The Breast Feeding Support Thread

How Strange · 30-03-2014 8:58pm

Before I say this I want to say that I definitely don't recommend this to any parent as I'm very aware if SIDS advice but my daughter cried and cried and cried for 14 weeks. It wasn't colic as my son had that but it was purple crying and she did have wind problems in the middle of the night. On top of that her startle reflex was so strong it kept waking her up when she was asleep in her back.

She was very happy to sleep on me for 12 weeks but around 13th week she didn't want to do that anymore and I was at a complete loss. My mam said to try her on her side but she kept rolling into her back. One morning by complete accident I roller her onto her tummy when she was in bed with me. She was out for the count so I decided to leave her and keep an eye on her. She slept for 3 hours straight that morning which was unheard of. Ever since she's slept on her tummy. At first I was petrified but my mam says that's how we all slept. However she literally couldn't and still can't sleep on her back.

She was always a strong baby and could lift her head at 12 weeks so I was somewhat reassured by that.

Unfortunately babies come with their own in built likes and dislikes and if they only like sleeping on their sides or backs then what can you do? Of course I always the phn she sleeps on her back just like I told her we did the whole purée thing when we started weaning.

dori_dormer · 30-03-2014 9:18pm

My guy is certainly even more content on his tummy but I'm too scared to let him sleep like that unsupervised. He loves a nap on his daddy's chest in the morning. Also loves his naked tummy time everyday

kknitter · 31-03-2014 4:07am

Thank you all very much for the replies, its definitely encouraging. He is now back to one and half hour feed, thank. goodness half an hour feeds period is passed, I assume it was growth spurt. Is one and a half hour too frequent as well? He feeds one breast at a time at one feed. Even if I offer second, he won't take it, hence I alternate between feeds, is it normal? I am not sure if this will reduce supply. I have spoken to la leche league support, they were extremely helpful, I am also going to their next meet. Hopefully that will help.

kandr10 · 31-03-2014 1:40pm

I also fed only from one side and never had problems . I think (as far as I remember) it was recommended cos she had short feeds. No problems with supply or anything. I bet you the 1 and hAlf hr feeds will start to turn into longer ones too. No harm to speak to phn or laleche counsellor or equivalent though.

cyning · 31-03-2014 9:08pm

I have a seriously painful boob... Seriously. No lumps or bumps but combined with a temp off to doc in morn for me

red fraggle · 01-04-2014 7:56pm

cyning wrote: »

I have a seriously painful boob... Seriously. No lumps or bumps but combined with a temp off to doc in morn for me

Hope you got on ok at the doc!

red fraggle · 01-04-2014 8:01pm

Jack will be 5 months on the 19th and I've decide no formula until then at least as I have some milk in the freezer I can use for my breaks or nights off. I feel happy about this. I will re evaluate then.

Kept me awake for 4 hours last night! Exhausted! Hopin he settles soon. Have osteopath on Thursday so hopefull he will get help!

Injections in the mornin. He was off form for 10 days the last time! Poor little man.

red fraggle · 01-04-2014 8:01pm

Jack will be 5 months on the 19th and I've decide no formula until then at least as I have some milk in the freezer I can use for my breaks or nights off. I feel happy about this. I will re evaluate then.

Kept me awake for 4 hours last night! Exhausted! Hopin he settles soon. Have osteopath on Thursday so hopefull he will get help!

Injections in the mornin. He was off form for 10 days the last time! Poor little man.

cyning · 01-04-2014 9:35pm

Oh that's great Red Fraggle... It's tough going with them sometimes.

No idea what the problem with my boob is... No lumps bumps redness etc: it seems like she isn't clearing the boobs with her feeding so need to do laid back for every feed which is easier said than done with a 21month old! Kept her up in sling today so less puking she only needed 3 changes of clothes

How Strange · 01-04-2014 9:42pm

cyning it could be that you need to teach her how to latch on and feed properly now that the tie is snipped. Is there a ciudiu or LLL near you where you could go and have a chat with a counsellor?

Fair play red fraggle. Take everyday as it comes.

