 |
|
|
|
| Breastfeeding Mommies |
| Public online group |
|
|
| |
|
|
| My daughter was born 12/29/2008. I have been nursing her since she came out as much as I could, and adding supplement when needed until my milk came in. Well, it came in the other day and now when I nurse her, I let her feed until she usually lets go, and I think she is satsified but then she starts acting hungry again soon after, so I'll nurse her again. I nurse her any time she appears to be hungry, I don't have her on a set schedule. I drink plenty of water and I eat when I am hungry and sometimes even when I am not to try to keep the calories up. I know it's probably too early for me to begin getting paranoid like this but I just want the best for my little girl, and I want to be able to breastfeed without any supplement, at all. Any ideas? Or should I just quit being paranoid? lol |
| Posted by Billie on 01/02/2009 01:12 PM
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Sounds like you are doing everything right, so quit worrying! Sometimes babies want to suck for comfort too, so even if it seems like she's hungry all the time, she may just want the comfort of mama. The world is a huge scary place right now to her, and mama is the one constant in her world so of course she wants you often.
A word of caution with supplementing: the more you do it, the more you need to do it. Breasts work on demand, so the less you and your daughter make them work, the less they produce. If you are worried about your supply, just let her nurse more often and the breasts will work hard to meet demand.
Good job on doing the best thing for your baby! |
| posted by Indigo Ottyr on 01/02/2009 01:23 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Yeah, I really don't like supplementing at all. I feel horrible when I do it, but I try to keep a positive mind and not let myself get too stressed. The times when she is asleep, and I know my breast are full, or seem so, I want to pump just to keep the milk going, but I was told not to pump for atleast 2 weeks. I've only pumped twice in one day, because my husband wanted to feed her, and I got around 2 1/2 oz, maybe, out of the two times. Do you recommend pumping when she is asleep? |
| posted by Billie on 01/02/2009 02:58 PM
|
|
|
|
|
I don't see anything wrong with pumping when she's sleeping so it increases your flow. However, if you're experiencing anything like I did the pump does not offer much relief. It felt like I was constantly engorged and she had trouble latching to a rock hard boob, so I pumped a little to get it flowing then stuck her on. I only supplemented in the hospital because she wouldn't latch on, as soon as I got her home, she wanted only the boob. Now she's a year and I started supplementing at 10 months with formula. Now she takes whole milk during the day and nurses in the morning. All the other times she wants to play with it instead of nurse!! But its a great feeling to know you're doing the best for your baby!
|
| posted by Mary on 01/02/2009 04:25 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Congrats on your new little bundle of joy and congrats on breastfeeding! It's challenging in the beginning, for sure, but don't lose heart. You two will be pros before you know it. I went through the same thing with my son, Luke, in the beginning. He nursed all the time, like every hour it seemed, and I am not sure if it was comfort nursing or I wasn't making enough in the beginning. I was told in a breastfeeding class not to pump or supplement for the first few weeks until nursing was on a good schedule, so your milk supply is established. Like Indigo said, your breasts will provide milk on demand, so be careful with the supplementation. Relax & try to enjoy breastfeeding. It's best for your baby & is a great bonding time for you both. My son Luke is now almost 7 months old & we are still happily nursing. |
| posted by Katie on 01/04/2009 12:43 AM
|
|
|
|
|
| Well, it seems my milk supply increased but I still find it challenging, a few times, usually at night to fill her up. I don't really supplement anymore, and if I do, it's one, 2oz. I am going to try to pump more and see if it helps increase my supply more. It is hard, and I am trying to keep the best of hopes through it, because it is something I know is best for her. Please tell me the scabbed, cracked, nipples go away, eventually, and just like her daddy, she's a bottomless pit, so the more milk, the better. |
| posted by Billie on 01/06/2009 10:38 AM
|
|
|
|
|
| The cracked, sore nipples definitely go away!! Something that helped me tremendously in the beginning was Lasinoh nipple cream, I used it like 5 times a day & it made breastfeeding much more comfortable. Give it a try & keep up the good work! |
| posted by Katie on 01/06/2009 02:23 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| I do hope it goes away, it's the worst part of it all, and it makes me dread the next feeding, even pumping. I am using the Medela Tender Care Lanolin. How long did it take for yours to go away? I am going to try to pump in between feedings, and see if it helps. I just got through pumping, and I pumped about 4oz out of both breasts combined. I am also trying to pay extra attention now to if she is latching on properly or not, and see if it helps with the sensitivity. Also, it just seems that no matter how long she nurses or when I pump, my breasts still feel engorged after I am done. |
| posted by Billie on 01/06/2009 02:48 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Cracked and sore nipples can be a symptom of a latch that isn't deep enough. I had that problem when I started nursing my son, but after a few visits from a public health nurse (one who was trained as a lactation specialist), we got the hang of it and things got better.
