Anyone's LO have a lip tie? And did getting it fixed help with your baby's latch? I'm pretty sure LO has a lip tie and was just curious if getting it fixed would help. I called the Dr about it but they never got back to me, would a lactation consultant be able to tell?
My LO has a tongue tie. She latches just fine. I think it depends on the severity. They mentioned clipping it but left it up to us if she has issues. I heard this from my pediatrician and from a lactation consultant.
I found on Amazon that First Years, Avent and Munchkin all sell reusable microwave sterilizers that are very decently priced, especially compared to the cost of constantly purchasing Medela's disposable bags.
This is a great discussion. I have a 3-day old and we've been breast feeding from the start, but it has gotten progressively painful for me. I would describe it as excruciating actually, and I have been writhing in tears from the pain. It's making something I wanted to enjoy miserable. All the lactation consultants said her latch is good and she's gaining weight, so everything is working... It just HURTS. They think it could be that my nipples are on the flat side. I've tried the nipple shield, but that's not much better and also cumbersome.
So today I decided to pump a few bottles to give myself a break and so I wouldn't dread feeding my daughter. I'm trying to go back and forth between bottle and breast because I'm not ready to give up. I'm worried she won't tolerate the switching long term since she's so young, but so far she has. Does anyone have any tips for successfully doing this?
I may end up exclusively pumping if breast feeding remains this painful, but it's really bumming me out that it's not working for me.
This is a great discussion. I have a 3-day old and we've been breast feeding from the start, but it has gotten progressively painful for me. I would describe it as excruciating actually, and I have been writhing in tears from the pain. It's making something I wanted to enjoy miserable. All the lactation consultants said her latch is good and she's gaining weight, so everything is working... It just HURTS. They think it could be that my nipples are on the flat side. I've tried the nipple shield, but that's not much better and also cumbersome.
So today I decided to pump a few bottles to give myself a break and so I wouldn't dread feeding my daughter. I'm trying to go back and forth between bottle and breast because I'm not ready to give up. I'm worried she won't tolerate the switching long term since she's so young, but so far she has. Does anyone have any tips for successfully doing this?
I may end up exclusively pumping if breast feeding remains this painful, but it's really bumming me out that it's not working for me.
We switch back and forth from bottle to breast several times a day. My baby hasn't had an issue with it and we introduced the bottle on day 4, before then he was dropper fed and would only latch a few minutes before coming off. It actually improved his breastfeeding ability if anything because we gave him a bottle of formula (we had to supplement for a few days) and the next feeding he finally lached for a full session. We use Dr. Brown's preemie nipple and it has been awesome for our baby because it's the slowest flow available, therefore closest to the flow of the breast. Our LC reccomended it so he wouldn't grow accustomed to the quicker full feeling that regular 0+ nipples provide and he would have to keep working for the milk. If you decide to EP make sure to pump every 2-3 hours and every 4 hours at night until at least week 12. This was the schedule I was advised to stick to when my baby wouldn't breastfeed adequately.
@sarahgn I'm glad to hear that's working for your baby. I am really worrying I'm ruining the possibility of BFing but I just don't know what else to do. Thanks for the advice, I may have to pick up some preemie nipples since all I have is 0+.
I'm having similar issues. LO will start screaming at my breast and won't latch. I ended up pumping and giving him a bottle. I try to breastfeed him before giving him a bottle. Sometimes he latches sometimes not. It's alot more work to pump but if it becomes to emotionally stressful on both of us to breast feed then I will do it. I am hoping that if we keep working on it he will get it. I'm so glad I pumped and bottle fed tho because I at least km now he is getting the milk he needs.
I am going to order those preemie nipples!!! Using doc brown bottles as well.
Now if only LO didn't have so much gas... poor baby.
My problem is that my LO opens and closes her mouth so quickly as if she is sucking. So o have a fraction of a second to put my breast into her mouth and i end up with shallow latch and ultra sore cracked nipples. I tried all the pp advice to stimulate wide open mouth but none worked so far
My problem is that my LO opens and closes her mouth so quickly as if she is sucking. So o have a fraction of a second to put my breast into her mouth and i end up with shallow latch and ultra sore cracked nipples. I tried all the pp advice to stimulate wide open mouth but none worked so far
I believe it was @Mizuiro007 who said to run their gum with your finger tip to encourage them to open a little wider. Have you tried touching her top lip with her nipple and waiting a minute to see if she will open? Have you seen a lactation consultant about this?
Yes i read that post but when i try that she bites quickly on anything that get close to her mouth.she opens her mouth but closes sooo fast and keeps doing that.
