The Breast Feeding Support Thread

FurBabyMomma · 10-02-2015 4:15pm

cbyrd wrote: »

God almighty nothing I'm doing is right or that's how it feels anyway. Madam has not put on enough weight for the doctors and they are now insisting taking her in to fatten her up. She's putting on 2 ozs per week, is bright happy alert and meeting all her development markers except weight.
Not much said that her older siblings were the same, Formula top ups don't work cos she's full after a feed and just ends up puking. Same with the breastmilk top ups. So I saved the pumped milk for evening time and this worked. She still only put on 2 ozs that week. My nipples areblistered and sore from pumping, I've been using fennel tea and seeds and eating porridge drinking plenty of water.
So what am I doing wrong?? She pukes up the non dairy formula..
Sometimes I wonder if the doctors are too concerned with looking at the scales and not the baby..

Ah cbyrd that's a pity. It's horrible when they put so much pressure on you, especially when she's gaining and happy. Are they using that centile chart to make the decision? It's not like she's refusing feeds, maybe that's just the way she is?

tinkerbell · 10-02-2015 6:18pm

cbyrd wrote: »

God almighty nothing I'm doing is right or that's how it feels anyway. Madam has not put on enough weight for the doctors and they are now insisting taking her in to fatten her up. She's putting on 2 ozs per week, is bright happy alert and meeting all her development markers except weight.
Not much said that her older siblings were the same, Formula top ups don't work cos she's full after a feed and just ends up puking. Same with the breastmilk top ups. So I saved the pumped milk for evening time and this worked. She still only put on 2 ozs that week. My nipples areblistered and sore from pumping, I've been using fennel tea and seeds and eating porridge drinking plenty of water.
So what am I doing wrong?? She pukes up the non dairy formula..
Sometimes I wonder if the doctors are too concerned with looking at the scales and not the baby..

Can you get a second opinion? You could get a LC to call out to you and check the latch, milk transfer etc. I'd do that first to rule out anything.

Sligo1 · 10-02-2015 8:02pm

I agree with tinkerbell. Hospitals etc are obsessed with scales! Get you LC to weigh your baby before feed. Then the LC should observe the latch and feed. And then get the LC to weigh your baby directly after the feed. This could provide some vital information.

detoxkid · 11-02-2015 1:15am

Hi all. Im back to work soon so i recently weaned my 8month old during the day. I know i could have tried to pump but i also wanted to wean for fertility reasons. Anyway it has been very dufficult. It actually sickens me giving her formula during the day. I could and i have cried. She has thrieved on bm. Im still feeding her before she goes to bed and first thing in the morning. She latches on well but she clears both breasts in less than 5 minutes. Im just wondering if she is getting what she needs from me. My supply has naturally gone down- they look like deflated baloons

she seems satisifed after the feed though. Has anyone been in this situation before?

ariana` · 11-02-2015 10:21am

detoxkid wrote: »

Im still feeding her before she goes to bed and first thing in the morning. She latches on well but she clears both breasts in less than 5 minutes. Im just wondering if she is getting what she needs from me. My supply has naturally gone down- they look like deflated baloons she seems satisifed after the feed though. Has anyone been in this situation before?

Sounds like she's thriving. My lad was like this at that age too, fed in 5mins, and boobs always felt empty. I'd say you're doing grand. Sure she's probably getting porridge or something else a while later anyhow in the morning for b'fast? And at night if she's sleeping ok then she's had enough, i wouldn't worry. They get very efficient at feeding at that age and they need less cos they're getting solids throughout the day.

Don't beat yourself up about the formula, you've done a great job with your little lady and you're still giving her BM, what a gift

sonners · 11-02-2015 12:51pm

Soooky wrote: »

Well I think our breastfeeding journey is over after 14 months!! Had only been feeding bubs if and when she woke up during the night. She is on sippy cup now and has bottle of formula going to bed (introduced at 7.5 months following a health scare I had and the possibility of hospital admission leaving little bubs at home who had never taken a bottle ever!!!). She has now started sleeping through the night so no night feed now - I did consider introducing the boob in the morning but decided to leave be.

I am chuffed to have gotten this far :D At the start my goal was to reach 6 weeks!! Reading this thread from start to finish when baby was little was a life saver - thanks to all the lovely ladies here:D:D I will still poke my head in every now and again to see whats happening!!

I just wanted to ask if anyone else experienced the blues when finishing breastfeeding? Naturally, I am feeling sad that our breastfeeding journey has come to an end but I am thinking it is more than this? Maybe a drop in hormones or something? Feeling quite weepy and a little agitated? Anyone have any advise/experience of this? I'm wondering if there is a supplement I could take to help? TIA

Congrats Soooky on getting so far its a fantastic achievement.

