The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

Eija3014 · April 2014

@amhah09 she does chomp down occasionally, but not when she pulls away.

hlm184 · April 2014

I can't take my boob hand away, my boobs are too heavy.

ksulli · April 2014

@hordol said:
Oh, and I also want to thank everyone who suggested airing out the nips. That worked really well for the pain! I have been using lanolin religiously since the first feeding, but nothing helped as much as not wearing a shirt while I slept and keeping the covers under my boobs so they had to dry. After an hour or so when DH woke me up to feed, I was all "yay give him here!" instead of wanting to cry because my boobs hurt so bad. However, having to wear a shirt today has been a pain so they are sore again, but I'm trying to remind myself that this is day 5 and hopefully within even a few days it won't be like this.

Breast shells!! They're these little plastic bubbles with air vents in them that you can put inside a shelf or sleep bra to air them out constantly. AMAZING.

ksulli · April 2014

I can hands free nurse if we side-lie.

Dixon813 · April 2014

Eija3014 said:
Sorry if it's already been addressed, I'm not sure what exactly to search for to find out...

My little lady pulls her head away while feeding but stays latched on tight. It's obviously quite painful and she makes an unpleasant face while she's doing it. Could it have to do with my let down even though it happens at any random time during the feed? Or am I missing something?

DS started doing this and I've found that if the hand behind his head/shoulders stays firm and I start talking to him (calm, be gentle, etc.) it helps a little...

If nothing else, my hand prevents him from pulling off (though he might move enough that I need to pull off and re latch)

hlm184 · April 2014

I've got a lump on the side of one boob. Definite clogged duct or maybe clogged duct or I'm paranoid? doesn't hurt...

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

At least a maybe, but they usually hurt kind of a lot.

Alana526 · April 2014

Why is my DD eating for three hours straight? ! As a FTM I feel like I just cry in between sessions and dread every feeding. DD is five days old, I am exhausted, and I feel like I'm failing her. She is never satisfied.

hlm184 · April 2014

Alana526 said:

Why is my DD eating for three hours straight? ! As a FTM I feel like I just cry in between sessions and dread every feeding. DD is five days old, I am exhausted, and I feel like I'm failing her. She is never satisfied.

It gets better!! Day five sucked so hard for us, but it really does get better.

reillyea · April 2014

So many pages to read through!! I haven't seen any question about when to start pumping. Our pediatrician said to wait two weeks to make sure baby is getting all she wants. Well she is two weeks now and gaining weight like a champ. Should i start pumping? I haven't started leaking yet so idk if that means i don't have an abundance or anything. My husband brought it up today cause my mil is coming to visit and he thought she could help feed. Not so sure about wanting her to do that but am curious if there are any suggestions on when to start pumping?

kseccomb17 · April 2014

I was only able to pump about 10 oz throughout the entire day. I talked to my MW and she had me up my fenugreek to 6 a day. What else can I possibly do?How long do I need to pump for? I'm able to nurse tonight, but will be away with dh at the hospital over night tomorrow and am completely overwhelmed.

Dixon813 · April 2014

Alana526 said:
Why is my DD eating for three hours straight? ! As a FTM I feel like I just cry in between sessions and dread every feeding. DD is five days old, I am exhausted, and I feel like I'm failing her. She is never satisfied.

It sucks when all they want to do is feed (no pun intended!). Something that helps me is paying attention to the swallow. Is DS sucking and swallowing or just sucking? Babies need 2-3 hours of "non nutritive sucking" a day just to soothe them, so your DD may be doing that at the breast...

Also, our ped said day 4 is usual growth spurt... Maybe your growth spurt is day 5. Hang in there!!

haziedaze · April 2014

You could also encourage baby to feed more at night and them space daytime feeds a bit. It's great you're pumping at all! Focus on how every drop helps LO and saves you money. Be gentle with yourself.

kseccomb17 said:

I was only able to pump about 10 oz throughout the entire day. I talked to my MW and she had me up my fenugreek to 6 a day. What else can I possibly do?How long do I need to pump for? I'm able to nurse tonight, but will be away with dh at the hospital over night tomorrow and am completely overwhelmed.

allyandmike24 · April 2014

@kseccomb17 oatmeal supposedly increases your supply...you could try that, too. You're doing such a great job providing for your LO and supporting your DH. Chin up!

