The Great Breastfeeding Thread

kenziebug22 · August 2014

LO turned a month today and for a while now everything has been fine but the past two days or so my nipples have been sore again, which seems out of nowhere and sometimes my boobs will hurt too. Anyone else have anything like this? Latch is good and hasnt changed, not sure whats going on, but ouch!

Aimes33m · August 2014

Huahine said:

Aimes33m said:

Aimes33m said:

kdelgado03 said:
DS will latch on and nurse fine for about 3 minutes. Then he starts unlatching and latching back on and will do this for a few minutes and I eventually have to burp him because he sucks in so much air. I then put him back on and we start the cycle all over again. I've never felt my let down (or at least I don't think I have) so I'm not sure if this could be a cause of a fast let down or maybe a slow let down. He just started doing this about a week ago, he will be 5 weeks tomorrow. He's had a bottle, but only twice and that was more than two weeks ago, so I don't think it would cause this. I'm going to put in a call to a LC consultant tomorrow but hopefully you ladies will have son advice.
Same exact problem. My LO is 5 weeks yesterday and this has been going on for the last few days. It's worst in the evenings (4- 9pm). I'm really frustrated and worried it's something I'm doing or a problem with my milk.
@kdelgado03‌ did you learn anything from your LC? I called as well. They said it's likely related to overstimulation since it's every evening. She's gaining weight and has enough diapers so she wasn't concerned about milk production. Tonight is not going well so far though...
Overstimulation? Tell me more, please. We're dealing with a similar pattern here.

I subscribe to Lucie's List which sends weekly emails on baby's development based on their age. They are actually really funny and informative too.

This week's - week 5 for me -
"You may have noticed that it's been getting worse lately, usually 3-4 hours before "bedtime" (a term I use loosely). What's really going on is that your baby's immature nervous system is becoming so overstimulated during a day full of sensory input: her circuits are overloaded! The result is a nightly freak-out session"

I think this is what the LC is talking about. It recommends dim lights, quiet room, waiting on music, mobiles, etc. it says this period peaks at 6 weeks and is gone by 8 weeks. Fingers crossed.

JLHV1909 · August 2014

So we've been having latching problems on my right boob. Today I went out and got the medela nipple shield and the shields for sore nipples- so far so good today! I'm so hoping we can get over this hump!

Question: I pumped for the first time this morning and now righty has started to leak (first time I wet my shirt was today). Is anyone else experiencing this?

squnkie · August 2014

Thanks to everyone for replying! I ended up getting a pump - I've been exclusively pumping and it has seemed to speed up the healing. I'm pretty sure the latch is good since the first two weeks went great, but I'm planning on taking to a specialist before I start back up again.

Also, sorry for the late reply. I've had mastitis with a 103 fever for the last couple of days and after a day of not being able to keep anything down and my milk supply getting smaller, ended up in the ER to get IV fluids. Bumping was the last thing on my mind! Lol

mary1217 · August 2014

I went back to work on Monday. What a terrible day! I hated being away from lo, but I also had to face the fact that I am not pumping enough to cover her feedings so I am going to have to supplement with formula when she is at daycare. I am going to start taking fenugreek, hopefully my supply will increase enough to be able to discontinue supplementing with formula.

nolemomma14 · August 2014

@Aimes33m‌ DS was still have issues latching on and off, especially in the afternoon. I called my LC back and she asked me a few more questions. When I told her he was having issues mainly in the afternoon at night, she immediately asked me if I had started my period. I told her I started it last week. She explained to me that often when you start your period, it plays with the hormones, and can cause a slow let down as the day goes on, and LO gets frustrated. She suggested I feed him every hour an a half from 3-9, to make sure he's getting enough to eat during the afternoon and night time. She also reassured me that my flow will go back to normal. She said most often this just occurs with the first two or three periods pp, but eventually the hormones are back to normal. Not sure if this applies to you at all, but if it does, hope it helps!

