Breastfeeding Check In-July 14

[littleredfish]

Who's still here?

Rants/Raves: This kid is ruining my nipples. I knew they would never be the same after kids, but these are turning into some seriously chewed up, sad looking things. We're still working on the biting = being put down and ignored route but she still does it even though she knows the consequences. Like she'll do it as she's looking at me like to gauge if it's still a rule or not. Otherwise supply is still ok, but I'm paranoid that every day will be our last. Like pregnancy is just going to totally dry me up one day. Not sure it works that way, but that's my worry.

Goals: Really still 9 months but I'm telling myself now that I'm KU I'm just taking it one day at a time so I won't be as hurt if I can't make it to tandem nursing which is my actual secret goal. I know it wouldn't really lighten my disappointment but the things I tell myself get me through the day.

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss journey going? (*disclaimer, if you've already lost your weight and then some I won't judge but I might hate you for like a day) I have never been one of those people. It didn't work the first time and it didn't work this time. Weight loss is going terribly. I was back to prebaby, but now I'm all loaded up with water weight again (remember that fun?) and looking super bloated always. I'm trying to lose a little more weight than pre-baby because I was still squishy from DD1 and having a terrible diet working in an emergency setting where I just ate snack foods on the go all the time. Problem is BFing still makes me eat like a beast. I'm always hungry. I'm sure I could out eat DH. In short, I need to commit to a work out but nothing sticks for more than like a week. I need to find a workout I can do with a baby strapped to me.

[allycat]

I'm still here!

Rants/Raves: Breastfeeding is still going well, but sleep is not, and of course everyone tells me I should wean to formula to get him to sleep through the night. We have fleeting glimpses of hope - the occasional night where he only wakes once and needs help settling, plus once to eat around 4, but they're few and far between. Last night was atrocious. But I really don't think it has anything to do with the fact that he's breastfed - for example, I'm pretty sure he was/is constipated and that was keeping him up all night last night.

Anyway, just getting frustrated that at post-6 months, it seems like everyone's answer for everything is to wean and switch to formula. I don't get it. There's nothing wrong with it, of course, but I'm home 4-5 days/week and making bottles all those days seems like a bigger pain than it's worth, considering now I can just whip out a boob if he's hungry. I wish he would just sleep so people would shut up already.

Goals: Still a year, hoping to avoid dealing with formula. After that, I'll probably just see how things go.

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss journey going? I don't know if it was breastfeeding or not, per se, but I lost all the baby weight pretty fast. I'm pretty sure it had more to do with getting the stomach flu twice, back to back, though. Right now I'm sitting about 5-10 lbs under pre-pregnancy weight, but I'm still all sorts of soft and squishy in the middle. Probably because I eat junk food all the time because it's one-handed.

[littleowl913]

I'm still here!

Rants/Raves: I think E finally has gotten the message of not biting down on my nipples. BF going great except for a couple of days where I thought my supply wasn't enough. Pumping however has been a pain. I've been having issues with my pump and bought replacement parts to see if that would work. It kinda worked but I'm still having problems. After talking with my coworker who has a O15 baby, now I think it's the adapter. I'm also pumping about an ounce short. I don't know if it's me or the pump but I'm going to be sad if I can't make it to one year.

Goals: Making it to one year. I have a good amount of frozen milk to make up for the shortage. I told DH no more BM in the oatmeal just in case.

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss journey going? (*disclaimer, if you've already lost your weight and then some I won't judge but I might hate you for like a day) Don't hate me but I am about 8 pounds under my pre-baby weight. I had gained back a few pounds. I was extremely lucky that pregnancy caused my appetite to plummet. I think I could have lost more weight if I didn't eat like shit during maternity leave. The weight came off within the first month and the rest of the time BF'ing has maintained my weight until recently. Now that I've gained back a couple of pounds and the reality that BF'ing could come to an end soon, I need to figure out what I'm going to do in order to lose weight.

[yummeecookee]

littleredfish, I feel you on the nipple destruction. Its actually really embarrassing to me. I don't care if you all think I am ridiculous and vain, but I would like them looked at by a plastic surgeon once I am done BF'ing for good. I feel embarrassed for MH to see them and something needs to be done if I am feeling that uncomfortable about it, kwim?

[yummeecookee]

Still chugging along. I never had to supplement w formula for my DD and I plan on doing the same for C.

Rants/Raves: When I first went back to work, I saw a dip in my supply. It kind of worried me a bit bc there was no way I would make it to 12mo if I wasn't making enough to cover the day and have to dip into my freezer stash so soon. Well my rave is that after the initial first month back at work, my supply went back to normal. I usually have 1-3oz extra in a given day.

Goals: My goal was always 12mo at least, but seeing as he is my last baby, I am open to extended BF'ing. With my DD, I was ready and excited to wean (not so sure that she was). I would like to let C guide weaning and not rush him off the breast, like I did to my DD. =(

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss journey going? (*disclaimer, if you've already lost your weight and then some I won't judge but I might hate you for like a day)
I lost a ton of weight w my DD and I lost a bunch (but not as much this time) w C. That seems positive, but its not. It has me looking a bit on the unhealthy side as I have always been thin anyways. I know MH has concerns about how thin I have gotten. I am not super worried bc I know my weight will return back to normal once I get closer to weaning.

