@jlellis603 I've seen several, in the hospital and also one I went to. They more focused on her latch and using the shield, not really supply. They said as long as she's getting the right amount of dirty/wet diapers I was fine. But, she isn't, hence me supplementing. I think I've just accepted I will be doing both. My goal is to be more breast milk at this point!
@lfrank12 I am the same way!!! I have no appetite and also no desire to eat. I literally force myself to eat because of the supply issue
@Xstatic3333 and @lfrank12 when I had GD I had to eat at certain times. I set an alarm on my phone and had pre-made snacks to eat at those times. Anything to take the "thinking" out of it. Maybe your SOs could pack some snacks for you? Something one-handed like nuts and fruit or pretzels and cheese?
@jlellis603 my milk didnt come in at all. I pumped to stimulate, skin to skin, offered the boob before each bottle etc for 10 days or so and lost heart and gave up as i didnt even get collostrum. It was frustrating & upsetting for both me & dd. Main reasoning from doctors has been a combination of the traumic birth circumstances & having gd.
Thanks @kswiger06, ive made peace with it & dd is thriving now and i have no regrets that i didnt try. I think my heart wasnt really in it after the first 3-4 days but i persevered as my husband wanted me to. Ive not really participated in this thread as i dont really feel i have much to contribute but find it interesting to hear everything you girls are going through aswell.
@Janefelicity I'm so sorry you weren't able to get your milk to come in. But I am so glad to hear that your LO is doing so well on formula. I get some milk but it just doesn't feel like enough. I'll try what they suggest but I have also made peace with they may not work, and that's okay.
I have a question for the people who nurse. If you get letdown while your baby is on boob #1, then you switch boobs, will you feel the letdown again? I'm just curious because lately my little guy triggers my letdown as I'm bottle feeding him, but then if I pump shortly after, I can't get the letdown feeling again. I could if I waited a long while, but not if it's within the 20 or so minutes to feed and change him.
my cousin sent me a pair bc she loves them but I haven't tried them out. She uses them to catch what comes out of one boob while her son nurses on the other and says she collects several ounces a day this way.
Sometimes I pump normal amounts, but sometimes I don't get as much and my boobs still feel hard in spots like I didn't drain all the milk. When that happens I pump again after 1.5-2 hours, and they will feel soft again after that time. Since it's not always the same I wasn't sure if it was related to letdown or not.
Those nursing cups might be nice for me to try since I have been letting down more often while not pumping, I've been going through a lot more nursing pads lol. Thanks for the suggestion and link
I have a question for the people who nurse. If you get letdown while your baby is on boob #1, then you switch boobs, will you feel the letdown again? I'm just curious because lately my little guy triggers my letdown as I'm bottle feeding him, but then if I pump shortly after, I can't get the letdown feeling again. I could if I waited a long while, but not if it's within the 20 or so minutes to feed and change him.
I don't feel a second letdown when I switch to the other side. There's just one initial letdown when I first start nursing.
@kswiger06 letdown comes from a release of oxytocin, so you should only experience it at the beginning of your nursing session. You can trigger multiple letdowns in a session if you nurse for long enough, though. You also may not feel each and every letdown. Some people (myself included!) don't ever feel any sensation from letdown.
Anyone have a LO suddenly decide they hate bottles? Harrison has had 4 bottles a day of pumped breast milk since his NICU time. Once he reached 10lbs at the 1st of this month we were able to stop giving the fortified bottles. Since then we've been giving bottles if we are out and about or have guests over, so 5-6 a week since then. But the past few days, when presented with a bottle Harrison refuses to take it most of the time. He screams and cries, which is unusual for him, and won't take it. He was used to both Dr Browns and Avent with preemie nipple. I changed both to a faster flow nipple after he started refusing but this hasn't seemed to make them any more enticing. Also, the issue is equal when I offer bottle or DH or others offer bottle. Any suggestions/ experience? DD never took a bottle, so I'm used to a bf baby refusing bottles but not a baby who was formerly fine with either suddenly changing his mind.
@chefswife no real experience here but my LO has seemed to start to refuse his pacifier after loving it for a while. Did he refuse the slower flow nipples? Maybe there's another issue going on like tummy troubles?
Which brings me to my issue. I think my LO is starting to get colicky. How does everyone deal with it? I'm not really sure the best way to tackle it. We breast feed and supplement with formula if that matters
@jlellis603 colicky means he's crying inconsolably for no reason. Is that what you mean? Not sure since you mentioned what he's eating. My last LO was colicky and there's really not much you can do but try all your ideas and take turns with your SO so no one goes crazy. Holding, rocking, swaddling, all those Ss (swaddle, shush, suck...?), make sure he's dry and fed, white noise, car rides ... mostly just have to ride it out. Good luck!
