What are the vitamins for breastfed babies? The pediatrician told me to go get them and to "just ask the pharmacist, they'll know what you're talking about" but I like to be a little more prepared than that. Is there like a brand name?
My pediatrician told me breast fed babies need vitamin D supplement and it's 1ml per day. And for me to continue to take my prenatal vitamins as long as I'm breast feeding. Why would your pediatrician not just tell you? The pharmacist is not your doctor. My pediatrician even wrote down exactly what I needed on her note pad and gave it to me. I would've been annoyed by that but maybe I'm over sensitive lol.
Thank you ladies. @NovemberSno oh I'm annoyed with him too... he's a little weird. He's some kind of retired military, very short with answers, and he uses the metric system. The nurse told me LOs temperature in celcius and I was like sooo what is that in Farenheit? My SIL referred me to her pediatrician but he isn't taking new patients until December 1st. This is the pediatrician LO saw in the hospital so we're just using him until we can get in at the other one.
What are the vitamins for breastfed babies? The pediatrician told me to go get them and to "just ask the pharmacist, they'll know what you're talking about" but I like to be a little more prepared than that. Is there like a brand name?
My pediatrician prescribed vitamin D drops to start at one month. Otherwise, I am continuing my prenatal vitamins.
I was just told to continue my prenatals, no mention of Vitamin D.
Anyone have any luck weening off breast shields?? The nurses at the hospital had me using them since DD was little and had a hard time latching. I didn't know anything but I wish I declined and tried more to establish then. DD is a little over 3 weeks now and though I'll try here and there in the middle of a feeding or at the beginning she won't latch for more than a few seconds. We use Medela m silicone so cutting it away isn't an option.On a positive note she definitely is getting more than enough milk from me as judged by output and weight gain.Some things I read say she'll naturally wren herself off while others say it could take forever. Thanks!
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Anyone have any luck weening off breast shields?? The nurses at the hospital had me using them since DD was little and had a hard time latching. I didn't know anything but I wish I declined and tried more to establish then. DD is a little over 3 weeks now and though I'll try here and there in the middle of a feeding or at the beginning she won't latch for more than a few seconds. We use Medela m silicone so cutting it away isn't an option.On a positive note she definitely is getting more than enough milk from me as judged by output and weight gain.Some things I read say she'll naturally wren herself off while others say it could take forever. Thanks!
No advice but I'm in the same boat. I need the shield for my right side because my nipple is flat so I'll likely always need it on that side. I had used it on the left side too because he'd torn up the nipple when he would only eat from that side and I needed it to heal. Last night we were out and he got hungry and I forgot the shield back in my diaper bag after cleaning it - he wouldn't latch on to either breast so we had to drive 30 minutes home with a screaming hungry baby. I think I'm going to do the same thing of trying to get him to latch without the shield every now and then, and if he doesn't take it, we'll go back to the shield. It's made our feedings go a lot more smoothly (once I get the silly shield to suction), so I'm not necessarily too eager to take away the shield and fight to latch (since he goes from content to angry voracious banshee baby in no time flat)
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Anyone have any luck weening off breast shields?? The nurses at the hospital had me using them since DD was little and had a hard time latching. I didn't know anything but I wish I declined and tried more to establish then. DD is a little over 3 weeks now and though I'll try here and there in the middle of a feeding or at the beginning she won't latch for more than a few seconds. We use Medela m silicone so cutting it away isn't an option.On a positive note she definitely is getting more than enough milk from me as judged by output and weight gain.Some things I read say she'll naturally wren herself off while others say it could take forever. Thanks!
Can you start her latching with it and once the milk starts flowing take it off? I only used one on one side because I got a horrible blister and I needed protection. She never noticed, luckily. I would bet once she's latched and eating for a while and maybe starting to fall asleep you might be able to slide it off.
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Yep. Mine was on the boob for basically 12 hours once.
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Yep. Mine was on the boob for basically 12 hours once.
Okay good. Just making sure I'm not the only one or that something was wrong. I seriously think he's gained like half a pound in a day! Fairly certain his cheeks have gotten chubbier in the last 24 hours too! Lol definitely no concerns about this guy not getting enough/gaining enough weight.
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Yes. You can mix it. Use the oldest first.
Just one note when mixing, if you are going to store it, chill all the milk before mixing. You do not want to add freshly pumped milk to chilled milk, because it will reheat the chilled milk which could lead to bacteria growth.
