@StephBrim24 when my milk came in, which was around day 2-3 if I can remember!
I had dentist today so my Mom came over, I pumped a 4 oz bottle just in case I wasn’t home before next feed, and I was. Didn’t want to waste the milk so at our 8:00witching hour DH bottle fed her for the first time- she ate 3.75 oz and then some on the boob right before bed at 915. I thought she’d sleep longer (Sunday night did a 9-2am stretch) but nope, up at 12. I would have put money on a longer sleep due to full belly and a 3 hour wake time before bed!
Does anyone’s LO have a preferred side? Charlie is a huge fan of the left side. On the right he has a hard time staying latched. He will pull off after a few minutes.
@mmom3 my LO was having a hard time with latching onto the right side as well. I was putting him in a football hold for that side but he seems to be latching just fine now.
Question for those who have or had supply issues. I had to supplement with formula early on with Harper and I am still having a hard time getting my supply to meet her needs so I am still supplementing with formula about 7-10oz per day. I am pumping 3 times a day to try and increase my supply. I know I need to pump more but I feel like I am neglecting my son when I feed her and then pump after each feeding. How do you find a good balance?
I have met with a lactation consultant a few times and had similar issues with my son but I ended up formula feeding him after two weeks. I am trying really hard to continue breast feeding her and have reached 5 weeks without giving up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
@katester91 first off awesome job for making it that long! I am not sure that there is a good balance. I am pumping, formula supplementing, and trying to get him to nurse when he doesn’t freak out and will latch. I don’t know if there is a good answer to your question. Trying to find the time to pump is hard. I usually do once after his night feeding, once in the morning before my husband leaves, and then the rest is a crap shoot. Right now I have DD is the bath and him sleeping in his swing so I can pump. Whatever you are able to do is great and if you have to supplement don’t beat yourself up over it!
Thank you @megpeg I’m so hard on myself for it and I’m trying not to be. I spend sooo long trying to feed her between breast feeding, giving her the milk I’m able to pump, and then formula. I’m literally trying everything I can. I started taking fenugreek and just ordered blessed thistle. It’s frustrating and makes me so sad at the same time.
@katester91 this is my third and I still feel like I should be making more milk and it never happens. I have a supplement called milk flow, drink, mothers milk tea, and take brewers yeast and haven’t seen much in results. I hope you do. My water intake is the biggest thing and I forget to drink enough some days with everything else going on.
@katester91@megpeg. I've heard really really good things about the Legendairy supplements from the girls in my breastfeeding group. They have different blends depending on if you're pumping, looking to increase supply or flow, avoid clogs, etc.
www.legendairymilk.com/collections/all
I'll second the increased water recommendation, and plus put babe on your boob as much as you can. Even if you think she's not getting much, her suckling will send a message to your body to produce more milk to increase supply.
@katester91 Finding the balance is hard. I have a 19 month old DD and am EPing. I kind off mapped out DD's schedule to figure out when I can fit in time to pump without having to confine her to her room. So I pump before she gets up, while she eats breakfast, during her nap, etc. The "triple feeding" would be more difficult though, so kudos for keeping it up.
Me: 30 H: 30 Dx: PCOS Married: June 2013 TTC#1: January 2015 BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16 TTC#2: June 2017 BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
I am exclusively pumping and mix formula/milk in a bottle to feed two. A hands free bra is a must, plus a long extension cord for your pump. My LC introduced me to power pumping to increase supply. 20 min pump, 10 rest, 10 pump, 10 rest and 10 pump. Finding an hour to do this is hard, but sends message after a few days to make more milk. In addition to fluid intake, rest is critical for me.
Thanks @ashleyf911 and @becausescience. How long do you typically pump for? I usually pump about 15-20 minutes each time I pump. ETA: thanks @knuttyplus2 I didn’t see your comment before I posted.
Thank you @DDRRT1982 I have taken your advice and have been trying to snack more frequently. I have never been good at making sure I eat enough even when not breastfeeding but I am working on it. Everyone’s tips are helpful!
I just researched domperidone. It’s illegal in the US... and unfortunately I don’t plan on moving to Canada any time soon.
