BFing and Pumping check-in...also mastitis prevention question

YankeePeach08 · March 2014

Good Morning ladies!! how is every doing with pumping and BFing???

I have a questions regarding mastitis prevention, one of my friends kept getting it b/c she wasn't properly cleaning her breasts after a feed. I think she just covered back up and didn't dry them off so bacteria ended up growing (warm moist environment).

I leak just a little and have been using disposable nursing pads. Is it OK to use the same pad for the whole day or do I need to change it after each feed? The pad keeps my nipple dry b/c it absorbs the moisture and I have been using lanolin after each feed.

I also have some wool reusable pads, should I change those after each feed?

Anyone else having any issues, questions or success to share???

mevensen · March 2014

I have been struggling. We went to re Dr yesterday for weight check and she was down too much so we started to supplement. I had a breast reduction 11 years ago which I am sure has something to do with it, but am feeling like I am failing her by not providing what she needs. We go back today to check weight again, fingers crossed we see improvement.

dancer7889 · March 2014

bandteacher said:
Neither boy will latch. We had to use formula in the hospital bc of that and now they have serious nipple confusion. It doesn't help that I have somewhat flat nipples. So I'm pumping exclusively and getting about 40 percent of what they need. It's been tough trying to build supply without BFing at all.

Have you tried a nipple shield? Lo won't latch bc I have flat nipples. While a pain to use (especially if she's really hungry and fussy), I've been able to breast feed without much problem. I'm hoping to get her off it soon.

We also introduced a bottle around 2 weeks, just one a day. We had no nipple confusion bc I think the nipple shield is more similar to a bottle.

dancer7889 · March 2014

It's been going pretty well. Lo has a little stuffy nose so she struggles with feeding a little right now, but I think bc it's hard for her to breathe.

I think I have a clugged duct right now. Holy hell it hurts. I'm trying warm towels, massage, lots of showers, and emptying that breast after every feeding (via pump if lo doesn't herself.) I'm heading to the doc this afternoon bc I'm afraid it's turning into mastitis. I have a cold, so I can't tell if I'm simply sick or if its mastitis.

[Deleted User] · March 2014

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babylimas · March 2014

If anything the wetness would cause thrush. I don't think that has anything to do with mastitis. It's an internal infection.

I am EPing right now and I really dislike it. My supply tanked when Will was sick and taken off food last week. I have been eating lactation cookies and doing skin to skin and it is back and strong. Wooo! Except now my nipples are hurting, which shouldn't happen with pumping, so I need to figure out what is causing it.

AriaAmante143 · March 2014

Brooklyn is having a really hard time latching on. I guess I have flat nipples. We have a shield which I hate, with that I can get her on for a few minutes and then she's over it. We found out on Day 3 in the hospital that she had lost 13% of her gestational weight, so we had to start supplementing with formula. Right now I'm pumping every three hours. I try to nurse at every feeding, then she gets a bottle if breast milk and a little formula (we were told to continue with the formula until we saw her Dr Monday). It's been a HUGE frustration for me (and for her). I'm thinking about making an appointment with the lactation consultant we had in the hospital. I do not want to give up on breast feeding.

CactusGirl · March 2014

Day 2 of BFing. My boobs are plumping up, I'm thinking my milk will be in tomorrow. My nipples are sore, but it's going well! My only problem is I'm having trouble getting LO to open her mouth wide enough to get the best latch. Any advice on that?

jennybean80 · March 2014

So far it's going pretty well BFing both. Audrey gets one bottle of expressed milk a day so we can give her her meds in it. So I do have to pump at least once a day to keep that up.

