August 2016 Moms

Breastfeeding

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Re: Breastfeeding

  • @Stephanie7693 @labecker55358 glad I'm not alone in wondering! Maybe I'll try a pacifier and see if he still acts hungry. He's funny, he thinks being on his tummy means time to eat, or at least he always acts hungry then!
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  • Thanks @tisunge602 !

    after more research, it seems like my smaller/injured breast may actually be infected because the milk was pretty yellow, and LO didn't want it. It also wasn't pumping well, but after about 2 hours of massaging/hand expressing its now back to white and LO is seeming to be okay with it, so hopefully tomorrow my supply will start to head towards increasing!
  • Okay, I have seen on multiple boards on TB that other LOs are eating 2.5-3 oz at feedings... My LO has been eating 5 oz. almost every feeding for a week or two now (4 weeks old now). Is that not normal at this age?? My pediatrician said his weight gain was great at his last appt and he is EBF (he was in the nicu so I have pumped since the beginning) and he was also 9 lb 6 oz at birth, so maybe he's just a big boy with a big appetite?

    I worry that if he's already at 5 oz when other babies around his age aren't yet, is he going to start eating more again soon and I won't be making enough and will have to supplement? 
    DD is 19 days old and is eating 3-4 ounces per feeding. I legit can't keep up with her. She is also over 9lbs though (also a big baby). DH looked up how many ounces a day per weight a newborn eats. Everything he found said she was eating a good amount. We also figure if she isn't spitting up, and keeping it all down with normal diaper changes, it's good. 
    *TW Spoiler*

    DD: Aug '16

    10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 
    10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery
    11/2/17 Twin A & B born 
    11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
    Benched 6 months 
    BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18  BO
    BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18

  • AliKay20 said:
    For those supplementing. What are you using for bottles? We have just been using the medela ones that came with my pump stuff, but honestly we are starting to supplement more and more because I can't keep up. This little almost three week old ate five ounces in a matter of two and a half hours! What is the best bottle to go back and forth between breast and formula? 
    We use mostly Comotomo bottles - I say mostly because we received a few bottles as samples (with a crying fungry baby, these other bottles come in handy if the Comotomo's are not yet washed). 

    https://www.amazon.com/Comotomo-Natural-Bottle-Green-Ounces/dp/B004C053BA


    I was eyeing these specific ones up! I knew you and I had similar taste. Thank you Amazon prime. 
    *TW Spoiler*

    DD: Aug '16

    10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 
    10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery
    11/2/17 Twin A & B born 
    11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
    Benched 6 months 
    BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18  BO
    BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18

  • Okay, I have seen on multiple boards on TB that other LOs are eating 2.5-3 oz at feedings... My LO has been eating 5 oz. almost every feeding for a week or two now (4 weeks old now). Is that not normal at this age?? My pediatrician said his weight gain was great at his last appt and he is EBF (he was in the nicu so I have pumped since the beginning) and he was also 9 lb 6 oz at birth, so maybe he's just a big boy with a big appetite?

    I worry that if he's already at 5 oz when other babies around his age aren't yet, is he going to start eating more again soon and I won't be making enough and will have to supplement? 
    You shouldn't have to increase the amount of breast milk too much, the composition changes as baby grows so that it continues to meet their needs. DD1 never took more than 4 ounces of pumped milk, EBF for 13 months
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • So, LO is currently EBF and things have been going well. Her frequency of feeding sessions picked up over the weekend, was thinking she hit a growth spurt. Through the night, I noticed her bowel movements have gone from yellow to more of a green color. I read this could be due to her getting mostly fore milk and not the hindmilk (she usually nurses about 10-15 minutes each side). Ive read that some of you have been doing block feeding on just one side - I think I may try this today and see if it helps. Any other recommendations? 

    TTC 9/2013

    BFP#1: 9/28/2013, EDD 5/28/13, MC confirmed 10/15/13, D&C 10/17/13

    BFP#2: 1/10/2014, EDD 9/19/2014

     

  • So I think I have mastitis. Anyone ever had this previously? I am so miserable. Aside from my boob hurting my whole body is aching and I've got those chills that feel like needles all over your skin if you get cold enough. 
    I am going to call the Dr today. Wondering if anyone else has had this.
    I know that I am resurrecting an old thread topic here, but @jacmkelley, I think that I have this now, too.  Sweats and chills, terrible pain in the breast, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.  No high temp yet though: just 99.4.  

