The Breast Feeding Support Thread

MurdyWurdy · 31-07-2013 1:00pm

liliq wrote: »

Hey Murdy, I don't have personal experience but have a few friends that have had both of those issues.
I know it's a bit worrisome to pump before that it might increase supply, but maybe expressing a little more just until you can see the flow slow down yourself might help? Once he's a little bigger he will be more able to cope with a strong let down so as long as you're not pumping buckets, your supply with regulate then.
Block feeding can also be helpful, so if you feed from one side for every feed for say 4 hours, and then switch to the other side for the same amount of time. While you're feeding on one side, the other side will be getting full, and sending signals to your body that your baby doesn't need as much milk (it sounds confusing, but it's the reverse of the theory that the more your baby empties your breast, the more milk your body will make... like supply and demand in economics!) You might be on to something that feeding him from the other side might have helped.
I saw before that you're local to Dundrum? The Friends of Breastfeeding Buddy System is in Dundrum now, which might be useful, and there are Cuidiu Dublin South west breastfeeding support meetings on Wednesdays that run over the summer also as far as I know. I can get more details on either or both for you, or on local LCs that are really good, if you want to PM me.
Mixing the formula and breastfeeds can sometimes make reflux a bit rougher, because of the different densities of formula and breastmilk. The formula is thicker, and harder to digest so when they have a breastfeed after it can trigger the reflux.

Hmm, that's interesting about the mixing of the formula/breast milk being troublesome. I never knew that. I might have to look into it. I have to ignore the voice in my head telling my feeding him only the reflux formula would be easier because he's only 6 weeks and I really wanted to breastfeed for at least 3 months (that's my first bfeeding goal).

I have tried block feeding on the right and it does seem to help a little bit but not enough so I might need to have a think about what to do! I pumped a good bit of milk last night before feeding him but it didn't seem to help so I'm not sure

I am near enough to Dundrum but am in the Cuidiu South East region - the LC gave me details of meetings but it was the July details and I need the August ones but I have the Cuidiu South East Region consultants details so I need to contact them anyway for the details because I want to go to the meetings, just to meet people. I might dig out the LC consultant's number now and give her a call.

aknitter · 31-07-2013 1:01pm

Murdy, the boob may not be the cause of it. Try feeding in a different position. Maybe for him lying on the side to feed from the right may be the issue. No harm in trying.

Good Luck

Actually does anyone have a baby who prefers one side to the other?

How Strange · 31-07-2013 1:33pm

Murdywurdy do you feed lying down or upright? Apparently feeding upright is better if you've an oversupply. Thankfully I don't have it this time but sometimes when I'm feeding A lying down I can actually hear the milk hitting her stomach and without fail she spews afterwards and she's very hard to settle because of wind. I've found the 4am-ish feed is the worst one for this wind even still at 13 weeks.

Also she suffered quite badly with wind from 6 to 8/9 weeks and I read this is quite normal as you're still producing a lot of milk, they've gone through a growth spurt and they're still trying to cope with it.

lazygal · 31-07-2013 1:36pm

I found baby in a sitting position on my lap and her nearly reaching up to the boob was a good method.

MurdyWurdy · 31-07-2013 1:58pm

No, I feed upright - in the normal cradle hold. I do try and hold him as upright as possible when feeding as well . Feeding him on the left at the moment in the same position I do on the right and he's fine! Has stayed latched on and no coughing, spluttering or milk going everywhere!

liliq · 31-07-2013 7:02pm

Would a boob feed instead of the reflux formula be possible?
The August details for Cuidiu should be on their website

MurdyWurdy · 31-07-2013 8:21pm

liliq wrote: »

Would a boob feed instead of the reflux formula be possible?
The August details for Cuidiu should be on their website

It seems there are no meetings in August - but they start back up in September so I'm going to go then. I'm eager to meet other mums anyway I can! I do go to the weekly support meeting at the health centre near me but I was there yesterday before I realised what a problem my strong boob is causing so the next meeting is not until next week!

Last night was the first night we did a reflux formula feed instead of me feeding him. We did it because I was just exhausted and we couldn't go on like this, my hubby needs to help out a bit somehow. I suppose we could give him expressed milk at that feed instead of me feeding him but I think we do need a feed that I don't do at some stage at night - just so I don't turn into a zombie. I feel better today than I have in weeks and it made me better able to take care of him today. I really noticed the difference in me.

