The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

hordol · June 2014

@rockstarlaw my baby breaks suction too and has since birth. My LC said that if it wasn't causing me pain then just to go with it. It has never been a problem for me. Is it painful for you? If not then I wouldn't worry too much.

I feed from both boobs. I wouldn't start doing one sided feedings unless the problem persists for awhile. Maybe give it a couple days and see? Most of us are still in the time when our supply is still regulating.

Emily041285 · June 2014

What's the best way to travel with already pumped milk? We are planning on leaving dd with her grandparents overnight next week. I have plenty of milk saved up frozen and was just going to bring that and pump to replace. But I never realized you have to use defrosted milk in 24 hrs. It's a 9 hour car ride there. No way the frozen stuff stays that way. (I plan to bring a cooler to keep it cold but it won't stay frozen plus we may break up the trip and stay overnight) If I start today I can make enough refrigerated to use instead. Should I take frozen or refrigerated?

Emily041285 · June 2014

@LalaMama81‌ I think I'm going to need 7 bottles. That's probably way too many since she'll go longer than 3 hrs at night and we won't be gone that long but I like to have a buffer. Does that sound like enough?

I can get 1-1.5 bottles a day extra. So if I start now and keep them clearly labeled I should be able to have enough that's only refrigerated by next Thursday. I think you're right. That'll be easier.

Dixon813 · June 2014

@Emily041285‌ you could pack the frozen in a lot of ice and stop along the way to replenish!

Emily041285 · June 2014

I'll have to check on the dry ice. We don't have grocery chains here. Just locally owned places. That's not a bad idea.

pete0121 · June 2014

I still do both sides. She eats for about 10 minutes on whatever side she starts and then about 5-10 on the second. I would follow LO's lead.

littlesocks · June 2014

I know this has been asked a few times on this board (maybe even this thread) but for those of you who give your LO bottles on occasion - how long do you save the milk in a bottle that they drank from but didn't finish? I think kellymom says it needs to be used within 2 hours. I'm curious if that's what you all do or if you've heard other timing guidelines. 2 hours is so quick!

maelic · June 2014

I do 5 hours total at room temp and so far so good.

littlesocks · June 2014

5 hours is way more reasonable! At least it can then be offered at her next feeding

Dixon813 · June 2014

mamrotu73 said:

Amsull324 said:
5 hours is way more reasonable! At least it can then be offered at her next feeding
Yeah. We make 5 oz bottles usually and it is nice to not waste leftovers by offering it later.

The nurse actually said there was a range for each situation (room temp, fridge, frozen) but that 5 falls in each so it is easier to remember just one number. 5 hours at room temp, 5 days in the fridge, 5 months frozen.

This! And if it's been at room temp longer than 5 hours, give it a smell and go from there. (The other night DS slept longer than we expected and the bottle had been out for 6 hours, but will smelled fine and DS didn't have an issue with it!)

Rachnan · June 2014

Went to work for a half day last week and pumped a couple times. Got approx. 2oz per pumping sessions (consistent with pumping at home to replace a meal). LO took 3-3.5 oz per meal while I was gone, how will I ever keep up with that once I go back to work? Anyone have any experience or advice?

chichi589 · June 2014

@rachnan I do an extra pump right before I leave for work or a MOTN one DS only usually takes one side at night after his long stretch so I can usually get a full bottle out of that pump. It def helps as sucky as it is to not go back to sleep. I get 4oz total that pump. Usually 6 oz at 10 am, 5 oz at 1230 & 3 but that's only been after a few weeks pumping back to work. At first it was a lot smaller. Add the night pump in helped. I also let him nurse as much as he wants when I get home from work and my days off to help my supply because it seems to be smaller after a few days at work. Lots of water and snacks at work!

heids4787 · June 2014

^ I do almost the same thing as @chichi589‌, @rachnan! I tend to feed LO bottles of pumped milk at night since it fills up LO more. Since pumping in the MOTN, I think it has increased my supply to the point where I have an extra bottle of milk compared to what LO eats. On workdays, I nurse LO from 5:30-6:30 am (she's a long feeder!) and try to pump from 7-7:30 am. I then pump at 10:30 am and 2 pm and can get around 10-12 oz total during the day.

I also agree that nursing as much as possible when LO is home (5-10 pm) helps. It took awhile to get the groove, but keep up the healthy snacks and water at work!

