@hellogoodbye2 We had a hard time noticing wet diapers at first. It helped to put a tiny piece of toliet paper in the diaper to see when it was actually wet. Sometimes the diaper was wet just not enough to show up for the blue line of the diaper.
@hellogoodbye2 I also didn't notice the wet diapers until my milk came in. And then a few days past that he really started soaking them. I wouldn't worry since you're getting poopy diapers.
@amberraysofdawn I just asked about this in another thread. We are a mess after feeding and I assumed it was because of oversupply. We use a nipple shield and when things get really messy it's hard to keep it in one place.
I had everything sorted out then Lucine started to cluster feed a lot in the last few days and my breasts are constantly full again and she's choking when eating again . . .This is so frustrating!
I have a small white dot on one of my nipples. I thought it could be a milk blister or something but it isn't painful. I tried soaking and rubbing and feeding but it hasn't gone away. Any ideas?
LO is nine days old and we are doing quite well with BF after a rough start. She's been cluster feeding a lot, which I don't mind, but I am scared of leaving the house without her because she might get hungry (I didn't leave the house without her yet). I don't have any experience with pumping as I will stay at home and BF for at least a year (yay to maternity leave in Germany!). But it would be good to get some time off every now and then. I know it might be overrated but I'm not comfortable with giving her a bottle because of nipple confusion. So I read about cup feeding, which excludes a nipple confusion-anybody got experience with it?
@Osnabel we did some cup and teaspoon feeding with DS (as well as bottle feeding and bfing). It's actually pretty easy to do; I'd suggest using a small see-through cup so that you won't spill and can see how much is going into LO's mouth. Focus on giving small amounts and letting baby completely swallow in between sips rather than drinking continuously.
I got a little lazy with feeding on both sides every time (righty is such a good producer and so easy for latching, lefty requires more work) for about a day and a half after a week of doing a good job. I just went to feed Ezra on lefty first and he latched but cried the whole time. Would it help if I pumped on the left to help increase the supply there? I think it's still making milk because I still feel that tingley let down feeling if he doesn't eat in time (but it never leaks, righty really leaks) but I don't think it's as much/comes out as fast as the other side. anyone else dealing with uneven supply? How did you pump it up?
Should I be feeding DD from both sides every time she eats? I've just been doing one side and it seems to work for us. She gets full on one side and goes to sleep before I have the chance to switch her, and the side she eats on still leaks after she's done so she's definitely not emptying it. Will that affect my supply in the long run?
@JessicaB0627 That's how I feed. I'll still offer both after he nods off if the first side feels empty. Once or twice per day he'll take the second as a dream feed. I'm prone to oversupply which is why I feed that way because it's a good way to ensure that LO is getting plenty of hindmilk (too much foremilk can make a baby gassy and gain less weight).
I've nursed on one side each time for the most part with all 3 of my kids. I have a history of hard/fast letdown and oversupply so this way I only have to partially drown her once. It's less stressful for both of us this way. I've never had issues with it.
Thanks! That makes me feel better. She's gaining weight perfectly so I'll just stick with what I'm doing. I also think I have a forceful let down so maybe it's for the best.
I only feed from both sides when I'm hoping he'll take a really long nap. And even then the second side is just a top off after he's filled up on the first.
I almost always offer both sides but she doesn't always go for the second side. I really don't like how it feels to be full so I always hope she'll take both.
They say it's generally possible to feed your baby from just one side, so I wouldn't think it would hurt to go with what works for you if baby is thriving.
The last 24 hours has been a constant nurse fest. My right side is so engorged. I pumped for comfort (for the first time) for 3 minutes and felt better initially, and now it's rock hard again. Ugh. Just needed to vent.
I've also just been feeding one side- I've tried everything to get her to eat longer/ take both sides to no avail. Had our weight check today & she gained 7 oz in less than 3 days. If it's working for you-keep at it! Breastfeeding makes no sense lol
How are you ladies building your stash? I'm 3 weeks PP, and I've been trying to pump the breast she nursed from every other day in the morning for practice and to gradually start building a stash since it's so early. At best, I get maybe half an ounce, but usually it's just maybe 1/4 of a tsp. I'm meeting her needs as she's gaining weight quickly, and the pediatrician is super happy. I don't feel like my boob is completely empty, but I also have implants, so they are pretty full feeling anyway. I'm getting really anxious about pumping now.
Also, I've been thinking about pumping the entire other breast to see how it goes, and everyone has recommended that I should be fine so long as I pick the same time each day. However, it's really hard to do that with a newborn since her night feelings can throw off what happens in the morning. How are you mamas that are breastfeeding but also starting to pump for a stash handling these things?
@missnc77 I've started double pumping after his first morning feed (or second since I sleep after 7 am). At first I got an oz or so but I've been doing it for a little over a week and I'm up to 4-5 oz per session. I've also heard to take a shower after a feed and then pump, which makes sense bc it encourages let down.
@missnc77 I've pumped to drain my breasts when I was still uncomfortably engorged after nursing a few times. Each time I got 3oz. I've been told that morning is the best time to pump as that is when supply is at its peak. I plan to pump after her first feeding for a few weeks before I go back to work to build my freezer stash.
