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.
Over here! I googled what to do and it's helping. Very common
Edited: BF and typing is hard. Messed that quote up
I'm too lazy to go back and find it but was someone talking about cluster feeding in the evenings? Story of my life the last three days. The nips are screaming at me to make it stop! Why?!?
^^Yes I have family close if I need them.. Just think it's going to be breakdown mode when HE's not here Thursday ... I'm a big ball of hormones obviously ... About the clogged duct it's sooo common I personally haven't dealt with it but it is no big deal try not to feel bad (impossible I know) my LO poops so much he is starting to get a little diaper rash.. Really? Horrible parent here, my daughter never got a diaper rash! I'm a diligent prompt changer and diaper rash preventer I don't know how this could happen .. (
Currently working on helping LO digest better. Nursing at very early hunger signs and making sure he burps and stays upright for 20 minutes after eating. Once he starts playing around at the boob, I end the nursing session.
Hopefully this will end the "spit up two liters of milk" horror scenes that have been happening :-/ Hour 16, and it's working.
I'm also trying the "laid back" nursing position and not helping him latch. It helps with the pain - not 100% but better. I really don't want to dread feeding him - that's a big concern for me right now.
@klkonwi it's true.. Diaper rash?! Devastating to me I'm so ocd about things .. Yet my baby is starting a rash. ?! Feel like a complete failure.. Oh motherhood
For those of you breastfeeding and are pumping ... How much are you getting when you pump ? And Is it after a feed? Or in replacement of? I know it doesn't mean much, as baby is better at expelling milk.. Just wondering
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?
Sorry I don't have hands free to find the link, but kellymom explains that pumping doesn't reflect supply. I haven't been able to pump even 1/2 an oz, and started to freak out, but DS burps and poops like he's well fed.
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
I've been finding breastfeeding really difficult - I had a rough delivery and lost a lot of blood, and I was so exhausted afterwards that I would just rush LO onto the boob rather than spend time getting a good technique - my nipples are still suffering. Despite that my milk came in with a vengeance on day 3 - overnight pornstar boobs when I was only a b cup prior to pregnancy. The engorgement only made it harder to nurse - whenever LO tried to latch on the right he got sprayed in the back of the throat with milk. But the community midwife came round yesterday and worked with us both on positioning and things are much much better. I've been hand expressing prior to every feed to soften things up and it's such a big help. It's still painful because of the damage done earlier but it's much better. I'm actually starting to enjoy nursing, LO is much less distressed when feeding and I finally got some sleep. Today is a good day!
I've been finding breastfeeding really difficult - I had a rough delivery and lost a lot of blood, and I was so exhausted afterwards that I would just rush LO onto the boob rather than spend time getting a good technique - my nipples are still suffering. Despite that my milk came in with a vengeance on day 3 - overnight pornstar boobs when I was only a b cup prior to pregnancy. The engorgement only made it harder to nurse - whenever LO tried to latch on the right he got sprayed in the back of the throat with milk. But the community midwife came round yesterday and worked with us both on positioning and things are much much better. I've been hand expressing prior to every feed to soften things up and it's such a big help. It's still painful because of the damage done earlier but it's much better. I'm actually starting to enjoy nursing, LO is much less distressed when feeding and I finally got some sleep. Today is a good day!
I've been finding breastfeeding really difficult - I had a rough delivery and lost a lot of blood, and I was so exhausted afterwards that I would just rush LO onto the boob rather than spend time getting a good technique - my nipples are still suffering. Despite that my milk came in with a vengeance on day 3 - overnight pornstar boobs when I was only a b cup prior to pregnancy. The engorgement only made it harder to nurse - whenever LO tried to latch on the right he got sprayed in the back of the throat with milk. But the community midwife came round yesterday and worked with us both on positioning and things are much much better. I've been hand expressing prior to every feed to soften things up and it's such a big help. It's still painful because of the damage done earlier but it's much better. I'm actually starting to enjoy nursing, LO is much less distressed when feeding and I finally got some sleep. Today is a good day!
My boobs aren't big enough for side lying. Or football. The LC was like welp cross cradle it is.
