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

[DSHM13]

Sept 16, 2015 20:33:29 GMT -5 Laverne said:

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.

This is my fear. How long were your nipples damaged without healing?

[htuzzi324]

Would your glands in your neck swell with mastasis? I'm really hoping this is just a cold either way I took some garlic and vitamin c.

[hiimjamie]

Should this kid be on some sort of schedule? He'll be 3 weeks on Friday. I'm just letting him feed on demand right now. Most of the time he goes several hours between feedings, sometimes he's super hungry and wants both boobs and then 20 minutes later wants them both again. He's sleeping pretty well and usually only waking up twice to nurse.

[runningmommy519]

Sept 16, 2015 22:26:36 GMT -5 hiimjamie said:

Should this kid be on some sort of schedule? He'll be 3 weeks on Friday. I'm just letting him feed on demand right now. Most of the time he goes several hours between feedings, sometimes he's super hungry and wants both boobs and then 20 minutes later wants them both again. He's sleeping pretty well and usually only waking up twice to nurse.

Keep doing what you are doing. Some babies put themselves on a schedule some don't. And sometimes even when they follow a certain pattern they throw it right out the window and want to eat more often

[maggiemae85]

Welp, we've hit the 3 week growth spurt. For those who have survived it, how did you do it? And how long did it last?

[queenb]

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.

Just seeing this now. No, no one has mentioned IGT to me (I'll have to google it because I'm not sure what it is). I think it's a combination of things for me - one is that I don't pump as much/often as I should because I just do not have the time. My sessions are long and I'm home alone all day taking care of the baby... I can't just put him down to cry for 45 mins while I pump, so I have to work around his sleep. And I don't pump in the MOTN because I also am getting up a couple times to feed him and south him back to sleep - it's just not realistic. My right boob has about 1/3-1/4 the amount of milk that the left does - no idea why. It has been way smaller since I gave birth (neither of my breasts really hurt/grew during pregnancy). If they both had the same supply I'd be in way better shape. And, my second round of mastisis really hurt my supply (one day I pumped 5 times and only got 8oz total), nurses/doctor said that can happen - it's slowly getting better though. As for PCOS or any hormonal imbalance - I doubt it. It's possible, but I've never had other symptoms or issues that would cause me to suspect this.

My doctor actually wrote me a prescription today for something that should increase my supply. I can't think of the name off the top of my head - starts with an M. I'll start taking it tomorrow and see if that makes a difference.

[DSHM13]

We have been feeding since 9:30p. Almost 3 hrs!!! Only silver lining is that she finally took my right side and the marathon session actually helped my nipples. I'll take it!

[Laverne]

Sept 16, 2015 21:41:53 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Sept 16, 2015 20:33:29 GMT -5 Laverne said:

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.

This is my fear. How long were your nipples damaged without healing?

4 weekss. 3 of them usig lanolin, and shells. Yesterday i put boob in sun and could see things better, i quickly made pads out if flanel and wool. And have been letting them air dry b r fore putting them away. I have also been eating a shit-ton of plain yogurt,as i had antibiotics for mastitis at 2 weeks.

[purplegaloshes]

queenb, your doctor probably gave you metaclopromide/Reglan. Let me know how it works for you.

Eta: +1 on the right boob making 1/3-1/4 of the left. Our situations sound very similar. I'll be very curious to hear how the meds work for you.

[esgrunner]

What do I need to know about freezing my milk? Any tips?

[oopsiedaisies]

Sept 17, 2015 5:10:22 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

What do I need to know about freezing my milk? Any tips?

Freeze in smaller amounts to start. 2-3 ounce bags and maybe a few bags with just an ounce to br able to br added on easily. And lay them flat to freeze. Then I used a shoe box to stand them up once frozen in the freezer by date.

Eta: unless you've done a weighted feed and know exactly what baby is eating. For me in the beginning it was 3 oz.

[sweetsyrup]

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?

B has a shallow latch that isn't painful. I'm not worried as long as it's comfortable for me and he's satisfied. I say you're fine. Not every baby is going to have a perfect deep latch.