@missnc77 Haven't started pumping regularly yet with this baby because I'm extremely wary of oversupply since that was a major issue with my son. When she's 3-4 weeks I'll start pumping after her morning feed a few times a week. I usually just pumped both sides bc then you can use the hands free bra more easily. Also, I never felt like it mattered if it was the same time each day... You tend to get more in the morning because they go a little longer between feeds overnight, but I think you could just do it when you get the chance and you'll be fine.
I made a private appointment with the LC from the hospital where I delivered in a last ditch effort to make BFing work. I just feel so defeated at the end of each day, fighting to make it work, futzing with nipple shields, watching them get more and more frustrated and still act famished after half an hour at the boob. Here's hoping we can turn things around.
@aliciad39@LadySamLady@bellodomani I'm so afraid I'll pump all the milk out and my supply won't catch back up before her next feed. Was that an issue when you drained your breasts the first few times?
@aliciad39@LadySamLady@bellodomani I'm so afraid I'll pump all the milk out and my supply won't catch back up before her next feed. Was that an issue when you drained your breasts the first few times?
He definitely nurses longer the first couple feeds after, but it's because your supply has to increase overall for LO and the extra pump session. Mine never got fussy though, but it helped me decide to do it in the morning vs night so I didn't have longer feeds when I wanted to sleep.
@aliciad39@LadySamLady@bellodomani I'm so afraid I'll pump all the milk out and my supply won't catch back up before her next feed. Was that an issue when you drained your breasts the first few times?
It wasn't an issue at all! My LC told me its not actually possible to completely drain them. If anything, it made my supply increase and I tend to get fuller faster. I will only do it right after she has finished nursing to allow for as much time as possible but there really has never been an issue.
@khochanadel I just wanted to tell you how amazed I am by the effort you are putting in! Your girls are so lucky to have such a selfless and committed momma!
I pumped a few times yesterday evening (got four ounces out of the good boob, about one out of the one I'm trying to increase supply). DH fed him from a bottle and my baby only nurses twice last night. This morning I woke up and my good breast is rock hard! Is it normal for baby to sleep longer when bottle fed?
I'm also waiting until about 4 weeks before I start pumping along with EBFing. I feel like my body is still adjusting to how much she needs to eat so I want it to regulate a bit more and not end up with an oversupply (I feel like I'd be prone to that based on engorgment after she cluster feeds). I have a small supply frozen currently due to engorgment in the beginning and haven't felt the need to express it over the past week.
I also am feeling ups and downs of EBFing. I've been back on using the nipple shield because she has been in such a frenzy lately that when she latches it is so aggressive. My poor nipples need to survive or I'll be bottle feeding in no time (I plan on introducing a bottle around 6 weeks - already getting stir crazy and would love a night out with DH!). I do feel like it consumes my day. Some days I love it and other days it makes me feel that is all I'm good for. I am not anti formula by any means, but I do think about it from a financial situation and know it can get very costly and I should appreciate that I'm not struggling producing, but man, is it s full time job..
I'm glad we're all so supportive on this board and my local mommy friends otherwise I probably would've given up a week ago! Sorry for the novel, but last thing - when can I expect to stop leaking? These breast pads are not attractive or comfortable...
@aliciad39@LadySamLady@bellodomani I'm so afraid I'll pump all the milk out and my supply won't catch back up before her next feed. Was that an issue when you drained your breasts the first few times?
I don't remember having this problem, but this was all like 2 years ago. Since your body makes milk constantly, I would assume that it would catch up by the time baby eats again. And if it doesn't catch all the way back up, that next feeding might just be slightly smaller and then baby will make up for it at the next feed.
I pumped a few times yesterday evening (got four ounces out of the good boob, about one out of the one I'm trying to increase supply). DH fed him from a bottle and my baby only nurses twice last night. This morning I woke up and my good breast is rock hard! Is it normal for baby to sleep longer when bottle fed?
I would guess it's just a fluke, but it's possible that he got a little more milk than usual and stayed asleep longer? I feed on both sides the session right before bed and she usually sleeps like 4.5 hours, but that just started 3 nights ago- I think she is able to hold a little more milk at this point because she's growing.
My husband introduced the first bottle today - it's about the same time we gave one to our first. I like the 2 week mark so she doesn't get super attached to the boob bc momma is going back to work! My husbands exact words when I asked if she was doing ok: "yeah she's real cocky about it"
Pumped a smidge over 2 ounces this morning from one breast. It was so awesome to see that much milk in the container. Wahoo! Thanks ladies! Interested to see if this causes me to be engorged tomorrow morning or after a couple of days of doing it.
So I had to start pumping with occasional formula top-ups about 3 days ago, due to massive damage to my nipples. (I'm 10 days pp.) I'm really hoping that if I can keep LO off the boobs long enough for them to heal, plus fix her latching issues (low palate, neck tightness), I can go back to breastfeeding more or less exclusively. I have 2 questions:
Will she be able to go back to breastfeeding if she hasn't done it in 5 days or so? I suppose it depends on the baby? She didn't have any trouble switching between boob and bottle when I was trying to do both.
