@mrskratt ... So much good info! Follow up questions: 1- if you couldn't get the ties fixed until 6months, why have them check in the hospital? Or were you unable to get it fixed sooner bc you waited? (ETA- not saying that in a judgy way. Purely curious and want info so I know for when it matters for me in a few months) 2- do you think the clogged duct was bc of overproduction? How do you prevent those, or can you?
I heard that MOST hospitals will clip tongue/lip ties while in the hospital after they are first born, if suspected. After we found out about my daughters, I called around every doctor/dentist I called said they won't do it until 2 years of age. I'm not sure why that is, but it was extremely frustrating. And that's why it took us so long to get into a specific dentist that would do it, because she was the only one in our area that would. For the clogged duct, I believe you have a better chance at getting them with over production. I am not exactly sure how to prevent them though, because I believe you want to try and empty the breast before switching to the other, which makes it hard with over production. But switching nursing positions help. But if you do suspect a clogged duct, I found that laying the baby on a bed and "dangle" feeding is the most efficient way to unclog it. Sorry my post above was all over the place! My brain is everywhere.
I have 2 questions (assuming I can remember both as I'm typing them out).
1 - If you're able to pump and freeze, when is it recommended "best before" date? I know you should write the date on the freezer bag, but just no idea when you should use it up by.
2 - I almost lost this one but went back and read a few posts and it came back - is it recommended you sleep in a bra while BFing? I'm a B-cup so I'm not big, and normally I sleep nude if I can (lately I've been trying to sleep in an oversized tank top, but if I could I wouldn't).
@LauraPCOS I'm also a B cup and never slept in a bra until I had a baby. The only reason I began to was because I had an oversupply and would literally soak through my clothes if I didn't. So, I slept with a soft, sports bra kinda nursing top with breast pads. I also think the weight of my boobs would have bothered me too without a little support. Hope that helps!
@bnsmith85 Great find! I'll save that, too, because I couldn't remember.
I also slept in a bra my entire BF/pumping journey - my boobs and nips were always so sensitive that I couldn't sleep naked. It took about a week after weaning before I could sleep without it again.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has shared their experiences. It is good to hear all different stories of BF and EP because it is a good reminder that no baby or momma or boobie is the same and it will vary for everyone. I am religiously following this post and reading up on BF and EP.
I will have 8 weeks for maternity leave before heading back to work. I really want to pump so that the baby can drink breast milk even when she is at the sitter. I am fortunate to have a private office and can close the door and pump as needed.
Also wanted to share that personally we had a really rough start to bfing. I thought everything was going fine, but DS kept losing weight and crying the first week or so, and my boobs were constantly hurting and leaking. Turns out he wasn't actually latching and wasn't getting any milk! We worked with an awesome LC who helped get us set up with a nipple shield to latch, pumping routine to get my supply back (I pretty much dried up since he hadn't nursed since birth), and tips to get his weight back up ASAP. We wound up having a great nursing relationship and made it a full year, with a good freezer stock as well. You can do it!
I had to start pumping right away, baby was jaundiced and needed to eat more frequently to get her body to start producing everything it needed. It was really hard. I was feeding her every two hours and pumping to make sure I could measure the amount of breastmilk she was taking in. At first it would take an hour to pump, I'd sleep for an hour and then wake up to feed her the bottle and start the cycle over again. It was really rough at first, but I'm glad I stuck to it.
I ended up up with an oversupply and for the longest time I had to pump every 3-4 hours. This was on top of breastfeeding her. She would alternate between the bottle and breast with no problem. Once I went back to work and she started to get more bottles she started to prefer those. I was a little heartbroken about that because I really enjoyed feeding her directly and it was a lot easier tha dealing with preparing, storing, and cleaning bottles.
I had such an oversupply that I ended up needing to buy a freezer just to store the milk! But it was nice knowing that she always had enough frozen, so I didn't need to worry if I wasn't going to be home. The frozen stash lasted a couple months after I stopped pumping at 6 months. And her switch to formula was fine. She didn't seem to have a preference either way, so we just used up the milk that we could and eventually we were on only formula.
