For those of you whose LOs are starting to sleep longer chunks at night, any suggestions on avoiding an engorgement/overfeeding situation? Kiddo is starting to do a 5-7 hour stretch pretty regularly, and boy am I engorged by the time she wakes up. It's like a damn fire hose. I've tried slowing her down with a nipple shield, hand expressing before the feed, and even pumping an hour before the feed (just enough to take the edge off), but she still has an epic spew right after!
You can try pumping out an ounce or 2 just before she wakes up. But the best thing it to do nothing and let your supply regulate. You body will learn to produce a little less.
Any mamas been sick while breastfeeding? I have a terrible cold/flu and I am faithfully breastfeeding through it but gosh it's rough when all I want to do is curl into a fetal position. Any tips on how to make it a little easier?
I had a stomach bug. Make sure you are drinking lots of fluids and try to get plenty of rest. Leave the house work and just sleep when LO sleeps until you feel better. Also don't be afraid to ask for help.
Loving the advice about cleaning while at work. Don't know why it didn't occur to me that I could put in fridge without having to rinse every single time.
Little 9 week old lady of mine started daycare on Tuesday. I went back to work yesterday. I can't tell if she's overstimulated/exhausted or getting lazy on me-- Tuesday's nursing sessions once we were home weren't bad but they definitely weren't good and then last night she had a full blown fit of constant screaming. Would barely latch, then unlatch, and kick and cry over and over again. The only thing that calmed her was a bath but was still upset afterward. I tried skin to skin and swaddling but nothing soothed her and she never latched on to eat. She eventually passed out from crying so much. The middle of the night feedings went much better and with little to no fight.
Anyone else experiencing this? Is this just growing pains of a new schedule that will pass soon? Any advice on how to remind her that she has to work harder when she's with me?
I went back to work Monday and my LO has certainly been struggling to adjust, he isn't even at day daycare my mom watches him. He hasn't been latching well this week, and I had to pick him up early yesterday be cause he was just crying the whole day.
I went back to work this week and I think LO is reverse cycling. She really doesnt want to feed with my MIL while I am gone...she struggles to give LO more than 2oz at a time during the day. When I get home baby starts acting like a barnacle and is constantly latched on or asleep on her boob-pillow. She has a fit if I set her down anywhere before about 11 at night!
@hacharles nip it in the bud now if possible as that's how our issues began. Are you using the *slowest* flow possible for bottles? She may be getting pissed that she has to work at the breast. Also - nice job on that skin to skin- totally will help a ton!
So I have been giving LO more bottles to slowly transition her for when I go back to work. I noticed that she chokes a few times during a feeding. I think it's because the nipples on the bottles have a faster flow than the boob. I am using the nipples that come with the Medela bottles and Avent 0+ months. Does anyone know if there is a nipple and bottle that has a smaller cut to make LO work harder for the milk? Or should I just give her more bottles so she gets used to it? I really don't want to begin EPing.
So I have been giving LO more bottles to slowly transition her for when I go back to work. I noticed that she chokes a few times during a feeding. I think it's because the nipples on the bottles have a faster flow than the boob. I am using the nipples that come with the Medela bottles and Avent 0+ months. Does anyone know if there is a nipple and bottle that has a smaller cut to make LO work harder for the milk? Or should I just give her more bottles so she gets used to it? I really don't want to begin EPing.
When I was EPing and bottle feeding we used the Medela Calma nipple...LO had to really suction the nipple before anything would come out and the flow mirrored how milk comes out of the breast...now we are BFing and LO didn't seem to have an issue going back on the boob after using this nipple...if you go with this one I recommend getting it on Amazon as it was cheaper there than at Babies r Us!
I went back to work this week and I think LO is reverse cycling. She really doesnt want to feed with my MIL while I am gone...she struggles to give LO more than 2oz at a time during the day. When I get home baby starts acting like a barnacle and is constantly latched on or asleep on her boob-pillow. She has a fit if I set her down anywhere before about 11 at night!
This is exactly what my daughter did when I went back last time. We started cosleeping because she wanted to be attached and eating for hours on end all night long. She eventually took bottles better but the moment I walked in the door had to be latched on with in minutes or she would freak.
