I've never thought about using my manual for middle of the night. I've been hooping up the electric every night to relieve the pressure. I will have to try my manual tonight. Thanks for the tip!!
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?
I mostly lurk and rarely actually post, but thought I would share this since I was so excited about it. Lol. My older soon hated those Infamil drops and never got used to them, plus they stain everything. With this baby, I've started using a concentrated Vitamin D drop. You literally only have to put a single drop on your nipple before nursing. It doesn't taste or smell like anything. They are called Ddrops Baby and I got them on Amazon.
@jecanty We use those as well! Super easy and online had them much cheaper than Kaiser pharmacy. DH found them 2 for price of 1 and bought 4 more boxes lol. We are set for the year! .
Interesting that my pedi said the best way for LO to get Vit D is for me to get plenty for Vit. D in my diet. I thought you only needed to suppliment Vit D if EBF and no solids at 6 months. Just comparing differences in recommendations.
Oh ehm gee - do NOT eat broccoli. I did it without thinking (and honestly kinda thinking it was an old wives tale) and it was terrible. Two days of so much gas I thought the baby would explode- and he did too, since he screamed all day and all night. Plus side? he was exhausted after and almost slept through the night. (11pm, 2am, 7am - really that's only one midnight wake, I'll take it.)
Apologies in advance for the whining, but I am just so incredibly beat down. On Monday I came down with mastitis, started an antibiotic, and was scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant on Tuesday and Thursday.
At the Thursday visit, I was still really red from the mastitis and very tender. The LC got me switched to a different antibiotic and referred me to a Mammography MD to make sure it wasn't an abscess before the long weekend. Luckily it was not, so that was great.
But now I'm almost 7 days out from the onset of mastitis and fhe duct is still clogged. I've tried literally everything I can find to clear it/remove a milk blister short of DH sucking the clog out (even though I asked him to at a point of total frustration, and he gave me a hard no).
My milk supply is already out of control and now LO is refusing the breast and bottle, as well as showing way more signs of gas, reflux, and irritability. I suspect the antibiotics. Last night I slept a total of 25 minutes.
I've been trying so hard, and I just feel so defeated. I wanted to breastfeed so badly and I am starting to hate it. I hate how much it gives the baby anxiety, not to mention physical distress. I hate that I'm still in so much pain and we're almost at 7 weeks pp. I am scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant once a week until something gets better. Here's hoping it might.
I don't even get on this thread anymore because I get so jealous of everyone that can nurse in public, or even nurse in peace. I can't nurse without it sounding like I am torturing our child... it breaks my heart to pieces.
End rant.
Eta: We are trying to give the baby probiotics in case they might help with the gastrointestinal distress. Fingers crossed that the poor kid can get some relief.
I thought my milk flow had decreased, but when I give the girls a good massage it squirts out just fine. I have the single evenflo pump, it seems like its working normally to me...but I did just pick up a random pump while pregnant (it was almost 100° and buy buy baby was super packed plus my feet were overpowering my sandals) Do I need to invest in a different pump or start something to help increase my milk flow for the pump??
@entropicallyfavored I am so sorry for everything you have gone through on the nursing journey so far. You are amazing to still be sticking with it. I hope the LC can come up with a solution that works for all of you.
Apologies in advance for the whining, but I am just so incredibly beat down. On Monday I came down with mastitis, started an antibiotic, and was scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant on Tuesday and Thursday.
At the Thursday visit, I was still really red from the mastitis and very tender. The LC got me switched to a different antibiotic and referred me to a Mammography MD to make sure it wasn't an abscess before the long weekend. Luckily it was not, so that was great.
But now I'm almost 7 days out from the onset of mastitis and fhe duct is still clogged. I've tried literally everything I can find to clear it/remove a milk blister short of DH sucking the clog out (even though I asked him to at a point of total frustration, and he gave me a hard no).
My milk supply is already out of control and now LO is refusing the breast and bottle, as well as showing way more signs of gas, reflux, and irritability. I suspect the antibiotics. Last night I slept a total of 25 minutes.
I've been trying so hard, and I just feel so defeated. I wanted to breastfeed so badly and I am starting to hate it. I hate how much it gives the baby anxiety, not to mention physical distress. I hate that I'm still in so much pain and we're almost at 7 weeks pp. I am scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant once a week until something gets better. Here's hoping it might.
