LO suddenly kicking and screaming at breast. Anyone else have this happen? No idea what it means- I hear swallowing.
yes, my guy, too. I have to burp him when this happens. I pull him off, get a good burp, then resume
I can't wait for our pediatrician appt on Tuesday. I need affirmation. LO eats for maybe 5-10 minutes on one side and needs burped every 2-3 minutes. I offer the same boob a couple times to drain it a little better, get him the thicker milk, and slow down let down so he doesn't choke or get gassy. In general, I just feel for which boob is fuller and give him that one, if it's been a while.
But we are doing everything in demand, and I'm not actually tracking or timing anything at all (I count for three poopy diapers which usually happens well before noon, then I stop counting).
I find not tracking, since LO seems to be thriving, keeps me more sane and I don't try to control anything. I'm normally Type A so this decision was very freeing.
I want to ask if this is ok... but it is working for us, so I think it's fine. LO hardly cries and seems to be growing like a weed.
I have - at one stage the outer half of both breasts stopped draining - I think it was because of engorgement. I started massaging the blocked areas while LO fed which cleared it right up.
Lo is 4w4d old. Mostly pumping and bfing. I hate it, I hate every minute of it. My dh is super against formula. But the whole experience has been a nightmare. I think my dh doesn't like pumping either because then he had to feed her or warm up a bottle. I've been trying to get lo on the beast more and more the nipple shield helped a ton. But she just stays on the boob forver, I have to lean over her to get her to latch my dh just keeps saying that I need to go to a meeting and it shouldn't be this hard and all these things I should be doing, seriously I just want to cry, im so over it. I fed her for over 1 hour on both breasts felt like I got that let down thingie. She pushed the boob away and then still wanted a bottle after. I know she is getting stuff because I pump too, she gained 1 pound in 10 days well over the normal amount. She's only had formula twice at the hospital and on the first day we came home. I looked into the meetings the next one is on friday. I was hoping to try and get some sleep that day since dh is off. Between lo and dh I just feel like im not good enough and im over it. There is nothing wrong with formula and if it wasn't for the cost I would have switched on day 2. Also lo was fussy all night because she slept all day yesterday, we have a friend in town and are going out again today. I know people say it will get easier but at this point I don't believe them.
Your DH doesn't get it, mine didn't with my first either. That line "it shouldn't be this hard" I heard so many times... It is that hard for most people. If you haven't gone to the meeting yet, take dh with you. They will tell him so. If you opt for formula; I'm doing both with my second bc o don't have the couch time I had with my first running around (now 17 months)... There is no shame. It's 2015; we've put a man on the moon; the formula is good stuff.
And the generic formula is EXACTLY the same as the name brand if he has a money issue with it.
@virginiaunicorn11 I ditched tracking as well. It really adds to the stress. The only 2 things I track are which booby to start on, which is more for my comfort, and time feeding started at night in case I need to wake LO up to eat. Once she's past birth weight, I'll stop that. It's too much sometimes.
Bottle feeding breast milk question...LO eats every 1.5-2 hours during the day (but will sleep at least one 3-4 hour and one 2-3 hour stretch at night). I tried to replace two daytime feeds with a bottle the other day to give my chapped left nip a break.
She will be 2 weeks tomorrow, so I gave a 3oz bottle with a slow flow nipple, holding her upright and it vertically to slow her down. She inhaled it, burped, and then demanded more food about 30 minutes later, both times.
Should I go up to 4oz already? It seems early for that. She also would spit up a bit either after the bottle or after the subsequent feed...so I think she may be overeating because maybe the post bottle nurse is more for comfort than anything else (it is usually on the short side, 5-10 min).
Thoughts? I'm concerned that with the bottle she'll just chug whatever is in there bc she can't tell when she's getting full, so I don't know how much to give her. She gained 11oz between her 4 and 10 day dr appointments on just the breast, so she's gaining more than sufficiently.
You probably don't need to feed more, you need to mimic the breastfeeding experience with paced feedings, switching sides etc. This made a huge difference for my LO. DH also had to introduce a pacifier a bit as well to space feedings when I am out if the house. LO is 5 weeks and 13lbs so we are at at the stage where a pacifier makes sense. It might be different if you have a small LO or are trying for weight gain.
