October 2015 Moms

Breastfeeding TIPS and learnings go here! :)

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Re: Breastfeeding TIPS and learnings go here! :)

  • All of my night nursing was done side lying. It's sort of the same principle as far as touch triggers and gravity helping. And side lying is great for tongue tied babies too.
  • DeeGreerDeeGreer member
    edited August 2015
    I have a question about using lanolin. The fact that it comes from sheep's sebaceous glands...i.e. scalp funk grosses me out and nothing I've read indicates any real evidence it's beneficial. I know Lansinoh says there's is pure but...tons of chemicals have to be used to "purify" it. Does anyone have any other suggestions for nipple care during breastfeeding? One lady at work said she used peppermint oil.
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  • MamaOwl15MamaOwl15 member
    edited August 2015
    DeeGreer said:

    I have a question about using lanolin. The fact that it comes from sheep's sebaceous glands...i.e. scalp funk grosses me out and nothing I've read indicates any real evidence it's beneficial. I know Lansinoh says there's is pure but...tons of chemicals have to be used to "purify" it. Does anyone have any other suggestions for nipple care during breastfeeding? One lady at work said she used peppermint oil.

    Coconut oil? It's good for all the things, so why not this?

    ETA: Earth Mama Angel Baby Calendula cream is lanolin-free and vegan (so no scalp funk).

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  • @mlleilbbington I agree with PPs.  The breastfeeding class I went to discussed this as ideal.  That is part of the "sacred hour" and immediate skin-to-skin contact.  They lay baby on your belly or chest and he or she will actually find your breast to start feeding.  That's what the "bumps" on breasts are for.  They are not pimples - they secrete an odor that helps baby find them.
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  • @MamaOwl15 I didn't think of coconut oil. I was also thinking of trying sierra sage comfort cream. A lot of stuff I've gotten samples of is really thick and I can't imagine would feel good tugging on sore nips.

    @LiveNLove44 an older woman at work told me to rough up my nipples with a loofah. IS SHE CRAZY!? Thanks, but no thanks. I'd prefer not to have calluses for nipples!
  • Do NOT "rough up" your nipples. That's not necessary at all. Your nips get used to having a baby nurse on them over time, no prepping needed.

    Also, for minor soreness, you can rub a little bit of breastmilk on the nipple area (ie after pumping, just take a few of the drops of milk left on the flanges and rub it right on there).

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  • I think someone mentioned pediatricians, but when we were searching for a good pediatrician in our area one of the things we looked for was the extra breastfeeding accreditation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I hope that means that our pediatrician will be more helpful with breastfeeding than some.

    @DeeGreer : I'll be using coconut oil, too. I'm allergic to lanolin. I didn't even think about where it comes from, but that is gross!
  • This is all really great information ladies! I'm a STM and had such a rough time BFing the first time around. I had a breakdown because DD would cry so often and seem so hungry I thought I was starving her. When I pumped, not even an oz would come out. Then after a week of only trying BFing I broke down and started bottle feeding and it was a miracle. She seemed so much more at ease, more alert, cried less often, etc. But reading some of these techniques, I think we could have really pushed through. It was just really hard being 18 with no direction (my mom would always just shrug her shoulders and say "just give her a bottle to shut her up." Great support right?).

    I am a lot more optimistic this time around with more of this knowledge and being in a more solid place in life with DH and financial stability and all of that wonderful stuff.
  • Coconut oil works too. I used it and the baby can ingest it. That's what you need to look for. The idea is to keep your nipples moist. It's great to express a bit of milk and rub it into your nipples and avoid using soap .
  • I've been told you shouldn't take any supplements to promote breast feeding during pregnancy. Some of those herbs are dangerous for baby. It kin of sucks because I want to do all I can to have a healthy milk when my baby arrives but the doc won't even let me drink the teas that promote milk either.
  • komorebikomorebi member
    edited August 2015
    https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Jack-Newmans-Guide-Breastfeeding/dp/1780662300

    Link to Dr Jack Newman's breastfeeding book. I just bought it and even though I'm well versed i can tell it will be extremely useful. I wish i had it for my first baby!
  • CrissyGee said:

    I've been told you shouldn't take any supplements to promote breast feeding during pregnancy. Some of those herbs are dangerous for baby. It kin of sucks because I want to do all I can to have a healthy milk when my baby arrives but the doc won't even let me drink the teas that promote milk either.

