June '14 BFing/Pumping Questions Thread

jshrop · June 2014

@ElTrain5‌ Eat lots of oatmeal and drink a dark beer or two! Good luck!

elsa1688 · June 2014

@ElTrain5‌ my milk came in on day 4 and 5. Hang in there mama!

mikmama · June 2014

My LO is 4 weeks old and wants to nurse all the time. This is making it really hard for me to find time to pump, and when I do I barely get anything. I go back to work August 18. Will my supply catch up or will he stop nursing so much in enough time for me to get a freezer stash going?

Mom&nurse · June 2014

A LO will almost always eat a bottle of either BM or formula even if they are full. Don't let that make u think u are not giving enough through bf.

Manual expression only worked for me at first. Then I found if I pumped and kept resetting it to letdown mode I got milk faster and more milk.

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

kaysa2 said:
@BMaidPlanner I don't know if this is usual, but both my breasts 'run out' after about five minutes, so that's the time period I use. When I started I just did one breast, but after a few days moved to both breasts. I'm obviously not great at pumping, as I'm lucky to get 1 oz between the two breasts at any given session.

I store in glass bottles. I have a huge supply of them that I accumulated during pregnancy. I also layer freeze, which I realize goes against standard breast milk freeze protocols (i.e. - freeze one ounce, add the next day's chilled ounce to the frozen ounce, and so forth, until the bottle is filled). I haven't been able to find a legit reason why this method is inherently dangerous, especially since I'm utilizing a deep freezer and if my baby is so fragile that a 30 second window of having a lid off a bottle will make her sick I obviously have bigger things to worry about.

With that said, I know a lot of people freeze their 1 oz increments in ice cube trays. Sounds like a super easy solution if you don't mind plastic.

Good luck!

I have a medela set of the bpa free storage bottles and bags, no ice cube trays, and had no idea we weren't supposed to just layer the next ounce in. Sigh. I should take a class.

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

How long can BM last in the fridge? Don't know when I will get my hands on ice cube trays, would be easy (for this first week of experimental pumping, at least) to layer into one chilled bottle then freeze in a bag. (I think.)

Any online articles you all recommend for pumping and storage tips?

Silvermystique13 · June 2014

OK, I tried searching for the question/answer but couldn't find it, I apologize in advance if this was asked though: Is it normal to have to readjust your nipples kinda often? My Ikey likes to nibble, first off, and secondly, my nipples just seem so big for his mouth, that it seems that his mouth slips and then it starts hurting/tickling/just plain feeling weird that I can't continue without fixing his latch, or trying to.

enpowers · June 2014

Has anyone else suffered from extreme engorgementt? I had my baby 10 days ago and he was not latching in the hospital so they had me pump and bottle feed before they would discharge me. Now I have an over supply so I have tried block feeding, cabbage leaves, ice packs, pretty much everything. But I still get so engorged daily to the point that my breasts are lumpy to the touch. Has anyone else gone through this and if so how did you deal? I would just pump more but that causes me to have an over-active let down that leads to a very unhappy and gassy baby. Ah!

firebelle26 · June 2014

My DD is 3 weeks old, I EP and give her my pumped BM (usually around an ounce and a half), then I give her formula. Sometimes she'll take up to 2 oz of formula on top of the BM. And sometimes she'll spit up when she's had too much. My question is, how do I know when she's really full? I know they'll keep eating even though they are full. When we pull the bottle out of her mouth, she'll either start crying immediately until we put it back, or she'll root with her hands (which she seems to do all the time). I get scared to put her down during the MOTN feeding and go back to sleep right away for fear she will spit up and choke. How do you ladies know when they are truly done?

ETA: she will also sometimes take a pacifier after the formula. Not sure if she takes the paci if that means she just wants to suck?

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

@firebelle26‌ My lo typically falls asleep and won't wake easily when she's had enough. If she wakes and chews her hands as soon as I try and put her down, she is still hungry. Hope that helps.

