The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

heids4787 · April 2014

This growth spurt stuff is no joke. The only sleep I got last night was in an upright position while nursing LO. I would nod off toward the end of her feeding, wake up 30 ish minutes later, burp her, place her down in the bassinet, and get 4 minutes before she would start crying to get more food.

Today's going to be a long one...

sf214902 · April 2014

The last two days I've developed tenderness in my left breast. It's a dull shooting pain that occurs all the time, not just when he is eating. My nipples aren't showing any signs of distress. Could this be the start of a blocked duct or infection? Obviously, I'll seek the asstance oft midwife if need be, but just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

I would be suspicious of a blocked duct. Is there a firm lump? I would try to massage the sore spot before and during nursing. Gently press towards the nipple.

Teresa1896 · April 2014

heids4787 said:
This growth spurt stuff is no joke. The only sleep I got last night was in an upright position while nursing LO. I would nod off toward the end of her feeding, wake up 30 ish minutes later, burp her, place her down in the bassinet, and get 4 minutes before she would start crying to get more food.

Today's going to be a long one...

Right there with ya. ~passes latte to @heids4787‌ ~

sf214902 · April 2014

I started massaging last night and even pumped after he ate to make sure I was empty. I felt a firm knot near my nipple so really focusing on that.
My husband us paranoid I'll lose a breast based on our LC descriptions of infections. She was a bit overboard!

jessech89 · April 2014

So when LO latches onto my left nipple and then let's go (not necessarily right away but usually within the first 2 min), milk is still PROJECTILE shooting from my nipple. It's gotten her in the face a few times. Am I the only one? It's just the left side too.

janice9821 · April 2014

@jessech89‌ - that happens to me occasionally. DH thought I was exaggerating so the next time it happened I sprayed him from the other side of the couch. Gross? Maybe. But really funny.

janice9821 · April 2014

For the last couple days, my right nipple gets uncomfortably hard after breastfeeding and stays that way for a while. Anyone have any tips?

snappyK · April 2014

My son has nursing blisters on his lips. His top lip's got a small round one right in the middle, which sounds like it is normal based on the research I've done. But his bottom lip is practically one big blister that runs the whole length of his lip. Is that a normal nursing blister, or should I be concerned? I know he's got a crappy latch, but it doesn't bother me too much, so I've just been dealing with it. It hadn't occurred to me that it might be causing him discomfort...

Dixon813 · April 2014

janice9821 said:
For the last couple days, my right nipple gets uncomfortably hard after breastfeeding and stays that way for a while. Anyone have any tips?

Mine get uncomfortably hard if I get cold/chills and it makes me want to put my hands on them to "warm them up". I just assumed this was normal...

heids4787 · April 2014

Teresa1896 said:

heids4787 said:
This growth spurt stuff is no joke. The only sleep I got last night was in an upright position while nursing LO. I would nod off toward the end of her feeding, wake up 30 ish minutes later, burp her, place her down in the bassinet, and get 4 minutes before she would start crying to get more food.

Today's going to be a long one...
Right there with ya. ~passes latte to @heids4787‌ ~

I'm somehow still a functioning human after a soup-bowl-sized coffee, two Tylanol, and a boat-load of water. Before I crash at 2 pm, I hope to put away folded laundry and prepare dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs are on the stove, so I'm halfway there!

I hope your day and night go better, too, @Teresa1896‌!

deidremaria · April 2014

My milk looks really watery today. I read about the hind milk thing but after he's been nursing on the same boob for 20+ minutes it's still watery when I give it a little squeeze and when the other leaks (while nursing). It's usually pretty white. Help!!!

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

Don't obsess about it!! Your body is making what your baby needs. Relax.

jessech89 · April 2014

janice9821 said:
@jessech89‌ - that happens to me occasionally. DH thought I was exaggerating so the next time it happened I sprayed him from the other side of the couch. Gross? Maybe. But really funny.

this made my day!

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

And ftr I was in tears last night because my baby was freaking out and clearly hungry for HOURS but wouldn't take the breast. Turns out he had like a million burps in there. So even though I've been doing it for almost three years I don't have it all figured out and I have to tell myself to just relax, too

deidremaria · April 2014

@Rrrrrachel‌ @ColleenSwerb‌ >:D< Please never leave this thread. Honestly I try not to over analyze things but I'm soooo scared about screwing things up for this kid. I shouldn't be so hard on myself, I know. But I just find myself thinking he didn't ask to be here so I gotta do everything to keep him happy and healthy. You BTDT moms make me feel good about asking questions because you don't make me feel like an idiot wig will never be good at this parenting thing.

ksulli · April 2014

DD1 was a fabulous burper. I miss that. We could side lie nurse at night, she'd let one rip before I changed her, and we'd be back to sleep in no time. Now I have to burp for a good 10 minutes after we're done. Ugh.

sking72 · April 2014

Anyone use all purpose nipple ointment? I have a prescription for it and want to hear how it worked for other moms! I got the prescription after talking to the LC about my worries about thrush and my nipple pains.

maelic · April 2014

LO is an awful burper. Awful awful awful.

