March 2014 Moms
Missfunball
member
Boobie Tuesday (EBF/EP/milk check in)
Missfunball
member
Hey ladies! Welcome to Boobie Tuesdays. I'll note all ladies who respond for future check in tagging.
1. Intro. Who are you and LO's.
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Boobie Tuesday (EBF/EP/milk check in)
My BF->EP was not my favorite transition. M was born 7 weeks premature and spent 22 days in the NICU so we weren't able to avoid bottles in the beginning. He picked up nursing (with the help of a nipple shield) a few days before he left the NICU, and was doing great with it...until he had to have an emergency surgery at 6 weeks old. He had a hard time recovering from the anesthesia and had to remain intubated for an extra day. After that he refused to nurse properly. We did weighed feedings and he was only getting .5 -1oz at a time. We then tried the SNS for a few weeks hoping once he got his strength back he's be back to normal. Somehow the little stinker figured out how to work around actually nursing with the SNS on and would only get the milk in the SNS. It was a hard pill for me to swallow but I finally gave in and have been EP ever since.
My favorite part about EP is the cost! (or lack thereof)
***************************************Child mentioned********************************************
Me 28 DH 32
TTC naturally 05/2011-10/2012= All BFNs
Nov 2012 Jan 2013 Clomid= BFN
IVF #1 scheduled for April 2013 Stims started 04/09 ER 04/19/2013- 26 Retrieved and 24 Fertilized 3 day Fert Report- 10 are 8 cell ET cancelled-all embryos arrested at day 3
IVF #2 scheduled for June 2013 -Transferred 1 day 5 Blast
07/04/2013 HPT- BFP! Beta 10dp5dt-35Beta 12dp5dt-82 Ultrasound 6 weeks 4 days- Heart rate 123bpm!!
Team Green turned Team BLUE!!!
Baby M born premature at 33 weeks 5 days, he spent 22 days in the NICU before coming home!
I love when she's kinda groggy and not too hungry but hungry enough that she makes the cutest faces trying to latch. Her eyes are closed and sometimes she will start sucking as though she's latched even though she isn't. ❤️
So... Pump1 is feeding 3 and part of the next days feeding 1. Pump2 is the rest of 1 and feeding 2. Does that make sense? It helps on bad pump days so I can throw in an extra session.
I'd start fenugreek.
- SurpriseAt39 @ Isaac
How's the journey of breastfeeding so far?
- All is going well. I've got enough without leaking too badly or feeling engorged overnight when LO sleeps a little longer than usual.
Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc?
- No pumping (yet), no shield, no issues.
Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)?
- LO eats about every 2-ish hours during the day. It means if I'm alone with the kids and want to shop that I: 1) stay close to home, 2) might have to feed him while I'm out and keep a toddler occupied at the same time.
What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
- No charge! Free! Always with me, no forgotten bottles!! Snuggles. Quiet time. I get to rest while feeding.
1. Who are you and LO's.
Megs and my LO is Fiona born March 11th!
2.How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
I had an unplanned csection with Fi which I think messed up my initial milk production - those first few days were terrible. Over the first six weeks I pumped 20 mins after each feeding. I'd put her to the breast for at least 10 minutes then supplement with finger feeding (ugh terrible) and formula.
Then moved onto a nipple shield when more milk came in (thank you supplements) and bottle supplement. Whole thing would take at least 30-45 mins! We got her tongue tie clipped (immediate difference) and visited umpteen millions lc's and visits with my midwives. I tired everything my midwives could come up with and had decided to give it one last try before changing to exclusivly formula.
Then one day decided to wean her off the shield and see how much she'd eat and bam! She ate like a champ in 15 minutes! After a week or so we were completely shield free and she is off formula. Her suck and feeding have increased/ maintained my supply along with herbal supplements except for a blip with the mini pill(which messed with my supply)
I have also had to give up cows milk as she is sensitive to it and she's on probiotics.
3.Current issues (maybe one of us can help!
Nothing right now. I feel like we've hit a sweet spot with breastfeeding at the moment. She's going through the four month grab bag of fussiness/leaping/sleep regression/growth spurt right now.
