10/17 Newborn Check In

[lilyelayne]

Welcome! Please join us!


How old is LO?

How's everything going?

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share?

What positions/props are working for you?
What are you struggling with?

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as?

[saraml13]

How old is LO? 5 days

How's everything going? Pretty well. This is my second LO and things are definitely easier the second time around.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? We had our first checkup today and the doctor was a little concerned about weight gain. DS2 was 8lb 12oz at birth, down to 8lb 5oz at discharge on Thursday. Today he was 8lb 6oz. We had a short hospital stay and the discharge weight is from when he was 24 hours old, so the doctor and I both suspect he lost more weight that he's gained back since. I could feel some milk come in on Friday and diaper counts have been ok (but not amazing). I just overnight felt like my milk has fully come in and have gotten engorged. DS is very sleepy and I feel like his nursing sessions are pretty short. It's hard to get him to take both sides unless I really wake him up with a diaper change. The doctor said he trusts my judgement and to keep an eye on diaper counts and I'm welcome to come back for a weight check.

What positions/props are working for you? Using the Boppy a lot of the time. Doing a combo of cradle and football holds, plus some laid back BFing.

What are you struggling with? Nipple pain on latch sucks and my nipples are getting beaten up. It's hard to get DS to open up big for a good latch. He has a tendency to kind of slurp my nipple in and then work his way up to what I think is an ok latch.

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as? I can't remember loving a costume growing up. My mom made witches costumes for me and my sister, and they got reused for many years. I think at first they were calf length, but I remember wearing them in Jr. High as short dresses with tights.

[Deleted]

How old is LO? 6 days

How's everything going? Terrible. I had to start the slippery slope of supplementation 2 days ago as DD was losing. She was 9lbs 5oz at birth, 8lbs 14 oz the next day etc and got down to 8lbs 3oz. I began supplementing and she gained 5 oz overnight. However yesterday did not go well and with my PP hormones I've basically done bottles only today. The LC I saw yesterday confirmed I have a low supply with slow flow and DD's latch is not great. I'm getting frustrated trying to correct her latch. I dont even respond to the pump I have (3mls total from both sides). Feedings are taking over an hour and i have to switch nurse and do compressions plus supplementation. There's not even a definite that I will be able to exclusively BF. I hate that this is coming right in the middle of my raging PP hormones. I feel like giving up, but it's day 6 and I wonder in the back of my mind if I keep going what will happen. But at the same time I'm a hormonal mess, and I feel like such a failure as woman.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? See above.

What positions/props are working for you? None really.
What are you struggling with? Everything

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as?

[emmyg65]

saraml13, oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate anyway.

@snuff9861, I think it's really early to be telling someone they have low supply. That said, if you're supplementing and not pumping, your supply will drop. Do you have access to a hospital grade pump? I rented one and it was amazing. If you want to continue trying to BF, I can give additional suggestions. But if you're done, that's fine too. It doesn't make you a failure—you need to do what's best for you and your baby. Fed is best.

[ameliapond]

How old is LO? 13 days

How's everything going? Pretty good. I still have some pain initially with latching. But things during the second week were wayy better than the first week.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? I am only concerned about the amount of spitup DD is having. It is really bad at night when she spitups in the crib, and then just lays in it. She never cries because of it, I just see it when I get her up for the next feeding. But today she weighed 7lbs 6ozs (up 4ozs from birth weight), so the pedestrian said there is nothing to worry about.

What positions/props are working for you?
Bobby pillow for almost every feeding. I use the cradle position. The football hold was what I used at first, but DD seems to like the cradle position more.

What are you struggling with?
I am super nervous about nursing in public. I know eventually it will make life easier, but I am just not comfortable enough yet to try it.

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as?
I am not sure. I was never really into dressing up for Halloween. As a kid, I did dress up. But I don't have any particular favorites.

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2016 14:09:21 GMT -5 emmyg65 said:

saraml13, oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate anyway.

