Breast Feeding, Post all your questions dumb or otherwise here

spinsoffresonance · May 2014

JAM85 said:
AIfter being engorged to the point of having to hand express each time starting yesterday my breast have softened and don't get that hard any more. I am 9 days pp- is this normal? Should I expect them to be softer or is that a bad sign? She is eating at least 12 sessions a day although only 10-15 each time but seems satisfied each time and stops herself. ETA: she was less than an ounce from birth weight at 4 days.

Totally normal. It would suck walking around with engorged breasts all the time. I nursed DD1 for 15 months. After the initial engorgement because my milk was coming in, my boobs never felt hard again unless DD went longer than usual between feedings or I was away from her and didn't pump. Usually they felt the same they did pre pregnancy. It's definitely scary after the initial engorgement to have soft breasts again, it seems like your supply is running out. But it isn't, it's just regulating to your LO's needs.

ladameperdue · May 2014

Hi all, I'm from Dec 13 and am so terribly sorry to post here, but I remember how helpful this thread was in our board, and I'm hoping someone with a newly nursing baby might help. I'm visiting a good friend with a one week old, and due to nipple damage she had to stop nursing and pump for 2 days. This worked at first, but now suddenly, only about an ounce will come out of each breast. Does anyone know what could have happened? If she drinks a lot of water will it must likely come back tomorrow? Any advice to quickly re-establish supply is greatly appreciated. Her nipples are still too painful to attempt baby latch.

JAM85 · May 2014

Thanks ladies that makes me feel a lot better- I guess I didn't think they'd go softer so soon but obviously it makes sense they don't just stay rock hard forever. And the spit at night is just more scary for me- she hardly does it all all during the day and seeig a puddle of drool and spit up where she was sleeping freaked me out she might choke on it.

ThereBeDragons · May 2014

They do eventually get faster at latching right? I feel like such a wuss after all we've managed to overcome in the last two weeks of breast feeding, but it's disheartening to spend 20min trying to get her latched on for a 15min nursing session.

We went 20 hours yesterday without a bottle- and only went back to the bottle so DH could take over and let me get some sleep. At this point though, breast feeding sure feels a lot harder than pumping and bottle feeding though- if only because I spend so muhc of the day trying to convince her to latch on.

mirdamae03 · May 2014

CDalloway said:
Hi all, I'm from Dec 13 and am so terribly sorry to post here, but I remember how helpful this thread was in our board, and I'm hoping someone with a newly nursing baby might help. I'm visiting a good friend with a one week old, and due to nipple damage she had to stop nursing and pump for 2 days. This worked at first, but now suddenly, only about an ounce will come out of each breast. Does anyone know what could have happened? If she drinks a lot of water will it must likely come back tomorrow? Any advice to quickly re-establish supply is greatly appreciated. Her nipples are still too painful to attempt baby latch.

At one week old, two ounces (combined breasts) isn't out of the ordinary. Their stomachs are still pretty small and 2 oz a feeding is a good quantity. How often is she pumping? Also, I'd highly recommend she see a LC. Nipple pain is usually due to a bad latch.

mirdamae03 · May 2014

ThereBeDragons said:
They do eventually get faster at latching right? I feel like such a wuss after all we've managed to overcome in the last two weeks of breast feeding, but it's disheartening to spend 20min trying to get her latched on for a 15min nursing session.

We went 20 hours yesterday without a bottle- and only went back to the bottle so DH could take over and let me get some sleep. At this point though, breast feeding sure feels a lot harder than pumping and bottle feeding though- if only because I spend so muhc of the day trying to convince her to latch on.

She will get much better and faster at latching and you will never think EP or Bottle feeding is easier than BF again, promise. There is a much bigger learning curve for bfing since you both are learning. Once you get it down, it's a piece of cake

usernewname · May 2014

Day 9 growth spurt sucks.

Up since 9 am. Feeding off and on since. Current session is going on 2.5 hours.

Grandparents came to visit today. And I've been hiding with DS in my room. I kinda feel bad. Kinda don't.

spinsoffresonance · May 2014

CDalloway said:
Hi all, I'm from Dec 13 and am so terribly sorry to post here, but I remember how helpful this thread was in our board, and I'm hoping someone with a newly nursing baby might help. I'm visiting a good friend with a one week old, and due to nipple damage she had to stop nursing and pump for 2 days. This worked at first, but now suddenly, only about an ounce will come out of each breast. Does anyone know what could have happened? If she drinks a lot of water will it must likely come back tomorrow? Any advice to quickly re-establish supply is greatly appreciated. Her nipples are still too painful to attempt baby latch.

Is that not enough to feed her LO? It sounds like a good amount for a new baby. DD is 6 days old,bi have to pump because she won't latch long enough. my left breast is crazy engorged so it gives me more but the right breast usually gives me less than 1 oz.