[DSHM13]

Sept 16, 2015 22:06:47 GMT -5 htuzzi324 said:

Would your glands in your neck swell with mastasis? I'm really hoping this is just a cold either way I took some garlic and vitamin c.

How are you doing?

[skinandbones]

Sept 17, 2015 5:10:22 GMT -5 esgrunner said:

What do I need to know about freezing my milk? Any tips?

I really like the Lanosih freezer bags but the measuring marks are off. I would also write the date pumped and amount.

[skinandbones]

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

[DSHM13]

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

I don't think so! In my area the BF support group is only for people have good BF established...it's not a group LC thing.

ETA: needless to say, but I wish I could go! Hopefully LO and figure things out so I can! I think it'd be a great way to meet other moms

[arimaythea]

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

I've gone to mine a couple of times, but only the first was for actual issues (slow weight gain).  I like to go to get out of the house and also for the opportunity to get an updated weight for LO.  There are women there who seem to be regulars with babies several months old.

[hopefulreturn]

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

go to one weekly wether I have questions or not. It's a great way to get out of the house and for me it helps me get comfortable nursing in a more public place. Go for it!

[hopefulreturn]

Exclusive pumpers, help. How do you do it?
Pump and feed baby? Feed baby and then pump for the next feeding? What do you do if you're open the morning or afternoon? Do you just pump in public?

It seems that my letdown is making my girls reflux even worse The LC recommended that I try exclusively pumping for a day or two to see how it goes and regulate what she's taking in.

On another note, I had major discomfort in my left breast last night in this morning. I think I might've been dealing with my first clogged duct But it was so close to the areola.

[skinandbones]

Sept 17, 2015 9:10:35 GMT -5 arimaythea said:

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

I've gone to mine a couple of times, but only the first was for actual issues (slow weight gain).  I like to go to get out of the house and also for the opportunity to get an updated weight for LO.  There are women there who seem to be regulars with babies several months old.

I hadn't thought about getting updates about weight. That's a good point! I don't think we are having weight gain issues but DS's 2 week appointment is more like a 4 week appointment. If I had thought about it, I would have gone last week.

[runningmommy519]

Sept 17, 2015 9:30:49 GMT -5 hopefulreturn said:

Exclusive pumpers, help. How do you do it?
Pump and feed baby? Feed baby and then pump for the next feeding? What do you do if you're open the morning or afternoon? Do you just pump in public?

It seems that my letdown is making my girls reflux even worse The LC recommended that I try exclusively pumping for a day or two to see how it goes and regulate what she's taking in.

On another note, I had major discomfort in my left breast last night in this morning. I think I might've been dealing with my first clogged duct But it was so close to the areola.

When we were EP in the hospital I would feed then pump. I'd pump at home or hospital every 2-3 hours.

[DSHM13]

Feeling frustrated. The scabs on my nipples have turned greenish. I called a LC who can't see me until next week and charges $100/hr that may or may not be covered by insurance. I told her about the nipples and she was like "oh that is an infection, call the OB" - so I did and the OB said since I don't have any other signs (no fever, lumps, signs of thrush in A, etc) she doesn't want to give me meds but I'm supposed to call back if those pop up and said it could be drainage. Auri has an appt tomorrow where I'll have the doc check her for thrush symptoms (I don't see any). Thank goodness I have the earth mama nipple butter and breast shells arriving today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be the ticket.

[htuzzi324]

Sept 17, 2015 6:53:48 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Sept 16, 2015 22:06:47 GMT -5 htuzzi324 said:

Would your glands in your neck swell with mastasis? I'm really hoping this is just a cold either way I took some garlic and vitamin c.

How are you doing?

I'm fine this morning besides a sore throat. My boobs just must hurt because of latch regression.

