Yes to reminding ourselves how far we've come. I feel like every day I summon new strength, patience and resolve and it makes me feel really good to be able to do that for myself, my baby and my family.
Congrats!! I loved reading that. It really does get easier.
My first was so difficult as far as issues that came up and I didn't know one person in my friends group or family or anyone in real life who had breastfed. But I was very determined and sought out resources, sought out local mom's groups, LC's, and kept trying to make it "just one more feeding, just one more day". My one day at a time turned into surpassing my original goal of 1 year last time. Such a great feeling of accomplishment because it definitely wasn't easy in those early weeks.
Seriously, this board has been amazing. Reading everyone's first weeks struggles helped me not feel so alone and isolated. I probably would have quit after my first run in with clogged ducts and mastitis. But, here I am, still going. It feels so good to know it'll get easier as my LO gets older. I can already tell a difference with latch and his awareness that I'm not just a food supply. So amazing.
To echo, super nervous about pumping/work/BF that's to come in less than a few weeks. But I've made it this far. I rarely feel optimistic about anything, yet, I feel good about this!
Can you over feed a brestfed baby? I always thought you couldn't because they know how to nurse just for comfort. MIL was talking about a friends baby who is 7months and VERY chunky EBF and she said they feed her to calm her because she can't self sooth. I thought this was bs and you can't over feed a brestfed baby even if you feed on demand. I let my LO nurse for comfort, is there a time at which I should stop or is this just not true?!
Can you over feed a brestfed baby? I always thought you couldn't because they know how to nurse just for comfort. MIL was talking about a friends baby who is 7months and VERY chunky EBF and she said they feed her to calm her because she can't self sooth. I thought this was bs and you can't over feed a brestfed baby even if you feed on demand. I let my LO nurse for comfort, is there a time at which I should stop or is this just not true?!
It's just not true. There's a million reasons her baby might be a little chubby. I feed on demand and feed to soothe and Ezra's a bean pole. BF babies will spit up anything that over fills their stomach. Plus breastfeeding isn't just food! It's their liquids intake as well as their course of comfort, pain relief, etc etc.
@Lusitano8 You're fine, if your baby takes in more than they should it'll just come back up. I'm guessing that baby is probably just a chunky baby and it has nothing to do with not self soothing. And FWIW, I (and all my siblings) was an extremely fat EBF baby and am now a fit & healthy adult, no one should be concerned about a fat baby.
Congrats!! I loved reading that. It really does get easier.
My first was so difficult as far as issues that came up and I didn't know one person in my friends group or family or anyone in real life who had breastfed. But I was very determined and sought out resources, sought out local mom's groups, LC's, and kept trying to make it "just one more feeding, just one more day". My one day at a time turned into surpassing my original "long term" goal of 1 year last time. Such a great feeling of accomplishment because it definitely wasn't easy in those early weeks.
This is what happened with DS1! It really can be so hard at first, especially if you don't know anyone who had breastfed through the difficult phase or of there isn't a lot of support. Once I struggled through the first couple months and our initial latch issues, found some resources, and saw how much it benefited DS1 and our relationship, I just stuck with it for as long as we could. We made much longer than I ever imagined I would on day one and far beyond my soft goal of one year. Breastfeeding really does have a community aspect to it; it's great to be able to problem solve and celebrate with others. Everyone is doing so well at persevering through the difficult moments!
Mamas whose babies started sleeping longer.... Does your body just regulate to not make so much milk at night or are you still having to pump ?
My baby is so erratic when it comes to night times, I'm still dealing with engorgement. It was getting better, but the 6 week growth spurt happened, then she was out of sync for the next couple of weeks, then I think she just had an 8 week growth spurt.
Not in relation - I am getting even more engorged than usual at night, and I'm wondering if it's because I pumped at night the last two evenings to replace a bottle feeding. I do pump a little longer on my morning stash pump, but when it's a replace a bottle pump, I just go for 20 minutes since that's usually how long she's on the breast for a feeding. Can pumping even when replacing a feeding that should have taken place cause more stimulation and then engorgement?
Mamas whose babies started sleeping longer.... Does your body just regulate to not make so much milk at night or are you still having to pump ?
Mine has just been regulating. DS2 also started drinking down both sides before and/or after his long stretch rather than just one side.
Same here. This baby started doing 8-9 hour stretches at 5 weeks and I somehow never got engorged- she tends to nurse on both sides around 7:30, then when she wakes up between 4:30-5 she'll fully drain one side and drink a bit from the other. My son started doing long stretches at like 7 weeks and it took me maybe 2-3 nights with pretty bad engorgement before my body got the memo.
