Breastfeeding Check-In

pshaortao · May 2017

I remember how hard it is and I feel like I don't see enough talk about it. It really helped me a great deal to discuss the frustration, pain, worries about supply, etc with my last BMB in a specific thread. So go ahead, check in, let out any frustrations/concerns, share what's working, tips, etc.

pshaortao · May 2017

I sure hope the lack of responses mean nobody is having too hard of a time

emilyalso · May 2017

I have a question for those who are planning/hoping to BF exclusively (or anyone who has read/heard/formed an opinion about this). Are we supposed to avoid pacifiers? Does that somehow satiate their need to suck and sabatoge our BF efforts? Is this a 'do whatever works' kind of thing?

(If this has had been discussed at length somewhere else, I'd appreciate a tag if we want to skip rehashing it here.

)

To address the original post - we seem to be doing OK with feedings. I would give her latch about a B-. It's not painful, exactly, but if she would open up a little wider it would be great! I try to flare her little lips out, but it's like she purses them small on purpose!

Squirtgun · May 2017

I am all for passies! I've used them with all three, and so far no issues with nursing! They're also supposed to reduce the risk of SIDS, so that's something to think about as well. I know some people have a really hard time getting rid of the passie, which can be bad for the teeth I guess. With both of my girls, I just took the passie away and they never had any issues with it. (Older daughter was about 18mo, younger daughter was 15mo I think when we took away the passie.)

Cubslove12 · May 2017

we are struggling over here... going to see a lactation consultant on Thursday. It's been painful, her latch is too shallow. She also isn't consistent would rather sleep sometime other times is a rock star. So hoping this consultation is helpful!!

emilyalso · May 2017

@Cubslove12 - I'm sorry to hear y'all are having some trouble. It's great that you already have an appointment to see someone, and I hope you get some answers!

pshaortao · May 2017

@emilyalso We tried a mam paci early on and it didn't interfere with her ability to latch. I'm team paci!

@cubslove12 I hope your appointment goes well! I can't remember if there's been any mention from you regarding a possible tongue or lip tie, since they can affect the latch and make it more painful.

hp_momma · May 2017

@emilyalso I avoided pacis with DD1 because I read it could cause nipple confusion. I then became her personal paci! I tried pacis with DD2 to hopefully avoid that situation again but she never would take one and ended up being a finger-sucker. This time I started a paci on day two and he's had no issues going back and forth!

psherman42wwsa · May 2017

I'm also team paci and used the mam brand. My son went back and forth between bottle and breast with a nipple shield. The pacifier has been a lifesaver for my ds. If this baby wants a paci I'll give him one, although the recommendation is against it.

WombThereItIs · May 2017

hp_momma said:

@emilyalso I avoided pacis with DD1 because I read it could cause nipple confusion. I then became her personal paci! I tried pacis with DD2 to hopefully avoid that situation again but she never would take one and ended up being a finger-sucker. This time I started a paci on day two and he's had no issues going back and forth!

That was my problem too. The comfort nursing is only endearing up to a point.

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot · May 2017

Team paci here too. I introduced it on Day 2 for both kids. DD refused it and used me as her personal paci anyway. So far, DS isn't super interested but will use it post feeding to settle down and sleep.

As as far as bf'ing, it's going well for us, but I guess I have a few questions. Maybe someone has some tips?

1. Do you nurse from just one side or both for a feeding? I've been mainly doing one. Sometimes he drains one and still seems hungry so I move him to the other side. If he doesn't eat long on the 2nd side, I usually start there for the next feeding. Sound right?

2. It looks like he might be tongue tied although he's able to get a decent latch. Is it still worth correcting? Might it become an issue later as he grows?

hp_momma · May 2017

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot said:

1. Do you nurse from just one side or both for a feeding? I've been mainly doing one. Sometimes he drains one and still seems hungry so I move him to the other side. If he doesn't eat long on the 2nd side, I usually start there for the next feeding. Sound right?

This is exactly what I have been doing! If he drains one and is still rooting around I'll switch him to the other side. He never drains the second side though so I just make sure to start there on the next feed so he can get the hind milk.

