Breastfeeding/EP check in 9/14-9/20

[oopsiedaisies]

I've answered questions here all day and just realized I never posted my own checkin. :-)

Age of LO: 2 weeks on Tues

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both:
Ebf

Supplementing with some formula?
None

How is it going?
Better since I met with the LCs I talked to. We were able to fix his positioning and find an easier way to get C to latch.

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do?
Getting latch fixed this evening was pretty big and getting my abrasions healed up. Saw my LC friends.

Advice for others? If you stick with it you will never regret it. It can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences. That being said, if you're unable to, giving baby formula is ok also. Feeding your baby is the most important thing regardless.

Questions? None right now.

[yogisews]

Sept 14, 2015 19:34:22 GMT -5 ars093s said:

Sept 14, 2015 19:31:04 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Edgepark medical supply. Check their website. They will process the entire claim for you.

This is who I used too. Easy and got the pump within the week.

Thanks, I went with one where I put in my ins. Info in and they process the claim for me. Since the person I called today couldn't tell me what was covered or where to get it I figure this will be the easier way to figure it out without me buying something and finding out after the fact that they don't cover it.

[esgrunner]

What have you done to heal abrasions, oopsiedaisies?

[oopsiedaisies]

Sept 15, 2015 3:22:51 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

What have you done to heal abrasions, oopsiedaisies?

Earth mama nipple butter. 2 days they were healed up almost completely

[packmomma]

For the moms with cracked nipples how are you treating those? I've tried lanolin, earth mama nipple butter, and breast milk (I've been switching between the three) but my nipples are still cracked and dry. Any tips?

[motownthrowdown]

Sept 14, 2015 4:06:00 GMT -5 runningmommy519 said:

Age of LO:

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both:

Supplementing with some formula?

How is it going?

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do?

Advice for others?

Questions?

Thanks for adding us EPers to this!

Age of LO: 4 months chrono, 1 month adj
BF/EP/Combo: currently EP, but I'm trying to psych myself up to try BFing again. I haven't tried it since she was about 35 weeks gestational age. I'm aiming for this weekend to try again.
Supplementing: she gets enfamil AR for reflux to thicken the milk and protein powder to help her gain weight.
How's it going: my dad and stepmom are in town, so my pumping schedule is all over the place. It's so awkward to disappear for 20 minutes, plus I don't see them very often (once every couple years), so I want to spend as much time as possible with them.
Biggest struggle: getting on a schedule with pumping. I hated it because I couldn't do anything the whole time because I had to hold the things up the whole time. Getting a pumping bra made a huge difference. I can read, play on my phone, lean back in a chair and sleep.
Advice: get a pumping bra. It saved my sanity.

Questions: I'm going to start trying to BF this weekend. Any advice?

[oopsiedaisies]

Sept 15, 2015 8:49:00 GMT -5 packmomma said:

For the moms with cracked nipples how are you treating those? I've tried lanolin, earth mama nipple butter, and breast milk (I've been switching between the three) but my nipples are still cracked and dry. Any tips?

IMO lanolin is a joke. I used the earth mama butter for 2 days straight after every feeding and healed up.

[pmcd886]

Sept 15, 2015 8:49:00 GMT -5 packmomma said:

For the moms with cracked nipples how are you treating those? I've tried lanolin, earth mama nipple butter, and breast milk (I've been switching between the three) but my nipples are still cracked and dry. Any tips?

Coconut oil has worked well for me in the past.

[flippinchica]

Age of LO: 4 weeks

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both: BF with an occasional pumped bottle


How is it going? I'm pretty lucky and things have gone pretty well. Babe can be a bit of a snacker.

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do? I have an overactive let down only on the left especially in the mornings. I have been using this to pump a bit in the AMs on that side to build a stash and get milk for times I am away. This might be a mistake though.

Advice for others? Get help if you are struggling.

Questions? Thoughts on my strategy above.

[Laverne]

Sept 15, 2015 6:18:22 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Sept 15, 2015 3:22:51 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

What have you done to heal abrasions, oopsiedaisies?

Earth mama nipple butter. 2 days they were healed up almost completely

i really wish they sold sample sizes, amazon reviews about the scent really discouraged me. I ordered skein that was olive oil based instead, hope it gets her soon , i also fear using coconut oil,because i use(ed)it for pre-workout energy and I know that it also givrs me insomnia

[htuzzi324]

What is everyone doing about the latch regression? N suddenly doesn't want to open his mouth wide.