Aimes33m · August 2014

kdelgado03 said:

@Aimes33m‌ DS was still have issues latching on and off, especially in the afternoon. I called my LC back and she asked me a few more questions. When I told her he was having issues mainly in the afternoon at night, she immediately asked me if I had started my period. I told her I started it last week. She explained to me that often when you start your period, it plays with the hormones, and can cause a slow let down as the day goes on, and LO gets frustrated. She suggested I feed him every hour an a half from 3-9, to make sure he's getting enough to eat during the afternoon and night time. She also reassured me that my flow will go back to normal. She said most often this just occurs with the first two or three periods pp, but eventually the hormones are back to normal. Not sure if this applies to you at all, but if it does, hope it helps!

@kdelgado03 - I haven't. I sure hope it's not going to start yet!

Knock on wood - feeding in the evening has been a little improved the last couple days so I am hoping it does have to do with the wonder week/overstimulation therory.

Thanks for the info!

ariel8200 · August 2014

@symphony4586‌ My lo had an upper and lower tongue tie. We went to an ENT. The doctor numbed it and then clipped both ties with a cauterizer (I think that's what it was called). We went home and I nursed her and her latch was immediately perfect. When the numbing wore off she wouldn't nurse anymore that day because she was probably sore. The next day she was fine and I am able to nurse her with zero issues now. The worst part of the procedure was having to hold her down.

susanskowera · August 2014

symphony4586 said:
So we went to our local LLL meeting this morning and the leader also happens to be training to be an LC. Within a few minutes of us being there she recognized a tongue tie *and* an upper lip tie, both I had asked the nurses in the hospital about and was blown off as if it was nothing, but I knew something just didn't look right. Yeah, the lip tie goes almost all the way down his gum, so there is almost no way he could latch correctly and comfortably.

So we're getting some information on getting a referral to have them further looked and possibly corrected. Has anyone else dealt with their LO getting a tie corrected? From what I looked up it seems like a pretty basic procedure, and it's better to get it done now versus later when the ties are possibly causing speech and other issues. Was this the case for anyone else too?

We had his tongue tie clipped at about 10days old by the pedi. No numbing was done but it didn't seem to pain him. He nursed immediately afterwards and there was a noticeable improvement! After that, everything got easier. Hope everything goes as well with yours;

mamakiss · August 2014

symphony4586 said:
So we went to our local LLL meeting this morning and the leader also happens to be training to be an LC. Within a few minutes of us being there she recognized a tongue tie *and* an upper lip tie, both I had asked the nurses in the hospital about and was blown off as if it was nothing, but I knew something just didn't look right. Yeah, the lip tie goes almost all the way down his gum, so there is almost no way he could latch correctly and comfortably.

So we're getting some information on getting a referral to have them further looked and possibly corrected. Has anyone else dealt with their LO getting a tie corrected? From what I looked up it seems like a pretty basic procedure, and it's better to get it done now versus later when the ties are possibly causing speech and other issues. Was this the case for anyone else too?

We had her tongue clipped at 6 days old. Super easy procedure, don't think it hurt her, two drops of blood. She has a lip tie that wraps to the back of her gums but not quite to the roof of her mouth, but it isn't affecting her nursing so they will see how it is when her teeth come in. SO has the upper lip tie and his teeth came in no problem and with no gap so it may not be an issue.

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

symphony4586 said:
So we went to our local LLL meeting this morning and the leader also happens to be training to be an LC. Within a few minutes of us being there she recognized a tongue tie *and* an upper lip tie, both I had asked the nurses in the hospital about and was blown off as if it was nothing, but I knew something just didn't look right. Yeah, the lip tie goes almost all the way down his gum, so there is almost no way he could latch correctly and comfortably.

So we're getting some information on getting a referral to have them further looked and possibly corrected. Has anyone else dealt with their LO getting a tie corrected? From what I looked up it seems like a pretty basic procedure, and it's better to get it done now versus later when the ties are possibly causing speech and other issues. Was this the case for anyone else too?