At night all bets are off though. Can't predict

katekat8721 · June 2014

@firebelle26‌ with formula/bottles it's tough since it's easy to keep sticking it in their mouths and force feed them. At 3 weeks old though 3 ounces (total) sounds very reasonable. I would give the formula first (maybe an ounce or so) then breastfeed. That way she's in control of when she wants to call it a day.

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

Kbinford01 said:
Sorry if this had been asked.. I got behind on this thread.

If I want to pump once a day for either a replacement bottle or for the freezer, does it need to be about the same time every day?

I was just told by a lactation counselor that it does not have to be, but our supply is heavier in the morning.

elsa1688 · June 2014

I definitely have an oversupply issue. Not the worst problem but it is leading to a bit of forceful letdown. And my nipples are still sore between feedings

fsumom · June 2014

DS is mainly drinking from a bottle now. We are still working on getting him to nurse efficiently so I am pumping to keep my supply up. I do have to supplement a little with formula but his weight is increasing so I'm happy.

fsumom · June 2014

Thanks @AmyG*‌ . He's almost up to birth weight and will be 4 weeks old Sunday.

ElTrain5 · June 2014

Anyone else dealing with a tounge tie? Just saw a lactation consultant who said DS has a lower tie that is affecting his ability to suck (which contributes to how hard he bites while feeding). Im definitely going to get a ped ENT to evaluate it, I just hate the idea of cutting his little mouth

Dharmatron · June 2014

@ElTrain5 - my daughter had a lower tongue tie. I got it snipped at 1 week old. She cried for about five minutes and then was fine. Her nursing has been much better since.

fsumom · June 2014

DS has finally passed his birth weight at 25 days old.

roadspeckle · June 2014

I hadn't got a chance to pump today (technically yesterday) so I woke up and fed LO and my breasts were super full and engorged. I fed LO out of my left breast and then pumped because it felt full and sore still. After getting 2 oz out and massaging it stills very tender and sore. I don't have a fever but my body is very achey. Not much pain during feeding - could this still be mastitis? If it continues tomorrow I will call my dr but just curious to know what y'all's experience is?

MrsRahl · June 2014

I pumped for the first time today. I fed on left breast then pumped my right. I have a fast let down and got 5 oz. In 10 minutes in the low setting on the madela freestyle. My question is should I be careful not to pump the max every time or just stop at 3 or 4? I plan to pump once a day to build a stash. Should I pump the Same time every day to establish this for my milk supply?

katekat8721 · June 2014

Amy G or anyone else... have you heard of shavatari? My LC said it was an option to try but I haven't heard a lot about it.

Also, I've been taking fenugreek for a couple weeks now. Supply has increased but holy hell I am smelly lol. Can I stop the pills now that my supply is up?

elsa1688 · June 2014

My nipples are sore randomly throughout the day - kind of a stabbing pain/ ache. Sometimes when baby latches, the other side will be in pain. are they bruised? I've been EBF for 3 weeks, do they just take longer to toughen up? The left side still hurts for 10-20 seconds when baby latches and then feels fine.
I don't really have any thrush symptoms (neither does baby).

@AmyG*‌

elsa1688 · June 2014

AmyG* said:
@elsa1688 said:

My nipples are sore randomly throughout the day - kind of a stabbing pain/ ache. Sometimes when baby latches, the other side will be in pain. are they bruised? I've been EBF for 3 weeks, do they just take longer to toughen up? The left side still hurts for 10-20 seconds when baby latches and then feels fine.
I don't really have any thrush symptoms (neither does baby).

@AmyG*‌

I don't get tags cause of the * in my name.

It often takes longer than 3 weeks for things to feel not so raw. 10-20seconds of pain is fine, but should lessen over time. sometimes the pains are milk refilling or letting down randomly. if you latch on one side and the other side hurts it's probably let down pains. keep using lanolin or try a different nipple creme for a bit of relief.

Thank you!!