@snuff9861, I think it's really early to be telling someone they have low supply. That said, if you're supplementing and not pumping, your supply will drop. Do you have access to a hospital grade pump? I rented one and it was amazing. If you want to continue trying to BF, I can give additional suggestions. But if you're done, that's fine too. It doesn't make you a failure—you need to do what's best for you and your baby. Fed is best.

I likely have hypoplasia. I dont have a hospital grade pump but im going to see about trying one. They're expensive to buy (we dont get them through insurance) and I'd hate to waste money renting one if it doesnt work since ive already bought a manual pump, herbs, lactation consultant services

[adouces06]

How old is LO? Just over 2 weeks (17 days to be exact)

How's everything going? Surprisingly well! I really didn't plan to EBF with her, but that's what we have been doing so far. I haven't even touched my pump yet, which makes me so happy. I do want to get formula introduced soon, as that is the plan for when I go back to work. I want to get all the kinks worked out well before I return in December.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? My BFing journey with DS wasn't awesome but wasn't terrible. He was supplemented with formula since day 1 due to being in the NICU, so I had to use the pump a lot more. It's been very relaxing and satisfying to not have to have to use it this time around.

What positions/props are working for you?
What are you struggling with? Using the boppy with the cradle hold. That's my jam.

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as? My favorite costume was probably when I was a janitor for Halloween. Weird, I know. But I knew it was something other people wouldn't be, so I thought it was cool!

[adouces06]

ameliapond I used to hate NIP with DS. This time around, I have been wearing a cami tank under any of my shirts when out. When I have to nurse, I just take the strap off then just pull my shirt up. The tank covers my belly and my shirt covers my chest area. I feel way less exposed, especially since DDs head covers my nipple and breast. Definitely made me feel way more confident this time around.

[saraml13]

Oct 17, 2016 14:09:21 GMT -5 emmyg65 said:

saraml13, oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate .

I keep trying to get a good initial latch. I'll do the tickling his lip/nose thing and get a textbook wide open mouth, but then at the last second he'll not close all the way and back off and slurp instead. Very annoying. I'm trying different positions to see he latches easier in some.

[emmyg65]

ameliapond, sounds like you have a happy spitter! I had one too. Sometimes it seemed like he couldn't possibly get enough milk with how much he spit back up, but it looks like more than it is. I used to keep him upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding and that did help some.

[hikingmama222]

How old is LO? 11 days old

How's everything going? Great! Had a weight check today and he's 2 oz's above birth weight! After not being able to BF my first, I'm so happy it's working out this time! We're still monitoring his tongue tie. Since he's doing so well and his latch doesn't hurt I'm holding off on getting it clipped.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? When can I expect his nursing sessions to get longer? He pretty much snacks all day long and it makes getting anything done difficult!

What positions/props are working for you? Football with a pillow. Just figured out sidelying last night.
What are you struggling with? We're good!

[lilyelayne]

ameliapond I agree it sounds like you've got a happy spitter. Thankfully that's a laundry problem not a health problem the two shirt method is great for nursing in public. You can try at home in front of a mirror or a trusted friend to see what other people see & make any adjustments. If I didn't do the two shirt method, I would pull down my shirt and throw a burp rag over the top of my exposed breast. I was gonna need it for spit up anyway. If LO unlatched unexpectedly I would cover my nipple with my free hand if I couldn't pull down clothes/burp rag quickly enough to suit me.

[lilyelayne]

adouces06 it's recommended not to pump until 4-6 weeks as exclusive nursing does the best at setting up your supply, and there are several growth spurts in the beginning including a huge one at 3 weeks. So if you can I'd wait to introduce formula until that time as well. Be sure you're pace feeding any bottles no matter if they're formula or breastmilk. I can link resources to that if you want. Paced feeding is about how you feed a bottle, not when, as babies should always be fed on demand.

