The Great Breastfeeding Thread

Lola825 · July 2014

How long does/did it take for your milk to come in to the point your LO was clearly getting enough each feeding? The discouragement from having to supplement still (10 days PP) is starting to get to me a bit.

Big+Lil · July 2014

@missquela‌ pumping encourages milk production. I have an oversupply too, and the dr said I can feed on one side and pump the other to help regulate. Kellymom has good oversupply advice.

However, pumping makes me a milk machine so I will only pump if I'm unable to nurse at that time. And I hate pumping, so it's a win.

NugsMom · July 2014

@Lola825‌ I'm in the same boat. Working with lactation consultants has given me hope that we'll eventually be able to sharply decrease or stop the supplements.

TwizzyG · July 2014

Anyone else having issues with a lazy nurser? DD gets a great latch and sucks great for a couple minutes then does (what I call) a "bunny nose" suck where she quickly moves her mouth up and down, but it doesn't feel like she's sucking at all. Then she falls asleep, I take her off, and she starts rooting and crying again...so I put her back on...and the process pretty much repeats itself.

I've tried diaper changes and things to make her more awake to finish feeding, but she just konks out after a few minutes again. This is making some of our feedings go on for 1-2 hours. But I just let her hang out there and try to stimulate her to nurse more strongly. Any advice? Cause it's starting to take it's toll.

Lola825 · July 2014

MSUDucks said:

Lola825 said:
How long does/did it take for your milk to come in to the point your LO was clearly getting enough each feeding? The discouragement from having to supplement still (10 days PP) is starting to get to me a bit.
With DS it took maybe 2ish weeks, maybe 3. So 10 days is ok! You are doing great! We bf for 15 mo after that too, so it is possible. Don't be too hard on yourself!

Thanks! We are supplementing with 2oz each feeding and she latches great but gets lazy after 5-7 minutes when enough isn't coming out. I can get 20 minutes per side with the supplementing. But it makes nursing so complicated with all the equipment needed!

TwizzyG · July 2014

Yeah. I've tried that too. Yesterday massaging while she was nursing seemed to help a little. And this morning her feedings seem to be going a little better with her sucking (it's like she knows I called her out, lol).
So maybe the extended nursing periods the past few days brought some more milk in for her. :-/

Aab7114 · July 2014

TwizzyG said:
Anyone else having issues with a lazy nurser? DD gets a great latch and sucks great for a couple minutes then does (what I call) a "bunny nose" suck where she quickly moves her mouth up and down, but it doesn't feel like she's sucking at all. Then she falls asleep, I take her off, and she starts rooting and crying again...so I put her back on...and the process pretty much repeats itself.

I've tried diaper changes and things to make her more awake to finish feeding, but she just konks out after a few minutes again. This is making some of our feedings go on for 1-2 hours. But I just let her hang out there and try to stimulate her to nurse more strongly. Any advice? Cause it's starting to take it's toll.

This was DS and I to the T. He ended up not gaining back his birth weight after 2 weeks, so the LC had me switch the feeding plan. I was doing hour and a half to 2 hr feedings every three hours 24 hrs a day and it got emotionally and physically exhausting for me. He would not stay awake at the breast and still doesn't!

I tried feeding in a diaper, changing between breasts, poking and prodding, massaging milk into his mouth while on the breast, switching breasts everytime he fell asleep, blowing air on his face/body to wake him up, and tickling his feet.

Now I am BF about 2x a day and then bottle feeding breast milk and supplementing with formula. After BFing I still usually have to give him extra in a bottle. He is also more awake and sucking better now that he is older, but still falls asleep and takes an hour to eat.

Good luck and as long as your LO is gaining weight she should be getting what she needs!

earichar23 · July 2014

TwizzyG said:
Anyone else having issues with a lazy nurser? .

My DD is also a lazy nurser. All feedings last us 40-60 minutes and I do all the things. Strip her down, massage, tickle, breast massage etc but she just likes to suckle. Thankfully she is gaining weight (although it took slightly longer than 2 weeks to get back to birth weight) and will sleep in chunks of time between feedings so I'm letting it go for now. I'm hoping that as she becomes more alert she'll pick up the pace!

LenaLove · July 2014

Pup4gdb said:
Am I the only person who does not feel their milk "let down?" I was reading somewhere that you "should" feel it and it is abnormal not to. I feel nothing. How abnormal am I? (Ya know, outside of the rest of my abnormal life)

I've never felt letdown, and I successfully bfed DD for a year, and no issues with DS so far.

hab83 · July 2014

earichar23 said:

TwizzyG said:
Anyone else having issues with a lazy nurser? .
My DD is also a lazy nurser. All feedings last us 40-60 minutes and I do all the things. Strip her down, massage, tickle, breast massage etc but she just likes to suckle. Thankfully she is gaining weight (although it took slightly longer than 2 weeks to get back to birth weight) and will sleep in chunks of time between feedings so I'm letting it go for now. I'm hoping that as she becomes more alert she'll pick up the pace!

