Breastfeeding/Pumping Check-In

winterkate · August 2014

How old is your LO? 9 days

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Any problems?
Pretty good- trying to stop using the shield but she is very drowsy during overnight feedings- I am waking her up because she had lost 12% of weight at 1st peds appt. we go back on Fri, so hopefully after that we can feed on demand at night and I can get some sleep.

Any questions/advice for the other moms?

My lactation consultant said not to pump for first 3-4 weeks, but I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding next week and really want to have just a couple of bottles available. Does anyone see an issue with me trying to start pumping once LO hits 2 weeks?

gahorseygal · August 2014

LO is 2 weeks old today!! BFing is going pretty well. In the past few days I started phasing out the nipple shields and we haven't had any issues. Wahoo! She eats about every 2-2.5 hours during the day and starting to go 3 at night. Hopefully we can keep stretching out the night feedings! Question - she seems to have thrown up, not spit up, twice this morning. However she doesn't show any signs of anything else being off. Could it have been just a very forceful spit up? We go to the doctor Monday so I will ask then as it doesn't seem to be bothering her and hasn't happened again.

MC03 · August 2014

@lingchow8655 with my DD1 I had flat nipples and had to use nipple shields. We used them until she was 4 months old and one day I was waiting for DH to bring me the shield and she got impatient and just latched on! I was so surprised. We never used the shield again. I think it was a combination of her getting bigger and better at bf and also my nipples actually changed over those few months and weren't flat anymore. Just wanted to give you some hope. The only thing is the shields can cause a low supply sometimes so pumping after feedings can really help with that.

Also for those worried about weight gain - sometimes if you contact an LC, or our hospital has a bf support place called the nursery nook - you can do a weighted feed. You weigh baby before eating, then feed her, then weigh after and you can see how many ounces baby got. It gave me some piece of mind when I was nursing DD1 to do that. Just a thought. Also, many pedi's offices will let you come in just to weigh her and give you piece of mind until the next app. Just call and ask. Breast feeding is so hard in the beginning but it gets so much better if you can just hang in there.

SherryBaby2014 · August 2014

It's amazing to me how many people are utilizing nipple shields. Especially since I hardly heard of them through breast-feeding classes and my reading before Birth.

Anyways I took the baby girl into get a weight check and meet with the lactation consultant. I've been almost exclusively pumping for the past week now and baby has gone from a birthweight of 7 lbs. 6 oz. down to 6 lbs. 5 oz. and now she's back up to 7 lbs. 13 oz.. The advice that I got was to keep doing what I'm doing pumping and feeding but also introducing the breast (with shield) in fun and relaxed ways at different times during feedings.

ableast · August 2014

How old is your LO? 3 weeks tomorrow

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Any problems?
It's going ok. I am breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, but I also have to supplement with formula after every other feeding. My son was 9 pounds at birth so at first I couldn't produce enough to fill him. He is almost back to birth weight, so his pediatrician is pleased. I was hesitant about the formula at first, but figure if he gets the vitamins/ nutrients from me then then formula fills him up that should be ok.

Any questions/advice for the other moms?
Question: I've pumped a little bit. The most I have gotten is an ounce. Then, when trying to clean my pump accessories, I melted my tubes :-/... So I had to order new ones and I am now waiting on those to come in. Any suggestions on how to start successfully pumping and building up a stash? Id like to have a good stash before my son starts daycare.

marathonmommy82 · August 2014

The engorgment is slowly going away, but I'm still way full, even after feedings. Even after she feeds I'm still uncomfortably full and my boobs are pretty hard.

I've been pumping to relieve pressure (not to empty) and using the therapearls frozen. I know it's not the worst to have an over supply, but my boobs really hurt !

Suggestions? Tips?

[Deleted User] · August 2014

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Valancyy · August 2014

lappyfoinker said:

I've forgotten how much I don't like the letdown reflex. It feels like electric shocks to my nipples. Does it feel like that to anyone else or am I a weirdo?

I have never felt let down! I always heard it feels like tingling.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

dawnangela79 · August 2014

How old is your LO? 9 days old

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Any problems? Baby got so used to the bottle in NICU and while waiting for my milk to come in she's not a super fan of the breast. She latches on really good, but then just hangs out, the bottle is much easier. Trying to get her to breast feed, but pumping in the meantime so she gets as much breastmilk and less fomula as we transition away from formula.