    What did your doctor do?  I've already called and left a message.  I'm lying down with the baby because I am so scared that I am going to pass out and drop him if I'm standing...

    And of course this is the first day that I am home alone and I don't want to scare DH.
  • @entropicallyfavored same here! :( woke up with a fever of 100.8, body aches, chills, headache and my left breast is red and blotchy. I talked to my friend who is a NP and she said to pump and feed on that side, massage, heat, and cold compresses. If it doesn't help then I may need antibiotics.. Ugh!!
  • @allishally13 I'm exclusively pumping and there are times my DD at 12 days old will drink 4oz at a time.  Isually it's anywhere from 2.5-3.5 but some feedings she has a large appetite.  She was only 6.5 lbs at birth and gained her weight back pretty quick.  
  • I talked to the nurse at the peds office today and she scolded me for giving DD more than 2 ounces per feeding (we are doing a mix of breastfeeding and formula). Sometimes she takes three ounces. I guess they should only be eating around 2 ounces until they are two or three months old. The nurse said it could be causing her gastrointestinal stress because we are over feeding her. This may be why she is fussy after some feeds I guess. 

    The thing is, I never know how much she is getting when I breastfeed her. She is on each boob for about 15-20 minutes each. And she drains them and still acts hungry (routing, crying, hands in mouth). The nurse said some babies just have a strong suck tendency and to try a pacifier. We have been, and she takes it for about two minutes and when realizes nothing comes out of it, she cries and cries. 

    So now I'm frustrated because we can't get her to calm down after feedings because we aren't supposed to give her more than two ounces. Ugh. 

    Anyone else have any insight or tips? 
    *TW Spoiler*

    DD: Aug '16

    10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 
    10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery
    11/2/17 Twin A & B born 
    11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
    Benched 6 months 
    BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18  BO
    BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18

  • @entropicallyfavored same here! :( woke up with a fever of 100.8, body aches, chills, headache and my left breast is red and blotchy. I talked to my friend who is a NP and she said to pump and feed on that side, massage, heat, and cold compresses. If it doesn't help then I may need antibiotics.. Ugh!!

    I used cabbage leaves as well. They help, and I have no clue why. And rest is super super important (I know, life with a newborn) but get it where you can!!!
  • @midwestbaby I'm not a doctor or in the medical field at all, but what she said doesn't seem right. My guy is bigger (9lbs 3oz birth weight, prob 10 now). He is ebf and I'm pretty sure he is taking in at least 3 oz, maybe 4, a feeding just by what my milk production is when I pump. He also does the same thing with pacis. He won't take them for more than a minute or two. 

    Is there someone else at the office you can talk too, specifically a lactation consultant or someone who might know more about feeding? I would want to double check what she told you with your DD showing actual signs of wanting to eat.
    Pregnancy Ticker

  • I talked to the nurse at the peds office today and she scolded me for giving DD more than 2 ounces per feeding (we are doing a mix of breastfeeding and formula). Sometimes she takes three ounces. I guess they should only be eating around 2 ounces until they are two or three months old. The nurse said it could be causing her gastrointestinal stress because we are over feeding her. This may be why she is fussy after some feeds I guess. 

    The thing is, I never know how much she is getting when I breastfeed her. She is on each boob for about 15-20 minutes each. And she drains them and still acts hungry (routing, crying, hands in mouth). The nurse said some babies just have a strong suck tendency and to try a pacifier. We have been, and she takes it for about two minutes and when realizes nothing comes out of it, she cries and cries. 

    So now I'm frustrated because we can't get her to calm down after feedings because we aren't supposed to give her more than two ounces. Ugh. 

    Anyone else have any insight or tips? 
    We had the opposite problem--we weren't feeding our big boy enough at first because we were doing the 2 oz business! Try different bottles out--some definitely flow faster than others. Our boy could take down the same feed from a MAM anti-colic bottle in half the time as from a Dr Brown.

    Also, could your baby have reflux? The inter webs tell me that reflux babies eat to soothe their gastro distress, not from hunger alone, and it makes it worse.