When I tried to pump one breast after a feeding due to a giant lump that wouldn't go away I barely got .25 of an oz. but I know she's almost taking 3 oz per feeding from my breastfeeding class so it's just a matter of continuing the pumping when I'm ready to start building my stash for work.
Keep going guys. This is the hardest part. We can do it!
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
I just fell asleep for the 2nd time while breast feeding. Ugh I'm over it! Anyone else feel like giving up?!
It is soooo hard! Don't give up, you can do this! When I'm that tired, I lay LO and me on our sides to nurse him, and I go ahead and fall asleep.
Hang in there, I'm struggling, too!
I've felt like giving up so many times! Plugged ducts and nipples that hurt so bad I couldn't wear a bra or even a shirt! I cried all the time. Practically everyday for the first 2 weeks. I honestly didn't feel that breastfeeding bond with DS1 until after 4 months when I went back to work. After a long day coming home to nurse was such a great feeling and it helped me reconnect with him.
When I first started, a nurse suggested that I set small goals. I took it week by week. I kept telling myself to just get through the week. Then it became a month and I took it month by month. Next thing I knew 6 months went by and I hardly noticed.
I know it's easier said than done but hang in there and try not to beat yourself up over it either. I've had to supplement with formula and I allowed myself to take breaks by letting someone else feed him. However you decide to feed your LO will turn out fine. Just don't allow yourself to feel like a failure.
My LO is 3 weeks old. We are EBF. What I'm finding most difficult is how demanding she is at night. I know her days & nights are mixed up. It's hard to keep her awake long for day feedings. I can put her fine down & she sleeps. At night she wants to be held or on the boob. When I do get her down she's fussing again within a half hour. Really struggling here. So tired & not sleeping much at all.
Just delivered earlier today & wide awake (WHY?!) after a late night feeding (nursery has baby now). I let myself go 20-30minutes over my 4 hr pain med schedule (2nd degree epis). OWWW. Would it be OCD to set an alarm now? This sucks. Also, I'm anxious about this first poo. I took the colace at around 11pm..... Going back to find the thread where some of y'all discussed this. GOOD NEWS. Baby girl is doing pretty good at BF, I think. Excited to talk with a LC tomorrow though to get some more tips!
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!
I would definitely guess growth spurt. My LO's lasted about 4 days and 3 nights. She ate every hour and a half and suddenly wanted more ounces than before. It's frustrating but you're almost done!!
So I have cluster feeding a boobie monster since 8:30 last night. Forget laying her down to pee. Forget eating a meal with both hands. Horribly painful let downs. One boob is currently bigger than the other. Motherhood is sexy.
BF is coming along, I'm already paranoid about hard spots (milk just replaced colostrum yesterday afternoon). My bigger concern is one of my stitches (2nd degree tear), it's pretty painful and tender. Maybe that means it's healing? Any ladies have any insight on this? I second the BF stories, so glad to know I'm not alone!
Cracked bleeding nipples! And I'm doing the exact same thing I did in the hospital when they said baby had a "perfect latch!" I cry every time she feeds. I've been trying to pump but am not getting enough to keep up with her. I end up having to breastfeed and my nipples aren't getting a break. Baby is only a week old and I am at the breaking point.
@Kbchavez23 Week one mark was the hardest for me too. Keep going! I wanted to give up sooo bad but am glad I pushed through the pain. LO is 3 weeks today and BFing is so much easier. Some pain and not completely healed but I'm not crying or scared to let him eat anymore!
^^Yes I have family close if I need them.. Just think it's going to be breakdown mode when HE's not here Thursday ... I'm a big ball of hormones obviously ... About the clogged duct it's sooo common I personally haven't dealt with it but it is no big deal try not to feel bad (impossible I know) my LO poops so much he is starting to get a little diaper rash.. Really? Horrible parent here, my daughter never got a diaper rash! I'm a diligent prompt changer and diaper rash preventer I don't know how this could happen .. (
Might be a sensitivity to something they are eating. With DD she was sensitive to casein in milk and would get irritated from it on the way out.