LO had a tongue tie clipped at 12 days old. It helped a lot! Relearning to latch though. I think he has a lip tie too because he is still hurting me and is curling his lips in. I try to pull them up to flange them but he fights it so we have to keep relatching. I'm hoping to ask the Ped at our apt Monday. It does get better if the problems are fixed.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

https://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346

I found this recipe for lactation cookies. Made a batch last night (warning- a batch is like 5 dozen cookies!) and can't taste the "yucky" stuff at all aka the brewers yeast or flaxseed meal. Not sure if they helped or not yet but worth a shot.

lamarei · August 2014

Olivia is killing me! Now she will only latch onto my left boob if she is in the football hold. At least she is latching on that side again. She seems to change her preference every few days. I'm not surprised that she is picky. Between my husband and me she doesn't stand a chance! Haha.

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

Lizzy42 said:
Stupid FTM question...if I want to take a bottle with us out and about, how do I store/transport it? Can I take bags from the fridge and keep them at room temp? If we're only out for 3 hours, can I put it back in the fridge when I get home?

If it's a bottle you just pumped it can be out for 6 hours. And then refrigerated after that if you don't use it. So yes you can put it in the fridge if you don't use/need it!

Edit: yarn and then are two different things lol

honeybee434 · August 2014

Lizzy42 said:
Stupid FTM question...if I want to take a bottle with us out and about, how do I store/transport it? Can I take bags from the fridge and keep them at room temp? If we're only out for 3 hours, can I put it back in the fridge when I get home?

I will put milk in bottles in my Medela cooler so it stays cold, and then pour whatever ounces I need in a bottle to warm up a bit to give to her. Then when I get home I can pop the still cold leftovers back in the fridge. I've been near a sink with hot water whenever I've been out where she needed a bottle. From what I understand once you warm it to room temp you can't store it in the fridge again but I would LOVE if I was wrong?

ariel8200 · August 2014

If I feed LO one side and then burp her and she spits up a bunch should I still offer her the other side?

mamakiss · August 2014

kam3100 said:
If I feed LO one side and then burp her and she spits up a bunch should I still offer her the other side?

I would offer. Sometimes they spit up because the milk settled on top of air, so when it comes out with their burp they have a little more room in the belly

jrinehart0 · August 2014

Lizzy42 said:
Stupid FTM question...if I want to take a bottle with us out and about, how do I store/transport it? Can I take bags from the fridge and keep them at room temp? If we're only out for 3 hours, can I put it back in the fridge when I get home?

I found a great cooler on amazon for just the bags of breast milk (I have the kiinde system so I never put it into a bottle) . I would link but I'm on mobile. Just search sandwich cooler. It's a little square container with built in ice packs. With this, I can take more milk than I may need but still put it back in the fridge when I get home if I don't use a bag. If I open a bag, I make sure to use it within 4 hrs or so or I toss it. Also, I got a great bottle heater at babies r us. It looks like a cooler but you snap a little thing and it heats up. Then, you boil it and can reuse it. It's AWESOME!

TwizzyG · August 2014

I just give DD refrigerated/cool BM if I can't warm it. She gulps it down just the same!

emineminem · August 2014

Dserpaa said:
LO latches on my left immediately, however on the right it's a process which results in her screaming. If she nurses on the left first then goes to the right side she will latch right away on the right, but if we start on the right, it goes horribly and she will scream her head off. FTM here- is it an issue if we always start with the left side? TIA.

I second this question exactly. Same thing happened starting yesterday. Any thoughts, ladies?

earichar23 · August 2014

What do you do when LO demands more than you produce? At 7 weeks DD nurses, burps, nurses the other side, burps, and then continues to root for more. I put her back to the first side but she'll start fussing after 2-3 minutes, I'm guessing because she's working hard for not much. I know you never actually run out of milk but LO gets so frustrated and then the crying gets intense and DH will pull out a bottle to console her. She'll devour 2-3 oz no problem and then be content. I'm running low on my freezer stash and I'm not able to pump more than 1-2 oz a day between feedings because LO wants to nurse almost every hour during the day. I'm starting to get a little panicy. Sorry for the long vent, DH and MIL are really pushing to supplement with formula but I know that's the beginnings of diminishing returns but I'm at a loss what to do. If I knew this was just a growth spurt and was short lived I'd weather through with fingers crossed but it's been a problem for over a week now. Is it really possible that I just can't satisfy her myself?

hgtvmom · August 2014

TwizzyG said:
I just give DD refrigerated/cool BM if I can't warm it. She gulps it down just the same!