My babe will be 2 weeks on Monday. He eats for soooo long at the boob 1/2 hr to hour. And when I say long I don't mean lazy.... He is gulping and swallowing..... I pump a few times a day. Tonight he ate at the breast for a half hour then took 3 1/2 oz of pumped. Never puked. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to keep up with this milk wise. My nipples hurt like a burning fire. @HayesRN13 My whole life is feeding as well. I love being able to provide for him but I never get a break. If we do go somewhere I'm always worried he will get hungry and I always bring pumped milk because I'm weird about my boobs in public. I don't want to supplement but honestly want to for a break. I know the research about it changing the gut though ...
Mine has always had long feedings also, 40 min to an hour. We had his tongue clipped last week to see if it would help him be more efficient. Not sure if its that or that he's older and more experienced, but in the morning he's feeding more like 20 minutes. Then afternoon is constant... But he doesn't really go longer than 40 any more.
My biggest challenge currently is that I can.not.pump. I keep at it a couple times a day for stimulation but the empty bottle is getting depressing and discouraging. When We tried supplementing for slow weight gain LO was sensitive to formula, so now all I can do is bf. I dont mind that being my primary, but it's a little stressful not having a backup - I'm not super excited about bf-ing in public, I can't leave DH with a bottle, plus we had some car trips planned this summer which will be extra challenging. And I'm afraid of not getting pumping figured out before going back to work.
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)
My babe will be 2 weeks on Monday. He eats for soooo long at the boob 1/2 hr to hour. And when I say long I don't mean lazy.... He is gulping and swallowing..... I pump a few times a day. Tonight he ate at the breast for a half hour then took 3 1/2 oz of pumped. Never puked. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to keep up with this milk wise. My nipples hurt like a burning fire. @HayesRN13 My whole life is feeding as well. I love being able to provide for him but I never get a break. If we do go somewhere I'm always worried he will get hungry and I always bring pumped milk because I'm weird about my boobs in public. I don't want to supplement but honestly want to for a break. I know the research about it changing the gut though ...
The way I look at it, is he's getting the benefit of your breast milk so what if he has formula too... He's fully covered! And if it allows some more sleep and sanity then that is more of a benefit for him
LO suddenly kicking and screaming at breast. Anyone else have this happen? No idea what it means- I hear swallowing.
yes, my guy, too. I have to burp him when this happens. I pull him off, get a good burp, then resume
I can't wait for our pediatrician appt on Tuesday. I need affirmation. LO eats for maybe 5-10 minutes on one side and needs burped every 2-3 minutes. I offer the same boob a couple times to drain it a little better, get him the thicker milk, and slow down let down so he doesn't choke or get gassy. In general, I just feel for which boob is fuller and give him that one, if it's been a while.
But we are doing everything in demand, and I'm not actually tracking or timing anything at all (I count for three poopy diapers which usually happens well before noon, then I stop counting).
I find not tracking, since LO seems to be thriving, keeps me more sane and I don't try to control anything. I'm normally Type A so this decision was very freeing.
I want to ask if this is ok... but it is working for us, so I think it's fine. LO hardly cries and seems to be growing like a weed.
Exactly how I do it, much less stress... I know with all the diaper changes and almost 3 pounds in 3.5 weeks he's doing just fine, my DH laughs at me when I "juggle" my boobs before a feeding
@mindaa I can't really pump for nothing, either. It is pretty disheartening. Every single drop is like liquid gold, and there is no way at my current production I will ever be able to supply a stash.
I feel like LO is getting better while on the boob, he is more actively engaged in nursing instead of just hanging out, but he still tends to fall asleep while at the bar, which is frustrating because I can watch him take nice, long draws so I know he is getting milk when he is not falling asleep. If he didn't keep falling asleep on the boob, I might actually be able to properly breastfeed him if he could stay in place for longer. It would certainly help up my supply, at least so I wouldn't have to use formula in addition. What a lazy boy.. [-(
I just keep looking at it like hayesrn says, his diet still has some breast milk in it, so he is still getting some benefit of antibodies, etc.
