My LO hasn't had any problems with a bottle vs boob. Have faith!
I'm curious what everyone's preferred hold is? I've been doing football at home and cross while out. Football is my preferred, but cross is getting easier as she gets bigger and stronger. Football is getting harder for us as she gets longer. How can I make cross more enjoyable (i.e. Can use one hand to browse on my phone or iPad).
I start in cross but end up leaning it back into the laid back position because I'm lazy and it's better for reflux. I have a really long torso and need sooo many pillows to get her high enough to nurse comfortably while seated so I just never last long with it. She ends up lying across me more vertically with her head still in the crook of my arm on whichever side she's nursing.
Yep, I think it's time to pull the trigger and start going toward the cross hold at home. Time to bust out the boppy!
I have some other questions (I'm full of them!).
For the non-crunchy breastfeeders that maybe aren't so gung-ho about breastfeeding in public...have you done it yet? The closest I've gotten is breastfeeding in the back seat of my car. My husband's squadron is hosting a party at work on Friday in honor of the air show this weekend, and it's also a military only preview day. We know some of the Thunderbirds and want to go support them, but that means finally breastfeeding in public. I know it comes easier for those women who are really out and proud and live in a more metro area, but I live in Utah. You'd think mormons would be all about public breastfeeding with all the kids they have, but it's so conservative.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
During labor I injured my tailbone so I had to get creative with my "holds" I used to do cross cradle if feeding on my left side side and football if feeding on the right. Sitting straight up was near impossible because of my tailbone. I use a couch pillow, then the boppy, then a bed pillow and make a mountain basically, then I sort of lean against it so I'm half sitting on the side of my butt and half laying then I put baby to breast and he's laying on the pillow mountain. It take the pressure off my tailbone and it's super comfy! Plus LO loves to be spread out when eating. He gets his arms and legs spread out, it's so cute!
Yep, I think it's time to pull the trigger and start going toward the cross hold at home. Time to bust out the boppy!
I have some other questions (I'm full of them!).
For the non-crunchy breastfeeders that maybe aren't so gung-ho about breastfeeding in public...have you done it yet? The closest I've gotten is breastfeeding in the back seat of my car. My husband's squadron is hosting a party at work on Friday in honor of the air show this weekend, and it's also a military only preview day. We know some of the Thunderbirds and want to go support them, but that means finally breastfeeding in public. I know it comes easier for those women who are really out and proud and live in a more metro area, but I live in Utah. You'd think mormons would be all about public breastfeeding with all the kids they have, but it's so conservative.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
If I'm at home I let them air dry basically for as long as it's convenient- if we're not doing anything and my husband doesn't have friends over, maybe 5-10 min? But when I'm out it's much shorter. But I don't like to put them right back in because then your nipple ends up stuck to your bra and you have to pull it off later which sucks. What I do when nursing in public is after we're finished I use a rag or breast pad to sort of dab at my nipple, then I pull my t-shirt back down and continue to let my nipples air out under the shirt for a few minutes, then clip my bra back up.
@missnc77 I haven't BFed in public yet either and I live in Brooklyn where pretty much everything goes. I've actually decided that today is the day and starting slow by going to sit out in the park for a while where no one will really be noticing what we are up to. I got this cover which can be worn like an infinity scarf or as a proper cover. I originally got the Bebe au lait cover but I hate it, I couldn't see what I was doing and LO did not like nursing under a tarp. I feel like I've just got to get the first time over with and it will be easier the next time.
@ladysamlady Good luck! I was hoping with it still snowing in April that it meant Utah would get a milder summer, but it's been 90+ here. Better than Las Vegas at least, but still too hot to enjoy being outside. Jealous of you NY ladies!
@missnc77 I haven't BFed in public yet either and I live in Brooklyn where pretty much everything goes. I've actually decided that today is the day and starting slow by going to sit out in the park for a while where no one will really be noticing what we are up to. I got this cover which can be worn like an infinity scarf or as a proper cover. I originally got the Bebe au lait cover but I hate it, I couldn't see what I was doing and LO did not like nursing under a tarp. I feel like I've just got to get the first time over with and it will be easier the next time.
@missnc77 I've been bf-ing in public from the start, I just drape a lightweight swaddle blanket over my shoulder to cover my boob and her head. It doesn't bother her, and easy for me to turn towards a wall or away from people slightly when I need to look down to get her latched on or adjust.
Also nobody has ever told me anything about air drying after feeding. I've never done it and so far nothing bad has happened. I do have some leaking issues though so I started wearing nursing pads which is at least protecting my bras. So maybe try nursing pads when you're traveling so you can get extra moisture off your nipples without 10 minutes of air drying. I doubt it will do any damage if you do it for just a day.
Yep, I think it's time to pull the trigger and start going toward the cross hold at home. Time to bust out the boppy!