I've looked up what I can do online - e.g. block feeding and things but the advice seems to be conflicting. Breastfeeding is tough sometimes, you just don't know what's right! I'm going to call the LC in the morning and tonight I'll try feed on the left and just pump a little from the right to take the engorgement off. I fed him on the right earlier and it was a disaster, just like last night. We both had to change our clothes due to the amount of milk that came up!

dublinlady · 31-07-2013 8:25pm

Can someone explain shells to me? I have avent ones but list the leaflet! I'm sure there's one online but anyway! I'm wondering how much milk they remove? I have an over supply issue in morning - baby seems to manage thankfully - no tummy problems we v v lucky. But every time I get out if shower or even just think about my boobs in the morning I have a strong let down from the side I didn't feed from during night feed. I'm always trying to grab pads Etc - it's a race to get my bra on & pad in before its soaked

she's 11 weeks now and it's just not settling diwn... And quite frankly it just seems a waste if good milk !! So I want to try stick shells on to collect milk but don't want to loose too much as she'll need it for next feed and any tine I've expressed a but in the mornings I can't seem to catch up with her demand for rest of day! So yes, after much rambling I just want to know exactly what they do & how much milk they collect !

How Strange · 31-07-2013 8:39pm

Murdywurdy this is from kellymom on spitting up and reflux

http://kellymom.com/health/baby-health/reflux/

From Dr Sears
http://m.parenting.com/entry/view/id/9471/pn/all/p/0/?KSID=243a43a42ba7baa60a03f07e7047e070

How Strange · 31-07-2013 9:02pm

I've often gotten up to 1oz from each breast when using the shells.

To stop the letdown you can press the heel of your hand into the breast. I've often done this if A is asleep but my boobs think its feeding time.

NextSteps · 01-08-2013 3:27pm

A few people mentioned reading this thread as a preparation for breast feeding. Great idea. I'd just like to say that you CAN breast feed without any of the issues some of the ladies here have come up against. I fed my first for 18 months, and am going strong with my second, and have (touch wood) had no problems at all with getting started, pain, cracks, supply, pumping, mastitis and so on.

So be prepared of course, but don't assume it's bound to be a painful experience! For us it's been nothing but positive, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

(I recently read 'The Baby Whisperer' and to judge from it you'd swear breast feeding was nothing but martyrdom!)

holding · 01-08-2013 6:22pm

It's nice to hear of someone who had no issues and no pain at all with breastfeeding, I have to say that you're the very first person I've met anywhere to have that Next Steps. Not being sarcastic or antyhing there, I genuinely haven't met anyone who had a totally pain and problem free experience.

emer_b · 01-08-2013 7:45pm

I am happy to say I can second that nextsteps. Other than a blocked duct after 8 months I had no issues at all. I count myself extremely lucky to have had no physical difficulties with breastfeeding.
However from my posts 8 or 9 months ago its clear that I worried myself sick over supply, routines, baby weight gain!

This thread was a life saver for my sanity in the early days, thankful for all the advice I got here.

implausible · 01-08-2013 9:34pm

emer_b wrote: »

I am happy to say I can second that nextsteps. Other than a blocked duct after 8 months I had no issues at all. I count myself extremely lucky to have had no physical difficulties with breastfeeding.

My experience was pretty straightforward too - 3 bad days of pain at the start with my first and a blocked duct when finishing up with my second. The other 99% of the time was great.

Bottlefeeding mums have problems with brand of formula, types of formula, bottles, teats, weaning from the bottle and the problems that we all experience - wind, sleepless nights, fussiness.

I doubt that any mother can categorically say that any aspect of having a baby is problem-free, but when it comes to the feeding, I consider myself to have had it easy.

dublinlady · 01-08-2013 10:08pm

I had 2 bad weeks and its been fab since - I have oversupply at times and too little at others but no pain since about day ten!
Its a great part if life and a lovely experience!

iguana · 01-08-2013 10:37pm

Apart from the thrush at 5 weeks I've had no problems either. In fact I love, love, love breastfeeding. I used to feel so amazing when my son was exclusively breastfed and he was growing and growing just because I fed him. Now it's such a relief to have this powerful tool that can fix almost anything like when he (bad mammy alert) fell off the bed yesterday and was absolutely inconsolable until offered the boob and he was instantly ok.

