It sounds like there was a lot of interest in a BF thread when we talked about ideas so let's get this party started! What are your BF questions/ concerns/ wins for today?
I nurse little one at night and give her bottles of breast milk during the day. At night, so is SO gassy, and she's not that bad during the day. Not sure what is causing the difference?
Great thread! Alaska and I have turned a giant bf corner this week. Nipples are still sore but seem to be healing. I quit pumping and we are solely doing boobs!
She had been so great and scheduled--eating every three hours day and night and sleeping in between. Last night she was a total monster. She was nursing every hour--both boobs for 30-40 minutes. I was up all night. What do we think, experienced Mommas? Is this a growth spurt? She's just over two weeks.
Is it better to get them on a schedule to feed or feed on demand?
I feed in demand which is roughly every 3-4 hours during the day and 2-3 hours at night.
Newborns should not be on a schedule it should be feed on demand. they go through so many growth spurts you don't want to miss one by scheduling feelings.
Cluster feeding can also be a newborns way of telling you to produce more milk so if you don't cluster feed it can also send the wrong signal to your body. That being said it sounds like your baby is feeding really well based on the hours you listed. Good job!! Just don't be too consumed with having to follow those exact hours in case the baby suddenly wants to feed more frequently. It's normal.
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
Great thread! Alaska and I have turned a giant bf corner this week. Nipples are still sore but seem to be healing. I quit pumping and we are solely doing boobs!
She had been so great and scheduled--eating every three hours day and night and sleeping in between. Last night she was a total monster. She was nursing every hour--both boobs for 30-40 minutes. I was up all night. What do we think, experienced Mommas? Is this a growth spurt? She's just over two weeks.
I'll be asking the DR about this tomorrow. Charlotte took 5oz over 2 hours last night and then slept for for 41/2 glorious hours...straight! It was weird though because she's been taking 2oz then sleeping 2-3 hours so it was totally off for us.
She's still taking the breast even though she's getting very little out of it . I've been pumping 6 times a day for almost 2 weeks with the hospital grade pump we rented and it takes me a WEEK to get 2 flipping ounces. We've been supplementing with formula the whole time. I'm thinking this is as good as its going to get with BF
Win: peanut takes the boob like a champ finally and I only give him a bottle if I am somewhere that I can't breastfeed comfortably.
Question: How do you know if they are getting enough? He falls asleep while breastfeeding and it takes an act of God to wake him up. I usually nurse him on one side, burp him, change him, nurse him on the other side but some nights he just won't wake up to take the other side.
You know they're getting enough if they're making enough wet and poopy diapers and if they're growing well.
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
So was that procedure pretty non invasive? What's the healing process like for a tongue tie snip?
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
So was that procedure pretty non invasive? What's the healing process like for a tongue tie snip?
It was SO simple. Totally anti climactic for what we prepared ourselves for. He was more mad about being held down and forced to open his mouth. The snip he didn't even react to. It bled a tiny bit for a few minutes and that was that. He was eating normally by the time we got home. I'm very glad we opted to do it right now instead of waiting a few months or until he got older.
Had a crisis night our first night home. He woke up gagging on foam 4 times and I thought he was going to die. Couldn't get him to nurse because he would gag again. I thought he was drowning in my milk and therefore scared of my boobs. Husband called pediatrician and they said it's normal, just amniotic fluid and such. Thankfully by the time they called back he was nursed for 20 minutes. It gets better, right?
Edit: forgot to add that with the chaos of the foamy night he went like.... 2 am to almost 9 am without eating.
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
Are you doing the exercises? my LO really fights me about them. Still can't latch but does well with the nipple shield. Hopefully one day it'll click.
Baby Elliott (technically) due 6.13.2015 but born via c-section on 4.12.2015 at 31w1d after 31d of hospital arrest (think house arrest) for monitoring.
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
So was that procedure pretty non invasive? What's the healing process like for a tongue tie snip?
Clipping takes 2seconds but there's blood our ENT has us do exercises to make sure that the frenulum didn't re-attsch. Said it takes 3-4w for it to stick.
Baby Elliott (technically) due 6.13.2015 but born via c-section on 4.12.2015 at 31w1d after 31d of hospital arrest (think house arrest) for monitoring.
