I'm a first time BF mom and I am so lost. Every thing I read has a different opinion on pumping. Idk if I need to pump now, later, or ever??? What would be the reason to pump if I'm a SAHM? Am I not doing something I'm supposed too? I feel like everyone is pumping and I'm missing something.
Most breastfeeding moms do pump. It helps keep your supply up if you're struggling with that. Also, it makes it so dads and other people can feed the baby and bond with them. Some moms aren't comfortable breastfeeding in public, so it's nice to take a bottle with when you're out and about. If you ever plan on going on date nights and leaving lo with a babysitter, you'll have to plan a short night so you're available to come home and feed when they're hungry, or have pumped milk for the sitter to feed them. I'm a STM, and bf my son for 13 months. This time I have twins, so I'm feeding a lot more. I'm fortunate to have a great supply right now, and can feed them and still pump. I have not had to supplement with formula at all. Hope this helps.
@iheartpancake I'm sleeping next to LO. I sleep on my side facing him. I've never rolled onto my stomach ever so feel pretty confident in this along with natural mothering instinct. My midwife and pediatrician both recommend it too. Great for bonding!! We really enjoyed side lying nursing too until we lost our mojo due to the tongue tie revision
So is it cluster feeding if DD is eating every hour and a half the last two days?! For 30 minutes. Thirty. Minutes. Every. Time. She's definitely making the diaper quota so I'm not worried about her getting enough (we're currently only BFing). I think we've hit the one week growth spurt...hahaha! Can't wait til it's over...I'm so tired I'm loopy!
@devyns2nd I really think that he has a good latch going on. I hope I'm not wrong! He has started pulling off suddenly and that hurts like crazy! I think it's too early to introduce the concept of "NO" lol.
Ok so I have a concern-tonight DS was crying a lot which is unusual for him and he just wanted to nurse the whole time. Normally when he's hungry he takes one boob and then is done until the next time but tonight he took both of them multiple times all within a 2 hour span. I finally felt like there wasn't anything else in there so I poured him a small bottle of formula (his first formula and bottle ever) and he sucked down 2oz and is now sleeping soundly. I have a bunch of worries now. After the bottle will he go back to the breast? And after the formula will he still want breast milk? And since he ate so much even after being BF intermittently for 2 hours does that mean there's an issue with supply? Because he was definitely latched on. I would love to BF for as long as possible I'm just worried about introducing formula so early because we introduced it much later with DD. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!
I would not overthink it yet. You are only 4 days PP. Keep up breastfeeding and if need be pump one feeding to reassure yourself that your milk supply is there! @LaurenAnn0405 Breastmilk is sweet and tastes better to babies than formula. He will go back to breastmilk.
Ok so I have a concern-tonight DS was crying a lot which is unusual for him and he just wanted to nurse the whole time. Normally when he's hungry he takes one boob and then is done until the next time but tonight he took both of them multiple times all within a 2 hour span. I finally felt like there wasn't anything else in there so I poured him a small bottle of formula (his first formula and bottle ever) and he sucked down 2oz and is now sleeping soundly. I have a bunch of worries now. After the bottle will he go back to the breast? And after the formula will he still want breast milk? And since he ate so much even after being BF intermittently for 2 hours does that mean there's an issue with supply? Because he was definitely latched on. I would love to BF for as long as possible I'm just worried about introducing formula so early because we introduced it much later with DD. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!
As long as he has enough wets and poops he is ok, the formula is really filling to their tiny stomachs..be careful giving formula can effect your supply.. You will make enough for him and its normal for them to go through cluster episodes (although frustrating and tiring) Hang in there! As long as he's gaining (after a week) and has sufficient diapers there is no need for formula
Thanks @klkonwi and @HayesRN13 that makes me feel better! We have plenty of diapers to prove that something's going through him! We have our first ped appt tomorrow so we'll see about weight!