    You actually don't need to worry about having milk when the baby is born, because you'll have colostrum, and baby's stomach is so tiny. A baby's stomach actually grows quite a lot in the first few days, so by the time baby needs your milk, your milk comes in. You may not even need a supplement, though many moms who pump find it helpful to boost supply.

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  • MamaOwl15 said:

    CrissyGee said:

    I've been told you shouldn't take any supplements to promote breast feeding during pregnancy. Some of those herbs are dangerous for baby. It kin of sucks because I want to do all I can to have a healthy milk when my baby arrives but the doc won't even let me drink the teas that promote milk either.

    You actually don't need to worry about having milk when the baby is born, because you'll have colostrum, and baby's stomach is so tiny. A baby's stomach actually grows quite a lot in the first few days, so by the time baby needs your milk, your milk comes in. You may not even need a supplement, though many moms who pump find it helpful to boost supply.
    To add to this most women make plenty of milk. If you're in the small % that doesn't (you'll know from baby not having enough pee and poop diapers and by how the baby nurses, pause in chin movements=swallowing milk) you need to assess milk transfer and have the baby weighed before and after a feed to see what they're getting. Don't go off of pump output. Any herbs to boost your supply won't work for long if the baby isn't latched and draining the breast.
  • I've heard coconut oil is the best thing for your nips, next to your own milk and those freezer gel packs!
  • Does anyone have advice on what accessories to buy for the breast pump?  I am planning to get the Medela PISA and will be pumping at work (12 hour shifts).  There are so many options...quick wipes, steamer bags, membranes and valves, Medela accessories kits.  What do I actually need?!  Thanks in advance!
  • Anyone know if we can take some supplements for supply before baby is born? Thought it would be good to start fenugreek and a couple others the week or so before I'm due if it's safe!

    I would not start any supplements until baby is here. I know fenugreek says not to take while pregnant and baby really doesn't need much in the beginning.
  • aprosch said:

    Does anyone have advice on what accessories to buy for the breast pump?  I am planning to get the Medela PISA and will be pumping at work (12 hour shifts).  There are so many options...quick wipes, steamer bags, membranes and valves, Medela accessories kits.  What do I actually need?!  Thanks in advance!

    I love the steamer bags! Other than that I didn't really need any replacement parts. As a working mom you may want a spare set of membranes and flanges so you can have some in case you forget them.

  • One last thing, I found it very helpful if I was pumping and I couldn't actually see my baby was to look at pictures of him on my phone and it really helped with my let down
  • BingjBingj member
    edited August 2015
    I called my insurance company today to see if a breast pump would be covered. She gave me a really long answer and said she couldn't email the info because it isn't written anywhere and its "inside information" what??!? I was annoyed to say the least. Anyways, I've used the same pump for my last two pregnancies which is a Medela hospital grade double pump. Does anyone know the difference between a hospital grade and a electric pump?? She mentioned how there are 3 types, a hospital grade, an electric and a manual. I know that I definitely do not want a manual....
  • What do you ladies think about boppy and support pillows? I had one last time and used it but this time around I thought maybe I could just get away with a pillow or my snoogle. I found a good price on one at marshalls the other day though so now I'm wondering if I should run out and grab it. Anyone else just use regular old pillows?
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  • Does anyone have any advice on Nipple pain? I had a really difficult time breastfeeding my first. She actually latched fine (I went to LLL breastfeeding consultant and she said my daughter was latching great) but my nipples hurt so badly. I couldn't even press a towel to my chest after a shower because they hurt so bad. I ended up dreading every breastfeeding session and had a hard time forming that special bond or connection. The LLL consultant suggested I try a nipple shield and it was amazing. I was supposed to gradually stop using it but I never did because I was afraid it would go back to the pain! Does anyone have any advice?? I just want this next experience to be more positive!
  • ElleMF728ElleMF728 member
    edited August 2015
    Anyone know if we can take some supplements for supply before baby is born? Thought it would be good to start fenugreek and a couple others the week or so before I'm due if it's safe!
    Haven't made it all the way through yet so I don't know if anyone answered you.  Do not start Fenugreek until after baby is here, give your milk a chance to come in so you can see what you are working with.  Engorgement can be really painful and as difficult to work with as a low supply.  