@jlellis603 colicky means he's crying inconsolably for no reason. Is that what you mean? Not sure since you mentioned what he's eating. My last LO was colicky and there's really not much you can do but try all your ideas and take turns with your SO so no one goes crazy. Holding, rocking, swaddling, all those Ss (swaddle, shush, suck...?), make sure he's dry and fed, white noise, car rides ... mostly just have to ride it out. Good luck!
Oh weird, I always thought colicky meant he was crying inconsolably because of like tummy/indigestion issues. Are they not related? If not, then it might be some sort of reflux issue we are having. Either way he's crying and being uncomfortable which makes us all sad.... And exhausted
my first son was colicky, he screamed until he was 4 months old and slept for 45 minutes at a time. I drove him around a lot, that worked sometimes. it was very, very hard. I would say there isn't much you can do, but remind yourself it won't last forever.
When you've been married this long, you need a ticker to remind you.
Anyone hitting the 6 week growth spurt? I forgot about this fun! Poor LO nursed and cried for two hours tonight before finally falling asleep. I think there's usually some longer sleep stretches on the other side of this spurt - hope I am remembering that correctly!
Is anyone else using the Medela Pump and Save bags? I just ordered some on Amazon, and not realizing they came with an adaptor I pumped into the pump-included bottle and then poured it into the bag. The bottle says I pumped 3 oz, but the bag says I pumped 5 oz. That's a pretty big discrepancy! Any clue which is correct? I suppose I can calibrate them using shot glasses later or something but figured I'd ask the pros first.
@Xstatic3333 I find both the bags and the bottles to be wildly inaccurate, so I use a food scale. Make sure the bottom of the bag is spread out widely when you're looking at the measurement, though. That makes a huge difference.
@Xstatic3333 I find both the bags and the bottles to be wildly inaccurate, so I use a food scale. Make sure the bottom of the bag is spread out widely when you're looking at the measurement, though. That makes a huge difference.
This. The medela bags make it look like you have 5oz when it is only 3 bc of the way they are shaped. I use a food scale to check.
Aren't you conflating weight (food scale) and volume (bottle - fluid ounces)? Idk if it matters in the case of breast milk but they're not the same...
I know they are different but I'm using it to give me a guide. FWIW if the medela bottle says 3 oz, my food scale says about the same (2.9 or 3.3) but the medela bag says about 4.5.
Aren't you conflating weight (food scale) and volume (bottle - fluid ounces)? Idk if it matters in the case of breast milk but they're not the same...
I assume they're using a conversion factor of some sort.
If you know the density of breast milk lol
I don't, but I bet The Internet does! Based on @Gretchypoo's experience sounds like it's close enough to 1:1 to use for estimation and bottle prep purposes.
I've got blocked milk ducts and my boob is super sore today. I've tried hot washcloths, a hot shower while I massage, and more frequent emptying of the boob. I forgot how tender it can be, this is crap
For those of you who have used nipple shields in the past, how long did you have to use it?
I used one (on advice of LC) with my first son and I think it hurt BF for us. I recommend using it as little or as short as period as possible.
I can't get him to latch without one and I'm thinking it's what is making him fall asleep so quickly and making feeding times so long bc I've read they restrict flow. Hopefully the LC can help me get him off it!
Me: 33 | DH: 34 Married: October, 19, 2015 EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17 EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20 EDD 11/24/23 (Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
For those of you who have used nipple shields in the past, how long did you have to use it?
I've used one every time for a couple weeks. I never had any problem stopping using it. I've never understood what the big stink is with nipple shields. This time I've used it off and on to help with sore nipples and my son latched perfectly.
@marriedhamstermom, if he is falling asleep, maybe try feeding while he is actively feeding, then burping and switching sides. Then go back and forth, so he gets the fattier hind milk too, but it helps keep him awake.
I am dealing with low supply, for some reason my milk is just not increasing like it should. I am working with an LC, and we are looking at possible causes and how to help it. I have dealt with this before, but if anyone has tips, let me know!
We go back tomorrow for another weight check. My LO is just over a month and wasn't back to birth weight last week. We are looking at my supply, but also concerned about a potential milk allergy.
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
For those of you who have used nipple shields in the past, how long did you have to use it?
I used it for 3 months with my first. I have a lot of milk and a fast flow so it actually helps for my babies. We are still using one for this nugget and she is 4 weeks tmrw. As long as your baby is gaining well, don't worry too much. We did a weighted feed yesterday and she is eating what she should. I would just like to wean because it's a pain when we go out and it's messy, but it saved breadtfeeding for both of my kids.
