Ladies- I am seriously at my wits end. My nipples are so raw- and I don't think it's from a bad latch, but simply that LO seriously gives me maybe (if I am lucky) an hour between feedings. My parents are coming into town tomorrow, and I am a pretty private person. The thought of having to feed LO almost constantly makes me miserable just thinking about it. I do not feel comfortable whipping my boob out in front of my parents. I seriously just want to give up. This is so hard
Things were good for a bit where nursing was comfortable but he has decided to have a shallow latch now. It's frustrating because no matter how hard I try he pulls away/pushes the nipple out. It often makes a click sound. Doesn't hurt really but nursing takes forever and I don't think he really empties me out.
Ladies- I am seriously at my wits end. My nipples are so raw- and I don't think it's from a bad latch, but simply that LO seriously gives me maybe (if I am lucky) an hour between feedings. My parents are coming into town tomorrow, and I am a pretty private person. The thought of having to feed LO almost constantly makes me miserable just thinking about it. I do not feel comfortable whipping my boob out in front of my parents. I seriously just want to give up. This is so hard
Sounds like you may be in the thick of the 3 week growth spurt. It does get better, promise. I know most don't advise using a pump yet, but if you want to pump to have a bottle or 2 to give LO and give your boobs a break I wouldn't blame you.
With DS BFing improved greatly after 3 weeks and I ended up nursing him until 14 months. At 2 weeks I seriously considered EPing.
kemdupuis Girl, I've been there I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time, I remember feeling that same way. Last time one of my nipples was actually torn open and every time DS had to nurse on that side I would cry before I even put him on. It gets better, that's about all I can tell you. I don't blame you in the least for wanting to give up. But it will get better. Hang in there. And don't forget to use the lanolin as often as possible between feeds!
BF has, thank god, been good for us. A few bumps, but over all good. His new thing is to do the open mouth head shake thing (anyone else's LO do this?) when he's over tired (I think?). Usually happens around bed time and at night - he'll even latch and do well for a few minutes and then he starts the head wagging
Hi ladies!! BF has been a challenge for me, DD had a lip tie and a tongue tie, add to that that my supply has dropped. I also had an infection so my nipple were all torn up. We have added formula into the mix because DD isnt getting enough. I have started to add a morning nursing session back into the mix instead of pumped milk. It is much harder then I ever imagined it would be. But I am taking it one day at a time.
BF has, thank god, been good for us. A few bumps, but over all good. His new thing is to do the open mouth head shake thing (anyone else's LO do this?) when he's over tired (I think?). Usually happens around bed time and at night - he'll even latch and do well for a few minutes and then he starts the head wagging
Yes! Z will do this, and I want to say "If you just close your mouth, the nipple is RIGHT THERE!"
BF is going fairly well. She will typically only do one side at night, and then pass out, but then wake up an hour later for the other side. She is really hard to wake up, so I'm letting it go, and hoping it's just a phase.
She does a lot of comfort nursing, which is ok, but yeah, it is getting tiring always having her on me--even though I know it's good for my supply.
Post by holliberry28 on Jul 8, 2015 15:58:27 GMT -5
Sorry your having a hard time kemdupuis. I agree maybe try to bring a pumped bottle or two.
I've been a little crazy with breastfeeding, trying to give the breast, pump, and supplement w formula. Today I just gave the boob, if M was hungry or even if crying ( colic?) and its been so much easier. How can you tell if they are emptying out your breast,? He usually latches for 25 min on one side and often will want the other side. Can I be over feeding him?
Post by billyhorrible on Jul 8, 2015 16:10:11 GMT -5
kemdupuis,((hugs)). I think a great breastfeeding motto is to never quit on a bad day. Because it's very easy to decide to be done, but not so easy if you regret that decision. As far as your parents, even with my parents around, I always go into the nursery to nurse when we have visitors. I like the little private quiet time that affords. Sometimes it's nice to not have to deal with people!
bruunk, there are a bunch of reasons for the head shaking. And some of them are contradictory. It could be a fast letdown, so he's "drowning" in milk. Conversely it could be that he's frustrated because he's a silly baby and thinks he's STARVING and it's not coming fast enough. He could need to burp/poop/or fart. BH does it only on my right side (and he's preferred my left since the hospital). I find that if I change his position, from cross cradle to football, on that side he'll latch and be fine.