Mamas whose babies started sleeping longer.... Does your body just regulate to not make so much milk at night or are you still having to pump ?
My baby is so erratic when it comes to night times, I'm still dealing with engorgement. It was getting better, but the 6 week growth spurt happened, then she was out of sync for the next couple of weeks, then I think she just had an 8 week growth spurt.
Not in relation - I am getting even more engorged than usual at night, and I'm wondering if it's because I pumped at night the last two evenings to replace a bottle feeding. I do pump a little longer on my morning stash pump, but when it's a replace a bottle pump, I just go for 20 minutes since that's usually how long she's on the breast for a feeding. Can pumping even when replacing a feeding that should have taken place cause more stimulation and then engorgement?
I think so because whenever I pump, I know I get more than the baby drinks. I stopped pumping a couple weeks ago, and still dealing with engorgement
Mamas whose babies started sleeping longer.... Does your body just regulate to not make so much milk at night or are you still having to pump ?
Mine has just been regulating. DS2 also started drinking down both sides before and/or after his long stretch rather than just one side.
Same here. This baby started doing 8-9 hour stretches at 5 weeks and I somehow never got engorged- she tends to nurse on both sides around 7:30, then when she wakes up between 4:30-5 she'll fully drain one side and drink a bit from the other. My son started doing long stretches at like 7 weeks and it took me maybe 2-3 nights with pretty bad engorgement before my body got the memo.
This. The last 3 nights we've gotten 8-9 hour stretches. She eats off one side still but I think I'm just producing more (and she's eating in under 10 min - fast letdown I assume). I did have to wake up at 330 last night because I was engorged and got 4 oz in 3 min of manual pumping. I feel that when my body regulates she ends up changing and we start all over!
Not specifically bf, but a boob related vent. If my toddler uses my nipples as handles to climb on me again today I'm probably going to lose my sh*t and actually yell. It's making me leak and it freaking hurts to have that much weight tugging there. Last time this was an issue, he was easily 10lbs lighter.I need to put on a bra with some padding for protection asap.
@Bellodomani@JoMunson thank you both! That's what I thought, and I enjoy being able to comfort LO by nursing if he needs it. I got upset with mil for criticizing another mom! But I'll save that for the IL board.
I try to get 4oz per pump session, 2oz on each side. I could easily get 8oz or more but my body will freak. Even if I do it once a day, I get engorged 3 hours later and it takes a couple feedings on the breast to regulate to just fullness again. I'm nervous as to what this will mean when I go back to work. Should I just start pumping more regularly so my body gets the memo?
Also, how many sessions do I need to pump at work? Every 3 hours? I was thinking 8, 11 and 2. But LO will be 3 months by then, the feedings extend to 4-5 hours by then hopefully?
BTW, really jealous of the 8-9 hour stretches. But ouch for the engorgement!
I did have to wake up at 330 last night because I was engorged and got 4 oz in 3 min of manual pumping. I feel that when my body regulates she ends up changing and we start all over!
@Kennedy0830 Wow!! I get only about 1 ounce when I'm fully engorged at night and manually pump for about 5 minutes. Does the milk just flow out?
Ok lecithin users - anyone having some gi issues? @LadySamLady@Kennedy0830? I think you two were taking it? I started two days ago, and definitely am having stomachs issues. I'm also on day 8 of antibiotics for mastitis, so I can't rule that out either.
Ok lecithin users - anyone having some gi issues? @LadySamLady@Kennedy0830? I think you two were taking it? I started two days ago, and definitely am having stomachs issues. I'm also on day 8 of antibiotics for mastitis, so I can't rule that out either.
I use lecithin and haven't noticed anything. Are you taking a probiotic? My pediatrician's NP said I needed to get 70-100 billion (or is it million?) cultures. That meant taking a double dose of the one I was already on. It can effect baby through your milk, apparently. I'm already done with antibiotics and she still said to take more for a while.
@That1didntcount That sounds more like the antibiotics, they will jack your whole system up. Like @lalala2004 said, I would take a serious probiotic (one from refrigerated section) 2x/ day alternating to make sure it's not at the same time as the antibiotic. Should help protect you from thrush too!