Any else's babe get horrible gas? I know lots of toots and poops are normal but my babe acts like he's in so much pain sometimes when he's passing gas/pooping. I was chalking it up to a developing digestive system but he's 4 weeks tomorrow. I started gripe water last night for some hopeful relief.
I have found it helpful to wear a bikini top in the shower and let the hot water run over my chest... It feels so good! My nipples are way too sore to do that without the cover!
I got some medicated gel inserts for my bra/nipples. It keeps them really soft. I have also stopped trying to help LO latch. He usually does a much better job on his own.
Between these two adjustments today, I am starting to feel better about BF'ing!
Still waiting on mine but any new moms using the Joovy boob bottles?
Yes I was. I'm also breastfeeding so My pedi recommended them for a smoother transition to supplementing. They seem to be ok. Recently switched to Dr. Browns after seeing the great reviews. Hoping they can reduce spit-up.
Currently working on helping LO digest better. Nursing at very early hunger signs and making sure he burps and stays upright for 20 minutes after eating. Once he starts playing around at the boob, I end the nursing session.
Hopefully this will end the "spit up two liters of milk" horror scenes that have been happening :-/ Hour 16, and it's working.
I'm also trying the "laid back" nursing position and not helping him latch. It helps with the pain - not 100% but better. I really don't want to dread feeding him - that's a big concern for me right now.
Just a thought but DD spit up every time she ate. It was so much it worried me. I tried everything to stop it and finally had an upper GI done (just a bottle of dye and an xray to show reflux). Turns out her "flaps" didn't touch and she was going to spit up until the grew together. It wasn't the answer I wanted but it helped knowing what was wrong.
Just finished DS's two week appt. Totally draining. First, the circumcision - which is so hard to put LO through, even though I know it's not that bad.
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
Me-37, DH-38
Married in 2006, TTC #1 since Jan 2012
Baby Boy born June 1, 2015
He settles her in her home as a happy mother of children, praise the Lord! (Psalms 113:9)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your heart and mind in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7)
Just finished DS's two week appt. Totally draining. First, the circumcision - which is so hard to put LO through, even though I know it's not that bad.
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
Not sure specifically what nursing issues you are dealing with so this may not work with your situation but one thing that came to mind was getting your DH involved in helping you nurse and increase supply. Could be tasked with waiting in you with drinks and snacks, and entertainment while you have a nursing lie in with LO. Spend a few days in bed, just nursing in demand as your LO will nurse both to build supply and help with weight gain. This is the only thing that worked for me to build supply with DS1. Your husband could be a big help if you tried something like this and them it might feel like more of a team effort. And he might be more understandings if you still need to supplement because he'll understand how hard it is.
Just finished DS's two week appt. Totally draining. First, the circumcision - which is so hard to put LO through, even though I know it's not that bad.
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
Not sure specifically what nursing issues you are dealing with so this may not work with your situation but one thing that came to mind was getting your DH involved in helping you nurse and increase supply. Could be tasked with waiting in you with drinks and snacks, and entertainment while you have a nursing lie in with LO. Spend a few days in bed, just nursing in demand as your LO will nurse both to build supply and help with weight gain. This is the only thing that worked for me to build supply with DS1. Your husband could be a big help if you tried something like this and them it might feel like more of a team effort. And he might be more understandings if you still need to supplement because he'll understand how hard it is.
So happy to see this advice and so much bf support on these boards. I think some pediatricians jump to formula as soon as there are any issues. Speak with a lactation consultant and absolutely get your DH involved. If he's anything like mine he feels a little left out and will jump at any opportunity to be really helpful.
Does anyone feel or worry that their newborn sleeps too much. My LO is 11 days and sleeps constantly and I worry that he sleeps too much. Any thoughts or input?
Does anyone feel or worry that their newborn sleeps too much. My LO is 11 days and sleeps constantly and I worry that he sleeps too much. Any thoughts or input?
This made me nervous too because DS1 was alert from day one. DS2 was asleep the whole first week home. I called the Dr and was told it was fine as long as he was eating. I polled friends and was reassured constantly how common this is. Call your doc if you are worried, especially if he's not feeding well but here's my experience this time if it makes you feel better.