Think my kid has really bad acid reflux. She has no problem gaining weight, but at least 2-3 feedings Out of 24 hour period she struggles to eat, gets on and off and breathes super fast and gets upset. I have a fast let down so I know that doesn’t help so I put towel over and let her take a quick break which makes her even more pissed than just getting drowned in milk. Should I pump right before she’s supposed to feed to let out an ounce or two? Burping takes forever because her poor belly hurts and she spits up a lot during these feedings.
I have done power pumping and fenugreek to increase supply. I also would get up in the middle of the night inbetween my son’s 4-5 stretch to add in an extra session. I also would pump on my way to work, on my plan, on my lunch, after school, and on my way home which was adding in extra daytime sessions. It’s a labor of love for sure.
@slr1229 my babe is going through the same thing. I'm so tired...trying to make sure he burps and feeding him lying back as often as I can. He fights sleep and grunts. His tummy hurts too...passing gas hurts. Going to doctor on Thurs.
Does anyone else have issues with pumping? My little guy doesn't switch breasts well so I typically leave him on one and pump the other when he's done. Starting yesterday, I can't get anything out of the other boob with a pump. I thought maybe my electric pump was acting up so I tried the hand pump and the most I'm getting out with either, if anything, is half an ounce. But when he feeds I can hear way more coming out and he acts satisfied. Does anyone know why I can't get anything with the pump? And if it's going to mess up my supply if he only feeds on one side at a time?
@mccurleya A few initial thoughts 1) Are your flanges fitting correctly, you may need to side up or down. 2) You could try pumping while baby feeds on the other side. I used a Rumina nursing/pumping bra to accomplish this so the pumping was hands free. Or a lot of moms swear by using a Haakaa style pump while baby feeds on the other side. If you pump while baby feeds you take advantage of the hormones released and should see better let downs. 3) Pumping isn't a good indicator of supply, babies are more efficient. If your baby is gaining well and having enough diapers your supply is probably fine. Block feeding is pretty common and won't mess up your supply.
Me: 30 H: 30 Dx: PCOS Married: June 2013 TTC#1: January 2015 BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16 TTC#2: June 2017 BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
@mccurelya if he is acting satisfied I would think that's the greatest indicator of supply. Could he just be eating more and draining the breast better or are you still only feeding from one side? I do sometimes test my supply by bottle feeding one round and pumping at the same time. If I get less than normal I will increase my efforts.
For those that have a concern with their pump you can call the manufacturer and have them run you through a test of the pump parts to see if there is an issue. I did this once and found a tear in the membrane. They overnighted the part.
@becausescience they fit fine. I used to be able to get 2+ ounces from each. And I'm not sure how to pump while feeding. I do a cradle hold, so he kinda blocks the other boob. But now I wonder if it's because the other boob is leaking while I feed, so there isn't much left to pump?
@DDRRT1982 I feed one side one time and then the next time feed on the other side. Also, I can't currently bottle feed until I find out the issue with the milk in the fridge... I had some stored in the fridge for bottle feeds because I'm supposed to be supplementing but the milk keeps spoiling. I'm going to ask the doctor tomorrow at our checkup if they have any suggestions
DD definitely prefers the right side because my milk lets down easier on that side- it’s my stud. Plus, she prefers a different hold with each side- football on the left and cradle on the right. Only thing is, right now getting her latched is extremely painful- we were both officially diagnosed today with thrush. I feel like we’re constantly battling a new issue - first it was the cracked nipples then she wasn’t gaining properly which led to EP for a while and we’ve been transitioning her back to the breast now she’s back at birth weight, she gets thrush. I’m still trying to latch her at most feeds and pumping with each feed. I had a great pump earlier (5 ounces total) which keeps me going through the pain but really hoping these meds kick in soon (they won’t be in until tomorrow). I know fed is best but I feel more connected to her knowing I can do this for her. I feel like it’s helping keep the crazy hormones at bay at bit.
@maelily15 I know this doesn’t make things better but I am super jealous of your 5 ounces. I have only ever pumped 4 at one time at that was after sleeping 7 hours and not pumping.
