The Great Big Breastfeeding Thread

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

Oh and mind you MIL keeps insisting my LO has milk intolerance or is lactose intolerant bc he does get so gassy/fussy sometimes. So frustrating when you have the people close to you not supportive of BF. DH & MIL both keep saying to switch to soy formula & stop BF. She even stopped by yesterday to bring by this medicine that's supposed to help break down lactase since I won't give up BF.
I'm about to lose my shit. :-w

Dixon813 · June 2014

UPDATE on Liam - he gained 6oz (over 5 days)

Ped wants us to keep doing what we're doing (extra ounce by bottle after feeding). We go back on Friday for his 2 mo appt.

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

LalaMama81 said:
I think 5 oz is a lot, but every kid is different, yadda yadda.

DS had a bottle last week at 6.5 weeks and didn't even finish 3oz in one sitting.

DD1 topped out at 4.5/5oz when I worked but that was about 5-9 months. EBF babies don't keep increasing amounts, they do a bit and then usually level off unlike a FF baby.

@LalaMama81‌ I didn't know that, I thought you slowly increased as baby needs. My sister told me that if he's still eating every 2hrs that I'm not feeding him enough.

Holljade · June 2014

@Dixon813‌ great news!!! Go Liam!

maelic · June 2014

My girl (9w) consistently eats 4oz let feeding, sometimes 5 if she's really hungry. It does not seem that unusual to me but my best guess is it depends on the baby. She takes 24oz on average over the course of the day and is not gaining excessive weight (went from 92nd to 68th percentile from month 1 to month 2) so I just do what she wants.

hordol · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:

Oh and mind you MIL keeps insisting my LO has milk intolerance or is lactose intolerant bc he does get so gassy/fussy sometimes. So frustrating when you have the people close to you not supportive of BF. DH & MIL both keep saying to switch to soy formula & stop BF. She even stopped by yesterday to bring by this medicine that's supposed to help break down lactase since I won't give up BF. I'm about to lose my shit. :-w

I'm sorry. That's so frustrating! A little gas and fussiness is not the end of the world, especially with the benefits that breastfeeding gives. Besides, gas and fussiness is NORMAL. Their digestive systems are still maturing and it's likely he would have just as much gas, maybe even more, on formula.

michaelad3 · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:
Oh and mind you MIL keeps insisting my LO has milk intolerance or is lactose intolerant bc he does get so gassy/fussy sometimes. So frustrating when you have the people close to you not supportive of BF. DH & MIL both keep saying to switch to soy formula & stop BF. She even stopped by yesterday to bring by this medicine that's supposed to help break down lactase since I won't give up BF.
I'm about to lose my shit. :-w

That is so ridiculous! Your milk is made just for your baby, so why would a substitute be better?

haziedaze · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 sounds like you're getting tons of conflicting advice. 5 ounces seems like a lot unless he then goes 3-4 hrs before feeding again. 1-1.25 ounces per hour is average. My guy takes 2oz about every 2 hours. My DS1 didn't go up to 3oz until he was older and going longer between feeds. I second the advice about a super slow flow nipple and paced feeding. Breaks are important which is sounds like you're doing, you can also tip the bottle down so they suck for a while without getting milk. Despite the OWTs, that doesn't cause gas and can help if they have a strong suck urge.

The cereal and lactase are horrible ideas, so sorry your MIL isn't supportive. Lactose intolerance really doesn't exist in babies, so do have cow milk protein intolerance though. Can you rely on the, "My pediatrician told me to..." line? FF babies are gassy and fussy too, their parents just try a different formula, but in the end it's most like just the age!

For pumping moms with lower output, are you getting a second let down? I highly recommend watching a video of baby when the sprays slow and turning the pump back up with get another let down. If that doesn't work, try hand expression! It empties the breast really well without a let down which then leads to more milk production!

haziedaze · June 2014

rockstarlaw said:

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.

My lefty is an over achiever as well. In the end, the engorgement is actually sending the signal to dial it down to your body. You can try to hand express a tiny bit to relieve any pain and use cool compresses or cabbage leaves. You can also just embrace it. I've been trying to dial down supply since the get go, but now I just feed 2 feeds in a row on the left then do one on the right. Definitely looking a bit lopsided, but who's looking!

Holljade · June 2014

Update for those who has been following- DS weighed in at 10lb 7oz today, a total of 13oz weight gain over 16 days. The doc said this was pretty good gain and he is on the curve for his last weigh in, but it still doesn't add up when you consider his birthweight (although there might not be an issue, he might just be small)

The doc told me to try all the acid reflux tricks (but a towel under crib mattress, hold baby upright for 30 mins after a feeding etc) and gave me a prescription for Zantac. He also suggested when I have expressed milk to add rice cereal to it to thicken it up and it should help with any stomach acid.

So it's not totally bad news- I go back in two weeks to see how everything is working and to continue to monitor his weight.