When we went to the pedi on Thursday LO was only one ounce from birth weight which was great because the Thursday before he was over a pound down. He was 9 lbs,4 oz and he eats 3.5 to 4 ounces per feeding. During the day he eats every 2.5 to 3 hours and every 3 at night, but the pedi said that he is ok to go one 4 hour stretch if he slept that long. I'm pumping and supplementing with formula and we were doing half of each at every feeding, but starting today we're alternating breastmilk at one feeding and formula at the next. He will be 2 weeks on Monday. He does spit up, but usually not very much. He spit up at the pedi the other day and she said it was perfectly normal unless he seemed to be in pain, which he doesn't, so that makes me worry a little less. Keep up the good work, mommies!
I had issues with sleeping at the breast. I'd keep a wet wash cloth close by and wipe his head and face while he is still latched to wake him a bit and get him back going. He still seems to eat slowly, takes each breast for 20 minutes at feeding time, and I still have to supplement with formula.
Thank you for all the reassuring words guys. I am not supplementing at this time yet. I started actually pumping a LOT more today so hopefully I'll be able to keep up... One thing though id like to cry about.... My mom accidentally threw an ounce of breastmilk down the sink today..... Ugh.
Thank you for all the reassuring words guys. I am not supplementing at this time yet. I started actually pumping a LOT more today so hopefully I'll be able to keep up... One thing though id like to cry about.... My mom accidentally threw an ounce of breastmilk down the sink today..... Ugh.
2. Breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding? A combination of two of all three? Exclusively formula feeding from day one. We have been using Similac Sensitive and my husband LOVES being able to feed his little girl
3. Questions, concerns, and/or updates for the group. I sincerely hope everyone is finding their groove with their latest addition to their families and enjoying this special time. It has been so wonderful reading about your journeys!
4. Just for fun ... #9
Pic is Grace's first feeding in the delivery room I'm totally in love...
Lo is 4w4d old. Mostly pumping and bfing. I hate it, I hate every minute of it. My dh is super against formula. But the whole experience has been a nightmare. I think my dh doesn't like pumping either because then he had to feed her or warm up a bottle. I've been trying to get lo on the beast more and more the nipple shield helped a ton. But she just stays on the boob forver, I have to lean over her to get her to latch my dh just keeps saying that I need to go to a meeting and it shouldn't be this hard and all these things I should be doing, seriously I just want to cry, im so over it. I fed her for over 1 hour on both breasts felt like I got that let down thingie. She pushed the boob away and then still wanted a bottle after. I know she is getting stuff because I pump too, she gained 1 pound in 10 days well over the normal amount. She's only had formula twice at the hospital and on the first day we came home. I looked into the meetings the next one is on friday. I was hoping to try and get some sleep that day since dh is off. Between lo and dh I just feel like im not good enough and im over it. There is nothing wrong with formula and if it wasn't for the cost I would have switched on day 2. Also lo was fussy all night because she slept all day yesterday, we have a friend in town and are going out again today. I know people say it will get easier but at this point I don't believe them.
YOU are the one putting your body through the work. I respect my husband's opinion on EVERYTHING regarding our daughter, but ultimately it's your body that has to go through this. I am exclusively formula feeding with a very supportive husband (he loves being able to feed her) and it has been fantastic. Two days after discharge at her first appointment she has regained 4oz of what she lost at the hospital and I don't feel the pressure to BF. I fully support breastfeeding if that's what mom wants to do, but no one should be bullied or forced into something that is incredibly time consuming and difficult (major kudos to you BF ladies). Formula is NOT rat poison, and if you need to supplement for the good of your baby or your mental sanity you WILL get through it and your kiddo will be okay.
Don't give up on BF, but if you are super stressed that can't be good for you or your LO.
Fed is best and a happy/relaxed mom is best for baby. Good luck!
BF is so hard! And you hear it from some people but don't really understand how hard until you have to do it. I'm so happy we made the decision to formula feed during the day and I BF her from bedtime until morning. It's so much easier for us to formula feed. I feel like I can leave the house and do things without being so paranoid about feeding her and knowing I'm on a stict schedule and need to find a place to nurse. I know I could do it publicly but honestly I just don't think I could find the courage too. I've finally started to enjoy BF our daughter when I do.
That sounds like a great schedule! We are FF exclusively, but major kudos for making your schedule work!