If you are pumping for engorgment, just pump until your breasts feel better. If you pump until they are empty, they will just fill up again, because your body will think you need all that milk. They might still feel full, but if they aren't painful, I would let them be. Your body and your baby will work out the supply and demand thing in time.
If you don't have access to a public health nurse or a lactation specialist to give you some in person help, I would really recommend contacting your local La Leche League, even just over the phone. They have a lot of tips and tricks and encouragement for new nursing moms. I know some people shy away from LLL because of differences of philosophy, but local leaders are usually really good about letting you take just what works for you and your family, and leaving the rest behind.
Good luck! Keep persisting, and things will get better. (((Hugs))) |
| posted by Lisa on 01/06/2009 05:54 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| I might try giving my doctor a call and see if they can help me with any problems we may have. I am pumping to empty and to have extra for her if she cannot get enough out of me at the time of her feeding. She's a big girl, and she is already demanding alot more than a normal newborn would. I am persisting through the nipple pain because eventually it gets better, lol, I keep telling myself that. :D |
| posted by Billie on 01/08/2009 10:33 AM
|
|
|
|
|
It is great that you are persisting, but a lot of pain is usually an indication that something about your latch is off. If your baby's latch isn't deep enough, it can cause more than pain for the mommy. It can lead to a gassy, uncomfortable baby, breast infections in mommy, and make it more difficult for your baby to 'milk' your breast. It just creates a frustrating cycle for both of you!
If you are having a lot of pain, try getting a deeper latch by unlatching your baby and encouraging her to take more of the nipple in her month. You can squeeze your areola to make what one lactation consultant called 'a nipple sandwich'. That might help her get more breast, because she doesn't have to open as wide. Also, try tickling her cheek with your nipple, and wait for her to open her mouth wide and turn towards your breast before pulling her towards you to latch. There are lots of other tips on the Internet for getting a good latch.
Also, keep using that lanolin to help with any tenderness. I used it after every feeding for the first couple of weeks, and it really helped me and my son to get going. |
| posted by Lisa on 01/08/2009 06:58 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Yeah, I understand that something in the latch may be off, and I try my hardest to to make a nipple sandwich, as they call it, and to either open her mouth for her wide enough or let her do it on her own, but sometimes she can be pretty aggressive in the whole opening mouth area and trying to latch on, that is why I usually try to help keep her mouth open but it doesn't help at times, and it usually ends with us both frustrated when I am trying make sure the latch is correct. It is really stressing me out that it seems she also isn't getting enough at a feeding, it appears she is full, so I'll burp her and let her do her own thing, but she is right away acting hungry again, tried using a pacifier to see if it is just suckling she wants, usually spits it out. I know I am a new, inexperienced mother, but I am trying really hard to do it, and I am keeping high hopes things do get better, and not to get discouraged, but I won't lie, it's hard and I do at times. I enjoy the bonding time with her when I nurse, but if I have to pump fulltime so I know she is getting what she needs, I'd be okay with that too. She is drinking down 6oz at a time, on her own will, and I know that is usually rare for a newborn to do, but she is also a big girl from birth. I don't know, just trying to keep my head above it all. |
| posted by Billie on 01/08/2009 10:29 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| It seems like the sore, cracked, bleeding nipples last forever when you're going through it, however mine only lasted about two months. I also used lasinoh cream. The feeling of having those is very uncomfortable and painful, especially when your nursing pad sticks to the nipple. But the cream also helps with that. |
| posted by Mary on 01/09/2009 10:38 AM
|
|
|
|
|
| Guess how great my luck is?! I woke up with Matsis this morning. Yay! Waiting for A doc to call me back. |
| posted by Billie on 01/09/2009 12:33 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Sorry you are having such a rough time. I remember feeling a lot of the same things when my son and I started breastfeeding. It seemed like we would never get there, I thought it was all my fault for 'doing it wrong', and I was so stressed and worried, and tired.
Take a deep breath, and again I would really encourage you to get some breastfeeding support in person, other than a doctor. Another experienced mom, a lactation consultant, a pro-breastfeeding nurse with experience... all could really help you with both the physical and emotional hurdles you are facing. Reach out! People are out there that can help you. |
| posted by Lisa on 01/10/2009 10:45 AM
|
|
|
|
|
| Thanks everyone for the advice and support, I do plan on trying to get some referrals, but has any one experienced this with breastfeeding - milky, mucus clumps in the breast milk when expressed out?? |
| posted by Billie on 01/10/2009 02:17 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Just checking in on you, Billie... Have you had any luck? Are things getting easier?
I have never had mucus clumps, but the fat in my milk will congeal when I store milk in the fridge. A little shake is all it needs to get a smooth consistency again. |
| posted by Lisa on 01/16/2009 03:39 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Well, my doctor has me on antibiotics 4 times a day for 7 days for the breast infection, and she had me get some ointment made up of 3 things compounded for my nipples that helps with the yeast. So far, my nipples are alot better, other than infection stuff, but once it is cleared up, I think I'll be good. :) I'm really glad things are going alot more smooth than before, I am not stressed anymore about having enough milk, because I do now. My doctor also said the clumps were tissue, but it is nothing to be alarmed about. It was weird, let me tell you, seeing them just hanging there afterwards. Thanks for helping. :) |
| posted by Billie on 01/16/2009 10:20 PM
|
|
|
|
|
SOrry for the late reply, I sure hope your nipples are well by now, but if they're not leave the flaps of your bra down all the time and wear loose shirts. The dry air will help them heal much more quickly.
Hope things are going smoothly for you now! |
| posted by Cindy on 01/28/2009 10:51 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Any reply is better than no reply. My nipples are ALOT better now, they are a little tender still, but not to the degree that I dread anything nor hurt, just sensitive when I nurse or pump. It seems my milk is slightly dwindling during the day, but picks back up. Lately, I was slightly slacking on pumping as frequent as I did before, but then when I did keep on my schedule, that's when I noticed it'd drop some, but I figured I just need to try to keep on schedule and it'll probably build back up. |
| posted by Billie on 01/29/2009 12:24 PM
|
|
|
|
|
I think you can watch supply a little too closely, especially if you are directly nursing your baby and not bottle-feeding all your pumped milk. It's important to remember that as your baby grows, your supply will occasionally look a little low, but in fact it's just your body catching up to your baby. I pumped with my first child, but with my second two I only breastfed and they were always ok. Of course the most important indicator you have is your own instinct, so you should definitely trust it, but if you're not having a lot of struggles and the baby has a good latch now, then you shouldn't really need to pump just to keep your supply going. Getting enough to eat and drink is much more helpful in that regard.
Glad to hear your nipples are better -- that's the WORST! |
| posted by Cindy on 01/29/2009 03:35 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Watching wet diapers is usually the best way to know if they are getting enough. You should be getting at least six in 24 hours, and the poos should have curds. If the poos are frothy and green, it is an indicator that baby is getting too much foremilk. Just nurse on one side two or three times before switching, and that should fix it.
Here is some good information about baby getting enough milk:
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/enough.html |
| posted by Lisa on 01/30/2009 02:27 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| Well, I've been having really sharp pains in my right breast, the one I had the infection in, so I called the doctor today to see if she'd prescribe me some more of the antibiotics. Well, the nurse ended up calling me back saying my doctor wanted me to come in today, and go to radiology for a ultrasound and then back to OB to get my blood drawn and see them. The pain is so bad, and it moves into the middle of my sternum, and sometimes shoots to my left breast. My luck they will tell me I cannot breastfeed anymore. I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world, I gave her a good start, but formula isn't what I want. |
| posted by Billie on 02/03/2009 02:17 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| I'm so sorry. Please keep us posted on what's going on. Don't assume the worst. And if you do have to move to formula, know that it is another choice that you are making that is best for her, because you have to protect your health as a whole to care for her. It is a parenting test, every time we have to take a direction different than the one we would have chosen; we have to be flexible in order to be the best, most responsive parents that we can be. But stay positive! No matter what happens, you are doing a GREAT JOB!! |
| posted by Cindy on 02/03/2009 02:44 PM
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |  |
| |
|
|
|