Just wanted to agree with both you and Sligo1 and say I noticed a BIG drop in my moods when I finished up breastfeeding. The thing is though, I was aware of the issue before I stopped feeding. I was aware of it when I stopped feeding. But I still fell into a bit of a black hole for a month or two. There was other things going on with me at the time but still, I thought that because I was aware of it I would be ok and it wouldn't happen to me.

I would recommend letting those close to you know that this happens, its simply an effect of stopping and natural enough in itself. But I would let others know so they can keep an eye on you and ensure that the sadness doesn't stick around too long. Just a little tip from my own experience

Lola92 · 11-02-2015 3:45pm

cbyrd wrote: »

God almighty nothing I'm doing is right or that's how it feels anyway. Madam has not put on enough weight for the doctors and they are now insisting taking her in to fatten her up. She's putting on 2 ozs per week, is bright happy alert and meeting all her development markers except weight.
Not much said that her older siblings were the same, Formula top ups don't work cos she's full after a feed and just ends up puking. Same with the breastmilk top ups. So I saved the pumped milk for evening time and this worked. She still only put on 2 ozs that week. My nipples areblistered and sore from pumping, I've been using fennel tea and seeds and eating porridge drinking plenty of water.
So what am I doing wrong?? She pukes up the non dairy formula..
Sometimes I wonder if the doctors are too concerned with looking at the scales and not the baby..

Cybrd, it sounds like you are doing everything right. I wouldn't keep giving top ups if she is vomiting them, she must be overfull. It doesn't sound like you have supply issues if you are able to pump after a feed and she is satisfied after feeding at the breast. She knows her own appetite.
Some babies are just slighter than others, and naturally they won't put on the same weight week on week. The whole point of the centile scales for plotting development is that every single mark on the chart is within the normal range of growth and development. I think HCP's sometimes forget about that, and obsess with babies piling on the pounds. And then they wonder why there is a childhood obesity epidemic in this country? :rolleyes: The main thing is that she is putting on some weight, not loosing it consistently and is happy and alert otherwise. The baby is more important than the number on the scales.

I know it is a lot easier said than done but can you try and forget about the scales and putting so much pressure on yourself? Hard when there are HCP's breathing down your neck. If you still feel like you need some reassurance I would second the advice above of having a consult with an IBCLC certified lactation consultant to check latch and for milk transfer issues. If you are happy that baby is developing as she should you don't really need to keep subjecting yourself to criticism and pressure from the doctors.

As for the pump causing blisters and sores etc. is the pump flange the right size? Your nipples shouldn't be rubbing the inside of the tube (if you get what I mean) that friction could be what is causing it. I don't know what type of pump you have but with Medela's you can order different sized parts to best suit your shape.

cbyrd · 13-02-2015 9:54am

Well I have to say my faith in the medical profession is at an all time low.
I've spent the last 18 hours in a room with my little girl trying to get her to drink high calorie formula. The first one made her puke like I've never seen before.. She hardly ever possets.. The second she drank, then got snotty and I've listened to her struggling to get breath. The third she has refused.
I have the pleasure now of waiting for blood tests..I've had no sleep, nothing to eat and I'm wondering why they think this is better than a happy settled baby who's only problem in their eyes is she's not gaining weight fast enough. She's full of wind and mucus..
I was given a pump so I could express, I've been told over the last few weeks it's my supply that's the problem, I pumped 80 mls in 20 mins.. from one side.. I held off the other side cos I knew what she was like with formula before. most of the nurses, who are interacting with her are wondering what we're doing here..It's almost like the consultant is out to prove breastfeeding doesn't work.
The only upside is the hospital grade pump is amazing.. The little one I have is shÃte! I also found out that the medela website is where you hire them from.. If only this information was given to us 4 weeks ago.
I'm going home at 12 today, I told them yesterday that's their time frame. I know there's nothing wrong with her. My gp knows there's nothing wrong with her either.
The formula she's been given is peptasorb.. It's expensive.. It's been prescribed for her, wouldn't you wonder why they couldn't prescribe a pump, after all it would be so much cheaper... makes me wonder why they push formula so much.. would it have anything to do with money? or have I spent too much time cooped up in a sweltering room.

tinkerbell · 13-02-2015 11:48am

cbyrd, you NEED to have an LC visit you. Regarding that consultant, ask to see somebody else instead. That consultant may just be completely against breastfeeding.

