A few BFing / Pumping questions...

vtkgirl77

I BF DD#1 exclusively for 4 weeks and then did a mix of BFing and pumping until she was 8 weeks. I saw an LC 3 times which helped and fortunately DD didn't have any latch issues. But for me, after 8 weeks, the process still hurt and I felt overwhelmed by being the sole food provider so I quit.

I really want to give DD#2 BM for at least the first 4 weeks if not a bit longer. So, I'm trying to gear up mentally and emotionally for the process. Here are a few questions. Feel free to answer whichever question you know about.

1. Anyone have any success stories from having trouble BFing #1 and then it being better for #2? If so, I'd love to hear them just to give me some hope.

2. I've heard people mention All Purpose Nipple Cream. What is this and what's so great about it? I'm going to see if my doctor can prescribe it to me now so I can have it on hand. I had major nipple pain during BFing so maybe this will help.

3. I'm having a c-section so I'll be in the hospital a few days (Holy Cross). If I want to pump, do they provide me with a pump, bottles, etc. while I'm there?

4. I know that you are supposed to BF the baby whenever they are hungry to get your supply to match their needs. However, is there anything wrong with trying to BF and pump extra to make you body think you need more of a supply? I would love to get a good stash in the freezer if possible.

If you have any other thoughts, advice, experiences etc. to share, feel free. I love this little baby and I'm so excited to meet her. However, I am already stressing about the BFing/pumping process.

****AWS****

My first baby wouldn't latch but my 2nd latched the second he was born, it was amazing how different they were as far as nursing. The pain definitely set in around weeks 2 & 3 (along with mastitis) and I pumped a little bit then to give my nips a break but once we got past that I had no pain at all and am still BFing him now.

I'd recommend giving straight breastfeeding a chance before going straight to the pump, I hate pumping and it's so much easier just to feed them from the boob and not mess with bottles, at least while home on maternity leave. Just make sure to slather yourself in lanolin and you will be fine!

You can defintely pump after you feed but that will cause your body to produce an oversupply and that has it's own issues, I had that problem this time around but was able to get a nice freezer stash.

Sofka

the 1st 4 weeks of BFing DD were really really hard but it got better after that; I knew it's hard at the beginning and I stuck with it.

with DS, it's still hard, b/c of his tight frenulum, honestly, if he was my 1st, I'd have quit a long time ago and gone to formula, I only stuck with it b/c I wanted to give him the best like I did with DD and b/c DD brings home a lot of daycare germs; he was sicker much earlier and much more than she ever was, I think it'd be even worse if I didn't BF. At 9.5mo old I still have to use a shield, he still bites (now w/ 6 teeth!!) every time he latches on, the shield does not protect my nipples, it just keeps his tongue from retracting; however, he sometimes latches on and off, on and off, on and off, sometimes every 20 seconds before he finally decides to stay latched.

I think you just need to expect it to be hard the 1st month and even painful and if it's impt to you, keep going and def. see an LC! But there is nothing wrong with formula!

 APNO helps to heal your nipples.

If you BF on one side and then pump on the other side, you can def. build up a nice freezer stash but your body will think you are nursing twins and will make twice as much milk; later on, you might have some engorgement issues if you stop doing both.

Bring your own pump to the hospital. However, pumping does not do as good a job of creating supply as nursing. If you start pumping right away, your body may not make enough for your DD's needs. I would urge you to only BF at 1st to establish your supply (or both, but not just pumping).

Remember, the 1st few weeks, you may need to nurse/feed every 90mins!

Good luck, no matter what you decide, you are a great Mom for wanting the best for your child!

eeclem

Honestly, unless you really, really want to, I wouldn't worry about pumping until you're a month in and have a good groove. Soooo many of my friends have gotten wound up in the idea of pumping and creating a stash (and then worrying about how much they were pumping and was it enough) and it creates unnecessary hassle so early on.

 APNO is fabulous for cracking. I had severe cracking issues and it was a godsend. I don't think it would help with just plain pain, though. It was a hassle to get it for me (the LC had to call my doc who had to call the pharmacy), so if you have a history of cracking and think your doc will prescribe now, it would be worth having on hand. Also, it's amazing for healing those little scratches newborns inflict on their face. 