Rhys is a champ, but I have to make sure Audrey puts her tongue down when latching on, she likes to seal her tongue to the roof of her mouth which makes nursing suck! But they're both gaining weight, so something is going right!!

matitice · March 2014

BF is going good. I too have flat nipples so the shield has been a lifesaver. I'm hoping to eventually get away from using it though.
I'm pretty sure my milk supply is way more than needed causing engorgement. Last night I drained both breast via feeding & then pumping until empty. Talk about serious relief! Now I'm exclusively feeding from one breast for the next 4 feedings & pumping just enough for relief from the other breast that seems to be the most engorged. I'm hoping this slows the production down so the pain goes away. I'm also massaging like crazy, applying heat before feedings, ice after, & Lanolin or Lansinoh gel soothies to ease the soreness.

Nickiechan · March 2014

We are doing well, but I am worried since she is a lazy nurser. I offer it to her every 2 to 3 hours and sometimes she latches and sometime she doesn't. Now I am extremely engorged which I have to hand pump to get them to not be so hard for her to get a good latch. She is having many dirty diapers and she only lost an oz from hospital, but gained it back since pediatrician's appointment. Her latch could be a bit better but we are working on it.

MA&CB · March 2014

AriaAmante143 said:

Brooklyn is having a really hard time latching on. I guess I have flat nipples. We have a shield which I hate, with that I can get her on for a few minutes and then she's over it. We found out on Day 3 in the hospital that she had lost 13% of her gestational weight, so we had to start supplementing with formula. Right now I'm pumping every three hours. I try to nurse at every feeding, then she gets a bottle if breast milk and a little formula (we were told to continue with the formula until we saw her Dr Monday). It's been a HUGE frustration for me (and for her). I'm thinking about making an appointment with the lactation consultant we had in the hospital. I do not want to give up on breast feeding.

I had flat nipples with my first, and one thing that was very helpful were breast shells. They're like these hard plastic shells with a hole cut out that your nipple goes into, and then you wear them in your bra in between nursing sessions. They pull your nipples out so that that they are not so flat when you go to nurse. I wish I had known about them prior to nursing my first, because I could have worn them beforehand and not had such issues with my flat nipples, but they really do work well. An LC should be able to give them to you - I was given mine when in the hospital with DS.

https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/108/therashells#!Features

jrw526 · March 2014

babylimas said:
If anything the wetness would cause thrush. I don't think that has anything to do with mastitis. It's an internal infection.

This. Change your nursing pads several times a day even if they don't feel wet. Thrush is a nasty son of a B.

Mastitis is caused by a clogged duct that got infected. If you can feel a plugged duct try to massage it while nursing and use a warm compress. Also try to point baby's nose or chin towards the duct so they can suck it out better. Clogged ducts usually resolve themselves with nursing.

Mastitis will feel like the flu. High fever, chills, your breast will be hot to the touch and may be red. Call your OB and they will give you an antibiotic. Whatever you do, don't stop nursing!

Kellymom has some great info for thrush, clogged ducts, and mastitis.

BabiesFTW · March 2014

I only changed my pads when they were too saturated to be comfortable, although for me that was often.
I thought mastitis was caused more by the breast not being emptied often enough. That's why it often occurs with weaning. I luckily only got it once. It's like being hard hit by the flu FAST.

Agree on kellymom for a good resource.

ntdane · March 2014

I was EBF the twins and everything seemed to be going well. They are both eager to eat and we nurse 8-10 times a day and they both have plenty of wet and dirty diapers. Unfortunately Owen hasn't been putting on enough weight. We've gone in for a few weight checks and he still isn't back up to birth weight and they're a little over two weeks old. The doctor has me supplementing a half ounce of formula after he's done nursing. He's been hit or miss with drinking it but does seem to be nursing more this weekend. He has another check tomorrow so we'll see how he's doing.

Keira is still eating well and gaining weight like a champ. My only issue with her is the cluster feeding. I nursed her for almost 4 hours straight this morning.