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Yea my son did this the day before his followup at the pediatrician's and instead of losing weight he had gained some since we left the hospital. My milk had just come in and he was HUNGRY.
Anyone have any luck weening off breast shields?? The nurses at the hospital had me using them since DD was little and had a hard time latching. I didn't know anything but I wish I declined and tried more to establish then. DD is a little over 3 weeks now and though I'll try here and there in the middle of a feeding or at the beginning she won't latch for more than a few seconds. We use Medela m silicone so cutting it away isn't an option.On a positive note she definitely is getting more than enough milk from me as judged by output and weight gain.Some things I read say she'll naturally wren herself off while others say it could take forever. Thanks!
No advice but I'm in the same boat. I need the shield for my right side because my nipple is flat so I'll likely always need it on that side. I had used it on the left side too because he'd torn up the nipple when he would only eat from that side and I needed it to heal. Last night we were out and he got hungry and I forgot the shield back in my diaper bag after cleaning it - he wouldn't latch on to either breast so we had to drive 30 minutes home with a screaming hungry baby. I think I'm going to do the same thing of trying to get him to latch without the shield every now and then, and if he doesn't take it, we'll go back to the shield. It's made our feedings go a lot more smoothly (once I get the silly shield to suction), so I'm not necessarily too eager to take away the shield and fight to latch (since he goes from content to angry voracious banshee baby in no time flat)
I have flat nipples on both sides and have being using a shield since day one. Now that he's 3 weeks, I have been offering the breast without the shield and will pull back on the areola to get the nippe to extract and kind of drop the nipple into LO's mouth (he lays across stomach). He's been able to latch and pull the nipple out himself. I will say I revert back to the shield in the MON just for ease- I use the Medea contact shield.
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Yep. Mine was on the boob for basically 12 hours once.
Okay good. Just making sure I'm not the only one or that something was wrong. I seriously think he's gained like half a pound in a day! Fairly certain his cheeks have gotten chubbier in the last 24 hours too! Lol definitely no concerns about this guy not getting enough/gaining enough weight.
I literally said the same thing about my LO's cheeks this morning-- I swear they got fatter since yesterday!! She's pretty much been eating all day today with a few breaks in between, so you're not alone, hopefully it means she's packing on the ounces!!
Did anyone have days where their LO pretty much only ate? Zeke cluster fed from 10:30-2 last night, ate again from 4-4:30, then slept for 3 hours (till about 8). Now except for a 15ish minute break he's pretty much been eating all morning again.
Every time mine hit a growth spurt, yes. And in the beginning that was every few days! Then it spread to every week or so and then months.
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Yes. You can mix it. Use the oldest first.
Just one note when mixing, if you are going to store it, chill all the milk before mixing. You do not want to add freshly pumped milk to chilled milk, because it will reheat the chilled milk which could lead to bacteria growth.
Ah I hadn't thought of that! Damn I mixed chilled with fresh pumped well at least it wasn't very much! I have a pumping schedule down now so I shouldn't have that problem again. Thank you!
Can you mix pumped breastmilk? I've tried pumping 3 times and the first two I've barely covered the bottom of the bottle and this pump I did an ounce. I did the first two yesterday and the ounce this morning. They are all in the fridge as i plan to use them within 5-7 days. But can I put them all in the same container? If I do I should just use it from 5 days from yesterday?
Yes. You can mix it. Use the oldest first.
Just one note when mixing, if you are going to store it, chill all the milk before mixing. You do not want to add freshly pumped milk to chilled milk, because it will reheat the chilled milk which could lead to bacteria growth.
Ah I hadn't thought of that! Damn I mixed chilled with fresh pumped well at least it wasn't very much! I have a pumping schedule down now so I shouldn't have that problem again. Thank you!
I did the same thing! Ended up throwing it away, which sucked. I'm only pumping twice a day after feedings so I'm barely getting anything. Trying to build up a little stash for when grandma is watching her.