I have some other questions (I'm full of them!).
For the non-crunchy breastfeeders that maybe aren't so gung-ho about breastfeeding in public...have you done it yet? The closest I've gotten is breastfeeding in the back seat of my car. My husband's squadron is hosting a party at work on Friday in honor of the air show this weekend, and it's also a military only preview day. We know some of the Thunderbirds and want to go support them, but that means finally breastfeeding in public. I know it comes easier for those women who are really out and proud and live in a more metro area, but I live in Utah. You'd think mormons would be all about public breastfeeding with all the kids they have, but it's so conservative.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
We're supposed to air dry our nipples? I've just been whipping off the shield and sticking them back into my bra and shirt (with disposable pads). Guess I'll start making an effort to leave them out for more than a few moments after nursing...
Also, I never managed to master the football hold, and I can't remember the others half the time, so I just do some variation of the cradle hold. If I'm feeling particularly full, I'll have LO sort of on top of me with her body at an angle so that she can draw out my supply from a slightly more vertical position without choking on it. Otherwise it's usually the general cradle position.
@Pascal86@amberraysofdawn Air drying is mostly important if you have had thrush or are at risk for developing it, which I assume was the case with @missnc77
I also have not been air drying the nips. I take her burp cloth, blot, apply nipple cream and stick on the breast pad. I had my OB prescribe me APNO (all purpose nipple ointment) today at my 6 week appointment so I'm starting to use that today.
@missnc77 I keep telling myself I will BF in public and anytime we have the chance, LO sleeps the entire time lol. I did go to my car today while waiting for my prescription at the hospital today due to so many old people in the lobby - I didn't feel like being judged or scarring anyone today!
I don't think I'm at risk for developing thrush - no more than anyone else I guess. I didn't have any IV antibiotics. Maybe that nurse had a bad experience. I wear bamboobies around the house, so I'm just going to start popping them back in, especially at night. I can't believe I was blow drying them! Haha!
Add me to the list of those who do not air dry. I also leak a lot so my nips are damp most of the time. Between leaking and being G cup, I need the support of everything being buttoned back up.
For NIP, I use and Udder Cover that I love. It has a piece of plastic in the neckline that holds the cover out so I can look down and see LO at all times. A bonus is that the two I have only cost me shipping since I would get a gift card type coupon for them in the gift bags from the hospital, motherhood maternity, and I think when I signed up for the registry at babies r us. I think I may have another gift card lying around if someone wants to use it.
@AuntieCre5 I find the scarf easier but it's less discreet if that matters to you. A passerby might get a glimpse of side boob which I'm telling myself I don't mind, I haven't yet put it to the test by NIP.
@missnc77 I just loled at your last post! It's funny the things we do trying to follow the rules. I tried to let them air dry in the beginning but I really don't like it! It makes my already sore nipples cold which feels weird.
@Kennedy0830 tell me about APNO! I stopped using any nipple cream or balm after my last bout of mastitis because I convinced myself that it was contributing, that maybe bacteria was getting in when I put it on. Maybe (probably) that's crazy! My nipples still get sore (when is the pain free BFing supposed to start?!) so maybe I should inquire to my OB about APNO.
@missnc77 I haven't BFed in public yet either and I live in Brooklyn where pretty much everything goes. I've actually decided that today is the day and starting slow by going to sit out in the park for a while where no one will really be noticing what we are up to. I got this cover which can be worn like an infinity scarf or as a proper cover. I originally got the Bebe au lait cover but I hate it, I couldn't see what I was doing and LO did not like nursing under a tarp. I feel like I've just got to get the first time over with and it will be easier the next time.
Haha I got the Bebe au lair cover and hates it before trying it, but now I love it because I feel like I can see when I couldn't when I tried to use a Muslin blanket. I do plan on trying a scarf though!
I love, love, love using scarves. It's my covering method of choice. I only cover my boob with it: I put one side of the scarf down each side of the boob, then pull across the side that's center to fan it over the boob and I tuck a tiny piece of that side in my brastrap or armpit to secure it. As baby unlatches, one tiny tug covers the whole boob and nipple so I can dry a bit while I pull DS to my shoulder for a possible burp.I just reach under the scarf to pull my bra and shirt back up, then wrap the scarf back around my neck or take it off.
I haven't air dried my nipples since the early days when they were really sore.
NIP is something I thought I would always cover for, but because I wear tanks under my shirts, I can do it pretty discreetly. I only cover if I feel "out in the open". Plus it's so hot for the cover right and and I think it makes DS sleepy and a lazy nurser because he is warm. I try to be very deliberate in where I sit so NIP to make it more comfortable so I feel less exposed. I do have the scarf one and I like it because it's cute, but it's not was for me to see what I'm doing. Maybe if I had more practice.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
Been breastfeeding for years and never air dry. I actually keep covered at all times unless feeding (then only the one doing the feeding is uncovered) and no problems. I keep covered due to painful blanching if I don't, learned that the first time around.
