We made it through! It was not as bad as I thought it would be and Evy finally took a freaking bottle! Well, she drank a total of 4 ounces and I fed her at 5 am and got home at 8:30 pm. Crazy baby! I guess she was happy all day though, even if she was hungry. She was happy to nurse when I got home, but she had such an exciting day with mama being gone that she was too exhausted to even hold her eyes open, she just half opened and nursed!
I got all of my pump breaks but was only able to get 12 ounces (with a Symphony!). I'm sure it's either stress or because I'm ovulating, but I'm hoping I get a bit more on Saturday.
Thank you for thinking of me, girls! I appreciate all the love!
Is anyone else getting a sudden surge with pumping? Normally, I get about 12-15 oz all day but lately I've been getting about 12 from 2 pumping sessions and another 6-8 from the last 2. I haven't really been doing anything different except maybe drinking more water because I'm back at work. The LC at the hospital said your output was determined by 8 weeks and A is now 10 weeks.
@SandNStarsNJ don't worry! I didn't start pumping until 9 weeks!! And I'm getting more now at 13 weeks then I ever did. I don't believe output is determined at 8-10 weeks. Otherwise we would never be able to adapt for growth spurts etc.
I think all it means when they say output is determined by whatever week is that at this point your body has a fairly good idea how much your baby eats and will produce accordingly. That's why many women stop feeling engorged and can even feel "empty". It's not because you don't have milk you just don't have an overabundance of milk, you are producing exactly what you need. Now should the needs of your baby change your body will adjust and make more.
What would you say is your daily allotment of food? I know all the guidelines say you should have roughly 300 to 500 additional calories, but I'm not really a calorie counter.
With my first I think I really over ate with the fear that my supply would dip, which it never did, but I really struggled to lose the baby weight until I was finished breast-feeding. This time, not so much by choice, I'm realizing that I am going to sleep on a fairly empty stomach because there just isn't any time in the day and I'm wondering if that really will make an impact in my supply or ability to produce. I certainly plenty during the day and drink quite a bit a water. So I guess I'm just wondering what others do.
I'm curious to hear what others are doing too. I'm honestly back to my pre baby lifestyle. I never used to eat breakfast and still don't, just coffee and maybe a granola bar. Lunch and dinner are the same proportions as before baby and I snack as needed in-between meals. I haven't had any issues with my supply so I guess I'm doing ok so far.
I'm also eating the same as prebany though probably more snacking from emotional eating sitting around the house. Not sure calorie intake though. My weight is just above pre pregnancy but I had weight I needed to lose and sadly BF isn't melting off any pounds - or maybe my eating habits put the lbs right back on
Snip and sadly BF isn't melting off any pounds - or maybe my eating habits put the lbs right back on
Beside the baby/birthing part of the weight, I didn't lose a pound until I stopped BF with my first. One of my friends, who had a baby within days of me, was the same way. The only difference was that she stopped BF at month 3 and I stopped at month 14 so it looked like she dropped it faster.
Now that us first time moms actually have a baby and are actually breastfeeding, I'm curious how long you plan to keep doing it.
I always said that with my hypothetical children that I would do it for their first year. Now that I have a baby and am actually doing it I'm less sure I'll make it a year. I don't hate it exactly but I definitely don't love it. And with the shields it's hard to nurse in public which makes every trip out of the house difficult. My H obviously wants me to stick it out but duh, easy for him to say. I wish this BF journey had been easier so I could have enjoyed it more.
@mrsmaryk2016 - I always planned for the first year with my first and hated it to the point that I swore I was going to stop at 6 months and then it suddenly got easier and LO was eating some solids so I didn't have to do it as much and it was the easiest way to put her to sleep. Not to mention as she got older, BF got easier because she knew what to do. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it should get easier as they get older, but only if you're finding easier and enjoy it. It was honestly hard to stop at a year because it was like she was getting older.
But don't get me wrong, once I was finished I felt like I had a whole new lease on life.
That said, aiming for the first year or close to it, again.
