The Breast Feeding Support Thread

How Strange · 12-03-2013 11:43pm

yellow hen I completely understand your desire to give a bottle of formula to help him sleep more at night but it's very much normal that they cluster feed at night time. Your body creates extra hormones that are transferred via your milk in the evening and at night. He's also working on establishing your supply. Introducing formula can negatively affect your milk supply especially at such an early stage.

It's so tough going at start because the feeding, particularly in the evening and at night, is so intense but it does pass within a few weeks.

I know my son started to stretch out his night feeds around 4 weeks and sleep maybe 4-5 hours straight which made me feel like I'd won the lottery!

scrgirl · 13-03-2013 10:23am

I'm no expert as ftm too but when my LO was 4 weeks we had to express and top up due to tongue tie and low weight for 3 weeks. It totally messed up my milk getting established. Now I have oversupply in one boob, boobs are lob sided baby's nappies are constantly green due to os. I'd recommend leaving all the topping up and expressing until after 6 weeks. My LO was terrible night sleeper for first 2 weeks too so we just kept him in the bed, poor little thing just wanted to be close to me not all alone in his crib, as soon as we did that we all got sleep. We still co sleep snd its do lovely and snugly!
I know it's been said probably a million times but the first 5-6 weeks are so exhausting but then it suddenly gets easier and you will miss the newborn stage!
I basically had lots of feeding problems due to tongue tie so I accepted I would be not moving for a while and just fed the baby all day on the couch or in bed. When I look back it flew by but during that period I thought it would never end! Now it's a doddle and we are out and about everyday.
Best of luck and congratulations!

dublinlady · 14-03-2013 10:07pm

Little qn on soothers!
Beastfed daughter for 14 weeks and she had a soother a lot of the time until 5 months when I very cruelly hid it... But I can't remember when I gave it to her first?! I think it was after 2 weeks, but my husband says it was in the hospital! I gave it to her as she wanted to be fed as comfort continuously and it was that or give up for me an it worked a treat - but surely giving it a day or 2 after birth would cause nipple confusion? I'm due my second in 7 weeks an just not sure whether to pack them in hosp bag or not! They certainly helped my breastfeeding cause and didn't hinder it at all but how soon is too soon?
I gave her one expressed bottle a day from 2 weeks also which worked fab for us as she happily took from either breast or bottle then and didn't mind weaning at all - in fact she's so weirdly independent I don't think she ever craved the closeness or affection from it that it did!!!! Now she's one I do get some hugs back but it a push...!! She's v funny and strong willed! I've a feeling she'll be a lot more interested in cuddles when number 2 arrives....!:rolleyes:

How Strange · 14-03-2013 11:17pm

I gave my son a soother in the first week and we breastfed for a year so it was fine for us too. I suppose the problems emerge if you've got a sleepy baby or one that doesn't wake frequently for feeding. The same with using bottles early.

My son was a guzzler so he'd take whatever was on offer.

I think it's down to the individual baby but soothers and bottles can interfere with breastfeeding.

I'm wondering whether to hold off on a soother altogether as its the bane of your life once they get used to it but can't keep it in their mouth especially at nighttime. I remember having to hold it in his mouth for hours at night so I got very little sleep. Perhaps having him latched on to me constantly would've been better!

cyning · 15-03-2013 12:51am

The midwife took my little girl and all the other babies in the ward to the nursery the second night in (would not do the nursery bit again btw) and gave her a soother. No idea where it came from either come to think if it... i always planned on her having one anyway. I used to use it to latch her off after an hour plus feeding when I was convinced I had become a human dummy! I still use it to break her latch at night but she drops it and doesn't look for it after a few minutes so its not too bad. She's not allowed it during the day when playing etc especially now she's saying mama and dada

although she does use it as a teether too at times.

I gave expressed bottles at start too because she wouldn't latch on one side properly so I had to pump that side for ages to keep supply up.

I wish I knew all I know now about feeding etc then!

dublinlady · 15-03-2013 9:52am

Yeah I took it off her at 5 months - the same time we put her into a proper routine.. Poor child! But - we did it for that reason - she couldn't find it at night and I'd be up every 30 mins to give it back to her! I plan to do the same this time cos I found she wasn't too bothered at that age - was like she didn't understand - whereas if she was older I think it would have been a nightmare to get off he!! I tried to give her one about a month ago as she was having a melt down in a restaurant and she looked at it, chewed the handle, didn't get it and chucked it!!!!