I had had a hard time giving up breastfeeding at 6 months because I had planned to do it longer. I was having some pretty bad post partum anxiety though and needed meds. I wish I wouldn't have had such a hang up about keeping with breastfeeding and that I would have started the meds sooner. Breastmilk is great, formula is great, and the baby was happy as long as she was fed. Having a mama who could sleep and take care of herself was way better for my babe than trying to keep pushing to breastfeed. Just something to keep in mind.
Good luck to everyone trying to breastfeed. It's hard, but overall I'm glad I did it. The one thing I wish someone had told me: when we first started it hurt like a mofo! It felt like razors were going through my breasts with every suckle. The first night home I was crying I was I so much pain. Luckily I had my husband's support and encouragement. I know everyone says it's not supposed to hurt, but it was killer until my nipples got used to it and my milk was in. Then it didn't hurt at all. I worked with a lactation consultant in the hospital who was great, but when it was just my husband and I at home it was a lot harder. without h I doubt I would have made it. Like I said, once my nipples were used to it and my milk was in it didn't hurt at all, but those first few days were really rough on me. Blinding pain. Totally worth it though.
There is a closed group on Facebook you may want to join: Exclusively Pumping Group. My first was born with a cleft palate and the mechanics were not there to nurse. I plan to pump with 2nd DD. I have been following a long with this group and wish I had known about it when my daughter was small. Kellymom is also a great BF resource. Although breastfeeding is "natural" there are so many factors that go in to it than can make it far more complicated.
@ingoscj - your story is similar to mine, except mine latched great but became jaundiced and underweight immediately because he would fall asleep within a minute or two of BFing. I tried everything but he just wouldn't stay awake- unless he drank from a bottle.
I don't know if this has been touched on yet. Applying Lanolin/whatever cream you're using throughout third trimester to sort of "prep" your nipples? I've heard it can help with the soreness and any cracking that can happen at the beginning of BF.
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
Omg, this is all so helpful - but I'm starting to freak out and get all anxious. My logical brain knows this is a natural process, one that's been done foreverrrrr...but my nervous, crazy overthinking brain is all like, "Whoa, this is overwhelming." Deep breaths....
@LMNOBaby... I contacted my local La Leche League through FB and will be going to one of their recurring meetings. I'm hoping that plus this thread will help ease my nerves... although, at this point, it still terrifies me. Also...a lot of the LLL chapters have lending libraries for educational resources so I'll probably rent a book from them. May be worth looking into to help ease your nerves as well
@LMNOBaby I won't say breastfeeding is easy, because I don't think that's universally (or even generally) true, but some women (like me) do luck out and have a pretty easy time of it. Some babies latch correctly right from the beginning with little or no help and their mom has plentiful supply and very little nipple pain (though I don't think it's possible to have no discomfort when you're first starting out). So please don't freak out yet! It's definitely a good thing to prepare for, but since you might have no issues, try not to stress too much.
I was just catching up on this thread and got all excited to explore the whole Le Leche League thing... Turns out the only meetings in my area are once a month on Mondays at 10:30 in the morning. Oh great. Another thing I'm excluded from because I have a job.
Also, I've heard of tongue and lip ties before, but had never seen one. Upon googling, I'm pretty sure I have a lip tie. Or is it normal to have he piece of skin that connects your top lip to your gums?! I know this has absolutely nothing to do with BFing, but I'm super curious now!
ETA: Upon further research, I see that it's normal to have that thingy that connects your lip to your gums. I'm an idiot lol.
@CopperBoom86 - not sure about your area, but in my area, there's a greater LLL for the area and then smaller chapters for more intimate groups. So, I can't go to the meeting that's super close to me because I'm in the same spot as you... they only meet once a month on Mondays, but I can go to the one that's about 10-15 more mins up the road that meets on Saturdays. If you can't find the greater area LLL group, message or call the local chapter and see if they have any suggestions for chapters that meet during the weekend Hope that helps fix your situation!