@breezypip this sounds very tough! Sore nipples can sometimes be due to latch but at the same time I have seen women's nipples crack and bleed within 8 hours of breastfeeding, as some women just have way more sensitive nipples. Yours could easily adapt and you can BF successfully, it sounds like you have been doing everything you can! I would go to the breast first then pump after, and top up with the pumped milk. You can cup feed it if you do not want to introduce a bottle nipple. Lots of good videos on this site https://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/ Shows latching and cup feeding a newborn. Do you have a good nipple cream as well? It's only been a short period don't be too hard on yourself, breastfeeding can take weeks to establish if not longer for some moms, it's very hard work!
Yes i read that post but when i try that she bites quickly on anything that get close to her mouth.she opens her mouth but closes sooo fast and keeps doing that.
Part of the exercise I mentioned is wanting them to bite your finger. With both of mine it would take a few minutes of letting them bite down and sometimes I'd do this and try for a latch and have to pull back and repeat but gradually the jaw should start to relax a little. I would second the advise of seeing a lactation consultant though.
@prinloly Have you seen a medical education video of latching? I'm always a little shocked at how aggressive and quick they are with getting the babies head to the breast to latch, I'd definitely try to speak to your lactation consultant if that isn't an option Le Leche League has support groups all over that might be more accessible.
This is a great discussion. I have a 3-day old and we've been breast feeding from the start, but it has gotten progressively painful for me. I would describe it as excruciating actually, and I have been writhing in tears from the pain. It's making something I wanted to enjoy miserable. All the lactation consultants said her latch is good and she's gaining weight, so everything is working... It just HURTS. They think it could be that my nipples are on the flat side. I've tried the nipple shield, but that's not much better and also cumbersome.
So today I decided to pump a few bottles to give myself a break and so I wouldn't dread feeding my daughter. I'm trying to go back and forth between bottle and breast because I'm not ready to give up. I'm worried she won't tolerate the switching long term since she's so young, but so far she has. Does anyone have any tips for successfully doing this?
I may end up exclusively pumping if breast feeding remains this painful, but it's really bumming me out that it's not working for me.
@breezypip with my older daughter, at 3 or 4 days post partum I started to pump at night when she needed to feed and gave her bottles of pre pumped milk. I was worried about her not tolerating the back and forth and refusing the boob since bottle is easier for her, but it worked out great! We had no issues. This time, we've been BF since day one (I delivered 12/9, three days ago) and my right breast is progressively getting more painful as well. I was up most of the night trying to heat and ice and pump out of that side after feelings because if I feed from that side I want to die. I don't want to give up and my left side is fine so I'm hoping maybe my dr can give some good advice what to do!!
Those who are new to breastfeeding or are having difficulty with latching here's a great video that might help. It's a little bit long but has lot of really useful tips and information!
I just wanted to say I am a ftm and my son was not taking to breastfeeding. I was getting really upset. I ended up pumping and bottle feeding with preemie nips as recommended by you ladies. I would always try to breastfeed before giving the ebottle. WELL today day 7 of this He has latched everytime today. If you are having a hard time keep trying! I am so thankful I kept trying and that we are both starting to get it.
Is anyone else able to feed from one breast and not the other? My right is so sore that I've been pumping it for a week now and the left she latches great and with minimal discomfort. I was hoping pumping would give it time to heal but it's still so sore and I occasionally get blood when I pump.
@laurabwalker thanks for the encouragement! I'm still sticking with it. I have a few nipple creams i'm trying - lanolin and bamboobies and I'm trying to be more diligent with using them. I also started rubbing breast milk on them and giving them some air. I've seen a slight improvement, but then LO decided to start cluster feeding last night and I was in a lot of pain. I've also noticed that she starts to fall asleep towards the end of a feeding but won't unlatch. I think she's using me as a pacifier since she will suck a couple of times then stop, all the while she's out cold. When I unlatch her she cries. So DH insisted we try a pacifier for that situation and I was hesitant since I've heard you're supposed to wait until they are a few weeks old... But again I was desperate and it turned out to be a lifesaver. It worked, and she stopped crying and rooting for more at the end of a long feed. I plan on using that method as a last resort option. In the meantime I'm also trying to keep her awake by rubbing her back and feet so she doesn't pass out in the middle.
Seriously most exhausting and frustrating experience that I didn't see coming.
@kepoole I'm sorry you're in the same boat right now. It's awful, but here's hoping it will improve for us with some perserverance.
I had my baby 3 days ago and my milk has started to come in full force. My breasts are hard and very sore. I've been feeding every two hours but I'm not getting much relief. One of my breasts are leaking so bad it soaked through my shirt. Is this temporary? Anyone have any advice for relief?
Those who are new to breastfeeding or are having difficulty with latching here's a great video that might help. It's a little bit long but has lot of really useful tips and information!
