I wish all stores had rooms to BF. The mall here has small rooms with a glider and it's wonderful. I'm too shy to just pop my boob out in public and I hate those covers. What do you do in public? Maybe I just need to be more confident and just do the damn thing while DH doesn't the shopping.
I would just feed in public with no problem. I've gotten a couple discreet techniques down with practice. Some people don't notice and just think the baby is sleeping or I would nurse with the baby in a carrier and I'd be nursing hands free! I did it earlier today in the grocery store.
I used a cover when I first started but I feel like it makes it more obvious. When DS1 was about 5-6months old he would just fling the cover away making it more obvious than ever. I guess he just doesn't like to eat with a blanket over his head.
@CillyMama you're great! That even fixes my football game issues. We have three boys and live in a small town. People don't BF in public here *eye roll* church ladies (only kind if lady around here) actually don't approve of it...at all.
I must confess...as a tired, very sore FTM, I found myself getting super jealous/resentful of my sleeping DH because well, he's sleeping and he can't feed our baby! Our LC told us that we should wait till 3-4 wks before introducing bottles...DH will be back at work then and likely won't be getting up to feed him then anyway ---the nips are still more than ready for the transition and I'm still looking forward to it. I'm just exhausted and wishing DH could produce some milk for baby!!
On that note, this whole being a mom has given me a new respect for all the mamas out there---keep up the good work moms!!
I wish all stores had rooms to BF. The mall here has small rooms with a glider and it's wonderful. I'm too shy to just pop my boob out in public and I hate those covers. What do you do in public? Maybe I just need to be more confident and just do the damn thing while DH doesn't the shopping.
I'm tely nervous about this too. Part of the reason I'm afraid to go anywhere with the baby!
@devyns2nd nursing rooms would be divine. I don't have an issue breastfeeding in public if there's somewhere for me to sit. DH and I are going furniture shopping this weekend and I was like...can I just sit on any of the couches and nurse? Usually I wouldn't care but since it's a product they're selling I could see someone being touchy.
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.
@devyns2nd nursing rooms would be divine. I don't have an issue breastfeeding in public if there's somewhere for me to sit. DH and I are going furniture shopping this weekend and I was like...can I just sit on any of the couches and nurse? Usually I wouldn't care but since it's a product they're selling I could see someone being touchy.
FFFC: I BF'd DD on the patio furniture in the ikea warehouse last week... No shame. I BF'd DS everyyyyywhere when he was a baby. I learned very quick that unless I wanted to be a hermit for my entire BFing career, i needed to get comfortable with BFing in almost any situation (standing, walking, sitting, cover on, cover off). When I first started I found it helpful to not make eye contact with anyone, I just stared at my adorable baby and pretended we were alone. TBh 95% of the time passerbys didn't even realize what I was doing (or if they did, they didn't give crap).
@devyns2nd I struggle with public breast feeding too... I bought a nursing scarf on amazon and it is so much better than those big obvious covers ... I practice with it around the house so jealous of women who can bf in public with such ease!
I don't really like BF as well, when my son latches it hurts so so bad. I saw a lactation nurse and she said he was a model latcher and couldn't figure out why it hurt me so badly. With that said I'm only pumping & I'm not producing enough for him to feed so I'm giving him breast milk and formula. I hope one day I can pump as much as he'll need but this will do for now. The lactation nurse suggested I take fenugreek vitamin to help my milk supply and so far I think it has done pretty well!
@devyns2nd nursing rooms would be divine. I don't have an issue breastfeeding in public if there's somewhere for me to sit. DH and I are going furniture shopping this weekend and I was like...can I just sit on any of the couches and nurse? Usually I wouldn't care but since it's a product they're selling I could see someone being touchy.
Hey that couch has to be BFing quality. You might as well test it out.
I breastfed my baby for three days. While we were in the hospital and for one day after we got home. I had plenty of help at the hospital with her latch and positioning, so I don't believe that was the problem. My baby was constantly wanting to feed and I was really starting to lose my mind. No one could help me with her and I felt so alone. I wish that breastfeeding could have worked for us, but it simply didn't. I am pumping for her now, but mostly giving her formula. She has a milk protein allergy, we discovered, so she is drinking Similac Alimentum from our pediatrician. I've been freezing my breast milk since we found out about the allergy because I don't know if it will hurt her tummy. Since switching to formula, I feel like I can be a better mom because I'm happier and not so exhausted. Feeding isn't the only aspect of caring for a baby and when I was breastfeeding, it was taking up so much of our lives. I felt guilty about switching to formula and still sometimes cry because I feel like I failed my baby, but she's being fed and she's gaining weight. I try to remember that that's what is important.
