I had no idea the pacifier helps in spit up until you mentioned it because yesterday I knew he was full and LC told me to stop over feeding him so I just used the pacifier. He was asleep and he didn't spit up so I'm definitely going to use a pacifier after feeding now! I take the pacifier out once asleep and he didn't wake up because of spit up. @cait32 that's good to know..!
I also want to add that the things that coukd happen with tongue and lip ties are not guaranteed. DS has both and we opted not to correct. I had to work on his latch a lot in the beginning, but we were able to reach a good latch and nurse pain free. So far, he has no other tie related issues. His teeth gap closed as more teeth came in, he is able to make related sounds (l, d, t, etc), and had no further issue with nursing. This certainly is not the case for everyone, but do like to share our experience for people whose LO's are nursing and gaining well withour any current health issues caused by the ties.
where do you guys stand on waking up to nurse during the day? LO is 2.5 weeks and when he sleeps longer than 3 hrs during the day I've been waking him up, I guess I'm worried he will wake up more often at night if I let him sleep longer periods during the day.
@CPR79... my pediatrician said to never wake her. She is growing and gaining right on track and said to feed her only when she wants it. My LO sleeps a ton during the day and it hasn't (so far) been a problem with her night time sleeping
I was told not to wake after baby regains birth weight. After that, feed at his or her demand. As far as nighttime sleeping, I haven't really noticed any difference on the days Delaney sleeps more/longer vs. when she sleeps shorter stretches. Take that for what you will, but that is my observation.
I was also told that once baby regains to birth weight that I can let baby sleep. That said, I've learned that she will sleep too well sometimes (like if we are out and she's been in her car seat or the wrap) and if she goes over 4hrs she will be HANGRY and I will feel too full, so I will wake her then.
That's definitely a current struggle of mine. Sometimes she'll go 4 hours in between feeds if she sleeps too long during the day and I don't want that messing with my supply.
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
I was also told that once baby regains to birth weight that I can let baby sleep. That said, I've learned that she will sleep too well sometimes (like if we are out and she's been in her car seat or the wrap) and if she goes over 4hrs she will be HANGRY and I will feel too full, so I will wake her then.
Same as others, I've been told I don't need to wake her to feed since her weight gain is good. Although it's usually not an issue since she doesn't sleep for too long at a time. Definitely jealous of those of you getting longer blocks.
Same as previous posters- once they hit their birth weight no need to wake them up. But I find if I nurse DD every 2 hrs during the day she sleeps 6-7 hours at night without waking. If I'm out and about and busy and she goes 4 hrs between feedings she'll be up every 3-4 hrs at night too.
I'm so happy to read these comments about waking baby. I hate to wake her up but I see now that it's ok that I don't. She gained really well. Over a pound and a half in less than 3 weeks. She can sleep for really long stretches of time and I was feeling quite guilty until now.
Ugh. Maybe that's why Jameson isn't sleeping for longer stretches at night (max is usually 3.5 hours at night between feedings). I will stop waking him up now throughout the day!
Quick update: had a peds appt today and she said still wake him during the day after 3 hrs, even with him gaining well. Guess this is just one of those things with a variety of opinions!
Talk to me about growth spurts. Is that the reason my 2.5 week old basically ate every hour today except for like one nap? And was super fussy at the breast every time? I'm going nuts over here.
Ugh. I feel you. DD slept a cumulative 2 hours all day and has been screaming her head off most of the time.
I feel like the first six weeks are a perpetual state of growth spurt of some kind. Have you heard of the book/app The Wonder Weeks? It's tracking typical mental growth spurts over the first year or two. First one (aside from the obvious adjustment to the outside stage) is ~5wks and includes a tangible change in their head circumference as well.
I don't personally feel guilty. I was so hardcore about BF before LO arrived. We had a 3rd appt and she wasn't gaining so the Dr told me to supplement once or twice a day while waiting for the meds to kick in. It didn't bother me like I thought it would. My main concern is her and getting her what she needs and I'll give her whatever to make sure that happens. That said, I've tried 2 different formulas. She took to one better than the other but she still spits some of it up eventually. Should I switch or is this normal?
Foot = Mouth
My feelings have changed. I feel guilty. Or more like a failure. I promised myself I wouldn't feel that way but here I am... today was a bit better. I BF, gave her 1 pumped bottle and 1 formula bottle before which is an improvement from yesterday, she seems satisfied. Tomorrow I'm really going to start focusing on pumping to create more of a demand and I'm baking up some homemade lactation cookies. But I just want to get her off this formula already and be able to provide her with what she needs
@CPR79 I too was always told to wake until they regain and then stop after that. Honestly, I know pediatricians are the smart ones but I firmly believe in doing whatever you feel is right as long as it is not negatively affecting your LO. There isn't technically a leap right now so I'm not sure but I definitely 2nd optbaby's comment on downloading The Wonder Weeks app. It will prepare you for leaps, regressions etc.
@optbaby2017 I am SO glad I discovered that app! My LO is going through leap #1 right now. For the most part she's okay but our biggest issue is that she's cat napping instead of sleeping which is resulting in very, very little sleep for me. (As I say this, she's currently been down for about a half hour which is much better than last night or earlier this evening so I'm hoping this lasts!) I really do not want to move her into her bed for fear of waking her lol!