I nurse little one at night and give her bottles of breast milk during the day. At night, so is SO gassy, and she's not that bad during the day. Not sure what is causing the difference?
My guess would be that she's "storing" the air from the bottles during the day, and when nursing at night since there's less air coming in, the heavier liquid pushes the air through the system. But I did much better in biology than physics, so I could be wrong!
I've been really struggling with bf'ing. After being discharged, LO had to be readmitted for jaundice and possible meningitis (ty +gbs). She had lost 11oz in her five days due to not waking up to feed- no matter what I did. In the hospital I relied more heavily on formula because she took it easily. Now I feel like it is hindering her latching. She latches and nurses sometimes, but the majority of the time she doesn't. On top of that, it seemed like I wasnt producing as much when pumping. I finally met with a competent LC today. She suggested that the pump breast shield I was using was too small. Holy crap was she right! I'm pumping now and it's insane how much more milk I'm getting.
Sorry this was slightly off track. I know you all understand since we can't think straight right now.
Great thread! Alaska and I have turned a giant bf corner this week. Nipples are still sore but seem to be healing. I quit pumping and we are solely doing boobs!
She had been so great and scheduled--eating every three hours day and night and sleeping in between. Last night she was a total monster. She was nursing every hour--both boobs for 30-40 minutes. I was up all night. What do we think, experienced Mommas? Is this a growth spurt? She's just over two weeks.
Welcome to the 3 week growth spurt. Grab a pillow and a good series and make the couch your home.
Breastfeeding had been a struggle to say the least but I think LO and I are getting the hang of it thanks to an initial appointment with the LC and trial and error over time.
Initially I nursed him 20 minutes on each side with nipple shields because of large breasts and flat nipples (sexy, I know) and immediately pumped for another 20 minutes to give him an additional ounce every 3 exhausting hours. I felt like as soon as I was done pumping I had maybe an hour before having to start all over again. It honestly made me resent pumping because it made me feel like I was losing out on actual time with him. It was really difficult emotionally.
We had a rough time of it last week. I was trying to feed him just on demand all day and he had never been more cranky and especially into the night. His witching hours were from 9pm-2am where he was just an absolute gremlin and wouldn't sleep unless he was held and/or held and moving. Since then I still wake him up during the day every 3 hours to breastfeed and then at night I feed him on demand but also give him an extra ounce because he's usually falling asleep at the boob without actually breastfeeding well at night.
So a couple of huge wins for this tired mama: he gave me at most 3.5 straight hours of sleep last night which felt amazing. And my milk supply now is way up so I'm not pumping nearly as much and he's getting enough during the day when he latches with the nipple shields.
So was that procedure pretty non invasive? What's the healing process like for a tongue tie snip?
Clipping takes 2seconds but there's blood our ENT has us do exercises to make sure that the frenulum didn't re-attsch. Said it takes 3-4w for it to stick.
What are the exercises? Baby girl had to have this done on Tuesday and they didn't mention any exercises, or possibility of re-attachment.
Clipping takes 2seconds but there's blood our ENT has us do exercises to make sure that the frenulum didn't re-attsch. Said it takes 3-4w for it to stick.
What are the exercises? Baby girl had to have this done on Tuesday and they didn't mention any exercises, or possibility of re-attachment.
It kind of sucks, makes my LO scream but it'll be better in the long run. I had my follow up a week later and the Dr said I wasn't sticking my finger far back enough so iflt had already started to reattach a little so I'm sucking it up and doing it.
Baby Elliott (technically) due 6.13.2015 but born via c-section on 4.12.2015 at 31w1d after 31d of hospital arrest (think house arrest) for monitoring.
I've been really struggling with bf'ing. After being discharged, LO had to be readmitted for jaundice and possible meningitis (ty +gbs). She had lost 11oz in her five days due to not waking up to feed- no matter what I did. In the hospital I relied more heavily on formula because she took it easily. Now I feel like it is hindering her latching. She latches and nurses sometimes, but the majority of the time she doesn't. On top of that, it seemed like I wasnt producing as much when pumping. I finally met with a competent LC today. She suggested that the pump breast shield I was using was too small. Holy crap was she right! I'm pumping now and it's insane how much more milk I'm getting.