Anyone EPing.. how much does your LO eat? My LO eats 3 to 3.5 ounces every 3 hours, except at night. She sleeps about 5 hour stretches but still eats her 3 ounces. Our pedi said that's a "HUGE" amount. I was so confused because I've read several places that breast fed babies eat 2 to 4 ounces from 1 to 6 months. Also have read you can't over feed a baby on breast milk. She did gain 18 ounces in less than 2 weeks. But she's only 8 pounds 9 ounces at almost 2 months. She's in the 25th percentile. I will not feed her less because that's what she eats. If she's full she won't finish the last half ounce and I don't make her. Just seems like I've had so many issues with latching, tongue tie, etc. That I decided to EP and now I feel like I'm not even doing that right. Breast feeding is not for the weak! I can tell yah that!
Anyone EPing.. how much does your LO eat? My LO eats 3 to 3.5 ounces every 3 hours, except at night. She sleeps about 5 hour stretches but still eats her 3 ounces. Our pedi said that's a "HUGE" amount. I was so confused because I've read several places that breast fed babies eat 2 to 4 ounces from 1 to 6 months. Also have read you can't over feed a baby on breast milk. She did gain 18 ounces in less than 2 weeks. But she's only 8 pounds 9 ounces at almost 2 months. She's in the 25th percentile. I will not feed her less because that's what she eats. If she's full she won't finish the last half ounce and I don't make her. Just seems like I've had so many issues with latching, tongue tie, etc. That I decided to EP and now I feel like I'm not even doing that right. Breast feeding is not for the weak! I can tell yah that!
I say keep doing what you're doing if other indicators are there: enough wet and poopy diapers, baby seems happy and content after feedings and is meeting developmental milestones. Also did your doctor say how much she should be eating or just that it sounded like too much? Breastfeed babies grow rapidly in the first two-three months so I'm not sure why they would be concerned unless there's other factors at play. Also when I saw an LC a while back she said baby should be eating about an ounce an hour (or three ounces every three hours as yours is doing) so again, not sure why the doc would be concerned??
Anyone EPing.. how much does your LO eat? My LO eats 3 to 3.5 ounces every 3 hours, except at night. She sleeps about 5 hour stretches but still eats her 3 ounces. Our pedi said that's a "HUGE" amount. I was so confused because I've read several places that breast fed babies eat 2 to 4 ounces from 1 to 6 months. Also have read you can't over feed a baby on breast milk. She did gain 18 ounces in less than 2 weeks. But she's only 8 pounds 9 ounces at almost 2 months. She's in the 25th percentile. I will not feed her less because that's what she eats. If she's full she won't finish the last half ounce and I don't make her. Just seems like I've had so many issues with latching, tongue tie, etc. That I decided to EP and now I feel like I'm not even doing that right. Breast feeding is not for the weak! I can tell yah that!
I've been pumping for a week and supplementing with formula as well, due to breast refusal and supply issues. Pumping instead of nursing is hard and I think you should give yourself credit for doing it as long as you have. I was told by the LC that babies need at the very least 2.5 ounces every 3 hours to gain the appropriate amount of weight so it sounds like you're on track. Only your baby knows what she needs though. It sounds like she eats more during the day to make up for the calories she is missing at night. I would keep listening to your baby regarding how much she needs and tell your pedi to shove it. You're doing a great job!
Anyone EPing.. how much does your LO eat? My LO eats 3 to 3.5 ounces every 3 hours, except at night. She sleeps about 5 hour stretches but still eats her 3 ounces. Our pedi said that's a "HUGE" amount. I was so confused because I've read several places that breast fed babies eat 2 to 4 ounces from 1 to 6 months. Also have read you can't over feed a baby on breast milk. She did gain 18 ounces in less than 2 weeks. But she's only 8 pounds 9 ounces at almost 2 months. She's in the 25th percentile. I will not feed her less because that's what she eats. If she's full she won't finish the last half ounce and I don't make her. Just seems like I've had so many issues with latching, tongue tie, etc. That I decided to EP and now I feel like I'm not even doing that right. Breast feeding is not for the weak! I can tell yah that!
In that case my son is a glutton! I don't EP but he takes 3 bottles while I'm away at work (about 7 hours) 4 days a week and each one has 4oz in it. He's in the 80th percentile and his pedi and I love every single one of his rolls. She says its breastmilk and to let him have as much as he'll take.
Wow my baby eats 6 oz a sitting... Doesn't matter how many hours he goes in between, he's been eating that much since 4 weeks. I mentioned it to my pedi at his 2 month checkup and he said that's great.
