We have had our issues with BF. But I can't seem to get the hang of pumping to help with the engorgement. We don't want me to produce too much and engorge more, so I have only pumped a couple of times. I think i'm producing too much milk, cause DD keeps choking when feeding on the breast. Any suggestions on how to slow the flow down a little?
I've found that if I just express a bit with my hand before I feed LO that helps. I also read that if you recline it slows the flow, so I get LO latched and then lean back, cradling him with my arm underneath. Then I situate the boppy so it's supporting my arm. Both things seemed to have worked as he gets chocked less and less. I just started pumping once a day as LO is 4 weeks, and DH is giving him his 11:00 bottle. That's been awesome!
@KarasTwin I too had to wean myself off the pump. The pain was unbearable, and holding LO was just too painful at times. My engorgement went away after two days.
@klkonwi & @dancegurl1118 might I suggest having DH or SO massage for you? When I had blocked ducts I would try and massage myself but I'm a wimp and wouldn't really massage it very good, so if DH does it, he shows no mercy and gets it done for me. It sucks so I hope it gets better soon!
Question for you BFing ladies..... LO will be seven weeks on Thursday. We are only about a week and a half into BFing.... Previously I was pumping and bottle feeding.
How long do your babies nurse for? Mine spends 20-25 minutes on each side, sometimes even longer. There are times when he starts crying for more a half hour later! I'm sure some of it is comfort nursing, but I'm getting concerned that it is taking so long and he isn't getting full. I thought by this point, cluster feeding would be over, but apparently not for my LO. Is this normal? I feel like I'm constantly nursing, and it is exhausting. I'd love to hear what other moms are experiencing so I know if this is normal or if I should seek out the help of a lactation consultant. TIA!
Question for you BFing ladies..... LO will be seven weeks on Thursday. We are only about a week and a half into BFing.... Previously I was pumping and bottle feeding.
Curious how your LO has taken to BF after previously pumping? Since I'm EP and bottle feeding, the pedi suggested I continue to try BF since LO may take to it better the older she gets. I'd love to hear about your experience!
Question for you BFing ladies..... LO will be seven weeks on Thursday. We are only about a week and a half into BFing.... Previously I was pumping and bottle feeding.
How long do your babies nurse for? Mine spends 20-25 minutes on each side, sometimes even longer. There are times when he starts crying for more a half hour later! I'm sure some of it is comfort nursing, but I'm getting concerned that it is taking so long and he isn't getting full. I thought by this point, cluster feeding would be over, but apparently not for my LO. Is this normal? I feel like I'm constantly nursing, and it is exhausting. I'd love to hear what other moms are experiencing so I know if this is normal or if I should seek out the help of a lactation consultant. TIA!
LO goes through several growth spurts during the first year. The first happens around 2/3 weeks and the second is 6/8 weeks. He may be hitting a growth spurt
Question for you BFing ladies..... LO will be seven weeks on Thursday. We are only about a week and a half into BFing.... Previously I was pumping and bottle feeding.
How long do your babies nurse for? Mine spends 20-25 minutes on each side, sometimes even longer. There are times when he starts crying for more a half hour later! I'm sure some of it is comfort nursing, but I'm getting concerned that it is taking so long and he isn't getting full. I thought by this point, cluster feeding would be over, but apparently not for my LO. Is this normal? I feel like I'm constantly nursing, and it is exhausting. I'd love to hear what other moms are experiencing so I know if this is normal or if I should seek out the help of a lactation consultant. TIA!
Our babies share a birthday and my LO is the exact same way, especially these last few days. I would, for your benefit, go see a LC and do a pre and post feed weight so you can see milk transfer qty. I have had a few done and it really helps me have more confidence in not knowing how much he's eating, which I'm sure is especially hard after using a bottle and knowing and having control, at least that's how it'd be for me.
Question for you BFing ladies..... LO will be seven weeks on Thursday. We are only about a week and a half into BFing.... Previously I was pumping and bottle feeding.