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
I really enjoy the binding nature if it, just something that Fi and I can share. This might sound silly but I feel powerful with my ability to breastfeed! I can just whip it out and voila! Food!
I also didn't have anywhere near the birth process I wished for so I tried realy hard to succeed at breastfeeding. I think my ability to BF has gone a long way to helping me cope/get over my csection and any regrets I may have had.
Thanks for starting this! It'll be great to hear everyone's stories!
Count me in!
1. Intro. Who are you and LO's.
My name is Jasmina, LO is Dominic.
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
Breastfeeding has been great so far. There were definitely times in the very beginning when I wanted to chop my boobs off! I guess I just wasn't mentally or physically ready for how OFTEN he would want to nurse early on. But he now eats about ever 3.5 to 4 hours, and he goes all night (8:30pm to 6am) without eating, which has been wonderful. Dom is 5 months now, and I've been back to work since he was 10 weeks old. So I've been pumping two to three times per day since then. That's been a bit of a challenge. I've seen a slight drop in my supply, but nothing too significant. He takes bottles just fine thankfully.
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
Since my supply HAS taken a slight drop, I've had to supplement with formula on occasion. I use what I pump in one day for his bottles the next day. He takes two 5.5-ounce bottles while I'm at work (11 ounces total), and sometimes at work I only pump 8 or 9 ounces. So for his two bottles the next day, I'll mix in a little bit of formula. He doesn't seem to notice the difference though. He eats up every drop. I do wonder if that's okay that I don't give him formula more regularly. Sometimes it's one day in a week, sometimes it's three times in a week. Sometimes it's only 1 ounce, sometimes it's 3 ounces. I hope I'm not messing with his system or anything by being so irregular with formula. So if any of you know anything about that, lemme know!
Lately, I have been entertaining the idea of just giving up. I go back and forth a lot. I love love love nursing, but at the same time, I hate the commitment involved. It seems like any plans I make are revolved around his eating schedule. I always have to consider if he's going to be with me or not, and if he's not with me I have to figure out what to do as far as pumping goes. And I HATE pumping. I do it at work because I really have no choice. But I HATE HATE HATE pumping on the weekends. So that's been a struggle. If I go somewhere without LO, I have to pump. So I end up avoiding going anywhere without him! I know I'm being selfish, but I miss my social life!!!
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
I love the bonding time with LO. It's something that only he and I share together, and I love it. I also love that it kinda gives me time to relax. He likes to take his sweet time nursing, so I just kick back and watch TV for a nice half hour or so. I also love the way he looks at me when he's nursing. His big blue eyes melt me!
1. Intro. Who are you and LO's.
- I'm Tiffany & LO is Camden born April 8th.
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
- so far BF is going great, I EP and I get around 35oz per day which leaves me 15oz or so to freeze each day
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
- none at this time
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
- FREE food!!
My LO is Abigail and she is 4.5 months old.
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
Breastfeeding sucked for the first three months! I had inverted nipples (not anymore!) and it hurt so bad the entire time she was feeding. It's so much better now. She feeds every 2 hours during the day and usually once at night. I pump twice at work and get 12ish ounces, which is as much as she takes with the sitter. Starting next week, though, she will be at the daycare on campus, which means I get to see her during the day and I don't have to pump at work anymore. I'm so excited!
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
Definitely the distraction. I used to be able to carry on a conversation while nursing, but now I have to be silent or LO pops off to look around. She also likes to stick her foot in my armpit.
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
I love the smiles full of milk when she pulls off. It's like we have a special secret together.
2. Our journey with breastfeeding is going well. Initially we had latching issues & I had to use a nipple shield due to flat nipples. Then around month 3 while on vacation I lost the shield & so we started our transition to shield-free nursing. LO didn't even skip a beat & I was relived that I had one less thing to remember to pack in the diaper bag.
3. My current issue & really it's just an ongoing thing I've learned to deal with is cracked nipples. It's just my left-side & it's pretty much been like his since I started nursing shield-free. I've tried all the creams & salves but nothing completely cures it. I've learned to tough it out & just be grateful that LO's nursing sessions are down to about 10-15 minute increments.