Thanks fir the advise / its bad I can't remember this from only a yr ago!!!!
I'm hoping breast feeding goes much smoother this time from experience and a more relaxed & understanding attitude! This time I'm mentally prepared to give myself over to it whereas last time I struggled with my lack of independence! I know what's ways work best for me this time too - just hope this baby agrees!
Last time I had horrendous passing if clots etc for first 2 weeks, this time I know that passes & becomes so easy!
Although my challenge will be to get a latch without nipple shields - ill be really happy if I do that as didn't manage last time! I think that was cos I let the midwife panic me in first few days in the hosp - this time ill have more faith in my bodies abilities!!!

How Strange · 15-03-2013 4:34pm

Dublinlady I was the same the last time around. At the start I was hung up on feeding times, being freaked out by cluster feeding etc. This time around I know much more and I hope I'll be a bit more relaxed and just go with the cluster feeding, growth spurt days etc instead of resenting being 'tied' to a baby. Everything is a phase which will pass.

littlemissfixit · 15-03-2013 11:03pm

Just regarding the soother, I think it really depends on the baby, my daughter was a very bad feeder from the start and was given a bottle on day two by the nurse in hospital and I am convinced this only made the problem worst (subsequently had to express for over 6 weeks before she fed properly at breast)
On the other hand, my son was a very good feeder, and although I didn't chance giving him bottle or soother before a few weeks in, it might not have cause any problem.
My opinion, from a bad experience, is I wouldn't risk it until you have established the baby is feeding well.

About forgetting how it was only a year on, I couldn't believe it myself, and its not the last of the things you will be trying to remember, I've spent the first 4 months of my son asking myself "did she do this at this time? Was she this bad at going to sleep? Did she feed so often?..." I wished I had noted everything down, not because there is much point in knowing since they are so different, but for pure curiosity!

scaryfairy · 16-03-2013 9:26am

hi Ladies,

It's probably a silly question that I have but here it goes... My ds is just over 5 months now, and he is ebf. Will only start solids once he turns 6 months. I know there are all sorts of things that you cannot eat while breastfeeding, but wondering, whether it changes as the baby gets older, ie are they a bit less sensitive? To make sure that he doesn't get an upset tummy, I have been eating very few types of veggies and fruit (not into spicy stuff anyhow), but would love to eat a better variety! so: is it OK for me to start eating say berries etc?

thanks a mill!
sf

How Strange · 16-03-2013 9:33am

scaryfairy I found that after the first 3 months I could eat pretty much anything. I think by that stage their tummies are fairy mature so can better handle foods that cause wind etc.

littlemissfixit · 16-03-2013 10:57am

scaryfairy wrote: »

hi Ladies,

It's probably a silly question that I have but here it goes... My ds is just over 5 months now, and he is ebf. Will only start solids once he turns 6 months. I know there are all sorts of things that you cannot eat while breastfeeding, but wondering, whether it changes as the baby gets older, ie are they a bit less sensitive? To make sure that he doesn't get an upset tummy, I have been eating very few types of veggies and fruit (not into spicy stuff anyhow), but would love to eat a better variety! so: is it OK for me to start eating say berries etc?

thanks a mill!
sf

Im a bit puzzled, I ate anything while breastfeeding, if anything seemed to make them gassy I would reduce that particular thing to let them time to adjust, apart from caffeine & alcohol, but really never heard you shouldn't eat some fruits or vegs!?

IvyTheTerrible · 16-03-2013 11:06am

littlemissfixit wrote: »

Im a bit puzzled, I ate anything while breastfeeding, if anything seemed to make them gassy I would reduce that particular thing to let them time to adjust, apart from caffeine & alcohol, but really never heard you shouldn't eat some fruits or vegs!?

The only vegs I heard can cause gas are turnips. Garlic and onions can also upset baby's tummy, but as How Strange said, that's usually early on.

cyning · 16-03-2013 11:06am

I eat anything and everything: my LC told me at the start just to eat what I would normally eat so I always have. The only thing I don't eat is sweet and sour from Chinese because every time I ate it she got quite windy... I would seriously work away and eat what you like. If there's something you eat she seems not to like you could avoid that then?

scrgirl · 16-03-2013 2:26pm

I eat most things too, spicy etc i avoid broccoli and Brussels sprouts! That's it.