Any questions/advice for the other moms?

?? Any other moms out there trying to get baby to take the breast after being bottle fed for awhile? Any tips?

mdarmetko · August 2014

dawnangela79 said:
How old is your LO? 9 days old

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Any problems? Baby got so used to the bottle in NICU and while waiting for my milk to come in she's not a super fan of the breast. She latches on really good, but then just hangs out, the bottle is much easier. Trying to get her to breast feed, but pumping in the meantime so she gets as much breastmilk and less fomula as we transition away from formula.

Any questions/advice for the other moms?

?? Any other moms out there trying to get baby to take the breast after being bottle fed for awhile? Any tips?

Yes, trying unsuccessfully right now (our story earlier in this post)

violajack · August 2014

marathonmommy82 said:

The engorgment is slowly going away, but I'm still way full, even after feedings. Even after she feeds I'm still uncomfortably full and my boobs are pretty hard. I've been pumping to relieve pressure (not to empty) and using the therapearls frozen. I know it's not the worst to have an over supply, but my boobs really hurt ! Suggestions? Tips?

It's not advised to try to reduce your supply too early, but you can try block feeding to slow things down. https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/supply-worries/fast-letdown/#help Scroll down a little bit to where it says Adjust Your Supply.

Nuclearcupcake · August 2014

How old is your LO? 3 weeks 2 days.

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Great, this is the first time I haven't completely hated it! We made our first short term goal of 3 weeks with no bottles or anything, I honestly didn't know if I could do it.
Any problems? Nope!

Any questions/advice for the other moms?
Therapearl 3 in 1 pads are awesome when you're sore. Soothies too! Don't quit on a bad day! (Coming from a third time mama who hated BFing and finally started to get breast feeding down and start enjoying it this time around)

Unknown · August 2014

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slippintrippn84 · August 2014

How old is your LO? 1 week today

How is breastfeeding/pumping going? Any problems?

Breastfeeding: LO is still not latching on. I have had a visit with a great lactation consultant and she said that he is clenching his jaws and that is not allowing for him to take in my nipple. We have a plan to do what she called "suck training" and to use different bottle products. She said Dr.Browns has good bottle nipples and paci's that can help b/c the nipple is longer than other brands. Lately we haven't been trying too much. I can admit laziness and that I need to get him on the boob more, but my environment has been crazy difficult. My MIL has been here since Saturday to help, and she has been IMMENSELY helpful with cleaning, cooking, and helping with the baby, but in their zeal to assist, they have taken over feeding him and pop a bottle in LO's mouth before I have time to work with him. It's extremely frustrating. After I had seen the LC we (me, DH and MIL) sat down to have lunch and I told them exactly what LC told me and what the plan is. As soon as we finish lunch, they run and grab a bottle and the baby. In one ear and out the other. Sorry to say, but I cannot wait for her to leave tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to get him exclusively on the breast so she can't rob me of my baby bonding anymore.

Pumping: I hate being stuck on a pump, isolated in LO's room. Once MIL leaves I'll move my operation back downstairs into the kitchen or living room. I'm desperate to hold him and just feed him on demand and not have to hear him squeal while we try to prep a bottle. Then there's the clean up of parts and storage of milk. I HATE doing it, but I am deeply grateful that I have the supply to feed him without supplementing with formula. I took someone's advice and cut a holes in the front of a cheap bra to put the nipple funnels through so I can be hands free. Only problem is that DH bought me some pump parts and the funnels he bought are attached to the valve system so I need to get another bra, and cut bigger holes in it to use it. Also, I think the bra thing would work out much better with a front clasping bra. Still, I hope I don't have to resort to that. Each sound my pump makes prompts me to mantra: Latch On, Latch On, Latch On....

