June '14 BFing/Pumping Questions Thread

CoUnTryBB1 · June 2014

Has anyone tried Millkies? I felt like w my first my pads were constantly soaked and dd could chow down. Think I am going to get them but didn't know if anyone has actually tried them. www.mymilkies.com if you are wondering

elsa1688 · June 2014

After pumping, how do you wash your parts? Hot water ? Soap?

diagonalley · June 2014

elsa1688 said:
After pumping, how do you wash your parts? Hot water ? Soap?

Yup. Hot water and soap in a little bucket and let it soak for at least ten minutes before rinsing. This is how they told me to do it at the hospital. Every once in a while I throw them in the dishwasher.

ncbelle · June 2014

emilyh107 what's making you feel like your supply is low? Funegreek can help but is likely unnecessary and it's better to address the root of the problem anyway. The best thing to do is nurse more frequently. Remember, newborns will sometimes nurse NON STOP - that doesn't mean your supply is low; it's just how newborns roll!!

FYI to all - I'm a breastfeeding counselor with Breastfeeding USA (so trained in offering evidenced based BFing advice…and I'm a 3rd time BFing mama!). I'm more than happy to help out - just PM or tag me

elsa1688 · June 2014

Lc has me pumping after each feeding and giving it to baby. He nursed for an hour and then I pumped about an oz and it seems like he can't finish the pumped colostrum. How do I save it? When do I give it to him? Between timed feedings? @ncbelle‌

PressLove · June 2014

FYI- I went to Nordstrom looking for maternity bras. The saleswoman mentioned that they could convert any bra to a nursing bra for $16. Just wanted to share this information.

ncbelle · June 2014

elsa1688 Why is she having you pump and do timed feedings - have there been latch or weight gain concerns? How old is baby? It may be he isn't taking it because he's full - still has a tiny tiny tummy!

elsa1688 · June 2014

ncbelle said:
elsa1688 Why is she having you pump and do timed feedings - have there been latch or weight gain concerns? How old is baby? It may be he isn't taking it because he's full - still has a tiny tiny tummy!

He lost about 9.5% of his weight in the first two days. He is having some trouble latching but a nipple shield is really helping that. I think he is full but I know he needs the calories. Just trying to figure out how to add it in. He is 4 days old. She also said that once he is up to birth weight and gaining steadily, I could drop the pumping.

ncbelle · June 2014

How old is she? If under a week - an ounce is a full feeding! A little over an ounce from each breast pumping is awesome for the first few weeks. And if baby is eating frequently, then overall intake is probably good.

It can be perfectly normal for a newborn to nurse for an hour and want to nurse again an hour later. The thing you want to look out for is poor milk transfer (did the LC check for tongue tie?) - so if baby is a few weeks old and only transferring an ounce after an hour, that suggests that something is going on with baby's latch that's preventing good transfer.

Most "supply" problems are really "demand" problems - something preventing good milk transfer.

But again for a very new newborn, long frequent nursing sessions are totally totally normal - and they won't take much for a feeding.

This chart - https://babiesfirstlactation.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/the-newborns-stomach/ - is a great visual. Often have to remind myself of this!

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

Question! Sorry if it has been asked. Do I need to pack my breast pump in my hospital bag, just in case? It finally came in the mail but it's still in the box.

elsa1688 · June 2014

BMaidPlanner said:
Question! Sorry if it has been asked. Do I need to pack my breast pump in my hospital bag, just in case? It finally came in the mail but it's still in the box.

We didn't bring ours originally but I had DF run home and grab it so the lc could show me how to use it (we literally live across the street). It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it in the car and have it if needed.

ncbelle · June 2014

It's hard not to doubt yourself! If she's having good diapers, chances are everything is going just great. If her weight gain looks good, I would just worry about nursing on demand and not worry about pumping. You can do it!

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

elsa1688 said:

Question! Sorry if it has been asked. Do I need to pack my breast pump in my hospital bag, just in case? It finally came in the mail but it's still in the box.
We didn't bring ours originally but I had DF run home and grab it so the lc could show me how to use it (we literally live across the street). It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it in the car and have it if needed.

Thank you, that is a good point. I guess I should fully unpackage and sterilize this thang.