I've only done this once, but my advice would be to relax and try your best. And get help from an LC the moment you think you need it. 

membrn

Like Ecclem, I've only done this once.  It was between the 8 and 12 week mark that breastfeeding stopped being the painful, toe curling experience and starting being a wonderful bonding time.  The first couple months all I could think was, "how is this bonding?  I dread it!"  I know Lansinoh saved me but if there is something stronger, I would also recommend trying to have it on hand. 

I agree with others about pumping - wait the first month out because you'd run the risk of getting engorged more frequently.  You'd have to start pumping regularly just to keep up with the supply you created.  And I'd imagine with two kiddos, that would be difficult to keep up with.  

This is all so much easier said than done because before the Bambino was born, this is exactly what I was stressing over too.  And whenever #2 comes along, I'm sure it'll be my hot point again!  Good luck!!

 

mamabear2010

I've been BFing since DS was born, and he's my first LO so with this limited experience, I have some tips:

- start using some lanolin now once or twice a day... it will prep your nips for the hard work ahead.

- I don't have experience with Holy Cross but I would call and find out what lactation services they have just so you are aware and make use of them as much as possible.

- I ran off to get a pump 5 days PP when my milk came in aggressively and I was SO engorged. Now that I understand what pumping does, I"m not sure that was the best idea b/c it probably just increased my supply. But when you are so engorged, a pump can help relieve some pressure and you can start your stash. 

- Pumping is time consuming as you know, but I can only imagine it's a bit harder with 2 LOs. I suggest EBFing as much as possible, on demand, and pumping once a day as that might be a more practical goal. Many people say pumping in the morning is better, but I never could do that in the beginning weeks because I was so tired. If you have an unrealistic goal of pumping several times per day in addition to tending to a newborn and toddler, you might just overwhelm yourself and end up being disappointed that you can't reach your pumping goal. Focus on BFing which is easier and gives your LO more practice. (ETA: I started pumping 1/day to build a stash 5 weeks PP, I couldn't even think about it in the first few weeks...)

- My pedi told us a few things at our 1 wk appt that I always remember: every baby is different. Just b/c your first LO was easy/hard doesn't mean the 2nd will be the same. You're both learning BFing all over again, and it takes at least 3 weeks for you both to come close to getting it right. I told her it was taking me sometimes 5 mins to get DS to latch and she said it can take up to 40 minutes and that's normal, just be patient.

- eat and drink right. I still have my hospital water bottle/jug at my bedside. drink TONS of water and make sure you don't forget to eat! Always have some snacks near your bed for all those late night sessions. BFing burns so many calories, and you need to make up for that. I was blessed to have lots of family bringing me food for the first 4 weeks. drink mother's milk tea, take fenugreek, eat oatmeal.

- DS had some trouble latching in the beginning, and it was mostly my fault b/c I waited too long to get to him sometimes (ie- 2 mins, lol). Try to feed your LO before they start crying b/c that makes it so much harder for them to latch-- they just get hysterical!

 - Stay positive and patient! Once you both get the hang of it, it becomes much easier eventually

Mrs.Handy

I agree with PPs about giving straight BF a chance. Giving a bottle early on has the chance to create nipple confusion. I pumped a little in the beginning because our pedi wanted us to supplement with formula since DS had a little jaundice. I did this because I wanted him to have BM instead of formula. So I would nurse him and then we would feed a little BM through an eye dropper. Once the jaundice was gone, a LC advised me to lay off the pumping and just focus on nursing since my supply was being established. So that's what I did.

The first 6-8 weeks of BF are really hard, but it gets so much easier! So if you can make it until then, then you will be in the homestretch.

The first month really is the most difficult. Good luck! Your little girl will be happy and healthy no matter what you decide.

victoria1212

I am one of the exclusive pumpers because DD had a super high palette and couldn't latch on. I had a c-section and started pumping on day 3 at the hospital. The hospital gave me a pump and were really helpful with suggesting timing and everything.

