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

[astheria]

I'm trying so hard to have faith and keep going but I am so tired all night and tired of waking up with Bebe while DH gets tons of sleep. And I can't do a bottle feed bc lol I would have to pump anyways. My boobs don't like missing night feeds. I just miss sleep. Trying to not be selfish and quit. I never knew breastfeeding would be this difficult to cope with. I keep telling myself that the money we save and the bond I have with DS is worth it. But as I sit half exhausted on the couch while my LO sleeps (why aren't I asleep...shit I should get on that) it's just rough.

[DSHM13]

Sept 15, 2015 22:20:52 GMT -5 astheria said:

I'm trying so hard to have faith and keep going but I am so tired all night and tired of waking up with Bebe while DH gets tons of sleep. And I can't do a bottle feed bc lol I would have to pump anyways. My boobs don't like missing night feeds. I just miss sleep. Trying to not be selfish and quit. I never knew breastfeeding would be this difficult to cope with. I keep telling myself that the money we save and the bond I have with DS is worth it. But as I sit half exhausted on the couch while my LO sleeps (why aren't I asleep...shit I should get on that) it's just rough.

Today is a bad day here too. Hugs to you.

[runningmommy519]

Sept 15, 2015 22:20:52 GMT -5 astheria said:

I'm trying so hard to have faith and keep going but I am so tired all night and tired of waking up with Bebe while DH gets tons of sleep. And I can't do a bottle feed bc lol I would have to pump anyways. My boobs don't like missing night feeds. I just miss sleep. Trying to not be selfish and quit. I never knew breastfeeding would be this difficult to cope with. I keep telling myself that the money we save and the bond I have with DS is worth it. But as I sit half exhausted on the couch while my LO sleeps (why aren't I asleep...shit I should get on that) it's just rough.

You have to do what's right for you. You are not a failure if you decide to stop. But it will get easier. As our lo's get older they will start sleeping longer and be more efficient at eating. It's been said already but take it day by day or feed by feed. Even though this is my second the idea making it a yr seems impossible and I remember feeling that way last time around. I had to break it into smaller goals. I'm going to try making it 3 months... Then 6... Then 9 etc.

You are right. No one tells you how hard breastfeeding is which is why we need support like this. hugs

[queenb]

Sept 15, 2015 22:20:52 GMT -5 astheria said:

I'm trying so hard to have faith and keep going but I am so tired all night and tired of waking up with Bebe while DH gets tons of sleep. And I can't do a bottle feed bc lol I would have to pump anyways. My boobs don't like missing night feeds. I just miss sleep. Trying to not be selfish and quit. I never knew breastfeeding would be this difficult to cope with. I keep telling myself that the money we save and the bond I have with DS is worth it. But as I sit half exhausted on the couch while my LO sleeps (why aren't I asleep...shit I should get on that) it's just rough.

It is very difficult, and only you can decide what is best for your family - but don't feel guilty about sacrificing your bond by not BF. I had guilt when I stopped breastfeeding, but I was in so much pain I wasn't able to enjoy our time together (even when I wasn't nursing, it hurt so much to hold/carry him). I also got mastitis which made me sick and zapped all my energy (on top of getting no sleep). Bottle feeding ended up being much more enjoyable for both of us, and we still do skin to skin and cuddles when he eats.

[astheria]

Thanks ladies. I think with everything I've gone thru (unplanned c section, infection, pain, nipple shields, and the general lack of sleep) I'm just having a mini break down. Tomorrow my LO turns 1 month. So I've made it to our first goal. I'm going to stick with the small goals. One month then two and three, then six. I want to make it six. Ideally a year but if I can make it six I will feel like I've been successful. One step at a time.

[RandomName]

Sept 15, 2015 21:15:41 GMT -5 bibliothecary said:

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

Let me know how this works for you. I'd be interested in using it. I'm also considering switching to APNO instead also.

[layloo08]

Sept 15, 2015 23:34:20 GMT -5 astheria said:

Thanks ladies. I think with everything I've gone thru (unplanned c section, infection, pain, nipple shields, and the general lack of sleep) I'm just having a mini break down. Tomorrow my LO turns 1 month. So I've made it to our first goal. I'm going to stick with the small goals. One month then two and three, then six. I want to make it six. Ideally a year but if I can make it six I will feel like I've been successful. One step at a time.