I don't even get on this thread anymore because I get so jealous of everyone that can nurse in public, or even nurse in peace. I can't nurse without it sounding like I am torturing our child... it breaks my heart to pieces.
End rant.
Eta: We are trying to give the baby probiotics in case they might help with the gastrointestinal distress. Fingers crossed that the poor kid can get some relief.
I am so sorry. Your efforts are admirable. Just do what you think is best and trust that you are doing it because of love. A happy mom will be a better mom.
I thought my milk flow had decreased, but when I give the girls a good massage it squirts out just fine. I have the single evenflo pump, it seems like its working normally to me...but I did just pick up a random pump while pregnant (it was almost 100° and buy buy baby was super packed plus my feet were overpowering my sandals) Do I need to invest in a different pump or start something to help increase my milk flow for the pump??
Why do you think your milk flow decreased? Are you pumping less? Maybe the flange size is wrong? Your nipples can change size. Otherwise I'd wear a hands free pumping bra and do breast compressions while pumping. That was the only way I get a good output from pumping (both this time and with DS1)
@entropicallyfavored just know you are doing your best and a happy momma makes for a happy baby! Praying that the LC helps you and that no matter what happens know you are a wonderful mom!
I came down with mastitis yesterday. Thank goodness the on call nurse perscribed medication over the phone! I'm having a terrible time trying to clear the duct...in fact I can't even figure out where exactly the clog is. I know that sounds strange, but the tenderness is on the bottom of my breast and I can't feel milk ducts down there. Fingers crossed all the pumping, nursing in various positions, and heat help clears it up. Getting some sleep would be nice too.
Thank you to everyone for the kind words. It really does make a difference to get support from people that are in similar positions. Thank you.
@KJ1416 Let me know if you need advice--I've done it all and I think I finally broke my clog last night. I probably tried 20 different things so give me a shout if you're still stuck.
I think what finally worked for me was a combination of pounding lots of water, taking ibuprofen, then taking a hot shower, then soaking the breast in hot water in the sink + massage, then dangle nursing with baby's chin pointed towards the clog (this required some very awkward positioning), then pumping (with the electric pump on max). I wanted that thing out so bad.
@entropicallyfavored oh my goodness! That sounds like it was an intense process! Glad you finally cleared it. I have had a couple of clogged ducts, but luckily just some extra pumping has cleared them.
I thought my milk flow had decreased, but when I give the girls a good massage it squirts out just fine. I have the single evenflo pump, it seems like its working normally to me...but I did just pick up a random pump while pregnant (it was almost 100° and buy buy baby was super packed plus my feet were overpowering my sandals) Do I need to invest in a different pump or start something to help increase my milk flow for the pump??
Why do you think your milk flow decreased? Are you pumping less? Maybe the flange size is wrong? Your nipples can change size. Otherwise I'd wear a hands free pumping bra and do breast compressions while pumping. That was the only way I get a good output from pumping (both this time and with DS1)
I started out pumping twice a day, no just once because Im trying to sleep when he sleeps also less output, because his arm was in a cast for the first two weeks I only gave him the right breast so he would be comfortable, so I'd pump a good 2 ounces from the left. Now, I hardly get 1 ounce from it.
I thought my milk flow had decreased, but when I give the girls a good massage it squirts out just fine. I have the single evenflo pump, it seems like its working normally to me...but I did just pick up a random pump while pregnant (it was almost 100° and buy buy baby was super packed plus my feet were overpowering my sandals) Do I need to invest in a different pump or start something to help increase my milk flow for the pump??
Why do you think your milk flow decreased? Are you pumping less? Maybe the flange size is wrong? Your nipples can change size. Otherwise I'd wear a hands free pumping bra and do breast compressions while pumping. That was the only way I get a good output from pumping (both this time and with DS1)
I started out pumping twice a day, no just once because Im trying to sleep when he sleeps also less output, because his arm was in a cast for the first two weeks I only gave him the right breast so he would be comfortable, so I'd pump a good 2 ounces from the left. Now, I hardly get 1 ounce from it.
This is pumping in addition to nursing? If so then you're fine. Your body regulates your supply. You don't need to be pumping much in addition to what he's getting while nursing.