mamahann · April 2014

LO is 3 weeks old and has started sleeping longer stretches at night 3 hours instead of 1.5-2. Yay I'm getting more sleep however I've been waking up in the morning leaking and painfully engorged. Her middle of the night feeds are also very quick typically 15 minutes and only one side. Is this going to effect my supply or will my body adjust to her new schedule?

ksulli · April 2014

@Ashleyahann said:
LO is 3 weeks old and has started sleeping longer stretches at night 3 hours instead of 1.5-2. Yay I'm getting more sleep however I've been waking up in the morning leaking and painfully engorged. Her middle of the night feeds are also very quick typically 15 minutes and only one side. Is this going to effect my supply or will my body adjust to her new schedule?

You'll adjust. It'll take a few days, maybe a week.

kseccomb17 · April 2014

LalaMama81 said:

kseccomb17 said:

I was only able to pump about 10 oz throughout the entire day. I talked to my MW and she had me up my fenugreek to 6 a day. What else can I possibly do?How long do I need to pump for? I'm able to nurse tonight, but will be away with dh at the hospital over night tomorrow and am completely overwhelmed.

Tons of water, try to remember to eat, I'd say sleep but I'm sure that is impossible, eat a big bowl of oatmeal every day, and you can also start taking an herbal blend instead of just fenugreek. I like the ones by motherlove - you can find them in whole foods or online at amazon or lucky vitamin.

I would pump for at least 20 minutes, longer if possible. Try to pump 5 minutes past the last milk you see - that helps tell your body to make more. Does the nursing staff know your situation? Any chance they can hook you up w/ a hospital grade pump while you're there w/ DH? I know that's not their job, but hopefully they're willing to at least be understanding.

They've given me one of their pumps to use during the stay. It works wonderfully. I'll have literally only been pumping for about ten minutes and wait about two when each side is done draining. I know the hospital had oatmeal so I will try that. Nursing when I get home at night is crucial. We've been doing that and my left breast was engorged this morning. How often should I wake to pump tonight? He's up about 4 times to feed.

heids4787 · April 2014

Celebration! Just returned from the pedi and LO is now above her birth weight. She was born on 4/9 at 6 lb, 14.5 oz, dropped to 6 lb 5 oz, and at two weeks old she's now 7 lb 1.5 oz. Yippee for my tatas holding up, or should I say, "hanging" in there?

I hope other mamas get some good weight check news this week!

ksulli · April 2014

My little chunker just tipped the scales at 10lbs. (Born 8lb1oz, 3w old). Go boobies!

also, dd1 climbed up on the couch next to me yesterday, yanked down the neck of her shirt, and started nursing her baby doll. So cute!!

hlm184 · April 2014

mamrotu73 said:

I've got a lump on the side of one boob. Definite clogged duct or maybe clogged duct or I'm paranoid? doesn't hurt...
Is it still there after feeding? Or try pumping while you massage it. Maybe a warm compress too.

Ok, don't know if it was actually a clog or not, but I did heat and massage and nursing and pumping last night and this morning it's gone, so that's a win!

Teresa1896 · April 2014

How long does it take to get to the fatty hind milk, or does it vary by person? Both my dd previously and now my DS are very fast nursers (usually 10 mins or less). I've never had the issue with green poops or other signs of oversupply, but I just worry about him getting enough calories. He is having plenty of wet/dirty diapers (around 12 total/day) and can go 2-4 hrs between feedings but sometimes seems to snack more than get a full feeding.

ksulli · April 2014

Teresa1896 said:
How long does it take to get to the fatty hind milk, or does it vary by person? Both my dd previously and now my DS are very fast nursers (usually 10 mins or less). I've never had the issue with green poops or other signs of oversupply, but I just worry about him getting enough calories. He is having plenty of wet/dirty diapers (around 12 total/day) and can go 2-4 hrs between feedings but sometimes seems to snack more than get a full feeding.

Varies by person. They most likely get everything they need if they go that long between nursing and have normal poops.

mrscrcalli · April 2014

Up until today my boobs have been filling up between feedings to almost rock hard status. As of last night and today they are soft baby is still nursing off them, my question is , are they not producing milk anymore and should I be worried or are they just adapting to his appetite?
Having a bit of a panic attack

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

They're just adapting. The rock hard full feeling phase is just a temporary thing while your body is sorting stuff out.

mrscrcalli · April 2014

Rrrrrachel said:
They're just adapting. The rock hard full feeling phase is just a temporary thing while your body is sorting stuff out.