Anyone EPing.. how much does your LO eat? My LO eats 3 to 3.5 ounces every 3 hours, except at night. She sleeps about 5 hour stretches but still eats her 3 ounces. Our pedi said that's a "HUGE" amount. I was so confused because I've read several places that breast fed babies eat 2 to 4 ounces from 1 to 6 months. Also have read you can't over feed a baby on breast milk. She did gain 18 ounces in less than 2 weeks. But she's only 8 pounds 9 ounces at almost 2 months. She's in the 25th percentile. I will not feed her less because that's what she eats. If she's full she won't finish the last half ounce and I don't make her. Just seems like I've had so many issues with latching, tongue tie, etc. That I decided to EP and now I feel like I'm not even doing that right. Breast feeding is not for the weak! I can tell yah that!
My LO eats 4 to 5 oz of BM every 3 or 4 hours as long as your LO is growing appropriately let her eat what she wants.
Thanks everyone. She just said that babies on breast milk only EVER eat 28 to 30 ounces a day (when they're older). She is eating about 24 a day now. I always make her bottles 3 ounces and if she doesn't finish it, that's fine. If she eats it all and still acts hungry, I give her another .5 or 1ounce. I think it's good advice to just go off what your LO wants/needs rather than following the "norm". I'm a FTM and try to follow all the "rules" but I'm learning that all babies are different! Thanks for the words of advice
You are not alone with your concerns! I'm a ftm too. I feel like I obsess about how much LO is eating!
Everywhere you read there are different mandates: 3-5oz per feeding, 8-12 feedings per day, total oz 25-35 from 1-6 months! As soon as my LO started sleeping through the night her feedings per day dropped and I really panicked trying to force additional feedings during the day! As a first time mom I realize now that I need to just relax! LO is healthy and smiling. Babies have survived and thrived for hundreds of years before clocks and bottles with ounce markers existed!
LO has decided to start screaming at the boob mid-nurse. My hold won't change and I'll still have plenty of milk but he will just randomly start screaming and crying at it for no reason. Then he will relatch a minute later. I'm not sure if it's because he hasn't been feeling well or what
LO has decided to start screaming at the boob mid-nurse. My hold won't change and I'll still have plenty of milk but he will just randomly start screaming and crying at it for no reason. Then he will relatch a minute later. I'm not sure if it's because he hasn't been feeling well or what
LO has decided to start screaming at the boob mid-nurse. My hold won't change and I'll still have plenty of milk but he will just randomly start screaming and crying at it for no reason. Then he will relatch a minute later. I'm not sure if it's because he hasn't been feeling well or what
I have an over supply and towards the end of nursing my lo does this too. She doesnt arch her back or look to be in pain so I assumed it wasnt reflux
I read somewhere that lo may be just comfort nursing/trying to non-nutritive nurse towards the end of her feeding session. I figured out my lo was getting frustrated because her belly was full but she still wanted a warm pacifier.
If this happens I either switch her to my less productive breast or pop a pacifier in while still holding her close.
LO has decided to start screaming at the boob mid-nurse. My hold won't change and I'll still have plenty of milk but he will just randomly start screaming and crying at it for no reason. Then he will relatch a minute later. I'm not sure if it's because he hasn't been feeling well or what
I have an over supply and towards the end of nursing my lo does this too. She doesnt arch her back or look to be in pain so I assumed it wasnt reflux
I read somewhere that lo may be just comfort nursing/trying to non-nutritive nurse towards the end of her feeding session. I figured out my lo was getting frustrated because her belly was full but she still wanted a warm pacifier.
If this happens I either switch her to my less productive breast or pop a pacifier in while still holding her close.
Mine hates the pacifier but he does like to comfort nurse when he's tired. He doesn't burp well so maybe it's discomfort. I didn't think of that
My LO started screaming and arching her back during her bottle about a week ago. Sometimes she does it, sometimes she doesn't. Today was a bad day. She did it a lot. She will only eat an ounce and then scream. Even after I burp her she still won't take any more. That is why we ended up at the dr office where they said she eats too much. They never gave us an answer. I've noticed on those days she's extra gassy and sometimes has poop explosions. We're in the process of trying gas drops but the first day we used them she screamed all day, not just during her bottle, and then didn't sleep at all. As soon as she'd fall asleep she'd jerk awake and scream. I'm not sure if they hurt her belly because they were so strong, they were grape flavor and smelled super strong. We haven't tried them again.