Why are they giving you formula when clearly you are able to pump? That consultant definitely sounds like an anti-bf.

cbyrd · 13-02-2015 6:19pm

home now till Monday.. My poor little baba, her tiny hands are bruised and swollen from the bad (It is not a strong enough word) doctor stabbed her! after 3 failed attempts they went for the consultant who had it in in seconds. The first wagon doc tried to tell me the veins were dry from healing after the tubes in scbu... ffs.. how thick does she think I am!
They aren't talking barrium meals.. feeding via iv tubes :0 wtf??? this is complete overkill..
I drove to sligo after getting out, to pick up a pump. after 4 weeks of the hospital trying to source one, I had one in an hour thanks to Google and my phone!
I'm beyond angry.. I'm so disappointed and bewildered as to why so little help was offered even though we asked and asked.. dumb.. even the pharmacy was shocked that we weren't given any information, even more so that the lactation consultant didn't have the information to give us straight away. Thank god for here to rant and rave!

Sligo1 · 13-02-2015 6:27pm

Cbyrd, I would really advice getting a private lactation consultant. At least you will have het informed opinion. Then if breastfeeding is not working out for other medical reasons at least you will have peace of mind and be able to make well informed decisions.

cyning · 13-02-2015 6:47pm

Cbyrd I'm so angry for you... And for your babs. It seems so wrong: why do they want to do a barium meal? We had one at 4 months to confirm reflux is that what they are thinking? I can't understand why they are acting like this when baba is actually gaining weight, albeit slowly.

I really think an lc would help. Something like a tongue tie or milk transfer issue is solvable. Keep going what your doing x

cbyrd · 13-02-2015 10:49pm

Sligo1 wrote:

Cbyrd, I would really advice getting a private lactation consultant. At least you will have het informed opinion. Then if breastfeeding is not working out for other medical reasons at least you will have peace of mind and be able to make well informed decisions.

The breastfeeding is working to a point, that's the problem.. It's her suck that was inefficient, which left my supply low, the lactation consultant said, get a pump and pump and feed and that will bring the supply up, give her extra for a natural top up rather than formula. when she gets stronger so will the suck, which it is.

The biggest problem was getting a decent pump. sounds ridiculous but I didn't know where to get one. I asked everyone who said she needs more, how do I do it.. no-one gave us either a phone number or a website.. I, in my naivety, thought a hospital grade pump came through the hospital.. It DOESN'T!!! who knew..
now I have the pump.. I sat down for 20 minutes this eve and pumped 95 mls.. I now have 200 mls in the fridge.. fooking yay..
My biggest complaint is 4 weeks ago we were 'yellow carded' by the consultant who said I'm giving you 3 weeks to get her weight up. No advice, no direction, just out the door and figure it out ourselves. I Googled 'lactation consultant in castlebar' and found out there was one 2 doors up the corridor from the paediatrician. That's what makes me so angry. If I had then, the knowledge in have now, then I wouldn't be facing 3 more days in hospital next week.
My reasons for being so adamant with continued breastfeeding is the hell is went through with my now 5 year old when we switched to bottles for much the same reason as now. early in this thread is my frustration with his breastfeeding journey.
Dairy is not agreeable with my family, or my other half. My youngest 2 have reactions like eczema and tummy pain and diarrhea.

When you're pregnant, they push breastfeeding.. when the baby is out and you're home and there's a problem, it's difficult to get help. even today I was told Dublin was the closest place to get a pump. I again Googled.. phoned Wicklow, and found out Sligo and Galway pharmacys are agents on the west coast... It's like a comedy of errors with my baby suffering needlessly..

Again
sorry for the rant..

RentDayBlues · 13-02-2015 11:27pm

Cbyrd I think rant away, it really is a testament to the lack of support for breastfeeding in ireland. Here you are doing everything you can to feed your baby and all you seem to be getting from the so called health professionals is negativity and blame.

You are clearly doing what is best for your baby, I'm sorry that you have yet to find a supportive medic

cbyrd · 16-02-2015 5:50pm

I feel completely vindicated today. On Friday we left the hospital with Ailbhe after having to sign a form saying we discharged her against medical advice. I was arguing the point that as no test could be carried out over the weekend, we would go away and feed her as per the dietitians advice and come back on Monday.

The SHO argued with us and I almost felt like I was a negligent parent.

Over the weekend we charted every feed, amount and kind, so they could see what she was being fed. With the proper pump i can pump 100 mls now, she alternates EBM, Formula, and when she wants it, put her to the breast.

This morning, I went to the gp before we went to the hospital, I got her weighed and told him the story. He gave me the confidence to refuse any further treatment until we were given a chance on the feeding plan.