Any questions/advice for the other moms? I know that this is a better question for a doctor, but how much does a 1 week old, 8lb 8oz infant eat?? Our lil guy has been eating around 3 oz a feeding. He is not spitting anything up, no tummy issues, and has regular pee/stool diapers so I don't think we're over feeding him (if there is such a thing?). It's a bit perplexing. Going to call the Pediatrician tomorrow to pick their brains about it too.

marathonmommy82 · August 2014

Congrats @lingchow8655‌ !

winterkate · August 2014

@lingchow8655‌ - I also use the shields for flat nipples- the package instructions actually say to use them for the first 2 mins of feed and then take off to finish the feed. When I realized this I made weaning the shield my priority one- today I only used it once and DD is 10 days today! It was frustrating, not gonna lie, but now I can really lean back and relax because there is plenty flowing and she can drain each side much faster ( the shields are also used with women with a too-fast flow for their baby- it slows your flow! I thought my baby was just kinda lazy with eating but now I know it was taking her twice the effort! Anyway, you can do it- don't give up!!

sujana22 · August 2014

My LO is 20 days old. BF is getting easier by the week. We introduced my pumped milk from week 2. She was very sleepy at night and was harder to wake her up, we gave get bottle and it worked better. Now I am producing lot of milk so at night I feed her directly with nipple shield , she had been good. Nipple shield worked great for us. I feed her 3-4 hours, I am trying to feed her longer and strectch the time. When I feed her bottle, we give her 3 to 3.5 oz.
I am leaking when I don't feed her for 4 hours , are you guys having some problem?

caballablanca · August 2014

stoofewok said:
DS is 10 days old. He was a nursing pro the first few times he latched. However, lately, it's like he has forgotten how to do it. He just won't open wide enough initially.

After he relaxes, he oftentimes adjusts himself and then it doesn't hurt at all anymore. It's that first minute where his rooting is so forceful that his flailing hands are in the way, his latch is poor, and he clamps down so hard that I feel an initial hard bite. I really hope it gets better soon...

I swaddle DS arms down. It helps a lot.

Valancyy · August 2014

stoofewok said:

DS is 10 days old. He was a nursing pro the first few times he latched. However, lately, it's like he has forgotten how to do it. He just won't open wide enough initially. After he relaxes, he oftentimes adjusts himself and then it doesn't hurt at all anymore. It's that first minute where his rooting is so forceful that his flailing hands are in the way, his latch is poor, and he clamps down so hard that I feel an initial hard bite. I really hope it gets better soon...

This is my DS. Some feedings, he latches on first or second try. Other feedings, it's a struggle for 10 or 15 minutes! Those times he just won't open, or he won't keep his tongue down. All we can do is just keep at it and remember there will come a time when they finally "get it."

@sujanna22: Leaking: yes, I've been leaking all over! If I go a little bit longer than normal between feedings I leak. When I feed from one breast, the other will leak. When I'm trying to get DS to latch on and he doesn't do it, I leak. It's really messy too, since it drips all over him! I'm constantly wiping him and myself off.

mmsweeney1 · August 2014

At about 2 weeks postpartum, is it still normal to have bad cramps while feeding? I don't get them every time, but once in a while they are terrible!

SherryBaby2014 · August 2014

MamaPhoenix5 said:

@lappyfoinker - YES! I have the exact same problem. When LO cries my boobs contract and it literally feels like a thousand painful muscle contractions caused by electric shocks. I hate it its so painful! Mine isn't really just to my nipples but rather the whole breast. SUCKS.

@SherryBaby2014 - I didn't know about the Calma nipple but I'm going to order it and give it a try! We are currently using the Munchkin Latch bottle which I really like (also tried Tommy Tippee, Dr. Browns, and Avent) because its the only one that doesn't drown him. What I've found though is that when we switch to the breast, LO keeps rooting with his mouth wide open even though the nipple is in it. I think he's waiting for the bottle nipple where he doesn't have to really work to get milk. I'm hoping the Calma nipple will make him work a little harder and help his latch.

The Munchkin Latch seems interesting too! Based on the video online about Munchkin it seems more about a good deep latch to the nipple aspect whereas the Calma is more about working on creating good strong suction. I will say if you do try Calma it's very different in the aspect of if the baby does get good suction it literally flows right into their mouth through the large opening at the end. They do not need to latch deep onto the bottle so long as they create a vacuum. Sometimes my DD dribbles quite a bit out if she gets sucking really hard and doesn't swallow. So be prepared with burp cloths or a bib if your baby has good sucking power.

marathonmommy82 · August 2014

@stoofewok

I've read that warm can increase swelling. . You might want to try cold compresses after nursibg. I like Lansinoh therapearls . Good luck, I feel your pain!