Anyways to increase supply while pumping you want to keep pumping for 10min after the milk stops flowing. She can also pump more often. If she's pumping every 3 hours go down to every 2 hours.

ladameperdue · May 2014

@mirdamae03 and @lica001 Thank you so much. I think she got more from both breasts earlier and freaked out. Great tips, thank you.

usernewname · May 2014

Now that my milks reaaaally come in (thank you yesterday's 12 hour marathon) my boobs are super full. How do I know babe has drained it fully? How long does it take to empty a breast? He's a pretty efficient eater and eats like 15-20 minutes. Sometimes up to 30.

cowpoly959 · May 2014

I need a reminder of how long you can store breastmilk in freezer and fridge. I cannot find my booklet from my class. Also, if I am just saving small amounts of milk to make them softer for LO can I save it over a day in the same bottle before freezing it? I am freezing into ice cube trays for now so they are in one ounce servings and putting one weeks worth in a bag in the freezer. I have not started using any of the milk just yet but plan to start a pumping schedule later this week. Thanks!

Junebug060609 · May 2014

cowpoly959 said:
I need a reminder of how long you can store breastmilk in freezer and fridge. I cannot find my booklet from my class. Also, if I am just saving small amounts of milk to make them softer for LO can I save it over a day in the same bottle before freezing it? I am freezing into ice cube trays for now so they are in one ounce servings and putting one weeks worth in a bag in the freezer. I have not started using any of the milk just yet but plan to start a pumping schedule later this week. Thanks!

look it up on www.kellymom.com to verify. I believe fridge is a week and freezer is six months (fridge freezer) to a year (deep freeze).

Yes, you can accumulate milk and freeze at once. I believe milk has to be frozen within 24 hrs of pumping. Make sure the new milk has cooled to the fridge temp before adding to the rest.

Peaceb0ne · May 2014

I'm pretty dependant on my nursing pillow right now, but would like to start going out more and will need to NIP without one. Anyone have tips for learning to nurse without pillows? My breasts are fairly large and I need to hold them while LO nurses so that I don't smother him. I have a k'tan wrap that he likes, but I can't figure out how to nurse him in it.

spinsoffresonance · May 2014

Peaceb0ne said:
I'm pretty dependant on my nursing pillow right now, but would like to start going out more and will need to NIP without one. Anyone have tips for learning to nurse without pillows? My breasts are fairly large and I need to hold them while LO nurses so that I don't smother him. I have a k'tan wrap that he likes, but I can't figure out how to nurse him in it.

I've never used a nursing pillow. Instead try leaning back when you nurse such that LO's weight is on your stomach, not your arms.

Junebug060609 · May 2014

Peaceb0ne said:
I'm pretty dependant on my nursing pillow right now, but would like to start going out more and will need to NIP without one. Anyone have tips for learning to nurse without pillows? My breasts are fairly large and I need to hold them while LO nurses so that I don't smother him. I have a k'tan wrap that he likes, but I can't figure out how to nurse him in it.

STM with big boobs here. I never could quite master boppy-free nursing of a newborn for exaxtly the reason you mention. I tend to take along the boppy and nurse in the car when they are itty bitty.

oscarwao · May 2014

Any BTDT moms have tips for overactive let down? We are 10 days PP and I'm seriously tired of leaking milk everywhere. Does it eventually regulate?

Mimaloo · May 2014

I've skimmed through a lot of these posts and didn't see this asked anywhere, but if it was and I missed it, I apologize.

My question is, if I pump and leave the bottle in the fridge, can I pump more later and just add it to the first bottle and then freeze all of it together?

DD is three weeks old and will typically empty one breast before going to sleep for 3-4 hours. In the meantime, the other breast will sometimes become engorged (and it feels like it's on fire!) so I pump that one. I've been freezing each pumped bottle individually but it seems more convenient to just throw together a whole day's worth.

Thanks in advance

Jennyinheaven · May 2014

@Mimaloo‌ yes, just make sure new milk is cooled before adding to already refrigerated

Mimaloo · May 2014

Thank you @jennyinheaven - I figured it was fine. I didn't think to cool the new milk first so I will make sure to do that.

RachelCA29 · May 2014

I've read the first few pages, but didn't see this question,I hope it's not a repeat.

I'm 5 days PP and my milk is coming in strong. I have been pumping since day one because Colin went to the NICU the first day/night and I was unable to even try breast feeding until mid-day 2. The first night I hand expressed some colostrum and he was given that in the NICU before they formula fed him.

In the hospital he had a lot of trouble latching because his first day and a half of feedings were bottle feeds. I've been using a nipple shield with a lot of success, it's like he doesn't get that he can latch to flesh. He is happy and full after feedings, so I don't want to mess with what's working right now.