Thanks @Sammy K ! It sure IS hard as hell. Kinda does make me mad as hell to all the LCs and formula naysayers for painting this picture of how fantastic bfing is, and such a walk thru a sunny meadow with wildflowers growing in it, butterflies flitting all around and birdies singing in the trees and alighting on our fingers and bringing flowers for our hair like Disney princesses. What an unreal expectation. I don't mind its hard, I mind they misrepresented the challenge of it to the point that they almost lied to us. [-(
Also, side note - the feeding at the boob 10-15 min, then pumping 15 min, then trying hand express the dregs afterwards, then topping off with formula - its freaking time consuming. Its almost time to start it all over again by the time I'm done. If you go by your initial starting time on the boob, that is.
You are doing what is best for your kiddo. Period. There is no failure, and everyone's choices are unique to them and their situation. Good for you with continuing to pump and I hope that works out for you with your new pump! Good luck, and I hope that supplementing gives you the time and energy to do what you need to do for your LO.
LO must be going through a growth spurt or milestone bc he has been attached to me nearly every minute he's not asleep for two days. I'm hoping this helps my supply bc I have a feeling based on his behavior that it's just enough. He's 6 weeks 3 days. Momma is exhausted but love seeing my little guy grow! We are almost out of newborn clothes and diapers! Woohoo!!!
For any moms that bottle feed, how much is your LO eating? Mine is 3 weeks old and she eats 4-6 ozs per feeding. Seems like a lot to me...
I'm FF from day 1, and she's only five days old, we are aren't into the weeks yet. However, I felt like she was eating a TON so I asked the pediatrician whether I should limit her. His response was that babies are incredibly good self-regulators and if she is hungry feed her and when she is full she will stop. Period. Definitely check in and ask at your next appointment, but I don't think they can over feed at this age. Good luck!
My supply is finally increasing. She will be two weeks old on Tuesday. It's hard to know what did the trick because there are a lot of factors that can contribute to it. I've been drinking Mother's Milk tea, LO just had a couple of days of cluster feeding, I recently started taking my encapsulated placenta, and I've been pumping 2-3 times a day, usually while LO sleeps. I still hope for more supply because we're doing formula top offs (usually about 4oz a day), which the pediatrician said is totally fine. LO also likes to comfort nurse. I notice that when pumping I don't get much out after about 10-15 minutes, but she likes to nurse for 30-40 min a side. I'd like to think the extra stimulation will help my supply. It's hard to know what's actually happening with consumption and BF.
Night feedings are going pretty good. She sleeps in her bassinet until 1-2 AM after a 3-4 hour stretch of sleep. I generally have to hand pump a small bottle (about 2 oz), feed her that and then let her nurse on each side for about 10 min each. She goes back in the bassinet for a couple of hours then we do the side lie position and co-sleep until morning around 7. I wish I had more stamina at night so I didn't co-sleep, but that's what's working for us right now.
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
I had two glasses of wine last night over 4 hours. I had one glass while I fed her and then another over the course of an hour. No fucks given and just fed her as usual. Pumping and dumping is a waste of milk. If you're ok to drive you're ok to breastfeed (or pump).
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.
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
I had two glasses of wine last night over 4 hours. I had one glass while I fed her and then another over the course of an hour. No fucks given and just fed her as usual. Pumping and dumping is a waste of milk. If you're ok to drive you're ok to breastfeed (or pump).
I know it. I need to better educate my man! I tried to tell him! Never again. Putting my foot down!!! That stuff is hard to come by!!!
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
I had two glasses of wine last night over 4 hours. I had one glass while I fed her and then another over the course of an hour. No fucks given and just fed her as usual. Pumping and dumping is a waste of milk. If you're ok to drive you're ok to breastfeed (or pump).
I know it. I need to better educate my man! I tried to tell him! Never again. Putting my foot down!!! That stuff is hard to come by!!!
You're right, Pumping and dumping is a waste. Your body naturally filters out the alcohol, so unless you are drunk and engorged...no need to P&D. I also saw milk test strips at Target if there is any concern.
We had our first date night last weekend and I had one 16oz beer and a glass of wine over a 4 he stretch plus lots of water and my husband insisted we dump the milk I pumped. Almost 4oz. I couldn't watch. But our LO is small so maybe he was right. I'm trying not to think about it.
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
I had two glasses of wine last night over 4 hours. I had one glass while I fed her and then another over the course of an hour. No fucks given and just fed her as usual. Pumping and dumping is a waste of milk. If you're ok to drive you're ok to breastfeed (or pump).