Sorry in advance for the length but I'm desperate. Lactation consultant isn't working again until Monday so I figured I'd ask for advice. My DS was born on the 17th. He BF like a champ until the day of discharge. We got home and everything was fine, but around dinner time something snapped and he cannot latch! He tries so hard and just cries and gets so frustrated he would cry himself to sleep. We went to see the lactation consultant the next day. She said my positions were perfect and we were doing everything right, she seems to think because my milk came in, there may be enough to make my breast way to firm for him to be able to latch right now. She suggested I pump 30 mins before feeding him (which is a little tricky considering you never really know when he's gonna wake up) and if he isn't ably to latch after that, to use a syringe and finger feed him. It breaks my heart having to feed him through a tube Although, that's been working great so far, but I'm worried that I'll have to start pumping and bottle feeding. I'm not opposed to it at all, I was just really hoping to be able to nurse. But I'll do what I have to for him. I'm currently able to pump about 2-2 1/2 ounces total each pump, which I'm doing every 2 hours. My question is, would I, or should I, wake up at night to pump to try to keep my supply up for now? I'm constantly worrying (bad, I know) every time I pump that it's not going to be enough or that I'll never catch up to where I have plenty of extra just in case. Any ideas?
I'm having the same issues with nipple shields. I have an appointment with a LC on Tuesday, but the General way to wean them from it is to just keep offering your nipple from time to time?
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
Sorry in advance for the length but I'm desperate. Lactation consultant isn't working again until Monday so I figured I'd ask for advice. My DS was born on the 17th. He BF like a champ until the day of discharge. We got home and everything was fine, but around dinner time something snapped and he cannot latch! He tries so hard and just cries and gets so frustrated he would cry himself to sleep. We went to see the lactation consultant the next day. She said my positions were perfect and we were doing everything right, she seems to think because my milk came in, there may be enough to make my breast way to firm for him to be able to latch right now. She suggested I pump 30 mins before feeding him (which is a little tricky considering you never really know when he's gonna wake up) and if he isn't ably to latch after that, to use a syringe and finger feed him. It breaks my heart having to feed him through a tube Although, that's been working great so far, but I'm worried that I'll have to start pumping and bottle feeding. I'm not opposed to it at all, I was just really hoping to be able to nurse. But I'll do what I have to for him. I'm currently able to pump about 2-2 1/2 ounces total each pump, which I'm doing every 2 hours. My question is, would I, or should I, wake up at night to pump to try to keep my supply up for now? I'm constantly worrying (bad, I know) every time I pump that it's not going to be enough or that I'll never catch up to where I have plenty of extra just in case. Any ideas?
Not an expert here, but I think the general rule is that you should pump every time your little one eats, at least in the beginning, to keep up your supply. So when he's up at night eating, you should be pumping...
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
This. I don't suffer from baby blues, but breast feeding issues have made me cry. I hate how much of a fight it can be. When it's going well, I love it. When he's an angry banshee, I consider trying to grab a bottle (but don't for fear of nipple confusion)
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
I'm with you here. My son has been cluster feeding and not sleeping on his own for about 3 days now. I feel like he has been on the breast damn near the entire time.
I cried last night out of exhaustion and let my husband give him a bottle so I could sleep. Which made me feel like a failure even though it shouldn't.
Sorry in advance for the length but I'm desperate. Lactation consultant isn't working again until Monday so I figured I'd ask for advice. My DS was born on the 17th. He BF like a champ until the day of discharge. We got home and everything was fine, but around dinner time something snapped and he cannot latch! He tries so hard and just cries and gets so frustrated he would cry himself to sleep. We went to see the lactation consultant the next day. She said my positions were perfect and we were doing everything right, she seems to think because my milk came in, there may be enough to make my breast way to firm for him to be able to latch right now. She suggested I pump 30 mins before feeding him (which is a little tricky considering you never really know when he's gonna wake up) and if he isn't ably to latch after that, to use a syringe and finger feed him. It breaks my heart having to feed him through a tube Although, that's been working great so far, but I'm worried that I'll have to start pumping and bottle feeding. I'm not opposed to it at all, I was just really hoping to be able to nurse. But I'll do what I have to for him. I'm currently able to pump about 2-2 1/2 ounces total each pump, which I'm doing every 2 hours. My question is, would I, or should I, wake up at night to pump to try to keep my supply up for now? I'm constantly worrying (bad, I know) every time I pump that it's not going to be enough or that I'll never catch up to where I have plenty of extra just in case. Any ideas?
I actually had a similar problem after my milk came in. What worked for me was to pump for 30 seconds immediately before breastfeeding. It just removed a tiny bit of milk and softened the nipple enough for LO to latch.