How long do your babies nurse for? Mine spends 20-25 minutes on each side, sometimes even longer. There are times when he starts crying for more a half hour later! I'm sure some of it is comfort nursing, but I'm getting concerned that it is taking so long and he isn't getting full. I thought by this point, cluster feeding would be over, but apparently not for my LO. Is this normal? I feel like I'm constantly nursing, and it is exhausting. I'd love to hear what other moms are experiencing so I know if this is normal or if I should seek out the help of a lactation consultant. TIA!
LO goes through several growth spurts during the first year. The first happens around 2/3 weeks and the second is 6/8 weeks. He may be hitting a growth spurt
Per the Wonder Weeks app, there is also a Leap at 7.5 weeks, which makes LO clingy and needing to nurse more. My baby is going through the first leap at 4.5 weeks and it's tough!
Thanks ladies!! Glad to know that other mommas are going through this too. He is definitely going through a leap and a growth spurt, but I decided to meet with a LC as well... So glad I did!! Turns out his latch isn't very good, and he isn't getting the hind milk that he needs... She gave me some great tips and a nipple shield to help improve his latch. Here's to hoping things improve!!
2- breastfeeding and pumping so hubby can feed once a night so I can sleep. I also have to pump after my first AM feed and last PM feed to help with engorgement. Which seems like in my head it would make it worse but otherwise I can't get LO to latch.
3- question: anyone else sweat like a wildabeast when BF-ing?? Omg, my toes are sweating!!
@katyqv How old is your LO? Landon had no problem with nipple confusion, and switched from bottle to breast without trouble, but I wish I had seen a lactation consultant a long time ago... He had a terrible latch so by today trying to fix it is like teaching an old dog new tricks. I should have gone to her on the first day I made the transition.
Screw It. I'm having a beer right now. I'm so stressed over my supply-blocked duct. I can't feel the lump anymore but I'm still not producing on that side when I pump......
Getting SO frustrated with pumping after my bfing sessions. The pumped supply keeps creeping downward. Some of it may have to do with the fact that I have stopped cutting LO off at 10 min per breast and just let him finish the side he is on when he is ready. But I'm also aware some of it may be due to the fact that every time I see those damned flanges and collection bottles that fill So. Very. Slowly... I die inside a little bit. Its just so disheartening to look at a measly 7ml that I get from pumping for 15 minutes - for a measurement comparison, that's like a quarter of a quarter of an ounce. I have never even managed a ml a minute average.
I enjoy breastfeeding, but I'm about to give up on this whole pumping to increase supply theory. It's not working.
Getting SO frustrated with pumping after my bfing sessions. The pumped supply keeps creeping downward. Some of it may have to do with the fact that I have stopped cutting LO off at 10 min per breast and just let him finish the side he is on when he is ready. But I'm also aware some of it may be due to the fact that every time I see those damned flanges and collection bottles that fill So. Very. Slowly... I die inside a little bit. Its just so disheartening to look at a measly 7ml that I get from pumping for 15 minutes - for a measurement comparison, that's like a quarter of a quarter of an ounce. I have never even managed a ml a minute average.
I enjoy breastfeeding, but I'm about to give up on this whole pumping to increase supply theory. It's not working.
If pumping is causing that much stress, you might be better off to put the pump away for a week and let LO eat as long as needed.
If it makes you feel any better, with DS I couldn't get more than 2-4 extra ounces at 6 months and I was very successful pumping. I couldn't get a good freezer stash until he started eating solids. Then I kept pumping even though he was drinking less. At 6 mo I was pumping 8-10 oz per boob, per session and still couldn't get a surplus. Keep it up, you're doing great and eventually it will pay off!
Lately when I pump, I put a warm compress on my breasts and also gently massage and I've been having more success. Also I stopped looking at how much is coming out and I think relaxing more is helping too.
For the compress I use a hot/cold clay thing from cvs. It's awesome.
Maybe this will help someone... Or maybe everyone knows this already, either way, I thought I'd share
@CillyMama attached is a screenshot of what the app says about how it compares to the book. Glad you asked, I was wondering and hadn't paid attention to realize the explanation was there!
The app was $1.99. I normally don't pay for apps because I'm a cheap bastard. I was glad to know about this Leap because LO definitely changed behavior as predicted, and I feel calmer knowing why. If I weren't moving, I'd be interested in the book because I find the app to be good. Will check it out when I'm back in the U.S. in August.