For those of you who are pumping, about how much are you getting each time you pump? I get about 2ozs on each side. I am 10 days pp. Also does anyone take a lactation supplement? I've seen some made by the Honest Company, but was wondering which kind any of you have actually used.
@CillyMama you're great! That even fixes my football game issues. We have three boys and live in a small town. People don't BF in public here *eye roll* church ladies (only kind if lady around here) actually don't approve of it...at all.
I know it is SO much easier said than done, especially
I don't really like BF as well, when my son latches it hurts so so bad. I saw a lactation nurse and she said he was a model latcher and couldn't figure out why it hurt me so badly. With that said I'm only pumping & I'm not producing enough for him to feed so I'm giving him breast milk and formula. I hope one day I can pump as much as he'll need but this will do for now. The lactation nurse suggested I take fenugreek vitamin to help my milk supply and so far I think it has done pretty well!
My understanding is you need to find a new LC. She should not have told you this. Everything I've read describes this as a problematic LC. It doesn't matter if it looks right if it doesn't feel right.
I'm really sorry you had that experience. Can you see if you can contact your local La Leche League for better advice?
@amabarne I'm on Day 13 and am starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I am using constant medicated gel pads and a nipple shield to nurse on the right side. It is only with both these steps in the last few days that I've been able to stop the crying when he latches.
I've been exclusively pumping (twins were born early and we needed to supplement to have them gain weight. Plus, we knew how much they were eating) but recently I started trying to breast feed and they're getting the hang of it! My question is that one of my girls is a SUPER messy eater when on my right side only (left side is no problem). I'm talking it's all over her face and running down to my shirt. Any thoughts on how to prevent the mess? I would hate to be out in public and have her make a total mess of my shirt
I'm very jealous of you ladies who have a nice healthy supply. With DD I had a ton of milk in the beginning, I would get really engorged and DD didn't even always drain both of them and was completely satisfied. Then around 6 months I just stopped producing and we supplemented with formula until she was old enough for cows milk. With DS I'm 9 days PP and I feel like I've stopped producing already. I try to feed him from both sides every time and he latches but I don't think he's getting much. I had to start supplementing because I don't want him to go hungry and he's been eating a whole 4oz bottle every time so it's pretty safe to say he's not getting much if anything at all. I'm really upset because BFing was my plan from the beginning and I was really hoping to go longer than 6 months this time but I couldn't even seem to go a full week I'm going to try pumping whenever he's sleeping and some fenugreek but I don't feel any letdown anymore and when pressing on my breasts they're not hard at all. I'm really struggling and I'm hoping something will help because this is important to me to be able to BF my little guy!
Anyone finding that one side is easier to nurse from than the other? Nursing LO on my left side is a breeze, but the right side is always pretty painful initially. Not sure if I just need to play around with positioning or if LO just really likes to chomp on my right nipple... but it's not fun!
For those of you who are pumping, about how much are you getting each time you pump? I get about 2ozs on each side. I am 10 days pp. Also does anyone take a lactation supplement? I've seen some made by the Honest Company, but was wondering which kind any of you have actually used.
I'm EP and 6 days PP. Currently only pumping about 2oz total during each pumping. I'm pumping every 1.5-2 hours in hopes of increasing my supply. It's really exhausting.
I'm thinking about giving fenugreek a whirl. That whole smelling like maple syrup thing, though.
Anyone finding that one side is easier to nurse from than the other? Nursing LO on my left side is a breeze, but the right side is always pretty painful initially. Not sure if I just need to play around with positioning or if LO just really likes to chomp on my right nipple... but it's not fun!
Yes. Same for me. Left has been great, but I cringe when I have to switch sides.
Anyone finding that one side is easier to nurse from than the other? Nursing LO on my left side is a breeze, but the right side is always pretty painful initially. Not sure if I just need to play around with positioning or if LO just really likes to chomp on my right nipple... but it's not fun!
Yes. Same for me. Left has been great, but I cringe when I have to switch sides.
I'm the opposite. My right side is way more comfortable. I also noticed that when I pump I get a lot more from my right than my left.