[yummeecookee]

allycat, I also don't understand why people think the magical answer to a sleeping baby would be formula. I am sure some of the FF moms could come in here and match our awful sleep stories.

And to your other point, I also love the convenience of just being able to feed C so easily when we're together. Its especially helpful when we are away from home, whether running errands or out of town. DNW extra bottles and things to carry!

[allycat]

Seriously, yummeecookee - I only have to wash bottles 2-3x a week, and only 3 bottles plus pump parts, and it's SO ANNOYING. DNW to do 5-6 bottles a day, every day, unless I have to. Not to mention having to take formula every time I go somewhere, or remember to get it at the store, etc. I'm too lazy for that nonsense.

[kensie5226]

Rants/Raves: My 8 month LO is starting to wean herself. She prefers food and bottles to me at this point. I'm sure some of this has to do with the fact that she has never been a comfort nurser and she's a super independent baby. It's cool. she's refused the breast for the bottle twice this week, but only during the day. I'm following her lead. If she decides she done then I'll wean off the pump, use my stash, and use formula. I's be disappointed not to get to a year, but it's not about me.

Goals: 9 months

QOTW: Yes and no. I lost a lot of the baby weight kind of quickly, but then rebounded. I didn't lose any of the fertility treatment weight and I'm still about 20lbs over my goal weight. My journey is going poorly b/c I have little time to work out and all of my will power goes to other things and there isn't much left for dieting.

[littleredfish]

Jul 14, 2016 10:24:22 GMT -5 yummeecookee said:

littleredfish, I feel you on the nipple destruction. Its actually really embarrassing to me. I don't care if you all think I am ridiculous and vain, but I would like them looked at by a plastic surgeon once I am done BF'ing for good. I feel embarrassed for MH to see them and something needs to be done if I am feeling that uncomfortable about it, kwim?

Not silly. DH and I discussed me seeing a plastic surgeon once we're done (I mean actually done, not like how we were done and now we're not lol). I want to feel good and he says he doesn't care but he's a boob man 100% and I want them to look nice for me and for him.

[Deleted]

We are still going strong. It's actually stronger than ever bc he doesn't go on strikes anymore. He also hasn't had an ear infection in awhile so that helps. I feel like everything with L is just falling into place. He naps like a champ and has started to STTN. I even have the mythical, laying him down drowsy but awake down. He is such a champ in the sleep department lately!

My goal is still 18 months but that might change bc I need to stop nursing before I get pregnant again. I need to get a mammogram and contrast MRI before I get pregnant but after I stop nursing. I have a lactating adenoma that needs to be checked.

I'm still 10 lbs over prepregnancy. I won't lose it until L drops more nursing sessions. My body holds onto weight when I BF.

[ldubhawksfan]

I'm still here

Rants: my supply dipped when on my trip because I wasn't dillegent about pumping in the AM, and she was sick. I'm not worried because I have a lot frozen, it just mainly means I will probably dip into it and not be able to donate as much. Otherwise it's still going ok. I think I might have the start to a blocked duct because one nipple really hurt yesterday.

Goals: still 1 yr, then hopefully weaning to just nursing at nights. Depending on my frozen supply, I might wean off pumping before then. It sounds glorious!!

Gtky: please don't hate me!! I'm still up a few lbs from pre-pregnancy, but I was one of those lucky women who carried mostly in the belly, so I lost all but provably 10 lbs with delivery and then BF helped after. I still dont feel for at all and have pudge that won't go away. It's just a new body. Oh well.

[pickles4prez]

I'm here!

Rants/Raves: she loves the boobs and hates bottles and cups and anything else that might contain breast milk. She loves water out of her sippy cup but warm or cold breast milk gets the yuck face. She still loves to nurse on demand, I don't mind because I'm with her almost 24/7. We have a wedding coming up and I'm nervous how that will go, my MIL is going to watch her while we enjoy a night out. I'm hoping she will either get desperate and take the bottle or be happy enough with solid foods, which she loves. We will be gone 6ish hours. Eek!

Goals: extended nursing if she wants to, I still love the closeness

QOTW: ha. Hahahahahahah. Ha. Nope. No weight loss.

[sunfrogger88]

Still here!

Rant/rave: I think weve definitely dropped a day time feed in favor of more lunch. We're striking a LOT lately and it's really frustrating. She just got teeth so I'm hoping that's why. But I've stopped doing it on a schedule. She's good at telling me when she's hungry.

Goal: 1 year, it's in sight! Yaaaay! After we hit 1 year, if she wants to wean, well wean to WCM during the day when I'm at work and night nurse.

Gtky: my weight loss has been gradual but it's almost all gone. I'm still super jiggly in the belly but, whatever. I'm about 5 pounds off. I think I'll lose it once we're done. Woot! Don't hate me :/

[littleredfish]

Just putting it here because it belongs here. If DH says one more time "It would be so much easier if DD2 wasn't coming with us on the house trip", I will tell him I'm not going. He's not even saying it like please let's find a way to not have to bring her. He knows that ship has sailed because with the short notice I can't build a sufficient stash. He's just saying it to...I don't know. Irritate me? Make me feel bad, like I'm ruining the trip? Either way I'm so over it.