4. Hands down my favorite part of nursing is the incredible bond it's allowed LO & I to build. When he gazes up at me while eating & gives me a milky grin or the way he instantly relaxes after a particularly fussy moment once he latches fills me with a wonderful sense of pride. I'm giving this amazing little being everything he needs during those moments & I feel so fortunate to share the experience with him.
Rachel and kinley- 6 months yesterday!
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple sheild etc
Nipple shield! On it until end of June (5 months). I hated that thing and cried many tears trying to get Kinley off it, especially when she regressed. But now all is good!
My schedule is really inconsistent so I just pump when ill be gone, usually twice a day. Maybe an extra time here or there if I was short the last couple days. But I usually have no problem keeping up with her.
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
Distracted so easily! And her top hand wanders/moves around so much that she makes nursing harder on herself.
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
I love that my body is able to nourish my daughter. Plus the cuddles! And it's free!
Born 2/4/14
Weighing 6 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long
2. Because they were early (33 weeks) they were tube fed to start, then transitioned to a bottle and the breast. I started hand expressing and pumping shortly after they were born, used a shield with Audrey for a while (she was bigger than Rhys, but a super lazy feeder at the beginning) and took domperidone to increase my supply the first week. Plus I saw a couple LCs in the NICU to help figure out tandem feeding.
3. Currently things are going pretty well! Nipples are good, supply seems fine and babies are growing! I'm still at home (yay Canada!) so I haven't had to worry about pumping unless I'm going to be away from them. Which is good. I hate pumping. So. Much.
4. With twins and a 3 year old BFing forces me to spend one-on-one time with each baby multiple times a day. I usually only tandem feed first thing in the morning, otherwise it's on demand. Also it's saving me a ton of money in formula costs!
It's been kind of rough, harder than I expected. I nursed my first for 18 months and while we had our challenges along the way, I've had more challenges in this short period of time, and I guess I just thought having done it once before, it'd be a little easier this time. His latch has always been a little crappy, he always compresses the nipple just a little bit, and early on I was having extremely painful vasospasms for hours after every feeding that had me in tears. I started using the shield and that helped immensely, and eventually we were able to wean from it and the vasospasms went away. But I'm pretty sure he's lip tied and that explains a lot, but hasn't been officially diagnosed by anyone. I pump at work and nurse at home.
Right now we are battling thrush for a month, a milk blister, and then the vasospasms are back because of the pain associated with the thrush and milk blister. We are at the end of the course of diflucan and while I'm pretty much better, his tongue is still funky today, so I'm worried it's going to come right back. Gentian violet seems to be the only thing that helps his mouth really, but as soon as we stop it, the thrush is back the next day. I think I stop the gentian violet too soon when it seems like things are better so I'm going to continue it a few more days. I'm also boiling everything, washing clothes on hot, rinsing with vinegar, using grapefruit seed extract topically and orally, started probiotics, and we also both did nystatin. I'm also taking lecithin for the milk blister and wearing olive oil soaked cotton balls in my bra. It's extremely overwhelming to be doing all this and have it keep coming back, and sometimes I'm in so much pain. I messaged a friend of mine the other day that I was having a breastfeeding crisis of faith because of the pain and the whole regimen of trying to fix these things. My goal has always been a year, but if this continues, I'll be lucky to make it to 6 months. I'm pretty stubborn and prideful, so I can't imagine quitting, but it is really draining.
@babycaps I take fenugreek and blessed thistle 3/3x a day. Blessed thistle increases appetite and thirst thus makes you drink more water. For a boost I drink lactation tea ( which is not my favourite, tastes like black liquorice) and put LO to the boob more often to up supply!
Good luck!
2. It's going pretty well. He's been good at latching since day 1, so that's been great. We have made it through cutting 3!!! teeth, him refusing to nurse because of hand, foot and mouth disease, and a clogged duct.
3. I don't pump and he doesn't get bottles, so I guess my biggest challenge is my lack of alone time. He's also eating every 2-3 hours around the clock, so I am tired. Luckily he's a quick eater.