[maggiemae85]

hopefulreturn, feed then pump. Otherwise you may have a crying baby while you're trying to pump, and stress will impact your supply.
Also (and I learned this maybe 2 days ago), you don't have to wash pump parts every time. Since milk is good in the fridge for a while, put your pump parts in a ziploc and into the fridge, and then just wipe them for the next use. It saves a TON of time. More info here: exclusivepumping.com/pumping-made-easier/
Hand compress while you pump. Pump until empty (not just for 20 minutes like most LCs recommend). Good luck!! I started pumping for a similar reason (pediatrician made me monitor her intake since she was slow gaining weight).

Lots of good info on EPing here: community.babycenter.com/post/a57948946/look_here_first_-_answers_to_exclusively_pumping_-_read_before_posting

[Laverne]

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

Do it,i have issues, but really went to quell my anxiety about feeling of isolation. I got some g great encouragement and info, plus they weigh the baby.

[Laverne]

Sept 17, 2015 10:21:16 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Feeling frustrated. The scabs on my nipples have turned greenish. I called a LC who can't see me until next week and charges $100/hr that may or may not be covered by insurance. I told her about the nipples and she was like "oh that is an infection, call the OB" - so I did and the OB said since I don't have any other signs (no fever, lumps, signs of thrush in A, etc) she doesn't want to give me meds but I'm supposed to call back if those pop up and said it could be drainage. Auri has an appt tomorrow where I'll have the doc check her for thrush symptoms (I don't see any). Thank goodness I have the earth mama nipple butter and breast shells arriving today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be the ticket.

go to urgent care, wtf is wrong with these Drs? If it is yeast the shells might harbor it. Sorry i am a bit ragey as it has taken three days to get script for apno, that should
Have been given 2 weeks ago, when a Dr looked at my nippls. If you use the sheilds take them out and wash n dry with paper towel every time you wash yourr hands. I have been using evoo untilmi get the script.

[Laverne]

Sept 17, 2015 8:19:28 GMT -5 DSHM13 said:

Sept 17, 2015 8:16:34 GMT -5 skinandbones said:

Would it be weird if I went to a breastfeeding support group even though I don't have any issues? I'm looking for things to get me out of the house.

I don't think so! In my area the BF support group is only for people have good BF established...it's not a group LC thing.

ETA: needless to say, but I wish I could go! Hopefully LO and figure things out so I can! I think it'd be a great way to meet other moms

there was someone bottle feeding at the meeting i went to, i would call and ask. You should go.

[queenb]

Sept 17, 2015 9:30:49 GMT -5 hopefulreturn said:

Exclusive pumpers, help. How do you do it?
Pump and feed baby? Feed baby and then pump for the next feeding? What do you do if you're open the morning or afternoon? Do you just pump in public?

It seems that my letdown is making my girls reflux even worse The LC recommended that I try exclusively pumping for a day or two to see how it goes and regulate what she's taking in.

On another note, I had major discomfort in my left breast last night in this morning. I think I might've been dealing with my first clogged duct But it was so close to the areola.

The time commitment makes EP really hard! I think a lot of pumpers have to supplement at some point (but lots don't) - all depends on your supply. I pump when baby sleeps or when dad has him, but I think not doing it more often has hurt my supply. Pumping in public would be difficult...

[yogisews]

hopefulreturn I actually have a small stash in the fridge so I pump when I can, preferably while she is napping or content. About 2 or 3 sessions I actually feed her while I pump. When she is done she just hangs out on my lap while I finish.

ETA: I try not to be out for very long periods of time but sometimes it is inevitable and I just pump when I get home or if I am going to my parents house, I bring my pump with me.

[queenb]

Sept 17, 2015 13:29:38 GMT -5 yogisews said:

hopefulreturn I actually have a small stash in the fridge so I pump when I can, preferably while she is napping or content. About 2 or 3 sessions I actually feed her while I pump. When she is done she just hangs out on my lap while I finish.

ETA: I try not to be out for very long periods of time but sometimes it is inevitable and I just pump when I get home or if I am going to my parents house, I bring my pump with me.

I wish I could pump while holding him! He's usually not cool with it, and when I've tried I just end up making a mess!