One question for you all: Have any of you had trouble with LO creasing the nipple? DS1 did this and we thought it was due to his tongue-tie. With him it led to major cracks and wounds on the nipples along with mastitis. I've started to notice creasing with both of the twins, even when the latch looks really good. The nipples are a little sore but don't appear to be cracking like with DS1. I will probably be making an appointment with a LC this week to do a weighed feeding with Owen and to check latches but thought I'd see if anyone else had this experience.

bunniekrissy · March 2014

We're doing well. After 2 weeks of pumping and bottle feeding when he was in the NICU/just home, I started EBF and he gained a pound in 8 days! I am now trying to wean myself off the pump with an oversupply.

I'm thinking about milk donation since my freezer is full of it but I don't think any of the official/"safe" organizations will accept already pumped and frozen milk. I've been looking at the milk sharing pages on facebook but I'm a little nervous about no legal protections in the case of misunderstandings, etc. But I have no more space and I would hate for it to go to waste!

Momstheword83 · March 2014

I'm getting so discouraged pumping. I pump every 2-3 hours and I'm only getting 3 ounces total. Is this normal? Should I be producing more milk and should I be pumping more often?

jrw526 · March 2014

Momstheword83 said:
I'm getting so discouraged pumping. I pump every 2-3 hours and I'm only getting 3 ounces total. Is this normal? Should I be producing more milk and should I be pumping more often?

Completely normal, baby's tummy is super tiny at this point. Your supply should eventually go up. Just keep pumping every 2-3 hours.

nlane0723 · March 2014

I'm struggling with BF. She gets super pissy when she's hungry and has trouble latching on. I've been pumping and giving her a bottle.

AriaAmante143 · March 2014

Momstheword83 said:
I'm getting so discouraged pumping. I pump every 2-3 hours and I'm only getting 3 ounces total. Is this normal? Should I be producing more milk and should I be pumping more often?

I think this is normal. My milk "came in" Friday and right now I'm getting about 2 oz out of each breast. I pimp every 3 hours.

mrsdahamm · March 2014

@ntdane Could the nipple creasing be related to a fast letdown? I've read sometimes the baby tries to clamp off the nipple when the letdown is too fast for them

nik1513 · March 2014

I'm having some trouble with BFing but trying to stay positive. My right boob is engorged and Dylan has a hard time latching on. He gets so frustrated and panics, making the latch even harder. He lost a bit too much weight since birth so we have to supplement until our appointment tomorrow. Hopefully he's gained enough weight and we can go back to EBFing. I've been feeding him about 10 times per day but he's had few soiled diapers the last two days. Pedi said not to worry just yet but I just wish the little boy would poop!

Momstheword83 · March 2014

jrw526 said:

Momstheword83 said:
I'm getting so discouraged pumping. I pump every 2-3 hours and I'm only getting 3 ounces total. Is this normal? Should I be producing more milk and should I be pumping more often?
Completely normal, baby's tummy is super tiny at this point. Your supply should eventually go up. Just keep pumping every 2-3 hours.

Thank you.

karacakes98 · March 2014

My only issue is toe-curling nipple pain when she first latches on. I've been told it's normal for the first few weeks, but I haven't experienced it before and it flippin' sucks. Hoping it goes away soon since she'll be two weeks old tomorrow.

CactusGirl · March 2014

@Laura8388 - I'll have to give that a shot!

@karacakes99 - yes, the initial pain is so bad right now when she latches on! I don't remember it being this bad with my first LO. The good news is that I know it gets better/easier. We can do it, just hang in there!

mevensen · March 2014

nik1513 said:
I'm having some trouble with BFing but trying to stay positive. My right boob is engorged and Dylan has a hard time latching on. He gets so frustrated and panics, making the latch even harder. He lost a bit too much weight since birth so we have to supplement until our appointment tomorrow. Hopefully he's gained enough weight and we can go back to EBFing. I've been feeding him about 10 times per day but he's had few soiled diapers the last two days. Pedi said not to worry just yet but I just wish the little boy would poop!

