Struggling with EBFing and lack of sleep. Felt LO has a good latch until she was cluster feeding every 45 min recently. Broke down and started using the nipple shield to give myself some minor relief and nipples a chance to heal. Going to go to my hospitals free BFing class on Thursday to talk to the LC and other moms. I knew this would be a challenge, but 10 days in and I'm just exhausted and sore and so tempted to start exclusively pumping. Please tell me there's a light at the end of the tunnel!
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I apply lanolin after every feed for a few weeks. Helps with the pain. That is great you found a class and LC!
There is a light! I rub coconut oil on my nipples when they start to feel a little worn. It absorbs quickly and baby doesn't seem to mind the taste. Breastfeeding is hard! "They" make it seem like your baby will latch, it'll feel great, and you'll be feeding with an open shirt in three days. Not the case for everyone! But you got this mama! Stay committed you can do it!
@Kennedy0830, I have a LO with a similar pattern who eats for 2 hrs every feeding and often clusters between midnight and 4 AM or 5 AM. When I really feel like giving up, I start reading articles on BFing from La Leche League and Kelly Mom. I find that reading about the research on all the benefits snaps me out of my negative head space and gives me the determination to keep going. Also, buy some Lansinoh Soothies, you just stick them directly on the nipples and you will feel some relief. Remove them when you feed, then reapply the same pair until the adhesive wears off. You can do this!
Sorry if someone posted something similar but I'm running on 2 hrs and am pages behind...
So DD is 4 days old today. Milk came in late Saturday night. Before that she was feeding about 30 mins every 2 hrs. The instant my milk came in, she's been eating 5-9 minutes on one side and done. She won't open mouth no matter what I try, won't go to other side-- this happens whether it's motn and she's sleepy or if she's awake. We haven't gone to ped yet. Need to make appt today so not sure where we are weight wise. She poops and pees like crazy though & pees are never dark. could this possibly be normal or is she not getting enough??
@kami09 if she has plenty of wets and poops, she should be getting enough. Do you have a fast letdown? If she's able to keep up with a quick letdown, it's possible that she's just very efficient.
@Kennedy0830 there is a light!!!! I use earth mama baby angel nipple butter and it really helps immediately. Also Lanisoh soothies are amazing. What type of pads are you using for leakage? I noticed the disposable ones made my nipples more sore but the Bamboobies are so soft that I swear they help. I'm 24 days pp and it still hurts when she latches but it goes away in seconds, the scabbing I had is gone, and Im generally so much less sore all the time. I've been surprised by how physically taxing BFing is (not sure what I was expecting) in so many ways. I have an appt today with and LC/PP doula, Ill report back with what I learn. Hang in there momma!!!
@Kennedy0830 It gets better! I had blisters & scabs on my nipples until a few days ago. I made an appt with an LC and pumped + bottle fed for about 12 hours in advance to let my nipples heal enough to be able to practice latching in her office, and it totally worked! She gave me a few pointers on my latch i.e. my nipples are fairly flat so baby's mouth tends to slide into a shallow latch as she eats, so I keep doing the c-hold whenever she starts to get pinchy. She also said not to use lanolin if you have any cracks/ scabs because it can trap bacteria, so I've been using a cream by motherlove. It seriously turned our whole thing around and now nursing is going very well. Hope you have a positive experience with the LC too!
Thank you all for the positive responses - I got a couple of hours of sleep last night and was back to cluster feeding from 2-5am. She's now down for a long nap and I'm feeling better about EBFing as the nipple shield is able to give me some relief for the moment. I have been using the disposable pads but will definitely look into the other ones! I have lanolin and an organic nipple cream that I bounce back and forth between both. I don't want to feed her latching so I'm going to drop the nipple shield in a day or so. I think going to the class with the LC will definitely help so I'm looking forward to Thursday. Feeding is a full time job - and a hard one!!