  • Joining the may have mastitis club. Two red spots, tender breast, feeling flu-like, but no fever. Really hoping this is not post-delivery complication #3!!!
  • edited August 2016
    Mastitis it is for me.  Just to help out other mamas that may have these symptoms-- mine progressed really fast and got really bad.  

    10:30am: Felt dizzy, engorged, and a little off
    11:00am: Temp. of 99.4
    12:00pm: Started to feel weak and freezing
    1:30pm: Too lightheaded to stand, nauseous, dizzy, very very tender breasts, red markings on breasts
    2:00pm: Temp. of 102.6
    3:00pm: Had antibiotics called in my nurse

    Not that mine was a textbook case, but if I had any idea that it might progress that quickly I would have taken action sooner.  Especially since I almost passed out while standing up and holding the baby... not good.

    Off to sleep for a while.  Started antibiotics.  Probably will not Bump for a bit.

    Anyways, just want to help other ladies out that might have this--I'd recommend trying to get in the phone with someone as soon as you have those first symptoms!

    Edited because I am can't spell on this phone.
  • So many errors in that last post.  Too tired to fix them all.  Sorrs.
  • I think I am officially throwing in the breastfeeding towel. My anxiety level is way too high to keep up with her and it's causing me more stress. Which I think is affecting my bonding ability with DD. Feeding for 40 minutes every two to three hours really wears on you day after day. 

    Im thinking about pumping a few times a day still so she can have some breast milk, but I am not totally sure. 

    Any advice on how to make that transition?  I am waffling with doing that or just quitting cold turkey and feeding her formula only. 

    I made it three weeks, which I am pretty proud of. But I think I will be so much happier knowing DH can carry some of the burden of late night feedings. 
    *TW Spoiler*

    DD: Aug '16

    10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 
    10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero placenta surgery
    11/2/17 Twin A & B born 
    11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
    Benched 6 months 
    BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18  BO
    BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18

  • @midwestbaby I don't have any experience with what you want to do, but my plan ( as of now) when I do decide to stop is to just nurse and pump when I want to, on a schedule that becomes less and less over time until baby is off the boob completely. That Should help with engorgment issues to. 
  • @midwestbaby I didn't wean DD1 until 13 months, but even at that age quitting cold turkey would be uncomfortable due to engorgement and leaking. I eliminated a nursing or pumping session slowly until only morning/night and then just bedtime. 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Mastitis it is for me.  Just to help out other mamas that may have these symptoms-- mine progressed really fast and got really bad.  

    10:30am: Felt dizzy, engorged, and a little off
    11:00am: Temp. of 99.4
    12:00pm: Started to feel weak and freezing
    1:30pm: Too lightheaded to stand, nauseous, dizzy, very very tender breasts, red markings on breasts
    2:00pm: Temp. of 102.6
    3:00pm: Had antibiotics called in my nurse

    Not that mine was a textbook case, but if I had any idea that it might progress that quickly I would have taken action sooner.  Especially since I almost passed out while standing up and holding the baby... not good.

    Off to sleep for a while.  Started antibiotics.  Probably will not Bump for a bit.

    Anyways, just want to help other ladies out that might have this--I'd recommend trying to get in the phone with someone as soon as you have those first symptoms!

    Edited because I am can't spell on this phone.
    Hope you feel better soon!!! I've been obsessively checking my temp all day... I have the flu-like symptoms and a couple red spots and painful breast, but no fever. I am planning to call the doctors office in the morning if the symptoms are still here even if there's no fever. Ugh.
  • @midwestbaby you should be proud with 3 weeks.  I threw in the towel day 2 with an awful experience with the nurses and lactation consultant.  Baby hates my nipples.  I'm exclusively pumping right now.  It sucks and it's exhausting. I also don't know how long I'll do it for before I throw in the towel.  
  • Thanks ladies for the positive words! I give you a lot of credit for continuing with your breastfeeding journey. I'm amazed at how strong of a commitment you all have and truly admire it. If anything, this short time breastfeeding has made me appreciate it that much more. You women are rock stars. 

    I'll ditto that 2 weeks is great in itself. My two cents is that your sanity will be far more important to your baby than formula v. Breastmilk. And, I'd slowly transition to dropping it to avoid pain on your end. My 10 hours in the hospital about a week ago without pumping was plain miserable, 
  • And... Fever. Called the OB and husband is picking up a prescription now. Dammit.