@ignoscemihi ... thank you for the really positive story! I think we hear a lot about the tougher stories because they're the ones we can learn the most from and also don't risk mom shame if it doesn't work out for us the same way it did someone else... BUT, for us first timers, it really isnice to hear about it being easy for someone.. like, hey, maybe that could be me!
@copperboom86 I had a thin piece of skin between my upper lip and gums. The dentists surgically removed it when I was about six. It was a horrific experience (and I'm not even sure why they wanted to do it - my mother was under the impression they were cutting a lot less away than they actually did). TERRIFIED of my kid having a lip or tongue tie because I'm not sure I could put her through a similar surgery.
Tongue/lip ties are seriously over-diagnosed lately, too. Some babies really do need help with it, but it is often something misdiagnosed or that your baby will quickly adjust or grow out of. It's smart to get a second opinion before you do anything for a lip or tongue tie.
I breastfed my DD and supplemented with formula for 11 months. I used nipple shields for most of that time, because it helped with her latch. I also took herbal supplements to help with my supply (because I couldn't ever keep up with DD's demand.) Like other people, we had some struggles in the beginning, but ultimately I grew to enjoy it. I worked full-time and also pumped at work about 3 times a day. I think it's important not to put too much pressure on yourself. It's okay to feed your baby formula. It's okay if you can only breastfeed for a short period of time. Whatever works for you and your baby is exactly what you should be doing. ETA- spelling.
Tongue/lip ties are seriously over-diagnosed lately, too. Some babies really do need help with it, but it is often something misdiagnosed or that your baby will quickly adjust or grow out of. It's smart to get a second opinion before you do anything for a lip or tongue tie.
This is true. My MIL is a nurse at the hospital and she saved a baby from having the procedure done to fix the tongue tie. The LC had decided since the baby was having problems with BFing, that they must have a tongue tie. My MIL went in and the mom was all upset and told her about it...my MIL had the baby successfully latched within an hour of working with them. She may be cray cray, but she is a great nurse and I am glad I will have her in the hospital for second opinions.
Definitely get a second opinion on ANYTHING if you think it doesn't sound right!!
Me:33 DH: 34 Married: May 2011 TTC #1: May 2015 DS: 10/20/2016 TTC #2: June 2019 #2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I help lead online meetings for moms who can't make regular meeting times on FB. If you're interested, I can send you the link to join. Our next meeting is this Thursday at 8:45PM (pst). I can also add you to our local group page if you want.
Tongue/lip ties are seriously over-diagnosed lately, too. Some babies really do need help with it, but it is often something misdiagnosed or that your baby will quickly adjust or grow out of. It's smart to get a second opinion before you do anything for a lip or tongue tie.
This is true. My MIL is a nurse at the hospital and she saved a baby from having the procedure done to fix the tongue tie. The LC had decided since the baby was having problems with BFing, that they must have a tongue tie. My MIL went in and the mom was all upset and told her about it...my MIL had the baby successfully latched within an hour of working with them. She may be cray cray, but she is a great nurse and I am glad I will have her in the hospital for second opinions.
Definitely get a second opinion on ANYTHING if you think it doesn't sound right!!
Yes! My second was tongue tied and I nursed her with no issues. Not to disregard someone who has troubles, cause they can be valid. But it isn't something that needs cut if it's not a problem. She is two now though and she needs it snipped cause she can't talk very well or even lick her lips. They were hoping it would resolve on its own but it hasn't so that's really going to suck for her when they snip it. I hope it's not too bad.
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One, as others have said, thanks so much to everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge! Now this might be a SS question...does anyone have to pump before birth? I've heard your milk comes in after birth but ive also heard breast milk can leak later in pregnancy so that seems a little confusing to me.
One, as others have said, thanks so much to everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge! Now this might be a SS question...does anyone have to pump before birth? I've heard your milk comes in after birth but ive also heard breast milk can leak later in pregnancy so that seems a little confusing to me.
