The Breast Feeding Support Thread

sonners · 31-08-2014 7:16pm

Hi Ladies, After breastfeeding for 8 wonderful months I've recently finished up in order to return to work (I travel alot unfortunately). I winded down over a period if 4 weeks and stopped completely a week ago. Obviously my boobs have filled over the week but I've just left them. But now one of them has become quite sore, even when not being pressed or kicked or hugged or anything. The underside of my boob is solid and sore to touch. Any ideas whats going on, do I need to be worried? If its a case of seeking doctors advise I've no problem doing that but just wanted to make sure this wasn't 'normal' first!

Cheers.

Sligo1 · 31-08-2014 7:22pm

sonners wrote: »

Hi Ladies, After breastfeeding for 8 wonderful months I've recently finished up in order to return to work (I travel alot unfortunately). I winded down over a period if 4 weeks and stopped completely a week ago. Obviously my boobs have filled over the week but I've just left them. But now one of them has become quite sore, even when not being pressed or kicked or hugged or anything. The underside of my boob is solid and sore to touch. Any ideas whats going on, do I need to be worried? If its a case of seeking doctors advise I've no problem doing that but just wanted to make sure this wasn't 'normal' first!

Cheers.

This sounds like the feeling I had when I got a blocked duct. I'm not really sure what advice to give of you have stopped bfing... But I found massage helped me and placing a hot wet towel on the effected area. Of course the breast would need to be emptied, however, as you are stopping feeding I'm not really sure what advice to give regarding pumping a little off? Perhaps someone else could advise? Maybe ring your PHN? If you start getting temperatures you would need to see your gp as you could have developed a mastitis.

I was told in order to wind down feeding, you should cut one feed per week. Hope it's all ok for you.

sonners · 31-08-2014 8:07pm

Sligo1 wrote: »

This sounds like the feeling I had when I got a blocked duct. I'm not really sure what advice to give of you have stopped bfing... But I found massage helped me and placing a hot wet towel on the effected area. Of course the breast would need to be emptied, however, as you are stopping feeding I'm not really sure what advice to give regarding pumping a little off? Perhaps someone else could advise? Maybe ring your PHN? If you start getting temperatures you would need to see your gp as you could have developed a mastitis.

I was told in order to wind down feeding, you should cut one feed per week. Hope it's all ok for you.

thanks Sligo1, I had my suspicions it was a blocked duct but feels worse. Now that I'm more aware of it I'm realising the entire boob is quite swollen. like you, I don't know what to do other than pump. think I might resort to that before the night is out. no temperature yet but I'm keeping an eye on it. thanks again.

Edit just to say I've no mobile number for my phn, I'd estimate Wednesday being the earliest she would be back to me if I rang her office! I can ring the nurse in my GP's (she breastfed herself and is a wealth of knowledge) in the morning but if anyone has any suggestions to ease the discomfort tonight I'm all ears!

Sligo1 · 31-08-2014 8:10pm

sonners wrote: »

thanks Sligo1, I had my suspicions it was a blocked duct but feels worse. Now that I'm more aware of it I'm realising the entire boob is quite swollen. like you, I don't know what to do other than pump. think I might resort to that before the night is out. no temperature yet but I'm keeping an eye on it. thanks again.

Yes do pump some off so. I landed in hospital with a mastitis when baby was 3 weeks. The feeling I had was very like you describe. Get into the bath and hold a face cloth over it aswell and give it a good massage. I always found if I did this before I went to bed the duct would feel fine come morning.

sonners · 31-08-2014 8:16pm

Sligo1 wrote: »

Yes do pump some off so. I landed in hospital with a mastitis when baby was 3 weeks. The feeling I had was very like you describe. Get into the bath and hold a face cloth over it aswell and give it a good massage. I always found if I did this before I went to bed the duct would feel fine come morning.

ok I'm gonna do all of this, you're right, I really don't want this getting worse. flying to Spain for a friend's wedding on Thursday, thought I was giving myself plenty of time finishing 2 weeks before we go :-(

Sligo1 · 31-08-2014 8:24pm

Hopefully you will be fine. Hope you're feeling better in the morning. Take some neurofen or paracetamol if you're sore aswell.