Can't find it now, but someone asked if I found the app more accurate if I used due date or birth date. I didn't notice that I should have used due date. and only used birth date (LO was one day late). Using birth date, I felt he started the Leap earlier than expected. I went back and adjusted to Due Date and that better fit my observation of when this Leap seemed to start. But I'm a FTM and this is his first Leap, so who knows. But based on this, I'd say better to use due date.
@virginiaunicorn11 thanks for the info! I've been confused about the different stages since LO is a preemie. Good to know I should use the due date. I'll probably start with the app first then I'll see about getting the book.
LO is two weeks old today & breastfeeding is not getting better. It makes me want to cry. I hate this. I want to do it so bad though but I can't keep this up
@mellymar I feel ya! I nurse for 20-40 mins, supplement 2-4ozs and pump maybe 1oz between both sides. I don't think the binge pumping is helping at all.
@Jellybean001 I thought I had an oversupply the first week after LO was born. I fed him laying on my side, this way he could let any excess milk dribble out the side of his lips if he wanted. Or as others recommended, feeding while reclined. My supply has since balanced out.
1. LO is 2w2d 2. BF 3. LO is always wanting to suck for comfort, often eating to much at once and later giving himself a tummy ache. Wondering if others have experience using gripe water, I'm considering using it (I'm guilty of not having using the search toolbar yet for this, apologize if it's already been discussed), and we have started using a pacifier a bit as needed between feedings. I couldn't find much online about why it's recommended that we wait 6 weeks until it's introduced aside from possible nipple confusion. Is anyone else aware of any risks that I'm missing of using a pacifier before 6 weeks?
@Jellybean001 I thought I had an oversupply the first week after LO was born. I fed him laying on my side, this way he could let any excess milk dribble out the side of his lips if he wanted. Or as others recommended, feeding while reclined. My supply has since balanced out.
1. LO is 2w2d 2. BF 3. LO is always wanting to suck for comfort, often eating to much at once and later giving himself a tummy ache. Wondering if others have experience using gripe water, I'm considering using it (I'm guilty of not having using the search toolbar yet for this, apologize if it's already been discussed), and we have started using a pacifier a bit as needed between feedings. I couldn't find much online about why it's recommended that we wait 6 weeks until it's introduced aside from possible nipple confusion. Is anyone else aware of any risks that I'm missing of using a pacifier before 6 weeks?
I've introduced the pacifier, and have used gripe water on occasion. LO is 3 weeks and 2 days old. The gripe water seems to help, but I have noticed looser stools after I give it to him. He hasn't had any nipple confusion either. We do bf, some bottles of pumped milk and the pacifier on occasion. So far things seem to be going well. Fingers crossed that we continue on this path.
LO is two weeks old today & breastfeeding is not getting better. It makes me want to cry. I hate this. I want to do it so bad though but I can't keep this up
Sorry if I am forgetting previous posts, but what are you having trouble with? At 2 weeks, I was still crying and had bleeding cracks. I got serious about healing and fixing the latch, and at week 3 it was better, and by week 4, we hit our stride.
I've heard if you can get through the first month, you are likely to have success. You're halfway there!! If you want to do this, I bet you can. If you've had enough, there are plenty of ladies here in the same boat. You will find lots of support either way.
Meanwhile, another morning of massive, gushing, waterfall spit up from my LO. Alllll over the bed. And four rogue poops and one rogue pee on the changing table. 2 loads of laundry created before 7:00 am. New record!
If we hadn't gone to the pedi yesterday, I'd have freaked. Now I can just laugh at it all, thank goodness!
LO is two weeks old today & breastfeeding is not getting better. It makes me want to cry. I hate this. I want to do it so bad though but I can't keep this up
*hugs* Breastfeeding is definitely not easy, so first thing to say is that you're not alone. If you want to persevere with feeding then I can say that for many of us it has gotten easier with time. If you end up switching to formula or combo feeding then that's ok too - your LO needs a happy mother. And be proud of what you have accomplished by getting this far.