Eta: MOTN pumping clarification. :-)

hordol · June 2014

Rachnan said:
Went to work for a half day last week and pumped a couple times. Got approx. 2oz per pumping sessions (consistent with pumping at home to replace a meal). LO took 3-3.5 oz per meal while I was gone, how will I ever keep up with that once I go back to work? Anyone have any experience or advice?

I'm in the exact same boat and unfortunately don't have any advice. I went through my entire freezer stash my first week on top of pumping 2 extra times per day just to make 3 oz bottles. This week I unfortunately had to give some formula which made me sad to do so, but I just can't pump. I've tried everything they recommend and I really think some people just don't respond to the pump. Have you googled pumping tips and tried them out to see if they will help you? I was super stressed trying to make enough for DS and at least knowing that I made supplementing with formula an option in my mind the stress went away. I still pump but just use what I get and I no longer pump outside of work to try and make up for the loss.

Rachnan · June 2014

Thanks @chichi589‌, @heids4787‌ and @hordol for your responses! @‌hordol I have also resigned myself to the fact that I may gave to supplement. Just not sure that I can keep up that schedule and have also thought about switching to FF once I go back to work. Guess I'll. just have to see how it all works out! Happy I will have made it to 4 months when I go back to work!

thejewelster · June 2014

I know it's normal for supply to decrease throughout the day/eve, but my supply seems pretty non- existent at night. Lo feeds constantly. Great for hind milk but... Last night I thawed 2.5oz and he chugged it back. Any suggestions on how to increase and stabilize milk supply in the eve?

rockstarlaw · June 2014

I have such a love/hate relationship with my left boob these days.

My left boob is a crazy over producer. My right boob is totally normal. How do I get lefty to even out and quit producing in such ridiculous quantity?? I have just recently switched to one-sided feedings (was doing 10 mins, then switch sides previously at the instruction of one LC but now another has informed me that may be confounding my problem and not getting LO enough hind milk). I am trying to only pump Big Lefty to relieve engorgement between feedings, but it gets painful pretty quickly. Any suggestions on how to tone one side down without negatively impacting the other?

This morning I woke up with the left engorged, pumped off 2 oz to relieve it so I could even get LO to feed on that side, probably lost an ounce dripping around the house (seriously), then fed LO completely from that side and then a half an hour later at my normal both side pumping session for the freezer pumped another 3+ ounces out of it. Ridiculous.

Holljade · June 2014

My boy is sti not gaining properly

I went out and bought a scale (I tested it for accuracy) and he has only gained 11 oz since we last went to the doc on 5/30- we have a follow up appointment and I am so nervous for what they will say. I let him feed as long as he wants, try to supplant with expressed milk to make sure he is getting enough (but when I do this he usually spits it all up!)

I am freaking out and have no idea what to do. I feel like if I supplement with formula he will do the same and just spit it up. I have the "growth" app on my phone and according to his weight today he falls below 3%.

Has anyone else had this happen? Was there an underlying medical condition?

Holljade · June 2014

@LalaMama81‌

I bought an infant scale- I was hoping it would make me feel better but it's just been causing stress!
It's the percentiles that drive me crazy- he is gaining some and growing, but those percentages are what's getting to me so I'm glad you addressed that

His other development seems fine, he's responsive and socially smiles, has found his hands, good head strength, if I hadn't been getting him weighed I wouldn't even think there was a problem- lots of wet diapers and usually one dirty a day if not he has a dirty diaper at least once every three day (I know that is in the normal range)

He sleeps for a 5-7 hour stretch at night, I'm wondering if I could start waking him up to feed- maybe I should try the every 2-3 hours feed schedule around the clock.I'm going to suggest that tomorrow and see if they will give me another week for weight gain before supplementing with formula (and if not then go for a second opinion)

I'm also going to ask more questions about reflux- that might be a cause as well, especially since he seems to spit up so much!

Rachnan · June 2014

@Holljade‌ my little guy is in the same boat but my pedi is still happy with is gaining. We are at the bottom of the percentile but have been almost the whole time. As PP said, that doesn't mean anything. Just look at gain (I've also been told 4-7 oz per day) and diaper output. Some babies are just slow gainers!

Holljade · June 2014

@Rachnan‌ I'm glad to hear someone is in the same boat!

I think what might have freaked them (and me) out as well is that at the two weeks check up he was in a much higher percentile then at two month went down a lot ( at 2w he was in the 27% for weight then went down to 3% at 2 months but he went down in percentiles across the board for length and head too) maybe this is just his new normal?