How Strange · 31-08-2014 9:23pm

I was prone to blocked ducts and mastitis. I'd really recommend a hot bath, as hot as you can bear, and immerse the affected breast. Then you need to vigorously massage the breast working towards the nipple. The milk will come out like cottage cheese at first but you want to get it flowing freely. The massage can be quite sore but it does work. It may be necessary to have a few baths to completely clear the blockage. After each bath apply a cold compress. In between baths pump using heat first (hot water bottle) to stimulate the milk flow as a cold compress after. Take ibuprofen as you've got inflammation so it'll help. Finally watch your temperature. You've got about 24 hours from the first high temperature before you develop mastitis so you need to act quickly. Also rest is very important. Take it easy over the next few days and try keep to the bed or sofa if you can.

Hopefully you get it sorted soon.

shortstuff! · 01-09-2014 6:37am

Hi ladies, I hadn't little boy last Tuesday & exclusively breast fed. He seems very windy which can be quite difficult to get up - even the nurses failed to get it all when I was in:( Any recommendations of what changes I could make to diet/supplement wise to make milk less gassy? He can get very distressed with it. Thanks:)

How Strange · 01-09-2014 7:39am

I think wind is fairly normal in the first weeks but some babies are more windy than others. I found putting them up on my shoulder after a feed helped. You also get to see that milk drunk face which is so cute. (Take a photo because it only lasts for a few weeks)

Also a sling or wrap is a godsend in the early days. They're upright so it helps get wind up and they're very close to you so it's comforting.

The tiger in the tree hold is also good. Lie your baby on your left arm so your hand is under his nappy and on his thigh. Then gently swing left to right. Sometimes this was the only thing that worked with my son.

For food the usual culprits are dairy, coffee, chocolate (sorry!). Specifically for me it was onions, hummus and dark green veg.

cyning · 01-09-2014 10:10am

monflat wrote: »

Just curious as to when the growth spurt s are in bf babies.
Is it around day ten

He was born last Tuesday

Thanks

Night two, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, sleep regression for lots of babies around 4 months... 6 months! They do pass I know that they are exhausting though!

shortstuff! · 01-09-2014 11:18am

How Strange wrote: »

I think wind is fairly normal in the first weeks but some babies are more windy than others. I found putting them up on my shoulder after a feed helped. You also get to see that milk drunk face which is so cute. (Take a photo because it only lasts for a few weeks)

Also a sling or wrap is a godsend in the early days. They're upright so it helps get wind up and they're very close to you so it's comforting.

The tiger in the tree hold is also good. Lie your baby on your left arm so your hand is under his nappy and on his thigh. Then gently swing left to right. Sometimes this was the only thing that worked with my son.

For food the usual culprits are dairy, coffee, chocolate (sorry!). Specifically for me it was onions, hummus and dark green veg.

Thanks how strange, we're getting better at winding alright, everything's a learning curve at the moment! Going to a sling meet on Wednesday so hopefully get sorted with a sling soon too:)

On no not chocolate! I'll avoid all that stuff & keep a food diary (diet has to start soon anyway) to try pin point anything else!

effibear · 01-09-2014 12:03pm

shortstuff! wrote: »

Thanks how strange, we're getting better at winding alright, everything's a learning curve at the moment! Going to a sling meet on Wednesday so hopefully get sorted with a sling soon too:)

On no not chocolate! I'll avoid all that stuff & keep a food diary (diet has to start soon anyway) to try pin point anything else!