When I pump, my right boob is way less productive than the left. I get 3 oz from lefty for every 1 from righty. Is that normal? Will that equalize over time?
I really, really want to be able to breastfeed. It's breaking my heart when I can't, but it's just too painful right now.
I started having to pump a week ago since she wasn't getting enough due to falling asleep from a slight tongue tie. The LC said to feed 2-3oz from a bottle after I nurse her. I'm two weeks pp and when I pump I only get between 1-2oz combined from both sides. This seems really low to me, anyone know how much is normal at this point? Also any ideas on how to increase my supply? I really want to make sure I can pump enough and not have to keep supplementing with formula
I thought that when people talked about breastfeeding being hard they were talking about it being physically painful. Sure I've had painful moments but my struggle hasn't been physical. Breastfeeding is emotionally and psychologically draining for me. LO has been fussy yesterday and today which means I've been feeding/ holding/ having her sleep on me all weekend. These moments can be extremely intimate and part of me loves it. But when I watched DH take a nap away from her today I cried. I miss sleep. Shit! I miss not feeling rushed in the restroom. I miss getting dressed without stressing about boob access. I miss fixing my own meals and using two hands to eat it. I miss margaritas. I want to tough this out. I'm going to tough this out. I also think I'd be less stressed if she were formula fed and I could pass her to DH every once in a while.
I thought that when people talked about breastfeeding being hard they were talking about it being physically painful. Sure I've had painful moments but my struggle hasn't been physical. Breastfeeding is emotionally and psychologically draining for me. LO has been fussy yesterday and today which means I've been feeding/ holding/ having her sleep on me all weekend. These moments can be extremely intimate and part of me loves it. But when I watched DH take a nap away from her today I cried. I miss sleep. Shit! I miss not feeling rushed in the restroom. I miss getting dressed without stressing about boob access. I miss fixing my own meals and using two hands to eat it. I miss margaritas. I want to tough this out. I'm going to tough this out. I also think I'd be less stressed if she were formula fed and I could pass her to DH every once in a while.
Sometimes DH will take LO from me right after nursing to burp, check/change diaper, etc. If I need a nap, I'll beeline it to bed and squeeze in a cat nap. Just an idea! It definitely helps me immensely.
@Charla1224 I completely understand the feeling. I promise that its worth it and it gets better-- LO will eventually eat faster, be less fussy, and you'll multitask while feeding like it's natural if you have to.
@kbrands7 I hope you're right because we're going on 45 minutes on one side of active eating. Please let this mean she's stocking up for the evening so we can sleep lol!
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
DD: 05/14/16
I have a small white dot on one of my nipples. I thought it could be a milk blister or something but it isn't painful. I tried soaking and rubbing and feeding but it hasn't gone away. Any ideas?
anyone else dealing with uneven supply? How did you pump it up?
Also, I've been thinking about pumping the entire other breast to see how it goes, and everyone has recommended that I should be fine so long as I pick the same time each day. However, it's really hard to do that with a newborn since her night feelings can throw off what happens in the morning. How are you mamas that are breastfeeding but also starting to pump for a stash handling these things?
I also am feeling ups and downs of EBFing. I've been back on using the nipple shield because she has been in such a frenzy lately that when she latches it is so aggressive. My poor nipples need to survive or I'll be bottle feeding in no time (I plan on introducing a bottle around 6 weeks - already getting stir crazy and would love a night out with DH!). I do feel like it consumes my day. Some days I love it and other days it makes me feel that is all I'm good for. I am not anti formula by any means, but I do think about it from a financial situation and know it can get very costly and I should appreciate that I'm not struggling producing, but man, is it s full time job..
I'm glad we're all so supportive on this board and my local mommy friends otherwise I probably would've given up a week ago! Sorry for the novel, but last thing - when can I expect to stop leaking? These breast pads are not attractive or comfortable...
Will she be able to go back to breastfeeding if she hasn't done it in 5 days or so? I suppose it depends on the baby? She didn't have any trouble switching between boob and bottle when I was trying to do both.
When I pump, my right boob is way less productive than the left. I get 3 oz from lefty for every 1 from righty. Is that normal? Will that equalize over time?
I really, really want to be able to breastfeed. It's breaking my heart when I can't, but it's just too painful right now.
I thought that when people talked about breastfeeding being hard they were talking about it being physically painful. Sure I've had painful moments but my struggle hasn't been physical. Breastfeeding is emotionally and psychologically draining for me. LO has been fussy yesterday and today which means I've been feeding/ holding/ having her sleep on me all weekend. These moments can be extremely intimate and part of me loves it. But when I watched DH take a nap away from her today I cried. I miss sleep. Shit! I miss not feeling rushed in the restroom. I miss getting dressed without stressing about boob access. I miss fixing my own meals and using two hands to eat it. I miss margaritas.
I want to tough this out. I'm going to tough this out. I also think I'd be less stressed if she were formula fed and I could pass her to DH every once in a while.
DD: 05/14/16