ETA if it's really bad, pump, but just enough to relieve the engorgment

marathonmommy82 · August 2014

@sillermoon‌ : have you tried to undress him and do a diaper change mid feeding?

raquelynn714 · August 2014

@sherrybaby I am almost a full size lopsided, BLT (big left tit) here. My little righty produces more than twice as much as my BLT. Go figure. It may be because DH hand expressed more easily from that side when my supply diminished with LO in the NICU. He said he could feel where the glands were that needed to be massaged.

Nuclearcupcake · August 2014

sillermoon said:
LO is six days old today. We're having several issues. The big one is that my supply only came in yesterday. So at his first ped appt he was down 12% weight and hasn't had any poo diapers in 24: hours We resolved that by supplementing with a very small amount of formula for 12 hours & now my supply is on track.

I have inverted flat nipples and have been using a shield since day one. The penmen is that LO is not latching right and basically biting me/crushing my nipples. It is excruciating and has caused bleeding.

LO is also lazy. After reading this I think the nipple shield is part of the problem. He will latch, suck 3 or 4 times and then stop and sleep. I've tired all kinds of stimulation. Nothing works. I have to prod him awake every minute. Very frustrating and time consuming.

Any suggestions? I'm planning to call the local LLL this morning.

With my first I had flat nipples and I found this: https://www.lansinoh.com/products/latchassist-nipple-everter

It was very helpful. My LC at the time had no idea it existed and really liked it too after I brought it in. It doesn't hurt and it was really inexpensive. I found it at walmart! Good luck I remember how frustrating that can be.

MC03 · August 2014

stoofewok said:
Does anyone find that they're suddenly and ferociously thirsty as soon as their LO latches on for a nursing session?

Yes! It's the weirdest feeling. Especially weird because once I'm done it goes away. But I always try to have a big glass of ice water next to me while I nurse.

SherryBaby2014 · August 2014

stoofewok said:

Does anyone find that they're suddenly and ferociously thirsty as soon as their LO latches on for a nursing session?

I get this while pumping. I have a giant thermos of water near my little pump station.

MC03 · August 2014

@stoofewok yes my DD2 does. She even has a little chapped callus like thing on her middle upper lip. Our pedi said that is totally normal, it was even mentioned in the handout he gave us for her two week checkup.

Valancyy · August 2014

stoofewok said:

I'm dredging this up to ask another question. Does anyone else's LO have constant whitish, wrinkled milk drunk lips from nursing all of the time?

Yes...not all the time, but pretty often. They may also get little blisters too. I've read they are painless. They will peel off and then form again. Never seems to bother them.

slippintrippn84 · August 2014

I'm reviving this thread. How do you get hindmilk while pumping? DS has been having watery greenish poops and one of the things that could be causing it is lack of hindmilk. Since we are still working on breastfeeding, I am exclusively pumping and am wondering if I'm getting any hindmilk. When I put my milk in the fridge, I do see that there is a layer of fat, but I'm wondering if there is a way to get more or to be sure that I'm getting it.
Pumping FN sucks and I'm super jealous of all the gals that are breastfeeding. It is my only desire/wish/hope/prayer/whatever that we work out our issue soon so we can get to a point where he will latch and nurse for even a few minutes a day. With a shield, he's not taking enough nipple into his mouth to consider it a good latch. Cannot get him on the breast without the shield. It's draining and frustrating. Not sure I would wish this on my worst enemy.

Valancyy · August 2014

slippintrippn84 said:

I'm reviving this thread. How do you get hindmilk while pumping? DS has been having watery greenish poops and one of the things that could be causing it is lack of hindmilk. Since we are still working on breastfeeding, I am exclusively pumping and am wondering if I'm getting any hindmilk. When I put my milk in the fridge, I do see that there is a layer of fat, but I'm wondering if there is a way to get more or to be sure that I'm getting it.
Pumping FN sucks and I'm super jealous of all the gals that are breastfeeding. It is my only desire/wish/hope/prayer/whatever that we work out our issue soon so we can get to a point where he will latch and nurse for even a few minutes a day. With a shield, he's not taking enough nipple into his mouth to consider it a good latch. Cannot get him on the breast without the shield. It's draining and frustrating. Not sure I would wish this on my worst enemy.

@slippintrippn84: Since it's Wednesday, why don't we just start a new check in? You can go ahead and make a new discussion thread for today. You don't need to post any questions, just a general, how is it going, any questions/comments?

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