We EP, so it's all in bottles fresh out of the fridge. I haven't warmed a bottle for her since our first hospital stay.

susanskowera · August 2014

earichar23 said:
What do you do when LO demands more than you produce? At 7 weeks DD nurses, burps, nurses the other side, burps, and then continues to root for more. I put her back to the first side but she'll start fussing after 2-3 minutes, I'm guessing because she's working hard for not much. I know you never actually run out of milk but LO gets so frustrated and then the crying gets intense and DH will pull out a bottle to console her. She'll devour 2-3 oz no problem and then be content. I'm running low on my freezer stash and I'm not able to pump more than 1-2 oz a day between feedings because LO wants to nurse almost every hour during the day. I'm starting to get a little panicy. Sorry for the long vent, DH and MIL are really pushing to supplement with formula but I know that's the beginnings of diminishing returns but I'm at a loss what to do. If I knew this was just a growth spurt and was short lived I'd weather through with fingers crossed but it's been a problem for over a week now. Is it really possible that I just can't satisfy her myself?

Mine will do this too some days! He'll eat for a combined 30-45 minutes and both breasts will be very soft and hard to hand express anything else out.(when it happens, this is usually between 4-6 pm). Instances like that, where I know he's gotten a meal, I'll give him a paci and he's instantly content. Sometimes he just needs something in his mouth! He'll usually suck on it for a few minutes before passing out. I felt horrible for having to resort to a paci, but it's keeping me sane.

JMSbaby2014 · August 2014

I had to supplement for about 2 weeks and then suddenly somehow she just started getting enough from me which was awesome. I supplemented as much as I could with bm but about twice a day I used similac for supplementation because I couldn't keep up with pumping - honestly it was the best thing I did because it enabled me to get over the hump and keep breastfeeding. This only lasted about 9-10 days - good luck!

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

susanskowera said:

earichar23 said:
What do you do when LO demands more than you produce? At 7 weeks DD nurses, burps, nurses the other side, burps, and then continues to root for more. I put her back to the first side but she'll start fussing after 2-3 minutes, I'm guessing because she's working hard for not much. I know you never actually run out of milk but LO gets so frustrated and then the crying gets intense and DH will pull out a bottle to console her. She'll devour 2-3 oz no problem and then be content. I'm running low on my freezer stash and I'm not able to pump more than 1-2 oz a day between feedings because LO wants to nurse almost every hour during the day. I'm starting to get a little panicy. Sorry for the long vent, DH and MIL are really pushing to supplement with formula but I know that's the beginnings of diminishing returns but I'm at a loss what to do. If I knew this was just a growth spurt and was short lived I'd weather through with fingers crossed but it's been a problem for over a week now. Is it really possible that I just can't satisfy her myself?
Mine will do this too some days! He'll eat for a combined 30-45 minutes and both breasts will be very soft and hard to hand express anything else out.(when it happens, this is usually between 4-6 pm). Instances like that, where I know he's gotten a meal, I'll give him a paci and he's instantly content. Sometimes he just needs something in his mouth! He'll usually suck on it for a few minutes before passing out. I felt horrible for having to resort to a paci, but it's keeping me sane.

This. Sometimes they aren't hungry anymore but just want to suck on something since it's a natural reflex. Our MOTN feedings consist of him eating on both sides, diaper change, reswaddled, and paci goes in while being rocked. He's usually out in 2 minutes or at least awake and content.