Your body is starting to prepare and produce colostrum in the 3rd trimester, so you may have some leaking but it isn't something you need to start pumping or dealing with, aside from maybe wearing nursing pads if you are really having leakage issues. In fact, pumping while pregnant can cause contractions, so it's not recommended until you are ready for labor.
I would NOT recommend attempting to pump your colostrum before birth... it is the most nutrient rich substance produced before your milk supply comes in full force, and is pretty much liquid gold, and very beneficial to baby as they begin to nurse. At least, so I've been told by my previous Lactation Consultant and nurses. When LO was in the NICU and I couldn't hold him or BF him, they would have me try to pump or hand express the colostrum and they didn't waste a DROP, literally.
Another thing I never knew about, for the first few weeks while breastfeeding, I would have these awful contractions. They made me double over. I'm sure not everyone has the same, but breastfeeding helps to shrink your uterus back down, causing contractions.
Someone already mentioned this, but I want to stress it again: Don't freak out about building a freezer stash! I repeat: Don't freak out about building a freezer stash!
IMO, the most important lessen I learned from BFing 18 months (and pumping at work for 14 of those months) is that it's all a matter of supply/demand. If you start pumping too early, your body will think the baby needs more milk, and you could run into oversupply issues, which are really painful and take a while to go away (trust me on that one!).
Here's my best advice: If possible, try and exclusively breastfeed for at least the first month (this is the hardest part, I know). But give your baby/body at least 4 weeks to adjust. Six weeks, if you can. (I understand everyone is different!) Then, start thinking about a stash if you need one to return to work or just want a break from feedings.
What I would do is nurse baby for her early morning feeding (about 5:30/6 a.m.) and lay her back down. While she slept some more, I would go make breakfast for me (oatmeal, mostly) and eat it while pumping. Mornings are ideal because that's when your supply is high (from hopefully longer breaks between feeding at night), and I got some quiet time before the day really started.
I originally tried this at three weeks postpartum and ended up with oversupply and thrush ... I tried again around five or six weeks, and had a great stash when I returned to work at eight weeks. Over the months, the stash only grew! After 12 months, I had to make a real effort to use up my freezer stash so it wouldn't go to waste. We made some ice cubes for teething and also mixed it with baby food. There was soooo much milk! So again: Don't freak out!
@TurtleMomma - Yes, please send me a link. I probably won't have anything to contribute, but I'd love to get involved and soak up whatever info I can. Thank you!
1) How often do you pump? I BF until I went back into the office at 12 weeks. After that, I pumped every 2-3 hours.
2) How much should you be pumping per sitting? my supply went to shit after I went back to work. Some days Harper was with me and some days she stayed home and my boobs couldn't handle the mixed signals. I also work a semi stressful job (I'm a trial/discovery paralegal so I handle all things trial and discovery related).
3) Is it often that a baby won't take a bottle AND a boob? We never had this issue.
4) Can you feel a change in milk supply in one boob signaling to use a different one? Yes, you will also have one boob that is "better" than the other.
5) How in the hell am I supposed to BF two babies if they are hungry at the same time? Tandem feeds is what I've heard, but I'm wondering the same thing.
If you are on Instagram, I can PM you or tag you in a IVF Warrior's post about feeding twins. She successfully exclusively pumped for over a year (like over 120oz a day). She offers really, really good tips about avoiding mastitis, supplements to take, pumping schedules, etc. Her username is hollyhugs.
@TurtleMomma - Yes, please send me a link. I probably won't have anything to contribute, but I'd love to get involved and soak up whatever info I can. Thank you!
@CopperBoom86 I'm confused by this as well. My youngest had a tongue tie and I'm pretty sure it's the same as every other tongue I've seen but it was the "connector" under his tongue that was clipped.
@mrskratt ... So much good info! Follow up questions: 1- if you couldn't get the ties fixed until 6months, why have them check in the hospital? Or were you unable to get it fixed sooner bc you waited? (ETA- not saying that in a judgy way. Purely curious and want info so I know for when it matters for me in a few months) 2- do you think the clogged duct was bc of overproduction? How do you prevent those, or can you?