^^ at 4 days pp he may not have started gaining yet so don't be discouraged! At this point it's about diapers so like I said hang in there! It can be easy to give formula when not needed, if I had some in the house I might cave in the middle of the night, that's why I won't keep any in hand. X_X
@devyns2nd I am not pumping, only breastfeeding. I've been using a hot compress when I start, and a cold compress when he's done eating, to help start and stop the flow (per my lactation consultant's advice). I have also only been using one breast per feed to help regulate my milk (I have plenty and he was draining both boobs then spitting up a lot, so I've read this is a good solution). I personally prefer not pumping right now if I can help it, because a) I don't need to stimulate more milk, and b) I am producing enough that I don't need to question how much he is eating. He can eat on demand and I don't have to worry if I'm over feeding him.
Cracked nipples: I've got them. it's getting worse, too, so I'm looking up LLL meetings. Lansinoh is helping. I was using just breast milk and coconut oil but the Lansinoh plus breast milk seems to work faster. Letdown is super painful but after that, it goes ok. I will detach and relatch him 4-5 times if needed. Fortunately I have a patient (but voracious) baby.
Would love to stay updated on the cracked nipple journeys you are all facing. It's tolerable but not comfortable, so am loving your tips!
I think my spit up issues are kind of resolving. You ladies gave some good tips! I also noticed a difference with what I eat. Seems like I'll have to cut back on dairy and chocolate
Anyway I wanted to share a few things for the breastfeeding moms out there.
I found a recipe for lactation cookies that work! I noticed an increase in my pumping output after I nursed the LO!
I think the key ingredients are rolled oats and Brewers yeast. So if I ever have oatmeal in the morning I'll add a couple of teaspoons of brewers yeast to it.
And for breastfeeding troubleshooting I found a great app called Breastfeeding Solutions. It's an interactive guide and created by a lactation consultant.
Hope this helps! I remember how hard it was when I first started so I just wanted to share some info in case anyone needs it.
My mom and sister are here for the week! I'm so excited they made me go to bed at 8:45 last night, and, with the exception of the 10PM feeding, I got to sleep straight through till 630AM because my mom took the 1AM feeding and DH took the 4AM one! I feel fantastic, so glad she's here. Plus it's been forever since I've really been able to spend time with her. Wish we lived closer!
Bedtime routine is, as expected, not really sinking in, but we're sticking to it just for our own peace of mind. She only lasts about 20 minutes before she wants to be up again, but after it's "bedtime" we keep her in the dark and quiet even if we're up with her. She may not really know the difference yet, but it'll sink in eventually!
Ok so I have a concern-tonight DS was crying a lot which is unusual for him and he just wanted to nurse the whole time. Normally when he's hungry he takes one boob and then is done until the next time but tonight he took both of them multiple times all within a 2 hour span. I finally felt like there wasn't anything else in there so I poured him a small bottle of formula (his first formula and bottle ever) and he sucked down 2oz and is now sleeping soundly. I have a bunch of worries now. After the bottle will he go back to the breast? And after the formula will he still want breast milk? And since he ate so much even after being BF intermittently for 2 hours does that mean there's an issue with supply? Because he was definitely latched on. I would love to BF for as long as possible I'm just worried about introducing formula so early because we introduced it much later with DD. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!
This sometimes happens during the night... I think she is trying to soothe herself because she eats so much better (and often from just one side) during her day time feedings.... It adds to the stress of "am I doing this right?!"...but it may be more about soothing than actual hunger (like when we eat two bowls of ice cream when we aren't hungry
I started using this stuff when I had painful nipples in my first trimester. I stopped using it until I began breastfeeding. It is really great stuff. I haven't needed to try lanolin or anything else. The reviews are excellent so I don't think it's just me!
Um omg breastfeeding and pumping is so hard. I've given up a million times already =[
I hear you. I have "made the call" to move to formula three times now and it upsets me each time (I go back each time there's a glimmer of hope it will work). I finally stopped torturing myself upon DH's advice and we made the final decision a few days ago and now we are much happier not being in a angsty limbo place. I'd say either commit yourself to doing it or just be honest with yourself and call it a day and don't beat yourself up.