[lilyelayne]

hikingmama222 some babies are snackers. It's totally normal for a newborn to go 45-60 minutes between nursing sessions, counting from start to start, which can mean your newborn is on your breast pretty much all day. It gets better, but it's hard to say when. There's typically a growth spurt around 7-10 days old and another at 3 weeks which means lots and lots of nursing. Have you looked into babywearing for being able to nurse and have a little more mobility? At this age it's not really hands free but can be one handed with a carrier. Though really breastfeeding a newborn is nature's way of reminding you that you just have a baby and should probably take it easy yourself

[lilyelayne]

Oct 17, 2016 15:32:08 GMT -5 saraml13 said:

Oct 17, 2016 14:09:21 GMT -5 emmyg65 said:

saraml13, oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate .

I keep trying to get a good initial latch. I'll do the tickling his lip/nose thing and get a textbook wide open mouth, but then at the last second he'll not close all the way and back off and slurp instead. Very annoying. I'm trying different positions to see he latches easier in some.

I used to press on LO's chin with my breast to keep that wide open mouth as I latched him. Or you can have someone press his chin with their fingers if you have enough hands or a support person around.

[lilyelayne]

Oct 17, 2016 14:39:22 GMT -5 @snuff9861 said:

Oct 17, 2016 14:09:21 GMT -5 emmyg65 said:

saraml13, oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate anyway.

@snuff9861, I think it's really early to be telling someone they have low supply. That said, if you're supplementing and not pumping, your supply will drop. Do you have access to a hospital grade pump? I rented one and it was amazing. If you want to continue trying to BF, I can give additional suggestions. But if you're done, that's fine too. It doesn't make you a failure—you need to do what's best for you and your baby. Fed is best.

I likely have hypoplasia. I dont have a hospital grade pump but im going to see about trying one. They're expensive to buy (we dont get them through insurance) and I'd hate to waste money renting one if it doesnt work since ive already bought a manual pump, herbs, lactation consultant services

Hugs @snuff9861. I agree with emmyg. Be kind to yourself and please keep us posted!

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2016 14:09:21 GMT -5 emmyg65 said:

saraml13 , oh god, the slurping. I hated that! Try to get a good open mouth first, then latch. We did one side, diaper change, other side for a while. He always pooped when he ate anyway.

@snuff9861 , I think it's really early to be telling someone they have low supply. That said, if you're supplementing and not pumping, your supply will drop. Do you have access to a hospital grade pump? I rented one and it was amazing. If you want to continue trying to BF, I can give additional suggestions. But if you're done, that's fine too. It doesn't make you a failure—you need to do what's best for you and your baby. Fed is best.

I wish I could have gotten the best of my hormones the other night. I feel better today and now I wonder if it's too late because she hasnt really been at the breast since early yesterday morning. Plus with all that formula/bottles in the past 24 hours I wonder how much her stomach has grown. Also I did pump a few times, I only have a single electric and both times only got 8 or 9 millilitres combined. Plus she's still up from 130-530 non stop even with formula and I dont know how to be up all night with her while still trying to parent the next day.

[hikingmama222]

Oct 18, 2016 8:10:46 GMT -5 lilyelayne said:

hikingmama222 some babies are snackers. It's totally normal for a newborn to go 45-60 minutes between nursing sessions, counting from start to start, which can mean your newborn is on your breast pretty much all day. It gets better, but it's hard to say when. There's typically a growth spurt around 7-10 days old and another at 3 weeks which means lots and lots of nursing. Have you looked into babywearing for being able to nurse and have a little more mobility? At this age it's not really hands free but can be one handed with a carrier. Though really breastfeeding a newborn is nature's way of reminding you that you just have a baby and should probably take it easy yourself

I babywear a lot, just need to figure out how to nurse while wearing. I have huge boobs so thinking it's going to be challenging! He's doing better every day with a little longer sessions so we'll see if he starts going longer between feeds.

[iwantbacon]

I am happy to join you all!

How old is LO? 8 days

How's everything going? It's going pretty well, I think. Definitely better than beginning to breastfeed DS1

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? Right now, trying to figure out how to position myself to avoid aggravating c-section incision.