@Bellodomani and @lalala2004 thanks for your responses. My mom said the same thing both of you did. I guess since I had been on the antibiotics for over a week and the lecithin for 2 days I was thinking it was the addition but it's probably the stupid amount of antibiotics I'm on. Ugh. I mean 2 pills/4 times a day? That's easy for a new mom to remember.
I did have to wake up at 330 last night because I was engorged and got 4 oz in 3 min of manual pumping. I feel that when my body regulates she ends up changing and we start all over!
@Kennedy0830 Wow!! I get only about 1 ounce when I'm fully engorged at night and manually pump for about 5 minutes. Does the milk just flow out?
Yes... The instant I turn on my pump or use the manual it comes spraying out of like 3-4 areas on my nipple. Most is foremilk so I know I need to keep going until the spraying is nearly over, but it's always a good milky color (usually lighter in the wee hours).
ETA - I have been taking fenugreek (2 pills once a day). That is when I noticed my supply going up. I am still getting between 4-6 oz every morning from just one side.
Ok lecithin users - anyone having some gi issues? @LadySamLady@Kennedy0830? I think you two were taking it? I started two days ago, and definitely am having stomachs issues. I'm also on day 8 of antibiotics for mastitis, so I can't rule that out either.
As others mentioned, I haven't had GI issues with the lecithin. I have had a few clogged ducts recently but they were easily cleared by heat/LO nursing within the day. I guess I should be taking them twice a day versus just once.
Ok lecithin users - anyone having some gi issues? @LadySamLady@Kennedy0830? I think you two were taking it? I started two days ago, and definitely am having stomachs issues. I'm also on day 8 of antibiotics for mastitis, so I can't rule that out either.
I haven't had any new gi issues since taking it that I've noticed but I have ulcerative colitis so tend to attribute any stomach issues to that. I make sure to take it with food, I take all my vitamins and supplements with breakfast.
I haven't been on in a few days but want to add a YAY for how far we have all come!! I hadn't yet reflected on it but I'm realizing now that it definitely has gotten so much easier. I thought it would be painful and awful forever but it really isn't painful anymore and if it does start to hurt I know what to do! I'm also worried about how things will change when im back at work but I have confidence that we can figure it out since we've made it this far already.
LO has had issues gaining enough weight, she's always gained but never as much as they would like. I thought BF had been going well but at her weight check today she dropped from the 20% two weeks ago to the 11% today and they want me to go back to pumping after each feed and giving it back to her right away in a bottle. I'm really hoping I can keep BFing for the next four months but am feeling a little discouraged now
Ok lecithin users - anyone having some gi issues? @LadySamLady@Kennedy0830? I think you two were taking it? I started two days ago, and definitely am having stomachs issues. I'm also on day 8 of antibiotics for mastitis, so I can't rule that out either.
As others mentioned, I haven't had GI issues with the lecithin. I have had a few clogged ducts recently but they were easily cleared by heat/LO nursing within the day. I guess I should be taking them twice a day versus just once.
I think the recommended amount is 3600mg which may be more than what the bottle says the dose is.
@NinnyJean some babies are small and that doesn't mean there is a problem. As long as she is gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers I wouldn't worry. Sadly a lot of pediatricians aren't very supportive of breastfeeding. I guess control issues?
LO has had issues gaining enough weight, she's always gained but never as much as they would like. I thought BF had been going well but at her weight check today she dropped from the 20% two weeks ago to the 11% today and they want me to go back to pumping after each feed and giving it back to her right away in a bottle. I'm really hoping I can keep BFing for the next four months but am feeling a little discouraged now
Does she seem satisfied after a feed? Or is she trying to eat constantly all day long? Does she have a good amount of wet and poopy diapers? Both of my nieces went from being a decent birth weight (in the 7 lb range) to lower and lower percentiles until they eventually settled in the- seriously- 0.05%ile, where they both still are at 6 and 9 years old. She got a lot of pressure to supplement/ pump but felt like they were getting enough to eat and were just skinny kids, so she pushed back against what her doctor was saying, and ultimately EBF'ed them both til around age 2. All that to say, weight alone is not a reliable indicator of a good supply, and you probably know better than your doctor if your baby is getting enough to eat.