It's really annoying to have to pat at her for ten minutes at a time, get nothing, give up, and watch her spit up the moment I put her down. Arrrrgh.

Rrrrrachel · April 2014

Yeah I think I burped my daughter like ten times ever, maybe. Probably not even that many!

sking72 · April 2014

Read up on how to increase supply since we cannot seem to keep this girl satiated and develop a little extra milk stash on the side. How do women do this when they are by themselves? Pumping after or between each nursing session seems impossible without someone to hand the baby off to! I can't imagine how a mom who already has kids does this! Any words of advice?

Teresa1896 · April 2014

Any tips for getting an EBF baby to take a pacifier? For the last few days the kid is only quiet when he's on my boob. Pretty sure he's just needing to comfort suck because he falls right asleep after a minute or two. I'm exhausted and sore and it would be great if he would take a pacifier instead of me!

I've tried 4 different kinds so far and he just makes faces at them and/or gags.

Dixon813 · April 2014

Teresa1896 said:
Any tips for getting an EBF baby to take a pacifier? For the last few days the kid is only quiet when he's on my boob. Pretty sure he's just needing to comfort suck because he falls right asleep after a minute or two. I'm exhausted and sore and it would be great if he would take a pacifier instead of me!

I've tried 4 different kinds so far and he just makes faces at them and/or gags.

We had DH offer him the pacifier not too long after feeding. After using it a couple times with DH, he's able to take it with me, too. May just be coincidence, but might be worth a try!

Dixon813 · April 2014

sking72 said:
Read up on how to increase supply since we cannot seem to keep this girl satiated and develop a little extra milk stash on the side. How do women do this when they are by themselves? Pumping after or between each nursing session seems impossible without someone to hand the baby off to! I can't imagine how a mom who already has kids does this! Any words of advice?

No real advice- I just started pumping today. One session first thing in the AM on the side DS didn't eat from... Because he's pretty awake when he first gets up so I can put him on his mat or RNP and he's fine.

Curious to hear from experienced mommas!

haziedaze · April 2014

@sking72 I used to pump one side while nursing on the other and actually got more milk that way. I'd have to balance the pump flange inside my nursing bra which was awkward and is why I'm going to get a bra like the Dairy Fairy that you can nurse and pump with. I'd turn the boppy sideways and hold DS in football. With this kid he seems fine sleeping in his mamaroo so I'd pump after a feed, but am going to wait until 4-6 before worrying about building a stash.

Rachnan · April 2014

LO is 3w1d today and just can't get satisfied. He's been on the boob since 3am and I've noticed a small amount of swallowing then just a whole lot of sucking once he's on. Any ideas?

speechie517 · April 2014

The pediatrician thinks B might have a touch of reflux (but she doesn't spit up? Or get majorly fussy) so they suggested going dairy free. Do I need to get rid of the little bit of milk I've pumped?

ksulli · April 2014

@speechie517‌ I'd keep it until the milk sensitivity is confirmed. Even then, frozen is good for 6mos and LO may outgrow it by then. I'd keep it, but mark it so you know what's what.

hlm184 · April 2014

Rachnan said:

LO is 3w1d today and just can't get satisfied. He's been on the boob since 3am and I've noticed a small amount of swallowing then just a whole lot of sucking once he's on. Any ideas?

growth spurt?

Dixon813 · April 2014

Rachnan said:
LO is 3w1d today and just can't get satisfied. He's been on the boob since 3am and I've noticed a small amount of swallowing then just a whole lot of sucking once he's on. Any ideas?

Have you tried a pacifier? When DS is staying on the boob but just sucking, I try giving him a pacifier for a little bit to take care of his "non nutritive sucking"

zoopsiedaisy · April 2014

I'm only 2 days in and I got different advice from everyone at the hospital, my nipples painfully pinched multiple times to get baby to latch and then told my latch was mad because my nipples were tough and swollen anatomically. Or because the B was pinching them to express colostrum. So now my nipples are cracking and are dark red like scabs. Feeding is horribly painful too. All of the things that are not supposed to happen. And she isn't peeing. Just rust colored streaks. I see the ped Thursday. Her weight only went down 6 oz at the hospital.

I don't know what to do with the damage and pain. I looked up proper latching so we are working hard at that. Suggestions for treating in between. Just cold compress, salt water rinse, lanolin and keep working on the latch until my milk comes in? Help please. Thanks ladies!

Rachnan · April 2014

Dixon813 said:

Rachnan said:
LO is 3w1d today and just can't get satisfied. He's been on the boob since 3am and I've noticed a small amount of swallowing then just a whole lot of sucking once he's on. Any ideas?
Have you tried a pacifier? When DS is staying on the boob but just sucking, I try giving him a pacifier for a little bit to take care of his "non nutritive sucking"

We have a lot of success with the pacifier when he's satisfied but he's just spitting it out and wanting more boob.