I also like bamboobies. But they shift around and are bulky, so I use the disposable ones if I'm going out of the house. Unless it's to babysrus - I don't care if people can tell I'm wearing pads there. The disposable ones are so itchy though!
Does anyone else have shooting pain in their nipples? I had a clogged duct last week and ever since then Ive been having some shooting pain in my nipples and around them. Mostly on the one side. I will probably call my doctor tomorrow to rule out yeast but it's super uncomfortable. Hoping someone has an idea. @kbrands7? @araecasey? Praying it's not thrush!!
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer? - First time.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? - I've taken a breastfeeding class.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) - I'm not producing more than a drop of colostrum even when I'm pumping. Does this mean I won't be able to produce any breast milk at all? Feeling discouraged by this whole thing. Emily spent her first six hours in the NICU due to a suspected infection (ruled out, but we are both on antibiotics anyway), and since then her blood sugar has been on the low side so we have to continue to supplement with formula anyway. Except I can't produce any colostrum, so she's getting her diet pretty much entirely from the formula.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? - N/A
Have you tried hand expressing colostrum instead of pumping? I had to express colostrum as well when DD was a newborn. Hand expressing catches more of your colostrum than pumping AND offers the benefits of skin-to-skin, and tends to be more comfortable for moms than pumping. Plus, it's a pretty common problem to not respond well to pumping; please don't feel disheartened by the pumping thing. Colostrum is meant to come in very small amounts because baby's brand new stomach is the size of a marble and fills up very, very quickly. Additionally colostrum is a gentle laxative; we don't wanna overload baby on tons of colostrum. Your body is wise and knows this, and therefore makes a very small amount. It's important that we offer the breast very often in those early days and spend a good portion of time hanging out skin to skin. Tell me a little more about your nursing situation right now. How often are you nursing? How much skin to skin are you doing? Is baby rooming in with you or still in the NICU/nursery? How much supplement are you giving? When are you giving a supplement? Are you supplementing with bottle or syringe?
@araecasey Sorry that I never got around to responding/updating this - we went home the following day, and that first weekend was rough. Think I'm starting to get the hang of it though.
The LC at the hospital was upset that I was supplementing at all, and insisted that I should only be feeding Em those two or three drops of colostrum I was getting. Unfortunately, those drops were so little that they'd literally dry before I could collect them. I had to feed her something so I gave her the formula anyway, but the LC made me feel like I was doing something wrong, hence my level of discouragement.
My supply finally showed up on Sunday! (5 days postpartum.) I have to use a shield because my nipples are flat, but I'm able to breastfeed. The only problem is that Emily is far better at latching onto my right side than my left...am experimenting with different holds though. We'll see how it goes! In the meantime, am pumping and supplementing as needed...
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer? - First time.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? - I've taken a breastfeeding class.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) - I'm not producing more than a drop of colostrum even when I'm pumping. Does this mean I won't be able to produce any breast milk at all? Feeling discouraged by this whole thing. Emily spent her first six hours in the NICU due to a suspected infection (ruled out, but we are both on antibiotics anyway), and since then her blood sugar has been on the low side so we have to continue to supplement with formula anyway. Except I can't produce any colostrum, so she's getting her diet pretty much entirely from the formula.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? - N/A
Have you tried hand expressing colostrum instead of pumping? I had to express colostrum as well when DD was a newborn. Hand expressing catches more of your colostrum than pumping AND offers the benefits of skin-to-skin, and tends to be more comfortable for moms than pumping. Plus, it's a pretty common problem to not respond well to pumping; please don't feel disheartened by the pumping thing. Colostrum is meant to come in very small amounts because baby's brand new stomach is the size of a marble and fills up very, very quickly. Additionally colostrum is a gentle laxative; we don't wanna overload baby on tons of colostrum. Your body is wise and knows this, and therefore makes a very small amount. It's important that we offer the breast very often in those early days and spend a good portion of time hanging out skin to skin. Tell me a little more about your nursing situation right now. How often are you nursing? How much skin to skin are you doing? Is baby rooming in with you or still in the NICU/nursery? How much supplement are you giving? When are you giving a supplement? Are you supplementing with bottle or syringe?