Sorry in advance for the length but I'm desperate. Lactation consultant isn't working again until Monday so I figured I'd ask for advice. My DS was born on the 17th. He BF like a champ until the day of discharge. We got home and everything was fine, but around dinner time something snapped and he cannot latch! He tries so hard and just cries and gets so frustrated he would cry himself to sleep. We went to see the lactation consultant the next day. She said my positions were perfect and we were doing everything right, she seems to think because my milk came in, there may be enough to make my breast way to firm for him to be able to latch right now. She suggested I pump 30 mins before feeding him (which is a little tricky considering you never really know when he's gonna wake up) and if he isn't ably to latch after that, to use a syringe and finger feed him. It breaks my heart having to feed him through a tube Although, that's been working great so far, but I'm worried that I'll have to start pumping and bottle feeding. I'm not opposed to it at all, I was just really hoping to be able to nurse. But I'll do what I have to for him. I'm currently able to pump about 2-2 1/2 ounces total each pump, which I'm doing every 2 hours. My question is, would I, or should I, wake up at night to pump to try to keep my supply up for now? I'm constantly worrying (bad, I know) every time I pump that it's not going to be enough or that I'll never catch up to where I have plenty of extra just in case. Any ideas?
I actually had a similar problem after my milk came in. What worked for me was to pump for 30 seconds immediately before breastfeeding. It just removed a tiny bit of milk and softened the nipple enough for LO to latch.
Or you can try hand expressing a little before each feeding. Same idea as pumping for 30 seconds, but I think it is quicker and easier then setting up and cleaning the pump.
To answer your original question, I would pump or feed on the baby's schedule to keep your supply up. So if you are feeding expressed milk overnight then you should pump.
I'm having the same issues with nipple shields. I have an appointment with a LC on Tuesday, but the General way to wean them from it is to just keep offering your nipple from time to time?
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
It will get easier. When DS was out of the newborn phase nursing was a great experience for both of us. The baby cuddles are amazing. Also, anytime DS was sick, teething, or just generally cranky nursing made everything better for him. I loved that cuddling and feeding my boy made him so happy.
I actually had a similar problem after my milk came in. What worked for me was to pump for 30 seconds immediately before breastfeeding. It just removed a tiny bit of milk and softened the nipple enough for LO to latch.
Or you can try hand expressing a little before each feeding. Same idea as pumping for 30 seconds, but I think it is quicker and easier then setting up and cleaning the pump.
To answer your original question, I would pump or feed on the baby's schedule to keep your supply up. So if you are feeding expressed milk overnight then you should pump.
Thanks, ladies. I've tried pumping 30 mins before hand and it hasn't made much difference. He's only managed to really latch once in the past 2 days and it was for less than 10 mins before he gave up and passed out again. I've tried reverse pressure softening immediately before hand as well. Nothing really seems to help. Hopefully the LC has with more suggestions tomorrow that we can try before we have to resort to a bottle. Feeding him with a syringe breaks my heart and I cry almost every time I have to feed him.
@mrsaragon - you could try a nipple shield. It makes it a lot easier for your LO to latch. Of course now I'm at the point where I'm not certain my LO will latch without the shield but considering how much difficulty and pain we had prior to the shield I'm not sure I'm ready to go without yet anyway.
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
This. I don't suffer from baby blues, but breast feeding issues have made me cry. I hate how much of a fight it can be. When it's going well, I love it. When he's an angry banshee, I consider trying to grab a bottle (but don't for fear of nipple confusion)
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
This. I don't suffer from baby blues, but breast feeding issues have made me cry. I hate how much of a fight it can be. When it's going well, I love it. When he's an angry banshee, I consider trying to grab a bottle (but don't for fear of nipple confusion)
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
This. I don't suffer from baby blues, but breast feeding issues have made me cry. I hate how much of a fight it can be. When it's going well, I love it. When he's an angry banshee, I consider trying to grab a bottle (but don't for fear of nipple confusion)
My LC said nipple confusion is a myth. We started bottle feeding my LO at night when he was 4 days old, best decision ever.
I warm his milk and make his bottle while my DH changes his diaper, then I can pump while DH feeds him. He is back to bed in around 30 min, and DH and I are both able to get some sleep.Grayson does just fine with breast feeding during the day. I absolutely think it is worth it for the sake of sanity.