    How long did your fever last after starting antibiotics for those that have been here before?
  • I had a c section a week ago now and supply still hasn't come in. I can average maybe half an ounce during pumping from both breasts total if I'm lucky. The LO lost a pound in two days so we have been having to supplement formula. I start out by having him feed from each breast and then giving him the bottle. Problem is he won't feed very long from the breast and will fall asleep after a few minutes even though I try to keep him simulated (skin to skin, rub head, feet, hands, arms) and then when he unlatches and wakes up he will refuse to latch again and just wants the bottle. I'm thinking it is easier to get fed from the bottle and he knows this so he won't really try on the breasts. I'm discouraged because my milk supply still hasn't come in and the way he doesn't want to feed from me. I'm trying power pumping (5 on 5 off), breastfeeding 8 to 12 times a day and then pumping, lactation tea/cookies but I still don't have a big enough supply to feed LO. I also have a thyroid disease which the LC and nurses always ask about. Any one else experience this? Any advice?
  • I had a c section a week ago now and supply still hasn't come in. I can average maybe half an ounce during pumping from both breasts total if I'm lucky. The LO lost a pound in two days so we have been having to supplement formula. I start out by having him feed from each breast and then giving him the bottle. Problem is he won't feed very long from the breast and will fall asleep after a few minutes even though I try to keep him simulated (skin to skin, rub head, feet, hands, arms) and then when he unlatches and wakes up he will refuse to latch again and just wants the bottle. I'm thinking it is easier to get fed from the bottle and he knows this so he won't really try on the breasts. I'm discouraged because my milk supply still hasn't come in and the way he doesn't want to feed from me. I'm trying power pumping (5 on 5 off), breastfeeding 8 to 12 times a day and then pumping, lactation tea/cookies but I still don't have a big enough supply to feed LO. I also have a thyroid disease which the LC and nurses always ask about. Any one else experience this? Any advice?
    Our baby isn't a good breastfeeder at all--either falls asleep beyond help or is too angry. We start most feeds offering the breast and always go to a bottle. I pump, and my supply gives him about 1/3 the total of what he needs, and we do formula for the rest. He too wasn't gaining enough with just breastfeeding, or even pumping, and we decided his weight gain was more important than pushing him to breastfeed. I'm almost 4 weeks from my c-section. Sounds like you're doing everything you can, but I know it's tough! I had said I'd get to two weeks and reassess.
  • So I think I have mastitis. Anyone ever had this previously? I am so miserable. Aside from my boob hurting my whole body is aching and I've got those chills that feel like needles all over your skin if you get cold enough. 
    I am going to call the Dr today. Wondering if anyone else has had this.
    I know that I am resurrecting an old thread topic here, but @jacmkelley, I think that I have this now, too.  Sweats and chills, terrible pain in the breast, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.  No high temp yet though: just 99.4.  

    What did your doctor do?  I've already called and left a message.  I'm lying down with the baby because I am so scared that I am going to pass out and drop him if I'm standing...

    And of course this is the first day that I am home alone and I don't want to scare DH.
    I am so sorry I never saw this until now! So glad you got meds. I don't think I ever full on got mastitis just a clogged duct or engorgement for some reason. I would feed and pump as much as I could and take Tylenol. I used ice packs and shower and let hot water run over that side. But ultimately it happened to me 3 times in one week and I decided to stop breast feeding. With a toddler and a newborn that just wasn't working for me. Hope everything is ok now!!

    @midwestbaby I just want to say I am so proud of you for just coming out and saying you are throwing in the towel. I did the same thing at just over 3 weeks because I had 3 bouts of engorgement/clogged ducts in one week. And couldn't keep up with DS and his demand none the less the fevers had me so worn down. I honestly stopped using the bump app for about 4 days avoiding the breast feeding thread because I was so disappointed for stopping. And I'm a STM who bottle fed the first time lol. I just have to hand it to you. I read your post and thought to myself I wish I had done the same with this group, everyone's support is so wonderful. 
  • How are the other mastitis club ladies doing this morning? Hopefully improving!