[stahlop]

I attempted to air out my nipples last night by going to bed topless, I didn't even make it in the bed before I was leaking all over the place.

[boox191]

Sept 15, 2015 10:03:07 GMT -5 Laverne said:

Sept 15, 2015 6:18:22 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Earth mama nipple butter. 2 days they were healed up almost completely

i really wish they sold sample sizes, amazon reviews about the scent really discouraged me. I ordered skein that was olive oil based instead, hope it gets her soon , i also fear using coconut oil,because i use(ed)it for pre-workout energy and I know that it also givrs me insomnia

I've used this from day one, and while I've has soreness, I have not has cracks or bleeding.
m.target.com/p/boobease-100-organic-healing-nipple-balm/-/A-15833416?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15833416&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=pla_baby+shopping&adgroup=sc_baby&LID=9pgs&KID=1b3e18e4-9c6d-44a5-9ce4-cb725e67213b&kpid=15833416&gclid=Cj0KEQjwg9-vBRCK7L7wmO2u0JcBEiQA_tzoaCtdlL1OblzrMmfvderaTDENA9r5k3a5BkbdSq47OQwaAuFq8P8HAQ

[yogisews]

Sept 15, 2015 9:10:46 GMT -5 motownthrowdown said:

Sept 14, 2015 4:06:00 GMT -5 runningmommy519 said:

Age of LO:

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both:

Supplementing with some formula?

How is it going?

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do?

Advice for others?

Questions?

Thanks for adding us EPers to this!

Age of LO: 4 months chrono, 1 month adj
BF/EP/Combo: currently EP, but I'm trying to psych myself up to try BFing again. I haven't tried it since she was about 35 weeks gestational age. I'm aiming for this weekend to try again.
Supplementing: she gets enfamil AR for reflux to thicken the milk and protein powder to help her gain weight.
How's it going: my dad and stepmom are in town, so my pumping schedule is all over the place. It's so awkward to disappear for 20 minutes, plus I don't see them very often (once every couple years), so I want to spend as much time as possible with them.
Biggest struggle: getting on a schedule with pumping. I hated it because I couldn't do anything the whole time because I had to hold the things up the whole time. Getting a pumping bra made a huge difference. I can read, play on my phone, lean back in a chair and sleep.
Advice: get a pumping bra. It saved my sanity.

Questions: I'm going to start trying to BF this weekend. Any advice?

I just put Rose to the breast for the first time in like 3 or 4 weeks. She latched and sucked for a few minutes then got mad... I think I am going to try a couple times a day. I would love for her to be back at the breast if only just for a couple ounces.

[DSHM13]

Sept 15, 2015 8:49:00 GMT -5 packmomma said:

For the moms with cracked nipples how are you treating those? I've tried lanolin, earth mama nipple butter, and breast milk (I've been switching between the three) but my nipples are still cracked and dry. Any tips?

Saline rinses after every feeding helped a bit but I'm still dealing with this issue too. I don't think I'm having latch issues but these puppies just won't heal. Trying the soothie gel pads today.

[DSHM13]

Is it possible to have breast tenderness without it being mastitis or thrush? My right breast has one area that is tender/achey (just started today)...but I don't have any other symptoms. No chills or flu-like symptoms, no red areas or lumps...just tenderness.

[htuzzi324]

Sept 15, 2015 14:30:32 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Is it possible to have breast tenderness without it being mastitis or thrush? My right breast has one area that is tender/achey (just started today)...but I don't have any other symptoms. No chills or flu-like symptoms, no red areas or lumps...just tenderness.

Yep. Especially if you're bigger busted.

[yogisews]

I just had what I would call a successful attempt at putting Rose back on the breast. She latched on both sides and sucked for about 4 or 5 minutes on each side. I hope this will continue and I can get her bfing a couple times a day.

[esgrunner]

Sept 15, 2015 6:18:22 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Sept 15, 2015 3:22:51 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

What have you done to heal abrasions, oopsiedaisies?

Earth mama nipple butter. 2 days they were healed up almost completely

Thanks, I will pick some up tomorrow! The LC today just rec'd lanolin but I am religious with that stuff and it is not helping heal the damage.

[cupcakecutiern]

Age of LO: 3 weeks tomorrow

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both: combo

Supplementing with some formula? usually only 2oz a day

How is it going? its going, some days are better than others, i think the only issue i am having, is because im supplementing every feed, she seems to go longer between feeds, which i feel like almost defeats the purpose, we see the ped tonight, and i will ask her, when she will be comfortable with us trying to just breast feed again.

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do? still struggling with trying to find enough time to pump, and i know i have been going too long at night, but i cant wake up to pump.

[DSHM13]

Sept 15, 2015 10:43:33 GMT -5 stahlop said:

I attempted to air out my nipples last night by going to bed topless, I didn't even make it in the bed before I was leaking all over the place.

Haha this is me! I walk around with a receiving blanket under my boobs

[oopsiedaisies]

Sept 15, 2015 14:49:44 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

Sept 15, 2015 6:18:22 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Earth mama nipple butter. 2 days they were healed up almost completely

Thanks, I will pick some up tomorrow! The LC today just rec'd lanolin but I am religious with that stuff and it is not helping heal the damage.

Yeah, the LCs and 4 other moms all agreed that lanolin shit is bogus last night at the hospital support group.

[maggiemae85]

Age of LO: 3 weeks

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both: Combo, but mainly pumping

Supplementing with some formula? Supplementing as needed with Similac for Supplementation

How is it going? Going pretty well! She just started the 3 week growth spurt, and I'm worried about whether my supply will keep up with her increased demand, since I'm pumping...

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do? She had a lot of trouble getting back up to her birthweight, so the pediatrician made me start EPing and supplementing. Trying to add nursing back in now, which is difficult, since she's gotten lazy and reliant on the bottle.

Advice for others? I found this today--it's super helpful for those exclusively pumping! I learned about managing my supply and learned that I don't have to wash pump parts after each use (you can toss them in the fridge and wash once/day!). I saw a lot of stupid on BC when I looked there for pregnancy info, but this seems to be a REALLY good board:
community.babycenter.com/post/a57948946/look_here_first_-_answers_to_exclusively_pumping_-_read_before_posting

Questions? Any other EPers here? Any other good resources that you've found?

[bcmomsaysso]

Sept 15, 2015 15:01:10 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Sept 15, 2015 10:43:33 GMT -5 stahlop said:

I attempted to air out my nipples last night by going to bed topless, I didn't even make it in the bed before I was leaking all over the place.

Haha this is me! I walk around with a receiving blanket under my boobs

Right? I forgot my pads after showering and figured it would be ok for a few minutes. Waste of a perfectly clean bra...

[packmomma]

Sept 15, 2015 10:37:22 GMT -5 htuzzi324 said:

What is everyone doing about the latch regression? N suddenly doesn't want to open his mouth wide.

+1
And it seems like the longer I try to get him to open the smaller his mouth gets (and the fussier he becomes).

[cbnola71]

Sept 15, 2015 21:01:10 GMT -5 packmomma said:

Sept 15, 2015 10:37:22 GMT -5 htuzzi324 said:

What is everyone doing about the latch regression? N suddenly doesn't want to open his mouth wide.

+1

+2
Someone please share your wisdom!

[bibliothecary]

Fuck nystatin. I'm done. All it does is give G intestinal pain and me sticky nips. I'm trying gentian violet tomorrow.

[DSHM13]

This child hates my right side. She will only take it when sleepy. It has me near tears because it hurts so bad when she is latching and unlatching since it is so damaged. Left side is no problem and we have it down like a science. I'm thinking I'll need to start pumping the right side or else I'll lose my supply...

[maggiemae85]

Sept 15, 2015 21:13:36 GMT -5 cbnola71 said:

Sept 15, 2015 21:01:10 GMT -5 packmomma said:

+1

+2
Someone please share your wisdom!

+3. The small angry mouth and the screaming that accompanies it are really, really funny, but really, really frustrating when I'm trying to get her to latch!!

[layloo08]

Sept 15, 2015 10:00:34 GMT -5 pmcd886 said:

Sept 15, 2015 8:49:00 GMT -5 packmomma said:

For the moms with cracked nipples how are you treating those? I've tried lanolin, earth mama nipple butter, and breast milk (I've been switching between the three) but my nipples are still cracked and dry. Any tips?

Coconut oil has worked well for me in the past.

+1 for liking it