Love titting for your positivity on this. I'm in the game of makin short term goals too. Hugs to you.

[wildermom]

PSA: I went into the hospital baby store while we were in the NICU, searching for lanolin.
The lady there recommended an all natural nipple cream made by Motherlove. It doesn't have lanolin in it and is more of a vasoline style ointment than the sticky. It's been amazing!

[lemon200]

+15 on the latch regression. I don't really know how to make it better. I'm going to call in the morning to see a lactation consultant. Even when I force her mouth big, she will only start to suck when her mouth is small and just around my nipple. Ouch!

[runningmommy519]

Sept 16, 2015 4:35:44 GMT -5 lemon200 said:

+15 on the latch regression. I don't really know how to make it better. I'm going to call in the morning to see a lactation consultant. Even when I force her mouth big, she will only start to suck when her mouth is small and just around my nipple. Ouch!

If baby has a shallow latch and it doesn't hurt when they suck am I ok to leave it?

[oopsiedaisies]

Sept 16, 2015 5:33:16 GMT -5 runningmommy519 said:

Sept 16, 2015 4:35:44 GMT -5 lemon200 said:

+15 on the latch regression. I don't really know how to make it better. I'm going to call in the morning to see a lactation consultant. Even when I force her mouth big, she will only start to suck when her mouth is small and just around my nipple. Ouch!

If baby has a shallow latch and it doesn't hurt when they suck am I ok to leave it?

Typically yes as long as they're transferring milk well. If you don't have pain and he's eating don't mess with it

[shortstack]

Age of LO: 1 month yesterday

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both:
Mostly BF with a bottle a day so H can do a feed and I get some experience pumping before going back to work

Supplementing with some formula?
We used an SNS system when establishing BF but now he is on breastmilk exclusively

How is it going?
It's not easy but also not as rough as other moms have had it. When I pump, my right boob is an overachiever with the output but my left boob is a slacker. The important thing is that between the 2 I have a good supply, right? We still use the nipple shield the majority of the time but he can sometimes latch without it as long as he isn't hangry. L eats roughly every 2-3 hours but has occasionally slept 4 hours at night.

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do?
Latching which we are addressed with a nipple shield and help from a LC. NIP because L hates the nursing cover and will rip off the nipple shield while fighting with the nursing cover.

Advice for others?
A good LC is necessary!

Questions?
On last weeks thread, some one posted about lazy eaters. I couldn't find anything Kellymom about this. Did anyone find the link or does anyone have any tips?

[hopefulreturn]

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

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.

My right side is my overachiever! Di be careful with that pumping method. I've ended up with an oversupply problem that has made my letdown even worse. I'm currently instructed not to pump at all and trying block feeding.

[DSHM13]

DH works in public health and there is a friend/coworker of his who has offered to provide LC advice (she is certified and breastfeeding is her whole job within the company). I'm really interested to see if pumping or using a nipple shield on the right side will help our problem. Aurelia just hates the right side (it's smaller and the nipple is damaged/won't stand up very much). I just hate when I have to nurse her on that side and she gets so frustrated. We both end up in tears and it shouldn't be that way. I've been so frustrated and sad and I hope taking this step points us in the right sirection

[purplegaloshes]

queenb, yogisews, I hope this isn't rude to ask, but I'm curious about your supply. I have been EPing since around the time my girls left the NICU and really, really struggled with low supply. I had 2 LCs stumped and then the last one I saw mentioned IGT, though my breasts don't really have the classical appearance--I think it was all she could think of to explain what was happening. When I did some research, it seems like people with IGT struggle to get like 1-2 oz a day, so I'm really confused.

Over time I've worked up to pumping 18-20oz per day--almost enough to EP if I had one baby, but since I've got twins, they're each only getting 9-10oz of breast milk per day. Did either of you have LCs mention IGT to you? Has anyone explained to you why your supply is lower, but not abysmal? I think it's just the med student in me that feels like there needs to be some explanation for what I've gone through. If this is too personal of a question, please feel free to tell me to shove it.