Since I only ever pumped (besides the first three days in the hospital) and had a massive over-supply, I did not find pumping to be that difficult. DH really enjoyed feeding DD, I got some extra sleep and she still got the health benefits.

 

vtkgirl77

Ladies - Thank you all so much for the advice, words of wisdom and support. Now that I think about it, I do remember reading that EBF is best for the first couple of weeks until everything gets stabilized so I will really try to give it a shot. I think I need to re-read The Nursing Mother's Companion because it's amazing how much you forget in 2 years. Holy Cross does offer a lactation consultant while in the hospital so I'll definitely be requesting that service. I'm crossing my fingers that this time will be better or at least that I can make it through the first 4 weeks at a minimum.

HikerBride07

Lots of good advice from pp's. 

My DS BF's a LOT different than DD did.  He nurses more often for shorter amounts of time than DD, nurses every hour to 90 mins during the day but only every 3-4 hours at night where DD nursed every 2 hours all day, and he has a bit of trouble w/his initial latch and DD never had latching issues after her frenulum was cut. 

I have a major oversupply so pumping would just make it worse.  I will probably start in a few weeks once the supply has leveled like I did w/DD.

2vthokies

I EBF DD #1 for 17 months and DD #2 is 6 months and we EBF.  Here are some of my thoughts - didn't have a chance to read through the other responses so sorry if this is redundant...

vtkendra:

I BF DD#1 exclusively for 4 weeks and then did a mix of BFing and pumping until she was 8 weeks. I saw an LC 3 times which helped and fortunately DD didn't have any latch issues. But for me, after 8 weeks, the process still hurt and I felt overwhelmed by being the sole food provider so I quit. Feeling like the sole food provider is very common, but after 3-4 weeks, if BFing is going well, you could introduce a bottle of pumped BM.

I really want to give DD#2 BM for at least the first 4 weeks if not a bit longer. So, I'm trying to gear up mentally and emotionally for the process. Here are a few questions. Feel free to answer whichever question you know about.

1. Anyone have any success stories from having trouble BFing #1 and then it being better for #2? If so, I'd love to hear them just to give me some hope.  I had the reverse.  DD #1 had latch issues that we resolved within a month.  Had to use a nipple sheild, but weaned her from that pretty easily and then it was smooth sailing (she had food intolerance issues, reflux, etc. but it didn't interfere with nursing).  DD #2....it was a nightmare for the first 6 weeks.  If she had been my first I would have quit.  PERIOD.  I was very close to but soldiered on.  With the help of an LC (very nurturing, supportive), APNO (godsend!!), ibprofuen and lots of patience and support from my family and husband (and even my 2 year-old!) I got through it.  DD #2 had a very short frenulum (could only be partially clipped) and a shallow pallete.  That combined with my own anatomy issues made for some serious pain.  Things aren't 100% now, but they are much, much better.  On the flip side, for all her latching issues, she was, and still, is super fast.  Five-ten minutes TOPS (total for both sides).  Even as a newborn she was that fast.  She nursed every two hours, but it was so quick I barely had time to get in to it.

2. I've heard people mention All Purpose Nipple Cream. What is this and what's so great about it? I'm going to see if my doctor can prescribe it to me now so I can have it on hand. I had major nipple pain during BFing so maybe this will help.  APNO - all purpose nipple ointment.  When I needed it I just called my OB and they called in a prescription for me.  It is a compounded formula so only a few pharmacies can make it.  I'm out in Sterling and there is one in Asburn that sells so much of it they keep a batch made up.   Talk to your OB about it now and scope out a pharmacy that will make it.  My insurance covered it, but not all do (for some odd reason).

3. I'm having a c-section so I'll be in the hospital a few days (Holy Cross). If I want to pump, do they provide me with a pump, bottles, etc. while I'm there? They should provide you with a pump.  Just call them and ask if they do.  When DD #1 was 5 weeks old, we had to take her to the ER.  I asked for a pump because I wasn't allowed to feed her and they brought me one.  But honestly, I wouldn't pump unless you become so engorged you need to relieve some pressure.  Just nurse your baby as much as possible (hard I know with a section - had one with my first).