@araecasey Sorry that I never got around to responding/updating this - we went home the following day, and that first weekend was rough. Think I'm starting to get the hang of it though.
The LC at the hospital was upset that I was supplementing at all, and insisted that I should only be feeding Em those two or three drops of colostrum I was getting. Unfortunately, those drops were so little that they'd literally dry before I could collect them. I had to feed her something so I gave her the formula anyway, but the LC made me feel like I was doing something wrong, hence my level of discouragement.
My supply finally showed up on Sunday! (5 days postpartum.) I have to use a shield because my nipples are flat, but I'm able to breastfeed. The only problem is that Emily is far better at latching onto my right side than my left...am experimenting with different holds though. We'll see how it goes! In the meantime, am pumping and supplementing as needed...
My guy was a big fan of my left side, still is, because my right side is inverted. I almost completely gave up on my right side until I decided to breast feed as the LC recommended (let them eat on one side, then offer the other) for one week. Now I can breastfeed on both sides and it's awesome! I wanted to share that with you so you know there is hope when your baby prefers one side!
Omg pumping and nursing the other side is hard!! I didn't do it last time, but several LC's have recommended it. My boppy gets in the way and baby's hands are everywhere! Any suggestions? I'm loving this early stash I'm building but I need some ideas....
@jomunson I actually noticed that just yesterday - Em is more willing to give the left side a shot if she's already had something from the right side. Thank you for letting me know that it worked out so well for you - it's definitely very encouraging to know that I'm on the right track!
@jomunson I actually noticed that just yesterday - Em is more willing to give the left side a shot if she's already had something from the right side. Thank you for letting me know that it worked out so well for you - it's definitely very encouraging to know that I'm on the right track!
It's like the formula moms say- the important thing is to feed your baby! We feed from the "good" side exclusively at night because it's easier for him to latch and then we do both sides during the day. I'll also say my LC told me you CAN make enough from one boob so if eventually it's just too tricky it's okay to let her eat more from one side. You got this mama!
@That1didntcount I'm struggling doing this right now.... Also are you doing the full cleaning of the shields and everything each time?
When I pumped at work the LC I talked to said it's ok to just rinse your flanges then put the parts in the fridge for something like up to 12 hours at a time. So my parts lived in the work fridge until I went home and did a thorough wash each evening.
@That1didntcount I'm struggling doing this right now.... Also are you doing the full cleaning of the shields and everything each time?
When I pumped at work the LC I talked to said it's ok to just rinse your flanges then put the parts in the fridge for something like up to 12 hours at a time. So my parts lived in the work fridge until I went home and did a thorough wash each evening.
I am only pumping once a day because I don't want to create an oversupply. I also like pumping while I nurse bc it is more free time from the constant milk process. My main problem is the fact that I can't get comfortable, and one hand is full of baby and the other hand is holding the pump to the other boob. I did the same once rinse a day for my parts when I started pumping at work. Thinking about that is giving me PTSD, hence why I am starting a stash earlier...
Does anyone else have shooting pain in their nipples? I had a clogged duct last week and ever since then Ive been having some shooting pain in my nipples and around them. Mostly on the one side. I will probably call my doctor tomorrow to rule out yeast but it's super uncomfortable. Hoping someone has an idea. @kbrands7? @araecasey? Praying it's not thrush!!
I had shooting pains for weeks. I called it lightning nipples! It was rather uncomfortable but has passed now that I'm not as full and my milk seems to have regulated itself!!
BFing makes me crazy hungry all day long. That is all.
Yes. And crazy thirsty.
I really don't know how I breastfed through the first part of pregnancy with how thirsty being pregnant makes me too. Major props to moms like @araecasey who nursed throughout.