@bnsmith85 my son's was noticed much earlier than that by his pediatrician. I want to say it was at his 2 or 4 week checkup. They said it was what was causing me so much pain when he latched because he couldn't do it properly. I decided to do it, it helped btw, and they did it right there in the office. A simple clip, with something like surgical scissors, very little blood and he was over it by the time we left.
I disagree that tongue/lip ties are over diagnosed. It's really come more into focus in recent years as to the impact it has on breastfeeding overall so people are more aware of it. One of my favorite speakers on the topic is Dr. Bobby Ghaheri, a world renowned pediatric ENT who specializes in breastfeeding medicine.
I told FI I was considering EPing, he pulled the "but how are you supposed to bond with the baby then?" card... silly man. I guess the same way you will without him suckling from your breasts- By being there and loving and nurturing him and through the other parental duties I'll be performing for the rest of my life as his mother. Duh.
Re: All Things Breastfeeding
After we found out about my daughters, I called around every doctor/dentist I called said they won't do it until 2 years of age. I'm not sure why that is, but it was extremely frustrating. And that's why it took us so long to get into a specific dentist that would do it, because she was the only one in our area that would.
For the clogged duct, I believe you have a better chance at getting them with over production. I am not exactly sure how to prevent them though, because I believe you want to try and empty the breast before switching to the other, which makes it hard with over production. But switching nursing positions help. But if you do suspect a clogged duct, I found that laying the baby on a bed and "dangle" feeding is the most efficient way to unclog it.
Sorry my post above was all over the place! My brain is everywhere.
Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013
Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014
1 - If you're able to pump and freeze, when is it recommended "best before" date? I know you should write the date on the freezer bag, but just no idea when you should use it up by.
2 - I almost lost this one but went back and read a few posts and it came back - is it recommended you sleep in a bra while BFing? I'm a B-cup so I'm not big, and normally I sleep nude if I can (lately I've been trying to sleep in an oversized tank top, but if I could I wouldn't).
@bnsmith85 Great find! I'll save that, too, because I couldn't remember.
Edited for typos (again...)
I will have 8 weeks for maternity leave before heading back to work. I really want to pump so that the baby can drink breast milk even when she is at the sitter. I am fortunate to have a private office and can close the door and pump as needed.
Dating: 10/3/08 | Married: 12/27/14
TTC #1: August 2015 | BFP: 2/3/16 | EDD: 10/7/16
DD: 10/5/16
TTC #2: September 2017 | BFP: 4/28/18 | EDD: 1/7/19
DS: 1/9/19
I ended up up with an oversupply and for the longest time I had to pump every 3-4 hours. This was on top of breastfeeding her. She would alternate between the bottle and breast with no problem. Once I went back to work and she started to get more bottles she started to prefer those. I was a little heartbroken about that because I really enjoyed feeding her directly and it was a lot easier tha dealing with preparing, storing, and cleaning bottles.
I had such an oversupply that I ended up needing to buy a freezer just to store the milk! But it was nice knowing that she always had enough frozen, so I didn't need to worry if I wasn't going to be home. The frozen stash lasted a couple months after I stopped pumping at 6 months. And her switch to formula was fine. She didn't seem to have a preference either way, so we just used up the milk that we could and eventually we were on only formula.
I had had a hard time giving up breastfeeding at 6 months because I had planned to do it longer. I was having some pretty bad post partum anxiety though and needed meds. I wish I wouldn't have had such a hang up about keeping with breastfeeding and that I would have started the meds sooner. Breastmilk is great, formula is great, and the baby was happy as long as she was fed. Having a mama who could sleep and take care of herself was way better for my babe than trying to keep pushing to breastfeed. Just something to keep in mind.