Soon2BMrsN · August 2014

earichar23 said:
What do you do when LO demands more than you produce? At 7 weeks DD nurses, burps, nurses the other side, burps, and then continues to root for more. I put her back to the first side but she'll start fussing after 2-3 minutes, I'm guessing because she's working hard for not much. I know you never actually run out of milk but LO gets so frustrated and then the crying gets intense and DH will pull out a bottle to console her. She'll devour 2-3 oz no problem and then be content. I'm running low on my freezer stash and I'm not able to pump more than 1-2 oz a day between feedings because LO wants to nurse almost every hour during the day. I'm starting to get a little panicy. Sorry for the long vent, DH and MIL are really pushing to supplement with formula but I know that's the beginnings of diminishing returns but I'm at a loss what to do. If I knew this was just a growth spurt and was short lived I'd weather through with fingers crossed but it's been a problem for over a week now. Is it really possible that I just can't satisfy her myself?

I'd try doing a weighed feed before I'd supplement due to supposed low supply. That's the only way to really know how she's taking in.

rach1285 · August 2014

Wanted to AW my celebration, I made it through one whole week without having to supplement my LO with formula for the first time(5 weeks)! Huge victory for this mama who has had supply challenges :-) I'm so excited I had to share and knew you guys could appreciate it.
Eta: spelling

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

cko521 said:
Ok, so whenever I get really full, I have a small lump in one breast. It doesn't hurt, and goes away after a minute or so of nursing/pumping. Is this a clogged duct? It's always in the same spot when I'm engorged. It's been there for weeks

If it is a clogged duct, how do I massage it out if I can't see it after a minute.

I tried hand expressing in the bath and using some vibration but I can't tell if it helped, because now my breast is soft, so I can't feel it anymore. I've heard of dangle feeding too but I have overactive letdown and it would likely drown LO.

If it goes away after nursing/pumping then no it's not a clogged duct. If it didn't soften them it would sound like a clogged duct. It is normal to feel hard or firm in the same spots because of where the milk glands are located.

rachelchristina · August 2014

rach1285 said:
Wanted to AW my celebration, I made it through one whole week without having to supplement my LO with formula for the first time(5 weeks)! Huge victory for this mama who has had supply challenges :-) I'm so excited I had to share and knew you guys could appreciate it.
Eta: spelling

That's awesome girl! So glad to hear that!

honeybee434 · August 2014

How often is everyone changing out the membranes if they have a Medela pump? I just realized today that I have no idea when I'm supposed to do that. I only pump once a day right now, so I'm sure that will be different than when I go back to work and am pumping all the time.

TwizzyG · August 2014

honeybee434 said:

How often is everyone changing out the membranes if they have a Medela pump? I just realized today that I have no idea when I'm supposed to do that. I only pump once a day right now, so I'm sure that will be different than when I go back to work and am pumping all the time.

I think you just have to change it out if it gets damaged. Like if it tears or gets a hole in it or something.

kenziebug22 · August 2014

@2lacyblue‌ my DS just turned 5 weeks and doing the same thing! I know he has reflux but its been under control with meds and all of a sudden hes being fussy and doesn't want to stay latched, hes been really clingy and sleeping either a ton or starting up and being fussy and crying being over tired the past three days. Kinda hope its the whole "6 week peak" thing a little early but who knows lol

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

honeybee434 said:
How often is everyone changing out the membranes if they have a Medela pump? I just realized today that I have no idea when I'm supposed to do that. I only pump once a day right now, so I'm sure that will be different than when I go back to work and am pumping all the time.

If you use it regularly every 3 months. But if you only use it rarely they don't have to be changed as frequently. However if the suction decreases you should change the membranes. They can dry out and crack without looking like they are damaged so just keep an eye out on your output too.