This is so how I am feeling!! LO is supplemented because she wasn't gaining enough and hasn't hardly pooped at all. I asked the pedi this morning and she wasn't concerned because she gained weight since our appointment yesterday. LO latches on okay, but I feel like she isn't getting any milk so I pump and feed what I pump after she is on the breast. Nice to know someone is in the same boat as me

mevensen · March 2014

karacakes98 said:
My only issue is toe-curling nipple pain when she first latches on. I've been told it's normal for the first few weeks, but I haven't experienced it before and it flippin' sucks. Hoping it goes away soon since she'll be two weeks old tomorrow.

Thank goodness I'm not the only one. DH kept telling me "it's not supposed to hurt" but I truly felt like she was latched on good.

CactusGirl · March 2014

FarmBoysWife said:
I'm so glad I'm not the only STM with toe curling nipple pain.

I'm also getting bad uterus contractions every time she BFs ( I know you had a post about this the other day). Basically my uterus and nipples are competing to see who can put me in more pain! Are you still getting them or has it stopped?

amdecker1016 · March 2014

Day 3 of BF.
We are using a nipple sheild because my nipples are a tad flat, and she is a a tongue thruster.
She also lost 9% of her birth weight so i'm supplementing a half ounce or ounce of formula a day to maintain my sanity.

Stupid FTM Q: when my milk comes in how will i know? Will it ache more? Get cold or tingly? I have no idea what to expect and it should be coming in any day now?

ntdane · March 2014

mrsdahamm said:
@ntdane Could the nipple creasing be related to a fast letdown? I've read sometimes the baby tries to clamp off the nipple when the letdown is too fast for them

I haven't heard this before, but it could be possible. I've never felt a letdown with DS1 or the twins so I'm not sure how fast it is, but that's something to look into. Thanks!

amdecker1016 · March 2014

bunnyfungo said:
@amymheidecker - I knew my milk came in because I woke up and my breasts were engorged. And I started leaking like crazy. When your milk is in you will start to feel tingling when you're nursing, which is your letdown. Took me awhile to get used to that!

Thank you!

CactusGirl · March 2014

amymheidecker said:

Stupid FTM Q: when my milk comes in how will i know? Will it ache more? Get cold or tingly? I have no idea what to expect and it should be coming in any day now?

You'll know! When I woke up one morning my breasts were huge and rock hard. Then when LO fed and pulled off milk would continue to squirt out and my opposite boob leaked. Lol. It took a while for them to adjust.

ntdane · March 2014

Just had to post a quick update on Owen. He gained 5 oz in the last three days! Keira gained 6 oz so it looks like they are getting plenty of milk. It's nice to see their marathon nursing sessions are paying off!

AriaAmante143 · March 2014

bunnyfungo said:
@amymheidecker - I knew my milk came in because I woke up and my breasts were engorged. And I started leaking like crazy. When your milk is in you will start to feel tingling when you're nursing, which is your letdown. Took me awhile to get used to that!

Tingling where exactly? I finally got
DD to latch yesterday and thought we were doing well and then started to feel a tingling along the left side of my body (where she was nursing). I had to quit because I was worried something was wrong with me. I've never experienced that while pumping.

Nickiechan · March 2014

Woke up this morning with a slight fever(100.4) and chills. Boobs felt like bowling balls. So engorged. I knew it was mastitis coming on. She has been lazy nursing and it might be my own laziness since I do side laying position over night. I will have to sit up from now on. I brought out my double pump and pumped about 2 oz but not empty and I felt a ton better. Still feel under the weather but better and her latch has improved significantly. However I have to piss her off to nurse... totally different from DS. She is completely chilled.

amdecker1016 · March 2014

One other question.

How long after feeding do you wait to pump?

Because i think i want to give that a go.

Nickiechan · March 2014

amymheidecker said:
One other question.

How long after feeding do you wait to pump?

Because i think i want to give that a go.

I pumped early this morning after a long attempt to get her to latch. My nipples where so stiff and hard that her latch was awful. After pumping she latched. I only pumped for a couple minutes and didn't pump me emty.

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BFing and Pumping check-in...also mastitis prevention question

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