Sorry this was slightly off track. I know you all understand since we can't think straight right now.
A recommendation my LC gave me since peanut reverts back to not katching after having a bottle is to use premie nipples. They force them to have to latch and work for the milk. It's made a huge difference for me when my mom watches the baby for me or when DH has the baby.
I've heard of the preemie nipples, I think I'll check them out. Ty!
Breastfeeding had been a struggle to say the least but I think LO and I are getting the hang of it thanks to an initial appointment with the LC and trial and error over time.
Initially I nursed him 20 minutes on each side with nipple shields because of large breasts and flat nipples (sexy, I know) and immediately pumped for another 20 minutes to give him an additional ounce every 3 exhausting hours. I felt like as soon as I was done pumping I had maybe an hour before having to start all over again. It honestly made me resent pumping because it made me feel like I was losing out on actual time with him. It was really difficult emotionally.
We had a rough time of it last week. I was trying to feed him just on demand all day and he had never been more cranky and especially into the night. His witching hours were from 9pm-2am where he was just an absolute gremlin and wouldn't sleep unless he was held and/or held and moving. Since then I still wake him up during the day every 3 hours to breastfeed and then at night I feed him on demand but also give him an extra ounce because he's usually falling asleep at the boob without actually breastfeeding well at night.
So a couple of huge wins for this tired mama: he gave me at most 3.5 straight hours of sleep last night which felt amazing. And my milk supply now is way up so I'm not pumping nearly as much and he's getting enough during the day when he latches with the nipple shields.
Nipple shields = god send
You are an inspiration to me. Nipple shields just don't seem to work for. I have one sexy flat nipple that I can't get in the nipple shield. I'm probably doing it wrong.
BFing has been going well. Had a bit of a rough patch the last couple days but she settled down a lot last night and we just had her 2 week check and has been putting the weight on so I'm pretty sure she had either hit a little growth spurt or was just doing some crazy cluster feed get the milk pumping mode because she's back to latching like a champ and bfing feels normal again, like I remember it feeling with DS.
ETA-wow, I must be tired. I just realized I made almost that entire paragraph one giant sentence...
Breastfeeding had been a struggle to say the least but I think LO and I are getting the hang of it thanks to an initial appointment with the LC and trial and error over time.
Initially I nursed him 20 minutes on each side with nipple shields because of large breasts and flat nipples (sexy, I know) and immediately pumped for another 20 minutes to give him an additional ounce every 3 exhausting hours. I felt like as soon as I was done pumping I had maybe an hour before having to start all over again. It honestly made me resent pumping because it made me feel like I was losing out on actual time with him. It was really difficult emotionally.
We had a rough time of it last week. I was trying to feed him just on demand all day and he had never been more cranky and especially into the night. His witching hours were from 9pm-2am where he was just an absolute gremlin and wouldn't sleep unless he was held and/or held and moving. Since then I still wake him up during the day every 3 hours to breastfeed and then at night I feed him on demand but also give him an extra ounce because he's usually falling asleep at the boob without actually breastfeeding well at night.
So a couple of huge wins for this tired mama: he gave me at most 3.5 straight hours of sleep last night which felt amazing. And my milk supply now is way up so I'm not pumping nearly as much and he's getting enough during the day when he latches with the nipple shields.
Nipple shields = god send
You are an inspiration to me. Nipple shields just don't seem to work for. I have one sexy flat nipple that I can't get in the nipple shield. I'm probably doing it wrong.
If you place the shield over your nipple it'll be up to your LO to basically pull your nipple into the shield and then their suction keeps it in there. I think sometimes it may be a little frustrating for them at first because they don't get anything out of it right away but it might help if you start with that side when your LO is hungry so they're more motivated. Also pumping is supposed to help pull out your nipple.
Not sure if I'll ever get to breastfeed without it (I've tried the ol' switcheroo mid-feed but he's not fooled) but it's the perfect solution to my problem right now so it's worth the little bit of hassle. Now the trick is remembering to pack an extra shield in the diaper bag when I'm out because otherwise I can't feed him on the go.
Any ideas why you're having a hard time producing? Doctor or LC advice?
Hang in there! You're doing great, Momma!