I had to use a cool washcloth to get DS to wake up enough to nurse. He's been doing better since he hit about 2 weeks. He takes about 15 minutes now.

iris427 · July 2014

I hate how it feels when my milk lets down. You guys who don't feel it are lucky.

ghostof5letters · July 2014

Yay!!!!!

Lola825 · July 2014

iris427 said:
I hate how it feels when my milk lets down. You guys who don't feel it are lucky.

What does it feel like? I've read on kellymom but I'm curious how it feels to you guys. I haven't felt it, yet anyways.

iris427 · July 2014

Lola825 said:

iris427 said:
I hate how it feels when my milk lets down. You guys who don't feel it are lucky.
What does it feel like? I've read on kellymom but I'm curious how it feels to you guys. I haven't felt it, yet anyways.

For me it's like this painful tingling engorgement sensation. It makes me want to grab my boobs and just cringe. The worst is when it happens at random times. Like I'm walking around a store and think "hmm baby will probably be hungry soon" and bam, milk let down.

TexasGirl81 · July 2014

Lola825 said:

I hate how it feels when my milk lets down. You guys who don't feel it are lucky.
What does it feel like? I've read on kellymom but I'm curious how it feels to you guys. I haven't felt it, yet anyways.

It does hurt. To me it feels like a rush of ice cold water is running from the top of your chest and it tingles all the way to the nips. Kind of needle like. Not the best feeling. I remember sometimes it would stop me in my tracks.
:-<

kwh33ls · July 2014

So that's let down! I thought I was doing something weird--it hurts a lot in my nipple, and I swear it refers the pain all the way to my foot. I'll give that sensation to anyone missing it. For free.

Lola825 · July 2014

Wow, thanks ladies! My milk isn't fully in yet so maybe I'm just not there yet. The things we do/suffer through for our LO!

Lhalliburton · July 2014

Does anyone have a Dyson for a child? DS never looses suction. My poor nips dread nursing

NugsMom · July 2014

Has anyone been through a nursing strike? DS was doing well latching this week after a rough start for both of us. He hasn't stayed latched at any feeding since our lactation appointment yesterday afternoon. We have been giving bottles after he refuses the breast. Any tips or tricks?

fmb2011 · July 2014

I feel like my little guy is going to chew off my nips! It hurts so bad but every time I try to fix his latch, he eventually works his way back off. Plus he gets his little hands going and I can't get him to stop. I definitely need to make an appointment with an LC.

LenaLove · July 2014

Those of you who can successfully nurse lying down, explain! I have never been able to figure this out, but I'd love to be able to do it. I need the logistics!

chrinikki1 · July 2014

iris427 said:

Lola825 said:

iris427 said:
I hate how it feels when my milk lets down. You guys who don't feel it are lucky.
What does it feel like? I've read on kellymom but I'm curious how it feels to you guys. I haven't felt it, yet anyways.
For me it's like this painful tingling engorgement sensation. It makes me want to grab my boobs and just cringe. The worst is when it happens at random times. Like I'm walking around a store and think "hmm baby will probably be hungry soon" and bam, milk let down.

THIS^^^^^ exact description!! I don't just think about grabbing and rubbing, I do. I hope the feeling changes the longer I've been breast feeding because this happening at work...not good.

chelseakae07 · July 2014

Hey ladies - I'm dealing with some serious engorgement right now. My LO was born 4 days ago and just recently started latching/nursing well. My milk came in yesterday and now my boobs are rock hard and hurt like no other. LO nurses every 2-3 hours for 10-15 mins each side. Help!!! The pain is unbearable and I'm afraid of oversupply and worse pain if I pump..

Soon2BMrsN · July 2014

chelseakae07 said:
Hey ladies - I'm dealing with some serious engorgement right now. My LO was born 4 days ago and just recently started latching/nursing well. My milk came in yesterday and now my boobs are rock hard and hurt like no other. LO nurses every 2-3 hours for 10-15 mins each side. Help!!! The pain is unbearable and I'm afraid of oversupply and worse pain if I pump..

Try hand expressing a little before latching baby. You can also pump for just a few minutes (or however long it takes to be comfortable) without causing an oversupply.

Lhalliburton · July 2014

I think my letdown comes in the form of chest pain. Does anyone else get a similar sensation?

iris427 · July 2014

LenaLove said:

Those of you who can successfully nurse lying down, explain! I have never been able to figure this out, but I'd love to be able to do it. I need the logistics!

I posted this in the Game Changer thread:

it is seriously the best thing ever, you need to try it. It's a little tough while the baby is still learning to latch and if your nipples are tender, but once you have the basics of breastfeeding down it's much easier.

Anyway, you basically lie down on your side in bed, turn your baby on their side so you are tummy to tummy, and latch baby onto your boob like so:

emineminem · July 2014

Well now I feel stupid, I totally feel my milk let down! I noticed an uncomfortable tingling that made me grab my boobs and then my left started leaking. Durr.