Meanwhile, another morning of massive, gushing, waterfall spit up from my LO. Alllll over the bed. And four rogue poops and one rogue pee on the changing table. 2 loads of laundry created before 7:00 am. New record!
If we hadn't gone to the pedi yesterday, I'd have freaked. Now I can just laugh at it all, thank goodness!
This was me yesterday. His second spit up went all over my neck and chest and I just sat there a few minutes before I cleaned it up. Then came an explosive poop up his back. Eventful day!
It's so hard when I have what look like little blisters on the tips of my nipples from a bad latch. But then, I get a great feed with her and I think I can do it. Then, later in the day my breast are so sore and my nipples ache that I don't want to feed and I put on the nipple shield. And I also have a lot of pain down under between stitches, a hemmy, and my urethra being raw from all the swelling and having spasms when I urinate. I just want all the pain to be over. Then, I have another good feed. I'm all over the place. It's only been 11 days, I have to remind myself of that.
Thanks for letting me vent. I have hope that today will be better.
We have had major issues from the start but we've been working hard. LO is 3 weeks and 5 days.
Bf, with a bottle of pumped milk here and there. I pump every morning to have some for the day and I've been able to start a stash.
Our issue is latch, sometimes she's good and others not so much. She tries so hard top get to the boob that she's almost fighting and then doesn't open wide. She crunches up and pushes towards me and then uses her hands to grab my nipple so then I can't even see when her mouth is open. Also when she gets on, sometimes she'll self adjust to go to a more shallow latch. She has a really strong sucks and uses her gums. Not sure how to fix this.
I am currently trying to balance my supply so I'm not going to crazy with supply boosting things, but I was using basil essential oil and it worked. Some suggest rubbing on boobs, but I didn't want it to irritate LO, also the smell is strong. I dilute it in carrier oil and rub it on my spine at boob level. I'm also trying to eat a lot of oatmeal.
We have had major issues from the start but we've been working hard. LO is 3 weeks and 5 days.
Bf, with a bottle of pumped milk here and there. I pump every morning to have some for the day and I've been able to start a stash.
Our issue is latch, sometimes she's good and others not so much. She tries so hard top get to the boob that she's almost fighting and then doesn't open wide. She crunches up and pushes towards me and then uses her hands to grab my nipple so then I can't even see when her mouth is open. Also when she gets on, sometimes she'll self adjust to go to a more shallow latch. She has a really strong sucks and uses her gums. Not sure how to fix this.
My LO is the same way, although he's improving. When he's frantic with hunger (which seems to be most of the time) it helps if DH takes him and soothes him while I get set up to feed. If you're pumping you could consider giving a little bit of expressed milk beforehand to take the edge off her hunger. As for his hands, I try to position them so that one is resting on top of my breast and the other is below so that theyre out of the way. Then press the heel of your hand between her shoulder blades to get her positioned close to your body.
Had our pediatrician appointment today, and she asked how much I am pumping a day. I told her between 35-40 oz a day and her response was "Woah, Dairy Queen!" I feel like a cow.
Just left my little one's one month appointment and doctor said to start trying him with a bottle. ( I love being the one to give him his meals...it's the one thing that is just him and me. But, guess it's best to do one a day like he said so he will be used to it when I go back to work at the end of August. Also, I didn't know, but breast milk is often deficient in vitamin D, so my doc Wants me to get some to give to DS daily.
LO is two weeks old today & breastfeeding is not getting better. It makes me want to cry. I hate this. I want to do it so bad though but I can't keep this up
Sorry if I am forgetting previous posts, but what are you having trouble with? At 2 weeks, I was still crying and had bleeding cracks. I got serious about healing and fixing the latch, and at week 3 it was better, and by week 4, we hit our stride.
I've heard if you can get through the first month, you are likely to have success. You're halfway there!! If you want to do this, I bet you can. If you've had enough, there are plenty of ladies here in the same boat. You will find lots of support either way.
Hang in there, this stuff is so hard!!
I think it's her latch. She only wants to take the end of my nipple. I pumped & gave her bottles the past two feedings & now she's breastfeeding again & it feels better this time! Maybe my nips just needed some time to heal. Thanks for the support ❤️❤️
Hello all, Lo is two weeks. Doing a combo of formula and breastfeeding. And at first we were doing pretty good with getting him to latch on, but lately I've been struggling. Poor Lo he gets so mad. I really want to keep breastfeeding but I felt like formula fills him up and breastfeeding just takes forever. Getting a little discouraged, however will keep trying.