I know it. I need to better educate my man! I tried to tell him! Never again. Putting my foot down!!! That stuff is hard to come by!!!
You're right, Pumping and dumping is a waste. Your body naturally filters out the alcohol, so unless you are drunk and engorged...no need to P&D. I also saw milk test strips at Target if there is any concern.
those test strips are just to prey on our fears. they are not needed. even the crazy intense LLL folks say drinking is ok and pump and dumping is unnecessary.
the way some of you are talking about the "big lie" of the promise of breastfeeding is completely how I feel about med-free childbirth. it's a big lie that you just have to get over the fear and picture yourself opening like a rose. makes me angry just thinking about how naive I was about it.
but somehow I knew breastfeeding would be super hard. I cried so much during the first two weeks. I'm so glad I stuck with it because now at four weeks, it DOES finally feel really special and magical. I said it before, but it's what has helped with baby blues and bonding with my baby.
I wouldn't dare suggest it can be that way always, for everyone... but I'm relieved the "it gets better" sentiment worked for me this time. I had bleeding, cracked nipples, constant painful tingling, and latching hurt me basically as much as my worst contractions. with shields, lanolin, and lots of support, I got through it.
watching your baby grow is what is most magical. however you can/need to achieve that, so be it. I can't fathom the pressure and judgment that women put on each other or themselves. this is already too hard, without all that nonsense to make it worse. how anyone has a child and still passes judgment on others is beyond me.
standing down from my soapbox now. just want you all to feel empowered and good, for being the awesome mamas that you are.
As someone who ditched out on breastfeeding 2 weeks in, I'm inspired by you guys. I'm comfortable with my choice but I feel like if we have another child that I can do it (bf-ing) next time!
So I have been breastfeeding and supplementing with formula because it seems like he is always hungry even after nursing for 40 mins on each side! When he spits up it looks like spoiled milk! I know TMI and I'm sorry for the visual! I just don't know what to do. I want to breastfeed as long as I can but he always seems like he wants more.
I got drunk on two and a half glasses of wine a couple of weeks ago. It was seriously so fun and, let me say, well earned. Well I had to pump while intoxicated, and dumped the milk. It was worth it for one night of freedom but I haven't done it since because I can't bear to dump my hard earned milk! It is definitely liquid gold!
Re: Breastfeeding/Pumping/Formula Feeding Check-In 6/29 to 7/5
I can't wait for our pediatrician appt on Tuesday. I need affirmation. LO eats for maybe 5-10 minutes on one side and needs burped every 2-3 minutes. I offer the same boob a couple times to drain it a little better, get him the thicker milk, and slow down let down so he doesn't choke or get gassy. In general, I just feel for which boob is fuller and give him that one, if it's been a while.
But we are doing everything in demand, and I'm not actually tracking or timing anything at all (I count for three poopy diapers which usually happens well before noon, then I stop counting).
I find not tracking, since LO seems to be thriving, keeps me more sane and I don't try to control anything. I'm normally Type A so this decision was very freeing.
I want to ask if this is ok... but it is working for us, so I think it's fine. LO hardly cries and seems to be growing like a weed.
What you're doing sounds perfectly sensible to me, and it sounds like your baby is thriving.
And the generic formula is EXACTLY the same as the name brand if he has a money issue with it.
She will be 2 weeks tomorrow, so I gave a 3oz bottle with a slow flow nipple, holding her upright and it vertically to slow her down. She inhaled it, burped, and then demanded more food about 30 minutes later, both times.
Should I go up to 4oz already? It seems early for that. She also would spit up a bit either after the bottle or after the subsequent feed...so I think she may be overeating because maybe the post bottle nurse is more for comfort than anything else (it is usually on the short side, 5-10 min).
Thoughts? I'm concerned that with the bottle she'll just chug whatever is in there bc she can't tell when she's getting full, so I don't know how much to give her. She gained 11oz between her 4 and 10 day dr appointments on just the breast, so she's gaining more than sufficiently.
You probably don't need to feed more, you need to mimic the breastfeeding experience with paced feedings, switching sides etc. This made a huge difference for my LO. DH also had to introduce a pacifier a bit as well to space feedings when I am out if the house. LO is 5 weeks and 13lbs so we are at at the stage where a pacifier makes sense. It might be different if you have a small LO or are trying for weight gain.