@devyns2nd I am not pumping, only breastfeeding. I've been using a hot compress when I start, and a cold compress when he's done eating, to help start and stop the flow (per my lactation consultant's advice). I have also only been using one breast per feed to help regulate my milk (I have plenty and he was draining both boobs then spitting up a lot, so I've read this is a good solution). I personally prefer not pumping right now if I can help it, because a) I don't need to stimulate more milk, and b) I am producing enough that I don't need to question how much he is eating. He can eat on demand and I don't have to worry if I'm over feeding him.
Cracked nipples: I've got them. it's getting worse, too, so I'm looking up LLL meetings. Lansinoh is helping. I was using just breast milk and coconut oil but the Lansinoh plus breast milk seems to work faster. Letdown is super painful but after that, it goes ok. I will detach and relatch him 4-5 times if needed. Fortunately I have a patient (but voracious) baby.
Would love to stay updated on the cracked nipple journeys you are all facing. It's tolerable but not comfortable, so am loving your tips!
I'm making enough milk too. I feel like nursing and pumping would be overwhelming right now. I'm only on day six though and my blobs are huge! I'm glad I'm making so much milk but I'm defiantly going to try the hot and cold compress to avoid being attached to the pump.
I've had no cracks since doing the breast milk and sliding his bottom lip out while he's sucking. I didn't notice but when he latches he sucks it in and now even latching doesn't hurt. Thank goodness!
I love hearing everyone's BF stories. It helps a lot knowing I'm not alone on this journey (DH tries but he doesn't have blobs).
LO keeps coughing in the middle of nursing, which terrifies me because I always think she's going to choke and suffocate. My mom finally consulted Dr. Google and it looks like it might be due to an oversupply of milk, which definitely makes sense given what I get when I pump! From what we've read it looks like I should try reclining more and limiting her to one breast per feeding session. Anyone else have experience with dealing with too much milk?
LO keeps coughing in the middle of nursing, which terrifies me because I always think she's going to choke and suffocate. My mom finally consulted Dr. Google and it looks like it might be due to an oversupply of milk, which definitely makes sense given what I get when I pump! From what we've read it looks like I should try reclining more and limiting her to one breast per feeding session. Anyone else have experience with dealing with too much milk?
Could also be quick let down. My friend has that and had to pull her babe off when her let down first started. She also held her lo more upright but I'm not certain how.
Anyone have a serious slacker boob? If so, any advice to up production on one side? Thinking of buying a hand pump and using it a few times a day to get extra stimulation.
LO keeps coughing in the middle of nursing, which terrifies me because I always think she's going to choke and suffocate. My mom finally consulted Dr. Google and it looks like it might be due to an oversupply of milk, which definitely makes sense given what I get when I pump! From what we've read it looks like I should try reclining more and limiting her to one breast per feeding session. Anyone else have experience with dealing with too much milk?
Could also be quick let down. My friend has that and had to pull her babe off when her let down first started. She also held her lo more upright but I'm not certain how.
Thanks for that info! I'll have to give that a try too!
Um omg breastfeeding and pumping is so hard. I've given up a million times already =[
I hear you. I have "made the call" to move to formula three times now and it upsets me each time (I go back each time there's a glimmer of hope it will work). I finally stopped torturing myself upon DH's advice and we made the final decision a few days ago and now we are much happier not being in a angsty limbo place. I'd say either commit yourself to doing it or just be honest with yourself and call it a day and don't beat yourself up.
This! I have only pumped/supplemented for the last 36 hours. It's hurts too much to let him latch and stay latched. LC says he was latching great, but it hurt THE WHOLE TIME. But, pumping and feeding is already becoming exhausting and I can't see this lasting long. I hate that I'm feeling guilty about it; I never even attempted to bf my first two and never felt an ounce of guilt about that but now that I've tried it I feel like a big disappointment not working out.
LO keeps coughing in the middle of nursing, which terrifies me because I always think she's going to choke and suffocate. My mom finally consulted Dr. Google and it looks like it might be due to an oversupply of milk, which definitely makes sense given what I get when I pump! From what we've read it looks like I should try reclining more and limiting her to one breast per feeding session. Anyone else have experience with dealing with too much milk?
Ugh, yes. Too much milk, a baby who won't be consoled by anything but the boob and then he throws up massive amounts of milk, and cracked nipples. My letdown is so painful it's making me cry. A favorite position is lying on my side and having baby lie on his side. The "laid back" position is also good.