I have been pumping a few times a day at home to help my supply come in (my LC said the shield can affect my supply level). Right now I get about 30 ml from one breast and 15 from the other in a 15 minute session.

Is it normal for the supply to be so different in each breast? The breast that only produces 15 ml is a lot firmer than that other one, I've tried putting one of those heat pads on it before I pump to relax it a bit. Could it be a clogged duct? My boobs don't really hurt (except feel stretched because they've gone up a cup size in like 2 days). And my nipples feel fine (I think the shield helps that). He gets a proper looking latch and it doesn't hurt on either side.

I'm going to see the LC again on Monday, I'm just curious what could be going on, if it's normal, if I should be doing anything to help the supply on that one side.

Thanks!!

RachelCA29 · May 2014

Bliz1712 said:

@rachelCA29 I've read that more often than not there is always a better producing breast. For me it's my left. I can get almost double what my right gets with every pump, no matter what I try. I don't have a clogged duct, but not saying that's not your issue either. I just now it's really common to have one side produce more than the other. My last 2 pumps: R 50ml L 95ml & R 50ml L 75ml.

It's nice to know that only half as much can be normal. I didn't think they would be totally even, but I was just surprised that it's half!

I'm going to try having Colin feed a bit longer from my under-producing breast than the other one today, to see if that might help the firmness. My LC said that even the best pumps (we rented one from the hospital) aren't as efficient as a baby's latch, so he might be able to get everything out of there a bit better!

Thanks!

momo214 · May 2014

RachelCA29 said:

Bliz1712 said:

@rachelCA29 I've read that more often than not there is always a better producing breast. For me it's my left. I can get almost double what my right gets with every pump, no matter what I try. I don't have a clogged duct, but not saying that's not your issue either. I just now it's really common to have one side produce more than the other. My last 2 pumps: R 50ml L 95ml & R 50ml L 75ml.

It's nice to know that only half as much can be normal. I didn't think they would be totally even, but I was just surprised that it's half!

I'm going to try having Colin feed a bit longer from my under-producing breast than the other one today, to see if that might help the firmness. My LC said that even the best pumps (we rented one from the hospital) aren't as efficient as a baby's latch, so he might be able to get everything out of there a bit better!

Thanks!

I was temp pumping while my nips healed from a bad latch and I also was pumping exactly half from my left vs my right. It's also my larger breast. You're not alone!

Bmorebaby5914 · May 2014

I've seen a number of different opinions on this, but is it encouraged to feed from both breasts for even time or one breast until full and then move to other side? LO is nursing for about 15 minutes total and usually much longer on the first...

Thanks!

mileswithmyles · May 2014

I have a few questions-
I have to travel for work when Myles is 2 months old. I am going to start pumping to store in the near future.

1. How much milk do I need stored for a 24 hour period for a 2 month old?

2. I am going to pump when I'm on my trip, but I'm not sure if I will store or pump and dump. Either way, how often do I pump? I've reviewed my schedule and there are a few sections of the day where I am blocked out for 5-6 hours at a time.

Thanks in advance!

momthatlifts · May 2014

How do you maintain a faster flow of milk? It's very possible dd is not latching properly or my flow is too fast for her. She tends to cough or choke sometimes during feedings.

oscarwao · May 2014

Moms who have gone dairy or soy free: how long did it take to see results with your LO? My poor baby is miserable and gassy. Also, did going soy free include avoiding soybean oil? Or did you only need to avoid soy protein?

PattyTC · May 2014

My LO has been coughing and now has projectile vomitted. We went to the pediatrician and she suggested I pump a little before feeding or pump and feed her a bottle until we get it all under control. My question is how much do you pump before feeding? How can I be more efficient than washing parts every time?

ns1 · May 2014

PattyTC said:

My LO has been coughing and now has projectile vomitted. We went to the pediatrician and she suggested I pump a little before feeding or pump and feed her a bottle until we get it all under control. My question is how much do you pump before feeding? How can I be more efficient than washing parts every time?

I don't have a good idea about pumping before feeding, but as far as washing pump parts, when I pumped at work with DD I would just put pump parts in a ziploc bag after I used them and then put the parts in the bag and all in the fridge until the next use. I would just wash them (dishwasher) at the end of the day for the next day. Since breastmilk is good in the fridge for several days, it's safe to do this from what I've read! There are also medela quick clean wipes for a quick cleaning if you really want to clean them between uses. (They're kind of pricey though imo.)

caycelee · May 2014

My lactation nurse mentioned using colostrum or breast milk on nipples first and it really heals them fast. I did start to use lanolin cream in addition and make sure you let nipples air dry when using milk to heal cracks, etc

apinkpelican · May 2014

MK1013 said:
6 days of breastfeeding in and my nipples are still bloody, is this normal? Her latch seems good to me, but my nipples are not anywhere close to getting better. What am I doing wrong? I try to keep them dry, but then the blood is sticking to my nursing pads/bras and it's soo incredibly painful. Help!

