Breast Feeding

Mandayno · July 2017

I wanted to start a thread about breast feeding for anyone with questions, comments, etc related to it. This is not about formula feeding or comparing, or bashing in any way. I am a FTM and I know I have so many questions on breast feeding! If this thread is a repeat from before, or better served elsewhere please delete. Here are just a few questions I have from the start...

1) I don't understand the "process" after milk is collected. Do you keep it stored in collection bottles, use storage bags, or either?

2) If storing in collection bottles, can you put a nipple on that bottle to feed baby? If so what nipples work best with Medela? If not, do you put the milk in just any kind of bottle that the baby prefers?

3) I've heard of nipple issues and breast pain related to breast feeding (cracked nipples) does this happen to everyone or can it be prevented? Suggestions for nipple care?

skc040512 · July 2017

I'm mostly a lurker here, and didn't have much success BFing DD1, but I did pump exclusively for about 4 months. I used bags to store, since it's much easier and takes up less space to freeze. You can use bottles if you are planning on using that milk within a day or two. If you're using Medela brand bottles, you can buy nipples specifically for them (I found a bunch on amazon). Personally, I preferred to pump into a bottle and then transfer any excess to a storage bag. It's helpful if you wrote the date and oz amount on the bag before you freeze it, especially if you're planning on stockpiling. As for cracked nipples - most moms that I have talked to have experienced this to some degree with both BFing and pumping. Get a good brand of lanolin (unless you're allergic to wool). They also have cooling nipple pads - Medela makes some that work really well. They actually stick you your nipples and it feels like you're icing them. Unfortunately, they can be a little pricy and you can only use them a couple of times before the sticky wears off. I suggest registering for them so you can get them as a gift or with a registry completion discount

ETA link for the nipple pads https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Tender-Care-Hydrogel-Pads/dp/B0011ECPA2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1500721555&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+cooling+gel+pads

elcd458 · July 2017

@Skcobb How do you thaw/warm the frozen milk to where baby will take it? I've heard horror stories of moms who worked diligently to pump only to find that baby would only take the breast because the milk was warmer.

disneyfan0511 · July 2017

There is a thread already going on this topic, "Can we talk breastfeeding..." Lots of great tips and advice there.

cait5413 · July 2017

I think the other thread @disneyfan0511 mentioned will be helpful, but here are my answers to your questions

1. If I am using the milk within a couple days, I kept it in the collection bottles in the fridge. Otherwise transfer to Spanish or up and up bags and lay flat to freeze.

2. Medela makes nipples for their collection bottles. DD would not drink from these because they are not wide mouth (which is more similar to a breast), so I would transfer to other bottles to feed her. I suggest wide mouth bottles and slow flow nipples. Dd would take platter vent aire bottles, munchkin latch, and lavish momma bottles, but some babies will only take one type, so don't invest in more than one of each at first.

3. Lanolin before and after a feed is helpful. With a proper latch, you should not have a lot of pain. I never had bleeding nipples and never had clogged ducts or mastitis either, but those are common.

@elcd458 initially we warmed the milk in a measuring cup of warm water and then invested in a bottle warmer. DD will only drink it warm.

skc040512 · July 2017

I never warmed up DD1s milk beyond thawing it in the fridge and then sticking the bottle in a mug of warm water for a few minutes. Let me tell you - when we switched to formula it was WONDERFUL because she would drink it at any temp, so I could just make up a bottle when we were out with no problem.

sjis · July 2017

Hope this handout helps. Everyone has a different journey with breastfeeding. I found it hard at first but eventually after many tears and frustration it got easier. La leche league online is a very helpful resource as well as kellymom.com

Tennis11785 · July 2017

@mandayno one option is to look into the Kiinde system for storage. It lets you pump right into the bag and then their bottle uses many different brands nipples and you feed right from the bag. No chance of spilling! I've heard good things, but since I'll be a ftm I haven't tried it yet.

Mandayno · July 2017

Thank you all!!! All great info and advice! I apologize this there was already a thread. I am HORRIBLE at navigating this site especially on mobile. I don't see the older threads very well or know how to search them.

balletnerd · July 2017

Any suggestions on non lanolin nipple creams? As a vegetarian I cannot use that in good conscience and was hoping to hear about some good alternatives. L

sjis · July 2017

@balletnerd I recommend earth mama angel baby nipple butter. I use a lot of their products

failuretofly · July 2017

@balletnerd if I were to use a vegetarian alternative I'd probably go for either anointment brand or Rocky Mountain Soap Company. I haven't used either of their nipple balms specifically, but every other product I've use has been amazing

cait5413 · July 2017

@balletnerd I think some people might use coconut oil? You want to make sure whatever it is is ok to be in baby's mouth, which coconut oil or olive oil (I know some people use that as a moisturizer) would be. No experience with anything but lanolin here. I will mention, though, that lanolin is not derived from killing sheep--it's a by-product of wool production. So if you're ok with wearing wool clothes (maybe you're not), lanolin should also be ok. It's not like leather, where the animals are actually killed. I know different people draw the line in different places (ovo-lacto vegetarians vs. full vegetarians or vegans, for example), so I just wanted to clarify that!

lavashiner · July 2017

@balletnerd I actually preferred coconut oil to lanolin. I just put some from my big kitchen hat into a smaller 4oz. jar to keep in the nursery, and it worked great. Motherlove is another brand to check out, I used their thrush balm and it was helpful. I think they make an all purpose nipple balm, too.

Want a personalized experience?

Breast Feeding

Re: Breast Feeding

Choose Another Board

Search Boards