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

elsa1688 said:

AmyG* said:
@elsa1688 said:

My nipples are sore randomly throughout the day - kind of a stabbing pain/ ache. Sometimes when baby latches, the other side will be in pain. are they bruised? I've been EBF for 3 weeks, do they just take longer to toughen up? The left side still hurts for 10-20 seconds when baby latches and then feels fine.
I don't really have any thrush symptoms (neither does baby).

@AmyG*‌

I don't get tags cause of the * in my name.
It often takes longer than 3 weeks for things to feel not so raw. 10-20seconds of pain is fine, but should lessen over time. sometimes the pains are milk refilling or letting down randomly. if you latch on one side and the other side hurts it's probably let down pains. keep using lanolin or try a different nipple creme for a bit of relief.

Thank you!!

@elsa1688‌ I am in the same boat as you at 2.5 weeks. I feel like the initial latch will always be sore but maybe we will get lucky.

kks4471 · June 2014

Sorry thought this was the most recent thread! I'm pasting my question into the other thread.

ChristineBaker23 · June 2014

MrsRahl said:
I pumped for the first time today. I fed on left breast then pumped my right. I have a fast let down and got 5 oz. In 10 minutes in the low setting on the madela freestyle. My question is should I be careful not to pump the max every time or just stop at 3 or 4? I plan to pump once a day to build a stash. Should I pump the Same time every day to establish this for my milk supply?

I pump that exact amount of time and get the same amount. I like to pump in the morning because that's when my milk is in high supply. I nurse on one side then pump on the opposite side and try to alternate which breast I pump every day. And I don't necessarily pump immediately after I nurse, I just try to do it within an hour or two. When I nurse the next time I do the opposite of the side I just pumped to keep alternating sides. Not a whole lot of science behind it, it just seems to work for me.

fsumom · June 2014

@AmyG*‌

I am pumping. DS still isn't nursing well. One feeding he'll get an ounce in 15 minutes and the next it's a battle getting him to latch and stay latched. I'm going to ask his pediatrician to give us an referral to an ENT doctor to check for tongue tie. An LC checked but doesn't think he has a tie. Of course now DS has had a bottle a lot and I'm not doing paced feedings as they're too time consuming when I am also nursing and pumping and have a 7 year old as well. He'll be 4 weeks Sunday and I'm serious contemplating on if I should stop nursing and just pump and bottle feed.

jsnyder79 · June 2014

Help. I didn't see much on this when I searched. I'm having latch issues apparently. DS has trouble with the left side. DD had trouble with same side so I'm not surprised.the nipple doesn't stick out as far. I thought my right side was good bc he always latched good I thought, but I have a bleeding nipple now and it hurts so bad and puts me to tears if i feed that side. I'm at the
Point of pumping and bottle feeding at the moment. Help.
Should I try shield for left? How do
I get right nipple to heal. I'm using lanolin at the moment.

fsumom · June 2014

@AmyG*‌

I know I should do paced feedings but I honestly do not have the time with trying it nurse, pumping and having another child to look after. The most he has ever gotten is 42 grams.

H&H2014 · June 2014

@ElTrain5‌ my daughter also had a tongue tie which we got cut at UCSF when she was one week old. It's harder on mama than baby. She bled very little and cried no more than she does at a diaper change. It's very quick and they let me put her immediately on the breast and she was fine. It turns white when it's healing- we have had no problems and were happy we did it. If you're in SF, Dr Anna Meyer was great.

jenlynne0624 · June 2014

LO is constantly feeding. It'll be one boob for about fifteen minutes, burp, change and repeat, except half the time he's falling asleep at the boob and I have to wake him up or tickle his feet or something. Whenever I think he's full I'll take him off and he smiles a drunk milk smile and I assume he's done. Nope. This has been all day and last night.
Is there any way to make sure he's getting enough? Should I only do one boob a feeding to make sure he gets the hind milk? I'm so lost.