@entropicallyfavored, I feel like I'm in your exact same shoes. Thursday night I was up all night trying to break free a clog that was on the verge of mastitis. It put me over the edge! Friday afternoon I reached my breaking point of sobbing and I called my mom (an LC) and told her I was giving up and that I couldn't do it anymore. My LO still has trouble with latch and doesn't transfer nearly enough for a feeding and half the time he screams and I just want to cry. On Friday afternoon I just kept pumping to not be uncomfortable. Thankfully DH had the 3 day weekend off and I just pretty much pumped at night when I was uncomfortable. I got 3 four hour stretches of sleep this weekend and maintained my (low) supply so far and didn't lose any ground. I never got this thing totally unclogged and today mastitis started to set in. I called my doctor and the OB on call gave me the generic "go to the ER" via her nurse. (Insert very annoyed face!) Thankfully I didn't have to do that to get the script, and after 12 hours on antibiotics I think most of this thing has broken free. The only other thing that I think I tried is using an electronic toothbrush so the vibrations could help break this thing up - but in the end nothing else worked!
Is there anybody who can give your LO a bottle for a few nights and you just focus on resting and getting up to pump?? It might really be what you need to heal and rebuild yourself regardless if you continue down this path or not. And either way girl - you are a winner in my book!!!
LO latch has become so painful! He was latching like a champ but now it is like he has forgotten how. He also unlatches many times per feeding and screams. DH apparently had decided to not wake me for several feedings for 2-3 days and not tell me he was giving a bottle (he meant well but i am so frustrated) so I think my supply has dropped, we have nipple confusion and are at the 5 week wonder week /growth spurt. It is such a perfect storm of fuss and frustration for baby and I. He is taking an hour or more to nurse and giving me maybe an hour and a half of time that he sleeps in between. He is taking an hour to go down after feeding. DH and I are snapping at each other. It isn't going well here.
Also, how do you know if you have a clogged duct? When I hand express my left side I used to get milk beading at 3 spots, n I w only at 1 or sometimes 2. Could this be a sign of a clogged duct?
@liljabee a clogged duct is usually painful. It feels like you got punched in the boob. I can usually find a lump where the clog is but sometimes I can't if the clog is really deep.
Breastfeeding is not going great here. Because of E's prematurity we were released from the hospital with instructions to give 4 fortified bottles per day (breastmilk with a scoop of Neosure powder for extra calories). He has had two weigh-ins since and isn't gaining as much as he should so now we have to do 6 fortified bottles per day. That means we only get to nurse about twice per day, and his latch keeps getting worse and worse. I'm going to see an LC this week, but I'm really afraid he may be giving up breastfeeding.
For those of you who have experienced mastitis/clogged ducts I am so sorry you've had to endure such pain and stress. Is there anything you feel that precipitated you getting clogged ducts/mastitis? Extended period between pumping feeding? Not changing nursing pads frequently? Just want to try and avoid it, not sure if you really can. I enjoy getting long stretches of sleep at night but I'm worried about paying for it in clogged ducts etc
Wow. I'm wondering why I didn't try nursing while side lying until now. LO is now a month old and on a whim I just popped her on while I laid in bed. This is amazing. I totally missed out this last month. (I tried it once in the first week but found it uncomfortable and just never tried again; must have been doing it wrong!! Lol)
TTC 9/2013
BFP#1: 9/28/2013, EDD 5/28/13, MC confirmed 10/15/13, D&C 10/17/13
LO had tons of gas last night for the first time, it was so sad! (Baby is EBF). We used gas drops but they seemed to take awhile to kick in. I've been using almond milk for myself because I know babies can be sensitive to cows milk, but I totally had ice cream in the afternoon. Anyone have success with using massage to relieve gas? Favorite technique? I also don't know if what we eat hits our breastmilk that quick or if it takes some time, anyone know more about this?
Apologies in advance for the whining, but I am just so incredibly beat down. On Monday I came down with mastitis, started an antibiotic, and was scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant on Tuesday and Thursday.
At the Thursday visit, I was still really red from the mastitis and very tender. The LC got me switched to a different antibiotic and referred me to a Mammography MD to make sure it wasn't an abscess before the long weekend. Luckily it was not, so that was great.
