Impressions from today's breastfeeding class + swaddling question

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

Well, my friend and I went to our breastfeeding class today and I left feeling really overwhelmed. I had put the Boppy on my registry along with some Tommee Tippee bottles after a different friend recommended both. Apparently that was a rookie move on both - the lactation consultant running the class told me that the Boppy is more useful as a cat pillow, and I should have gotten the Brest Friend. I had no idea that you have to actively bring the baby to your boob and not the other way around, and apparently the Boppy sits too low and doesn't create the proper shelf. And also, I didn't know that the Tommee Tippee bottles flow too quickly despite being advertised as having a slow flow nipple. She wasn't mean about it or anything, so I know I am totally internalizing my own UGH feelings about my FTM ignorance. So should I be returning the Boppy and bottles I received right away, and exchanging them for Brest Friend and Think Baby bottles?

Most of what I feel overwhelmed by is the information in the class directed at working moms. She said to start introducing a bottle around 3 weeks and let the baby have one a few times a week to get used to it, but not too many times so that they start being finnicky at the breast. It got me thinking about when I go back to work after 12 weeks, and the baby's been having bottles of breast milk at day care, and at home with my husband, all day. And I've been pumping all day at work. Will the baby still want to breastfeed when I get home from work? I even asked this question and she said, "Oh yes, should be fine." But then the rest of the class was focused on how if you're not careful, babies are smart/lazy, and figure out that the bottle is easier and don't want to go back to breast! They also had a lovely chart of the timeline of all the different kinds of poops you will see as baby grows for the first month, complete with photos. That was certainly interesting, as was the props that demonstrated exactly how small the baby's little tummy is at first!

My swaddling question has to do with the large number of Aden and Anais swaddling cloths I have received. https://www.adenandanais.com/en-us/productlanding/4615/baby/swaddles/classic/swaddle+classic.aspx

I have three packs now! Do I really need that many? They're really lovely, and about $50 per package. I already opened and washed one pack, but the other two are still wrapped up as I was considering gifting them to others. I also received a bunch of other brands of swaddlers including Garanimals and swaddle sleep sack combinations.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Third&goal · June 2014

That's a long list so as a STM I will answer quickly what I can.

1. I had a boppy last time and it was low. I often propped up with other pillows. The Breast friend is a splurge for me this time around.

2. Not bad bottle advice. I never looked at TT bottles so not sure about the flow but you do want the slowest flow possible. Breastfed babies should stay at the slowest level pretty much forever.

I returned to work at 12 weeks. There was a bit of reverse cycling where baby actually wanted to nurse MORE when we were together. As long as you guys establish a good relationship most babies will prefer the breast first. Also there are tips on how to bottle feed a breastfed baby that you may want to share with your child care provider.

3. I had two packs of swaddles and that was enough but 4 probably wouldn't have been enough.

kiley820 · June 2014

I'm a FTM too so I guess you can take my two cents with a grain of salt

I wouldn't return the Boppy, unless it is a cost issue and you prefer to have one over the other. I have cared for many children both at daycares and being a nanny...and I loved the Boppy. You will find many uses for it. Obviously I have never used it to breastfeed so this will be something new for me as well but I'm not overly concerned.

As far as bottles, I don't have too much to offer. Like everyone else has said (on previous threads) every kid is different. We got 3 different kinds (3 pack bottles) to start and will see which ones he likes. I've received suggestions from my OB, friends, family etc but really it is all up to your LO. I plan to breastfeed also and will pump for SO to help with feedings so we'll see how it goes. I've heard trying to find bottles that are similar to your nipple also but I don't think I'm too worried about it right now to ask my OB to check out my nips! We'll wait and see how things go

We have one 4 pack of A&A swaddles as well as other swaddle blankets and sleep sacks. I think 3 packs may be overkill but they are nice to have and you'll find lots of things to use them for. I'd hang on to 2 maybe, but definitely not 3.

lizshort96 · June 2014

My 2¢, I only purchased Tommee Tippee bottles to try on DS. he took to them just fine while still nursing and I never changed the nipple to a different flow. I think they are quite nice and easy to clean due to the wide opening. DS took a bottle for 9mo before switching to a sippy cup and nursed until 13mo when I became pregnant again. As PP have mentioned, you may have to go though a few different bottles until you find one your LO likes. **look into "paced feeding" for caregivers who give a bottle to help regulate the bottle flow so there's no preference for bottle over breast, try kellymom.com. I had a Boppy for DS and rarely used it for nursing. A firmly stuffed accent couch pillow was the most effective, comfortable, and reasonably priced. The Boppy was more useful for propping baby for tummy time or sitting. I love muslin blankets as they are very versatile for more than just swaddling. I made due with a 4 pack. I'd return the rest and put the balance to good use for something else you find you need.