How Strange · 16-03-2013 4:38pm

Hummus and asparagus were the two offending foods for us.

IvyTheTerrible · 16-03-2013 4:47pm

How Strange wrote: »

Hummus and asparagus were the two offending foods for us.

Yeah chickpeas, that makes sense...ahem anything that makes adults very "gassy" can be a trigger!

cyning · 16-03-2013 5:51pm

Oh thank god broccoli was never an issue here it's the only green veg I like!

Neyite · 16-03-2013 6:27pm

scaryfairy wrote: »

hi Ladies,

It's probably a silly question that I have but here it goes... My ds is just over 5 months now, and he is ebf. Will only start solids once he turns 6 months. I know there are all sorts of things that you cannot eat while breastfeeding, but wondering, whether it changes as the baby gets older, ie are they a bit less sensitive? To make sure that he doesn't get an upset tummy, I have been eating very few types of veggies and fruit (not into spicy stuff anyhow), but would love to eat a better variety! so: is it OK for me to start eating say berries etc?

thanks a mill!
sf

Um, there was nothing I avoided eating while breastfeeding, I even had a glass or two of wine when there were long stretches between feeds. Unless baby reacted to something via your milk previously then I wouldnt have cut it out of your diet, and see no reason for you not to eat what you like now.

yellow hen · 16-03-2013 8:42pm

Just on the food thing. Our little man is 12 days old now and his nappies are always vibrant yellow. Bit even a brown hue to them.... Just bright yellow. Is that normal for a breastfed baby or is it something that I'm eating?
On the aside, they're v runny too but the midwife told us that a breastfed baby takes everything good from the milk and generally only excretes the water content.

CrowWoman · 16-03-2013 8:48pm

Yellow and runny sounds perfect for a healthy, breast-fed baby.

It probably sounds odd but I miss that now LittleMan's spoon feeding.

Neyite · 16-03-2013 8:49pm

yellow hen wrote: »

Just on the food thing. Our little man is 12 days old now and his nappies are always vibrant yellow. Bit even a brown hue to them.... Just bright yellow. Is that normal for a breastfed baby or is it something that I'm eating?
On the aside, they're v runny too but the midwife told us that a breastfed baby takes everything good from the milk and generally only excretes the water content.

Mustard yellow/light brown flecks is the correct colour. Darker or greener indicates he is only drinking the foremilk, not the fattier hindmilk. Runny is also normal.

yellow hen · 16-03-2013 9:07pm

Neyite wrote: »

Mustard yellow/light brown flecks is the correct colour. Darker or greener indicates he is only drinking the foremilk, not the fattier hindmilk. Runny is also normal.

Thanks neyite. They just seem to be getting runnier! His new trick this week is peeing up his own back! We just thought he was sweaty! Today we moved him on to the size 2 pampers nappies and made sure his little willy was pointing down and he still managed to soak himself. Did this happen anyone else? Sorry I probably shouldn't be posting this in the breastfeeding thread.

How Strange · 16-03-2013 9:11pm

yellow hen you'll be shocked and amazed at how far up their backs they can get their wee and poo. I always found the likelihood increased dramatically late at night/early in the morning.

yellow hen · 16-03-2013 9:23pm

How Strange wrote: »

yellow hen you'll be shocked and amazed at how far up their backs they can get their wee and poo. I always found the likelihood increased dramatically late at night/early in the morning.

I can understand how poo gets up there but wee??? I thought it was almost an impossibility!! and you're right, for the most part it's at night that he's doing it!!

emer_b · 17-03-2013 1:09am

yellow hen wrote: »

I can understand how poo gets up there but wee??? I thought it was almost an impossibility!! and you're right, for the most part it's at night that he's doing it!!

Yellow Hen, the pee/poo can just get anywhere, it's amazing. Especially during the night when they tend to go a little longer between nappy changes. The runny poos are normal for breastfed babies, slightly messy at times but the great thing is they hardly smell at all.