When we arrived on the ward, she was due a feed, I was told not to feed her as she was being sent for a barrium meal.
I told her, I was refusing until the baby was weighed and I had spoken to the dietitian and the doctor, not the sho but the head guy. The shutters came down and I could hear her think ' oh, one of these parents! '
They weighed her and did her vitals and about 20 mins later the dietitian arrived smiling all over and said ' well done ' she's put on 7 ozs!
The head guy arrived a few minutes later and said great job, see you here on March 4th to check again!
WOOHOO VICTORY
But if I hadn't dug in at the desk, she'd be having unnecessary tests right now!
Thanks for all your support over the last few days, it really helped!

tinkerbell · 16-02-2015 5:56pm

That's great news!!!!!!!!!! I'm so thrilled for you. And I'm disgusted at the way you've been treated :mad:

cyning · 16-02-2015 6:02pm

Oh Cbyrd like tinkerbell I'm both thrilled and disgusted for you... I hope it's the start of a smoother ride for you x

fall · 16-02-2015 7:09pm

Fair play to you Cyning. Your mother' s instincts saved your little one a lot of grief.

kandr10 · 16-02-2015 7:59pm

Cbyrd I've been following your story. Thrilled for you. Disgusted at the lack of support you got. You were failed by the health system completely. Well done to you and your little girl

Lola92 · 16-02-2015 9:52pm

Delighted for you and Ailbhe, Cbyrd!

How Strange · 17-02-2015 12:08am

Cbyrd you should feel very proud of yourself. Ailbhe is one very lucky girl to have such a determined mammy.

When you feel up to it would you consider emailing Siobhan Hourigan, the HSE breastfeeding coordinator and tell her your experience.

cbyrd · 17-02-2015 2:36pm

How Strange wrote:

When you feel up to it would you consider emailing Siobhan Hourigan, the HSE breastfeeding coordinator and tell her your experience.

I would very much like to tell her!

cyning · 17-02-2015 7:05pm

cbyrd wrote: »

I would very much like to tell her!

Send it to the Hse's Your Service Your Say too... I got an apology over them missing a tongue tie when she was born and that they kept trying to take her away from me when she was cluster feeding to bring her to the "nursery". An apology means the world sometimes, and they hopefully won't do it to someone else.

How Strange · 17-02-2015 11:33pm

I emailed both after I had mastitis on A, 1 week after birth, and the doctor in the coombe completely dismissed my concerns about a 5 day antibiotics course instead of 10 days as per HSE fact sheet. Apparently, the coombe like to do it their own way but at least I found out.

FurBabyMomma · 19-02-2015 10:56am

Cbyrd if I could give you a medal I would. You have been so strong in the face of what is outright bullying by the medical profession. Well done for standing your ground and doing right by your baby. No wonder breastfeeding rates are so low in this country; imagine a ftm going through this, I doubt she would be able to continue with such a lack of support. I'm raging for you!!!

livinsane · 19-02-2015 12:31pm

In my sister's kitchen this week, having the chat, when I hear my 4yr old niece calling MAAAM! from the next room. I go in to see what the matter is, and find that my 16 month old son has pulled her t-shirt down by the neck and is millimetres away from latching on to her! She was not happy, telling us she won't have milkies until she's five! In his defence, he was knackered and I was too busy talking.

kandr10 · 19-02-2015 12:46pm

livinsane wrote: »

In my sister's kitchen this week, having the chat, when I hear my 4yr old niece calling MAAAM! from the next room. I go in to see what the matter is, and find that my 16 month old son has pulled her t-shirt down by the neck and is millimetres away from latching on to her! She was not happy, telling us she won't have milkies until she's five! In his defence, he was knackered and I was too busy talking.

That is the funniest thing I've ever heard!!!

FurBabyMomma · 19-02-2015 3:15pm

livinsane wrote: »

In my sister's kitchen this week, having the chat, when I hear my 4yr old niece calling MAAAM! from the next room. I go in to see what the matter is, and find that my 16 month old son has pulled her t-shirt down by the neck and is millimetres away from latching on to her! She was not happy, telling us she won't have milkies until she's five! In his defence, he was knackered and I was too busy talking.

Funniest thing I've heard all week

73trix · 19-02-2015 4:18pm

OMG!!:eek::D

73trix · 19-02-2015 4:29pm

Ok so my little one has lost weight since last weighing at breastfeeding support group. I got a bit of a land as he has always had a steady gain. He lost 5 oz instead of his usual 3-4oz gain. He has had an ear infection and diarrhea (either from antibiotics or teething or as PHN said, both) and she said that this could explain things and that if he is otherwise in good form (he is) that I shouldnt be concerned. He finished his antibotics in Monday but still has 3-4 loose stools per day. PHN didn't seem concerned. But the fact is that he usually goes after i feed him so the feed is essentially running thro him. She said to keep feeding as much as I can and queried if my supply was down. I'm not sure as he appears to be feeding as much as ever only that he poos it back out a few times a day.