Unknown · June 2014

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Raclla · June 2014

I had a boppy AND TT bottles with DD.

The boppy was perfectly fine for me. Maybe I had enough of a belly for it to sit high. No clue. I loved the thing.

I had a free TT bottle in a bag from somewhere I registered. Target maybe.

DD took it, so that's what we stuck with. She was a messy eater, and that might have been due to the flow of the nipple, but it wasn't bad enough for us to try other bottles.

I had to start supplementing after 2 weeks due to a low supply. I was able to go back and forth between bottle and breast multiple times a day for 3 months. No confusion issues.

I think no bottle, no paci for those first 2 weeks definitely helped to establish BFing. Switching back and forth wasn't an issue.

We used Swaddle-me's, so I can't really help with the swaddle blanket question.

shevaCC · June 2014

I had both a boppy and a brestfriend with DD. Loved the boppy, hated the brestfriend. I really think that one is personal preference. At first I used it on top of another pillow to get DD high enough until she grew some. The brestfriend always slid down on me and I would have to endlessly adjust it until I just gave up.

I never gave DD a bottle and hope to not break my streak with DS. She wanted nothing to do with bottles when I was around and only reluctantly took them when I wasn't. I was initially worried about her preferring bottles but that was never a problem for us. I wouldn't return the kind you have until you figure out which type you/LO like. Plenty of nursing moms have used TT bottles in the past.

Valancyy · June 2014

I have only used the Boppy. I had no issues with it at all, even at the newborn stage. Worked fine.

I also used Tommee Tippee bottles. I didn't go back to work until my son was 6 months (and then only for a few weeks before I became a SAHM), but we still used them for occasional bottles before then (though pretty rarely). No problems.

You're not going to know for sure what your baby likes until he/she gets here and you try things out.

Do you have any books on breastfeeding? I thought it was great to have at least one to reference in the early days. My favorite is "Breastfeeding Made Simple." It keeps everything very simple (like the title says!)

BeachM · June 2014

I used a Boppy + a pillow. I sometimes also just used 2 pillows, whatever was more comfortable along my c/s incision.

We stopped BFing at 3 months but I don't have any friends who had issues going between bottles and boobs when they went back to work. They all BF'd for as long as they wanted to. At this point I wouldn't "borrow trouble" as my mother would say.

mislogis · June 2014

I didn't like the breast friend pillow. Granted I used it 8 years ago, but I found it stiff, hated the fact I had to wrap it around first and click it on like a belt. I found my boppy more useful.

TT bottles never used them - no opinion there.

Swaddle blankets- I have 3. And that should be plenty. That said, on my hospital tour, they said not to swaddle baby, just a baby in a naked crib is all they need. - I'm still swaddling.

bumpuser10179393 · June 2014

I would definitely look into paced bottle feeding. It mimics the letdown of breast feeding and helps the baby not over eat. The LC doing our class pretty much said that pillows weren't needed but if you found one you liked to go for it.

norahsam · June 2014

Did you take that class in Boston?!?! Sounds like a lot of the info I got in my class yesterday!!!?

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

Third&goal said:

That's a long list so as a STM I will answer quickly what I can. 1. I had a boppy last time and it was low. I often propped up with other pillows. The Breast friend is a splurge for me this time around. 2. Not bad bottle advice. I never looked at TT bottles so not sure about the flow but you do want the slowest flow possible. Breastfed babies should stay at the slowest level pretty much forever. I returned to work at 12 weeks. There was a bit of reverse cycling where baby actually wanted to nurse MORE when we were together. As long as you guys establish a good relationship most babies will prefer the breast first. Also there are tips on how to bottle feed a breastfed baby that you may want to share with your child care provider. 3. I had two packs of swaddles and that was enough but 4 probably wouldn't have been enough.

Thank you for reading it all and for this response! Much appreciated.

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

PunkieNight said:

I used a boppy and didn't have an issue with it. If I was on the couch, I would prop it up on the arm, or just slide an extra pillow underneath, no big deal.

As for bottles, I have no advice. I can't even remember what brand we used, but keep in mind that there is no guarantee your baby will like whatever type of bottle you buy. DD was fairly easy, but there were still some bottles that she never took to, and some that are still favorites.

I went back to work part time (3 days a week) after 9 weeks. DD had a harder time adjusting to having a bottle all the time I was gone. Breastfeeding was still her favorite way to eat. She would also have a hard time taking a bottle if I was home because she knew she could get it straight from the tap, you know?

I would think two packs of the swaddle blankets would be fine. DD was born right before the cold months, so we would double up her swaddle blankets and so went through a lot of them. We also don't have a washer or dryer in our apartment though, so we couldn't just wash them whenever they got dirty. With it being summer I don't think you'll need to double up though!

Hope this helps!

Totally helps, thanks. I am indeed not going to open those extra 2 packs of Aden and Anais swaddlers, and give them as part of shower gifts for 2 of my other pregnant friends.

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

kiley820 said:

I'm a FTM too so I guess you can take my two cents with a grain of salt I wouldn't return the Boppy, unless it is a cost issue and you prefer to have one over the other. I have cared for many children both at daycares and being a nanny...and I loved the Boppy. You will find many uses for it. Obviously I have never used it to breastfeed so this will be something new for me as well but I'm not overly concerned. As far as bottles, I don't have too much to offer. Like everyone else has said (on previous threads) every kid is different. We got 3 different kinds (3 pack bottles) to start and will see which ones he likes. I've received suggestions from my OB, friends, family etc but really it is all up to your LO. I plan to breastfeed also and will pump for SO to help with feedings so we'll see how it goes. I've heard trying to find bottles that are similar to your nipple also but I don't think I'm too worried about it right now to ask my OB to check out my nips! We'll wait and see how things go We have one 4 pack of A&A swaddles as well as other swaddle blankets and sleep sacks. I think 3 packs may be overkill but they are nice to have and you'll find lots of things to use them for. I'd hang on to 2 maybe, but definitely not 3.

I decided after reading all this advice to hang on to the Boppy - especially since it can be used later for tummy time, and then as she said, a cat bed. I have two fantastic cats who will get a kick out of it.

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

lizshort96 said:

My 2¢, I only purchased Tommee Tippee bottles to try on DS. he took to them just fine while still nursing and I never changed the nipple to a different flow. I think they are quite nice and easy to clean due to the wide opening. DS took a bottle for 9mo before switching to a sippy cup and nursed until 13mo when I became pregnant again. As PP have mentioned, you may have to go though a few different bottles until you find one your LO likes. **look into "paced feeding" for caregivers who give a bottle to help regulate the bottle flow so there's no preference for bottle over breast, try kellymom.com. I had a Boppy for DS and rarely used it for nursing. A firmly stuffed accent couch pillow was the most effective, comfortable, and reasonably priced. The Boppy was more useful for propping baby for tummy time or sitting. I love muslin blankets as they are very versatile for more than just swaddling. I made due with a 4 pack. I'd return the rest and put the balance to good use for something else you find you need.

thanks! great advice here.

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

vinceandang said:

I used both a my breast friend and boppy for my DS. I kept the breastfriend in my room (2nd floor) and would nurse him using it during the night. I was tired and it was nice to prop him up on it. I kept the boppy on our main floor. I had no issues with it. And, it was nice to use for tummy time in the beginning and propping him up on it as he got a little older. I would recommend the boppy over the breastfriend for that reason.

As for the bottles....my DS would ONLY take the avent natural bottle with the slow flow nipple. I tried multiple bottles and he was really fussy. I think her advice of using a slow flow nipple is good because you want baby to go back and forth from breast to bottle easily, but wouldn't stress about a certain bottle type. I would recommend getting a starter pack of the ones you think you like and make sure you LO likes them before stockpiling them.

As for the swaddle blankets. I would keep one set, but chances are you won't use them to actually swaddle. They are really big and can be hard to get the swaddle tight enough. They will be great for covering your LO in the stroller or putting over the carseat. I HIGHLY recommend either the swaddle me or halo swaddle sleep sack. When you are tired it is SO much easier to just velcro them in nice and tight.

And, remember....just because she's an "expert" doesn't mean what she says will work for you. All babies are different. You'll find your way. Breastfeeding is hard in the beginning and is a steep learning curve, but you'll learn quickly and your LO will be just fine. ;-)

@vinceandang, thanks - I guess she was just very forceful in her beliefs and her outgoing, loud personality kind of steamrolled me, ha! So I was listening to everything and going "Oh shit I bought all the wrong stuff and I don't know what I'm doing and WAAAAHHHHH" I feel much better now

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

Valancyy said:

I have only used the Boppy. I had no issues with it at all, even at the newborn stage. Worked fine.
I also used Tommee Tippee bottles. I didn't go back to work until my son was 6 months (and then only for a few weeks before I became a SAHM), but we still used them for occasional bottles before then (though pretty rarely). No problems.
You're not going to know for sure what your baby likes until he/she gets here and you try things out.
Do you have any books on breastfeeding? I thought it was great to have at least one to reference in the early days. My favorite is "Breastfeeding Made Simple." It keeps everything very simple (like the title says!)