We're in the middle of sleep training. Last night was her second with no feeds after 7pm. She was very upset for 2 hours from 2.30am but we kept comforting her. It's tough in the short term but I can't cope with the lack of sleep for much longer. I can count on one hand how many full nights sleep I've had in 11 months.

red fraggle · 01-04-2014 10:01pm

cyning wrote: »

Oh that's great Red Fraggle... It's tough going with them sometimes.

No idea what the problem with my boob is... No lumps bumps redness etc: it seems like she isn't clearing the boobs with her feeding so need to do laid back for every feed which is easier said than done with a 21month old! Kept her up in sling today so less puking she only needed 3 changes of clothes

I remember having to change Jack 3 or 4 times in the early days! Now I might get 2 or 3 days out of the same clothes!! If i'm really lucky!!

red fraggle · 01-04-2014 10:02pm

cyning wrote: »

Oh that's great Red Fraggle... It's tough going with them sometimes.

No idea what the problem with my boob is... No lumps bumps redness etc: it seems like she isn't clearing the boobs with her feeding so need to do laid back for every feed which is easier said than done with a 21month old! Kept her up in sling today so less puking she only needed 3 changes of clothes

I remember having to change Jack 3 or 4 times in the early days! Now I might get 2 or 3 days out of the same clothes!! If i'm really lucky!!

cyning · 01-04-2014 10:09pm

The nurse in my docs is a lactation consultant so she spent ages with me today... So we had best feed we've ever had

were hoping that as she learns to use her tongue properly that will all improve.

That's great about the night weaning how strange... Fingers crossed it's even better again tonight. S is a much better sleeper than C ever was (still is!) so hoping that lasts!

lazygal · 02-04-2014 2:17pm

How Strange wrote: »

It's tough in the short term but I can't cope with the lack of sleep for much longer. I can count on one hand how many full nights sleep I've had in 11 months.

Snap. Only I've lasted seven months. Last night I gave in at 4.30am and brought baby into the bed, fed off and on for two hours but I think it was comfort. Still a vast improvement as we're now getting a good few hours so we can have a night out the odd time.

cyning · 04-04-2014 10:11am

S hasn't pooed since Wed. I know after 6 weeks that can be normal but not before that. I had so many problems with constipation with C when she was a baby (and breastfed!) I'm paranoid about poo

Nead21 · 04-04-2014 11:04am

Perfectly normal, but maybe some gently tummy massages might help? Prepare for a mudslide though!

cyning · 04-04-2014 11:31am

She's only 3 weeks and has had a tongue tie revised... I have an underactive thyroid and lower supply than last time too. I guess I know it can be normal but having been through it with my first baby it can also be a sign that there's something wrong. I'm doing all the usual and trying to get her to feed more often. Just worried

probably unnecessarily

kandr10 · 06-04-2014 8:52am

I've been pumping about 2-3 oz every day so my oh can give her a bottle on alternate nights at bedtime. Must have gone a bit overboard last night cos a woke up at 5 with boobs hard as rocks and sore as anything. Haven't had that since the early days. Had to get up sterilise and pump to relieve it. Baby and dad were still happily sleeping :-) night feeds without the baby are not something I'm gonna be making a habit of!

kknitter · 09-04-2014 12:45pm

My baby is 9 weeks old now. Till now there were some or other appointments hence I was able to get his weight checked frequently. He has consistently gained fine. There are no more appointments other then vaccinations. First time mom hence can't stop worrying whether he has gained. Every time I pick him up I find him lighter even when he had gained lots

Walk ins in local health centre have ceased due to shortage of staff, it will be appointment if I was VERY worried they said.
So now my question is, how do you get babies weight done, or you don't at all?
If I had in my hands, I would weight my every half week, I know I shouldn't :rolleyes:

cyning · 09-04-2014 4:14pm

Have you a local phn run breastfeeding group? I used always get C weighed there: not least because I wanted to write it in her baby book... But in all fairness I was paranoid she wasn't gaining weight. And she was: she was 7 15 born and 20 5 at 5months! It's just that you get more used to holding the weight.

kknitter · 09-04-2014 5:23pm

Thank you cyning. Well I have contacted le leche group but not sure I could get the weight get done there, I don't know they have scales there. I will have to ask about breastfeeding group to public health nurse then.

kandr10 · 09-04-2014 7:04pm

What about using a bathroom scales to get a rough idea? Just make sure you do it around the same time and wearing roughly the same clothes if you're holding the baby. Chances are he is putting on weight if he has up to now and it might be enough to give you peace of mind.

How Strange · 09-04-2014 7:33pm

Thankfully both of mine thrived and noticeably put on weight consistently however my daughter was ... em... thriving so much that I used to weigh her on the bathroom scales every few weeks out of curiosity to see how much weight she'd put on.

Any scales will be reliable once you use it a few times and when they baby is undressed/dressed in the same way.

Soooky · 09-04-2014 9:44pm

I find the bathroom scales not great for weighing baby to be honest - I went through a phase of weighing my little one every week (first I would stand on the scales twice to get my weight then I would lift LO into my arms and weight both of us together calculating that the difference was LO's weight). However when I got her weighed properly by PHN she was a completely different weight - don't know if it was my bad calculations or not but I gave up weighing her after that :rolleyes: I think you can stress yourself out by weighing them too regularly. Our LO has had silent reflux recently. I mentioned to my GP that I thought she had lost weight because of it and asked if she would weight her - she said she wouldn't and would only weight her in a few weeks when her medicine started to work (she obviously knew I was stressing!) As long as baby is having lots of wet nappies and is alert and full of beans I really wouldn't worry (easier said than done I know

:D:D)

How Strange · 09-04-2014 9:50pm

Watch the baby and not the scales!

kandr10 · 09-04-2014 11:48pm

Soooky wrote: »

I find the bathroom scales not great for weighing baby to be honest - I went through a phase of weighing my little one every week (first I would stand on the scales twice to get my weight then I would lift LO into my arms and weight both of us together calculating that the difference was LO's weight). However when I got her weighed properly by PHN she was a completely different weight - don't know if it was my bad calculations or not but I gave up weighing her after that :rolleyes: I think you can stress yourself out by weighing them too regularly. Our LO has had silent reflux recently. I mentioned to my GP that I thought she had lost weight because of it and asked if she would weight her - she said she wouldn't and would only weight her in a few weeks when her medicine started to work (she obviously knew I was stressing!) As long as baby is having lots of wet nappies and is alert and full of beans I really wouldn't worry (easier said than done I know :D:D)

I think I'd only use the bathroom scales as an indicator that it's increasing more so than as the definitive weight of the child. As you say, two scales can often give different weights. I agree though that wet nappies are the best indication and trusting your instincts. You will know if the baby's not getting enough.

kknitter · 10-04-2014 4:29am

Thank you all for the replies. Appreciate it very much. My bathroom scales give few grams + or - anyways. Hence if I have to use those, I will be waiting a few weeks coz every week it would be anyways few grams and stress me out more. I guess I will have to stick to wet nappies and content.

I can't stop asking questions, here's another one

do you guys worry about supply if he feeds less frequently during night. I wake him up if he sleeps for too long and feed him. He feeds on one breast at a time. During the day it's fine as he feeds every one a half hour hence 3 hourly for each breast but longer in night may be 3 hour or a bit more. Would it reduce my supply? Last feed before he sleeps in night he seems hungry, May be not getting enough, that's the only time he takes both breasts. I am bothering you guys with too many questions

apologies for it. But your experiences would help a lot.

lmullen · 10-04-2014 6:41am

kknitter wrote: »

Thank you all for the replies. Appreciate it very much. My bathroom scales give few grams + or - anyways. Hence if I have to use those, I will be waiting a few weeks coz every week it would be anyways few grams and stress me out more. I guess I will have to stick to wet nappies and content.

I can't stop asking questions, here's another one do you guys worry about supply if he feeds less frequently during night. I wake him up if he sleeps for too long and feed him. He feeds on one breast at a time. During the day it's fine as he feeds every one a half hour hence 3 hourly for each breast but longer in night may be 3 hour or a bit more. Would it reduce my supply? Last feed before he sleeps in night he seems hungry, May be not getting enough, that's the only time he takes both breasts. I am bothering you guys with too many questions apologies for it. But your experiences would help a lot.

Don't be apologising everyone has questions. Your supply will always adjust to meet your sons needs. If he's taking both breasts at bed time let him sleep. Once babies are healthy and happy there is no need to wake during the night. You'll find yourself fuller when he does wake, make sure you've breast pads on in case of leak.

kknitter · 10-04-2014 6:57am

Thank you very much Imullen, that's so very reassuring. Appreciate all your help.

How Strange · 10-04-2014 7:16am

I wouldn't worry about a 9 week old sleeping longer at night. He's obviously getting enough during the day and your supply will just adapt to the change.

I used to sleep with my bra on with pads inside and with a towel beside me just in case I leaked from being overfill but that feeling only lasts a few days.

kandr10 · 10-04-2014 7:23am

If you're planning to express at all the fullness you get the next morning gives the opportunity to collect a bit for the freezer :-)

kknitter · 10-04-2014 9:27am

Thank you very how strange and kandr... Yes I used to express but haven't expressed for couple of weeks. Good idea about storing. 9 week old start to sleep longer?

Soooky · 11-04-2014 11:19pm

Unless you're really worried I would go by the old saying of not to wake a sleeping baby:)

Sligo1 · 12-04-2014 9:19am

Hi all, new to this thread and have a question. My LO is 3 weeks and I'm exclusively breast feeding. My right boo was killing me the last day due To a blocked duct which I managed to clear with hot water and massage. Woke up yesterday morning pain free thank god. But now since yesterday my lefy boob is killing me! The thing is tho I don't think it's a blocked duct (I've had a couple of these before). I'm not looking for medical advice but was just wondering if anyone has ever pulled a muscle in their boob (if this is even possible) and if so what did it feel like?

Coz this kinda feels like a pulled muscle on the left side and the underside of my breast. There's no sign of a blocked duct like redness or inflammation or anything but its so sore.

Anyways I'm gonna just in the bath and try clear it in case it is a blockage and will see doc or someone on Monday if its still there. Was just wondering if anyone has experienced this before? Thanks

Soooky · 12-04-2014 6:27pm

Well LO has just turned 4 months and is exclusively bf. Woke up today to find my periods had returned (sorry if tmi:o). Delighted - not :rolleyes:!! Anyway I always thought they wouldn't return until bf finished or reduced or babs started solids - just wondering if any of the rest of you have had them return yet? Is it something I should be concerned about (ie hormone levels, supply etc) LO has been suffering with silent reflux the last number of weeks and feeding a bit erratically - just wondering if that may be the cause?

kandr10 · 12-04-2014 8:42pm

Soooky wrote: »

Well LO has just turned 4 months and is exclusively bf. Woke up today to find my periods had returned (sorry if tmi:o). Delighted - not :rolleyes:!! Anyway I always thought they wouldn't return until bf finished or reduced or babs started solids - just wondering if any of the rest of you have had them return yet? Is it something I should be concerned about (ie hormone levels, supply etc) LO has been suffering with silent reflux the last number of weeks and feeding a bit erratically - just wondering if that may be the cause?

I got mine around the 4 month mark too. I think it coincided with her sleeping for longer at night so I put it down to that. I wouldn't worry about supply etc unless your baby isn't getting as many wet and dirty nappies as normal. Delighted is right though - not!!

Soooky · 12-04-2014 10:06pm

Oh good I'm not the only one who got it early then - ah sure misery loves company

:D:D:D

kandr10 · 12-04-2014 11:39pm

I was shocked to see it I have to say! Got used to not having to think about it!

cyning · 13-04-2014 9:45am

Sorry Sligo missed this post: I thought I was getting mastitis but know no blocked ducts nothing but it was so painful: my LC thought I might have hurt it withy my mad positioning trying to get her to feed after tongue tie. So definitely possible but I would keep going as if blocked duct.

S has reflux and is constipated. Can't get her to swallow gaviscon or take a bottle. Tried syringing it and no joy. Need to give her lactolose too. Any tips??

Sligo1 · 13-04-2014 11:53am

cyning wrote: »

Sorry Sligo missed this post: I thought I was getting mastitis but know no blocked ducts nothing but it was so painful: my LC thought I might have hurt it withy my mad positioning trying to get her to feed after tongue tie. So definitely possible but I would keep going as if blocked duct.

S has reflux and is constipated. Can't get her to swallow gaviscon or take a bottle. Tried syringing it and no joy. Need to give her lactolose too. Any tips??

Thanks Cyning. Now in hospital on IV antibiotics

.

Have you tried a teaspoon? How many mls is it? If its not a lot she need you could get her to suck it off your finger?

cyning · 13-04-2014 12:54pm

Oh no Sligo

were you able to keep baba with you? You poor thing. Hope you feel better soon

Gaviscon is 15mls and lactolose 2.5 so could do it for lactolose alright. Sitting in docs waiting room for S now too.

Sligo1 · 13-04-2014 1:35pm

cyning wrote: »

Oh no Sligo were you able to keep baba with you? You poor thing. Hope you feel better soon

Gaviscon is 15mls and lactolose 2.5 so could do it for lactolose alright. Sitting in docs waiting room for S now too.

No don't have Baba with me

. I'm expressing and sending the milk home. Hopefully I won't be in here for too long.

I'm not sure if this will work but could you mix the gaviscon with some breast milk perhaps and try syringe it or perhaps she would prefer a little cup? I know the midwives when giving top ups to new borns give a little 30ml cup sometimes. Hope S is ok x

Soooky · 13-04-2014 1:49pm

My LO has silent reflux Cyning and def feeling the effects of the gaviscon the past few days - damn constipation:mad: She takes it from the syringe though so can't help you I'm afraid! Have you tried a sippy cup though that would depend on age. I'm avoiding the lactulose as I have given up dairy while breastfeeding and my LO's constipation isn't too bad - just going to give some cooled boiled water instead

cyning · 13-04-2014 2:00pm

She's 4 and a half weeks

she has an ear infection I swear to god constipation reflux and ear infection some of the things that are much less common in breastfed babies

got her to take calpol and antibiotic there so I'll try gaviscon and lactolose again soon.

livinsane · 13-04-2014 9:41pm

For those of ye that have introduced solids, when did ye start giving the baby extra water with meals instead of milk?
My six month old is well established on three small meals a day. He is a great eater and really enjoys it. He is nursing less during the day, as expected. He nurses alot in early morning and evening time. I feel like he is still getting a lot of milk but there is no pattern as I just offer it constantly during the day incase he's thirsty. He'll take a few sups but Im worried I'm forcing it on him too much! He has plenty wet nappies and gaining weight so Im not worried about dehydration but after months of constant nursing it is hard to get used to spacing out the feeds.

I've offered him cooled boiled water in a bottle or sippy cup but he mostly just chews the teat.

cyning · 13-04-2014 11:17pm

With C I introduced water with every meal from the start. It was awhile before she started drinking it but it was there if she wanted it. She cut feeds with solids but reintroduced them after!! She's 21 months now and loves her water so I'd definitely introduce it now even to let her get used to it.

livinsane · 14-04-2014 5:24pm

Well with today's heat, it's as good a day as ever to have some water! I will have it there for every meal so. From what I've read it doesn't have to be boiled anymore which makes it less hassle too. I put an empty bottle in the change bag too. Still not sure whether I should offer milk with every meal or just water and keep the milk feeds separate.

kknitter · 15-04-2014 9:00pm

Hi soooky, cyning, I understand your little ones have silent reflex, could you please let me know what are the symptoms you spotted? The more I read the more I am convinced my LO has silent reflux.

lilmissprincess · 15-04-2014 9:12pm

E is super fussy and clingy today. Will only sleep on us and for a max of half an hour after which he's back crying for a feed, which goes on for about twenty minutes! He seems to be getting a lot but I'm afraid he'll milk me dry before bedtime if he keeps going like this and I'll wind up having to use formula

Is this normal at 3 weeks?

cyning · 15-04-2014 9:34pm

Lilmissprincess it sounds like a growth spurt and they are really tough. Just keep feeding feeding feeding. It's her way of increasing milk supply so don't give formula: she might be unsettled etc but that's regardless of how they're fed during a growth spurt. Hang in there it passes trite as that sounds.

Kknitter with my first little girl she used arch her back after feeds and we could here her swallowing back when burping her or if we laid her flat. She also roared if we lay her flat!

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