Good luck to everyone trying to breastfeed. It's hard, but overall I'm glad I did it. The one thing I wish someone had told me: when we first started it hurt like a mofo! It felt like razors were going through my breasts with every suckle. The first night home I was crying I was I so much pain. Luckily I had my husband's support and encouragement. I know everyone says it's not supposed to hurt, but it was killer until my nipples got used to it and my milk was in. Then it didn't hurt at all. I worked with a lactation consultant in the hospital who was great, but when it was just my husband and I at home it was a lot harder. without h I doubt I would have made it. Like I said, once my nipples were used to it and my milk was in it didn't hurt at all, but those first few days were really rough on me. Blinding pain. Totally worth it though.
My first was born with a cleft palate and the mechanics were not there to nurse. I plan to pump with 2nd DD. I have been following a long with this group and wish I had known about it when my daughter was small. Kellymom is also a great BF resource. Although breastfeeding is "natural" there are so many factors that go in to it than can make it far more complicated.
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
https://kellymom.com/pregnancy/bf-prep/bf-preparation/
I'm with you, @LMNOBaby. So freaking nervous.
Also, I've heard of tongue and lip ties before, but had never seen one. Upon googling, I'm pretty sure I have a lip tie. Or is it normal to have he piece of skin that connects your top lip to your gums?! I know this has absolutely nothing to do with BFing, but I'm super curious now!
ETA: Upon further research, I see that it's normal to have that thingy that connects your lip to your gums. I'm an idiot lol.
ETA- spelling.
Definitely get a second opinion on ANYTHING if you think it doesn't sound right!!
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
I help lead online meetings for moms who can't make regular meeting times on FB. If you're interested, I can send you the link to join. Our next meeting is this Thursday at 8:45PM (pst). I can also add you to our local group page if you want.
edit for clarity
Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013
Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014
IMO, the most important lessen I learned from BFing 18 months (and pumping at work for 14 of those months) is that it's all a matter of supply/demand. If you start pumping too early, your body will think the baby needs more milk, and you could run into oversupply issues, which are really painful and take a while to go away (trust me on that one!).
Here's my best advice: If possible, try and exclusively breastfeed for at least the first month (this is the hardest part, I know). But give your baby/body at least 4 weeks to adjust. Six weeks, if you can. (I understand everyone is different!) Then, start thinking about a stash if you need one to return to work or just want a break from feedings.
What I would do is nurse baby for her early morning feeding (about 5:30/6 a.m.) and lay her back down. While she slept some more, I would go make breakfast for me (oatmeal, mostly) and eat it while pumping. Mornings are ideal because that's when your supply is high (from hopefully longer breaks between feeding at night), and I got some quiet time before the day really started.
I originally tried this at three weeks postpartum and ended up with oversupply and thrush ... I tried again around five or six weeks, and had a great stash when I returned to work at eight weeks. Over the months, the stash only grew! After 12 months, I had to make a real effort to use up my freezer stash so it wouldn't go to waste. We made some ice cubes for teething and also mixed it with baby food. There was soooo much milk! So again: Don't freak out!
I BF until I went back into the office at 12 weeks. After that, I pumped every 2-3 hours.
2) How much should you be pumping per sitting?
my supply went to shit after I went back to work. Some days Harper was with me and some days she stayed home and my boobs couldn't handle the mixed signals. I also work a semi stressful job (I'm a trial/discovery paralegal so I handle all things trial and discovery related).
3) Is it often that a baby won't take a bottle AND a boob?
We never had this issue.
4) Can you feel a change in milk supply in one boob signaling to use a different one? Yes, you will also have one boob that is "better" than the other.
5) How in the hell am I supposed to BF two babies if they are hungry at the same time? Tandem feeds is what I've heard, but I'm wondering the same thing.
If you are on Instagram, I can PM you or tag you in a IVF Warrior's post about feeding twins. She successfully exclusively pumped for over a year (like over 120oz a day). She offers really, really good tips about avoiding mastitis, supplements to take, pumping schedules, etc. Her username is hollyhugs.
Me: 28 DH: 27
Me: 28 DH: 27