Anyone finding that one side is easier to nurse from than the other? Nursing LO on my left side is a breeze, but the right side is always pretty painful initially. Not sure if I just need to play around with positioning or if LO just really likes to chomp on my right nipple... but it's not fun!
Yes. Same for me. Left has been great, but I cringe when I have to switch sides.
I'm the opposite. My right side is way more comfortable. I also noticed that when I pump I get a lot more from my right than my left.
I usually get more from my right, but that's the side that is more uncomfortable! Not sure what the deal is. Hopefully this will improve soon!
Anyone finding that one side is easier to nurse from than the other? Nursing LO on my left side is a breeze, but the right side is always pretty painful initially. Not sure if I just need to play around with positioning or if LO just really likes to chomp on my right nipple... but it's not fun!
Yup. I think I have an overactive milk ejection reflex on the left as I've noticed that my son doesn't fully latch on but instead suckles very very gently on just the nipple. It's pretty much the opposite of what a correct latch should be, but he's so gentle it doesn't hurt at all he's definitely getting the milk out, and if I try to get him to latch then he starts choking. On the right hand side he still has to do a proper latch, and my poor nipple is still suffering from the times when he doesn't quite get it right.
Does sleeping on my stomach effect my milk production? I feel like I'm squishing them in... Maybe they can't fill up properly? Is this crazy? lol The things I think of when I could be asleep...
@SarahBaby87 Good question! I've been scared to even try laying on my stomach so far. I reeeally want to go get a massage so I'll have to figure that one out! Although I'm sure a massage won't hurt my milk supply like you were referring to.
I've been exclusively pumping (twins were born early and we needed to supplement to have them gain weight. Plus, we knew how much they were eating) but recently I started trying to breast feed and they're getting the hang of it! My question is that one of my girls is a SUPER messy eater when on my right side only (left side is no problem). I'm talking it's all over her face and running down to my shirt. Any thoughts on how to prevent the mess? I would hate to be out in public and have her make a total mess of my shirt
My boy does this. We call him our little piglet. I have to tuck a burp cloth under my arm and boob when he eats on the right side. That side is also the leaky one in public. I've just gotten used to using the Moby, a wrap, or a scarf to hide the stains on my shirt. I'm quite sexy with all the pads in my pants and shirt...
Extreme soreness in left breast since last night... Feels bruised... Currently using a heating pad but the thought of nursing from this side is terrifying... Any tips?
@ElRuby I'm having the same problem except mine feels like my sternum is bruised. I have gel pads that I can put in the fridge or freezer and that helps more than heat.
Extreme soreness in left breast since last night... Feels bruised... Currently using a heating pad but the thought of nursing from this side is terrifying... Any tips?
Try a hot wash cloth before feeding and a cold one right after? That helped when I was engorged but not sure that's your issue. Sorry, lady, that sucks :-(
In case anyone hasn't heard of the Milkie before it is a little plastic cup thing that fits in your bra so that while you are but nursing on one breast it will collect the dripping milk from the other breast. I think it's awesome. Every bit of breast milk collected is a bonus in my book. Plus no effort involved & less leaky mess to deal with.
I am so in your boat. I feel horrible for wanting to switch but I cant keep dreading each feeding time. My appt with the pediatrician is in a couple days and I hope to get some support. As a first time mom it is a lot to take on and I feel my whole day is around feeding and am glad the couple times dad was able to use a bottle of breastmilk to give me a break. But I know I wont be able to pump enough and will have to use formula as his primary source of nutrition. It just breaks my heart wanting to switch. But I think it will be for the better for my emotional state.
Extreme soreness in left breast since last night... Feels bruised... Currently using a heating pad but the thought of nursing from this side is terrifying... Any tips?
Update: after getting the chills and freaking about an infection I took a scalding hot shower and massaged the breast... Felt amazing... Pumped a bottle just in case but after reading the best remedy is nursing (ouch!) I did it ... And then I learned that I can hit some very high notes (
But it's already feeling better! I also took my prescription ibuprofen which should help with the inflammation.
I had a sore spot in my right breast and then last night I felt a pull and a pop and it was gone. I'm not sure what happened but I'm glad it did. I also have started having pains in my nipples and I get sweaty when it's time for him to eat?? I'm assuming this is the let down you guys talk about?? It's awful. I feel sick until he eats.
@devyns2nd This started happening with me last night. Like sweating everywhere even my upper lip kinda thing. Not cool.