Working the legs was the only thing that worked for my fella. It does get better, now I just sit him up and then up it comes.

galah · 01-09-2014 7:03pm

cycling the legs, the tiger in the tree, and a similar hold where you hold your baby facing out sitting against your tummy (hard to describe). our babba also loves his belly rubbed, check out the "i love you" massage technique on the net, works wonders!

for us it was orange juice and (still is) uncooked dairy products (i can cook with cream n cheese etc, not a bother, but i just need to look at the philadelphia box and baby starts farting...)

morebabies · 02-09-2014 9:13am

cyning wrote: »

Night two, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, sleep regression for lots of babies around 4 months... 6 months! They do pass I know that they are exhausting though!

just poking my nose in here, that has so far matched my baby's feeding frenzy patterns exactly, explains an awful lot about his fussiness the last while, do you mind me asking how you learned about these growth spurts?

cyning · 02-09-2014 9:55am

I've just spent the last half hour trying to figure that out: i think just forums like this one

the wonder weeks app/book is what a lot of people use it explains all the leaps which usually coincide with non stop feeding too!

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 02-09-2014 10:02am

Yeah the wonder weeks app is fantastic, it explains every leap in detail so you know what to expect. €1.50 well spent!

John Mason · 02-09-2014 9:20pm

has anyone come across any decent, not too expensive dresses/tunic tops suitable for bf?

i like wearing leggings and dresses in the winter but i have been driven demented trying to something suitable

How Strange · 02-09-2014 10:07pm

Depending on how long you intend to continue breastfeeding I'd recommend boob clothing. They're stuff is expensive enough but whatever you buy you'll wear day in, day out as it's comfie and clever. I bought a long sleeve top last autumn and wore it all the time.

Sligo1 · 02-09-2014 10:09pm

I second the "Boob" brand. Their tops are all I've been wearing the last 6 months!

cyning · 02-09-2014 10:28pm

Dunnes have dresses that zip up at the boobs. Also basically anything that pulls up with a vest top or long sleeved low cut top underneath... I do have smaller boobs which helps with the longer sleeved tops. Zara often have wrap style tops and dresses which pull down too and I just throw a muslin over my shoulder. Or a breastfeeding cover would work too. Or neither whatever your comfortable with! Carrig donn tend to do the wrap style dresses and tunics too.

happywithlife · 02-09-2014 10:58pm

I got some mamalicious tops online and they're fab
Also got some dresses from babes with babies (?) recently and again happy with them

John Mason · 03-09-2014 5:31pm

Thanks the boob dresses are all black, I don't wear black :-)

I have loads of breast vests which are great for tops and jeans but really want some causal tunic jersey still tops.

There is a real niche in the market for decent nursing clothes. I have a few wrap dresses which are great but are a bit formal for walking around lidl :-)

cyning · 03-09-2014 7:43pm

Have you seen mamafeelsgood.com??

How Strange · 03-09-2014 8:28pm

John Mason wrote: »

Thanks the boob dresses are all black, I don't wear black :-)

They've got loads of styles and colours. Have you looked at their website?

I really think boob have recognised this niche and designed clothes for breastfeeding mothers that are stylish/feminine yet practical.

Lovely Bloke · 04-09-2014 9:05am

How Strange wrote: »

They've got loads of styles and colours. Have you looked at their website?

I really think boob have recognised this niche and designed clothes for breastfeeding mothers that are stylish/feminine yet practical.

yeah only have black on their website at the moment

Penny Dreadful · 04-09-2014 10:30am

Sligo1 wrote: »

I second the "Boob" brand. Their tops are all I've been wearing the last 6 months!

How Strange wrote: »

Depending on how long you intend to continue breastfeeding I'd recommend boob clothing. They're stuff is expensive enough but whatever you buy you'll wear day in, day out as it's comfie and clever. I bought a long sleeve top last autumn and wore it all the time.

John Mason wrote: »

Thanks the boob dresses are all black, I don't wear black :-)

I have loads of breast vests which are great for tops and jeans but really want some causal tunic jersey still tops.

There is a real niche in the market for decent nursing clothes. I have a few wrap dresses which are great but are a bit formal for walking around lidl :-)

I find Boob Design are just great. I am 36 weeks pregnant now and bought almost all of my maternity wear from there and Jo Jo Maman Bebe.
The Boob Design stuff is dear enough but I like it (these days that counts for a LOT), washes and wears well and I hope to breast feed so figured I'd be wearing the tops (long sleeve ts and a hoodie) for a while after I've given birth too. I've gotten the tops in teal, black, navy and red.
The Jo Jo tops and dresses are cheaper and come in a variety of colours too. I got quite a few of their wrap tops which will also work when feeding.

detoxkid · 04-09-2014 9:57pm

Hi all. My 14 week old doesn't seem to be feeding as often as she used to and def not for as long. She used to feed for at least 20 minutes...now we are talking ten minutes. She also pulls on and off the boob and cries a little, like she is frustrated but then I burp her and she is fine again. She seems happy out aside from this. Lots of wet and dirty nappies. Do you think I should be concerned about this or has she just learned to feed more efficiently? She loves her milk so I'm just a little concerned that she is getting sick of the breast feeding. I do express milk which dh gives her once a week maybe. He said she is guzzling back the bottle way quicker than she used to. Thoughts?

ncmc · 04-09-2014 11:09pm

I think that's normal detoxkid. From what I've read, at three months, they start to feed more efficiently and also start to stretch a bit between feeds. If she's happy and has wet nappies then I'd say all is fine. My little one is 13 weeks and she has been the same the last week or so!

How Strange · 05-09-2014 7:21am

Yes it's normal as after 12 weeks they get more efficient at feeding and they get very nosey about what's going on around them. You may find from now on that she feeds longer/more in the mornings and evenings as she's just too busy during the day to feed. Although this may not happen either. As long as the wet nappy output is good and the baby is content then whatever is going on is 'normal'.

Sligo1 · 06-09-2014 9:12am

Hi ladies,

Question for ye. Have any of ye experienced a hormonal drop when ye started to wean off the breast? Just last week I've started to wean Lilly off the breast after 6 months of exclusive breast feeding. She is getting 2 little meals of solids. And is getting 2 breast feeds and 2 formula feeds per day. I want to keep up the 2 breast feeds.

But feeling really really really emotional! It might be because I've been reading a few horrible things in the paper or watching them on tv. And also when people plaster terrible thing in the world all over Facebook it doesn't help! But it's the kind of emotions I would've felt when I was pregnant. I'm jumping down OHs throat aswell! Seems he can't to anything right. And I just feel really upset.

Has anyone else felt like this when they stopped bfing? I know when you give a breast feed the level of oxytocin (happy hormone) increases... So I'm obviously not getting as many kicks as when I was giving 4-5 fees per day

. I just want to know if the way I'm feeling is normal?

How Strange · 06-09-2014 9:33am

Yes it happened when O dropped his last feed. I felt very down and weepy for a week or so. It does pass and hopefully it'll be over soon for you

Sligo1 · 06-09-2014 9:37am

Thanks how strange. Just feel awful! I'm keeping up 2-3 of her feeds tho so I hope that helps...

kandr10 · 06-09-2014 5:35pm

Omg!! I've been feeling this way a lot and never realised it could be coinciding with dropping feeds. That's interesting. I thought I was going mad

ncmc · 08-09-2014 11:43am

Is it unusual to have poor supply in one boob but fine in the other? I think my left side is broken! Tried pumping this morning at got just over 1oz despite it being almost 6 hours since she last fed on that side. I got 3oz from my right side after 3 hours so don't think it's a problem with my pump. Any ideas how to encourage supply on that side?bher latch isn't as good on that side so not sure if that has something to do with it.