Has anyone any similar experiences? It prob doesn't sound much ( he is now 15lb 3) but i was so used to the steady gain I was a bit dismayed and wondering about it being my fault. I asked her about starting solids soon (he is 20wks ) and she advised to leave til 6months. I'm now thinking ..is he getting enough?

I had been giving a supplementary bottle of formula til the illness and decided to stop it until he was better- nearly 2 weeks ago. I'm wondering how much of a dif did that make? Or could it just be a combination of everything?

There are lots of people who think you shouldn't get regular weighings at this point as it can only be a head wreck and I can see why cos I wouldn't have been any the wiser only that my boy seems perfectly content and is feeding regularly. YET, I'll be first in line at next group to see if he has gone up again..

Also, I was wondering about reintroducing the formula bottle but then while he still has the loose stools, I'm not sure but if its co-incidence and due to the teething, that wouldn't make a difference would it?

tinkerbell · 19-02-2015 8:49pm

73trix, how often do you weigh your baby? My paed told me not to be obsessed with the scales and so to weigh baby at the usual check ups - 3m, 6m, etc. so long as baby is having the required amount of wet nappies, dirty nappies are right consistency, and seems well. That is how you tell if baby is getting enough.

I'm not sure I understand the issue with the loose stools? sure that's a bf baby's poop, it's gonna be loose. Sometimes bf babies can go a few days with no poo and then other times can have lots per day.

73trix · 19-02-2015 9:29pm

tinkerbell wrote: »

73trix, how often do you weigh your baby? My paed told me not to be obsessed with the scales and so to weigh baby at the usual check ups - 3m, 6m, etc. so long as baby is having the required amount of wet nappies, dirty nappies are right consistency, and seems well. That is how you tell if baby is getting enough.

I'm not sure I understand the issue with the loose stools? sure that's a bf baby's poop, it's gonna be loose. Sometimes bf babies can go a few days with no poo and then other times can have lots per day.

I get him weighed every 2 weeks at the breastfeeding support group. Everyone there gets their babies weighed so I've kept doing it. Maybe you're right and I should just stop now. He is fine after all.

I was worried that it was connected to the ? diarrhea as he had been only having one poo every 3-4 days for about 8 weeks and then suddenly several and after most feeds. Then as this was new, I worried was it because the feeds were literally going thro him but of course you are right, he had multi watery, loose, goey nappies in the first few months and they were normal then! I guess it all happened at the same time as his ear infection and antibiotics so I out it down to that but when he lost weight I got worried.

How Strange · 19-02-2015 9:49pm

I think you're blessed to have such a pragmatic phn. I never got mine weighed so I can't say if they lost weight when they were sick. My daughter was quite sick and out of sorts at 10 weeks.

You've hit a breastfeeding speed bump and your confidence in the whole process is shaken. That's understandably but your little one has gotten to 15lb at 20 weeks because of breastmilk so it's clearly good for him.

73trix · 19-02-2015 11:02pm

How Strange wrote: »

I think you're blessed to have such a pragmatic phn. I never got mine weighed so I can't say if they lost weight when they were sick. My daughter was quite sick and out of sorts at 10 weeks.

You've hit a breastfeeding speed bump and your confidence in the whole process is shaken. That's understandably but your little one has gotten to 15lb at 20 weeks because of breastmilk so it's clearly good for him.

You are right, howstrange, thank you. I got such a land. I'm trying to find the reasons for the weight loss but ultimately I'm worried that its my fault for not feeding him enough/ low supply. It's the first drop in his weight at 20wks so I guess up til then he was gaining steadily. ONe wobble and I'm a wreck! Maybe time for me to stop getting him weighed... as regularly anyway!

FurBabyMomma · 19-02-2015 11:55pm

73trix my bf meeting doesn't weigh babies. And tbh I think them weighing babies every two weeks is unhealthy and makes mums competitive and obsessive about weight gain, which can be detrimental to individual babies - for example my baby was only 6lbs 15oz at birth so she'll always be on the small side. But she's gaining over time and it will all even out by school! Also I feel weight obsession has people rushing their babies onto solids and trying to bulk them up before their little guts are ready. I don't think 6 months is long in the context of the rest of their lives. I'd say relax, you're doing great x

AndyBoBandy · 20-02-2015 1:50pm

Hi folks,

my first time posting in here, so here goes!