Holljade · June 2014

@LalaMama81‌ yea he spits up a ton and it's not just regular spit up, it's a lot and sometimes it's chunky and white- there is also fussiness associated with it- also he'll cough or "choke" if it starts to come up but it doesn't fully come out (like if he's on his back or something) also arches his back and such while nursing 1/2 the time.

scarles · June 2014

Is it common for your supply to drop when you have mastitis?

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Does anyone else experience a much more painful latch on one side vs. the other? My overproducer is more painful but his latching looks the same. Pain mostly subsides after the initial latch...any suggestions to remedy?

macynsnoop · June 2014

@megla yes, you can expect your supply to drop after mastitis. I don't remember how long it took mine to come back up, maybe a week or so? I also needed to be vigilant about plugged ducts after too, I experienced 2 plugged ducts shortly after. I made sure to get on those fast with loads of massaging & pumping. I also started taking lecithin since it seemed as if I was prone to the plugged ducts.

@rockstarlaw I had painful latches on both boobs for the longest time. Little man just tore my nips up! It was more painful on my under producer & I actually had a spot that refused to heal for the longest time. What helped me: using nipple butter, I use motherlove, highly recommend! Airing the nips out whenever I could! I also gave myself some breaks by pumping & offering a bottle when I felt I needed it, at least once a day. I'm almost 10 weeks pp & I am pain free. I think I managed to help heal the nips as much as I could but also that little man got better at latching & the nips got used to everything. Hope some of these suggestions help you! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

mamahann · June 2014

Just a tip for the ladies heading back to work - I'm going back next week and was worried about pumping. I ordered a set of Freemie cups (www.freemie.com) so I would feel better about pumping at the office and be able to pump hands free without changing into a different bra. I just took them for a test run and I love them! They fit right inside my nursing tank and were really comfortable. I also got a little more milk during this session while pumping at a much lower speed.

I'm hoping they keep being awesome!

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Ugh. I've switched to one-sided feeding at the instruction of an LC and my overproducing boob is PISSED. I woke up for the MOTN feeding with a rock hard boulder. Per instruction, I attempted to only pump off enough for comfort and went back to bed. Woke up for real feeling like I had the flu & my boob was so engorged LO wouldn't latch on to it. I pumped it empty and applied heat but I am praying I don't get mastitis over there AGAIN. Why does this have to be so hard? My right boob is normal & pain-free but lefty just will not cooperate!

rockstarlaw · June 2014

@celticlullaby‌ - thanks for sharing! Are you doing one-sided feedings? So how often does the over supplier get offered? Every 4 hours?

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Yes, please let me know. I just started one-sided feedings but I am going to be going back to work in a few weeks, so I too am contemplating if I shouldn't just embrace the oversupply and pump more regularly to drain & freeze. But I don't want to be stuck to a pump all day between feedings and then pumping

rockstarlaw · June 2014

@celticlullaby‌ - I talked to another LC today. She told me only to fully pump everything out in the morning & at night before bed....otherwise (as suspected) you're just going to exacerbate the oversupply problem. She told me just to pump to relieve engorgement for comfort during the day if I have to. So much conflicting advice. Who knows who to believe? Sigh....

rockstarlaw · June 2014

@poru - I breast-fed when I had a fever. Mind you, the fever was from mastitis. I also quite trust Kelly mom. So I don't mean to tell you to go against your doctor's orders, but I would probably breast-feed

scarles · June 2014

I am recovering from mastitis and my doctor prescribed amoxicillin. My babe is having horrible stomach aches and diarrhea/green poop explosions. Anyone have a similar reaction or taking anything different for mastitis?

Manda+panda · June 2014

@megla most any antibiotics well do that to their sensitive systems. It's killing all the good bacteria in them. I HIGHLY recommend probiotics. For you and baby. It will replace the natural bacteria in both of your guts and decrease the likelihood of an antibiotic caused yeast infection.

I had an infection a few weeks ago and the antibiotics (Ceftin) wreaked havoc on her. LC recommend the probiotic.

scarles · June 2014

Thanks @manda+panda. His pediatrician recommended probiotics as well.

Rachnan · June 2014

Went to my breastfeeding group and LO gained exactly zero weight in the week. He gained 10oz the week before so the LC wants to see what happens next week. I'm so discouraged! Have already been talking to DH about switching to formula, just not sure how much longer I can do this!

Dixon813 · June 2014

@Rachnan‌ I don't know your backstory but wanted to say hang in there!! I went to my breastfeeding group last week after missing a few weeks and DS hadn't gained any in those weeks. I'm now supplementing by bottle after feedings, but it's working.

Hugs to you, mama. Sorry this can be hard and frustrating!

Rachnan · June 2014

Thanks @Dixon813‌, he's been a slow gainer but this is the first time he's gained nothing. Not sure if I should call my pedi or just wait it out. If it comes down to supplementing we may just switch. I still go to bed in tears many nights and need my sanity back!