@mccurleya, in addition to echoing what @becausescience said, I have terrible luck with pumping. Supply is fine, but have to work very hard to get a little out via the pump. My LC helped ensure I had the correct size flange and explained that the pump doesn't work very well for some people's bodies, but doesn't mean your supply is low necessarily. With my first, I had good days and bad days with the pump. Earlier in the day was typically better then the afternoon (this was while I was working, so wasn't nursing between/during these pumping sessions.
I tried a couple times with my first to pump and nurse at the same time. Very tricky and personally I needed my husband to help. But I did get more doing that.
@enigmaticjj thank you! My husband went back to work today, so it's just me. I'm hoping at our 2 week checkup today the doctors will say his weight is fine now so I don't have to worry too much about pumping and supplementing
We’re going to the ped today to find out what’s going on with her being pissy while eating/get info on acid reflux. She normally does it in evenings but now it’s spreading to other feedings too.
Harper had her 1 month appointment today and is gaining weight really well. Has anyone weened their little one from formula? So far today she’s only had 2 oz of formula. Typically in a day it’s 7-10 but since she’s gaining so well I would like to stop formula. Is there a science to it or just go with the flow?
I dont have any pumped milk to give her right now because my dog who I love very much decided to chew on some pump parts so I am waiting for them to come today. I have the spectra pump so it’s impossible to find anything in the store but I was able to have everything rushed shipped from amazon.
We’re putting her on Zantac for her acid reflux and hoping that’s what’s causing her fits. She’s gained 8 oz in a week so she’s definitely eating enough.
Doc compared her to eating Mexican food. Babies like to suck to soothe so at the end of the day she’s probably tired and she over eats———we eat a bunch of chips and then we’re full but our food arrives and we still eat it, then we have a belly ache.
@slr1229 - Charlie tends to be fussier and need to nurse/comfort more in the evenings as well and that’s when he spits up the most too. When I Werner my daughter from BM to formula I did it slowly combining a little more each day until she completely transitioned within a week. Hopefully the medicine helps!
@megpeg, I totally understand your jealousy. My pumps are never a consistent amount. I had that one 5 ounce one yesterday but today I had one that was only 2.5. I never know how much I’m going to get. I had just needed to vent a little. My husband keeps telling me that we can just supplement and I’m tempted but I felt like such a failure emotionally when my supply dried up by 3 months with DD1 so I’m trying to do better this time.
You ARE doing well, @maelily15. I always remind myself that breastfeeding isn't an all or nothing thing. Any amount of BM is beneficial and great for the baby.
Exactly what @DDRRT1982 said. I totally understand what you’re thinking but stressing yourself isn’t going to help your supply either. I was all set to formula feed this time because I didn’t get that much from the pump with my first 2(and went back to work when DD was 3 weeks old). I am getting way more than I did in the past and am not stressing. I am only getting about 12-14oz a day but I figure it’s better than nothing.
I'm reading a book called "Wonder Weeks" and it suggests week 5 is a stormy week because of brain development etc. So to expect lots of crying and clingy behaviour. My babe is definitely having a stormy week!! Mixed with acid reflux...ugh. One day at a time ladies....
@mccurleya, if you're worried about getting LO back to birth weight, I also read about some studies that showed some breastfed babies can just take longer than two weeks to get back there (like maybe another couple weeks). Meaning, it's not always necessary to supplement assuming there's no medical reason behind the slow weight gain. I battled that with my first LO. Getting pressure from the doctors to pump so they can measure what LO took in, which led to me breaking down emotionally when I wouldn't get anything out from pumping but I knew LO was getting milk at the breast and was satisfied. Then they pressured to supplement, but then that would mean LO would be at the breast less, which also undermines my efforts to breastfeed long term. Personally, I ended up doing weighted feedings to show my doctors there was no supply issue. Also realizing that I didn't have to do exactly what the doctors said, that I was the parent was something that took the pressure off a bit. LO got to birth weight by I think 3-4 weeks.