Yes I have a congenital condition called tuberous breasts. They were an A size and the tissue constricted. I had breast augmentation to correct the "look" 15 years ago. At the time, my dr told me that I had very little breast and duct tissue so he would be surprised if I produced at all. I was mostly prepared but still hoped. We've been working with a LC and she's been great. She knew my condition and we've been trying everything but she's been so compassionate about it likely not working and making us feel good about our efforts.
I nurse little one at night and give her bottles of breast milk during the day. At night, so is SO gassy, and she's not that bad during the day. Not sure what is causing the difference?
My guess would be that she's "storing" the air from the bottles during the day, and when nursing at night since there's less air coming in, the heavier liquid pushes the air through the system. But I did much better in biology than physics, so I could be wrong!
Hmm, I didn't think about that. We do have a super slow flow nipple and a bottle that's supposed to prevent air from getting in there. I may try a couple of nursing sessions during the day and see if that helps any. Sometimes her latch seems like it could be shallow because she's making a smacking sound when she nurses sometimes.
How much do you think your little ones are eating? Mine is 6 weeks old, and she only nurses actively for like 6-8 minutes at night. Half the time, she refuses the second side. During the day, she is eating between 2 and 3 oz per bottle. She has plenty of wet and dirty diapers, I just don't want her to be hungry lol
My guess would be that she's "storing" the air from the bottles during the day, and when nursing at night since there's less air coming in, the heavier liquid pushes the air through the system. But I did much better in biology than physics, so I could be wrong!
Hmm, I didn't think about that. We do have a super slow flow nipple and a bottle that's supposed to prevent air from getting in there. I may try a couple of nursing sessions during the day and see if that helps any. Sometimes her latch seems like it could be shallow because she's making a smacking sound when she nurses sometimes.
How much do you think your little ones are eating? Mine is 6 weeks old, and she only nurses actively for like 6-8 minutes at night. Half the time, she refuses the second side. During the day, she is eating between 2 and 3 oz per bottle. She has plenty of wet and dirty diapers, I just don't want her to be hungry lol
I had my appointment with the LC when LO was 4 days old, she weighed him before and after nursing and determined he was getting about 0.5 ounce per breast after sleepily nursing from both breasts for 20 minutes each side. That's why he needed an extra ounce of pumped milk at each feeding. Now that he's nursing better and my milk production is so much more I'd guess that he's getting maybe an ounce or more per breast after 20 minutes. But I have no real basis for guessing that other than that and also he seems nice and full after nursing both sides in one sitting.
Pearse had a severe tongue tie when he was born (lactation consultant was the one who noticed it first) so I've been pumping and giving it to him in a bottle because he couldn't latch. We got it snipped yesterday and he was able to nurse overnight. Not sure how much he is getting but he was on the boob for a good time and was trying. I would be just as happy pumping for him, whatever keeps him staisfied and gets him fed, but man it was nice to just roll over and whip it out instead of having to get up and get a bottle.
Are you doing the exercises? my LO really fights me about them. Still can't latch but does well with the nipple shield. Hopefully one day it'll click.
Our doc didn't say anything about exercises or reattachment either. She just asked us to call her on Monday and let her know how he is doing.
How much do you think your little ones are eating? Mine is 6 weeks old, and she only nurses actively for like 6-8 minutes at night. Half the time, she refuses the second side. During the day, she is eating between 2 and 3 oz per bottle. She has plenty of wet and dirty diapers, I just don't want her to be hungry lol
You can't go based on time - which is why most LCs tell you not to watch the clock. So T might be getting as much in that 6-8 minutes as other babies are in twice that time because she's older, a more efficient nurser, just all around awesome, whatever ;-)
If she's got the diapers, and is gaining weight, then she's getting plenty to eat.
As a word of caution - because I know it can make a mom feel completely like she's starving her child, if T hasn't had her 6 week growth spurt yet, she's on the verge (and LBB had another growth spurt at 7 weeks no one warned me about). Which means she's going to act hungry all the time. It does not mean you're not feeding her/producing enough. One of the reasons breastfeeding is going easier for me this time is because I stopped saying "You JUST ate. He can't be hungry!" and trying to find ways to soothe. Now I just pop a boob in and everyone is happier.
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