    In addition, Fenugreek can cause uterine contractions which isn't safe for pregnant women, the supply increase should occur in about 24-72 hours so it doesn't need too long to kick in.  

    ETA: I did use it with my first and am currently using it with this LO.  I noticed a big increase with #1 (went from pumping about 2 oz to pumping between 5-6 oz) and I've only just recently upped my dosage within the last day and am already seeing an increase again.  You need to be consistent for it to work but once you supply is established you can ween yourself off of it.  2 tablets morning, afternoon and evening and if that isn't work up it to 3 tablets 3 times a day.  These are the instructions given to me by my LC and okayed by my OB. 
  • Beware of the shark bite... when my son was anywhere near my nipple he would open his mouth wide and I swear I would hear a chomp lol! I would put my finger next to my nipple so it would receive the brunt of the chomp then remove it as soon as he calmed down lol

    @VioletandRose I don't know if your question was answered already but I bought extra membranes and different sized suction cups. I found after a while the suction wasn't as strong, but once I changed the cups and membranes it worked good as new
  • maiatenemaiatene member
    edited August 2015
    @Sweet Sadie Mae I still use my boppy! It helped when my son was small and I needed help positioning him... it also helped me not drop him during those late night feedings when I was half asleep myself (don't judge me lol) @tuinstrab nipple cream, specifically Medela nipple cream, saved my life. I would rub it on every time I remembered and by week 2 I didn't have any pain. Also rubbing breastmilk on immediately afterwards and going braless when I'm at home helped me a lot too.
  • I came across this website and thought I'd share it with everyone. It's pretty useful for us first-time moms since it has actual pictures of what they are explaining. The whole U vs. C hand thing makes SO much more sense to me now.  

  • Can we take 2 supplements after the baby is born? Like fenugreek as well as a tea?
  • I came across this website and thought I'd share it with everyone. It's pretty useful for us first-time moms since it has actual pictures of what they are explaining. The whole U vs. C hand thing makes SO much more sense to me now.  


    Thanks for sharing that was very helpful!
  • Forgive me if this has already been asked; I didn't want to read the whole thread...but I am planning on breastfeeding but because I may need to take my baby to class i would prefer to use pumped milk because I think breastfeeding would too distracting for other students. Anyhow, what would be the best way to transport pumped milk? Or should I just not try doing that and excuse myself from class to breastfeed?
  • That's true.
  • A coworker suggested recording the baby's 'hungry' cry and replaying it when pumping. This is my first child, so I have no idea how helpful it would be, but I'm filing it away for when I go back to work, just in case.
  • komorebi said:

    https://evolutionaryparenting.com/the-role-of-early-diagnosis-of-tongue-ties-on-breastfeeding-success/

    Great resource on tongue ties. Get them checked before you leave the hospital if you have a bad latch and rechecked if the lc doesn't believe tt are an issue.

    This just happened, a world of difference after getting it clipped
  • If your baby has thrush... Your boobs do too. If it feels like sand coming out your nipples that's thrush. You need medicine to get rid of it.
  • If your baby has thrush... Your boobs do too. If it feels like sand coming out your nipples that's thrush. You need medicine to get rid of it.

    I treated thrush with grapefruit seed extract. My mom swears by gentian violet. Nystatin is what they prescribe but I've heard mixed reviews. My last baby had thrush bad, while i only had a mild case. They say not to scrape the white patches off but we took a wet washcloth and wiped her tongue clean (it looked raw underneath) and used the gfs extract and it was gone after three treatments.
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