My partner is really struggling with mastitis at the moment, our son was born 4 weeks ago, we started him on both breasts, which although quite painful, we were coping (cracked nipples etc..).
About 10 days in, my partner came down with a bout of mastitis (serious cold/hot flushes, redness, lumps), we went to our GP and he prescribed us 7 days of Flucox & 7 days of penicillin, after calling the hospital, they said they would only have given the Flucox, so we only took the flucox from the pharmacy. Around about the time we started with the anti biotic, we switched to pumping the milk and giving it to him in a bottle. (it was just too much pain for my partner to breastfeed)
Initially through pumping, the left breast (mastitis breast) was providing about 20-30 mL of milk, while the right (good) breast was giving about 60-70 mL of milk. towards the end of the course of antibiotics, the left breast produced more and more milk each time, eventually matching the good breast. all throughout the course of antibiotics, we were massaging the affected breast, slowing reducing the lumps that had formed.

About 2-3 days after we finished the course of antibiotics, the hot/cold flushes returned, so we immediately went back to the GP for more flucox, (this time 10 days worth, as that's what the public health nurse said should have been initially prescribed), we also took the 10 days worth of penicillin this time.
The redness reduced, however (now 8 days into the 2nd prescription) we still have a large golf ball sized lump right behind the nipple, which is drastically reducing the amount of milk we can express from the left breast (10-15 mL if we are lucky), (we also have 2 small lumps from the original bout which we & the doctor now suspect are abscess).

Been back to the GP today and he gave us an additional 5 days worth of antibiotics & penicillin, but also told me to call the hospital and see what they say regarding the lumps, as they might need to be drained. Called and left a voicemail with the Holles St. breastfeeding clinic, so waiting to hear back from them to see where to go from here!

My partner is getting really upset about the whole thing now, even talking of giving up on expressing altogether, (despite easily producing lots of milk when both breasts are fully functioning (before the mastitis came back, she was producing 180-190 mls total in a session)).

Baby is flying along, as we have been supplementing with formula as required, and he's in great form.

I'm just worried about mammy as I can see it's affecting her in a big way, I'm trying to support her as best I can, but I fear its a losing battle.
She's worried that any puss removal from abscess will be a big procedure, and mean she will have to stop expressing completely!

Anyone have any advice? been in a similar situation?
or just able to tell me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks.
Andy

cyning · 20-02-2015 4:56pm

Hi andy your wife sounds amazing and congratulations

also it's great to see you looking to support her.

First things first I'd get to see or talk to a lactation consultant privately: some of the hospital ones can be hit and miss. You can find one for your area at www.alcireland.ie because they are the experts at breastfeeding... Secondly what sort of pump is she using? Would ye hire a hospital grade one if ye aren't already to see if it helps emptying the breast to help stop mastitis developing.

I wish I had more advice for you but if hope ye get through this

AndyBoBandy · 20-02-2015 5:11pm

cyning wrote: »

Hi andy your wife sounds amazing and congratulations also it's great to see you looking to support her.

First things first I'd get to see or talk to a lactation consultant privately: some of the hospital ones can be hit and miss. You can find one for your area at www.alcireland.ie because they are the experts at breastfeeding... Secondly what sort of pump is she using? Would ye hire a hospital grade one if ye aren't already to see if it helps emptying the breast to help stop mastitis developing.

I wish I had more advice for you but if hope ye get through this

Thanks for the reply,

The hospital called me back and I spoke to a lovely woman who put me at ease a little bit, she said that as long as any lumps were not getting worse, and didn't have red or bruised areas around them, and weren't 'jump off your seat' painful, she wouldn't be too worried, she said it can take 2-4 weeks for the lumps to fully disappear, and during mastitis, the breast goes into shock mode, and production would decrease significantly.

She said to monitor it over the weekend and if there was no improvement, or things worsened, to call them back, and arrange to come in to be checked out, but if we felt the situation needed urgent attention, to come it at any time.

I just need to relay all of this to my OH, and try and put her at ease.
I understand she's in a difficult place, with all thats gone on with her body over the last 4 weeks (not to mention 9 months (which went really well)). I think she's frustrated now more than anything, as she wants to be healthy and to feel normal again.