LO is a little over 24 hours old. and we are already having troubles with latching! he latches perfectly on the left side, i can already do it one handed. but the right side is like a fight to get him on it. im wondering if the shape of my nipple has anything to do with it as it does have an indent on one side. any ideas on what to ask for before i leave tomorrow? i keep asking the nurses for help but the way he is positioned is really uncomfortable to keep up with for more than 3 minutes. and i cant tickle him if he gets sleepy whilst nursing because i need one hand holdong my boob and one hand holding him. any help?
LO is a little over 24 hours old. and we are already having troubles with latching! he latches perfectly on the left side, i can already do it one handed. but the right side is like a fight to get him on it. im wondering if the shape of my nipple has anything to do with it as it does have an indent on one side. any ideas on what to ask for before i leave tomorrow? i keep asking the nurses for help but the way he is positioned is really uncomfortable to keep up with for more than 3 minutes. and i cant tickle him if he gets sleepy whilst nursing because i need one hand holdong my boob and one hand holding him. any help?
See if they can help you with the "laid back" position. This has you leaning back on pillows, and you let LO latch on his own. I had the exact same issues as you (great latch on left, not on right, and was trying to use a hand to direct my boob). What I learned from the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding book is that LOs often know how to latch but it's our interference that creates an issue.
Also, if you keep going and get an injury, try a shield and lots of lanolin, and keep at it. I didn't know enough to change the latch, so I was cracked and bleeding. After a few days with the shield, I healed, used that position, and it all went much better.
You might try a few other positions, too, like the football hold (tuck LO under your arm, feet to the back, head at boob) or side lying. But see if giving LO control over his latch will fix it. If he grabs on too shallow, tuck a finger into his mouth to release the latch, and let him try again. You should be able to see both his top and bottom lips sticking out (bottom may be harder to see, but don't let him roll that top lip under).
If the nurses can't help, look into getting that book. That's what I did, and it resolved most of my issues.
Sounds like you're off to a decent start! Nice work, mama, keep at it!
Re: Feeding Check-In & Support 7/6-7/12
How long do your babies nurse for? Mine spends 20-25 minutes on each side, sometimes even longer. There are times when he starts crying for more a half hour later! I'm sure some of it is comfort nursing, but I'm getting concerned that it is taking so long and he isn't getting full. I thought by this point, cluster feeding would be over, but apparently not for my LO. Is this normal? I feel like I'm constantly nursing, and it is exhausting. I'd love to hear what other moms are experiencing so I know if this is normal or if I should seek out the help of a lactation consultant. TIA!
2- breastfeeding and pumping so hubby can feed once a night so I can sleep. I also have to pump after my first AM feed and last PM feed to help with engorgement. Which seems like in my head it would make it worse but otherwise I can't get LO to latch.
3- question: anyone else sweat like a wildabeast when BF-ing?? Omg, my toes are sweating!!
How old is your LO? Landon had no problem with nipple confusion, and switched from bottle to breast without trouble, but I wish I had seen a lactation consultant a long time ago... He had a terrible latch so by today trying to fix it is like teaching an old dog new tricks. I should have gone to her on the first day I made the transition.
@virginiaunicorn11 I was thinking of getting the wonder weeks book is the app the same thing?
I enjoy breastfeeding, but I'm about to give up on this whole pumping to increase supply theory. It's not working.
1 month and a day
2. Breastfeeding? Pumping? Formula Feeding? A combo of 2 or all 3?
3. Updates, questions or concerns you'd like to share with the group...
If it makes you feel any better, with DS I couldn't get more than 2-4 extra ounces at 6 months and I was very successful pumping. I couldn't get a good freezer stash until he started eating solids. Then I kept pumping even though he was drinking less. At 6 mo I was pumping 8-10 oz per boob, per session and still couldn't get a surplus. Keep it up, you're doing great and eventually it will pay off!
For the compress I use a hot/cold clay thing from cvs. It's awesome.