LO has had issues gaining enough weight, she's always gained but never as much as they would like. I thought BF had been going well but at her weight check today she dropped from the 20% two weeks ago to the 11% today and they want me to go back to pumping after each feed and giving it back to her right away in a bottle. I'm really hoping I can keep BFing for the next four months but am feeling a little discouraged now
Does she seem satisfied after a feed? Or is she trying to eat constantly all day long? Does she have a good amount of wet and poopy diapers? Both of my nieces went from being a decent birth weight (in the 7 lb range) to lower and lower percentiles until they eventually settled in the- seriously- 0.05%ile, where they both still are at 6 and 9 years old. She got a lot of pressure to supplement/ pump but felt like they were getting enough to eat and were just skinny kids, so she pushed back against what her doctor was saying, and ultimately EBF'ed them both til around age 2. All that to say, weight alone is not a reliable indicator of a good supply, and you probably know better than your doctor if your baby is getting enough to eat.
This. My ped wanted us to supplement because LO lost 5 oz within a few days after her first appt. I didn't do it and 3 days later she was back up to birth weight. At 5 weeks she was only 8oz above birth weight and a LC had to keep me from breaking down. LO is happy, not starving after eating, sleeping like a champ, and having plenty of wet diapers (poops every other day but I know that is normal as well). I had to stop comparing and refuse to look into percentiles. She would let me know if something wasn't right and wasn't getting enough. Focus on LO's cues and go from there! I know it's a struggle (I had to stop weighing LO on my own so I wouldn't go crazy about numbers). You got this!
How many bottles do working mamas have in their stash? I've only purchased a couple since he has only had two bottles to date, but I'm going back to work full time soon. Given I'm sending bottles in for him and will have to clean, etc. what's a good number so I'm not overwhelmed?
How many bottles do working mamas have in their stash? I've only purchased a couple since he has only had two bottles to date, but I'm going back to work full time soon. Given I'm sending bottles in for him and will have to clean, etc. what's a good number so I'm not overwhelmed?
With DS1, I had a stash of 12. I used 5-6 bottles to pump into while at work and left 4 for him to drink while I was away. During growth spurts he'd drink 5. He used to drink just 3.5- 4.5 oz at a time though. Some babies will start to drink more, less often needing fewer bottles. My bottling strategy at work was to pump, then combine into 1 and keep running through the empty bottles until I had filled anywhere from 4-6, 3oz-5oz bottles depending on the day and how much I needed to pump based on what he had eaten. If I had excess, I bagged it and froze it. The bottles and my pump parts that touched milk all fit into 2 medela black cube coolers with icepacks, which fit into the pump tote to take back and forth easily.
@Bellodomani she will always either fall asleep or will stop on her own and when I try to rematch her she won't open her mouth, so she seems full. Whenever she's fussy I try feeding first given her size, so she gets fed often and meets her diaper quota. It feels good to know that other babies made it through the same thing! Thankfully her pedi is super supportive of breast feeding and is willing to see us every week to make sure she is still gaining, this new plan is just going to make feedings a lot longer of a process
I'm celebrating today because it's the first time we've made it through 24 hours without a bottle. LO has had only breastmilk since day 5 but mostly through bottles because of a ton of issues - no latch, weak suck, tongue and lip tie, etc. After 7 weeks of pumping and nipple shields and bottles he is now properly eating at the breast. The one thing that's helped lately is for me to make sure he's actually hungry before I feed him. If he's not then he'll suck weakly forever and get just a little snack but not stimulate my milk supply or get really full. I've found that if I can hold him off (by baby wearing, cuddling, car seat, etc) then he actually sucks strongly and gets a decent meal and then can usually have a proper nap. I understand the benefits of comfort nursing but it wasn't working for us given all our other issues. Just sharing my experience in case it's helpful for anyone else who has had challenges.
Tasted some of my breastmilk (frozen and thawed) before DH gave it to LO and it tastes like vomit. SO GROSS! I then expressed some milk to see if it was as gross, and it tasted fine. After Googling it seems that it is still ok for LO, but that I have excess lipase.
I have found some articles that reccomended scalding milk before freezing (what a pain in the butt!), but not much in the way of reducing lipase in the milk (not even sure if this is possible). Has anyone else dealt with this?
Tasted some of my breastmilk (frozen and thawed) before DH gave it to LO and it tastes like vomit. SO GROSS! I then expressed some milk to see if it was as gross, and it tasted fine. After Googling it seems that it is still ok for LO, but that I have excess lipase.
I have found some articles that reccomended scalding milk before freezing (what a pain in the butt!), but not much in the way of reducing lipase in the milk (not even sure if this is possible). Has anyone else dealt with this?