Blueskye · 01-08-2013 10:50pm

I'm only 11 weeks in but have had no real issues either and I'm feeding two. I've worried about oversupply and under supply and have felt fed up and overwhelmed at times but the longer I do it the more confident I become and its amazing to see my little boys fill out and grow from 90% my milk.

I agree Iguana, it's such a brilliant tool for an upset baba. The magic of the boob

liliq · 01-08-2013 11:14pm

We had an issue with tongue tie but once we got that sorted at 14 weeks, I have had zero problems. I've never had thrush, blocked ducts, or mastitis. I've had a little recurring bleb but it was more of a slight irritation that a problem.
Some mums I know find the intensity of the first few weeks very difficult. It's hard having a little person so very dependant on you, but I think that's more about expectations and understanding normal newborn behaviour.

Pat McGhee · 02-08-2013 6:41am

Hello ladies!
5 weeks on baby no 1 to go for me so I will be joining you soon. :-) I'd like to breastfeed but I have to be honest, mentally I have big issues with it. For me, breasts are sexual and thoughts of latching baby on seem so wrong. I'm trying to get over it and have been researching, watching videos, etc but looking at it gives me the heebejeebies!! It's uncomfortable to watch and everytime I try to visualize me doing it, I get a serious case of skin crawlies, I almost feel like a paedo!

Has anyone else felt even remotely like this? How did you get over it? Thanks! :-)

How Strange · 02-08-2013 7:06am

I've had mastitis at the start on both babies and blocked ducts at 10 weeks on O which thankfully I've managed to avoid this time. I'd consider myself very lucky with breastfeeding and would even say I've had charmed early experiences with regards to midwives, public health nurses, weight gain etc.

I just love breastfeeding this time around from the very start. It took me a while to feel like that the first time. I love looking at how instinctive she is when she's feeding and how she rests her arm on me. It's just such a beautiful, natural thing. I also love that it can cure almost any problem. What would I do without it!

Pat McGhee unfortunately in western society breasts are sexualised and we've lost sight of their true use. All I can say to you is to start breastfeeding and surround yourself with breastfeeding mothers from the start as this will normalize it for you.

dublinlady · 02-08-2013 7:34am

Pat McGhee wrote: »

Hello ladies!
5 weeks on baby no 1 to go for me so I will be joining you soon. :-) I'd like to breastfeed but I have to be honest, mentally I have big issues with it. For me, breasts are sexual and thoughts of latching baby on seem so wrong. I'm trying to get over it and have been researching, watching videos, etc but looking at it gives me the heebejeebies!! It's uncomfortable to watch and everytime I try to visualize me doing it, I get a serious case of skin crawlies, I almost feel like a paedo!

Has anyone else felt even remotely like this? How did you get over it? Thanks! :-)

I felt mildly like this before and after breastfeeding my first baby!!! And now they have returned to milk bags I can't find then sexy.. However I know I will once I stop again whenever that is, it is weird when u do breastfeed it makes it all just feel right and normal and natural, then after I stopped with my first I couldn't imagine doing it again!
I'm a bit obsessed now tho and don't want to give up at all! It's a fab experience this time - long may it last!

Blueskye · 02-08-2013 8:16am

Pat McGhee wrote: »

Hello ladies!
5 weeks on baby no 1 to go for me so I will be joining you soon. :-) I'd like to breastfeed but I have to be honest, mentally I have big issues with it. For me, breasts are sexual and thoughts of latching baby on seem so wrong. I'm trying to get over it and have been researching, watching videos, etc but looking at it gives me the heebejeebies!! It's uncomfortable to watch and everytime I try to visualize me doing it, I get a serious case of skin crawlies, I almost feel like a paedo!