Kinipela7 · June 2014

I rely on my pillows to support baby while breastfeeding - so basically I'm not going to be able to nurse while out unless I can master it without pillows. I try everyday but it's always a fail! Tips?

elsa1688 · June 2014

So my left nipple is bleeding. I was feeding baby and all of the sudden there was blood on his face

I know I need to keep pumping to encourage milk to come in. Do I pump both sides and just throw away the left side?

ncbelle · June 2014

Hospitals should have pumps you can use should the need arise. Unless baby can't latch for some reason, you won't need it (I ended up having to pump a bit this time because baby was briefly in the NICU and they'd suspended oral feeds but just used the hospital pump).

Kinipela7 - Just takes time and practice! You can practice some at home without the pillows. Some mamas will also use the diaper bag for supporting baby while out. You'll get there!

elsa1688 - Ouch

Does it seem to be damage from baby latching? As gross as it is, the blood won't hurt baby (although will make poops darker). If it doesn't heal quickly, I would get an IBCLC to take a look at baby's latch again. The Dr. Jack's Nipple Cream (which you have to get from pharmacy) is really good for nipple trauma.

PressLove · June 2014

@ncbelle- Thanks for the chart. My LO isn't here yet, but that is a great visual of what to expect.

fsumom · June 2014

@ncbelle‌

I need some advice. I think my supply is low and DS is using me as a pacifier. He weighed 7lbs14.6oz at birth and is 7lbs1.8lbs at 8 days old. I am in tears. Our pediatrician wants us to supplement with formula.

elsa1688 · June 2014

Can your milk come in on one side but not the other?? Right side looks like milk, left side is barely producing. (I'm seeing an Lc later)

ncbelle · June 2014

fsumom - Hugs! Sorry you are off to a rough start. Do you know what baby's lowest weight was? While it's not concerning that he hasn't hit birth weight yet, if he hasn't gained at all, that may mean something is going on that needs fixing. It sounds like he is nursing a lot? What's his pattern like? What's his diaper output like? Are you having any nipple pain? Sorry for all the questions! My first guess would be that you have a latch issue of some sort - maybe tongue tie or just an ineffective suck. So not so much that you don't have a supply but rather that baby isn't giving the demand.

I would try to find a good IBCLC - there's a directory here: https://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3432 - She can check baby's latch and check for ties (most pedis don't know how to do this or just don't bother!). She can also do weighed feedings to see what he is transferring.

In the meantime, I would nurse as much as you can!! There really is no such thing as baby using you as a pacifier

The longer baby is at the breast, the more your supply will respond. Even if you do decide to supplement (and you may not need to at all if baby's weight starts to come up), you can wean back off of them. Do make sure to pump if you supplement at all - even if you don't get much (and this early you likely won't) you want to keep that demand going.

@elsa1688 - It's very common to have a higher supply on one side than the other. Keep stimulating both sides as equally as possible. You may just have a "slow" side. But even if milk never comes in on that side (which would be rare but could happen), you can easily nurse off of one side - we are built for twins!

fsumom · June 2014

Thank you @ncbelle‌. This is his lowest weight so far. Last Thursday he weighed 7lbs2.2oz, 7lbs3.2oz on Friday and now 7lbs1.8oz today. I did speak to someone from the La Leche League and she said his birth weight could have been inflated since I had IV fluids. He does have poopy and wet diapers but I'm going to start tracking them better. I'm so sleep deprived but I really want to make this work.

ncbelle · June 2014

Yup, IV fluids can make for a higher weight. And if any of those were taken on different scales, that can also make them be off.

You can do this!! As much as you can, just rest, snuggle baby, nurse, and try not to worry about anything else!

otter1103 · June 2014

@fsumom‌ - I can relate to what you're going through. We have had to supplement due to drastic weight loss after birth (born 7lbs 1oz discharged at 6lbs 2oz). At 2 weeks 3 days she is only 2 Oz away away from birth weight now. We started supplementing with formula while I continued to pump and now supplement with pumped BM. I feel defeated some times because she doesn't get full while nursing. But i'm still able to give her BM so that is what matters most to me. My LC has been great at making me see no matter what outcome occurs, feeding baby is the most important, no matter how it's done. Either way, I'm not giving up yet nor do I intend to give up without a much bigger fight. Some days I feel like I'm EPing, others a mix of BM, pumping and formula. But each day is one more day she makes tiny progress in nursing. Hugs and hang in there.

jshrop · June 2014

I don't know if anyone here loves No-bake cookies as much as I do, but here's a recipe for no-bake lactation cookies! I can't wait to try them! I'll probably substitute coconut oil for the butter and bananas for the sugar (at least some if it!).

https://www.milkandbaby.com/No-Bake-Lactation-Cookie-Recipe_b_104.html#.U5Yix4m9LCT

Sfarrell1124 · June 2014

You ladies are amazing!! I am having a c section next Monday and have been reading all of these posts because I am very anxious about BF. It is nice to know there is so much support here!