Also DD has gone from sleeping 9pm-5/6 am to waking at 2 or 3 and again at 6/7. I tried giving her an expressed bottle last night but she still woke. It takes me almost a full day to pump the 5oz for that bottle, so I'm feeling a bit stressed about it. She's 13 weeks now, it should be getting easier not harder!

happywithlife · 08-09-2014 12:38pm

I think it's common enough to have an "easier boob" that the milk comes easier from.
I always think the only pattern that exists with regards to sleep is that there is no pattern:-(

Jerrica · 08-09-2014 12:40pm

I breastfeed better with my left boob and I pump better with the right

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 09-09-2014 3:16pm

When I was pumping, I ALWAYS got more from the right side than the left, I just assumed it was normal

Coincidentally, it was the right side that leaked more throughout the pregnancy too

cyning · 09-09-2014 7:23pm

Biting is driving me mad! Nothing is working to stop her I think her top two teeth are on the way judging by the vinegar smell off of her nappies!

dublinlady · 09-09-2014 11:27pm

I was total lopsided ..! I used to try
Pump from my left (emptier) side more after every feed to encourage supply - it did help but actually never went away in the seven months I fed her - I remember many times getting 5oz from right which seemed a lot and struggled to get 1 from the left! It def wasn't just a pumping issue either cos it never went as hard..! Weird bodies!

kandr10 · 11-09-2014 7:41pm

My 10 month old has reduced her feeds down to 2 or 3 a day. One in the morning and at night and less often now one between lunch and tea. I'm just not sure if I'm getting the balance right. She eats loads and seems to enjoy a bit of a snack instead of the afternoon breastfeed. Should I offer breast first? I had been offering it after the snack and so she was probably too full. My phn told me at the last checkup that the milk she has in cereal etc counts towards that recommended 500ml. Would other dairy like yogurt /cheese? I'm trying to go by my daughter as I have done all along. Just not sure if I'm gauging it right?

RentDayBlues · 11-09-2014 7:47pm

kandr10 wrote: »

My 10 month old has reduced her feeds down to 2 or 3 a day. One in the morning and at night and less often now one between lunch and tea. I'm just not sure if I'm getting the balance right. She eats loads and seems to enjoy a bit of a snack instead of the afternoon breastfeed. Should I offer breast first? I had been offering it after the snack and so she was probably too full. My phn told me at the last checkup that the milk she has in cereal etc counts towards that recommended 500ml. Would other dairy like yogurt /cheese? I'm trying to go by my daughter as I have done all along. Just not sure if I'm gauging it right?

My first did exactly the same, I think I kept the afternoon feed up longer than she needed it (we were going on holidays and it was easier). Stopped offering when we got home so she was 10 months and a few days and she never looked for it again, not even when she was sick.

kandr10 · 11-09-2014 9:28pm

RentDayBlues wrote: »

My first did exactly the same, I think I kept the afternoon feed up longer than she needed it (we were going on holidays and it was easier). Stopped offering when we got home so she was 10 months and a few days and she never looked for it again, not even when she was sick.

Thanks so much. That's good to know. If she looks for it I give it but I think I preempt her looking for it by offering solids first. She seems happy and healthy and everyone says she's a chubster so I'm not too concerned. Every now and then that weird baby brain kicks in and tells me she'll have developmental issues if I stop!! To listen to the voices in my head or not...lol

Karmella · 12-09-2014 10:50am

Hi there, sitting here with my 3 day old - he's a hungry little man !

Just wondering if it's common that a little baby would just drink and drink so much that he spews and gets hiccups and then immediately wants to get back on the boob for more!! My other son wasn't as ravenous. I feel like he's glued to me!

I don't know why but I associate puking with bottles, not boobs, I think I assume that baby will just take as much as they can handle and then stop, but this little guy will just suck for Ireland.

happywithlife · 12-09-2014 11:06am

They're all so different as you'll learn😃 my second guy currently 11weeks is great for spewing he brings uploads whereas my friends baba same age hardly brings up a drop. I'm ebf she's combi feeding
Don't forget your milk is only in today so he'll prob feed loads
Congrats and enjoy!

effibear · 12-09-2014 12:02pm

Karmella wrote: »

Hi there, sitting here with my 3 day old - he's a hungry little man ! Just wondering if it's common that a little baby would just drink and drink so much that he spews and gets hiccups and then immediately wants to get back on the boob for more!! My other son wasn't as ravenous. I feel like he's glued to me!