Interesting. Ive always heard nipple confusion was a thing. We may try that once DH is back to work. He's got another 6 days and our system right now is working (I stay up at night with Zeke and the DH takes him when he's napping during the day so I can sleep - in addition to BFing troubles, Zeke will only sleep when held). Fortunately we've gotten the hanging of breast feeding much better in the last few days so I haven't been brought to tears lately.
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
This. I don't suffer from baby blues, but breast feeding issues have made me cry. I hate how much of a fight it can be. When it's going well, I love it. When he's an angry banshee, I consider trying to grab a bottle (but don't for fear of nipple confusion)
My LC said nipple confusion is a myth. We started bottle feeding my LO at night when he was 4 days old, best decision ever. I warm his milk and make his bottle while my DH changes his diaper, then I can pump while DH feeds him. He is back to bed in around 30 min, and DH and I are both able to get some sleep.Grayson does just fine with breast feeding during the day. I absolutely think it is worth it for the sake of sanity.
---qbf--- My LC said the same thing. She said there's no science to prove nipple confusion is real. So we started with a pacifier on day 5 and no problems with BF.
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
I'm with you here. My son has been cluster feeding and not sleeping on his own for about 3 days now. I feel like he has been on the breast damn near the entire time.
I cried last night out of exhaustion and let my husband give him a bottle so I could sleep. Which made me feel like a failure even though it shouldn't.
It's hard
With DS i was very surprised at how hard something so "natural" can be but being determined helps and as pp said getting on the otherside of the newborn phase it was so much easier. We gave DS one pumped bottle at night starting around 1 month which enabled me to skip the last feeding and get more sleep. This time around nursing has def been "easier" but certainly not easy! Hang in there mommas, it's worth it!
Interesting. Ive always heard nipple confusion was a thing. We may try that once DH is back to work. He's got another 6 days and our system right now is working (I stay up at night with Zeke and the DH takes him when he's napping during the day so I can sleep - in addition to BFing troubles, Zeke will only sleep when held). Fortunately we've gotten the hanging of breast feeding much better in the last few days so I haven't been brought to tears lately.
Edit because quote fail
Once you have BF established it really isn't a concern. Every morn between 3-5 DH gives DD a bottle of breastmilk while I pump. I pump twice a day- 1 bottle,1 freezer bag. I was realllllyy anxious about transitioning back and forth from bottle to breast but we've had absolutely no issues, even with me using a nipple shield. It's great for me because I usually hit a wall at night when she's been on me for a extended amount of time.
I know pumping isn't any indication of supply issues but I'm feeling so defeated. I'm pumping so I can have bottles on hand for night time feedings and I'm just getting nothing. I'm lucky if I get an ounce total.
I just don't know what to do. I'm trying not to give up because I so desperately want to be able to breast feed and pump exclusively but it's so frustrating.
Any tips mamas? I'm gonna try to drink way more water and make some lactation cookies but I don't know what else to do.
I know pumping isn't any indication of supply issues but I'm feeling so defeated. I'm pumping so I can have bottles on hand for night time feedings and I'm just getting nothing. I'm lucky if I get an ounce total.
I just don't know what to do. I'm trying not to give up because I so desperately want to be able to breast feed and pump exclusively but it's so frustrating.
Any tips mamas? I'm gonna try to drink way more water and make some lactation cookies but I don't know what else to do.
Hold the baby while you pump. Smell her. Listen to her cry. This will help get the milk flowing.
The past 2 days my DS has been spitting up almost the whole amountimmediately after feeding. I noticed it is only when he feeds from the right side. I hand expressed and noticed the milk is squirting out so fast and I think he is getting too much at a time. I am now feeding him for 3-4 minutes, unlatching, burping, then offering it again for a few minutes. Just wanted to post in case anyone else is having this issue.
I know pumping isn't any indication of supply issues but I'm feeling so defeated. I'm pumping so I can have bottles on hand for night time feedings and I'm just getting nothing. I'm lucky if I get an ounce total.
I just don't know what to do. I'm trying not to give up because I so desperately want to be able to breast feed and pump exclusively but it's so frustrating.
Any tips mamas? I'm gonna try to drink way more water and make some lactation cookies but I don't know what else to do.
Absolutely agree on having LO around. Heat also- hot shower or heat pack on breast before and during - lasinoh makes great heat/cold packs that you can use while pumping. Time of day of pumping might make a difference too.