But now I'm almost 7 days out from the onset of mastitis and fhe duct is still clogged. I've tried literally everything I can find to clear it/remove a milk blister short of DH sucking the clog out (even though I asked him to at a point of total frustration, and he gave me a hard no).
My milk supply is already out of control and now LO is refusing the breast and bottle, as well as showing way more signs of gas, reflux, and irritability. I suspect the antibiotics. Last night I slept a total of 25 minutes.
I've been trying so hard, and I just feel so defeated. I wanted to breastfeed so badly and I am starting to hate it. I hate how much it gives the baby anxiety, not to mention physical distress. I hate that I'm still in so much pain and we're almost at 7 weeks pp. I am scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant once a week until something gets better. Here's hoping it might.
I don't even get on this thread anymore because I get so jealous of everyone that can nurse in public, or even nurse in peace. I can't nurse without it sounding like I am torturing our child... it breaks my heart to pieces.
End rant.
Eta: We are trying to give the baby probiotics in case they might help with the gastrointestinal distress. Fingers crossed that the poor kid can get some relief.
So sorry to hear that you're struggling. I've been pumping and dumping since I started antibiotics for my mastitis because the 24 hours I was on it and baby was drinking breastmilk it was like he'd lost his mind... We think the antibiotics was upsetting his stomach. Mastitis is a real witch.
@bananers I am so sorry. I know after the success that you had breastfeeding with DS1 how hard this must be for you. I'll be praying that Baby E gets better with a little more time and growth.
@Nikkoli98 Best of luck. It is for sure the hardest trial of motherhood that I've had yet, but I think I'm cleared for now. However, the LC has said that I'm definitely a candidate for repeat clogged ducts, and to use a hot compress at every nursing. Yikes. I also am going to talk to the LC this week about taking lecithin, which can thin the milk (but can also cause depression, hello, PP Mental Health Thread, I'll be over there soon!).
Good question. Here is what I did wrong that caused my clogs (pretty much everything): 1. Slept in a bra that was a little too tight
2. Slept only on my right side so that I could see baby next to me (which put pressure on that right boob) 3. Have an oversupply and waited too long between nursing without pumping "a little edge off" 4. I have large breasts, and was nervous about baby being able to breathe, so I pressed down on the breast near his nose while he nursed 5. I also have overactive letdown, so sometimes he would pop off after 2-6 minutes and I couldn't get him to go back on, so I would just go to sleep (thinking along the lines of the "supply and demand" principle, that if he didn't take it,i wouldn't make more) 6. Letting baby sleep on my chest a lot with his elbows pressing on certain parts of the boob
My having an oversupply is apparently the biggest factor, but these other things certainly didnt help. Basically, WHOOPS!
I hope this helps you and anyone else prevent any clogged ducts!!
For those of you who have experienced mastitis/clogged ducts I am so sorry you've had to endure such pain and stress. Is there anything you feel that precipitated you getting clogged ducts/mastitis? Extended period between pumping feeding? Not changing nursing pads frequently? Just want to try and avoid it, not sure if you really can. I enjoy getting long stretches of sleep at night but I'm worried about paying for it in clogged ducts etc
Honestly, I have no clue. I hadn't made any changes to my pumping/breastfeeding when baby would cooperate schedule.
Wow. I'm wondering why I didn't try nursing while side lying until now. LO is now a month old and on a whim I just popped her on while I laid in bed. This is amazing. I totally missed out this last month. (I tried it once in the first week but found it uncomfortable and just never tried again; must have been doing it wrong!! Lol)
This was a game changer for me with my daughter. However, it sealed our co-sleeping fate.
I have a pea-sized lump right under my areola, very close to my nipple. I figured it was a clogged duct, but after massaging and pressing on it, it hasn't gone away in over a week and it's also not painful at all. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Could it just be the anatomy of my ducts or something?
Re: Breastfeeding
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
.
Me (32) DH (34) | |
BFP #1 4/5/12 | Natural m/c on 4/18/12 (6w1d)
BFP #2 8/23/12 | DS born 5/3/13
BFP #3 12/6/15 | DD born 8/23/16
BFP #4 2/22/19 | EDD 10/28/19
@kwilliams3402, there is a very good Facebook Exclusively Pumping support group.
Plus side? he was exhausted after and almost slept through the night. (11pm, 2am, 7am - really that's only one midnight wake, I'll take it.)