This has happened to me before, but not consistently. I started freezing more hindmilk-rich batches immediately rather than waiting up to 3 days like I would with milk that's more foremilk, and have been able to avoid scalding. I've heard that increasing antioxidants in your diet can help, but I have no idea how well it works. Does LO still drink it? It won't hurt her and actually helps digest fats more completely. Some babies object because of the taste which makes it a problem.
Tasted some of my breastmilk (frozen and thawed) before DH gave it to LO and it tastes like vomit. SO GROSS! I then expressed some milk to see if it was as gross, and it tasted fine. After Googling it seems that it is still ok for LO, but that I have excess lipase.
I have found some articles that reccomended scalding milk before freezing (what a pain in the butt!), but not much in the way of reducing lipase in the milk (not even sure if this is possible). Has anyone else dealt with this?
This has happened to me before, but not consistently. I started freezing more hindmilk-rich batches immediately rather than waiting up to 3 days like I would with milk that's more foremilk, and have been able to avoid scalding. I've heard that increasing antioxidants in your diet can help, but I have no idea how well it works. Does LO still drink it? It won't hurt her and actually helps digest fats more completely. Some babies object because of the taste which makes it a problem.
I wonder if this might be why Holly refuses bottles. Going to give her a bottle of freshly pumped milk today to see if she takes it! I never even thought there could be a taste issue.
This has happened to me before, but not consistently. I started freezing more hindmilk-rich batches immediately rather than waiting up to 3 days like I would with milk that's more foremilk, and have been able to avoid scalding. I've heard that increasing antioxidants in your diet can help, but I have no idea how well it works. Does LO still drink it? It won't hurt her and actually helps digest fats more completely. Some babies object because of the taste which makes it a problem.
I tossed the milk (sad!). I'd assumed it had somehow turned before I Googled and found it is a fairly common problem. I have quite a bit more in my freezer stash, so I guess we will find out with the next bottle if LO cares about the nasty taste.
@LadySamLady - I never knew that there could be a taste issue either. Evidently breastmilk can take on all kinds of weird tastes (soapy, metallic, rancid) due to excess lipase. Weird stuff.
So for any of you who do have excess lipase, just an FYI- if you have a bunch of milk stashed and your baby won't drink it, you can still donate it to a milk bank and it can be allocated for tube fed babies who won't taste it. A friend of mine donated like 100 oz because of this, it doesn't have to go to waste!
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
It really does get easier.
My first was so difficult as far as issues that came up and I didn't know one person in my friends group or family or anyone in real life who had breastfed.
But I was very determined and sought out resources, sought out local mom's groups, LC's, and kept trying to make it "just one more feeding, just one more day".
My one day at a time turned into surpassing my original goal of 1 year last time.
Such a great feeling of accomplishment because it definitely wasn't easy in those early weeks.
To echo, super nervous about pumping/work/BF that's to come in less than a few weeks. But I've made it this far.
Not in relation -
I am getting even more engorged than usual at night, and I'm wondering if it's because I pumped at night the last two evenings to replace a bottle feeding. I do pump a little longer on my morning stash pump, but when it's a replace a bottle pump, I just go for 20 minutes since that's usually how long she's on the breast for a feeding. Can pumping even when replacing a feeding that should have taken place cause more stimulation and then engorgement?
I try to get 4oz per pump session, 2oz on each side. I could easily get 8oz or more but my body will freak. Even if I do it once a day, I get engorged 3 hours later and it takes a couple feedings on the breast to regulate to just fullness again. I'm nervous as to what this will mean when I go back to work. Should I just start pumping more regularly so my body gets the memo?
Also, how many sessions do I need to pump at work? Every 3 hours? I was thinking 8, 11 and 2. But LO will be 3 months by then, the feedings extend to 4-5 hours by then hopefully?
BTW, really jealous of the 8-9 hour stretches. But ouch for the engorgement!
ETA - I have been taking fenugreek (2 pills once a day). That is when I noticed my supply going up. I am still getting between 4-6 oz every morning from just one side.
@NinnyJean some babies are small and that doesn't mean there is a problem. As long as she is gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers I wouldn't worry. Sadly a lot of pediatricians aren't very supportive of breastfeeding. I guess control issues?
I have found some articles that reccomended scalding milk before freezing (what a pain in the butt!), but not much in the way of reducing lipase in the milk (not even sure if this is possible). Has anyone else dealt with this?
milk today to see if she takes it! I never even thought there could be a taste issue.
@LadySamLady - I never knew that there could be a taste issue either. Evidently breastmilk can take on all kinds of weird tastes (soapy, metallic, rancid) due to excess lipase. Weird stuff.