We started using a Tommee Tippee manual pump, which was rubbish (I bought it during pregnancy as a just in case we need it).
We now have a Tommee Tippee electric pump which is fantastic on the functioning breast, but not so great now on the mastitis breast (although I think its because the large lump is right behind the nipple), originally when the mastitis showed up, we could still pump 20-30 ml from the affected breast, but now, with the new lump behind the nipple, we'll only get maybe 10 ml.

tinkerbell · 20-02-2015 6:56pm

Your poor missus

First of all, forget the pumping in isolation. Your wife needs to breastfeed. Painful n all as it is gonna be, she needs to feed - a pump is not the answer when it comes to mastitis. She needs to take to the bed with baby and just feed and rest. Baby is far more effective at draining the breast than a pump is. And call a private lactation consultant for a home visit. Cracked nipples etc are not just something you accept happens with breastfeeding - it's because the latch is wrong, and with cracked nipples then you are seriously prone to infection (mastitis).

I can understand why it reoccurred if she didn't get the latch checked and was just pumping and using a manual pump, holy crap a manual :eek: If trying to pump through mastitis then you probably need the hospital grade €100pm rental). Hope your wife feels better but if she wants to continue with it then she has to see a lactation consultant. They are worth their weight in gold and in my experience, key to a successful breastfeeding journey. Good luck!

tinkerbell · 20-02-2015 9:37pm

Just saw you're based in Dublin, there's lots of LCs in Dublin, you might even get one out tomorrow. Seriously call an LC (you can on some policies claim part/all of the cost back (around €100) on your health insurance). A GP will only help with the infection. In my experience the hospital help is hopeless. To fix the latch you need professional help. And if you can get someone out tomorrow then happy days.

http://www.alcireland.ie/find-a-consultant/

moominn · 21-02-2015 1:14am

I second everything tinkerbelle said, she needs to get baby back on the breast asap! A lactation consultant can help improve latch thereby eliminating pain, cracked nipples etc... Best of luck xx

FurBabyMomma · 21-02-2015 7:48am

Hi Andy, congratulations to you and your partner, sounds like you are both doing amazingly. This is probably the most challenging time but she's lucky to have your support.

I can't remember if anyone has advised this yet but has the baby been checked for tongue tie? Often behind incorrect latch and cracked nipples. Don't have any advice about the mastitis tbh but just wanted to share a couple of words of encouragement. When I was pregnant I actually was grossed out by breastfeeding but figured I'd do it because I felt it was best for baby. I had issues with cracked nipples and cluster feeding at the start so really didn't enjoy it but I'm stubborn so I persevered. Now I'm nearly 5 months in and I can honestly say I love bf. I'm proud my milk makes my daughter thrive, i love how content it makes her, I love holding her little hand and feeling her body close and that bond we have. So just to let you and your partner know it does get better.

Also on Fb there is a group called Extended Breastfeeding in Ireland. Now there are some ladies in there imo who can be ott, just to warn you. But it's also a great source of advice and support and a safe place for your partner to vent. Good luck x

How Strange · 21-02-2015 8:17am

I've had mastitis on each baby, when they were less than a week old and I had the cracked nipples etc too. Neither had tongue tie though my daughters was a little restricted. On both times feeding from the sore breast helped clear the blockage. It may seem counterintuitive when you're in that much pain but it works.

Then get the latch checked. On both of mine a small adjustment in how they latched and how I held them made all the difference. She really needs to see an LC. A la lechce league or ciudiu leader would also help as they're highly qualified.

Hot baths and massaging towards the nipple really help. Again it's sore but very effective. She should take baths a few times a day, as hot as she can bear and with the sore breast in the water.

Then total bed rest and feeding the baby from the sore breast first as regularly as every hour for around 24hrs would help. After that she should stay in bed and feed from the sore breast first on the first signs of baby mooching. On both babies I propped myself in front of the tv all night and fed through the night.

I'm sorry she's been through the mill but it seems she didn't get the right course of antibiotics at the beginning.

Mastitis is a debilitating infection which drains you of all energy. The main thing is not to stop feeding from the breast until the infection clears.

Hopefully things will get better for her soon but she's amazing for sticking with it through all of this. She's also lucky to have a supportive partner as that's half the battle when you've a newborn, you're sick and your hormones are going crazy.

madeinamerica · 24-02-2015 3:16am

Andy I don't have any advice to add here, just wanted to say that ye are doing great so far, fair play to mum for sticking with it and to you for supporting her so well. I'm sure it will get better.

madeinamerica · 24-02-2015 3:26am

Ouch. My little fella has just sprung two wee bottom teeth. It's fine while he is feeding, I wouldn't know any different. But at the end of a feed he sometimes has a wee nip, well more like he's pressing his gums together when he gets a bit excited at the end of a feed. Ow! No blood but i literally have had the imprint of two teeth in my nipple. He's done it quite a few times now. The last few times i tried to say in a serious voice 'no biting, R'. It's had mixed results, from him getting an awful shock and nearly crying to him thinking it's funny and going back to give me another cheeky nip (seriously, he's just shy of 6 months old, he can't understand divilment yet, can he?). But it hasn't stopped him. I'm trying to keep an eye and take him off before he gets giddy, but don't always think of it. How do I stop him?! Will he stop himself?