At the Thursday visit, I was still really red from the mastitis and very tender. The LC got me switched to a different antibiotic and referred me to a Mammography MD to make sure it wasn't an abscess before the long weekend. Luckily it was not, so that was great.
But now I'm almost 7 days out from the onset of mastitis and fhe duct is still clogged. I've tried literally everything I can find to clear it/remove a milk blister short of DH sucking the clog out (even though I asked him to at a point of total frustration, and he gave me a hard no).
My milk supply is already out of control and now LO is refusing the breast and bottle, as well as showing way more signs of gas, reflux, and irritability. I suspect the antibiotics. Last night I slept a total of 25 minutes.
I've been trying so hard, and I just feel so defeated. I wanted to breastfeed so badly and I am starting to hate it. I hate how much it gives the baby anxiety, not to mention physical distress. I hate that I'm still in so much pain and we're almost at 7 weeks pp. I am scheduled to see a Lactation Consultant once a week until something gets better. Here's hoping it might.
I don't even get on this thread anymore because I get so jealous of everyone that can nurse in public, or even nurse in peace. I can't nurse without it sounding like I am torturing our child... it breaks my heart to pieces.
End rant.
Eta: We are trying to give the baby probiotics in case they might help with the gastrointestinal distress. Fingers crossed that the poor kid can get some relief.
@KJ1416 Let me know if you need advice--I've done it all and I think I finally broke my clog last night. I probably tried 20 different things so give me a shout if you're still stuck.
I think what finally worked for me was a combination of pounding lots of water, taking ibuprofen, then taking a hot shower, then soaking the breast in hot water in the sink + massage, then dangle nursing with baby's chin pointed towards the clog (this required some very awkward positioning), then pumping (with the electric pump on max). I wanted that thing out so bad.
Sending you so much good luck!!!!
Is there anybody who can give your LO a bottle for a few nights and you just focus on resting and getting up to pump?? It might really be what you need to heal and rebuild yourself regardless if you continue down this path or not. And either way girl - you are a winner in my book!!!
Also, how do you know if you have a clogged duct? When I hand express my left side I used to get milk beading at 3 spots, n I w only at 1 or sometimes 2. Could this be a sign of a clogged duct?
Breastfeeding is not going great here. Because of E's prematurity we were released from the hospital with instructions to give 4 fortified bottles per day (breastmilk with a scoop of Neosure powder for extra calories). He has had two weigh-ins since and isn't gaining as much as he should so now we have to do 6 fortified bottles per day. That means we only get to nurse about twice per day, and his latch keeps getting worse and worse. I'm going to see an LC this week, but I'm really afraid he may be giving up breastfeeding.
BFP #2 8/22/12 | EDD 5/5/13 | DS1 born 5/9/13
BFP #3 4/25/15 | EDD 1/7/16 | MMC 7/2/15 @ 13w1d | D&E 7/8/15
BFP #4 12/9/15 | EDD 8/22/16 | DS2 born 5/18/16 at 26w2d
Just keep swimming.
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
@Nikkoli98 Best of luck. It is for sure the hardest trial of motherhood that I've had yet, but I think I'm cleared for now. However, the LC has said that I'm definitely a candidate for repeat clogged ducts, and to use a hot compress at every nursing. Yikes. I also am going to talk to the LC this week about taking lecithin, which can thin the milk (but can also cause depression, hello, PP Mental Health Thread, I'll be over there soon!).
@jkershaw2013
Good question. Here is what I did wrong that caused my clogs (pretty much everything):
1. Slept in a bra that was a little too tight
3. Have an oversupply and waited too long between nursing without pumping "a little edge off"
4. I have large breasts, and was nervous about baby being able to breathe, so I pressed down on the breast near his nose while he nursed
5. I also have overactive letdown, so sometimes he would pop off after 2-6 minutes and I couldn't get him to go back on, so I would just go to sleep (thinking along the lines of the "supply and demand" principle, that if he didn't take it,i wouldn't make more)
6. Letting baby sleep on my chest a lot with his elbows pressing on certain parts of the boob
My having an oversupply is apparently the biggest factor, but these other things certainly didnt help. Basically, WHOOPS!
I hope this helps you and anyone else prevent any clogged ducts!!
ETA: I haven't given up yet!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070767DU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER