Breastfeeding Talk and Support

[manda1214]

@aliam20 If you're not opposed to it you can always pump the other breast while feeding him so you don't have to deal with engorgement. This will stimulate it as well to let your body know to keep making that milk. You could have really good fatty milk that is putting him tight into his milk coma

However if you already have a good strong supply it could cause oversupply. Just use your judgement on whether to pump to empty it or pump for comfort.

[skinandbones]

@aliam20, since he is having enough pee and poopy diapers and is gaining weight, it seems that he is getting enough to eat just from one side and that's ok! I feel like you have two options.
1- Switch the "start boob" at each feeding. If he only eats from one side, then at the next feeding start him on the opposite side.
2- You could pump the remainder of the feeding boob and then pump the boob he didn't eat from. I know they say there is no need to pump at this point because you are establishing your supply and risk getting oversupply. So I don't recommend this option (but I know I would do it anyway to work on a freezer stash).

[noname]

Jul 30, 2015 7:20:13 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

1- Switch the "start boob" at each feeding. If he only eats from one side, then at the next feeding start him on the opposite side.

DD almost never ate from both sides even as a newborn, not really until I was pregnant with #2 and my supply dropped. I always offered, but she just wasn't into it. She had plenty of wet/dirty diapers and was gaining fine so I didn't get too concerned. But it did lead to some seriously lopsided boobs, especially when she was a newborn

[lindy]

Getting them to eat longer I have found if you strip then down to a diaper it helps them stay awake a bit longer. If he's gaining and has plenty of diapers, he could just be a quick eater who only needs one side.

I'm impatiently waiting for my milk to come it, BFing seems easier once that happens.

[Deleted]

We are less than 24 hours, so I think she is still only getting colostrum, but I am only offering one side for each feeding. Although, it seems like she is already gearing towards cluster feedings.

[Deleted]

Also, the uterine contractions during feeding...owie! I think I am ready to go home to alternate Tylenol and motrin to help stay ahead of that $

[boox191]

I relented in the hospital and am now somewhat stuck using a nipple shield. I have flat nipples, so it's a big help, but I find myself already wanting to wean off of it because I lose everything, and it's a pain. So far I can get her to nurse my left breast as long as I am squishing it with my left hand, right hand guiding her. Haven't quite gotten her to go for the right side. I wish I hadn't started, but I have big boobs and small flat nipples, so it really was a shield or bust before the hospital allowed us to go home. They were awesome about trying to guilt me into formula. ...ugh.

Other than that, we're a week out and she's still 100% breast milk! Gained back her birth weight, and probably more (I will find out tomorrow at BF support). It was so hard at first, but I think we're going to get it, soon as we can eliminate the shield.

Eta- plus one for the sleepy eater!! Some feeds she will power through 30 minutes solid, but most of the time it's under 10 minutes and she acts milk drunk. We change diapers, undress, tickle, nope. She takes a 15 min nap and then wakes up ready for the rest. Is this cluster feeding? It takes about an hour of this before she is finally out for the count.

[boox191]

Jul 30, 2015 15:26:33 GMT -5 @jhalula09 said:

Also, the uterine contractions during feeding...owie! I think I am ready to go home to alternate Tylenol and motrin to help stay ahead of that $

Ouch! They were no joke! Hope you get some relief and they work themselves out quickly!

[oopsiedaisies]

boox191, sounds like a little cluster feeding to me. Don't stress the shield. I also had flat/inverted nips with my first and used a shield because she just couldn't maintain a latch without it. We did wean off of it and are still bf'ing over 2 years later. And my nips are no longer flat/inverted. Bf'ing has 'taught' them to stay out.

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2015 15:38:48 GMT -5 boox191 said:

I relented in the hospital and am now somewhat stuck using a nipple shield. I have flat nipples, so it's a big help, but I find myself already wanting to wean off of it because I lose everything, and it's a pain. So far I can get her to nurse my left breast as long as I am squishing it with my left hand, right hand guiding her. Haven't quite gotten her to go for the right side. I wish I hadn't started, but I have big boobs and small flat nipples, so it really was a shield or bust before the hospital allowed us to go home. They were awesome about trying to guilt me into formula. ...ugh.