Has anyone else felt even remotely like this? How did you get over it? Thanks! :-)

I was really apprehensive about bf before I did it although I really wanted to bf. and I remember just before babies latched on for first time I was thinking 'no no lets forget the whole thing' I felt really uncomfortable.but the nurse put first baby on and that was it, it just clicked. You really do see your breasts differently once you see you are providing food for your child. Women told me that but I wasn't sure I'd feel the same way but I did

just try not to think about it too much and once you get going you'll be flying it.

How Strange · 02-08-2013 8:53am

The funniest has to be when they're latched on and feeding while also looking up at you with their big cute eyes and then they do a poo. All at the same time!

Pat McGhee · 02-08-2013 10:11am

Thanks for all the replies, it's nice to know I'm not the only one to feel this way. I will definitely try, I've said that since day 1 and common sense tells me breast is best but I suppose I won't know how I truly feel until she's here and we give it a go together. I'm really hoping the mentality of it all just clicks as I don't doubt there'll be more important hurdles to get over, like latch and soreness.

Feeding, pooing and big baby blues... Hilarious!! Lol :-)

aknitter · 02-08-2013 11:25am

Pat McGhee wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, it's nice to know I'm not the only one to feel this way. I will definitely try, I've said that since day 1 and common sense tells me breast is best but I suppose I won't know how I truly feel until she's here and we give it a go together. I'm really hoping the mentality of it all just clicks as I don't doubt there'll be more important hurdles to get over, like latch and soreness.

Feeding, pooing and big baby blues... Hilarious!! Lol :-)

if it helps I was 17 having my first and felt exactly the same as you (14 years ago)! But it was supposed to be better etc. You do get over it, for me it took a bit and when I had my second 12 years later, it was easier. I was dealing with ALOT of other issues first time around so I just added that to the heap and got over myself. As your pregnancy progresses you might find the body changes will make the thought easier! BTW my 3rd is 6 weeks and I now fit into clothes I couldn't before I was pregnant - the weight is falling off!

Pat McGhee · 02-08-2013 12:12pm

aknitter wrote: »

if it helps I was 17 having my first and felt exactly the same as you (14 years ago)! But it was supposed to be better etc. You do get over it, for me it took a bit and when I had my second 12 years later, it was easier. I was dealing with ALOT of other issues first time around so I just added that to the heap and got over myself. As your pregnancy progresses you might find the body changes will make the thought easier! BTW my 3rd is 6 weeks and I now fit into clothes I couldn't before I was pregnant - the weight is falling off!

Thanks to hyperemesis, I weigh little more now (35wks!) than I did before I got pregnant, I don't think I'll be able to afford to lose weight after she gets here, lol!

dublinlady · 02-08-2013 12:31pm

I hate ye all

I'm still 5lbs up almost 12 weeks later... Breast feeding doesn't seem to be doing it so I've started running again - hopefully that'll help - she doesn't seem to mind the post run salty milk...!!!

How Strange · 02-08-2013 12:40pm

I had to cut out all crap food and go back to my pre pregnancy eating habits. Now I have 2 days where I eat nice stuff, usually weekends, and 5 where I try to eat healthily and watch the portion sizes. 2lbs to go here but I'm pretty much back into my clothes and the muffin top is all but gone.

I just don't have the energy for running yet. I might give it another 2 weeks and then dust off the trainers.

Having said all that I was probably 11 1/2 stone at the end and I lost over 2 stone without even trying so breastfeeding must've helped.

lazygal · 02-08-2013 12:44pm

I ate a lot of crap while getting to grips with breastfeeding, it didn't help that I was stuck on the couch sitting under her for hours. I was still back in my pre pregnancy jeans after a few weeks and I weighed less at the start of this pregnancy than before I got pregnant the last time.

Blueskye · 02-08-2013 12:59pm

I thought I'd lose the baby weight faster especially feeding two but I am eating way too much chocolate and surviving on very little sleep with zero time to exercise. so I'm trying not to get too hung up about it but I do miss my old body.

MurdyWurdy · 02-08-2013 1:01pm

Another one with hyperemesis here - 6 weeks on I weigh a good bit less than I did before I got pregnant. The weight has redistributed though. I've a little bit more on my tum than I did before but slimmer shoulders,hips and thighs. I'm hoping the breastfeeding will take off a couple of pounds on my tum. I'm eating so much crap though, people keep sending me choc and biscuits. I'm working my way through it and then not buying any more!

implausible · 02-08-2013 9:09pm

Pat McGhee wrote: »

I'd like to breastfeed but I have to be honest, mentally I have big issues with it. For me, breasts are sexual and thoughts of latching baby on seem so wrong.