My LO started screaming and arching her back during her bottle about a week ago. Sometimes she does it, sometimes she doesn't. Today was a bad day. She did it a lot. She will only eat an ounce and then scream. Even after I burp her she still won't take any more. That is why we ended up at the dr office where they said she eats too much. They never gave us an answer. I've noticed on those days she's extra gassy and sometimes has poop explosions. We're in the process of trying gas drops but the first day we used them she screamed all day, not just during her bottle, and then didn't sleep at all. As soon as she'd fall asleep she'd jerk awake and scream. I'm not sure if they hurt her belly because they were so strong, they were grape flavor and smelled super strong. We haven't tried them again.
My LO does this also and typically it's because he has to poop/pass gas and is having difficulty pushing it out. Newborns don't always know to relax to do those two things and will tense up or get upset when they need to. I will usually pull him off the breast and undo his diaper (sometimes it prevents comfortably pulling his legs up) and we'll do legs to chest, bicycling and belly rubs until he is relieved. If it's really bad and he won't stop crying, we apply Vaseline to a thermometer and put it up his butt. It relaxes his sphincter and he will almost always poop. This is of course per the pediatrician.
That seems to be our issue as well. It makes a lot of sense. After she poops she usually finishes her bottle. I try to give her a minute to push it out, then we change her, and finish our bottle. It kinda makes it easier in the middle of the night that way I don't have to wait up for her to poop then change her, I know she's already got it out. I am a total freak about changing diapers. I hate when there is even a drop of pee in her diaper! My mom gets on me all the time about that. I always tell her I buy the diapers, I'll change them whenever I want!
That seems to be our issue as well. It makes a lot of sense. After she poops she usually finishes her bottle. I try to give her a minute to push it out, then we change her, and finish our bottle. It kinda makes it easier in the middle of the night that way I don't have to wait up for her to poop then change her, I know she's already got it out. I am a total freak about changing diapers. I hate when there is even a drop of pee in her diaper! My mom gets on me all the time about that. I always tell her I buy the diapers, I'll change them whenever I want!
Why wouldn't you change her each time she wets her diaper. We change our LO at minimum every 2 hours, or more frequently if needed. I don't want him getting a preventable diaper rash.
That seems to be our issue as well. It makes a lot of sense. After she poops she usually finishes her bottle. I try to give her a minute to push it out, then we change her, and finish our bottle. It kinda makes it easier in the middle of the night that way I don't have to wait up for her to poop then change her, I know she's already got it out. I am a total freak about changing diapers. I hate when there is even a drop of pee in her diaper! My mom gets on me all the time about that. I always tell her I buy the diapers, I'll change them whenever I want!
If LO makes even a little right after or while I am changing her, I will put a new diaper on her. My pedi said I should leave it until she's finished-umm no thanks! I don't understand why anyone would leave their LOs in dirty or wet diapers. My LO actually hates it and will scream until changed (as soon as she wakes up after a long nap, she screams from the dirty diaper and not so much from being hungry). Ask yourself, would you want to sit in a wet/dirty diaper? Then do that to your baby!
Any mamas been sick while breastfeeding? I have a terrible cold/flu and I am faithfully breastfeeding through it but gosh it's rough when all I want to do is curl into a fetal position. Any tips on how to make it a little easier?
I had a 24hr bug and honestly the only thing that helped was having my husband there to help. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hang in there Moma. Keep up on your water and try pedialite if you're throwing up a lot
Hey ladies who have been sick. I either have a stomach bug or ate something bad for lunch. I woke up from a two hour nap with a just in time trip to the bathroom (sorry if TMI). Usually I would do BRAT (Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast) but not sure if that will get enough calories in to produce breast milk. Also worried that LO will get sick too since we EBF. I know I need to drink lots of water but anyone else been through this? TIA
Any mamas been sick while breastfeeding? I have a terrible cold/flu and I am faithfully breastfeeding through it but gosh it's rough when all I want to do is curl into a fetal position. Any tips on how to make it a little easier?