I'm not ruining my goals and something that is important to me physically and emotionally so he can feel more relaxed. MIL is already giving us some alone time. We're going to be exhausted from the long days, whether she's there or not so it won't be a BJ-fest so he can get over it.

[Deleted]

sunfrogger88, I still don't have L on a nursing schedule. At least not like my DD was. He is pretty picky about when he eats. If she is striking a lot, I would keep offering anytime so you can get enough sessions. Also, it's normal for feedings to drop. Just make sure you're getting 3 good ones in. Moms successfully nurse for months with one or two sessions per day.

[winogirl]

I'm still here!

rant/rave: we are still supplementing with formula - DH makes up one bottle (2 scoops w/ 4oz water ) and adds it to the BM bottles throughout the day. It seems like with the solids we could probably manage with all BM at this point but I like building up a bit of a stash so just in case we want to get a babysitter or I want to go get my hair done I don't have to stress out about for a week trying to figure out how to get more milk. I haven't been bitten too bad yet but the top teeth are coming in and I really worry the bites will start once those pop through. He seems to get that it hurts me but sometimes he laughs about it and sometime he makes the sad face and starts being nicer. We'll see I guess.

Goals: he seems to be drinking a tiny bit less milk during the day but no signs of weening yet. I'm guessing we'll make it to a year. I think I'll let him decide when he is done but I'm not super excited to go past a year (I would love to wear a real bra again)


I lost all my preg weight and more - I'm probably 18 pounds less than what I was when I got my BFP. Although I had gained a lot during our TTC journey so I'm probably back at my usual weight. Of course - everything is lumpy in weird spots and no muscle tone so I look way worse. lol.

[samelly]

Rants/raves: I think, as always, the most frustrating thing is never being able to be away from baby. Of course, I love being with him all the time but it has been 8 months and I've only been away for a few appointments here and there. I'd like to take my daughter to a movie or go shopping by myself or something. I did go get my hair done last week and DS slept for most of it but he woke up 30 mind before I got home and cried the whole time. So I feel guilty.

Goals: I'm trying to get him used to solids and sippy cups slowly. I'll be back at work in four months. I'd still like to nurse in the mornings and evenings but he'll have to rely on food and water during the day.

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss going?

So, the weight came off pretty quickly between 3-4 months. I think breastfeeding was a help. I try to make healthy choices with my food and be active too. I don't believe in diets...I think you have to have a well-rounded healthy lifestyle and allow yourself treats sometimes. I can't make it to the gym the way I did pre-kids but I do lots of active things with my kids. Long walks, playgrounds, the zoo, checking out local summer festivals...we try to get out daily - even if just a short walk. We chose to walk to the grocery store rather than drive if we just need a few things that I can fit under the stroller.

[fuzzylogic]

Rants/Raves: E has gone back to snacking. It's kind of frustrating and hard to figure out when to feed her solid meals because she isn't doing very many good, long feeds. And by long feeds, I mean 5 minutes. That kid can suck down a boobfull of milk so fast. Oh, and she bit me the other day. Now that she has a top tooth...ouch.

Goals: 1 year, maybe longer? I would like to go until she self-weans.

GTKY: Are you one of those magical people who just lost so much weight by breastfeeding? Whether you are or not, how is your weight loss journey going? (*disclaimer, if you've already lost your weight and then some I won't judge but I might hate you for like a day)

I weigh 40lbs less than before I got pregnant, but a lot of that was because I ate so healthy when I got the GD diagnosis, so I left the hospital probably 30lbs less and the last 10 have come off on their own. But it fluctuates between 35-40lbs, depending on what I've been eating.

I had a stomach bug that took off 5lbs that never came back. I don't recommend it as a weight loss tool, though. It was awful.

All that said, I was very heavy before baby (230ish) so this is a good thing for my health. I didn't have any known health problems at the time, but I notice a difference. I wish clothes were cheaper, though.

[bluesorceress]

Still around and going strong.

Rants/Raves: No complaints from me. I've noticed little nipple pain in the last week or so, but since my daughter is still toothless it hasn't been bad. Right now I'm just trying to cure her of seizing hold of my nipple with her little baby claws when she gets distracted.

Goals: still one year. My supply is adequate so far, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

GTKY: I was sick as a dog for my whole pregnancy, so I didn't have much baby weight to lose. I actually lost about ten pounds my first trimester, and threw up every day, sometimes more than once for the entire 40w6d I was pregnant. So don't be envious, ladies I paid up front for my figure, and I can honestly say I wish it hadn't been that way.

I'm a little below my pre-pregnancy weight and have been since about a month after my daughter was born. Basically everything I gained was immediately baby related, so once she was out, everything dropped off very suddenly. I credit BF'ing for the fact that I'm maintaining my current weight despite a much higher calorie diet than I used to eat. I'm going to have to start exercising with a vengeance and change my diet once she's weaned or I'm going to gain a lot of weight very quickly.