Re: Breastfeeding Megathread
I had dentist today so my Mom came over, I pumped a 4 oz bottle just in case I wasn’t home before next feed, and I was. Didn’t want to waste the milk so at our 8:00witching hour DH bottle fed her for the first time- she ate 3.75 oz and then some on the boob right before bed at 915. I thought she’d sleep longer (Sunday night did a 9-2am stretch) but nope, up at 12. I would have put money on a longer sleep due to full belly and a 3 hour wake time before bed!
I have met with a lactation consultant a few times and had similar issues with my son but I ended up formula feeding him after two weeks. I am trying really hard to continue breast feeding her and have reached 5 weeks without giving up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
www.legendairymilk.com/collections/all
I'll second the increased water recommendation, and plus put babe on your boob as much as you can. Even if you think she's not getting much, her suckling will send a message to your body to produce more milk to increase supply.
Dx: PCOS
Married: June 2013
TTC#1: January 2015
BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d
BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16
TTC#2: June 2017
BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
ETA: thanks @knuttyplus2 I didn’t see your comment before I posted.
The only supplement I've heard really has a good effect on increasing supply is the medication domperidone.
I just researched domperidone. It’s illegal in the US... and unfortunately I don’t plan on moving to Canada any time soon.
A few initial thoughts
1) Are your flanges fitting correctly, you may need to side up or down.
2) You could try pumping while baby feeds on the other side. I used a Rumina nursing/pumping bra to accomplish this so the pumping was hands free. Or a lot of moms swear by using a Haakaa style pump while baby feeds on the other side. If you pump while baby feeds you take advantage of the hormones released and should see better let downs.
3) Pumping isn't a good indicator of supply, babies are more efficient. If your baby is gaining well and having enough diapers your supply is probably fine. Block feeding is pretty common and won't mess up your supply.
Dx: PCOS
Married: June 2013
TTC#1: January 2015
BFP #1 8/24/15 | MC 9/3/15 at 6w2d
BFP #2: 12/12/15 | DD born 8/29/16
TTC#2: June 2017
BFP #3: 7/15/17 | DS born 3/20/18
@slr1229 my letdown was very forceful with my oldest daughter and I did pump first to easy the letdown and that helped. It's tedious, but helpful.
For those that have a concern with their pump you can call the manufacturer and have them run you through a test of the pump parts to see if there is an issue. I did this once and found a tear in the membrane. They overnighted the part.
@DDRRT1982 I feed one side one time and then the next time feed on the other side. Also, I can't currently bottle feed until I find out the issue with the milk in the fridge... I had some stored in the fridge for bottle feeds because I'm supposed to be supplementing but the milk keeps spoiling. I'm going to ask the doctor tomorrow at our checkup if they have any suggestions
Only thing is, right now getting her latched is extremely painful- we were both officially diagnosed today with thrush. I feel like we’re constantly battling a new issue - first it was the cracked nipples then she wasn’t gaining properly which led to EP for a while and we’ve been transitioning her back to the breast now she’s back at birth weight, she gets thrush. I’m still trying to latch her at most feeds and pumping with each feed. I had a great pump earlier (5 ounces total) which keeps me going through the pain but really hoping these meds kick in soon (they won’t be in until tomorrow). I know fed is best but I feel more connected to her knowing I can do this for her. I feel like it’s helping keep the crazy hormones at bay at bit.
I tried a couple times with my first to pump and nurse at the same time. Very tricky and personally I needed my husband to help. But I did get more doing that.
Harper had her 1 month appointment today and is gaining weight really well. Has anyone weened their little one from formula? So far today she’s only had 2 oz of formula. Typically in a day it’s 7-10 but since she’s gaining so well I would like to stop formula. Is there a science to it or just go with the flow?
I dont have any pumped milk to give her right now because my dog who I love very much decided to chew on some pump parts so I am waiting for them to come today. I have the spectra pump so it’s impossible to find anything in the store but I was able to have everything rushed shipped from amazon.
Doc compared her to eating Mexican food. Babies like to suck to soothe so at the end of the day she’s probably tired and she over eats———we eat a bunch of chips and then we’re full but our food arrives and we still eat it, then we have a belly ache.