@breezypip some babies do love to do non nutritive sucking and honestly the only thing I have seen work besides literally non stop BF, is a soother. It sounds like you are doing great, breastfeeding is such hard work I agree, and can be very challenging and rewarding.
My twins get fussy and scream at my boob sometimes too. I am already supplementing so I give them the bottle while they are skin to skin with the boob. I give them maybe 5 mls and then try getting them to latch. It usually works for us.
@jlacey8920 If you aren't using some already, nursing pads can help with the leaking. Early engorgement is temporary. I found hot baths helpful and hand expressing just a little. Other times I'd hold a warm rice bag across my breasts and wearing wearing a sports bra that's more supportive. As much as it hurts that bit of pressure can help. You can also pump enough to get a little relief but try not to overdo it as it could potentially lead to over supply.
Mostly breastfeeding works on supply and demand so after a while on a routine your body will adjust to the demand and the engorgement should improve.
Any tips for how to wake your newborn to feed? I've been up for 40 minutes so far trying to wake her for a feeding but everything I've tried has resulted in her continuing to sleep!! (Born 12/9, so 4 days old)
Any tips for how to wake your newborn to feed? I've been up for 40 minutes so far trying to wake her for a feeding but everything I've tried has resulted in her continuing to sleep!! (Born 12/9, so 4 days old)
We struggle with this too. Diaper changes wake mine up enough - she really dislikes them
I'm so happy to see that people are successfully going between breast and bottle. My LO is 5 days old and I'm thinking of pumping enough for one bottle a night or so. The baby constantly wants to suck on something, and hadn't had any confusion caused by her pacifier. We use a Soothie like they had in the hospital.
I'm considering a nightly bottle for a couple of reasons. Despite being reassured that she has a great latch, it is killing me when she is on my right breast. I'm really worried about post-partum depression and think that even one feeding with a bottle will reduce how overwhelmed I'm feeling by breastfeeding. DH is also feeling left out, so I think it would be good for him to feed her once at night.
Those of you who do a bottle here and there, how often and when are you pumping? I tried this morning after my first feeding and got about 2 oz.
Those who are new to breastfeeding or are having difficulty with latching here's a great video that might help. It's a little bit long but has lot of really useful tips and information!
This video is wonderful!! I watched it last night and decided to practice her techniques exactly during another painful cluster feeding, and today we are doing SO much better! I finally got the cross cradle hold down right, and tried being more patient waiting for her to open wide for a better latch. She got a little cranky while we tried multiple times, but my pain all day has been limited to the first minute on the breast and not the entire feed. 10/10 reccommend!
@mhuber223 I would have suggested how it sounds like you're already starting. Pump after feeding to build up your supply then just pump when a bottle is given. You can also pump a little before a normal feeding and give a bottle of freshly pumped milk. I've done the latter a lot this time and usually pump twice what DD needs so I pour half in a storage bag and keep it.
I pretty much play by ear with pumping. If I am too full lo doesn't latch well. I have been giving a bottle before our final feeding for the night so I know his belly is super full. He slept 6 hours last night!
I hate breastfeeding. I love the feeling of closeness and the extended eye contact and all the love. But I have flat nipples and if I get one up, she has about ten seconds to latch on or they retreat. I've been pumping for food and allowing her to suckle for comfort and that works. Pumping is nice because you know exactly how much she's eating and for me, a mom to a low birth weight baby, that's useful. But I want to enjoy breastfeeding more and booked time with a lactation consultant. I also am going to try the nipple shields. I feel like a bad mom.
@groovylocks I have flat nipples too and I struggled breastfeeding my first. I had other issues too, but won't talk about those. Nipple shields worked great for me, so I would definitely recommend trying them and talking with a lactation consultant. YOU ARE NOT A BAD MOM. Flat nipples really do make it more difficult to breastfeed. Don't beat yourself up. At least you are able to pump - I was unable to get a pump to work for one of my breasts (really think it was because one nipple is bigger than the other and needed some sort of insert) and ended up giving up for my sanity. Hopefully you will have some piece of mind after talking with the lactation consultant.
Good luck!
Married - 10/10/2009
DS - Due 11/3/2012 born 9/28/2012 due to Severe Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome
DD - EDD 12/30/15
"I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou|| [url=http;//www.fertilityfriend.com]Ovulation Chart[/url|| <a href="http://www.fertilityfriend.com" style="font-size:smaller;" >Ovulation Chart</
I hate breastfeeding. I love the feeling of closeness and the extended eye contact and all the love. But I have flat nipples and if I get one up, she has about ten seconds to latch on or they retreat. I've been pumping for food and allowing her to suckle for comfort and that works. Pumping is nice because you know exactly how much she's eating and for me, a mom to a low birth weight baby, that's useful. But I want to enjoy breastfeeding more and booked time with a lactation consultant. I also am going to try the nipple shields. I feel like a bad mom.