What positions/props are working for you? Boppy for most feedings--helps with baby weight and incision barrier. Positions, I'm sticking with cross cradle (maybe?) but would like to explore other options.

What are you struggling with? Slowly healing nipple scabs. Luckily not much pain while nursing, but not comfortable against nursing pads.

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? Man, I really loved them all. Maybe my genie outfit since my mom made it.

[lilyelayne]

Oct 18, 2016 16:03:31 GMT -5 hikingmama222 said:

Oct 18, 2016 8:10:46 GMT -5 lilyelayne said:

hikingmama222 some babies are snackers. It's totally normal for a newborn to go 45-60 minutes between nursing sessions, counting from start to start, which can mean your newborn is on your breast pretty much all day. It gets better, but it's hard to say when. There's typically a growth spurt around 7-10 days old and another at 3 weeks which means lots and lots of nursing. Have you looked into babywearing for being able to nurse and have a little more mobility? At this age it's not really hands free but can be one handed with a carrier. Though really breastfeeding a newborn is nature's way of reminding you that you just have a baby and should probably take it easy yourself

I babywear a lot, just need to figure out how to nurse while wearing. I have huge boobs so thinking it's going to be challenging! He's doing better every day with a little longer sessions so we'll see if he starts going longer between feeds.

Babywearing and nursing is hard when baby is so floppy. It gets easier when they get a little trunk control. You may find you need to hold your breast while he nurses. Or fold up a burp rag or something and prop your boob up with it.

[sanibel21]

Hi everyone, I'm new here! And I think my post is all over the place

How old is LO? 4 days old

How's everything going? I think ok. She's my second, and I remembered a lot of the latch tips so so far my nipples are not cracked and bleeding like they were with my first.

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? Just trying to remember/reassure myself about the frequency/length/sleepiness of feeds. (Really frequent, like 8 minutes one side only, very sleepy.) Sometimes I do the same side a couple times in a row to get to the hindmilk. I need to make her first pedi appt for one of the next 3 days. Once I see her weight I'll know better how it's really going.

What positions/props are working for you? Mostly cradle with boppy or pillows. Sometimes football on the right side seems to work better when I'm really engorged.

What are you struggling with? Hoping she's getting enough, anxiety from sleep deprivation, only 1.5 hour stretches at the beginning of the night, then less and less- last night was the first night she would sleep not on me so that was good, choking spittiness-although again not as bad as my first.

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as?
I remember being pretty proud of a marionette puppet costume I thought of and made.

[WittyLittle]

I'm late to the party, sorry!

How old is LO? 5.5 weeks

How's everything going? Ok nursing wise. But her reflux is getting worse

Questions/concerns/cute stories to share? If I try and lay her down she starts coughing, snorting, choking and spitting up until she wakes up. Even with one crib side elevated and on the boppy after keeping her upright for half an hour (though that's much better than flat!). I'm afraid that I'm going to have to start giving her this thickening stuff, I really hope she takes it on it's own. Any tips?

What positions/props are working for you?
Cradle holds all the way lately. During the day it's the only way I can protect her from DSs over enthusiasm and at night i fall asleep if we are laying and she can't seem to latch in football hold and wakes up DS with her banshee crying.

What are you struggling with? The reflux issue above :/

GTKY: if you celebrated Halloween as a kid, what was your favorite costume? If you didn't, what would you have loved to dress up as? My mom wasn't really good at halloween, my costumes always suuuuucked! My favourite was written I dressed up as a ghost. Last minute costume, ruined a sheet without asking, stole mom's craft supplies and found netting to put on top of the sheet and attached small bells to the netting. It looked and sounded awesome!

[emmyg65]

sanibel21, the best way to check if she's getting enough is to keep an eye on diapers. At this point, you want 3-4+ dirty ones a day and 6+ wet ones. I think folks get too hung up on the idea of hindmilk. Just offer the other side at the next feeding.