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Preemies
Toss frozen breastmilk? And other BFing Qs
So, my daughter dislikes my frozen breastmilk. I will admit that it smells different from fresh, so I guess I can't blame her. But even if I dilute it to 25% frozen 75% fresh, she will still only take about 40 mLs (probably just enough to satisfy her immediate hunger - her normal feeding amount is 90 mL). I guess I am going to have to pitch all the milk that the NICU gave me from the freezer, right? And so much for building a freezer stash for when I go back to work?
Breastfeeding issues are dominating my life right now. DD was feeding well at the breast 2 weeks ago, but now it's more frustrating. I think my letdown got faster and is overwhelming for her. She chokes sometimes and seems uncomfortable after BFing. But even worse, she takes forever to BF, longer than she used to. Seems counterintuitive with a fast letdown, but my theory is that she is trying so hard to make it flow slower that she takes a long time to eat. Does this seem plausible? We have an appointment with an LC tomorrow, and I just feel like we need a good plan. Part of me is tempted to just EP because it's faster and easier at this stage, but I know I would regret that down the road.
Thanks for listening or any insights!
Daughter born at 34 weeks due to PPROM, July 2012
Expecting baby #2, May 8, 2015
May 2015 signature challenge for January: "You had ONE job!"
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Re: Toss frozen breastmilk? And other BFing Qs
You could donate your milk if you qualify and it isn't too old - but there's something that affects it (forgetting the name) and can make it smell weird. I tossed mine - sadly, so sadly.
Has DD been checked for silent reflux? That isn't something a LC will be able to help you with so starting with the pedi might be your next step.
Daughter born at 34 weeks due to PPROM, July 2012
Expecting baby #2, May 8, 2015
May 2015 signature challenge for January: "You had ONE job!"
Yes, it could. DS was discharged after 50 days in NICU and passing a ph probe for it but he wasn't big enough for it to register yet so it was one of those "he's still too little" things - but it was the key to his issues (choke, brady, etc). He had to be readmitted a few weeks later where he failed the ph probe and finally got the diagnosis and help.
With silent it's just rising up the throat - no spit up needs to be present, but very painful/uncomfy. You raised the flags with what you were describing - I think (can't see OP) but how she's fussy when laying down. Does she arch her back and grunt, too?
Daughter born at 34 weeks due to PPROM, July 2012
Expecting baby #2, May 8, 2015
May 2015 signature challenge for January: "You had ONE job!"
Daughter born at 34 weeks due to PPROM, July 2012
Expecting baby #2, May 8, 2015
May 2015 signature challenge for January: "You had ONE job!"
The lipase could be giving it a different taste. I think you can scald it to try and eliminate the taste which might help her take it. I would google it for more info.
I wouldn't toss it yet either. Try again in a little bit or save it if you do cereal/purees. If she still will not tske it I would look into donating it.
We weren't EBF, either, to be clear. We were EP. Just a suggestion - hopefully not that at all.
Ask the LC about scalding your milk before freezing. It won't help with what you have frozen, but may work going forward. I was told by the NICU RNs that I have the same issue. Some women produce an enzyme in their milk that, when frozen and defrosted, produces an "off" smell. Some babies don't care, some won't touch it, and some will take it mixed. I was told that if it becomes an issue I can scald the milk prior to freezing and that will stop the enzyme from reacting with the milk. My baby is still taking her feeds through an NG tube and starting to bf, so I don't know what she'll do with the defrosted milk.
The LC should have good ideas for you. I know that it is sometimes suggested to pump for a minute or two to get the initial let down out of the way if it is overwhelming for your baby. I'd defer to LC, but ask if she doesn't mention it.
Good luck, I hope it works out.