If it's any help, it's not just your boobs that will change function. You'll look at your body in a whole different way when you've shoved a baby out of it, especially...ahem...downstairs. We are designed to have babies and we are designed to feed them. Anything else is just society. Believe me, when you see how your newborn baby can snuffle her way up to your breast and instinctively know what to do, you'll see your breasts in a whole new light.

(They can go back to being funbags afterwards:D)

icescreamqueen · 02-08-2013 11:10pm

Has anyone tried the My Brest Friend nursing pillow? My friend wants to know what to buy me as a gift and she has recommended this pillow. Where do most people breast feed? On rocking chair, sitting up in bed?

emer_b · 02-08-2013 11:22pm

icescreamqueen wrote: »

Has anyone tried the My Brest Friend nursing pillow? My friend wants to know what to buy me as a gift and she has recommended this pillow. Where do most people breast feed? On rocking chair, sitting up in bed?

I don't know the nursing pillow you mentioned. I had one of those U shaped pillows and found the baby was too high for me. I found a regular bedroom pillow was the best for me.
I pictured myself and baby sitting blissfully in a rocking chair but the arms are so uncomfortable! I fed in bed (sitting and lying down) and on the couch. Armchairs might be ok when baby is small but when they get a bit longer any chair with arms can be awkward.
You will know what's best for you once you know what feeding positions are comfortable for you.
I actually found that my U shaped pillow was great for baby playtime from about 5/6 months when she started sitting up, helped keep her steady.

Just googled that pillow, looks lovely!

Blueskye · 03-08-2013 1:12am

I have a my brest friend twin pillow which I'd be lost without (feed both together), am sure the single one would be good too. I also have a boppy pillow from a friend who planned to bf but didn't. I find it very handy when I feed one baby. Just some extra support and it raises baby up a bit higher so your arms aren't doing all the work.

I feed in bed or sitting on the couch.

liliq · 03-08-2013 2:24am

I found pillows a bit of a hindrance, I just couldn't really get a comfortable position with them

slouched on the couch in a kind of laid back position, or lying down in bed were (and still are) our go to feeding positions!

How Strange · 03-08-2013 7:29am

I had the pillow on my son and at the time I felt I couldn't feed without it. It was a bit of a to-do every time he needed to be fed as I'd have to get the pillow put it on, get him, sit down on the sofa and then start feeding by which time he was screaming.

This time around we got a nursing/rocking chair. We wanted it quite quickly as we only decided to get it after she arrived so we bought it in Smyths for €130.

I'd personally recommend the chair over the pillow but I understand you can't ask your friend to buy the chair as a present

I just found the pillow a bit of a barrier to feeding anywhere but that's just my opinion. Now I'd feed at the table eating my dinner, in the car, standing up etc.

holding · 03-08-2013 8:38pm

I have two brest friend pillows actually, and love them! One is downstairs, and one is upstairs. I strap one around me - the very best thing about them is the little pillow that supports the small of your back - and put another pillow (normal bedroom pillow) on top of it. This helps me achieve the position described in What to Expect When You're Breastfeeding, which is the only position I could do for ages without feeling any pain at all. I still find it the most comfortable. (Basically you close up all the space underneath your breast with pillow, support your breast with your hand as the fingers form the nipple shape, and baby lies in front of you horizontally.) Since then, I have progressed to being able to feed him without pain in almost any position (rugby hold is still sore for me, four months in), so it's fine when I'm out and about without the Brest Friend, but when I'm home I definitely always use it.

Oral Slang · 05-08-2013 10:28pm

Didn't really feel about my breasts sexually, always thought I'd breastfeed, but I did wonder if my other half would be totally put off me, as I was breastfeeding. I think it's odd for the daddies, but they get used to it.

Pat McGhee, I just found it the most magical experience feeding my new baby (still love it now that she's 21 months & we're coming to the end of our experience.) Can't wait for the new baby to arrive in 3.5 months so I can't start all over again.