So my plugged duct turned into an abscess which I had to have cut out two days ago. DD had to be on formula for 24 hours since I was put under for the surgery. Now I am back to nursing on my right side and wondering how much formula I need to feed her to supplement. Will one boob ever be enough?
The nurses said I should pump on the cut side until healed but with the bandages I can't get a good seal with the pump. I've been trying to hand express but hate it. It's so slow and unrewarding.
I'm feeling so sad and frustrated over this situation and really not looking forward to my appointment in a half hour to have my hole washed out.
Anyone else been been through this? Or have any tips on how get enough from one side until healed?
@LadySamLady it is basically a mix of antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and anti fungal ointment to help with sore/cracked nipples! Here's the link to make it yourself (a Walgreens wouldn't have it), but my hospitals pharmacy makes it to where you don't have to. Even after 2 uses I do feel a difference with at least soreness. I'm only going to use twice a day, so it's not a "every feeding" type deal.
@gampster No advice here, just wanted to say that sounds awful, I'm so sorry you have to go through that! How long do you have to have bandages on for?
@gampster FX for you for a quick recovery! That sounds painful Just like with a growth spurt, you may find that your baby needs to nurse more often the first day or two, but your production should pick up just fine to feed from one side until the other is back in commission. I had already started weaning, but I fed DS1 one-sided for months and many twin mamas feed a baby from each breast; it's definitely possible to just use one side. You may end up with a temporary oversupply there though since you're also pumping the healing side to keep up production. Another option is to pump the healing side, feed from the one side as usual and supplement formula for feedings you would normally do from the healing side until it's good to go. 2-4oz should probably do it for one feeding.
Gampster - I am so sorry you are going through that. I know someone who due to cancer treatments could only feed from one side. She was able to successfully breastfeed two babies into toddlerhood. You got this!
Thanks guys for the support. I have no idea how long I will be bandaged. Maybe a week? They didn't do stitches so as of now it's just a one inch incision on my nip. I always thought my first breast surgery would be for something fun like implants or a lift!
So far I've been nursing DD like crazy on the right side so hoping my supply catches up to her soon. Happy to hear that it's possible!
@gampster it's really a vanity thing in the developed world...we try for somewhat symmetrical boobs I've been told in many areas around the world women only use one side!
Just want to vent - clogged duct and doing the heat and massage. It's so high and deep I can't seem to relieve the pain. I'm just digging in and can't help but be agitated at how hard this all is. Just frustrated at the burden it puts on the body and I will honestly lose my shit if I wake up with mastitis.
Just want to vent - clogged duct and doing the heat and massage. It's so high and deep I can't seem to relieve the pain. I'm just digging in and can't help but be agitated at how hard this all is. Just frustrated at the burden it puts on the body and I will honestly lose my shit if I wake up with mastitis.
Can your SO get at it? Mine was high in my underarm practically and I was afraid to touch it so I made DH massage it while I nursed.
@That1didntcount ugh I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I used to get them all the time and almost threw in the towel. Have you tried lecithin ? Since I've started using it I haven't had a clogged duct issue (knock on wood).
Also, have baby nurse using the dangle method while you massage the area.
As is breastfeeding isn't hard enough, let's throw in sore/bleeding nipples and infections! Ugh.
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
@That1didntcount ugh I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I used to get them all the time and almost threw in the towel. Have you tried lecithin ? Since I've started using it I haven't had a clogged duct issue (knock on wood).
Also, have baby nurse using the dangle method while you massage the area.
As is breastfeeding isn't hard enough, let's throw in sore/bleeding nipples and infections! Ugh.
Don't forget leaking! Leaking is so annoying, oh and the huge melons I have to lug around now.
If Mother Nature wants me to feed my kid from the boob, she shouldn't make it so damn hard! I just want my old boobs back, but with milk. Is that too much to ask for?
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
I I need to master this -
I always think of how fabulous Alyssa Milano looks BFing. Sigh.
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
I I need to master this -
I always think of how fabulous Alyssa Milano looks BFing. Sigh.
My guess is that these are older babies. It gets easier as they're more sturdy and your body knows what to do better.
EBF mom confession. Sometimes I google celebrity breastfeeding photos for boobsperation when I'm feeling down about BF. I then close my eyes and pretend I'm Giselle, in my chair with baby in full breastfeeding glory.
I I need to master this -
I always think of how fabulous Alyssa Milano looks BFing. Sigh.
My guess is that these are older babies. It gets easier as they're more sturdy and your body knows what to do better.