    I started antibiotics within an hour of noticing a fever barely over 100 and still feel pretty flu-like this morning, but at least the temp at 6 hours after last Tylenol dose hasn't gone back up yet. Am pumping Tylenol around the clock though at least today. My left breast definately hurts, but I can't find a lump so a little perplexed about exactly where the blockage is. I'm doing ice and heat generally though and massaging the entire breast, and keeping up with pumping/trying to get lazy baby to help mom out and breastfeed. Luckily husband is only working this afternoon and he took full baby duty, less me pumping last night. Hopefully baby has a lazy afternoon in mind.
  • kwilliams3402kwilliams3402 member
    edited August 2016
    Obviously it's a terrible idea to stop breastfeeding/pumping or do so less with mastitis, but this mastitis comes a time when I was hoping to space some night pumps out further apart to get more sleep. @jacmkelley, how did you go about stopping to avoid mastitis with that? Is there a certain amount of time post-original blockage/infection where it's cleared and you knew you could do it gradually? I'm going to ask my doctor and give it at least a few days, but man, would a 6 hour stretch of sleep at night between pumping do wonders. My original plan before this infection was to bump my 11 pm pump back half an hour a day until I was pumping at 2 am, so I'd pump 8 pm, 2 am, and 8 am. I've always been someone who gets sick if I don't get sleep, and I'm starting to think I'd feel a whole lot better generally and recovered from childbirth and the complications if I were getting actual sleep at night. Any thoughts from anyone else?
  • Obviously it's a terrible idea to stop breastfeeding/pumping or do so less with mastitis, but this mastitis comes a time when I was hoping to space some night pumps out further apart to get more sleep. @jacmkelley, how did you go about stopping to avoid mastitis with that? Is there a certain amount of time post-original blockage/infection where it's cleared and you knew you could do it gradually? I'm going to ask my doctor and give it at least a few days, but man, would a 6 hour stretch of sleep at night between pumping do wonders. My original plan before this infection was to bump my 11 pm pump back half an hour a day until I was pumping at 2 am, so I'd pump 8 pm, 2 am, and 8 am. I've always been someone who gets sick if I don't get sleep, and I'm starting to think I'd feel a whole lot better generally and recovered from childbirth and the complications if I were getting actual sleep at night. Any thoughts from anyone else?
    I don't think mine ever fully became mastitis because my boobs didn't stay red and splotchy. They would have redness and warm spots but not like described when having mastitis. I also did not continue breastfeeding. So I'm not sure how to help you on that one. Hopefully someone has some advice. Mine would be to hand express when you need to help with engorgement but don't want to que your boobs to make more milk. But you'll have to wake up for that if you're having issues with fevers and mastitis.
  • Our pediatrician gave us of sample of Enfamil Vitamin D supplement to give DS. He hates it! It must taste really bad, it smells like medicine to me. Are there any other brands that might go over better? Or do I need to hope he just gets use to it?
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Anniversary
  • @kwilliams3402 I'm glad your fever hasn't gone up! I hope by tonight you start feeling better! I did vitamin c pills and OJ, apple cider vinegar, and nursed and pumped like crazy yesterday. Oh and tons of massage. My fever got up to 101.3 yesterday but I haven't had any fever today and I feel loads better- no more headaches, body aches, etc. breast is still red but is less painful so I'm hoping it's going away! I'm perplexed how I got mastitis especially because my LO has been nursing a lot, at least every 2 hours, and I read it happens often from not nursing often enough. Hmmm
  • @kwilliams3402 I'm glad your fever hasn't gone up! I hope by tonight you start feeling better! I did vitamin c pills and OJ, apple cider vinegar, and nursed and pumped like crazy yesterday. Oh and tons of massage. My fever got up to 101.3 yesterday but I haven't had any fever today and I feel loads better- no more headaches, body aches, etc. breast is still red but is less painful so I'm hoping it's going away! I'm perplexed how I got mastitis especially because my LO has been nursing a lot, at least every 2 hours, and I read it happens often from not nursing often enough. Hmmm
    Fever is back up over here, but I'm glad you're on the mend!!

    My mom asked me how I got it. Like I know??? I'm just blaming being exhausted. 
  • @AmandaG225 we asked our pharmacist and they recommended Rx Choice. Smells good and DS seems to like it. 
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