The past 2 days my DS has been spitting up almost the whole amountimmediately after feeding. I noticed it is only when he feeds from the right side. I hand expressed and noticed the milk is squirting out so fast and I think he is getting too much at a time. I am now feeding him for 3-4 minutes, unlatching, burping, then offering it again for a few minutes. Just wanted to post in case anyone else is having this issue.
This happens to me as well. Pumping a little before I feed LO helps too.
Re: Breastfeeding Questions/Support/Learnings Go Here
@NovemberSno oh I'm annoyed with him too... he's a little weird. He's some kind of retired military, very short with answers, and he uses the metric system. The nurse told me LOs temperature in celcius and I was like sooo what is that in Farenheit? My SIL referred me to her pediatrician but he isn't taking new patients until December 1st. This is the pediatrician LO saw in the hospital so we're just using him until we can get in at the other one.
I was just told to continue my prenatals, no mention of Vitamin D.
I only used one on one side because I got a horrible blister and I needed protection. She never noticed, luckily.
I would bet once she's latched and eating for a while and maybe starting to fall asleep you might be able to slide it off.
Yea my son did this the day before his followup at the pediatrician's and instead of losing weight he had gained some since we left the hospital. My milk had just come in and he was HUNGRY.
I knew BFing was going to be hard but I wasn't expecting the soul crushing difficulty honestly.
I cried last night out of exhaustion and let my husband give him a bottle so I could sleep. Which made me feel like a failure even though it shouldn't.
It's hard
To answer your original question, I would pump or feed on the baby's schedule to keep your supply up. So if you are feeding expressed milk overnight then you should pump.
I actually had a similar problem after my milk came in. What worked for me was to pump for 30 seconds immediately before breastfeeding. It just removed a tiny bit of milk and softened the nipple enough for LO to latch.
Or you can try hand expressing a little before each feeding. Same idea as pumping for 30 seconds, but I think it is quicker and easier then setting up and cleaning the pump.
To answer your original question, I would pump or feed on the baby's schedule to keep your supply up. So if you are feeding expressed milk overnight then you should pump.
Thanks, ladies. I've tried pumping 30 mins before hand and it hasn't made much difference. He's only managed to really latch once in the past 2 days and it was for less than 10 mins before he gave up and passed out again. I've tried reverse pressure softening immediately before hand as well. Nothing really seems to help. Hopefully the LC has with more suggestions tomorrow that we can try before we have to resort to a bottle. Feeding him with a syringe breaks my heart and I cry almost every time I have to feed him.
My LC said nipple confusion is a myth. We started bottle feeding my LO at night when he was 4 days old, best decision ever. I warm his milk and make his bottle while my DH changes his diaper, then I can pump while DH feeds him. He is back to bed in around 30 min, and DH and I are both able to get some sleep.Grayson does just fine with breast feeding during the day. I absolutely think it is worth it for the sake of sanity.
Interesting. Ive always heard nipple confusion was a thing. We may try that once DH is back to work. He's got another 6 days and our system right now is working (I stay up at night with Zeke and the DH takes him when he's napping during the day so I can sleep - in addition to BFing troubles, Zeke will only sleep when held). Fortunately we've gotten the hanging of breast feeding much better in the last few days so I haven't been brought to tears lately.
Edit because quote fail
I warm his milk and make his bottle while my DH changes his diaper, then I can pump while DH feeds him. He is back to bed in around 30 min, and DH and I are both able to get some sleep.Grayson does just fine with breast feeding during the day. I absolutely think it is worth it for the sake of sanity.
---qbf---
My LC said the same thing. She said there's no science to prove nipple confusion is real. So we started with a pacifier on day 5 and no problems with BF.
Once you have BF established it really isn't a concern. Every morn between 3-5 DH gives DD a bottle of breastmilk while I pump. I pump twice a day- 1 bottle,1 freezer bag. I was realllllyy anxious about transitioning back and forth from bottle to breast but we've had absolutely no issues, even with me using a nipple shield. It's great for me because I usually hit a wall at night when she's been on me for a extended amount of time.
I just don't know what to do. I'm trying not to give up because I so desperately want to be able to breast feed and pump exclusively but it's so frustrating.
Any tips mamas? I'm gonna try to drink way more water and make some lactation cookies but I don't know what else to do.
Absolutely agree on having LO around. Heat also- hot shower or heat pack on breast before and during - lasinoh makes great heat/cold packs that you can use while pumping. Time of day of pumping might make a difference too.