Yiggle09 · May 2017

So I exclusively pumped with ds because he was completely unable to transfer but my new little lady is fantastic at it just she falls asleep! That's our big issue right now is keeping her awake long enough to get her food in. Sometimes burping and cold cloths still don't wake her. She had a 7 percent weight drop in hospital so I'm breast feeding then pumping to give her more. This is making me nervous for her getting too used to a bottle feed. My milk came in at the hospital so I've been very uncomfortable since Sunday but I'm trying to just be thankful for the milk. I'll be feeding her and the other boob is dripping down on her! Also my crazy exclusive pumper brain is going crazy over wasted milk.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot they said in hospital to nurse both trying to get 20 minutes on each so that you'll stimulate both equally. They said start with the breast you ended with the last time

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot · May 2017

This little man is quick and efficient. He doesn't even make 20 mins on one side! He averages about 13-17 mins for a total feed every 2-4 hrs. It seems to be working as he's gaining weight, peeing and pooping. I think his sister was the same way. Maybe my nips have just one speed?

hp_momma · May 2017

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot said:

This little man is quick and efficient. He doesn't even make 20 mins on one side! He averages about 13-17 mins for a total feed every 2-4 hrs. It seems to be working as he's gaining weight, peeing and pooping. I think his sister was the same way. Maybe my nips have just one speed?

Same. He averages 11-17 minutes, I rarely make it past 20 mins. The hospital told me 20 mins on each side too but when I went for his 2 day follow-up and he was still maintaining at 5% weight loss the doctor wasn't concerned that I was feeding on just one side for most feeds. Especially because he wakes on his own every 2 hour to eat.

SKZW · May 2017

@Yiggle09: Same here, I can't get this little guy to stay awake either! Cold wet washcloths, burping, stripped down to diaper, blowing on him, tickling, even light pokes with my fingernails, nothing! Please tell me if you find a solution!

rebecca517-2 · May 2017

@pshaortao thank you for starting this thread.
LO and I have struggled a bit. He was Jaundice so we had to supplement with formula (fed through the little tube taped to my nipple or DHs finger) and then try to pump. My milk came in yesterday and things are looking up. I still don't really know what I'm doing but he's back to his birth weight and our pediatrician is happy with what we're doing. We are seeing a LC also and that's helpful.

SKZW · May 2017

Question: Most nursing sessions start off with the toe-curling latch-on that subsides after 30 seconds... (normal right?)... but for one or two feedings a day (out of 8, 10, 12) it hurts the entire time. Normal, not normal? Anyone else have this too? Do I need to seek an LC?

hp_momma · May 2017

@SKZW The toe curling latch has always been normal for me for the first 1-2wks.
As far as the whole feeding being painful, matbe baby has a shallow latch for that feed? I would try to re-latch if the feed continues to hurt after the first minute and see if that helps.

vrj0522 · May 2017

@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot - I feed the same way. As far as a tongue tie goes, DS2 has a small one and the pediatrician saw it and said it most likely wouldn't need correcting unless breastfeeding continued to be very painful (it's better now). She said given how small it was, it would probably stretch out fine overtime. I would ask your son's pedi to see what they recommend but apparently it doesn't always need correction, depending on severity.

@SKZW - I agree with hp that if pain doesn't subside after the first 30-60 seconds, to try re-latching.

We are doing well. My first two kids would take 1 hr - 1 1/4 hr to feed initially but this baby is only taking 40-45 minutes per feed which is a very nice change. Only occasionally does he take longer to feed. I also finally feel like I know what I am doing, which is making me realize that the reason why I've hated the newborn stage so much in the past is because of how hard breastfeeding can be initially but I am feeling differently and really enjoying baby this time.

Hugs to all struggling. Breastfeeding can be a real challenge. I love that we have this check in because I found the one with my previous BMB extremely helpful in overcoming our challenges and hopefully we can really help each other here too.

Cubslove12 · May 2017

pshaortao said:
@cubslove12 I hope your appointment goes well! I can't remember if there's been any mention from you regarding a possible tongue or lip tie, since they can affect the latch and make it more painful.

We thought this also, so we asked the pediatrician she said she didn't see anything.

Yiggle09 · May 2017

Oh I'd like to bitch about pillows. How was it so easy in the hospital to build up lo for a feed but here they slip around slip out require me to hold more. Ugh I know I'll figure it out but any advice

kns1988 · May 2017

Do your babies spit up? EPer here so I know exactly how much DS is taking - he started acting like he was still hungry after feedings a few days ago, so we upped him to 3 oz per bottle. About half the time now, he spits up a little when he's done. Does that mean I'm giving him too much? If I give him less, he's really hungry and fussy by the time of his next feeding.

vrj0522 · May 2017

kns1988 said:

Do your babies spit up? EPer here so I know exactly how much DS is taking - he started acting like he was still hungry after feedings a few days ago, so we upped him to 3 oz per bottle. About half the time now, he spits up a little when he's done. Does that mean I'm giving him too much? If I give him less, he's really hungry and fussy by the time of his next feeding.

It's normal for babies to spit up; many times it's just a bubble that builds up in their belly. Formula-fed babies are more likely to spit up from what I know. You might want to make sure the you are pace feeding and not feeding too quickly as that will help with spit up. Also as you up the amount of a feeding, you might want to try burping him halfway through the feeding. Both my boys have had a good amount of spit up even while breastfed so some spitting up is pretty normal.