Emily041285 · June 2014

So I think I may have gotten myself in some trouble with the pacifier situation. DD likes to suck. She would do it all day every day if you let her. I can tell when she is done eating and is just sucking so I pop her off. This leads to crying. Which then stops if you give her a pacifier or distract her. She is very content after and has good diapers. I don't think it's a supply issue because I know I can pump more than she needs in one session. Is it ok to pop her off and use the pacifier? I can't let her stay on for hours. DH thinks I'm not giving her enough but I know she isn't drinking the entire time.

thejewelster · June 2014

Holljade said:
@Rachnan‌ I'm glad to hear someone is in the same boat!

I think what might have freaked them (and me) out as well is that at the two weeks check up he was in a much higher percentile then at two month went down a lot ( at 2w he was in the 27% for weight then went down to 3% at 2 months but he went down in percentiles across the board for length and head too) maybe this is just his new normal?

Our guy is the same. Except his head is gaining normally and height-wise he's jumped a curve. He's struggled to gain due to several curve balls - cmpa, sick

rtv3 · June 2014

DD has had green poop since Monday. I called the pedi at day 4 and nurse said it was normal not to worry. She was also super gassy Mon-Wed, I cut back on diary and it's pretty much gone away but her poop is still green. I'm thinking it's a fore/hind milk imbalance but I already only feed 1 side each time and keep her on for 20ish minutes. What else can I do to make sure she's getting enough the hind milk? She's 6 wks, and has been a 1side only eater since my milk came in.

Dixon813 · June 2014

@Holljade‌ my DS hadn't gained ANY (actually lost 2 ounces) since May 23

by recommendation of our ped, we're supplementing with breastmilk after every feeding. We don't have reflux issues, he just isn't gaining. We go back tomorrow to see how he's doing (we started supplementing on Thursday...) it makes me feel like a failure that he isn't gaining, though

MrsZ0811 · June 2014

Emily041285

I do the same thing. Maybe show your DH a youtube video. I watched those and you can see when they are eating (suck, suck, swallow pattern) and when they are just sucking and not actually eating. My DH had the same concern but I showed him that and then he watched dd eat one night and realized what I was saying.

Dixon813 · June 2014

LalaMama81 said:
@dixon813 - I've been there, it's hard.

If you haven't already, get a weighted feed done tomorrow. The you can see how much milk he is transferring. This will help figure out if it's strictly a supply or latch issue, etc. If he's transferring plenty then you know it's more. It can also help you figure out how much to supplement, you don't want to over-supplment and kill your supply.

Thanks - we've did weighted feeds in the beginning and I've done some at our mommy and me group (which is run by a LC). I've been able to pump the extra few ounces, just not sure how this works out in the long run. Honestly, nursing and then giving a bottle every time is a ton of work!

Dixon813 · June 2014

LalaMama81 said:

What was he transferring? Have you tried supp'ing at the breast with an SNS? I did that with DD1 at every feeding from 1-9 months, give or take. 4x/day with DD2 and 3x/day now with DS.

Last check (a couple weeks ago) was 4oz. Haven't used a SNS. Since we just started supplementing and he's used a bottle for weeks (DH gives one at night) but will ask about it at out appt!

Rrrrrachel · June 2014

4 oz at a feeding is on the higher side of normal.

Dixon813 · June 2014

@LalaMama81‌ I thought so too! The last weighted feed was with "the big boob" as the main boob. He eats 6-7 times a day with 1 bottle before bed.

I'll be sure to keep you posted after our appt tomorrow.

Holljade · June 2014

@LalaMama81‌ I'll bring that up tomorrow and see what the pedis response is. I made sure to make an appointment with the dr I have had good experience with in the past so crossing my fingers. Thanks so much for your response on this- I was on the verge of an all day crying spree ( since it's Father's Day my hubs also thanks you for allowing me to be functional during our activities today lol

) @Dixon813‌ I am sorry sorry you are dealing with that and completely get how you feel- I am looking forward to seeing and update on your appointment, I hope you are able to get some answers!

thejewelster · June 2014

My earlier comment crapped out (on mobile). As I mentioned, my guy has been struggling too

. Even though there is a cause, I know and totally understand how awful and scary it feels. Sounds like you are all 'on it' and in good hands. Your lo's are lucky to have such caring and concerned mamas. Keep us posted on how things go!

