Tata Tuesday Chat - 8/26 with Tamara Hawkins

deedee_elayne · August 2014

Hi Tamara,

This is my first pregnancy and due in December. I have read that getting an epidural during labor could effect the production of breast milk. Is this true? I feel like I have low pain tolerance but I want the best chances possible for breastfeeding my baby.

Thank you!

Jessie333 · August 2014

Hi. With my dd, we had major latch issues (dr discovered dd had a tongue tie when she was 3 days old). I wasn't able to get her to latch until I was given a nipple shield until when she was 5 days old. They had me pump 10 min each side after using the shield because they said my supply would drop. Not only do I feel like I missed out on a lot of skin to skin time with dd after nursing, but I ended up with a HUGE oversupply (like pumping 3oz per side after nursing dd). I am afraid I will be in a similar situation when this LO arrives in December. Is pumping after nursing every time you use a nipple shield necessary?

runningal220 · August 2014

Thanks @LCtamara‌ , for the two few weeks I didn't realize he wasn't swallowing well so I think my supply dropped and I'm trying to bring it back up now while also supplementing after each feeding.

sysakbaby · August 2014

twolittledogs said:

sysakbaby said:

Hi Tamara,

I'm a first time mom, due in December, and I would love to breastfeed my baby for at least a year. I will be returning to work after 6 months maternity leave and plan on pumping. When is a good time to start introducing a bottle. I've read a lot of conflicting material about "nipple confusion". Thanks in advance!

Nipple confusion is a term I can't stand. It's more of a bottle preference. With bottles, baby can get milk immediately. With breasts, baby has to work to get the milk to let down. I think it's recommended to start bottles around 4-6 weeks, just one here and there.

I gave DD a paci on night #3 and she never confused that with my nipples.

Thanks! I put pacifiers on my registry and had someone called me up to tell me how bad of an idea it was. I had never even heard of the term before.

FYI I left the pacifiers on the registry. It didnt hurt me or my sister as babies

LilnNimoy · August 2014

I found these "nipple protector" things that go on your "people nipples" that kind of look like bottle nipples. They are supposed to help with pain/chaffing and also bottle to breast and back transition. Do they work? Is just "people nipple" better even though the baby will be bottle fed at times? I plan on pumping and want to make it easy as possible for myself as well as my friends and family that want to help.

Thank you!!

@LCtamara

LCtamara · August 2014

@LMRmommy14

Tips to avoid plugged ducts/mastitis

don't skip feedings
give yourself a breast exam before each feeding/pumping to locate areas of the breasts loaded with milk and massage those areas toward the nipple during feeding/pumping.
ensure breasts are softer afterwards
heal up and keep nipple injuries clean
wash hands and pump pieces before each session
change breast pads after every feeding

sysakbaby · August 2014

LCtamara said:

Hi @sysakbaby,
See my response to @summersunshine916

Thank you!

littleissa86 · August 2014

@LCtamara‌ Hi Tamara, thank you for doing this chat!

I'm going to be a FTM in December and want to BF exclusively. Thankfully, I have a lot of support for this between friends and family. My question is in the advice I keep getting from them. I'm being told to "rough up" my nipples to prepare for BFing. I've been told to do everything from scrubbing them hard with a washcloth while in the shower all the way to using a soft-bristle toothbrush on them!

My nipples have been extremely tender the majority of this pregnancy (I'm 23+3) and the idea of "roughing them up" makes me cringe, so is it something that is really necessary to prepare the "ladies" for BFing? If so, what are the best ways to do it? Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

ebaylor14 · August 2014

I've got a wonderful 7 month old who I adore and has been a champion nurser from birth. But she is 7 months old and still waking up every two hours at night to nurse. Will not take a paci or anything else, will only resettle by nursing. Any ideas on night time weaning? P.S. I also just truly can't let her cry it out. Its just not in me.

LCtamara · August 2014

Hi @deedee_elayne

the epidural will not affect your milk supply. Your supply is set-up as your breast develop during your pregnancy and afterwards with frequent breastfeeding during the day (8-12 or more times a day)

LCtamara · August 2014

@Lilnnimoy

Stay away from the any nipple protector "thingys" as they tend to cause more problems than solve. I do assist mothers with breastfeeding using a nipple shield when it is absolutely necessary and I can make sure the baby is drinking milk and the breast is getting empty.

The way to make sure your nipples don't get damages is to get your baby deeply latched to the breast. Think, "baby to breast, not breast to baby."

aeseager · August 2014

Hello,

First time mom, due in December. I was wondering about breast feeding supplies. Do you have any suggestions for brands of nipple cream? Or opinions on disposable vs reusable nursing pads? Trying to plan ahead and be prepared.

Thank you.

LCtamara · August 2014

Hi @jessie333,

Another great question. It is necessary to pump after feedings when using a nipple shield. However, I have my clients pump 4x/day and only for about a week. We have a follow-up to ensure weight gain and no issues with pain or plugged ducts and then stop pumping to avoid oversupply.

kunigunde · August 2014

I was wondering if you have advice for nursing an easily distracted always on the go 10 month old. When it's possible I go into another room and dim the lights but with a 3 year old too, I can't do that when I'm alone with them.

venus8871 · August 2014

@lctamara How long can I store breastmilk for? If left outside for feeding at room temperature, how long can I keep it outside as well?

Shortstack06 · August 2014

I am a FTM and planning on going the express breast feeding route, do you start pumping as soon as the baby is born in the hospital? Should I breast feed the first few days to get a supply in then switch to pumping? Thank you!

LCtamara · August 2014

@callesan

Weaning after the baby is over one year old has other challenges vs weaning at 6 months old. For one, the milk supply is less and can be less painful and now there is a large toddler who can and will exert their preference for a breast. Some mothers find gentle refusal and no longer offering helps. You have to check your child's personality to see what will work best at that time.

For now just enjoy the experience and cover the road when you get there. Let's see how your baby feels about it extended breastfeeding also.

venus8871 · August 2014

This message is for the Bump actually. I recently attended the NYC Booblution Event which was a great attempt to build awareness on public breastfeeding. One observation - the event was taken place inside the store and unfortunately awareness is built among those that have attended or are members of the bump. To really increase awareness of this event, any thoughts on doing the breastfeeding in a more crowded public space such as union square, grand central, bryant park event, where for sure public attention will be even greater? Just a thought.

LCtamara · August 2014

@ sjc8187 yep, your body starts to produce colostrum @ 16 weeks of pregnancy.

venus8871 · August 2014

I saw those oatmeal cookies aimed at increasing milk supply. While they are absolutely delicious, how effective are they? Can I just eat a bowl of oatmeal every day and still achieve max results? @lctamara.

LCtamara · August 2014

@empiremomof3

Not sure who else is responding to Q's here. I would suggest using your hands for massage and compression during pumping. I don't find changing flange size always work, It anything the larger a flange size the more a mother can become sore with the pumping.

massage and compress the breast during pumping
apply oil such as olive or coconut on the areola before pumping to help the skin through the pump
pump for shorter not longer period, ie: run through the normal cycle of 2 min stim and then go into expression phase, when you see the milk stop dripping, go back to the stimulation phase and pump through to the expression phase. When milk drops dripping-stop pumping
Consider renting a pump such as a Medela Symphony

BumpJackie · August 2014

BIG thank you to @LCtamara for joining the final round of Tata Tuesday! We

getting your advice!

Thank you for joining, Bumpies

LCtamara · August 2014

Hi @dtremel

Congrats on the 2 babies!

If the babies are set-up for a vaginal birth, go for that. The easier your recovery after a cesarean birth, the easier your breastfeeding will be.
Ask the nurses for help setting up to tandem feed the babies as soon as your are ready.
expect that some times you need to feed each baby one after the other as both babies may not be ready to breastfeed at the same time.
If you are not able to breastfeed both babies right away, use your hand to express your colostrum and perhaps spoon or cup feed the babies right away.
if they need supplementation, ensure you have a pump and are pumping right when ever the babies get milk away from you
skin-to skin ASAP and as much as possible
Take your time and enjoy your babies!

venus8871 · August 2014

Ditto to that! Thanks so much for the wonderful advice! I will be more prepared for sure this coming November! @lctamara

LCtamara · August 2014

@banningfin

Whoa your baby is gaining like a champ! Perhaps your baby needs that pattern to continue the growth rate or you and hubby need to come up with some other soothing techniques. Can your hubby wear the baby and allow the baby to suckle on a clean finger? If baby refuses that can be an absolute indication of hunger.

Have you tried swaddling baby at night with breastfeeding so when the baby begins to falls asleep the wrap makes it less likely for the baby to get startled and wake up when you move?