I had no real BF plans and am surprised I'm still doing it and don't mind it. That being said I go back to work in a few weeks and I know I won't pump well so I figure I'll probably give it the month of March and be done. Formula is included in day care tuition so I plan to use that and then BF or feed pumped at home for as long as it lasts. My plan is to nurse him before daycare, then he'd get bottles at day care, Nurse before bed and then middle of the night either nurse or pumped bottle (I do pumped bottle now so I know he gets enough but it is exhausting to feed him and then pump so it might not be sustainable when back to work)
@MrsMaryK2016 YES to everything you just said!!! Everyone talks about this wonderful experience with bf and I'm just not there. I'm use a shield to do I feel like I can't leave my house and sometimes when we do bottles he he drinks 6oz and I am sure I'm not providing that. Today we are doing all bottles to see how much he drinks for day care next week. My plan was always a year before I had babies and I'm hoping to make it 6mo but 4 I think may be more realistic. I feel like I can't give home what he needs and he's hungry ten minutes later. My husband says the same thing. I'm hoping when I go back to work I just pump and am able to produce enough with my small freezer stash. We will see!
I don't have to go back to work until October 30th so I plan to breast feed until probably the 11 month mark and have a month to ween both of us before I go back to work. I don't really care to have to pump while I am there.
@kristah2 the one year off in Canada intrigues me although I swear I'd forget how to do my job if I took a year off just bc so much of my job is rules/regulations and I'd forget it all
@MrsMaryK2016 I don't have a plan. I've always wanted to EBF(obviously pumping at work since I can't be home with V all the time) so instead of seeing expectations for myself on how long I'm trying to just be open minded about going as long as it works out. Once we start introducing solid food it will be up to V on how long we continue unless I'm having trouble for some reason. I figure that way I won't be disappointed by not hitting a certain goal (6mo, 12mo... Whatever) but I also won't feel like I need to wean him and force him to quit nursing before he's ready (again, unless there is an issue that forces me to stop). I'm very grateful that so far I haven't had much trouble and my supply seems to be keeping up even now that I'm pumping at work and not nursing all day every day.
I have heard too many stories about women not being able to BF for whatever reason and feeling like they have failed (you haven't failed as long as your baby is fed, no matter if that's formula or BM) and stress can be rough on your supply so I decided to take a laid back approach. That way I wasn't creating extra anxiety for myself and I would be less likely to feel like I would fail.
@kvruns I am already feeling like I don't know how to do my job anymore! I have been off work since July since I had to go on disability July-birth and then mat leave for a year. I work in insurance and policies are changing so often. I think I'm going to need some time just to catch up on everything and review/refresh myself before starting again!!
Pre-baby, I thought I'd go a year as well, but at this point I'm aiming for 6 months. I've never produced enough so E has been bfing and having formula since she was 2 weeks old and she's now 3 months. With her in daycare and having picked up her first cold, I'm glad I haven't given up yet since I know my body is capable of producing antibodies for her sickness. Pumping at work is weird, and I'm only doing it twice a day on average even though I'm aiming for three times, just because I get sucked into a project or meeting and lose track of time. I have noticed that lately she's gotten more efficient with her bfing so she doesn't need as much supplement and I'm pumping less post-feeding. I'm hoping this means my supply will see a bit of an increase, but we'll see.
@kvruns - are you at a kindercare for daycare? We have formula included in our tuition too and it is nice to have given how much we pay per week!
Today's BF funny. My parents came up to watch B for a few hours. I always do formula bottles when they watch him bc it's easier. They know I Bf though we don't really talk about it (not that it is taboo just we don't talk about it for whatever reason). They were leaving and I said I needed to feed him. Dad goes oh do you want me to get a bottle ready for you and I looked down at my chest and go "I've already got the bottle ready" his face turned red lol
@lajoliedreamer no not Kindercare it is a church daycare. I thought it would just be for low income people bc it's some federal program that they get the formula but they said it is for everyone who wants to use it.
I didn't anticipate breast feeding to make me so anxious, and I also didn't anticipate it making me feel so locked down sometimes. This last weekend I had a few drinks and hated feeling like I had to plan it all out and feed LO bottles until I felt normal again. And I feel so selfish for feeling bogged down by it sometimes! I think sometimes I miss life before baby (being more spontaneous, less hampered, etc.) although I wouldn't trade having baby for anything! Just still adjusting to the mom/BFing life.