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

jennyd321 said:

LO is constantly feeding. It'll be one boob for about fifteen minutes, burp, change and repeat, except half the time he's falling asleep at the boob and I have to wake him up or tickle his feet or something. Whenever I think he's full I'll take him off and he smiles a drunk milk smile and I assume he's done. Nope. This has been all day and last night. Is there any way to make sure he's getting enough? Should I only do one boob a feeding to make sure he gets the hind milk? I'm so lost.

STUCK IN QUOTE BOX:
This happens to me a lot too. Cluster feeding early evenings-on or on a few bad nights, all night long! It isn't permanent in my very limited experience. Hoping AmyG can shed some light on it for you.

jenlynne0624 · June 2014

@amyg he is only four days old, could he be hitting a growth spurt all ready? he only lost 4 oz at the hospital, and as of his appointment this am he has gained it back all ready. He just fed for about 20 min on the right boob, and fell asleep. 10 min later he wakes up and wants the other one. How do I keep him awake? He sleeps like me, nothing wakes him up... not tickling his feet, blowing on his tummy, stripping him down to his diaper...

fsumom · June 2014

AmyG* said:
@fsumom
So 1.5 oz is most you've pumped? and/or most baby has gotten at breast?
Feed those supplemental bottles as slowly as you can with breaks to burp. You said baby gained 3 oz in one day and you were worried about overfeeding. Since 1 oz is normal high amt per day for weight gain, and you had 3x that be careful that amt of supplement is not too much too fast.
I know it's hard, btdt. Most of the STMs on here are struggling to care for two. Just do your best.

1.5oz is the most he's gotten by nursing but he's gotten as little as 6 grams. I pump between 2-4oz total each time. He weighed 7lbs15.1oz this morning, 8lbs.6oz yesterday and 8lbs1.3oz Thursday. He was 7lbs13.6oz last Wednesday so he gained almost 3oz in one day but not quite and he's lost a little the past couple of days since I've been trying to nurse. Talk about feeling defeated and feeling like an awful parent

. I really believe he has a weak suck and plan to ask his pediatrician about getting a referral since our insurance requires a referral to see a specialist.

irenewslee · June 2014

My left side produces much more milk than the right side... Like 3ozs vs 1oz. Weird thing is i always try to give her the right side first and the right side is actually easier to latch for my LO. Any way to increase the supply on the right side?

elsa1688 · June 2014

MommyWaldron said:
How often she's your LO poop? My baby is 11 days old and has pooped 6 times today. My LC told us that breast fed babies poop around 3 times a day to 3 times a week around week 2.

My baby poops ALL the time (like 8+ times a day). Pretty much after every feeding. EBF - 3 weeks old.

Taymiller · June 2014

MommyWaldron said:
How often she's your LO poop? My baby is 11 days old and has pooped 6 times today. My LC told us that breast fed babies poop around 3 times a day to 3 times a week around week 2.

My LO is 9 days old and poops 6-10 times a day. Dr. DH says they can't really poop to much but we need to be concerned if he poops to little.

H&H2014 · June 2014

Our LC and everything I've read says at least five poops a day to ensure your LO is getting enough to eat.

ChristineBaker23 · June 2014

Baby Cora will not take a bottle or paci. The pacifier I'm not too worried about but I would like to be able to give her a bottle from time to time. When I try to bottle feed she ends up gagging violently then screaming (same with paci, even hurled everywhere one time). She is 5 weeks old and has taken a bottle twice previously but now all of a sudden she is not a fan. Any tips guys?

elsa1688 · June 2014

ktcort13 said:
What type of nursing gear do you all wear? I was primarily wearing nursing camis b/c they're comfy but someone told me that not wearing a nursing bra can cause issues with support and boobs sagging more than they already will after nursing. She has much larger breasts than I do so maybe it's a bigger issue for her. Does it really make a difference what we wear?

Sagging has to do with genetics and skin elasticity, not bras. If you wear an underwire that isn't fitted correctly, it can lead to mastitis. Nursing camis should be fine until 4-5 weeks, then get fitted. That's my plan anyway :-D

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