Breastfeeding is going fine, I really love the whole STM aspect of it. I feel like I have such a better handle on it this time around. And I started pumping this morning. With LBB my first pump got like 25mL. This morning I pumped a little over 4 oz! I hate the pump with the passion of one thousand firey suns, but I'm glad I'm being responsive! DH will introduce a bottle sometime this week.
Post by ravinraven216 on Jul 8, 2015 16:14:58 GMT -5
Overactive letdown is a bitch. Sometimes DS feeds well, isn't to aggressive, stays latched, and can keep up with my Super Soaker tits. That's when BF feels great. Other times, especially at night, he chomps my nipples, pops on and off (screaming bloody murder in between), and my whole breast feels raw. At night the pain keeps me from sleeping soundly. Does anyone BF by day and pump at night? Is that kosher? I feel it would help me get more sleep, ease the frustration of BF, and reduce my physical pain.
I feel like I'm doing breastfeeding gymnastics: keep LO's head above hips to manage reflux, recline or lie down to nurse if boobs are full, but angle myself above him if my supply is low.
BF win: First public nursing session was a moderate success. I forgot my nursing cover when at the mall waiting for DH to finish his eye doctor appointment. Managed a good, comfy BF session at a Panera using a smallreceiving blanket to provide just a touch of privacy, since the restaurant had a weird layout and lacked proper booths.
In the interest of encouragement... Let me say that in the past week, we went from nipple confusion, not latching, and feeding with an eye dropper to practically no problems at all other than my nipples wanting to fall off because LO is always hungry!! I was so close to moving to just pumping... But we turned the corner.
billyhorrible I think it's silly baby thinks he's starving/is tired. I hadn't thought to try other holds! We've done cross cradle since day one - we fell into it naturally and it's worked so well I haven't tried other latches. We've done some side lying when I'm really tired MOTN but we aren't pros at that yet.
Post by carolyngrace on Jul 8, 2015 17:58:16 GMT -5
bruunk, my baby does the head wag! Sometimes I think it's hilarious, but sometimes it's so frustrating (when he also seems frustrated). I can't figure out why he's doing it because sometimes he does it at the beginning (so maybe the fast let down) and sometimes near the end, so I think he wants to be done but then he gets mad if I don't let him continue.
My issue is that DB wants to comfort nurse, especially in the evening, but then recently he spit up for the first time (and second time) which made me feel like he was getting too full? But I thought I read somewhere else that they know how to limit themselves and won't over-eat...
Overactive letdown is a bitch. Sometimes DS feeds well, isn't to aggressive, stays latched, and can keep up with my Super Soaker tits. That's when BF feels great. Other times, especially at night, he chomps my nipples, pops on and off (screaming bloody murder in between), and my whole breast feels raw. At night the pain keeps me from sleeping soundly. Does anyone BF by day and pump at night? Is that kosher? I feel it would help me get more sleep, ease the frustration of BF, and reduce my physical pain.
I feel like I'm doing breastfeeding gymnastics: keep LO's head above hips to manage reflux, recline or lie down to nurse if boobs are full, but angle myself above him if my supply is low.
BF win: First public nursing session was a moderate success. I forgot my nursing cover when at the mall waiting for DH to finish his eye doctor appointment. Managed a good, comfy BF session at a Panera using a smallreceiving blanket to provide just a touch of privacy, since the restaurant had a weird layout and lacked proper booths.
I pump at night and BF during the day! LO was way too hard to fight to stay awake to actively/effectively nurse at night so I gave up and started pumping and having DH give her a bottle while I'm doing that. It's been working great for us:) im also 2 days ahead pumping so I can prepare the bottles before I go to bed, grab one from the fridge when needed and pass it off to DH and go pump. So much less headache during MOTN!
Post by sugarkissed on Jul 8, 2015 18:47:08 GMT -5
Also dealing with the 3 week growth spurt here... my poor raw nipples and giant boobs.
Other than that, things have been going well and I agree with billyhorrible, that this is so much easier as STM. I feel so much more confident and laid back this time around.