I was just talking to my husband about this the other night. ODD never latched and I pumped (and supplemented) for 4 months as my supply quickly declined. By the end, I was only getting 4oz a day. We are supplementing now bc of weight issues, but when I'm home I breastfeed and I'm pumping 8oz a day on top of that. My first goal is to stay on this plan for 4 months and then probably 6 months and then we'll see from there. It's definitely getting easier as time goes on. Those first weeks were soooooo hard. If we weren't saving a ton of money, I would have probably stopped after the first week or two.
@MrsMaryK2016 I hoped to nurse for a year with my first and we went for 2 years. If I didn't have to work/pump, BFing would be a complete breeze...but I'm less anxious about producing enough this time (having a big freezer stash helps) but truthfully, I just don't have time to worry about how much she's actually getting. Eventually, as your nursing relationship gets on, you'll be able to relax and trust truly that you are doing great and that confidence comes easier with #2. If your baby is happy and thriving, you are doing the most perfect job (no matter how you are feeding!).
So LO has been mainly breastfeeding with supplementing 1-2 bottles a day of formula since birth. This past week he went through a growth spurt and is drinking 6oz at almost every feeding as I did all bottles to get ready for day care and and to see how much to send. Yesterday when I pumped at 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock I only got 3 ounces each time and am now freaking out that my small 75oz freezer stash isn't going to last me like at all and I'm not going to be able to pump enough. I've always used Fenugreek pills to help with supply but feel like I can't keep up.
@anne11716 The best way to Up your supply is to ask for more milk by having baby nurse more. During growth spurts, baby is at the breast all the freaking time in order to signal that they need more (more ounces or more calories) from you, and your body should respond appropriately. This is so hard to replicate with a pump, and even harder to do when working! You can try power pumping (20 minutes pumping, 10 minute break x 3) or having a "nursing vacation" while you're off. Are you taking enough Fenugreek (do you smell like maple syrup?)? You can try a supplement blend with Fenugreek, Goats Rue and fennel. Have you started your periods back? Calcium and magnesium can help with supply dips related to it. Eating oatmeal and drinking Gatorade are supposed to help, but I had a huge increase after gorging on some peanut butter cookies (homemade, but I subbed half of the butter for coconut oil). The best way to combat this, though, may just to nurse as absolutely much as possible when you are with baby. I hope you find something that works to help make this less stressful - worrying about supply is the worst!
@MrsBigTime thank you! No I haven't had my period yet. I totally smell like maple syrup!! Haha it's so weird!! I take three pills a day which says is the max dose. I get so frustrated and so does he and I just hate that feeling. He gets so mad sometimes when at the breast because there isn't anything there so I guess that's why then I give him a bottle. I'll make sure to pick up some Gatorade while at the store and I'm going to try that pumping 3x thing as well. I so appreciate your help! I was also wondering for day care if it's best to use all my freezer stash up and then be on all formula earlier or would it be best to mix the two like we have been doing? I'll be pumping at work still but I know at some point it's inevitable that he will be on formula at daycare and I can nurse him at night and in the morning. I'm kinda thinking to mix the both so he gets breast milk for a longer time but still unsure. Ideas?
Is anyone dealing with food allergies ? My D started to have green stools with mucus and her doctor was not worried but she had few dots of blood in her stool. I am suspecting milk allergies and I cut eating/drinking all the milk products, cheese yogurt etc. to test how it goes. Her stools seems better. Even though I love cheese and yogurt, i can live without them for my D. But now I am scared about the Ca depletion for myself. I am wondering if I should get Ca supplement?
Is anyone dealing with food allergies ? My D started to have green stools with mucus and her doctor was not worried but she had few dots of blood in her stool. I am suspecting milk allergies and I cut eating/drinking all the milk products, cheese yogurt etc. to test how it goes. Her stools seems better. Even though I love cheese and yogurt, i can live without them for my D. But now I am scared about the Ca depletion for myself. I am wondering if I should get Ca supplement?