Other than that, we're a week out and she's still 100% breast milk! Gained back her birth weight, and probably more (I will find out tomorrow at BF support). It was so hard at first, but I think we're going to get it, soon as we can eliminate the shield.

Eta- plus one for the sleepy eater!! Some feeds she will power through 30 minutes solid, but most of the time it's under 10 minutes and she acts milk drunk. We change diapers, undress, tickle, nope. She takes a 15 min nap and then wakes up ready for the rest. Is this cluster feeding? It takes about an hour of this before she is finally out for the count.

Get supple cups, they help to pull out flat nipples fast and keep them out.

Remember they have really weak muscles of jaw, tongue and mouth, so every time they eat and it's hard work they may take a rest and while resting those muscles they fall asleep and then they move and remember oh yeah I was eating wasn't I? So think of that cluster feeding of doing reps for 10 minutes, taking a break and repeating.  Baby exercise program so to speak! 

They also have never been unattached, so part of it is that too.  If you are nursing you are guaranteed to be held and attached to THE MOM (that's kinda like their whole UNIVERSE up til now)

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2015 10:08:19 GMT -5 @aliam20 said:

Jul 30, 2015 9:52:46 GMT -5 lindy said:

Getting them to eat longer I have found if you strip then down to a diaper it helps them stay awake a bit longer. If he's gaining and has plenty of diapers, he could just be a quick eater who only needs one side.

I'm impatiently waiting for my milk to come it, BFing seems easier once that happens.

I can strip this kid and even run some wet, cool washcloths on him and he still doesn't budge haha

change diaper,

change sides,

sit them up at the waist

tickle toes

cool washcloth on toes and back of neck

rub firmly along their bridge of nose and collarbone

lay them flat in the crib unswaddled, or changing table

or hand them to dad who doesn't smell like mom.

Those can help wake a sleepy newborn.

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2015 8:21:27 GMT -5 @aliam20 said:

Thanks ladies, I've been doing both options mentioned above. Starting with the opposite side each feed,and if I get really uncomfortable I pump for no more than 2 minutes just for some relief.

yeah minimize the pumping, cause while freezer stash is tempting, having hard full engorged boos all the time not so much...

so offer the other side every feeding, and if baby does actually only eat on one side per feeding that is biologically normal and not a worry as long as diaper count is fine and weight gain is going well. No other mammal switches sides at all you know.

[funhaven]

Thanks for starting this thread!! Yesterday during our last feeding I felt pain for the first time. When she stopped feeding I noticed a little red dot on one breast, I think it was about to start bleeding. It hurt Sooo much and I started crying. Her latch has gotten worse I find, I always have to move her lips into fish lips like the LC taught me. also I am using a nipple shield as she can't nurse without it! I really hope I can wean her off, so far no even though my milk is in. I am going to see the LC early next week. I really enjoy breastfeeding but my sore nipples are painful, Ive been following KELLY mom advice for sore and cracked nipples, similar to @aliam20 ( I think ? Maybe someone else) my little one is not gaining weight! When we left the hospital she was 5lbs 13 oz and at her first doc apt yesterday she was 5lbs 14oz. I was really surprised to see that this girl eats all the time !!! And she has plenty of pee and poo diapers, we have been recording all her "input and output". And those cheeks !!! They gotta weigh a lot !!! Anyway she usually fed every 3-3.5 hours but the doc sAis to feed her every 2-3 hours so that's what we did all day yesterday which resulted in her throwing Up one of her feedings, I think it was too much for her little tummy. She is
Also a super sleepy eater !'!!! I have to strip her down to her diaper and daddy changes her diaper and sings to her and we tickle her feet and hands and back and arms. FX for us guys that she's gained today for her doc apt!

[oopsiedaisies]

funhaven how long was that in between weighings? It typically takes babies up to 2 weeks to regain their birth weight, so I honestly wouldn't be that worried.
Don't stress the shield right now...you'll be able to drop it. I promise. I used it with my dd and dropped it. Just focus on you and baby. Another thing to help with your nips, now that your home, is let the milk just air dry on them and sit there top less for a bit. I personally didn't care for lanolin and preferred to use coconut oil myself.
When you go to the doctor for her next checkup today, ask them if they'll do a weighted feed. This way you can see how much she's getting from you.

[funhaven]

oopsiedaisies,We left hospital Monday. Then next weigh in was Thursday morning. We went back today and its the same exact as yesterday, , I'm converting to lbs here but they use kg so it www 2.636 kg yesterday and today. Of course she had a huge pee and poo before she went in the scale lol, we have to go back today and tomorrow and Monday and Tuesday for more weigh ins. The doc really scared me, I felt awful leaving that my baby isn't gaining weight. Yesterday we fed every 2-3 hours but all bottled breast milk feeding. We had soooo many guests, it is becoming a nuisance. We cancelled our gusts for rest of weekend. We have a lot of friends without kids and they don't really understand overstaying their visits. This weekend we are focusing on lots of breastfeeding and going to see the LC on Monday, on Sunday my friend is coming to help me out , and she is also taking me to LLL meeting on Tuesday ! I know everyone wants to see the baby but we gotta focus on this first

Also my mom said when I was a baby I gained weight very slowly at first and the docs kept pushing formula in her, but that I eventuslly caught up in weight and became chubby ! Maybe my baby will be the same,

Oh also what is a weighted feed ?

[econmarie]

Jul 31, 2015 12:02:00 GMT -5 funhaven said:

oopsiedaisies,We left hospital Monday. Then next weigh in was Thursday morning. We went back today and its the same exact as yesterday, , I'm converting to lbs here but they use kg so it www 2.636 kg yesterday and today. Of course she had a huge pee and poo before she went in the scale lol, we have to go back today and tomorrow and Monday and Tuesday for more weigh ins. The doc really scared me, I felt awful leaving that my baby isn't gaining weight. Yesterday we fed every 2-3 hours but all bottled breast milk feeding. We had soooo many guests, it is becoming a nuisance. We cancelled our gusts for rest of weekend. We have a lot of friends without kids and they don't really understand overstaying their visits. This weekend we are focusing on lots of breastfeeding and going to see the LC on Monday, on Sunday my friend is coming to help me out , and she is also taking me to LLL meeting on Tuesday ! I know everyone wants to see the baby but we gotta focus on this first

Also my mom said when I was a baby I gained weight very slowly at first and the docs kept pushing formula in her, but that I eventuslly caught up in weight and became chubby ! Maybe my baby will be the same,

Oh also what is a weighted feed ?

Is she making wet and poopy diapers on schedule? Most babies don't reach their birth weight until they are 2 weeks...especially if you had IV fluids during labor. I'm wondering why the doctors are concerned because this sounds normal to me.

A weighted feeding is when you weigh the baby before you feed her, feed her, and weigh again. It is the only way to know how much milk she is getting, but as long as she is making wet and poopy diapers, I wouldn't be concerned. Eating every 2-3 hours or more is very very normal. It sounds like you are doing an excellent job!

[skinandbones]

funhaven, That sounds so frustrating. When I had DS, it was so stressful when people wanted to come over. We would "schedule" people so it was perfectly timed between DS feeding and napping. Finally after about a week or 2, I said enough was enough and made DH cancel a dinner we were hosting for his family. It's ok to just tell people no and its not a good time to visit. Everyone wants to come by to meet baby those first few weeks but it's such a crazy time.

Seriously, it may not feel like it, but you are doing great. I think it's great that you have a friend who is willing to help and your going to a LLL meeting.

ETA: Eating every 2 hours is completely normal.  DS ate every 2 hours like clock work.  I'm not kidding- you could set a clock to it.  I received some snide comments about how I was spoiling him or I shouldn't be feeding him that much but fuck 'em. 

[funhaven]

econmarie @oopsiedaisie thanks ladies, I thought so but my doctor said she should be gaining 30-60 grams a day. I puffed up a lot w the IV during my labor so I can only imagine she did too? Maybe 6lbs7oz was her weight w the extra fluid ? She has tons of wet and poopy diapers! she doesn't cry all the time and I feed her at her cues, it's just frustrating having the doctor tell me that I'm obviously not feeding her enough. I feel like I'm not doing enough for her. They really make you feel crappy

She seems like a content newborn, sleeps, eats, has some alert time and she loves it when we talk or sing to her, she just seems entranced by our voices.

Well we have another weigh in tomorrow! FX it has gone up!

Thanks for the support here!

[econmarie]

Jul 31, 2015 13:10:41 GMT -5 funhaven said:

econmarie @oopsiedaisie thanks ladies, I thought so but my doctor said she should be gaining 30-60 grams a day. I puffed up a lot w the IV during my labor so I can only imagine she did too? Maybe 6lbs7oz was her weight w the extra fluid ? She has tons of wet and poopy diapers! she doesn't cry all the time and I feed her at her cues, it's just frustrating having the doctor tell me that I'm obviously not feeding her enough. I feel like I'm not doing enough for her. They really make you feel crappy

She seems like a content newborn, sleeps, eats, has some alert time and she loves it when we talk or sing to her, she just seems entranced by our voices.

Well we have another weigh in tomorrow! FX it has gone up!

Thanks for the support here!

Is this the pediatrician or the OB? If it is the pediatrician, I'd look for a new one or try to ignore his/her advice. Your baby is probably losing IV fluids at the same rate that she is gaining weight. Since she is making diapers and eating regularly, I wouldn't be concerned. It sounds like everything is perfect, and you are dealing with a crappy doctor.


kellymom.com/hot-topics/newborn-nursing/

[oopsiedaisies]

Thanks econmarie and skinandbones for following uo for me....we went off to the zoo and I wasn't able to check back.

funhaven 5-7 ounces a week is a good weight gain for a bf infant. And 2 weeks is normal before they return to birth weight and like econnarie said if you had lots of iv fluids her birth weight could have been a lil exaggerated too.
Econ also explained the weighted feed so look at doing that with the LC. We did it weekly for awhile with my dd at the hospital support group. :-) Sounds like you're doing great to me!

[manda1214]

Weighed feeds and the hospital support group is how I got through breastfeeding. Even after our latch issues were resolved I loved going and talking to other moms and listening to what issues they had. It also helped to see moms with babies a few weeks or months ahead of mine and mentally prepared me for what was coming. And once I returned to work, the weighted feeds helped me determine how much to put in the bottle while I was gone.

If your hospital has one I highly recommend going for those reasons alone.

[funhaven]

Yeah I think I will look for a new doctor, it's hard in Canada right cause you can't really pick your doctor, only if you find one with availability. I wanted her to be w a pediatrician so I found one that had availability and had great online reviews; after the first month I think I will switch her over to my family doctor.

My hospital does have a breastfeeding support clinic ! I will definitely go, on Monday , they are open for lonbg weekends too which is nice!

I am determined that we can get past this

[skinandbones]

Jul 31, 2015 13:48:35 GMT -5 funhaven said:

Yeah I think I will look for a new doctor, it's hard in Canada right cause you can't really pick your doctor, only if you find one with availability. I wanted her to be w a pediatrician so I found one that had availability and had great online reviews; after the first month I think I will switch her over to my family doctor.

My hospital does have a breastfeeding support clinic ! I will definitely go, on Monday , they are open for lonbg weekends too which is nice!

I am determined that we can get past this

That's the attitude to have.  Because you will and this will just be a really small blimp. 

[oopsiedaisies]

Jul 31, 2015 13:48:35 GMT -5 funhaven said:

Yeah I think I will look for a new doctor, it's hard in Canada right cause you can't really pick your doctor, only if you find one with availability. I wanted her to be w a pediatrician so I found one that had availability and had great online reviews; after the first month I think I will switch her over to my family doctor.