4. My favorite part is the bonding time and when people comment on how big he is.
2. How's the journey of breastfeeding so far? Did you have to pump, nipple shield, etc
It was really rough in the beginning. Evan was in the NICU for 3 days because the cord was wrapped around his neck. They wouldn't discharge him until he gained weight so we gave him formula because my milk hadn't come in. LC gave me a nipple shield and we did some SNS too. Within 2 weeks of being home he was off of formula. Took 4 weeks and a frenulum clip to get off the nipple shield. Had a very unhappy left nipple for those 4 weeks. Been pumping since the beginning. LC told me to pump after every feed in the beginning. Was a real pain but I think it helped with me sticking with it. At about 5 weeks I started freezing 2-4 oz a day.
3. Current issues (maybe one of us can help!)
Nothing currently. Back at work, supply is good, freezing about 15 oz a week still.
4. What's your favorite part about BF/EP?
Not washing bottles, being close to my boy. Being able to instantly feed him with no prep. DH is jealous of that
2. Our bf journey has gone surprisingly well. The twins are my first and second, so no previous experience. They were in the nicu for 5 days and I EP their first 3 weeks. I knew I wanted to eventually tandem feed, and that's about the time I got brave enough to try. They've both been ebf since.
3. We're also dealing with distraction, and pinching as well as at least one hand in my armpit per session. No big issues thankfully.
4. I love that it's free! I also really like the convenience of no prep. The sweet snuggles and loving glances are my favorite though. My boys hold hands while they eat too, and it melts my heart
Me: 29 ovulatory disorder
DH: 30 MFI - low everything
IUI #1: 11/5/12 BFN
December IUI cancelled due to cyst
IUI #2: 1/8/13 BFN
IVF in April 2013 transferred one beautiful blast on 4/13
Beta #1 4/22: BFP!! 33 Beta #2 54 Beta #3 70 Beta #4 83 Beta #5 105. Possible ectopic, MTX and M/C 5w4d
FET 6/21 - Beta #1: 79 BFP!! Beta #2: 253 U/S 7/12: saw the sac! U/S #2 7/19 great heartbeat of 127!! U/S #3 heartbeat of 154! U/S #4 graduated to OB
EDD 3/9/14
AMA & SAIF. TTC #1 since Oct. 2010. DX: Unexplained. BFP on break after 32 months trying and 2 med cycles. Baby girl born at 40w0d!
jbelle
-memo and memo's spawn
- It's been pretty good. LO had a tongue and lip tie that we had revised at 2.5 weeks and I had some oversupply issues but it's been smooth sailing since about 8-12 weeks.
- Our current issue was bottle feeding, but after 4 days of trying he finally decided to willingly take one! So I went and got a pedicure! Without children!
- I really love it. The bonding, the fact that he needs me, the empowering feelings about my body, being able to say that I grew and sustained a big chunky baby (24lbs @ 5months).
Also getting ready to go see the ILs and they are already talking about giving her yogurt drops and other Sh*t. I keep telling them she is not on solids yet and won't be. Not to mention I don't plan on feeding her that. We are going for BLW. Or at least starting her on veggies, not puffed snacks... yikes. I just know im going to stick my foot in my mouth and be offensive to my SIL and nieces...
1) I'm Ashley and LO is Lily.
2) We are lucky to have had no issues with breastfeeding, except for my milk taking a week to come in and having to supplement because of LO's weight issues. Now she is a piglet and we love feeding time.
3) Current issue is that I am back to work and only pump enough for the next day. I pump three times while at work and nurse her when I am home. I guess as long as I am meeting her needs then it's not a huge issue.
4) I love that EBF her gives us one-on-one time. If I want to I can tell crazy family members that she needs to eat and I can take her into another room. I have no problem NIP, I just like to have that freedom to leave the room. Also, like @addisonsmom22, LO has started holding my boob like a bottle and it's the cutest thing!
Right now our schedule is that I nurse her at 5am, then she eats at the sitter at 9 or 10, 1 or 2, and then usually 4:30. She then nurses again at 7:30 and I too her off at 9.