@sunshinebins it's probably nerve pain from your milk ducts working to regulate supply again. After a clogged duct, supply can temporarily dip so it's probably working to ramp back up. Often thrush will have other symptoms too like itchiness, that bready-smell, and a white color. Plus, the lauric acid in milk naturally counteracts yeast pretty well most of the time. Still, it can't hurt to call your OB, MW, or LC.
Day 3 of BF and my boobs are engorged and full of milk which I guess is a good thing. LO had a great latch at the hospital but now that my boobs are basically giant hot sacks of cement my nipples have started to get chapped and sore with a tiny bit of blood. There is a bit of pain during latch, but the actual nursing is painless. I've also noticed a white crease across my nipple when she's done, which is making me think her latch is shallow.
Is it normal for my nipples to be sore like this? Going to call an LC come to the house tomorrow, any other advice in the meantime? I am hoping to avoid getting my nips too sore and blistered before I can meet with my LC!
@bkjade I had this same problem, didn't want to be in so much pain that I couldn't practice latching with the LC. She recommended that I pump and bottle feed for a few feeds prior to our meeting and it worked great! My left nipple was way worse than my right, so for the whole night before our meeting I alternated feeding on the right with pumping and bottle feeding for the left. Most of my scabs were basically healed after like 12 hours of this.
My back is killing me from BFing. I have a long torso and try to do the laid back position as much as possible to give my back a break but I can't always. I am committed to BFing but it really does require so much self sacrifice, I had no idea.
@bkjade Normal to have some mild soreness that early, but my best guess is she either has an initial narrow latch or is clamping down intermittently due to maybe a forceful letdown if you're getting a line.
@LadySamLady I feel you. Sometimes I wonder if I'm a selfish person for finding it so difficult to be so attached to my own daughter. But then there are times when my breasts don't feel very full and I feel a sense of panic that I won't be able to EBF to satisfy her. My big thing is my right wrist. I have mild carpel tunnel and have to use my mouse at work with my left hand. When I do the football hold on the right, it KILLS my wrist. I think I'm going to have to start wearing my wrist brace. Im really looking forward to her neck getting stronger so I don't have to support her as much.
I had my baby three and a half weeks ago. When breastfeeding I am still getting a few strong cramps. Anyone else still experiencing this?
I get this occasionally. It was weird, because right after the birth the uterine contractions were delayed. I didn't get them while nursing, just soon after. Now they happen while I nurse. Just not every time.
I'm taller too @LadySamLady and nursing kills my back. I went to the chirooractor today and it was AMAZING. I didn't have plans to continue going (I went during pregnancy because LO was breech) but I may need chiropractic care as long as I breastfeed. @missnc77 not only are my wrist sore but so is my elbow and my biceps burn. Breastfeeding is an arm workout for me. LOs head is heavy.
Guys I need help with leaky nipples. It wasn't quite as bad today but my nipples have been leaking a lot. I love my bamboobies but I've had to give them up because I was soaking them keeping my nipples moist all day. By only is this annoying because I'm soaking breast pads and dripping on my shirt but it's also making our feeding sessions extremely messy. LO coughs and seems to choke on the force of my letdown. I usually only feed her on one side for 25-30 min and alternate breast. I use to feed from both breast at each feeding but it left me engorged on both sides. Any suggestions?
I'm taller too @LadySamLady and nursing kills my back. I went to the chirooractor today and it was AMAZING. I didn't have plans to continue going (I went during pregnancy because LO was breech) but I may need chiropractic care as long as I breastfeed. @missnc77 not only are my wrist sore but so is my elbow and my biceps burn. Breastfeeding is an arm workout for me. LOs head is heavy.
Guys I need help with leaky nipples. It wasn't quite as bad today but my nipples have been leaking a lot. I love my bamboobies but I've had to give them up because I was soaking them keeping my nipples moist all day. By only is this annoying because I'm soaking breast pads and dripping on my shirt but it's also making our feeding sessions extremely messy. LO coughs and seems to choke on the force of my letdown. I usually only feed her on one side for 25-30 min and alternate breast. I use to feed from both breast at each feeding but it left me engorged on both sides. Any suggestions?