I also breastfeed during the day and bottle feed breast milk for her 2 night feedings. Lo had a hard time staying awake long enough to feed effectively and I would get very overwhelmed with trying to make sure she was getting enough. It's nice to Prep the bottles before bed and see that she is getting enough. I usually feed her in the living room to try not to wake DH but sometimes I will top her off from the breast in the bedroom before putting her back in her bassinet. It gets her nice and cozy and sleepy.
Thanks for your support, ladies. I would respond to each of you, but there are too many! I'm trying to hang in there- and a lot of what you all have said makes sense and makes me want to keep going. The comment about not quitting on a bad day was especially good to read- I know it has to get better- I just need to suck it up and stick it out.
I am also really glad to hear that BFing is going really well for many of you. Makes me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel
On a side note, you are all awesome. You've really helped lift my spirits today. What a great community we have here
BFing has gotten better in the past week - LO is latching without the shield from time to time! She actually latched and fed in the doctor's office which was the first time we nursed in public! Her latch isn't perfect without the shield though so I still use the shield - especially in the MOTN- so my nipples get some rest.
She's not gaining like she should so we have to feed more often and/or supplement. I've been pumping and have four two- three ounce bottles ready to go. Today she's been nursing, wanting to nurse an hour later (like screaming for more wanting to nurse), sleeping for two/three, and then repeating the cycle. We weighed her after feeding at the doctors and she had gained an ounce after around 10 minutes so we know she's getting stuff out. She's a lazy nurser, though, and usually Falls asleep so I could see how she wasn't getting enough.
Still working on increasing my supply but we're in the three week growth spurt so maybe it will increase now?
I can agree with the STMs who are saying they are much more laid back about it. I BFd DS until 8 months so it had really only been just a little over a year off before this time around now. DD is also almost 5 weeks now, so having some cluster feed, having some good sit down sessions, but she seems to fill herself up quickly as I definitely spend less time with it than I did with DS who was premature and did a LOT of eating those first four months catching up on size (he was born in the 3rd percentile and by 6 months was in the 50th so he really gave it his all to get bigger fast!) Anyway, as far as DD goes, it feels like these first 5 weeks have floooown by, and I know I'm almost past the biggest adjustment stage of breastfeeding and close together growth spurts, so that's kinda crazy.
Post by periwinkledaydreams on Jul 8, 2015 20:17:02 GMT -5
Im right there with everyone going through this 2-3 week growth spurt, constant eating, eating until theres nothing left to eat, and its been leaving me feeling like I have no choice but to supplement with formula because I feel like shes screaming like shes starving. Im trying so hard to get one step ahead of ourselves by pumping at least one bottle but shes eating so frequently at this point I cant even barely catch up. Yesterday it got to the point that I did pump one 2.5 oz bottle while she was asleep but she woke up hungry as soon as I was done, and I had emptied myself pumping it, so I had to feed her the bottle right then. Of course it was not enough and she was still looking for more, which I didnt have in me but I put her to the breast anyway. She manages to get slightly more than the pump does, so she got alittle bit more at that feeding, but it seemed she was still hungry. From there we were behind all night. She was never satisfied at any feeding, she was waking every hour hungry as ever, and I was never full enough to give her a good solid feed. I followed my moms advice and just let her suck anyway, and today seemed to go a bit better already actually. She was still hungry and eating ravenously but I had a bit more to give. One day at a time seriously is all I can tell myself, because every day is so different.
Post by Girlymama79 on Jul 8, 2015 23:49:12 GMT -5
DB makes a clucking sound when nursing sometimes. I know this can be a symptom of tongue tie/lip tie but that is the only one we have. I have zero worries but wonder why this could be? I do seem to have an over supply.
DB makes a clucking sound when nursing sometimes. I know this can be a symptom of tongue tie/lip tie but that is the only one we have. I have zero worries but wonder why this could be? I do seem to have an over supply.
A clicking sound means baby is losing suction.
That can often be due to a tongue tie--the frenulum stretches out so they look like they have a good latch, and then the frenulum is like a rubber band and snaps the tongue out of position and they click.
It can also happen if you have oversupply, milk comes pouring out and they move their tongue to try to stem the flow to keep from drowning and they lose suction. You can try laying back when nursing or keeping baby's head higher than the breast to slow the flow a bit, or when you hear gulping and spraying milk, pull baby off and let the extra hard flow go into a towel or cup and then relatch.
Either of these can interfere with nursing and cause sore nips.
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