[bcmomsaysso]

Sept 16, 2015 7:10:21 GMT -5 oopsiedaisies said:

Sept 16, 2015 5:33:16 GMT -5 runningmommy519 said:

If baby has a shallow latch and it doesn't hurt when they suck am I ok to leave it?

Typically yes as long as they're transferring milk well. If you don't have pain and he's eating don't mess with it

+1 this is us too. But, gaining weight and no pain so I'm just rolling with it.

[yogisews]

Sept 16, 2015 12:44:12 GMT -5 purplegaloshes said:

queenb, yogisews, I hope this isn't rude to ask, but I'm curious about your supply. I have been EPing since around the time my girls left the NICU and really, really struggled with low supply. I had 2 LCs stumped and then the last one I saw mentioned IGT, though my breasts don't really have the classical appearance--I think it was all she could think of to explain what was happening. When I did some research, it seems like people with IGT struggle to get like 1-2 oz a day, so I'm really confused.

Over time I've worked up to pumping 18-20oz per day--almost enough to EP if I had one baby, but since I've got twins, they're each only getting 9-10oz of breast milk per day. Did either of you have LCs mention IGT to you? Has anyone explained to you why your supply is lower, but not abysmal? I think it's just the med student in me that feels like there needs to be some explanation for what I've gone through. If this is too personal of a question, please feel free to tell me to shove it.

That is most likely what I have but I know the reason why. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and they removed like a pound or two of tissue. With my first I was lucky to get any 5 or 6 ounces a day so I am thrilled with 18 and am always looking at trying to increase it. I wish you had a better answer as to what is causing your low supply. Hormonal imbalances can cause low supply and people with PCOS have a harder time getting adequate supply.

Out of curiosity, what all did you do to work your supply up to that? I am always looking at ways to improve my supply.

[purplegaloshes]

Sept 16, 2015 13:28:41 GMT -5 yogisews said:

Sept 16, 2015 12:44:12 GMT -5 purplegaloshes said:

queenb, yogisews, I hope this isn't rude to ask, but I'm curious about your supply. I have been EPing since around the time my girls left the NICU and really, really struggled with low supply. I had 2 LCs stumped and then the last one I saw mentioned IGT, though my breasts don't really have the classical appearance--I think it was all she could think of to explain what was happening. When I did some research, it seems like people with IGT struggle to get like 1-2 oz a day, so I'm really confused.

Over time I've worked up to pumping 18-20oz per day--almost enough to EP if I had one baby, but since I've got twins, they're each only getting 9-10oz of breast milk per day. Did either of you have LCs mention IGT to you? Has anyone explained to you why your supply is lower, but not abysmal? I think it's just the med student in me that feels like there needs to be some explanation for what I've gone through. If this is too personal of a question, please feel free to tell me to shove it.

That is most likely what I have but I know the reason why. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and they removed like a pound or two of tissue. With my first I was lucky to get any 5 or 6 ounces a day so I am thrilled with 18 and am always looking at trying to increase it. I wish you had a better answer as to what is causing your low supply. Hormonal imbalances can cause low supply and people with PCOS have a harder time getting adequate supply.

Out of curiosity, what all did you do to work your supply up to that? I am always looking at ways to improve my supply.

Wow!  It's encouraging to know that you had such a jump in supply with subsequent pregnancies.  Makes me hopeful if I decide to have more children. I was told I might have PCOS when I was in college, but being Type A, freaked out after I got married and was considering a family and had my doctor run an endocrine panel on me.  My thyroid, glucose and testosterone levels were all normal, and my periods off of birth control were on a slightly longer (30-35 days) but pretty regular interval, so I don't *think* that's it?

I have a rented Medela Symphony and have been pumping 7-10 times a day since about a week after the girls were born. I worry that I may have blown it because i didn't get going quicker in the crucial first few days after delivery.  I honestly just didn't know how important it was, which is sort of embarrassing to admit now.  I wish I'd done more research prior to delivery.  I took some fenugreek, brewers yeast, blessed thistle and mother's milk plus intermittently, but I was really terrible at remembering to take it, and given that I haven't taken anything in weeks now and my supply has held around 500-600mL daily, I don't think that made a huge difference.

The one thing I have noticed that is counterintuitive is that if I get more sleep, I make 1-2 extra ounces, even if it means going 4-5 hours between pumps instead of 3. 