Holljade · June 2014

thejewelster said:
My earlier comment crapped out (on mobile). As I mentioned, my guy has been struggling too . Even though there is a cause, I know and totally understand how awful and scary it feels. Sounds like you are all 'on it' and in good hands. Your lo's are lucky to have such caring and concerned mamas. Keep us posted on how things go!

Glad you were able to figure out the issue- have things gotten better? What was the cause? (If you don't mind my asking)

thejewelster · June 2014

@‌ Holljade
Don't mind at all

It's been a number of things. First, we found out he has a cows milk protein sensitivity (green, mucous, bloody diarrhea). Soy and egg are likely culprits too. Then he caught my cold, and currently he is recovering from a terrible reaction to the rotavirus vaccine. It seems like he's had some form of diarrhea since he was born

I really hope this is the end of it. Poor lil
dude!

Holljade · June 2014

@thejewelster‌ omg that's awful- poor little guy

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

My DS is 10wks... I had my first day back at work yesterday so DH fed with my freezer stash. He said he ate 5oz no problem everytime. That seems like a lot to me! He was also 14lbs at his 2mth check up. Normal or is that over feeding?

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:
My DS is 10wks... I had my first day back at work yesterday so DH fed with my freezer stash. He said he ate 5oz no problem everytime. That seems like a lot to me! He was also 14lbs at his 2mth check up. Normal or is that over feeding?

I do not intend this question to be sassy or sarcastic - I really don't know the answer to this and I am curious: is it even possible to over feed an infant? Don't they just spit up what they don't need/want?

hordol · June 2014

@Mrs.Kohalic17 I don't think 14lbs at 2 months is too much depending on what his birth weight was and his pattern of growth so far. Was the ped concerned about his growth? 5 oz is a lot but maybe each baby is different. Mine only wants about 3.5 oz in a bottle. Is your husband doing paced feeding? Bottles have a faster flow than the breast and just like adults if they eat too fast then they don't feel themselves get full. If he's pacing him and not spitting out than you may just have a big eater! Sorry I'm not much help lol.

pete0121 · June 2014

DD is 2 months old today. Over the last two weeks she's been sleeping increasingly more at night. I promise I'm not trying to brag, but I FF my other two babies so I'm concerned if this will hurt my supply and I'm concerned that she will be getting enough. Last night and the night before she slept for 10 hours. Before that, she was consistently sleeping 7-8 hours. She usually only gets about 5-6 BF sessions in during the day. When I do bottle feed her BM she drinks 4 oz bottles. I always hear you should have 8-12!!! Is that just in the newborn period? She goes to the pedi on Friday and I will talk to her then. What do you guys think?

Right now my supply still seems sufficient. She eats for the last time about 8 and then I usually do a quick pump before I go to bed at 10:30. Depending on her morning feeding schedule and when every one else wakes I will some times pump in the morning.

And yes...we are ecstatic with 10 hours and know it certainly may not last. We feel due. She spent her first 6 weeks screaming at the top of her lungs most of the day every day. She barely naps during the day. And I'm dairy, soy and egg free which has been a difficult transition for me. Nighttime sleep is what's gotten me through.

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

hordol said:
@Mrs.Kohalic17 I don't think 14lbs at 2 months is too much depending on what his birth weight was and his pattern of growth so far. Was the ped concerned about his growth? 5 oz is a lot but maybe each baby is different. Mine only wants about 3.5 oz in a bottle. Is your husband doing paced feeding? Bottles have a faster flow than the breast and just like adults if they eat too fast then they don't feel themselves get full. If he's pacing him and not spitting out than you may just have a big eater! Sorry I'm not much help lol.

The pedi did say he was a little overweight but he didn't seem concerned. He was 7.14 at birth, 10lbs by 1mth, 14lbs at 2mths. My husband is a big guy also & my MIL keeps insisting we put rice cereal in his bottles bc that's what she did when DH was like 2wks old cuz she said he was always hungry. I've refused everytime & will not do it. But yeah he does pace him, he has reflux & tends to get pretty gassy sometimes so we really don't have a choice but to pace it & go really slow.

mamrotu73 said:
It could just be a hungry day. DS has taken 6oz once!! But normally takes 3 or 4 oz. He also peed and pooped in the middle of that 6oz feeding so he was making space as he took it in. Maybe you have a multitasker!

DH did say he pooped like 4x also (which is usually only 1x for me during the day) so that could totally be it. I was just shocked when I came home & he had the big 8oz bottle out instead of our usual 4oz.

Want a personalized experience?

The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

Re: The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

Choose Another Board

Search Boards