4. I know that you are supposed to BF the baby whenever they are hungry to get your supply to match their needs. However, is there anything wrong with trying to BF and pump extra to make you body think you need more of a supply? I would love to get a good stash in the freezer if possible. You will end up with an oversupply if you do this too much.  Don't worry about freezer stash until you are mid-way through your maternity leave.  I had an oversupply with DD #1 and it as a PITA.  I naturally produce a lot and I have worked really hard not to have one with DD #2.

If you have any other thoughts, advice, experiences etc. to share, feel free. I love this little baby and I'm so excited to meet her. However, I am already stressing about the BFing/pumping process.  Don't stress - just enjoy it (This coming from a planner/Type A personality).  You know it can be hard, so set yourself up to suceed.  Gather all the numbers/info you need now, so when you run in to problems you'll know exactly who to call.  Find out when the free clinics are, when LLL meetings are (if that's your thing), an LC that will make house calls, where you can get APNO, etc.  Reread The Nursing Mother's Companion. 

Will your older LO still go to DC while you're home?  This will make getting the hang of nursing much easier.  I also made my DH entertain DD #1 when we were all home so that I could just relax and focus on DD #2 while nursing (no distractions, etc.).

A couple other things:  If you feel like you want to quit, don't quit on your worst day.  Don't quit in a moment of being overwhelmed or stressed.  Quit on your own terms.  Get support when you need it.  My MIL, who prior DD #1, was never that keen on BFing, became one of my biggest supports with both kids, esp. DD #2.  Ultimately whatever you do will be the right thing - but give yourself the most opportunity to succeed.  For me BFing gets much easier after 6 weeks.  By 6 months it's a breeze and by a year it just a part of life.  For me, BFing is very important and a gerat way for me to feel connected to my kids - especially since I work.  Good luck the second time around!

belizeitornot

I delivered at HC in December, and I'm 99% sure I recall them having pumps in the rooms. You have to rent/buy your own parts for it though if you want to use it. Personally, I'd give yourself some time to adjust before throwing pumping in the mix or you're going to feel like a human 7-11: open 24 hrs! Plus, I wouldn't start pumping until your supply regulates or you'll be miserable with an oversupply (which could also affect your nursing if your LO has difficulty with the gush of milk). There is plenty of time to build a stash, even if you wait until 4 weeks to start pumping.

I only have 1 LO, but I will tell you that we had some serious BFing issues over here, and only some of them related to latch. I didn't know if we'd make it to 6 weeks because I was always in such pain, but we're now 3 months in and I'm still going. It JUST started hurting less within the past 2 weeks. We still have bad days, but one thing that helped was reducing the number of nursing sessions per day. I nurse H 2-3 times and she gets bottles of pumped milk for the other feedings. (I pump those feedings too). We take it one day at a time.

APNO is a god send - get it. It's healing because it's antibiotic, ointment and steriod all in one and it doesn't have to be washed off. But, you want to use it sparingly and my LC doesn't like you to stay on it for more than 2 weeks straight because of the steriods. Lanolin, for all the raves it gets elsewhere, just didn't do a thing for me. Plus since it was so thick, it hurt to spread it around my already sore nips. The APNO is a cream and goes on so easy. I still use it from time to time on the bad days, but usually overnight and my nipples are usually like new in the morning.

mzovoce

I have to pump on my right side since Brooks tears me up, I nurse him overnight on that side and that is it. With that being said Kiehl's lip balm was so much better than any medication that I tried for cracked nipples. I still use it to this day since I have a constant crack. I really respect you wanting and giving BFing a shot for #2. BFing was the hardest thing I had done. Please, if for someone reason it doesn't work for you don't fret. Baby's gotta eat and if you are constantly stressed you won't be as good a parent. But I know the latter isn't going to come into play :-)

vtkgirl77

Thanks so much ladies. I'm going to dig up the NMC book and try to start reading it over the next couple of weeks. I think I need to mentally prepare myself to *try* to EBF for the first 4 weeks and then take it from there. I did it the first time so hopefully I can do it again. When I think back on it, it wasn't all bad...there were good times with it but I think my memory holds on more to the negatives for some reason.