I don't know why but I associate puking with bottles, not boobs, I think I assume that baby will just take as much as they can handle and then stop, but this little guy will just suck for Ireland.

Not sure about the puking, but there is a growth spurt day 2/3 which will mean they will be glued to you!

Jerrica · 12-09-2014 8:03pm

My little girl did a lot of puking in her first few days and weeks and she's only been breastfed. I think it was a combination of her figuring out how big her tummy was and a fast let down. The puking is more like possetting now and mostly only happens when she gets hiccups (she's seven weeks tomorrow).

Soooky · 12-09-2014 9:51pm

kandr10 wrote: »

My 10 month old has reduced her feeds down to 2 or 3 a day. One in the morning and at night and less often now one between lunch and tea. I'm just not sure if I'm getting the balance right. She eats loads and seems to enjoy a bit of a snack instead of the afternoon breastfeed. Should I offer breast first? I had been offering it after the snack and so she was probably too full. My phn told me at the last checkup that the milk she has in cereal etc counts towards that recommended 500ml. Would other dairy like yogurt /cheese? I'm trying to go by my daughter as I have done all along. Just not sure if I'm gauging it right?

My 9 month old has started to not want her afternoon feed too (still has small feed early morning, mid morning, before bed and once during the night). I still offer the afternoon feed - sometimes she takes it and others not. Its scary alright - keep thinking she is lacking but just have to follow her lead....

Also, at her checkup the PHN said no formula after 1 year old, they want babies drinking cows milk from a cup from then on! I explained that my LO is breastfed but just wondering what alternatives to cows milk others have used? Not really into her drinking cows milk (I do use it in cooking but don't drink it myself as it seems bizarre to be drinking the milk from another mammal!!!). Anyone give almond milk to their LO's?

Cameoette · 13-09-2014 6:53pm

Karmella wrote: »

Hi there, sitting here with my 3 day old - he's a hungry little man ! Just wondering if it's common that a little baby would just drink and drink so much that he spews and gets hiccups and then immediately wants to get back on the boob for more!! My other son wasn't as ravenous. I feel like he's glued to me!

I don't know why but I associate puking with bottles, not boobs, I think I assume that baby will just take as much as they can handle and then stop, but this little guy will just suck for Ireland.

Hey Karmella, sounds like my little girl (she's 8 days old), she has been blooping a lot the past few days, but is gaining weight and has dirty and wet nappies so I can only assume it's just normal for her? Since my milk has come in proper it seems like it's much richer and she has a very strong suck so I think she gulps it down very quick.

Kaylami · 13-09-2014 7:44pm

My little one is ebf and starting puking after feeds. I was concerned but I think it was a case her eyes were bigger than her belly since she hit 5 weeks the puking is minimal.

I had to stop her half way through a feed and wind her to see if she was really still hungry or just using me as a soother!

morebabies · 15-09-2014 4:43pm

Anyone get resistance from family members to breastfeeding their baby?

My MIL has just been over to visit my 4 week old, and would not let up, "you're not still breastfeeding are you", "he can go on bottles now, you've done your bit", "you can't have him stuck to you all the time", and "oh yes young man, you want a bottle don't you?"

I replied through gritted teeth that as long as i could manage it, i would keep it up. Apart from the heath benefits, one of my main reasons for bfing this baby is a financial one, we're very short of money and this makes a very positive difference to our weekly budget. I told her that and got a blank expression in return.

Why do some people (MILs especially) think they can intrude on your parenting and tell you what to do? Especially when the benefits of breastfeeding are so widely known. My blood pressure is not able for this. Apologies for rant.

The Breast Feeding Support Thread

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