Also, my boobs are about 10x the size of these women's. It does not look like that!
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
I have some other questions (I'm full of them!).
For the non-crunchy breastfeeders that maybe aren't so gung-ho about breastfeeding in public...have you done it yet? The closest I've gotten is breastfeeding in the back seat of my car. My husband's squadron is hosting a party at work on Friday in honor of the air show this weekend, and it's also a military only preview day. We know some of the Thunderbirds and want to go support them, but that means finally breastfeeding in public. I know it comes easier for those women who are really out and proud and live in a more metro area, but I live in Utah. You'd think mormons would be all about public breastfeeding with all the kids they have, but it's so conservative.
Also, can we talk about air drying nipples? I got a stern warning from the nurse in the hospital that discharged us to be sure to air dry. I've been so paranoid ever since. I try to let them air dry for about 10-15 minutes, and in the middle of the night I blow dry them. How long are you letting your nips dry before covering them back up? Am I going overboard? I'm thinking about Friday and how that adds another 10-15 minutes to a 20 minute feed. I'd love to just pop my boob back in and go.
https://www.copperpearl.com/collections/multi-use-covers/products/the-harbor
Also nobody has ever told me anything about air drying after feeding. I've never done it and so far nothing bad has happened. I do have some leaking issues though so I started wearing nursing pads which is at least protecting my bras. So maybe try nursing pads when you're traveling so you can get extra moisture off your nipples without 10 minutes of air drying. I doubt it will do any damage if you do it for just a day.
We're supposed to air dry our nipples? I've just been whipping off the shield and sticking them back into my bra and shirt (with disposable pads). Guess I'll start making an effort to leave them out for more than a few moments after nursing...
Also, I never managed to master the football hold, and I can't remember the others half the time, so I just do some variation of the cradle hold. If I'm feeling particularly full, I'll have LO sort of on top of me with her body at an angle so that she can draw out my supply from a slightly more vertical position without choking on it. Otherwise it's usually the general cradle position.
@missnc77 I keep telling myself I will BF in public and anytime we have the chance, LO sleeps the entire time lol. I did go to my car today while waiting for my prescription at the hospital today due to so many old people in the lobby - I didn't feel like being judged or scarring anyone today!
edit: iPad typos
For NIP, I use and Udder Cover that I love. It has a piece of plastic in the neckline that holds the cover out so I can look down and see LO at all times. A bonus is that the two I have only cost me shipping since I would get a gift card type coupon for them in the gift bags from the hospital, motherhood maternity, and I think when I signed up for the registry at babies r us. I think I may have another gift card lying around if someone wants to use it.
@missnc77 I just loled at your last post! It's funny the things we do trying to follow the rules. I tried to let them air dry in the beginning but I really don't like it! It makes my already sore nipples cold which feels weird.
@Kennedy0830 tell me about APNO! I stopped using any nipple cream or balm after my last bout of mastitis because I convinced myself that it was contributing, that maybe bacteria was getting in when I put it on. Maybe (probably) that's crazy! My nipples still get sore (when is the pain free BFing supposed to start?!) so maybe I should inquire to my OB about APNO.
NIP is something I thought I would always cover for, but because I wear tanks under my shirts, I can do it pretty discreetly. I only cover if I feel "out in the open". Plus it's so hot for the cover right and and I think it makes DS sleepy and a lazy nurser because he is warm. I try to be very deliberate in where I sit so NIP to make it more comfortable so I feel less exposed. I do have the scarf one and I like it because it's cute, but it's not was for me to see what I'm doing. Maybe if I had more practice.
I keep covered due to painful blanching if I don't, learned that the first time around.
The nurses said I should pump on the cut side until healed but with the bandages I can't get a good seal with the pump. I've been trying to hand express but hate it. It's so slow and unrewarding.
I'm feeling so sad and frustrated over this situation and really not looking forward to my appointment in a half hour to have my hole washed out.
Anyone else been been through this? Or have any tips on how get enough from one side until healed?
https://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&id=76:all-purpose-nipple-ointment-apno&Itemid=17
I know someone who due to cancer treatments could only feed from one side. She was able to successfully breastfeed two babies into toddlerhood. You got this!
So far I've been nursing DD like crazy on the right side so hoping my supply catches up to her soon. Happy to hear that it's possible!
Also, have baby nurse using the dangle method while you massage the area.
As is breastfeeding isn't hard enough, let's throw in sore/bleeding nipples and infections! Ugh.
I I need to master this -
If Mother Nature wants me to feed my kid from the boob, she shouldn't make it so damn hard! I just want my old boobs back, but with milk. Is that too much to ask for?
I always think of how fabulous Alyssa Milano looks BFing. Sigh.
If this was Abby and I, I would have poop running down my arm. Cause she always has to poop while eating