73trix · 24-02-2015 10:18am

How Strange wrote: »

I've had mastitis on each baby, when they were less than a week old and I had the cracked nipples etc too. Neither had tongue tie though my daughters was a little restricted. On both times feeding from the sore breast helped clear the blockage. It may seem counterintuitive when you're in that much pain but it works.

Then get the latch checked. On both of mine a small adjustment in how they latched and how I held them made all the difference. She really needs to see an LC. A la lechce league or ciudiu leader would also help as they're highly qualified.

Hot baths and massaging towards the nipple really help. Again it's sore but very effective. She should take baths a few times a day, as hot as she can bear and with the sore breast in the water.

Then total bed rest and feeding the baby from the sore breast first as regularly as every hour for around 24hrs would help. After that she should stay in bed and feed from the sore breast first on the first signs of baby mooching. On both babies I propped myself in front of the tv all night and fed through the night.

I'm sorry she's been through the mill but it seems she didn't get the right course of antibiotics at the beginning.

Mastitis is a debilitating infection which drains you of all energy. The main thing is not to stop feeding from the breast until the infection clears.

Hopefully things will get better for her soon but she's amazing for sticking with it through all of this. She's also lucky to have a supportive partner as that's half the battle when you've a newborn, you're sick and your hormones are going crazy.

Do you always need antibiotics? I thought yesterday I had mastitis but not so sure today. My right boob was sooooo sore and I was getting aches and pains - very flu like. I did the hot compress, tried to pump a bit and took to bed at 8 pm with paracetamol. This morning after a couple feeds my breast feels better but still have aches. Was going to take to bed for the day and feed as much as poss.

If it is mastitis would my boob have recovered itself? Could I have had a blocked duct and it's a coincidence that I'm feeling flu y.

Sligo1 · 24-02-2015 10:35am

73trix wrote: »

Do you always need antibiotics? I thought yesterday I had mastitis but not so sure today. My right boob was sooooo sore and I was getting aches and pains - very flu like. I did the hot compress, tried to pump a bit and took to bed at 8 pm with paracetamol. This morning after a couple feeds my breast feels better but still have aches. Was going to take to bed for the day and feed as much as poss.

If it is mastitis would my boob have recovered itself? Could I have had a blocked duct and it's a coincidence that I'm feeling flu y.

It is possible you may just have a blocked duct. Do you have a temperature? I think antibiotics would only be prescribed for mastitis if there are signs of infection for example temperature. Or if there was any puss etc coming from nipple. I'm open to correction on this.... I was
Prescribed antibiotics for mastitis when I was Pyrexic and had to be admitted.

If you are having temperatures etc I would go to your GP and they will prescribe you an antibiotic and possibly an anti inflammatory if you need one for the pain.

How Strange · 24-02-2015 2:00pm

On my son I had mastitis and at 10 weeks a blocked duct. I looked it up and the general advise was the same as treating mastitis and if the temperature hadn't come down in 24 hours to go to your gp for an antibiotic. Thankfully, I caught it in time and treated it myself.

When I had mastitis with my daughter it was a very hot day so I confused the sweating with the post birth hormones and the warm weather so I didn't react quickly enough.

Soooky · 28-02-2015 12:43am

Just been reading this weeks Closer magazine and in an interview with the singer Kelly Clarkson she says that she breastfed her baby until she was 3 months old and that her baby slept for 12 hour stretches from 2 weeks old!!
WTF :eek:- is this even possible? Surely a 2 week old breastfed baby needs to be fed at least every 3 hours even during the night? What about the cluster feeding and growth spurts?

Surely this gives a very unrealistic view to new mamas reading it, make them feel like they are doing something wrong!

FurBabyMomma · 28-02-2015 2:02am

Soooky wrote: »

Just been reading this weeks Closer magazine and in an interview with the singer Kelly Clarkson she says that she breastfed her baby until she was 3 months old and that her baby slept for 12 hour stretches from 2 weeks old!!
WTF :eek:- is this even possible? Surely a 2 week old breastfed baby needs to be fed at least every 3 hours even during the night? What about the cluster feeding and growth spurts?

Surely this gives a very unrealistic view to new mamas reading it, make them feel like they are doing something wrong!

She probably didn't notice the night nanny taking the baby every couple of hours and filling it full of formula

Seriously though, no baby should sleep that long at that age and saying so could be downright damaging by setting people up for unrealistic and unhealthy expectations.

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