@devyns2nd Thanks, I will check the lower lip - his upper lip is out.
This is so hard!!! It's starting to get me down. My nipples just constantly tingle and hurt.
@virginiaunicorn11 I have a nearly constant tingle too. But it doesn't hurt when he latched after the first minute or so. Until he keeps the suction and pulls off. Anyone know how to break that habit? It's mainly when he is going to poot so I try to anticipate it but don't always.
LO keeps coughing in the middle of nursing, which terrifies me because I always think she's going to choke and suffocate. My mom finally consulted Dr. Google and it looks like it might be due to an oversupply of milk, which definitely makes sense given what I get when I pump! From what we've read it looks like I should try reclining more and limiting her to one breast per feeding session. Anyone else have experience with dealing with too much milk?
Ugh, yes. Too much milk, a baby who won't be consoled by anything but the boob and then he throws up massive amounts of milk, and cracked nipples. My letdown is so painful it's making me cry. A favorite position is lying on my side and having baby lie on his side. The "laid back" position is also good.
@devyns2nd Thanks, I will check the lower lip - his upper lip is out.
This is so hard!!! It's starting to get me down. My nipples just constantly tingle and hurt.
Oh yeah, side laying- she said that was her favorite for the too fast let down that was causing her babe to cough/"choke".
I'm seriously beginning to get concerned about my milk production. I nurse on demand but I can't help but question if babe is getting enough. I pumped after I nursed today and got 1oz from left boob and less an half from right. I'm almost a month pp, babe is still small (came early). Advice?
@LaurenAnn0405 I can't speak for bottle back to breast but I can say that my LO has no preference when it comes to breast milk or formula - as far as I can tell! I exclusively pump and if my supply runs out we will supplement with formula. He doesn't seem to mind.
hoodoll82 - I need to listen to your advice and just make the call already. I feel like I'm torturing myself.
I was attempting to put the damn shield on just now and on a whim decided to see if he would latch and nurse without it.... And BOOM first try and he's gulping it down!! yeahhhhhhhh!!!!!! <:-P
So I started pumping today like a half hour after some breast feeding sessions just to start storing and for possible feedings for hubby or any occasion we couldn't breast feed. I've only be able to get about 1 oz per session and then by the time LO is hungry again she takes forever to breast feed. I don't know if it just takes a bit to get more but im nervous that I will have little supply for her. Any inputs? She's only 2 weeks old so it's not like I've had my milk in for long now
DH goes back to work Thursday and I'm really stressed about him not being here. It's been so nice having him home and working like a team, he's been awesome. I definitely am stressing about being home without him.. I know I can handle a baby alone so I don't know why I'm so sad/concerned
@katyertl and @teather5 It's normal to get 1/2 to 2oz per pump session after nursing. You're not always going to pump exactly what your LO is getting. It's like getting the leftovers.
@hayesrn13 a few days ago I felt ready. Now DH goes back to work on Wednesday and I'm panicking! Our LO is sick and we have to go to the doc tomorrow and I realized I'm scared to do this by myself next time. I think the answer is deep breaths... and we will all live, right? Do you have anyone who can help during the first few weeks? I am having my mom and MIL each come for 2-3 days/week for the first 2 weeks DH is back at work - so I'll have 2/3 days on my own and 2/3 with help.
Relatedly, has anyone else had a clogged tear duct in their LO? Apparently it's common and not a big deal but looks awful and that's what we have going on right now. I feel like the worst mom even though it suddenly appeared and we are going to the doc first thing tomorrow.
Re: New Moms - Weekly June 13-20 Updates, Issues, Accomplishments
I really think that he has a good latch going on. I hope I'm not wrong! He has started pulling off suddenly and that hurts like crazy! I think it's too early to introduce the concept of "NO" lol.
Breastmilk is sweet and tastes better to babies than formula. He will go back to breastmilk.
Cracked nipples: I've got them. it's getting worse, too, so I'm looking up LLL meetings. Lansinoh is helping. I was using just breast milk and coconut oil but the Lansinoh plus breast milk seems to work faster. Letdown is super painful but after that, it goes ok. I will detach and relatch him 4-5 times if needed. Fortunately I have a patient (but voracious) baby.