Jens_Hoes · May 2017

I have no personal experience with this but I saw people posting about it and that it was super useful.
This is to put on your boob that the baby is not drinking from to catch the extra milk:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7S9588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_TX3gzb7YD16F7

mcvgal · May 2017

@emilyalso I never offered my boys a paci because I did not want them getting confused or have to deal with ditching the paci later on. However DD has taken to a paci and she has no confusion at all.

@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot DD nurses one side per feeding and averages 9-14 minutes per feed. I think it's a combination of her being efficient and my milk supply/letdown. I remember DS2 would nurse for 10 minutes each side for every feeding. I really think each baby just nurses differently.

@Yiggle09 I feel you on the pillow situation. Those MOTN feeds when I'm still half asleep seem to take the most pillow adjusting.

SKZW · May 2017

@Yiggle09: I think the hospital pillows are especially flat and hard, so they stack better, with stiff pillowcases that reduce slippage. Your own pillows are prolly softer, squishier, and have better pillowcases. I say Get thee to a boppy store stat!

@kns1988: Some spit-up at each feeding is normal and okay. If it gets worse, ask the ped. You have to follow your gut on what seems abnormal. (Case in point: My older son would projectile vomit half of what he took in, every time. We did laundry every day for burp cloths, towels, and t-shirts! He had other symptoms too but eventually was diagnosed with baby acid reflux & given meds, which helped.)

@vrj0522: That's such a good answer! Pacing and burping are really good points to consider.

kns1988 · May 2017

I got DS to latch without a nipple shield and he actually ate for 10-15 minutes! We're still sticking to pumping and bottles, but I think I'll offer him the breast every once in a while. Maybe we'll switch to BF after his 2 month check up if he can do it.

Yiggle09 · May 2017

@SKZW i have a boppy too! I'm just a mess lol

lnds32 · May 2017

I always tell my FTM friends that breastfeeding is the hardest thing you ever do but then magically one day it just becomes so easy. I breastfed my DS for 14 months and I remember so many times I wanted to quit during that first month. This post is meant to encourage anyone who is doubting their ability to continue breastfeeding due to pain etc! Just stick with it and it will pay off!

Also, for anyone who is a STM who had difficulty the first time too, I have found this time around to be much easier. I was paranoid about it being as hard as it was the first time but it's actually much more manageable than I thought it would be! My DS latches well and it is only painful for about 30 seconds and then it subsides. Nursing sessions are about 30-45 min. I am jealous of those of you who are done in under 20 minutes! Keep up the good work ladies!

chailife34 · May 2017

We use pacifiers now since the NICU started DS on it. He uses Soothies and really likes the one with the stuffed animals since he can hold onto it. He's even started sucking his thumb a little. DD never used one and used me as comfort sucking.

Spit up is typical, especially towards the end of feeding when air bubbles are surrounded by milk. Burping helps as well as elevating to a typical "sitting up" position for a few minutes helps. Pace bottle feeding is crucial to avoiding extra spit up too. I always feel like it's such a waste of a precious resource, like an oil spill!

I too have pain when starting, both with nursing and pumping. To be honest, for me, pumping sucks. It's really uncomfortable as I don't like my nipples stimulated. I know women who enjoy it but I really am not a fan. I'll do it anyway and take one for the team.

We are doing pretty well. I'm pumping 6-7 times a day (the NICU suggested 8-12x 15 min each), but I'm having success pumping 15 min then resting for 5-10 min then pumping another 10 min. Not quite power pumping, but it allows me to have a second let down. Doing this, I have significantly increased my output in less sessions. We also nurse often but he falls asleep quickly. Since DS has regained his birth weight, we only wake once in the middle of the night between 1-5am (peak times for milk production), and if he wakes up any other time I just nurse him. Sleeping more is crucial for my supply and sanity and I power pump first thing when waking.

The pillow struggle is real. We have the squishiest pillows so the boppy is crucial. I love soft pillows but they don't hold well for nursing.

A strange tip my doctor gave yesterday: make sure you switch sides of holding baby (not just nursing). I hold baby mostly with my left arm and she suggested it might be why my supply is 4x as productive from left breast and so low on right. Apparently baby proximity is enough to impact supply!

Sorry so long! If you made it this far, you deserve a milkshake

thistlenweeds · May 2017

@Yiggle09 re: pillows: I made myself a nest in an armchair with a pillow on each side, so they are held in place by me and the armrests. Works well so far!