@stokesm21 We are also doing Leap 1 right now (5wks today). She's sleeping normally at night, but has refused naps the past few days unless I hold her the entire time. Tuesday she was awake for almost 7 hours, save for a few 10 minute dozings. DH came home and I practically threw her into his arms. It was nice to have the app reassuring me that this is a phase with a purpose. Power thru mama!
@optbaby2017 Omg yes! Wednesday she was up for about 8 hours from 7pm. I tried everything and she would not go down! She had bags under her eyes she was so tired, I felt bad but I tried!!! She eventually fell asleep around 3am and I was running on 1 hour. It sucked! But she slept last night so I'm thankful for that. I can handle the days if she gets some solid hours in at some point haha!
This might be a dumb question, I only pump after feedings because I don't want to... leave her with no milk?! I mean I know you can never actually "run out" but can I pump whenever I feel like it or should I just keep doing it after feedings? (Trying to increase supply)
I know that you have a 'power boob' that produces more than the other, but is it normal to have a huge difference between the two? I pumped 2 nights ago and got 1.5 ounces out of the right side, but less than half an ounce on the left. Last night, it was a little more even, about 1.75 and 1, but there was still a big variation. Is there something I can/ should be doing to bring the other side up, or is it normal to have that big a difference in production?
@NutellaToast, my experience with my first LO was that the over achiever boob was just my superstar and there was nothing I could do to bring the other one up to speed with the other one! It's interesting that this time around the boobs have swapped roles!! Maybe others have tips to help you, but I tried it all and one just always produced more. What I ended up doing was always putting DS to the lesser boob first then put him on power boob and let him go til he was full... then pumped the rest.
@NutellaToast that happens to me when I have nursed on the less efficient boob within 2.5 hours. I had a 3.5 hour break once and they both pumped the exact same !
@ljd2010 I use the Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter and am in love! It always made me feel better instantly. A great thing about it is that you don't have to wipe it off before feeding. It's a great moisturizer as well. LO had acne which turned into a rash that I suspect might be eczema. Her skin is insanely dry, flaky and peeling. I've used the butter on her 2 days in a row and it's clearing up very nicely.
Talk to me about growth spurts. Is that the reason my 2.5 week old basically ate every hour today except for like one nap? And was super fussy at the breast every time? I'm going nuts over here.
My LO is 3 weeks old and last night he would NOT sleep! He was constantly hungry and crying, so I got no sleep. Today he has been nursing every hour on the hour...and will cry relentlessly if he doesn't get the breast quick enough. My nipples are becoming sore even with the use of a shield. my guess is he is cluster feeding/having a growth spurt. My pediatrician said he would have a growth spurt around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and again at 3 months and 6 months.
i just need to find some relief between feedings before my nipples fall off!
I'm at the 6 week one now. Started last night. DS would not sleep and ate every 2 hours. The frequent eating has continued today and he's super fussy. Hoping it doesn't last long!
In the 6 week now but feels like the 3 and 6 were right on top of each other. LO was up every hour and a half all night long. I don't want to wish time away but I'm ready for him to be through this and getting more sleep.
Ok. I have had no issues with pain while breastfeeding on my R side. Last few days it's been extremely painful. I finally figured out why. I have a cut on the side of my nipple. Any recommendations for how to heal it? If getting through, but hate how painful it is!
Re: Big Thread of Feeding Questions
@cait32 that's good to know..!
I feel like the first six weeks are a perpetual state of growth spurt of some kind. Have you heard of the book/app The Wonder Weeks? It's tracking typical mental growth spurts over the first year or two. First one (aside from the obvious adjustment to the outside stage) is ~5wks and includes a tangible change in their head circumference as well.
Foot = Mouth
My feelings have changed. I feel guilty. Or more like a failure. I promised myself I wouldn't feel that way but here I am... today was a bit better. I BF, gave her 1 pumped bottle and 1 formula bottle before which is an improvement from yesterday, she seems satisfied. Tomorrow I'm really going to start focusing on pumping to create more of a demand and I'm baking up some homemade lactation cookies. But I just want to get her off this formula already and be able to provide her with what she needs
@CPR79 I too was always told to wake until they regain and then stop after that. Honestly, I know pediatricians are the smart ones but I firmly believe in doing whatever you feel is right as long as it is not negatively affecting your LO.
There isn't technically a leap right now so I'm not sure but I definitely 2nd optbaby's comment on downloading The Wonder Weeks app. It will prepare you for leaps, regressions etc.
@optbaby2017 I am SO glad I discovered that app! My LO is going through leap #1 right now. For the most part she's okay but our biggest issue is that she's cat napping instead of sleeping which is resulting in very, very little sleep for me. (As I say this, she's currently been down for about a half hour which is much better than last night or earlier this evening so I'm hoping this lasts!) I really do not want to move her into her bed for fear of waking her lol!
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
This might be a dumb question, I only pump after feedings because I don't want to... leave her with no milk?! I mean I know you can never actually "run out" but can I pump whenever I feel like it or should I just keep doing it after feedings? (Trying to increase supply)
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/lopsided/
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
i just need to find some relief between feedings before my nipples fall off!
Married: 6/2016
TTC:6/2016
BFP: 11/22/2016 | EDD: 7/29/2017
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie