6/26/17, 9lb 5oz
Re: Symptoms 4/10
BFP Oct 2011 - DD born July 2012
TTC again since July 2014
First IUI 9/26/16: BFP!
EDD 6/19/2017
It's a girl!
Born 6/26/17, 9lb 5oz
This baby seems to have decided that letting me work is unacceptable. If I try to type at my computer, I must be violating his personal space and am punished with sharp jabs for doing so. I've retaliated by holding my cup of ice water to my belly (temporarily helps by forcing his retreat, and makes it feel a bit better) and have resorted to emailing from my phone with my feet up on my desk to maximize his space. My colleagues must think I'm nuts - my office has glass walls....
BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
Mirena 10/14-5/16
BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
+1 for restless legs and Charlie horses in my calves.
I'm so done with this week already. I had to get up, on crutches, to pee 5 times last night. I took one of my precious sick days yesterday, but I'm back today and it just blows. My sprained ankles hurt, my arms are sore from compensating, and the whole thing is not helping my pelvic pain. I'm just going to be a grumpy mama for the next couple
of weeks.
Thanks ladies for you love and support. I'm going to start making oatmeal part of my day. The lactation lady here at the hospital taught me about power pumping this morning and also suggested lightly rubbing my nipples with olive oil before pumping to lubricate them so they move easily in the flanges.
Me: 29 DH: 35
Married: 9/29/12
DS #1: 3/8/15This has been my question of the day lol
@JAGinMI and anyone else on the constipation train - my midwife suggested Natural Calm (powdered magnesium) which you can get at Whole Foods. I've been using it for about 2 weeks now and it's been very helpful. I had been taking a chelated magnesium supplement in addition to my prenatal all along and this still made a huge difference (I swapped the powder for the supp). It also comes in different flavors - lemon raspberry
@Wearmi1 sending hugs to you for having to leave sweet Adeline and your sore nips. As a FTM I can't offer any advice, but hoping the advice of others helps bring some relief.
BFP: 9/30/16, EDD: 6/9/17
@Wearmi1 everyone else basically covered all the pump advice I was going to give so I'll just add to hang in there and it should get better! You are doing such an amazing job . Take care of yourself and make sure you are getting enough protein. You won't produce milk if you aren't eating enough. Now that you are able to practice nurse I bet that helps your supply a ton. Skin to skin time might help as well. You got this!!
Fx that your fluids look better!
Me: 36; DH: 38
DD: 7; DS1: 4; DS2 due 6-21-17!
**TW**
MMC & D&C Aug 2016
Me: 34 DH: 35
Married: July 2009
BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013
Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016
3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3
First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
Bras are too pricey for me to go out and get new ones that may or may not fit when I'm nursing or weaned, so I'm just going to suck it up for two more months!
I didn't grow much at all when I was pregnant with DS, though.
It may have been someone's birthday at work today and two separate groups offered me ice cream...I accepted and enjoyed both offers.
Me: 36; DH: 38
DD: 7; DS1: 4; DS2 due 6-21-17!
**TW**
MMC & D&C Aug 2016
BFP #1 6/13 DD 3/14
Mirena 10/14-5/16
BFP #2 9/2/16, CP confirmed 9/8/16
BFP #3 10/10/16 EDD 6/22/17
BFP Oct 2011 - DD born July 2012
TTC again since July 2014
First IUI 9/26/16: BFP!
EDD 6/19/2017
It's a girl!
Born 6/26/17, 9lb 5oz