@Valancyy, thanks - I will check that book out ASAP!

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

weeklyplanner said:

I'm sorry you left your breastfeeding class feeling overwhelmed. I just went to my class and while the instructor gave pretty much the same info, I left feeling very motivated...so maybe it was in the presentation. As a FTM, I know nothing ! But, here is what my instructor said: (warning...this is long! But, she was so great, I wish you were there for my experience).
- She demonstrated a boppy, breastfriend pillow, two bed pillows and some oversized twin feeding pillow. She said they are all "helpful," but not necessary. If you are going to spend money "get the breastfriend because it offers the most support for the baby." But, if you only have two bed pillows, use them. If you already own a boppy, try putting another pillow underneath it in the beginning for more height (if needed). I plan on trying it with my boppy and then purchasing the breastfriend if I think I need it. Remember, you can use the boppy for tummy time and sitting up, so it's not a total waste. Or, sell it on craigslist since it was basically never used!
- Regarding bottles, she said they are (almost) all made my formula companies, so most of it is just advertising. Try whatever slow flow bottle you have a few times and if it works, great! In her experience (40 years), most babies will learn to take what is offered when they are hungry.
Other helpful things regarding bottle feeding that I learned:
- Don't use the pump for 2 weeks unless medically necessary. You will be overwhelmed with nursing, so just focus on nursing and don't worry about pumping.
- Don't introduce a bottle until after 2 weeks of SUCCESSFUL breastfeeding. Meaning, if you are having latch issues, etc. you should wait until things have been going smoothly for 2 weeks (again, unless medically necessary).
- Pump at the dawn feeding after you've fed the baby. The first 3-5 times you pump, you won't get anything--don't stress about it. Give your body time to adjust to the pump. Introduce the bottle after a 10-15 min nurse session as a "top up." Have dad introduce the bottle, so the baby isn't that hungry and thinks "hey, this smells like mom, I'll give it a try." Make sure dad is relaxed and have him "make it a game" (sing songs, silly noises) if baby seems hesitant. Get a little milk on the bottle nipple so the baby smells/tastes it immediately.
- When preparing to go back to work, add in additional pumps. Start with dawn/early morning, then pick a time in the evening (after 7pm) and be consistent. Eventually, if needed, add in a third mid-day pump...be consistent. Always pump after feeding baby. Be careful not to create an oversupply. This should help you have some milk in your freezer.
Regarding the AA swaddles, I am keeping one pack. I have other Carter's fleece swaddlers for when the weather gets colder. Worse case scenario, I wash them more often or run to the store.

@weeklyplanner, thanks - adding this all to my notes!

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

navyandgray said:

What that lactation consultant failed to mention to you is those were "opinions". Of course everyone thinks their opinions are the right ones but baby supplies are not one size fits all. So here are my expert "opinions":
Had a boppy and loved it, I loved it so much in fact that I bought two more (they were gently used so i got both for $15, bonus is they are so easy to throw in the washing machine to clean) for this little guy so I can keep them in different parts of the house. DD still uses the boppy as a makeship chair on the floor when she is watching TV. I used a breastfriend twice I think at my friends house and wasn't a fan at all.
Bottles are hit or miss with almost all kids. Except mine of course . She took every and any bottle offered to her despite being almost exclusively nursed for 1 year. She was not particular at all. I mostly used the avent naturals as they didn't have too many parts, were easy to clean and I had more than one. I also used a playtex ventaire occasionally and a few other randoms that were free samples.
You won't know what is going to work for you until LO is here. You will do fine!

@navyandgray, thank you! I appreciate the vote of confidence!

FrodaBaggins · June 2014

norahsam said:

Did you take that class in Boston?!?! Sounds like a lot of the info I got in my class yesterday!!!?

@norahsam, nope it was right here in SoCal, run by a lactation consultant who works at one of the local baby stores. And it was free! I ended up needing to take this one because I missed all the registration cut-off dates for the available ones at the hospital.

marathonmommy82 · July 2014

Used a boppy AND TT bottles. You'll be fine !

FrodaBaggins · July 2014

TrishieTerp said:

Used a boppy AND TT bottles. You'll be fine !

Great thank you @TrishieTerp!

marathonmommy82 · July 2014

And forgot to add that I BF DS for 9 mo and he went to daycare at 4 mo with the TT bottles and went back and forth between breast and bottle just fine.

All kids are different of course but you aren't doomed with what you have