@hlm184‌ I thought that could be it, this has been going on every day for 4-5 days...hopefully it subsides soon!

Emily041285 · April 2014

How do you know if something you've eaten doesn't agree with lo? (Ie dairy) what are the signs?

macynsnoop · April 2014

Heidiman said:
I'm only 2 days in and I got different advice from everyone at the hospital, my nipples painfully pinched multiple times to get baby to latch and then told my latch was mad because my nipples were tough and swollen anatomically. Or because the B was pinching them to express colostrum. So now my nipples are cracking and are dark red like scabs. Feeding is horribly painful too. All of the things that are not supposed to happen. And she isn't peeing. Just rust colored streaks. I see the ped Thursday. Her weight only went down 6 oz at the hospital.

I don't know what to do with the damage and pain. I looked up proper latching so we are working hard at that. Suggestions for treating in between. Just cold compress, salt water rinse, lanolin and keep working on the latch until my milk comes in? Help please. Thanks ladies!

Your nips should heal in a few days with some care, I had latch issues as well & the nips took a beating! I used the landinoh gel soothes between feedings to keep the nips moist & aid in healing. I also alternated 1 feeding on the breast with 1 feeding on the boob. A day of this & 1 boob was healed enough to feed on every feeding & I pumped the other side. So each feeding was as long on that side as he wanted & then he would get 1.5 oz of BM in a bottle. I used the mother love nip cream too, I liked it better than the lanolin.

Dixon813 · April 2014

Heidiman said:
I'm only 2 days in and I got different advice from everyone at the hospital, my nipples painfully pinched multiple times to get baby to latch and then told my latch was mad because my nipples were tough and swollen anatomically. Or because the B was pinching them to express colostrum. So now my nipples are cracking and are dark red like scabs. Feeding is horribly painful too. All of the things that are not supposed to happen. And she isn't peeing. Just rust colored streaks. I see the ped Thursday. Her weight only went down 6 oz at the hospital.

I don't know what to do with the damage and pain. I looked up proper latching so we are working hard at that. Suggestions for treating in between. Just cold compress, salt water rinse, lanolin and keep working on the latch until my milk comes in? Help please. Thanks ladies!

I'm sorry you're getting different advice. LC in hospital said "breast feeding shouldn't hurt" but the nurses and our pedi said it's going to hurt until they "toughen up".

Make sure your latch is good and use LOTS if lamolin (I think my nips cracked, scabbed and peeled for a week and a half). Also look get some breast shells (thanks @ksulli‌ ) I really wish I would've gotten these sooner!

MadBloom · April 2014

Heidiman said:
I'm only 2 days in and I got different advice from everyone at the hospital, my nipples painfully pinched multiple times to get baby to latch and then told my latch was mad because my nipples were tough and swollen anatomically. Or because the B was pinching them to express colostrum. So now my nipples are cracking and are dark red like scabs. Feeding is horribly painful too. All of the things that are not supposed to happen. And she isn't peeing. Just rust colored streaks. I see the ped Thursday. Her weight only went down 6 oz at the hospital.

I don't know what to do with the damage and pain. I looked up proper latching so we are working hard at that. Suggestions for treating in between. Just cold compress, salt water rinse, lanolin and keep working on the latch until my milk comes in? Help please. Thanks ladies!

You're at the point where I almost gave up. We supplemented with formula for 24 hours to give me a break and ended up getting a nipple shield. A girlfriend also brought me this amazing nipple butter that I swear made the healing go much quicker. I've been using the shield with great success ever since and have not had to use formula again. (She's 12 days old and went from 6lbs 8oz to 7lbs 10oz so she is getting plenty with the shield). Next step is to start weening off the shield which makes me nervous but I've got great community resources to help with that if I need. Please use a LC if you can! They are life/nipple savers!!

maelic · April 2014

Seconding the nipple shield, night and day difference for me.

khammond3 · April 2014

My baby is suddenly really squirmy when she is nursing. Moving and acting like she is in a hurry. Any ideas why?

heids4787 · April 2014

I'm pretty sure my LO sounds just like this when feeding. Anyone else have a vocal eater?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cILZ_cB3_so

I'm on mobile, so hopefully this link works.

thejewelster · April 2014

@Emily041285. We are looking at a dairy sensitivity. LO has several symptoms: green mucus-like stool (looks like strained spinach) that sometimes has trace amounts of blood, diarrhea/poo explosions, fussy at boob, waking and straining to poo b/c it hurts, and dry skin. Poor guy. He has mild colitis and I am off dairy as of today. Silver lining is that he's gaining well (always on the boob to compensate) and he's not dehydrated. I hope this goes away soon!

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