I didn't have any problems in terms of supply etc, but my little one has a tongue tie, so her latch can be painful. Also suffered from a fair few blocked ducts & mastitis once, but overall I would have considered our journey smooth sailing for most of the time & wouldn't change it for the world.

wolfpawnat · 06-08-2013 11:31am

I found starting was very hard and stressful PatMaGee but I am starting week 3 now and she is feeding well and the supply is great thank goodness. In fact she won't go to sleep without being near my boobs. As long as she can smell them she is happy. It's great not having to pack bottles too and not having to sterilise everything everyday.

As for the sexual thing. I was worrying about that too. Not even for me but for my partner. He was frightened to even touch them thinking it would hurt me, but he was happily wrong and still thinks their sexy thank goodness

dublinlady · 06-08-2013 5:34pm

S is 12 weeks today - literally overnight she has started pulling off the breast - alot!! I can't even see how she's getting a decent feed! Today all feeds been ten mins where normally 30-60 and she keeps pulling her head back, I don't think there's anything wrong with her I think she's just pulling off so she can look around at what's going on! Half the time she just smiles up at me for a sec and then back on, then off, then on... Is this the age this happens? I'm thinking of trying covering her with a muslin to stop her being distracted but with all the pulling on and off I could do with being able to see her to see what she's at when she's off!
Hmm - I have a feeling ill pay for all these short feeds...I don't believe she has increased her efficiency that much over night!! I wish she had!!!! It's sooo much quicker - just with lots if head bobbing!

holding · 06-08-2013 5:59pm

Same thing happened with us at 12-14 weeks DublinLady and it was normal according to the books and the internet. It sorted itself out. Love the little smiles they break off to give you!!

holding · 06-08-2013 6:01pm

Irish Parenting Bloggers are doing a blog march for world breastfeeding week - http://mama.ie/blog-march-for-world-breastfeeding-week/. Thought this thread would be interested!

How Strange · 06-08-2013 7:02pm

Same here DL. She started around 11 weeks with the bobbing on and off. She was always a quick feeder but it's down to 5-10 mins now. I also put the muslin cloth over her head when she's feeding as she's starting to get nosey. I had to do the same with her brother.

dublinlady · 06-08-2013 7:23pm

How Strange wrote: »

Same here DL. She started around 11 weeks with the bobbing on and off. She was always a quick feeder but it's down to 5-10 mins now. I also put the muslin cloth over her head when she's feeding as she's starting to get nosey. I had to do the same with her brother.

Really , for every feed? And how often does she feed? S is about 2&1/2-3 hrs and I just wonder how she's getting enough! It's great to have someone at the same stage!

Thanks holding - I'm glad to hear ur baba got less curious cos she's wrecking my head

the smiles are amazing tho - I think they the most special thing about breast feeding! That and being able to comfort her in seconds when she's overtired!!

How Strange · 06-08-2013 8:11pm

Usually every 2-2 1/2 hours and the odd time she'll stretch to 3-3 1/2. We had one whole week of feeding every 3-4 hrs and I thought this was great but she soon reverted to 2hrs. I don't mind as thankfully she feeds quickly. If you saw the size of her you'd know she was getting plenty in those 5-10 mins!

SnoozySuzie · 06-08-2013 8:18pm

Do you need to sterlise your pump after every use? I have the Tommy tippee hand pump only 10 days and It seems to be going out of shape already??

MurdyWurdy · 06-08-2013 9:02pm

I have both the Tommee Tippee hand and electric pump and do sterilise after each use. I have the hand pump about 2 weeks and haven't noticed it going out of shape

dublinlady · 06-08-2013 9:24pm

I have the Medela electric & avent manual and read just to sterilise once a day but wash with hot water each use? That's what I do anyway !

Drdoc · 07-08-2013 1:03am

Hope this isn't tmi but just wondering if anyone's had any problems with itching down below while breastfeeding? My understanding is that it's from low oestrogen levels, similar to menopause.

Not looking for medical advice, have been to doc and she suggested vagifem but that has oestrogen in it so could potentially affect supply so not keen on that.
It's driving me bananas though and just wondering if others had it and did it last long?

Thanks

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