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

kenziebug22 said:
@2lacyblue‌ my DS just turned 5 weeks and doing the same thing! I know he has reflux but its been under control with meds and all of a sudden hes being fussy and doesn't want to stay latched, hes been really clingy and sleeping either a ton or starting up and being fussy and crying being over tired the past three days. Kinda hope its the whole "6 week peak" thing a little early but who knows lol

DS will be 5 weeks this week and doing the same thing. I figure if he's hungry enough he will get what he needs. Also I noticed that he gets fussy afer about 5-7 minutes. So I'm assuming it's after the let down and the flow slows down and he actually has to work to get the milk out. I think I've figured out he does not like that and would rather have a continuous fountain of milk pouring in his mouth 3:-O

ETA : dies and does are completely different auto correct!

kenziebug22 · August 2014

2lacyblue said:

jessafish said:

bcook530 said:

kenziebug22 said:
@2lacyblue‌ my DS just turned 5 weeks and doing the same thing! I know he has reflux but its been under control with meds and all of a sudden hes being fussy and doesn't want to stay latched, hes been really clingy and sleeping either a ton or starting up and being fussy and crying being over tired the past three days. Kinda hope its the whole "6 week peak" thing a little early but who knows lol
DS will be 5 weeks this week and doing the same thing. I figure if he's hungry enough he will get what he needs. Also I noticed that he gets fussy afer about 5-7 minutes. So I'm assuming it's after the let down and the flow slows down and he actually has to work to get the milk out. I think I've figured out he does not like that and would rather have a continuous fountain of milk pouring in his mouth 3:-O

ETA : dies and does are completely different auto correct!
My guy was doing this for awhile too. If appears (fingers crossed) to have stopped at this point though. He was six weeks Friday. I think the slower flow might have been the culprit and he was just getting impatient on top of being extra fussy those days.

I can definitely see it relating to the slower flow. My DS seems to appreciate the firehose effect when I first let down.

This is probably accurate, my guys a little pig he gulps it down and when he empties one side towards the end hes more upset, good to know it seems to have stopped for you @jessafish‌ hope this ends soon!

kwh33ls · August 2014

Lori_n_Lior said:
I thought I had a milk blister since my right nipple started hurting like a bitch this morning.... now the other boob is hurting so I am thinking thrush.... ugh

Just venting.... ouch

We're battling thrush now. So painful (for me). We went the pediatrician route first--it takes 10-14 days--and it didn't work, so now we're doing gentian violet which seems to be doing the trick in only a couple of applications. Good luck!

nolemomma14 · August 2014

@kwh33ls‌ what is this genetian violet!? DS has thrush and the antibiotics didn't really help him either!

kwh33ls · August 2014

kdelgado03 said:

@kwh33ls‌ what is this genetian violet!? DS has thrush and the antibiotics didn't really help him either!

It's a topical antiseptic that can be used (sort of off-label) for thrush treatment. I did a ton of research before I considered it, and ran it by my pediatrician after the anti-fungal didn't work. Our next step would've been more disruptive to both of our systems, so they said it was okay to try to see if it worked. So far, one application has made a lot of difference. Do be aware, this shit is messy...your LO's lips will stain, as will anything it touches if you go this route. I put her in clothes I didn't care about, and carried around a burp cloth to catch any drools that could get on stuff I do care about. I'd also use an ointment (APNO was prescribed by my OB) in conjunction with the gentian violet to prevent drying out, which is the main side effect on your nipples. Here's the two websites I found the most (a) reliable and (b) helpful when I was checking this out as an option. Definitely run it by your pedi, but this may help!
https://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-UGV
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4397/gentian-violet-top/details#uses

nolemomma14 · August 2014

@kwh33ls‌ thanks for the info! I'll definitely run it by my pedi first. So sick of this thrush and ready to be done with it!

cookiemomma14 · August 2014

symphony4586 said:
So out of no where LO decided latching is a good thing and has been nursing for all but 1 or 2 feedings a day (we still use bottles in public just because getting him latched is still kind of tricky sometimes). I'm not sure what clicked finally, but I'm not going to question it!

However, he's puking at least every other feeding now, and it's pretty significant amounts. SO thinks it might be because he's used to us stopping a feeding when the bottle runs out and now he's in total control and possibly doesn't know when to quit. Could this be the answer, if so any suggestions on how to help him learn to know when he's full? Or could there be any other reason he's puking when it comes straight drom the breast but not from the bottle?

When LO spits up is he nursing on both sides? I'd say song to Burp him in between sides or even after a couple of minutes on one side. That way no air is trapped that could lead to milk coming back up with it.

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