[yogisews]

Sept 16, 2015 13:51:01 GMT -5 purplegaloshes said:

Sept 16, 2015 13:28:41 GMT -5 yogisews said:

That is most likely what I have but I know the reason why. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and they removed like a pound or two of tissue. With my first I was lucky to get any 5 or 6 ounces a day so I am thrilled with 18 and am always looking at trying to increase it. I wish you had a better answer as to what is causing your low supply. Hormonal imbalances can cause low supply and people with PCOS have a harder time getting adequate supply.

Out of curiosity, what all did you do to work your supply up to that? I am always looking at ways to improve my supply.

Wow!  It's encouraging to know that you had such a jump in supply with subsequent pregnancies.  Makes me hopeful if I decide to have more children. I was told I might have PCOS when I was in college, but being Type A, freaked out after I got married and was considering a family and had my doctor run an endocrine panel on me.  My thyroid, glucose and testosterone levels were all normal, and my periods off of birth control were on a slightly longer (30-35 days) but pretty regular interval, so I don't *think* that's it?

I have a rented Medela Symphony and have been pumping 7-10 times a day since about a week after the girls were born. I worry that I may have blown it because i didn't get going quicker in the crucial first few days after delivery.  I honestly just didn't know how important it was, which is sort of embarrassing to admit now.  I wish I'd done more research prior to delivery.  I took some fenugreek, brewers yeast, blessed thistle and mother's milk plus intermittently, but I was really terrible at remembering to take it, and given that I haven't taken anything in weeks now and my supply has held around 500-600mL daily, I don't think that made a huge difference.

The one thing I have noticed that is counterintuitive is that if I get more sleep, I make 1-2 extra ounces, even if it means going 4-5 hours between pumps instead of 3. 

That is most everything I have tried too. I didn't start pumping until her second day after birth and wish I had started immediately. I also didn't pump religiously until she was about 4 or 5 days old. I just bought pumpin pals breast shields to try out and hope that that will empty me better because right now it takes 30+ minutes. Have you tried power pumping? I think that has helped me too. I actually need to do that again every day site a week to see if that will improve supply again.

[purplegaloshes]

Sept 16, 2015 14:03:06 GMT -5 yogisews said:

That is most everything I have tried too. I didn't start pumping until her second day after birth and wish I had started immediately. I also didn't pump religiously until she was about 4 or 5 days old. I just bought pumpin pals breast shields to try out and hope that that will empty me better because right now it takes 30+ minutes. Have you tried power pumping? I think that has helped me too. I actually need to do that again every day site a week to see if that will improve supply again.

What interval do you use for power pumping?  I haven't been able to do it with two little ones to take care of, but my mom is coming for 2 weeks on Saturday to help, so this might be feasible. 

Our stories are pretty similar--I was only getting 4-5 pumps a day in for about the first week and can't help but wonder if things would have been different if I'd been more on top of it.  Let me know how the pumpin pals work--I have to constantly squoosh my boobs in all differnet directions to get continued transfer of milk, and therefore can't get ANYTHING done while I pump (which is a significant portion of my day!).  I'd really like to have a better way to do this...

[yogisews]

Sept 16, 2015 14:11:22 GMT -5 purplegaloshes said:

Sept 16, 2015 14:03:06 GMT -5 yogisews said:

That is most everything I have tried too. I didn't start pumping until her second day after birth and wish I had started immediately. I also didn't pump religiously until she was about 4 or 5 days old. I just bought pumpin pals breast shields to try out and hope that that will empty me better because right now it takes 30+ minutes. Have you tried power pumping? I think that has helped me too. I actually need to do that again every day site a week to see if that will improve supply again.

What interval do you use for power pumping?  I haven't been able to do it with two little ones to take care of, but my mom is coming for 2 weeks on Saturday to help, so this might be feasible. 

Our stories are pretty similar--I was only getting 4-5 pumps a day in for about the first week and can't help but wonder if things would have been different if I'd been more on top of it.  Let me know how the pumpin pals work--I have to constantly squoosh my boobs in all differnet directions to get continued transfer of milk, and therefore can't get ANYTHING done while I pump (which is a significant portion of my day!).  I'd really like to have a better way to do this...