Would love to stay updated on the cracked nipple journeys you are all facing. It's tolerable but not comfortable, so am loving your tips!
Ugh.
I think my spit up issues are kind of resolving. You ladies gave some good tips! I also noticed a difference with what I eat. Seems like I'll have to cut back on dairy and chocolate
Anyway I wanted to share a few things for the breastfeeding moms out there.
I found a recipe for lactation cookies that work! I noticed an increase in my pumping output after I nursed the LO!
Here's a link in case anyone's interested and likes peanut butter or oatmeal cookies
https://www.handandtheheart.com/2013/10/peanut-butter-oatmeal-lactation-cookies.html?m=1
I think the key ingredients are rolled oats and Brewers yeast. So if I ever have oatmeal in the morning I'll add a couple of teaspoons of brewers yeast to it.
Also, remember all that talk about red raspberry leaf tea? Well if you have any leftover keep drinking it! The tea helps with lactation!
https://www.livestrong.com/article/381906-red-raspberry-leaves-during-pregnancy-and-while-breastfeeding/#page=2
And for breastfeeding troubleshooting I found a great app called Breastfeeding Solutions. It's an interactive guide and created by a lactation consultant.
Hope this helps! I remember how hard it was when I first started so I just wanted to share some info in case anyone needs it.
Bedtime routine is, as expected, not really sinking in, but we're sticking to it just for our own peace of mind. She only lasts about 20 minutes before she wants to be up again, but after it's "bedtime" we keep her in the dark and quiet even if we're up with her. She may not really know the difference yet, but it'll sink in eventually!
Here is the link:https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007TIM8A6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1434359130&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&keywords=boobease&dpPl=1&dpID=414bo-f6zrL&ref=plSrch
I've had no cracks since doing the breast milk and sliding his bottom lip out while he's sucking. I didn't notice but when he latches he sucks it in and now even latching doesn't hurt. Thank goodness!
I love hearing everyone's BF stories. It helps a lot knowing I'm not alone on this journey (DH tries but he doesn't have blobs).
This! I have only pumped/supplemented for the last 36 hours. It's hurts too much to let him latch and stay latched. LC says he was latching great, but it hurt THE WHOLE TIME. But, pumping and feeding is already becoming exhausting and I can't see this lasting long. I hate that I'm feeling guilty about it; I never even attempted to bf my first two and never felt an ounce of guilt about that but now that I've tried it I feel like a big disappointment not working out.
@devyns2nd Thanks, I will check the lower lip - his upper lip is out.
This is so hard!!! It's starting to get me down. My nipples just constantly tingle and hurt.
I have a nearly constant tingle too. But it doesn't hurt when he latched after the first minute or so. Until he keeps the suction and pulls off. Anyone know how to break that habit? It's mainly when he is going to poot so I try to anticipate it but don't always.
I'm seriously beginning to get concerned about my milk production. I nurse on demand but I can't help but question if babe is getting enough. I pumped after I nursed today and got 1oz from left boob and less an half from right. I'm almost a month pp, babe is still small (came early). Advice?
@LaurenAnn0405 I can't speak for bottle back to breast but I can say that my LO has no preference when it comes to breast milk or formula - as far as I can tell! I exclusively pump and if my supply runs out we will supplement with formula. He doesn't seem to mind.
hoodoll82 - I need to listen to your advice and just make the call already. I feel like I'm torturing myself.
Does anyone remember which store garanimals comes from ? Walmart right?
:-\"
It's normal to get 1/2 to 2oz per pump session after nursing. You're not always going to pump exactly what your LO is getting. It's like getting the leftovers.
Here's a couple links to check out. Hope it eases your mind a bit.
https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/pumping_decrease/
This link here has a milk calculator. It gives an estimate of how much milk the LO needs during the day.
https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/
Relatedly, has anyone else had a clogged tear duct in their LO? Apparently it's common and not a big deal but looks awful and that's what we have going on right now. I feel like the worst mom even though it suddenly appeared and we are going to the doc first thing tomorrow.