Also, thanks for the responses earlier. I am going back to work in about a month. I pumped today, because I was leaking and she was sleeping. I got almost an oz from one side and less than that on the other. I just had DH bottle feed it to her, and she had no problem eating that and then coming back to the boob, thank god! So I think I'll just keep doing that...thanks again!

purpleXdandelion · July 2014

I remember reading that it's good to wear a bra to bed in the beginning. For how long? I hate sleeping in these things. I am sleeping in these and when I lay on my side, my boobs fall out. So annoying. Ready to be free at night again!

https://m.target.com/p/gilligan-o-malley-women-s-2-pack-nursing-sleep-bra/-/A-14055275

Lola825 · July 2014

TKT17 said:
Piggybacking on the bra question, how often are y'all going braless? I think I feel slightly better in a light support bra at all times but after some engorgement I read to let them have some time without a bra, so I started sleeping braless and try to wait until later in the am to put one on.

However, I think they hurt more braless. Just curious if anyone else has same experience? Do you wear a bra 24-7?

I'm 24/7 in one. But, that's mostly because my nips hurt so bad that friction from a shirt feels like a knife on them. Wearing a bra gives a little relief at least.

Hilee18 · July 2014

Hi ladies
Although I still haven't really breastfed yet today I'm hoping to meet with the lactation consultant I've been trying to use the pump to stimulate anything. A little background is I gave birth 7/22 uunexpectedly by csection at 35 weeks and he is additionally in the less than 1 percentile for weight. I've had non luck getting even colostrum but today they want him to start milk so we are going to use donor milk (as an aside those who have or will donate you are amazing as a FTM to a preemie I appreciate there's something I can still do for my son).
Sorry for being so long but could use a little support and any recommendations for supplements or anything to get my supply in.

TwizzyG · July 2014

purpleXdandelion said:
I remember reading that it's good to wear a bra to bed in the beginning. For how long? I hate sleeping in these things. I am sleeping in these and when I lay on my side, my boobs fall out. So annoying. Ready to be free at night again!

5

I have just been wearing the nursing tanks from Target. I love them. They give some support and are super comfy. But I have to wear an additional nursing bra going in public because the support isn't enough for me since I'm large chested.

I do always wear nursing pads though. Right now, no fabric feels good directly on the nips, and the pads make it manageable and collect any leaking milk. I just make sure to switch them out so they stay dry.

emineminem · July 2014

Too true @sharmon1317‌ try using a body pillow (I use my snoogle) and nursing from the opposite side. I lay her facing me on the snoogle and feed from the top boob, so the pillow kind of supports some of the weight.

Hoshikitsune · July 2014

I have not been able to get LO to do a really deep latch. It feels like my nip is just too big for her itty bitty mouth. My nips are so sore and she is such a vigorous eater...I dread feedings. Any suggestions

rheard3582 · July 2014

sharmon1317 said:
Lying down breast feeding is really hard when your boob is bigger than your child's head. Back to sitting up I go!

This with DS 1 I wasn't able to get it until he was like 3 months. With DS 2 I got it at about a week. I think some of it has to do with the child..DS2 picked up breastfeeding and properly latching quicker than DS1

But here are some things that help me. I make sure I am on a slight incline. I use my pillows to prop me up some. I made sure DS mouth is below my nipple. I still hold my breast. But I do that 95% of the time. Big boob problems..

iris427 · July 2014

TKT17 said:
Piggybacking on the bra question, how often are y'all going braless? I think I feel slightly better in a light support bra at all times but after some engorgement I read to let them have some time without a bra, so I started sleeping braless and try to wait until later in the am to put one on.

However, I think they hurt more braless. Just curious if anyone else has same experience? Do you wear a bra 24-7?

I wear nursing tanks a lot instead of bras. But I have small breasts so I don't need a ton of support. I think if you're more comfy in a bra, that's what you should wear.

NugsMom · July 2014

@Hilee18‌ all I can say is I hear ya.

My LO was full term but I had an emergency c section and we have struggled mightily with BFing. He is almost 2 weeks old. We used donor milk as well, and now that we're home we nurse and supplement with formula to make up for my low supply.

The lactation consultants have helped us so much and have given me hope that we can get this. I hope you get the same support.

Hang in there.

purplekuda · July 2014

Has anyone had a frenulotomy done on their little one. We have had major latching issues and they think it will help. Has it helped anyone here?

Soon2BMrsN · July 2014

I wear a nursing bra 24/7 when I'm breastfeeding because I'm just more comfortable that way. DH loves it.

rheard3582 · July 2014

I have some type of bra on at all time. I wear less supportive sleep bras at night.

ariel8200 · July 2014

purplekuda said:

Has anyone had a frenulotomy done on their little one. We have had major latching issues and they think it will help. Has it helped anyone here?

I had my DD's tongue tie fixed last week and the results were immediate. Her first nursing session afterwards was perfect (her tongue was still numb) and then the rest of that day she didn't want to nurse (I assume her tongue was sore) so I let her use a bottle. The next day we started nursing again and her latch is near perfect now.

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