The nipple sheild has been my lifesaver! I had the same problem with them retreating and I got bruises and a crack on the first day. The second day the nurse tried the nipple sheild and I put lanolin on in between. Now my only worry is trying to transition off of it. The lactation consultant will be here Wednesday to help me with that peice. I am seriously so thankful for the sheild.
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
@groovylocks don't feel like a bad mom. I also have flat nipples and have been using the nipple shield again. The nipple shields definitely help and feeding is a lot less painful.
@groovylocks I'm in the same boat... Flat nipples. I made the joke to DH that I can get them up, but they won't stay hard (LOL!!!). Once she starts sucking on them and they warm up, they go flat. DD's nick name is hands McGee and when I use the nipple shield she always seems to flip it off. I have very large (and droopy) boobs too, so even when I do get her on good, I don't feel close to her, I can barely see her, she's around my side (football hold is the only hold that works) and it's not really a bonding experience at all. Plus my supply is low... It's all a mess! I'm on a pumping rampage right now trying to get supply up. I pump and supplement. I just got milk tea plus Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle herbs... I'm trying it all. Ate a ton of oatmeal for breakfast too! I always thought BF would come easy to me but it sure hasn't!
Hi ladies! I have to tell you about this amazing app I found! It's called Baby Daybook and it tracks absolutely everything! It even totals how much your LO ate (if bottle fed) and how much you pumped. It does track breastfeeding as well! I absolutely love it. Also Fancy Pumpers on Facebook is a very helpful group!
Re: Breastfeeding advice, questions, ect
So today I decided to pump a few bottles to give myself a break and so I wouldn't dread feeding my daughter. I'm trying to go back and forth between bottle and breast because I'm not ready to give up. I'm worried she won't tolerate the switching long term since she's so young, but so far she has. Does anyone have any tips for successfully doing this?
I may end up exclusively pumping if breast feeding remains this painful, but it's really bumming me out that it's not working for me.
If you decide to EP make sure to pump every 2-3 hours and every 4 hours at night until at least week 12. This was the schedule I was advised to stick to when my baby wouldn't breastfeed adequately.
I am going to order those preemie nipples!!! Using doc brown bottles as well.
Now if only LO didn't have so much gas... poor baby.
Shows latching and cup feeding a newborn. Do you have a good nipple cream as well? It's only been a short period don't be too hard on yourself, breastfeeding can take weeks to establish if not longer for some moms, it's very hard work!
@breezypip with my older daughter, at 3 or 4 days post partum I started to pump at night when she needed to feed and gave her bottles of pre pumped milk. I was worried about her not tolerating the back and forth and refusing the boob since bottle is easier for her, but it worked out great! We had no issues.
This time, we've been BF since day one (I delivered 12/9, three days ago) and my right breast is progressively getting more painful as well. I was up most of the night trying to heat and ice and pump out of that side after feelings because if I feed from that side I want to die. I don't want to give up and my left side is fine so I'm hoping maybe my dr can give some good advice what to do!!
Seriously most exhausting and frustrating experience that I didn't see coming.
@kepoole I'm sorry you're in the same boat right now. It's awful, but here's hoping it will improve for us with some perserverance.
Mostly breastfeeding works on supply and demand so after a while on a routine your body will adjust to the demand and the engorgement should improve.
I'm considering a nightly bottle for a couple of reasons. Despite being reassured that she has a great latch, it is killing me when she is on my right breast. I'm really worried about post-partum depression and think that even one feeding with a bottle will reduce how overwhelmed I'm feeling by breastfeeding. DH is also feeling left out, so I think it would be good for him to feed her once at night.
Those of you who do a bottle here and there, how often and when are you pumping? I tried this morning after my first feeding and got about 2 oz.
Edited for typos
This video is wonderful!! I watched it last night and decided to practice her techniques exactly during another painful cluster feeding, and today we are doing SO much better! I finally got the cross cradle hold down right, and tried being more patient waiting for her to open wide for a better latch. She got a little cranky while we tried multiple times, but my pain all day has been limited to the first minute on the breast and not the entire feed. 10/10 reccommend!
Good luck!
Married - 10/10/2009
DS - Due 11/3/2012 born 9/28/2012 due to Severe Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome
DD - EDD 12/30/15
"I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou|| [url=http;//www.fertilityfriend.com]Ovulation Chart[/url|| <a href="http://www.fertilityfriend.com" style="font-size:smaller;" >Ovulation Chart</
BFP #1 April 14th, 2014 MMC at 17weeks with a baby boy D&E
BFP # 2 March 23rd, Rainbow Baby Boy Jayce Michael born 12/9/15
BFP#3 January 26th EDD October 9th! Hoping for my girl!
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