For power pumping I pump for 20 minutes, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10. However that first 20 doesn't empty me completely so I am going to try something different this week and pump 30 first and then everything else. I also am going to try to pump as much as possibly during nap times. Granted that is if my children will always me to do that.

[ady45]

Well, our thrush didn't clear up. Went back to dr and got Ms mouth painted purple with Gentian Violet and another script for nystatin for the both of us.

[yogisews]

Sept 15, 2015 18:34:24 GMT -5 maggiemae85 said:

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?

That is the best resource for pumping I have come across, thank you so much for posting this! I have learned so much in the past few hours!

[2dumbdogs]

Hey guys, talk to me about thrush. About 2 days ago I got what I thought was a bug bite near my areola. It itched like hell and I scratched it and thought nothing of it. This afternoon I noticed a mild stinging sensation in that nipple. In the shower I noticed some white bumps. Otherwise it is the same color as the other nipple, not cracked. No symptoms in baby yet.

Is it probably thrush?

[bibliothecary]

Sept 16, 2015 17:16:32 GMT -5 2dumbdogs said:

Hey guys, talk to me about thrush. About 2 days ago I got what I thought was a bug bite near my areola. It itched like hell and I scratched it and thought nothing of it. This afternoon I noticed a mild stinging sensation in that nipple. In the shower I noticed some white bumps. Otherwise it is the same color as the other nipple, not cracked. No symptoms in baby yet.

Is it probably thrush?

White bumps? Thrush. Fix it now.

[2dumbdogs]

Sept 16, 2015 19:49:36 GMT -5 bibliothecary said:

Sept 16, 2015 17:16:32 GMT -5 2dumbdogs said:

Hey guys, talk to me about thrush. About 2 days ago I got what I thought was a bug bite near my areola. It itched like hell and I scratched it and thought nothing of it. This afternoon I noticed a mild stinging sensation in that nipple. In the shower I noticed some white bumps. Otherwise it is the same color as the other nipple, not cracked. No symptoms in baby yet.

Is it probably thrush?

White bumps? Thrush. Fix it now.

Fuuuuck. Thanks for answering though. Ok to wait on ob tomorrow or should I run out for a otc cream in the mean time?

[ady45]

You might check with your pedi and see if they want to treat baby anyway. M had thrush and they wanted to treat me, symptoms or not. You don't want to pass it back and forth.
Eta: 2dumbdogs My reply apparently didn't work correctly.

[sweetsyrup]

Age of LO:4 weeks

Breastfeeding, EP or a combination of both: EBF right now. I'm going to start pumping soon to start a stash for when I go back to work in the next couple of weeks.
How is it going? It's going way better than I anticipated. I had so many issues with my first (tongue tie, poor latch, nipple shield for 4 months, mastitis, thrush, and lose supply). In fact, I think I might have a big of an OALD, which is really surprising to me.

What has been the biggest struggle? If you overcame it, what did you do? My biggest struggle has been figuring out how to keep baby fed and manage DS who seems to want my attention the most when I'm nursing.

Advice for others? Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt, if it does, you need to see an LC. No one told me it shouldn't be painful with my first. Also, don't give up on a difficult day. Everyone has hard days with BF, but the next day might be different.

Questions? Not really, just nervous about my supply tanking and not producing enough when I go back to work. I supplemented with my first and I'm fine doing it again, but I would like to be able to keep up with his needs.

[Laverne]

Um went to lc yesterday and was told to call ob for apno, did that, still waiting to hear back from the pharmacy they sent it to....40 minutes away from here, mean while lo is probably getting thrush, so if your nips won't heal, yeast is likely culprit. Sun bathe the ta tas, wash all the thinggs. Keep everything dry. moist wound healing is not your friend.

[htuzzi324]

Fuck. I don't have any lumps or red streaks but my boons hurt and I've has a headache on and off today. Just now I'm trying to decide if it's really cold in the house or I have a fever.
Where are all the thermometers? I need to know if I'm developing mastasis so I can get to urgent care like right now before I'm half a country away.
Edit: fever is 101.1. Having Dh check my tonsils first to rule out any sinus infection or whatever since my throat is kind of sore too.