I had a 24hr bug and honestly the only thing that helped was having my husband there to help. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hang in there Moma. Keep up on your water and try pedialite if you're throwing up a lot
Hey ladies who have been sick. I either have a stomach bug or ate something bad for lunch. I woke up from a two hour nap with a just in time trip to the bathroom (sorry if TMI). Usually I would do BRAT (Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast) but not sure if that will get enough calories in to produce breast milk. Also worried that LO will get sick too since we EBF. I know I need to drink lots of water but anyone else been through this? TIA
Breastfeeding will prevent the baby from getting sick so stick with it. It's hard and I know you probably feel like crap but hold tight. Your body will use its resources if you can't eat enough
Any mamas been sick while breastfeeding? I have a terrible cold/flu and I am faithfully breastfeeding through it but gosh it's rough when all I want to do is curl into a fetal position. Any tips on how to make it a little easier?
I had a 24hr bug and honestly the only thing that helped was having my husband there to help. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Hang in there Moma. Keep up on your water and try pedialite if you're throwing up a lot
Hey ladies who have been sick. I either have a stomach bug or ate something bad for lunch. I woke up from a two hour nap with a just in time trip to the bathroom (sorry if TMI). Usually I would do BRAT (Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast) but not sure if that will get enough calories in to produce breast milk. Also worried that LO will get sick too since we EBF. I know I need to drink lots of water but anyone else been through this? TIA
BFing will keep the baby from getting sick. Wash your hands a lot to prevent it from spreading but your milk will give them what they need to keep it away. And eat what you can. Your body will compensate for a short time.
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
Yes! Keep breastfeeding even though it's uncomfortable.
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
You are correct. Everything I have read says that breastfeeding baby when you are sick either prevents baby from getting sick or minimizes how sick baby gets.
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
Yes. It should help with everything. Just keep washing your hands and not kissing the baby to try and limit germs from spreading. But the best thing to do is to BF the baby. And let your husband take them after so you can rest! Feel better.
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
I had strep with a fever and managed to BF and not get my baby sick. Hand sanitizer is your friend.
Thank you so much for your support, ladies. I'm pretty sure I have either a blocked duct or mastitis, since I'm having pain and soreness on my breasts and chills/achy with a fever.
Thank you so much for your support, ladies. I'm pretty sure I have either a blocked duct or mastitis, since I'm having pain and soreness on my breasts and chills/achy with a fever.
If it is a clogged duct you should feel I hard knot in your breast. While feeding or pumping massage the knot really well. It hurts like hell, but it will help resolve the issue.
Thank you so much for your support, ladies. I'm pretty sure I have either a blocked duct or mastitis, since I'm having pain and soreness on my breasts and chills/achy with a fever.
If it is a clogged duct you should feel I hard knot in your breast. While feeding or pumping massage the knot really well. It hurts like hell, but it will help resolve the issue.
This. But if you're having chills and you're achy it's likely progressed to mastitis too. Call your doctor ASAP. It's no joke. You'll only feel worse until you can unclog it and get some antibiotics in you.
Re: Breastfeeding Questions/Support/Learnings Go Here
We started cosleeping because she wanted to be attached and eating for hours on end all night long.
She eventually took bottles better but the moment I walked in the door had to be latched on with in minutes or she would freak.
Everywhere you read there are different mandates: 3-5oz per feeding, 8-12 feedings per day, total oz 25-35 from 1-6 months! As soon as my LO started sleeping through the night her feedings per day dropped and I really panicked trying to force additional feedings during the day! As a first time mom I realize now that I need to just relax! LO is healthy and smiling. Babies have survived and thrived for hundreds of years before clocks and bottles with ounce markers existed!
I read somewhere that lo may be just comfort nursing/trying to non-nutritive nurse towards the end of her feeding session. I figured out my lo was getting frustrated because her belly was full but she still wanted a warm pacifier.
If this happens I either switch her to my less productive breast or pop a pacifier in while still holding her close.
The other reason is he needs a burp.
And eat what you can. Your body will compensate for a short time.
Does the same apply (BF the baby to prevent him from catching it) if you have a fever? I just started having chills and have a low grade fever. Going to call the pediatrician...
Feel better!
Just keep washing your hands and not kissing the baby to try and limit germs from spreading. But the best thing to do is to BF the baby.
And let your husband take them after so you can rest!
Feel better.
But if you're having chills and you're achy it's likely progressed to mastitis too. Call your doctor ASAP. It's no joke. You'll only feel worse until you can unclog it and get some antibiotics in you.