What have you tried?

LCtamara · August 2014

Well Ladies,

That's all the time I have. I have clients coming in. It was a pleasure to be here. I apologize if I didn't get to everyone's question. Perhaps, we will "run" into each other on twitter and I can answer there after office hours.

Be Well!

bunnicash · August 2014

Thank you!

venus8871 · August 2014

I know this forum is about breastfeeding but I have a question on feeding milk to my 19 month old. Feel free to discard is not pertinent. Is organic milk better than regular milk for a 19 month old? Also, he finishes a gallon of milk every 2 days, believe it or not, and goes bonkers if i dont give it to him...have you seen other kids drink so much milk?? I'm very happy, but perplexed at the same time.

venus8871 · August 2014

Thank you!!

venus8871 · August 2014

Oh good..thanks for the advice. I need to explore this site more!

banningfin · August 2014

Swaddling at night has seemed to work well, at least to get a couple hour stretches of sleep for us during the night. However in the evening, I feel trapped breastfeeding all evening. Baby won't take a pacifier, and I didn't think to try offering a finger to suckle (I'll have to try that). The swing, bouncy, and rocking don't seem to provide comfort. I just feel so useless in the evening, not being able to cook dinner, clean up after dinner, etc. without having my baby breastfeeding most of the time. I haven't even made it through dinner yet with having to breastfeed at the table.

littleissa86 · August 2014

twolittledogs said:

littleissa86 said:

@LCtamara‌ Hi Tamara, thank you for doing this chat!

I'm going to be a FTM in December and want to BF exclusively. Thankfully, I have a lot of support for this between friends and family. My question is in the advice I keep getting from them. I'm being told to "rough up" my nipples to prepare for BFing. I've been told to do everything from scrubbing them hard with a washcloth while in the shower all the way to using a soft-bristle toothbrush on them!

My nipples have been extremely tender the majority of this pregnancy (I'm 23+3) and the idea of "roughing them up" makes me cringe, so is it something that is really necessary to prepare the "ladies" for BFing? If so, what are the best ways to do it? Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

I cry at the thought of roughing up nipples right now. Don't do it.
LC Tamara did suggest using nipple cream beforehand which is something I haven't heard before.

You should also buy some of the gel cooling pads. I think Lansinoh makes them. Those things were heavenly.

I did register for some gel pads, so I guess that was a good choice! And I hadn't heard using nipple cream to prep for BFing, so definitely something I'll try. Thanks for answering my question! And yeah I'll be avoiding any kind of roughing them for now lol

BumpJackie · August 2014

Thanks for participating everyone!

Congrats to this weeks winners!

A Prize Pack from Boob-olution’s sponsor, Boppy (Original Slipcovered Pillow, Toy Prize Pack) @MegN914
Baby K’Tan Prize Pack (Baby Carrier, Burp Cloth, Baby T-Shirt and Baby Hat) @twolittledogs
Ingrid & Isabel Prize Pack (Drop Cup Nursing Bra, Crossover Nursing Cami, and Cami Bra) @banningfin

opheliainwaders · August 2014

banningfin said:

Swaddling at night has seemed to work well, at least to get a couple hour stretches of sleep for us during the night. However in the evening, I feel trapped breastfeeding all evening. Baby won't take a pacifier, and I didn't think to try offering a finger to suckle (I'll have to try that). The swing, bouncy, and rocking don't seem to provide comfort. I just feel so useless in the evening, not being able to cook dinner, clean up after dinner, etc. without having my baby breastfeeding most of the time. I haven't even made it through dinner yet with having to breastfeed at the table.

How old is baby? This sounds like our experience the first several months. DD never took a pacifier, and cluster fed in the evenings until she was about 4m (and then periodically during other growth spurts). I can't tell if you have other LOs, but honestly, when DD was a newborn, I had to recalibrate my expectations of my OWN schedule - evenings were for nursing, and I wound up snacking or eating after she went to bed, rather than sitting at the table for dinner.

Can your DH take over dinner prep or cleanup? Or can you guys eat things like sandwiches and fruit for dinner?

Also, if baby has a little bit of head control, find a babywearing group who can show you how to nurse with baby in a carrier - that can be a huge lifesaver re: getting small things done.

Cut yourself a little slack - you're not being useless! You're feeding baby, and growing a human - that's pretty useful, eh?

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Tata Tuesday Chat - 8/26 with Tamara Hawkins

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