Maybe this will help someone... Or maybe everyone knows this already, either way, I thought I'd share
The app was $1.99. I normally don't pay for apps because I'm a cheap bastard. I was glad to know about this Leap because LO definitely changed behavior as predicted, and I feel calmer knowing why. If I weren't moving, I'd be interested in the book because I find the app to be good. Will check it out when I'm back in the U.S. in August.
Can't find it now, but someone asked if I found the app more accurate if I used due date or birth date. I didn't notice that I should have used due date. and only used birth date (LO was one day late). Using birth date, I felt he started the Leap earlier than expected. I went back and adjusted to Due Date and that better fit my observation of when this Leap seemed to start.
But I'm a FTM and this is his first Leap, so who knows. But based on this, I'd say better to use due date.
1. LO is 2w2d
2. BF
3. LO is always wanting to suck for comfort, often eating to much at once and later giving himself a tummy ache. Wondering if others have experience using gripe water, I'm considering using it (I'm guilty of not having using the search toolbar yet for this, apologize if it's already been discussed), and we have started using a pacifier a bit as needed between feedings. I couldn't find much online about why it's recommended that we wait 6 weeks until it's introduced aside from possible nipple confusion. Is anyone else aware of any risks that I'm missing of using a pacifier before 6 weeks?
He hasn't had any nipple confusion either. We do bf, some bottles of pumped milk and the pacifier on occasion. So far things seem to be going well. Fingers crossed that we continue on this path.
I've heard if you can get through the first month, you are likely to have success. You're halfway there!! If you want to do this, I bet you can. If you've had enough, there are plenty of ladies here in the same boat. You will find lots of support either way.
Hang in there, this stuff is so hard!!
If we hadn't gone to the pedi yesterday, I'd have freaked. Now I can just laugh at it all, thank goodness!
Thanks for letting me vent. I have hope that today will be better.
Bf, with a bottle of pumped milk here and there. I pump every morning to have some for the day and I've been able to start a stash.
Our issue is latch, sometimes she's good and others not so much. She tries so hard top get to the boob that she's almost fighting and then doesn't open wide. She crunches up and pushes towards me and then uses her hands to grab my nipple so then I can't even see when her mouth is open. Also when she gets on, sometimes she'll self adjust to go to a more shallow latch. She has a really strong sucks and uses her gums. Not sure how to fix this.
I am currently trying to balance my supply so I'm not going to crazy with supply boosting things, but I was using basil essential oil and it worked. Some suggest rubbing on boobs, but I didn't want it to irritate LO, also the smell is strong. I dilute it in carrier oil and rub it on my spine at boob level. I'm also trying to eat a lot of oatmeal.
Lo is two weeks. Doing a combo of formula and breastfeeding. And at first we were doing pretty good with getting him to latch on, but lately I've been struggling. Poor Lo he gets so mad. I really want to keep breastfeeding but I felt like formula fills him up and breastfeeding just takes forever. Getting a little discouraged, however will keep trying.
he latches perfectly on the left side, i can already do it one handed. but the right side is like a fight to get him on it. im wondering if the shape of my nipple has anything to do with it as it does have an indent on one side. any ideas on what to ask for before i leave tomorrow?
i keep asking the nurses for help but the way he is positioned is really uncomfortable to keep up with for more than 3 minutes. and i cant tickle him if he gets sleepy whilst nursing because i need one hand holdong my boob and one hand holding him.
any help?
Also, if you keep going and get an injury, try a shield and lots of lanolin, and keep at it. I didn't know enough to change the latch, so I was cracked and bleeding. After a few days with the shield, I healed, used that position, and it all went much better.
You might try a few other positions, too, like the football hold (tuck LO under your arm, feet to the back, head at boob) or side lying. But see if giving LO control over his latch will fix it. If he grabs on too shallow, tuck a finger into his mouth to release the latch, and let him try again. You should be able to see both his top and bottom lips sticking out (bottom may be harder to see, but don't let him roll that top lip under).
If the nurses can't help, look into getting that book. That's what I did, and it resolved most of my issues.
Sounds like you're off to a decent start! Nice work, mama, keep at it!