Tears of relief.. literally, the hormones are wild. Thank you

ksulli · April 2014

purespark said:
My little dude has been the messiest nurser over the last couple of days. Milk all over his face, his hand that he props under his face... Am using a burp cloth on top of the Boppy so I don't have to wash the Boppy cover every day. On the plus side, the milk drenching seems to have cleared up the little bit of baby acne he had!

DH woke up with a zit today- I offered him some BM.

heids4787 · April 2014

Thanks @MrsW26!

That's great news,@ksulli concerning your 10lb-er :-)

kseccomb17 · April 2014

I spilled a whole bottle of milk today. I feel so defeated.

ksulli · April 2014

kseccomb17 said:
I spilled a whole bottle of milk today. I feel so defeated.

Oh that's the worst! I'm so sorry. I know you shouldn't cry over spilled milk, but I'm pretty sure spilled breast milk gets it's own category.

maelic · April 2014

@eme520‌

I put a little nipple cream under the shield to create a better seal. I feel like it hurts when she just mouths at the shield rather than sucks efficiently.

Emily041285 · April 2014

@eme520‌ could you try a smaller size shield? I have one smaller one that works better than my other one.

Also I start dd's head up higher than my nipple and tip her downwards. That seems to help her latch.

deidremaria · April 2014

This boy has the best latch on my right boob but has managed to rip my left nipple apart. It's gotten better but the latch is still better on the right side.

Emily041285 · April 2014

mamrotu73 said:

deidremaria said:

This boy has the best latch on my right boob but has managed to rip my left nipple apart. It's gotten better but the latch is still better on the right side.

Mine is opposite. Left is good, right is getting torn up. I don't know what I'm doing differently to cause this.

Nipples can be different on each side. Maybe one is a little flat or inverted?

AcaAwkward · April 2014

What have y'all read about flax? It's in practically every lactation recipe I've read but then a friend mentioned the other day she read it's bad to take while BFing... Thoughts??

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

Flax can be a phytoestrogen but unless you're mainlining it or have special health concerns it should be ok. My lactation bar recipe calls for ¼ flax meal for like 40+ bars, so that's not very much.

MadBloom · April 2014

Trying to figure out what's upsetting Penny's stomach. How soon after I eat something would it show up in the breast milk? She seems to spit up quite a bit after feeding.

Manda+panda · April 2014

I'm losing my mind. DD is 29 days old and usually nurses every 3 hours for 15-30 minutes. For the last five hours, she's been nursing. The entire time. Except for when I change her diapers. And even then she screams until I put her back. Half the time she isn't even actively sucking. She's refusing her pacifier. She's calling asleep at the breast, falling off, then waking up screaming. My nipples are in hell, abd it is emotionally and physically taking a toll. What is going on?

mamahann · April 2014

Manda+panda said:
I'm losing my mind. DD is 29 days old and usually nurses every 3 hours for 15-30 minutes. For the last five hours, she's been nursing. The entire time. Except for when I change her diapers. And even then she screams until I put her back. Half the time she isn't even actively sucking. She's refusing her pacifier. She's calling asleep at the breast, falling off, then waking up screaming. My nipples are in hell, abd it is emotionally and physically taking a toll. What is going on?

My LO is 25 days old and did the same thing last night and tonight. She just pulled off and fell asleep and I'm hoping she sleeps for a couple hours. I'm hoping it's a growth spurt or something that will subside soon.

Dixon813 · April 2014

Emily041285 said:

mamrotu73 said:

deidremaria said:

This boy has the best latch on my right boob but has managed to rip my left nipple apart. It's gotten better but the latch is still better on the right side.

Mine is opposite. Left is good, right is getting torn up. I don't know what I'm doing differently to cause this.

Nipples can be different on each side. Maybe one is a little flat or inverted?
I'm in the same boat! The one with the horrible latch is a little flat... (Compared to the other side...) but don't know what to do. I hate feeding on that side...

kseccomb17 · April 2014

I'm do drained. Someone talk me down before I give up on bfing

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