My biggest challenge currently is that I can.not.pump. I keep at it a couple times a day for stimulation but the empty bottle is getting depressing and discouraging. When We tried supplementing for slow weight gain LO was sensitive to formula, so now all I can do is bf. I dont mind that being my primary, but it's a little stressful not having a backup - I'm not super excited about bf-ing in public, I can't leave DH with a bottle, plus we had some car trips planned this summer which will be extra challenging. And I'm afraid of not getting pumping figured out before going back to work.
I feel like LO is getting better while on the boob, he is more actively engaged in nursing instead of just hanging out, but he still tends to fall asleep while at the bar, which is frustrating because I can watch him take nice, long draws so I know he is getting milk when he is not falling asleep. If he didn't keep falling asleep on the boob, I might actually be able to properly breastfeed him if he could stay in place for longer. It would certainly help up my supply, at least so I wouldn't have to use formula in addition. What a lazy boy.. [-(
I just keep looking at it like hayesrn says, his diet still has some breast milk in it, so he is still getting some benefit of antibodies, etc.
One thing though id like to cry about.... My mom accidentally threw an ounce of breastmilk down the sink today.....
Ugh.
5 days old today (Sunday)
2. Breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding? A combination of two of all three?
Exclusively formula feeding from day one. We have been using Similac Sensitive and my husband LOVES being able to feed his little girl
3. Questions, concerns, and/or updates for the group.
I sincerely hope everyone is finding their groove with their latest addition to their families and enjoying this special time. It has been so wonderful reading about your journeys!
4. Just for fun ...
#9
Pic is Grace's first feeding in the delivery room
I am exclusively formula feeding with a very supportive husband (he loves being able to feed her) and it has been fantastic. Two days after discharge at her first appointment she has regained 4oz of what she lost at the hospital and I don't feel the pressure to BF.
I fully support breastfeeding if that's what mom wants to do, but no one should be bullied or forced into something that is incredibly time consuming and difficult (major kudos to you BF ladies). Formula is NOT rat poison, and if you need to supplement for the good of your baby or your mental sanity you WILL get through it and your kiddo will be okay.
Don't give up on BF, but if you are super stressed that can't be good for you or your LO.
Fed is best and a happy/relaxed mom is best for baby. Good luck!
Definitely check in and ask at your next appointment, but I don't think they can over feed at this age.
Good luck!
Night feedings are going pretty good. She sleeps in her bassinet until 1-2 AM after a 3-4 hour stretch of sleep. I generally have to hand pump a small bottle (about 2 oz), feed her that and then let her nurse on each side for about 10 min each. She goes back in the bassinet for a couple of hours then we do the side lie position and co-sleep until morning around 7. I wish I had more stamina at night so I didn't co-sleep, but that's what's working for us right now.
This meme is for you @klkonwi!
This is totally unscientific, and I didn't hear it from any doctor (it's just the way my mind works). As an exclusive pumper, if I've had a glass of wine, when I pump the next time, I split it into several bottles in the fridge, then dilute it with milk from later pumpings.
the way some of you are talking about the "big lie" of the promise of breastfeeding is completely how I feel about med-free childbirth. it's a big lie that you just have to get over the fear and picture yourself opening like a rose. makes me angry just thinking about how naive I was about it.
but somehow I knew breastfeeding would be super hard. I cried so much during the first two weeks. I'm so glad I stuck with it because now at four weeks, it DOES finally feel really special and magical. I said it before, but it's what has helped with baby blues and bonding with my baby.
I wouldn't dare suggest it can be that way always, for everyone... but I'm relieved the "it gets better" sentiment worked for me this time. I had bleeding, cracked nipples, constant painful tingling, and latching hurt me basically as much as my worst contractions. with shields, lanolin, and lots of support, I got through it.
watching your baby grow is what is most magical. however you can/need to achieve that, so be it. I can't fathom the pressure and judgment that women put on each other or themselves. this is already too hard, without all that nonsense to make it worse. how anyone has a child and still passes judgment on others is beyond me.
standing down from my soapbox now. just want you all to feel empowered and good, for being the awesome mamas that you are.
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