My hospital does have a breastfeeding support clinic ! I will definitely go, on Monday , they are open for lonbg weekends too which is nice!

I am determined that we can get past this


*stuck in quote box*

You will When I had my DD I chose to keep her with my family doctor instead of interviewing peds. Seriously best decision I ever made. I'd been seeing this doctor since I was 18 at this point, so over 12 years, and I knew that he had a more natural approach to medicine that I would be grateful for. My first appt or 2, it was obvious he needed to brush up, but it was amazing to see it all start coming back to him by our 3rd appt. He doesn't like to over-prescribe meds to young children, and now at 2, my DD loves him! 

Let us know how things go on Monday when you go to the LC And also, good for you for taking the weekend back for you and your LO!

[RandomName]

Jul 31, 2015 13:48:35 GMT -5 funhaven said:

Yeah I think I will look for a new doctor, it's hard in Canada right cause you can't really pick your doctor, only if you find one with availability. I wanted her to be w a pediatrician so I found one that had availability and had great online reviews; after the first month I think I will switch her over to my family doctor.

My hospital does have a breastfeeding support clinic ! I will definitely go, on Monday , they are open for lonbg weekends too which is nice!

I am determined that we can get past this

I opted to forgo the ped and just had DD followed by my family Dr. As it turned out, my family Dr is also my OB so it was great. Also, breastfeeding is a hard mental/physical battle and you are doing great - your determination will win out in the end

[Deleted]

We saw the LC today and thankfully because my left nipple is very sore. Latching = toe curling pain. She has a thick upper lip tie and a tongue tie. We see the pediatrician on Monday and will be asking for a referral to get the ties taken care of to help with the latch. For now, we are using the football hold. She can be a sleepy eater, so we are doing skin to skin during feedings as well.

[Deleted]

I can't decide if things are going well or not. I don't think she has a great latch, but my nipples are huge and I felt like my boobs might suffocate her. She seems content enough when nursing. My milk is not in, but she is producing plenty of dirty diapers. She wants to nurse all the time, like every hour and is really not content to be awake unless my boob is in her mouth. She has a pedi apt Monday when I will schedule a lactation apt. I have no idea what I am doing.

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2015 13:10:41 GMT -5 funhaven said:

econmarie @oopsiedaisie thanks ladies, I thought so but my doctor said she should be gaining 30-60 grams a day. I puffed up a lot w the IV during my labor so I can only imagine she did too? Maybe 6lbs7oz was her weight w the extra fluid ? She has tons of wet and poopy diapers! she doesn't cry all the time and I feed her at her cues, it's just frustrating having the doctor tell me that I'm obviously not feeding her enough. I feel like I'm not doing enough for her. They really make you feel crappy

She seems like a content newborn, sleeps, eats, has some alert time and she loves it when we talk or sing to her, she just seems entranced by our voices.

Well we have another weigh in tomorrow! FX it has gone up!

Thanks for the support here!

ok so unless google is translating grams to oz incorrectly

your dr ants baby to gain 30-60 grams a day

and that's 1-2 oz a day

and well normal weight gain for a breastfed baby is 1/2-1 oz a day, or 4-7 oz a week.

[econmarie]

Jul 31, 2015 18:53:41 GMT -5 @mamazbo said:

I can't decide if things are going well or not. I don't think she has a great latch, but my nipples are huge and I felt like my boobs might suffocate her. She seems content enough when nursing. My milk is not in, but she is producing plenty of dirty diapers. She wants to nurse all the time, like every hour and is really not content to be awake unless my boob is in her mouth. She has a pedi apt Monday when I will schedule a lactation apt. I have no idea what I am doing.

All of this sounds normal. Eating every hour is normal, and she is making wet diapers. Why do you think her latch is not great? She should be getting a mouthful of boob...more than just the nipple. If she stays on, you aren't in pain, and she is making diapers, then it sounds like you are rocking this!

[motownthrowdown]

Not sure if any of you are able to tell, but how many ounces/mls are you producing per day?