I sometimes have intense leakage from my "good" boob. My trick is to wear a bathing suit top. It's made from material made for moisture, easy to move for BFing, and let's my ladies breathe!
Right now I'm worried about wet diapers. My DD is in her 3rd day of life and she's only had 2 wet diapers since she's been born (that we know of), but she has pooped plenty. She didn't hit the 2 pee diapers within day 2.
She's been BFing great! Lots of cluster feeding, good latch, 15-20 min feeds. I also suspect my milk is coming in. I'm feeling heavy, tingly, and semi-warm sensations tonight.
Should I be worried at this point? I've never prayed so hard to see pee in her diaper.
Same thing happened to me - totally straightened out once my milk came in full force. She was born Monday and the wet diapers didn't start flowing until Thursday! I was praying hard for those wet diapers. You might have missed one with a poopy diaper too, you never know @hellogoodbye2
Are you using disposables? I found I only noticed wet diapers a few times a day but when I changed him they were really heavy and I knew he'd peed a bunch!
Question: are all BF babies somewhat messy eaters, or is that indicative of a latch/oversupply/other problem? I'm finding myself covered in breast milk by the end of every feeding!
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
I apply lanolin after every feed for a few weeks. Helps with the pain.
That is great you found a class and LC!
@araecasey Sorry that I never got around to responding/updating this - we went home the following day, and that first weekend was rough. Think I'm starting to get the hang of it though.
The LC at the hospital was upset that I was supplementing at all, and insisted that I should only be feeding Em those two or three drops of colostrum I was getting. Unfortunately, those drops were so little that they'd literally dry before I could collect them. I had to feed her something so I gave her the formula anyway, but the LC made me feel like I was doing something wrong, hence my level of discouragement.
My supply finally showed up on Sunday! (5 days postpartum.) I have to use a shield because my nipples are flat, but I'm able to breastfeed. The only problem is that Emily is far better at latching onto my right side than my left...am experimenting with different holds though. We'll see how it goes! In the meantime, am pumping and supplementing as needed...
I am only pumping once a day because I don't want to create an oversupply. I also like pumping while I nurse bc it is more free time from the constant milk process. My main problem is the fact that I can't get comfortable, and one hand is full of baby and the other hand is holding the pump to the other boob. I did the same once rinse a day for my parts when I started pumping at work. Thinking about that is giving me PTSD, hence why I am starting a stash earlier...
I really don't know how I breastfed through the first part of pregnancy with how thirsty being pregnant makes me too. Major props to moms like @araecasey who nursed throughout.
Is it normal for my nipples to be sore like this? Going to call an LC come to the house tomorrow, any other advice in the meantime? I am hoping to avoid getting my nips too sore and blistered before I can meet with my LC!
@missnc77 not only are my wrist sore but so is my elbow and my biceps burn. Breastfeeding is an arm workout for me. LOs head is heavy.
Guys I need help with leaky nipples. It wasn't quite as bad today but my nipples have been leaking a lot. I love my bamboobies but I've had to give them up because I was soaking them keeping my nipples moist all day. By only is this annoying because I'm soaking breast pads and dripping on my shirt but it's also making our feeding sessions extremely messy. LO coughs and seems to choke on the force of my letdown. I usually only feed her on one side for 25-30 min and alternate breast. I use to feed from both breast at each feeding but it left me engorged on both sides. Any suggestions?
DD: 05/14/16
Right now I'm worried about wet diapers. My DD is in her 3rd day of life and she's only had 2 wet diapers since she's been born (that we know of), but she has pooped plenty. She didn't hit the 2 pee diapers within day 2.
She's been BFing great! Lots of cluster feeding, good latch, 15-20 min feeds. I also suspect my milk is coming in. I'm feeling heavy, tingly, and semi-warm sensations tonight.
Should I be worried at this point? I've never prayed so hard to see pee in her diaper.
@JoMunson yes, using disposables.