We are not dealing with a food allergy, but I have them so I am dairy and grain free entirely. I looked into the role calcium and what I learned was that eating the right amount of vegetables can keep you where you need to be without a supplement. Try beefing up your meals with spinach or kale; enjoy an orange or almonds or seeds for a snack. And if I remember correctly I think things like oatmeal and Cheerios say "fortified with calcium" in which case you can always eat them dry or with almond milk. The long and short of it is that you do not need a supplement if you are eating a wide range of healthy foods.
DD has a dairy allergy. In December she had a really fussy week culminating with blood in her poop. Then her poop went green and mucusy. Pediatrician had me go off all dairy. (Read every single ingredient list, it's in more than you think) It took a month for the dairy to clear my system and get poop to go back to normal. Although we saw temperamental improvements within a week.
@SandNStarsNJ No but if he's hitting the same leap as M then that might be his coping mechanism just like screaming bloody murder and being extra clingy is M's.
@SandNStarsNJ No but if he's hitting the same leap as M then that might be his coping mechanism just like screaming bloody murder and being extra clingy is M's.
It's funny you should say that. I was reading the leap screenshot you posted and he has been playing with his voice A LOT and is starting to grab/hold things more readily. I don't know anything about the leaps otherwise but if they require coping mechanisms than this is definitely it.
Well from my understanding leaps are major shifts in the way their brains process the world around them. So one day they see the world one way and then the next day they wake up and everything is dramatically different which is obviously overwhelming. Each baby handles leaps differently; crying, clingy, nursing a lot, thumb/hand sucking, sitting really still, etc. M likes to be super clingy and cries a lot. If you have a drowsy nurser then I'd say you lucked out. Trade? :-)
Re: All Things Breastfeeding
I got all of my pump breaks but was only able to get 12 ounces (with a Symphony!). I'm sure it's either stress or because I'm ovulating, but I'm hoping I get a bit more on Saturday.
Thank you for thinking of me, girls! I appreciate all the love!
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
I don't believe output is determined at 8-10 weeks. Otherwise we would never be able to adapt for growth spurts etc.
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
I always said that with my hypothetical children that I would do it for their first year. Now that I have a baby and am actually doing it I'm less sure I'll make it a year. I don't hate it exactly but I definitely don't love it. And with the shields it's hard to nurse in public which makes every trip out of the house difficult. My H obviously wants me to stick it out but duh, easy for him to say. I wish this BF journey had been easier so I could have enjoyed it more.
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
I have heard too many stories about women not being able to BF for whatever reason and feeling like they have failed (you haven't failed as long as your baby is fed, no matter if that's formula or BM) and stress can be rough on your supply so I decided to take a laid back approach. That way I wasn't creating extra anxiety for myself and I would be less likely to feel like I would fail.
I work in insurance and policies are changing so often. I think I'm going to need some time just to catch up on everything and review/refresh myself before starting again!!
@kvruns - are you at a kindercare for daycare? We have formula included in our tuition too and it is nice to have given how much we pay per week!
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
The best way to Up your supply is to ask for more milk by having baby nurse more. During growth spurts, baby is at the breast all the freaking time in order to signal that they need more (more ounces or more calories) from you, and your body should respond appropriately. This is so hard to replicate with a pump, and even harder to do when working! You can try power pumping (20 minutes pumping, 10 minute break x 3) or having a "nursing vacation" while you're off. Are you taking enough Fenugreek (do you smell like maple syrup?)? You can try a supplement blend with Fenugreek, Goats Rue and fennel. Have you started your periods back? Calcium and magnesium can help with supply dips related to it. Eating oatmeal and drinking Gatorade are supposed to help, but I had a huge increase after gorging on some peanut butter cookies (homemade, but I subbed half of the butter for coconut oil).
The best way to combat this, though, may just to nurse as absolutely much as possible when you are with baby.
I hope you find something that works to help make this less stressful - worrying about supply is the worst!
I was also wondering for day care if it's best to use all my freezer stash up and then be on all formula earlier or would it be best to mix the two like we have been doing? I'll be pumping at work still but I know at some point it's inevitable that he will be on formula at daycare and I can nurse him at night and in the morning. I'm kinda thinking to mix the both so he gets breast milk for a longer time but still unsure. Ideas?
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16
Welcomed baby girl: 06.10.14
Second pregnancy EDD: 06.16.16 MC: 10.29.15
Welcomed baby boy: 11.25.16