ELC252011 · June 2014

Ok so it's been almost 3 weeks since I have birth. I don't feel engorged, I haven't felt let down and I don't leak. When I pump I can only get half an ounce if I'm lucky. I have had to supplement after feedings. I'm starting to feel defeated. I've tried everything and seen a few LC. I don't want to give up but I have a feeling I might have to. Ok vent over.

fsumom · June 2014

I am seriously in tears right now. DS has been attached to my boobs for an hour! My alarm is set to go off every 2 hours so I'll begin feeding him in another hour. I'm not getting any sleep and not sure how long I can keep this up.

ricecakes1216 · June 2014

Ok, I'm late to the party. I'm sure this has been asked but I'm going to ask again. Sorry.
My insurance will cover a pump, just learned this so I'm super last mintue! I have the choice between a Medela in style, Ameda purely yours (I think) and a Hygeia Q. Any suggestions?

MrsBHM · June 2014

ricecakes1216 said:
Ok, I'm late to the party. I'm sure this has been asked but I'm going to ask again. Sorry.
My insurance will cover a pump, just learned this so I'm super last mintue! I have the choice between a Medela in style, Ameda purely yours (I think) and a Hygeia Q. Any suggestions?

I'm familiar with the Medela pumps bc I use them at work and I really like them. The woman that taught our breastfeeding class said to get the Medela if we could bc it's a lot more user friendly. We've been happy with it so far.

tbmadeamistake · June 2014

fsumom said:
I am seriously in tears right now. DS has been attached to my boobs for an hour! My alarm is set to go off every 2 hours so I'll begin feeding him in another hour. I'm not getting any sleep and not sure how long I can keep this up.

Is there a specific reason you have to feed every two hours? Of he's back up to birth weight I'd let him sleep so you can too. Even if he's not, if you need to sleep, give him one longer stint at some point. One won't hurt him. I'm sorry its so hard, you are doing an awesome job.

ncbelle · June 2014

ELC252011 - Those all sound totally normal! Not all women get engorged (and you don't want to be long term), not all women leak, and it's hard to pump large amounts early on. Do you have other concerns that make you feel your supply is low?

fsumom - Sorry you had a rough night. Have you tried nursing side lying so you can sleep a bit more? And if you need to stretch another hour over night thats ok, particularly if you think he just nursed well.

ricecakes1216 - I'm anti-Medela primarily because they aren't WHO code compliant but also because they aren't as easy to control the suction/cycle rate on and they are open systems. I'd go with the Hygeia (I had the Ameda before and was happy with it but got the Hygeia this time).

fsumom · June 2014

Lilygrace48 said:

fsumom said:
I am seriously in tears right now. DS has been attached to my boobs for an hour! My alarm is set to go off every 2 hours so I'll begin feeding him in another hour. I'm not getting any sleep and not sure how long I can keep this up.
Is there a specific reason you have to feed every two hours? Of he's back up to birth weight I'd let him sleep so you can too. Even if he's not, if you need to sleep, give him one longer stint at some point. One won't hurt him. I'm sorry its so hard, you are doing an awesome job.

He's 13oz from his birth weight. Usually I don't even have to wake him to eat as he lets me know before my alarm goes off.

ELC252011 · June 2014

@ncbelle‌ the only other concern is she will show signs of hunger even after she latches off and start screaming. Everyone I talk to including LC think maybe I don't produce enough for her. They all encourage me to pump at least twice a day. Thank you it's nice to hear its more common them I thought.

meritsamomma · June 2014

Sorry if this has been addressed, but I'm too tired to read back more than a couple pages! Due to high biliruben, we had to supplement with formula, as Kennedy was so worked up when she was under the lights that when she was able to come out for feedings and got skin ti skin with me all she would do is sleep. We're working on re-establishing breastfeeding, but it's touch and go. I'm pumping and my supply is coming in more with every pump so we're able to at least not have to give formula (plus DH loves feeding her). We're having some issues with hiccups and we think it has to do with the nipples we're using.

Does anyone have experience with the Medela Calma nipple yet? I like that it works off of a vacuum method so she can control the flow but there are such mixed reviews online that I'm hesitant to spend the money on it. TIA

Pepper6 · June 2014

At what point should I start pumping? Either to help establish supply or building a stash. Still have an inside baby, but just want to make sure I have everything ready to go.

kbellizio3 · June 2014

Pepper6 said:
At what point should I start pumping? Either to help establish supply or building a stash. Still have an inside baby, but just want to make sure I have everything ready to go.

This was the question I forgot I wanted to ask!

^^WSS

ncbelle · June 2014

ELC252011 - What is the LC basing her opinion about your low supply on? Has she done weighed feedings? Has she checked for tongue tie? Advised you to do anything other than pump? Only asking because not all LCs are created equal. Newborns like to cluster feed so still giving hunger cues after nursing isn't a sign of problems in an of itself? What's her overall nursing pattern like? How has her weight gain and diaper output been?

meritmacalpine - Are you hoping to get her back on the breast? If so, I'd look at using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) so she can feed at the breast. That has the advantage of stimulating your breasts while she is supplemented so doubly good. It wouldn't have to be used for every feeding if you didn't want but may be worth looking into.

Pepper6 - Assuming that you don't have anything preventing baby from nursing at the breast, there's really no need to pump until like 4-6 weeks. Nursing will keep you PLENTY busy

so adding pumping in the mix is really more of a headache. You also don't want to overstimulate with pumping as you run the risk of creating an oversupply. And baby (barring issues with latch) will bring in your milk far better than the pump. Typically around 4-6 weeks, pumping once a day after the first nursing session of the AM works best. Then of course you'd pump anytime baby gets a bottle as well.

Kinipela7 · June 2014

kbellizio3 said:

At what point should I start pumping? Either to help establish supply or building a stash. Still have an inside baby, but just want to make sure I have everything ready to go.
This was the question I forgot I wanted to ask! ^^WSS

My ped said to wait a month before I start trying to build a stash. He said the first month isn't a good time because you really want the baby to get all that they can.

MrsRahl · June 2014

Like @fsumom‌ baby will not let me sleep! She cries to eat every 2 hours from feeding start to feeding start, so I'm not even getting a full 2 hours in between. The other HUGE problem is she will not sleep on her back in either her crib or bassinet. She will only sleep being held and I can't sleep and hold her for I have a crazy amount of anxiety that I'll suffocate her. We also do side laying nursing but I nod off and am too scared I'll roll on her so I only try this when very awake. Lastly my nipples are so cracked and scabbed. I don't want to give up but I'm dying of sleep deprivation and can't stop crying some nights. I bought a nipple shield but I'm worried that will cause more issues. I've been to 2 LC and both said she latches great and she's already back to birth weight just 4 days after we left the hospital and my supply is too much even. She chokes nursing and I wonder if my let down is too fast which screws up her latch inside her mouth that the LC can't see. One mentioned she could be using her tongue weird to protect from choking on the milk and suggested I nurse laying back some to slow it. Doesn't seem to help. Someone please tell me this gets better soon? I'm a mess...

meritsamomma · June 2014

ncbelle said:

meritmacalpine - Are you hoping to get her back on the breast? If so, I'd look at using a supplemental nursing system (SNS) so she can feed at the breast. That has the advantage of stimulating your breasts while she is supplemented so doubly good. It wouldn't have to be used for every feeding if you didn't want but may be worth looking into.

:::STUCK IN THE QUOTE BOX:::
Thank you for the input! Just got home from an appointment with LC and she set me up with a SNS system. LO has a slight case of nipple confusion, but I've also been using a nipple shield which I didn't have at the appt. so that didn't help matters.
The game plan right now is to use nipple shield and SNS until the next appt. with LC on Tuesday where we'll try getting rid of the nipple shield. Luckily my milk supply is still coming in nicely so once we get her latching again we should be back in business!

Want a personalized experience?

June '14 BFing/Pumping Questions Thread

Re: June '14 BFing/Pumping Questions Thread

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

Choose Another Board

Search Boards