Have you seen an LC since you left the hospital? Mine were so blistered and cracked that I dreaded nursing and it was getting bad. I broke down and got a nipple shield which helped get through a couple of days and helped them heal a little. I also walked around topless for a few days as anything against them killed. I finally saw a LC yesterday (11pp) and she helped a ton. I felt like my latch was good too but she showed me some pointers and I literally had no pain when she latched. It's not as easy on my own wo the LC helping but it's so much better. Good Luck!!

whitehousem · May 2014

My LC suggested Saran Wrap as an alternative to gel pads (gel pads are awesome but expensive)... I would just tear off a small square and put it over my nipple usually with some lanolin first. It provides a barrier and the new tissue forming while they are healing won't stick to your bra/pads. I thought it was extremely helpful!

lavendergiraffes · May 2014

@MK1013‌ mine were horrendous too bc of a bad latch when I was learning and it was so painful to feed her. Cracked and almost no skin left. I called the LC and she gave me a concoction to put on my nipples after every feeding. You have to wipe it off before you feed again but it's done miracles after one day. Hydrocortisone cream, anti-fungal cream and antibiotic cream. 1-1-1 it sounds weird but I just put a dab of each on my finger and rub them together before rubbing in my nipples. She explained what each of them does but I forgot. I don't care cause it works!

momthatlifts · May 2014

Should I bf if she spits up soon after her last feeding?

Junebug060609 · May 2014

JKBMA2014 said:
Should I bf if she spits up soon after her last feeding?

If she is hungry, yes.

ho11yday · May 2014

My nipples hurt while bf-ing and even an hour after but there is no sign of damage (no scabs, no redness). This has been a recent development starting with the right side and now both since yesterday. DS2 latch hasn't changed. (The initial pain left after the first 5 days but now it is back and worse than it was before.)

The only thing that looks different is in the shower where the skin looks flakey under the water.

Is this normal?

What does a fungal/yeast infection look like? (I have a doctor appointment for DS2 today and an appointment with obgyn next Tuesday, at which I'll ask if things aren't better.)

momthatlifts · May 2014

Do I HAVE to pump after every bottle feeding if I am breastfeeding 95% of the day or sometimes even 100%? Sometimes I give her a bottle at night right before bed to fill her tummy and then I go straight to sleep. Sometimes dh will give her a bottle in the morning and let me sleep. But lots of days she doesn't get a bottle at all. So is it still necessary to pump after a bottle feeding if she is mostly on my boob anyways?

Is it good to still pump even if she ebf? How often should I pump on a day where she hasn't had a bottle?

momthatlifts · May 2014

Bliz1712 said:

JKBMA2014 said:

Should I bf if she spits up soon after her last feeding?

Sometimes they can spit up if they are over eating. Is she nursing for a long time? If she's nursing for long periods, it might be more for comfort but then she's also consuming and over eating. You can tell if it's comfort nursing by the sound of their swallow or if they even have one. If she's not "eating" then I would let her use a paci, but that's just me.

That was my first thought too. I haven't tried feeding her after a spit up yet. I usually just look for signs of hunger. So far she is pretty good about actually releasing my nipple from her mouth when she is done or just passing out. I've tried introducing the paci too but she seems to only take it during times of distress. Like diaper changes, because she hates them. And sometimes when I'm trying to use it as a sleep aid.

hswanberg · May 2014

ho11yday said:
My nipples hurt while bf-ing and even an hour after but there is no sign of damage (no scabs, no redness). This has been a recent development starting with the right side and now both since yesterday. DS2 latch hasn't changed. (The initial pain left after the first 5 days but now it is back and worse than it was before.)

The only thing that looks different is in the shower where the skin looks flakey under the water.

Is this normal?

What does a fungal/yeast infection look like? (I have a doctor appointment for DS2 today and an appointment with obgyn next Tuesday, at which I'll ask if things aren't better.)

Sounds exactly like my situation, and it HURTS... Especially after he is done eating! Yeast is the culprit. Diflucan for 21 days prescribed by your OB should clear it up. In the meantime, check out kellymom.com regarding yeast. She has some great info!

gypsymystic · May 2014

Not sure if this one has been asked- how do you correct it if one breast produces waaay more milk then the other?

ns1 · May 2014

Azlebella said:
Not sure if this one has been asked- how do you correct it if one breast produces waaay more milk then the other?

Feed / pump more on the less producing side, but know this will likely lessen production on the other side as well. It's common I think to have an over producer though!

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