Holljade · June 2014

@Rachnan‌ so sorry lady

that must be do frustrating- keep us posted. ::hugs::

twinklemoon · June 2014

2 months in...and now baby wants to feed more and I am not producing enough...so frustrating .... Dr wants me to take him in for a weight check on two weeks....

mamahann · June 2014

Ladies who pump at work and BF at home - do you keep your pump at work or bring it back and forth? I was thinking of leaving mine at work so I would never forget it. I only pump at home now to build a freezer supply.

I go back on Tuesday and I'm so nervous

hordol · June 2014

Ashleyahann said:
Ladies who pump at work and BF at home - do you keep your pump at work or bring it back and forth? I was thinking of leaving mine at work so I would never forget it. I only pump at home now to build a freezer supply.

I go back on Tuesday and I'm so nervous

I bring mine back and forth just I'm case I want to throw in an extra pump or two outside of work (my pumping output isn't great) and I also prefer to wash everything at home. If I was able to pump above and beyond what I needed I might consider leaving it work...I'm actually more worried about forgetting my milk in the fridge at work than forgetting my pump at home. I just keep my pump bag right next to my purse.

cjpell0 · June 2014

I actually bought a second one to leave at work. I take public transportation and didn't want to lug the thing back and forth and I do one pump about an hour after LO goes to bed to build up my freezer stash.

chichi589 · June 2014

I do a pump at home to at one of the MOTN feedings just helps me have a little extra for him in the fridge

heids4787 · June 2014

@Ashleyahann‌ - I bring it back and forth since I don't have time to clean the parts at work. I have a Medela Freestyle, so I have the nifty tote bag and cooler for my milk and ice packs (easy to transport). I have a list of "things to bring to work" on my phone, which I check every morning before I leave. Kinda tedious, but I haven't forgotten a pump part yet, thank goodness.

I've thought about buying a manual pump for my office in case I ever forget the electric, but I'm hoping to avoid the extra expense. Good luck with your return to work next week!

zoopsiedaisy · June 2014

Does anyone still get mild cramping when you breastfeed? I actually didn't have cramping at all after giving birth. But in the last few weeks I have been. Seems strange. Just curious what your experiences are?

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Those of you who pump in addition to full time BFing, what is your normal pumping output?

Those of you back to work & pumping but BFing at home - is your daily pump output enough to cover feedings for the next day? Did you notice output go down when away from LO for most of the day?

cjpell0 · June 2014

If i pump immediately after breastfeeding, I maybe get an ounce.

I pump enough at work to cover the next day and sometimes more. LO seems to be taking 3.5oz at each feeding while i'm at work and I average 4oz. I get a small decrease in output throughout the day, usually less than .5 oz.

heids4787 · June 2014

@rockstarlaw - I work three days per week and pump/nurse when home, too. On work days, I nurse LO between 5-6:30 am, and pump to empty 7-7:30 am. I am able to pump 2x while at work (10:30 am and 2 pm), and pick up LO at daycare by 4:30/5 pm. I didn't notice my supply go down, but I always made sure to pump for as long as drops stopped/slowed. Sometimes this takes closer to 30 minutes, rather than 20.

Across the three pump sessions 7am-2:30pm, I'm able to pump 15-18 oz, which makes three 5oz bottles and a snack (3 oz) bottle for LO the next day. I also bottle feed LO in the MOTN and pump 1-2x (even on days off), which helps me build a freezer stash or cushions any more milk I need for DC the next day.

When home during the day, or evenings after work, I nurse completely to help with supply. This works for us, but I drinks lots of water and eat snacks often.

rockstarlaw · June 2014

Thanks all. This helps. Good advice @aronie82‌ - I really don't know what he eats per feeding either. Taking Sundays to just pump to learn that is a great idea! ...and a good way to give my nipples a bit of a break. I think I will try that!

hordol · June 2014

rockstarlaw said:
Those of you who pump in addition to full time BFing, what is your normal pumping output?

Those of you back to work & pumping but BFing at home - is your daily pump output enough to cover feedings for the next day? Did you notice output go down when away from LO for most of the day?

I think I'm in the minority because most can make do but I pump 6-7 ounces over 3 pump sessions and baby takes 10.5 while I'm at work so he has to have some formula. I have tried doing 4 pump sessions but total output was still the same.

Dixon813 · June 2014

rockstarlaw said:
Those of you who pump in addition to full time BFing, what is your normal pumping output?

Those of you back to work & pumping but BFing at home - is your daily pump output enough to cover feedings for the next day? Did you notice output go down when away from LO for most of the day?

I pump in the AM and get 3-4 on average. When I pump during the day (2 or 3 times because I'm supplementing with DS) I get 1oz. I also pump at night before bed (DS gets a bottle) and I get 4-6oz

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