My LO is 21 days. He literally slept through the first 13 days, only walking to nurse. He did nurse every hour to hour and a half but as soon as he was on the boob eyes closed. He started being more fussy on day 14 but I wouldn't say alert. He was up and looking around less than an hour a day. Yesterday and today he seems to have awoken to his surroundings. He's been alert and looking around for an hour or more 4-5 times, so awake and alert about a total of 6-7 hours. He's also really pissed off tonight from all the stimulation. Nice to finally meet you baby!
I would suspect everything is normal with your LO and you should enjoy the quiet easy time before he gets more alert but call your doctor if he's not eating or if you are worried something is wrong. Never hurts to get some reassurance.
Re: New Moms - Weekly June 13-20 Updates, Issues, Accomplishments
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.
Over here! I googled what to do and it's helping. Very common
Edited: BF and typing is hard. Messed that quote up
I'm also holding him on my chest for the first time without him trying to scramble for boob. Snuggles >:D<
Hopefully this will end the "spit up two liters of milk" horror scenes that have been happening :-/ Hour 16, and it's working.
I'm also trying the "laid back" nursing position and not helping him latch. It helps with the pain - not 100% but better. I really don't want to dread feeding him - that's a big concern for me right now.
=D>
Hang in there, I'm struggling, too!
When I tried to pump one breast after a feeding due to a giant lump that wouldn't go away I barely got .25 of an oz. but I know she's almost taking 3 oz per feeding from my breastfeeding class so it's just a matter of continuing the pumping when I'm ready to start building my stash for work.
Keep going guys. This is the hardest part. We can do it!
When I first started, a nurse suggested that I set small goals. I took it week by week. I kept telling myself to just get through the week. Then it became a month and I took it month by month. Next thing I knew 6 months went by and I hardly noticed.
I know it's easier said than done but hang in there and try not to beat yourself up over it either. I've had to supplement with formula and I allowed myself to take breaks by letting someone else feed him. However you decide to feed your LO will turn out fine. Just don't allow yourself to feel like a failure.
Also, I'm anxious about this first poo. I took the colace at around 11pm..... Going back to find the thread where some of y'all discussed this.
GOOD NEWS. Baby girl is doing pretty good at BF, I think. Excited to talk with a LC tomorrow though to get some more tips!
My bigger concern is one of my stitches (2nd degree tear), it's pretty painful and tender. Maybe that means it's healing? Any ladies have any insight on this?
I second the BF stories, so glad to know I'm not alone!
Week one mark was the hardest for me too. Keep going! I wanted to give up sooo bad but am glad I pushed through the pain. LO is 3 weeks today and BFing is so much easier. Some pain and not completely healed but I'm not crying or scared to let him eat anymore!
Might be a sensitivity to something they are eating. With DD she was sensitive to casein in milk and would get irritated from it on the way out.
Eta: could it be food allergies this early?
Between these two adjustments today, I am starting to feel better about BF'ing!
But his weight was also low, so the ped recommended supplementing. To me, that's disappointing but a relief at the same time. Hopefully it will temporarily help with our nursing issues, while giving me time to keep working on getting my supply up. DH however, is not thrilled about giving DS "artificial" food so early. Which has me an emotional wreck... Feeling like I'm simultaneously failing DS and DH. Stupid hormones and sleep deprivation, its so hard to think, and communicate rationally.
My LO is 21 days. He literally slept through the first 13 days, only walking to nurse. He did nurse every hour to hour and a half but as soon as he was on the boob eyes closed. He started being more fussy on day 14 but I wouldn't say alert. He was up and looking around less than an hour a day. Yesterday and today he seems to have awoken to his surroundings. He's been alert and looking around for an hour or more 4-5 times, so awake and alert about a total of 6-7 hours. He's also really pissed off tonight from all the stimulation. Nice to finally meet you baby!
I would suspect everything is normal with your LO and you should enjoy the quiet easy time before he gets more alert but call your doctor if he's not eating or if you are worried something is wrong. Never hurts to get some reassurance.