SKZW · May 2017

@chailife34: Three quick things before I forget! Total randoms. 1. When I pump (infrequently), I put lanolin on my nips and the horns, and it really helps the pumping discomfort. I think I orig saw that tip on kellymom. Olive oil also they said. 2. I DID make it to the end of your post. But instead of a milkshake, can I have something else, like a strawberry daiquiri? That sounds summery and awesome right about now! 3. My son's bday was today, and a family member always sends a "double good luck" check to us on our bdays, so, double chai, so $36, it's just a thing she does. Anyway, we opened the card & saw the check & I thought of you and your screen name. So random, I know. But there you go.

Q for anyone pumping with a toddler & newborn: how can you pump 7, 8, etc. times a day? When specifically do you do it? During naps? What's the older kid doing when you're pumping?
I pump once or twice a day but the hubbs is managing the kids so I can sneak off. But 8 times a day, I just can't imagine the logistics. Are you pumping in the living room right in the middle of everything else going on?

mcvgal · May 2017

@SKZW when DD was still in the NICU, I was pumping 8-10 times per day. 3 times in the NICU and 3 times at night while the boys slept. the other times either DH entertained them while I pumped in our bedroom, or I left the boys watching TV while I pumped. (mom of the year) lol

mspacman34 · May 2017

We are doing well breastfeeding so far. He has a great latch, but can be incredibly lazy and eat himself too full. I have noticed more problems with spit up when he feeds longer that 11 minutes on both sides.

re pacifiers: I'm really glad this was brought up. The pediatrician said I could go ahead and give him one even with him being a week old since he is latching so well. But, I am still hesitant that it will mess something up. And I am wondering if it would be better to use one since baby will be taken care of by others when I cant be there.

mrsrep123 · May 2017

SKZW said:

*snip*

Q for anyone pumping with a toddler & newborn: how can you pump 7, 8, etc. times a day? When specifically do you do it? During naps? What's the older kid doing when you're pumping?
I pump once or twice a day but the hubbs is managing the kids so I can sneak off. But 8 times a day, I just can't imagine the logistics. Are you pumping in the living room right in the middle of everything else going on?

I did it once with the newborn and toddler, but usually MH has the toddler. I'm pumping in the boys' room/nursery. I have newborn in the boppy lounger within arms reach and toddler was occupied with drawing/coloring activities or roaming around the room touching everything, lol.

Squirtgun · May 2017

@SKZW when Thomas was stil in NICU I was pumping every three hours. I would pull out stickers or a snack or something like that and sit the girls at a toddler table. They wouldn't stay the whole time I was pumping, but it helped. They were both fascinated by the pump, and would sit and watch sometimes too. Nothing quite like a three year old inches from your boobs staring while you pump to help supply

Louise_Belcher · May 2017

Everyone who is pro pacifier from early on I want to thank you. I am too, but had this feeling like that was the wrong choice and I would be in trouble for it. DS1 did have issues with breast feeding, but I do not think it was due to a paci in any way. I had nearly zero supply last time and his latch sucked. DS2 is doing shockingly well (the idea that second time is much better is true for us!) and had a pacifier on day 1. He is still learning how to keep it in. Our nurse encouraged it to have him practice his suck swollow breath and not push a nipple out with his tongue after a minute. Not sure if that actually helped, but he is doing good nursing.

I want to give mad props to everyone that is pumping tons. I have tried to have a few pumping sessions per day and even keeping to that is extremely difficult and I have had days with none.

kns1988 · May 2017

@Louise_Belcher, I'm sure it's a lot harder to pump when you have an older child to take care of, too! It's hard enough with a newborn, but I can't imagine having to wrangle a toddler at the same time. I'm glad BFing is going better with your new LO.

starphish18 · May 2017

Louise_Belcher said:

Everyone who is pro pacifier from early on I want to thank you. I am too, but had this feeling like that was the wrong choice and I would be in trouble for it. DS1 did have issues with breast feeding, but I do not think it was due to a paci in any way. I had nearly zero supply last time and his latch sucked. DS2 is doing shockingly well (the idea that second time is much better is true for us!) and had a pacifier on day 1. He is still learning how to keep it in. Our nurse encouraged it to have him practice his suck swollow breath and not push a nipple out with his tongue after a minute. Not sure if that actually helped, but he is doing good nursing.

I want to give mad props to everyone that is pumping tons. I have tried to have a few pumping sessions per day and even keeping to that is extremely difficult and I have had days with none.

FTM here so no personal experience, but I heard this tip about "training" your newborn to keep the paci in. It sounds a little counter-intuitive at first, but if you gently pull on it while it's in their mouth (not enough to pull it out, just a gentle tug or flick), they learn to hold it tighter.

SKZW · May 2017

@starphish18: That’s a good tip, and it's true for us!

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