I finally feel like I have LO's cues down. Now I just need to teach them to DH who wonders why LO goes from making cute noises to crying in no time. Get him to the titties DH!!!
@devyns2nd This started happening with me last night. Like sweating everywhere even my upper lip kinda thing. Not cool.
I finally feel like I have LO's cues down. Now I just need to teach them to DH who wonders why LO goes from making cute noises to crying in no time. Get him to the titties DH!!!
I've heard those night sweats are hormone related... I get them like crazy too.
My babe wastes no time letting me know he wants the boob. No patience, that one.
I just breastfed in the midst of making a deal buying furniture. Not a single woman salesperson in the store so the old crotchety males were not amused. Zero fucks given by me. For a second I tried to cover with a blanket and felt how ridiculous it was and said NOPE no blanket. I mentioned it to my mom and she was horrified that I'm not using a cover (I literally have B cups..no ones seeing anything). Whatever. At least it was a successful feeding.
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 breastfed in the midst of making a deal buying furniture. Not a single woman salesperson in the store so the old crotchety males were not amused. Zero fucks given by me. For a second I tried to cover with a blanket and felt how ridiculous it was and said NOPE no blanket. I mentioned it to my mom and she was horrified that I'm not using a cover (I literally have B cups..no ones seeing anything). Whatever. At least it was a successful feeding.
I'm also waking up at night stupid hot and sweaty. It happened when I was in the hospital too. The nurse mentioned something about left over pregnancy hormones but I was half asleep and don't remember much more than that.
I breast fed in public for the first time the other day. It was at the waiting room in the pediatritians office. So not a super scadalous place but still. A big deal for me! I'm a DD before pregnancy... I can only imagine what I am now. So there is defiantly something to see. I did use a lightweight muslin blanket to cover with. It worked well for me. Breast feeding has been much more sucessful this time than it was with my first baby... So I think that I feel more comfortable doing it out in public because of that... Who knows.
Re: Breastfeeding sucks (but it gets better) - A support thread
I used a cover when I first started but I feel like it makes it more obvious. When DS1 was about 5-6months old he would just fling the cover away making it more obvious than ever. I guess he just doesn't like to eat with a blanket over his head.
@CillyMama you're great! That even fixes my football game issues. We have three boys and live in a small town. People don't BF in public here *eye roll* church ladies (only kind if lady around here) actually don't approve of it...at all.
On that note, this whole being a mom has given me a new respect for all the mamas out there---keep up the good work moms!!
I'm really sorry you had that experience. Can you see if you can contact your local La Leche League for better advice?
@amabarne I'm on Day 13 and am starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I am using constant medicated gel pads and a nipple shield to nurse on the right side. It is only with both these steps in the last few days that I've been able to stop the crying when he latches.
I'm thinking about giving fenugreek a whirl. That whole smelling like maple syrup thing, though.
On the right hand side he still has to do a proper latch, and my poor nipple is still suffering from the times when he doesn't quite get it right.
Does sleeping on my stomach effect my milk production? I feel like I'm squishing them in... Maybe they can't fill up properly? Is this crazy? lol The things I think of when I could be asleep...
Good question! I've been scared to even try laying on my stomach so far. I reeeally want to go get a massage so I'll have to figure that one out! Although I'm sure a massage won't hurt my milk supply like you were referring to.
I'm having the same problem except mine feels like my sternum is bruised. I have gel pads that I can put in the fridge or freezer and that helps more than heat.
But it's already feeling better! I also took my prescription ibuprofen which should help with the inflammation.
Letdown is a bitch. It's like 1000 firey Suns in my nips anytime it's CLOSE to 2 hours and she cries. Nursing pads 4 lyfe.
This started happening with me last night. Like sweating everywhere even my upper lip kinda thing. Not cool.
I finally feel like I have LO's cues down. Now I just need to teach them to DH who wonders why LO goes from making cute noises to crying in no time. Get him to the titties DH!!!
My babe wastes no time letting me know he wants the boob. No patience, that one.
I breast fed in public for the first time the other day. It was at the waiting room in the pediatritians office. So not a super scadalous place but still. A big deal for me! I'm a DD before pregnancy... I can only imagine what I am now. So there is defiantly something to see. I did use a lightweight muslin blanket to cover with. It worked well for me. Breast feeding has been much more sucessful this time than it was with my first baby... So I think that I feel more comfortable doing it out in public because of that... Who knows.