I'm getting frustrated with breast feeding. My milk still isn't coming in where I feel like it should be at 3 weeks. Lately, Wyatt hasn't been as interested in nursing. And for the past few days he's been spitting up breast milk and formula about half the time. I'm constantly feeding between nursing, formula supplementing, and pumping and I just done get a break. Tell me it gets easier.
I'm getting frustrated with breast feeding. My milk still isn't coming in where I feel like it should be at 3 weeks. Lately, Wyatt hasn't been as interested in nursing. And for the past few days he's been spitting up breast milk and formula about half the time. I'm constantly feeding between nursing, formula supplementing, and pumping and I just done get a break. Tell me it gets easier.
So a good friend of mine never had her milk fully come in. She would nurse first and then top off with formula. She about killed herself trying to pump and boost her supply but it just never did, so she accepted it and was happy after. Her pediatrician basically said that her kid was getting the best of both and not to worry about it.
Thanks @Spicyweiner I guess at least it's good to know I'm not the only one out there. I'm trying to decide how much longer to keep trying. I'm thinking until my leave is up but I dont know if I can make it 5 more weeks.
Thanks @Spicyweiner I guess at least it's good to know I'm not the only one out there. I'm trying to decide how much longer to keep trying. I'm thinking until my leave is up but I dont know if I can make it 5 more weeks.
Literally as I was typing that out I was wondering if it would be helpful or hurtful, so I'm glad that it was able to be a little bit of relief. To be honest, I had told my H that if I ever had supply issues I would not hesititate to use formula and FUCK pumping cus I hate it. You can still have a successful breast feeding experience, if that's what you want, with supplementation. There's no shame or sense of failure in that. You don't want to spend the rest of your time off stressing, I'm sure.
@jlellis603 I am in the exact same boat. 2 weeks out, but my boobs never got engorged and still don't. Never leak either! I am getting maybe 1-1.5 ounces combined per pumping session. I ordered some Motherlove lactation pills, cookie mix and milk tea that I'm trying to see if it helps. But, I've pretty much given up on the pump and nurse her first, then follow up with formula. She's still taking about 2 oz of formula, so that's showing me she isn't getting much more than the pump. I'm hoping the other stuff helps, but if not, I'll probably continue down this road until she has no interest!
But, don't beat up on yourself. You're doing what you can and that's the most important. I do feel 100 times better since i dropped the pump and just do the nursing though. She's gaining weight and is happy, so that's the most important!
Re: The Boob Thread
@lfrank12 I am the same way!!! I have no appetite and also no desire to eat. I literally force myself to eat because of the supply issue
you may want to try something like this:
Pharmics O-cal-ette Nursing Cup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UKXLJK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-gdXybZ8G1YVK
my cousin sent me a pair bc she loves them but I haven't tried them out. She uses them to catch what comes out of one boob while her son nurses on the other and says she collects several ounces a day this way.
Those nursing cups might be nice for me to try since I have been letting down more often while not pumping, I've been going through a lot more nursing pads lol. Thanks for the suggestion and link
ETA @MommaBean
Which brings me to my issue. I think my LO is starting to get colicky. How does everyone deal with it? I'm not really sure the best way to tackle it. We breast feed and supplement with formula if that matters
When you've been married this long, you need a ticker to remind you.
Baby Boy M - 08/01/2013
Expecting Baby Bean February 2017
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
When you've been married this long, you need a ticker to remind you.
Baby Boy M - 08/01/2013
Expecting Baby Bean February 2017
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
I am dealing with low supply, for some reason my milk is just not increasing like it should. I am working with an LC, and we are looking at possible causes and how to help it. I have dealt with this before, but if anyone has tips, let me know!
We go back tomorrow for another weight check. My LO is just over a month and wasn't back to birth weight last week. We are looking at my supply, but also concerned about a potential milk allergy.
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
I have a lot of milk and a fast flow so it actually helps for my babies. We are still using one for this nugget and she is 4 weeks tmrw.
As long as your baby is gaining well, don't worry too much.
We did a weighted feed yesterday and she is eating what she should.
I would just like to wean because it's a pain when we go out and it's messy, but it saved breadtfeeding for both of my kids.
Her pediatrician basically said that her kid was getting the best of both and not to worry about it.
To be honest, I had told my H that if I ever had supply issues I would not hesititate to use formula and FUCK pumping cus I hate it.
You can still have a successful breast feeding experience, if that's what you want, with supplementation. There's no shame or sense of failure in that.
You don't want to spend the rest of your time off stressing, I'm sure.
But, don't beat up on yourself. You're doing what you can and that's the most important. I do feel 100 times better since i dropped the pump and just do the nursing though. She's gaining weight and is happy, so that's the most important!