With regard to the food I find that eating citrus fruits makes my baby spit up a lot. I used to eat loads of fruit but am restricted to apples and pears for the last 6 months. I drank a small glass of orange juice a few weeks ago and she was spitting up within a few hours.

IvyTheTerrible · 17-03-2013 11:33am

How Strange wrote: »

yellow hen you'll be shocked and amazed at how far up their backs they can get their wee and poo. I always found the likelihood increased dramatically late at night/early in the morning.

For some reason, when my baby was younger, he didn't leak at night, but if he was in the carseat and had a poo, it ALWAYS leaked...every time!

littlemissfixit · 17-03-2013 3:44pm

That happened to my boy this week for the first time he was all wet up his back, but even the nappy wasn't all wet, it just seemed to have leaked out without touching the nappy!!! I just put it doen to the nappy being fitted too loosely.

cyning · 17-03-2013 5:02pm

One of the times my little girl was really constipated I had her up in a carrier walking around town: i think it had been 3 days: we had poo in her armpits all down my top, my jeans, everywhere: after that I stopped being surprised!!

I've had one or two pees leaks but always at night... Poo leaks were frequent though!

implausible · 18-03-2013 11:26pm

scaryfairy wrote: »

It's probably a silly question that I have but here it goes... My ds is just over 5 months now, and he is ebf. Will only start solids once he turns 6 months. I know there are all sorts of things that you cannot eat while breastfeeding, but wondering, whether it changes as the baby gets older, ie are they a bit less sensitive? To make sure that he doesn't get an upset tummy, I have been eating very few types of veggies and fruit (not into spicy stuff anyhow), but would love to eat a better variety! so: is it OK for me to start eating say berries etc?

Not a silly question, but a common misconception. My PHN at our ante-natal classes told us we couldn't eat chocolate if we were breastfeeding! Listening to that would really put women off.

Every baby and mammy is different, but in general some babies react to some things and that's it. I ate everything and neither of my two reacted to any food. It has to be good for them to get a variety of tastes through your milk. You also need to eat a varied diet for yourself to keep your strength and energy up.

shelly6 · 19-03-2013 6:19pm

I pretty much ate everything while I was bfing. I did my last feed on Sunday and really missed it this morning. :-(

liliq · 19-03-2013 8:31pm

I read a theory that the more varied your diet the more likely your baby is to enjoy different tastes as they grow up.
I only avoid drinking more that two glasses of wine or more than 2 or sometimes 3 strong cups of coffee a day. I do know some foods can affect some babies, but generally most mamas can eat whatever they want

yellow hen · 19-03-2013 9:00pm

I thought that my foods were causing the baby to have very runny poos but the public health nurse today told me that breast milk is a natural laxative! I never knew that.

At the minute our 2 week old feeds approx every 3 hours during the day and then at night it's a bit all over the place. During the day I wake him after 3 hours to feed him but at night should I just let him sleep until he wakes up himself?

littlemissfixit · 19-03-2013 9:55pm

If you're lucky enough to have a longer stretch at night, and if there isn't any issue with the feeding in general and weight gain, let him sleep!

We have finished breastfeeding for just over a week now, after just over 9mths. I had weaned him off the middle night feed, stretching it to 6am, and then he kinda weaned himself off the dream feed and was getting hungrier and hungrier in the morning du to drop in supply. I think we were both ready for it. He now goes to bed at 7pm until around 6am, I am hoping he will not remain such an early riser, but its not that bad!

dublinlady · 19-03-2013 9:57pm

Eating sweet peppers , onions , cabbage. Etc used to drive my daughter mad!!

But I plan on trying everything again with this one cos I presume she just had a delicate tummy!!

How Strange · 19-03-2013 11:17pm

yellow hen if he's feeding every 2 hours during the day then I'd say he's fine to stretch a bit longer at night. I'd only be concerned if he was a sleepy baby in general and was missing hunger cues himself. Enjoy the extra zzz's at night!

How Strange · 19-03-2013 11:19pm

I just remembered for the first few weeks onions used to make my milk stinky. My husband thought I was crazy because I could get a smell from my son and myself but he couldn't smell it. We narrowed it down to onions but it went away after a few weeks.

yellow hen · 19-03-2013 11:51pm

How Strange wrote: »

I just remembered for the first few weeks onions used to make my milk stinky. My husband thought I was crazy because I could get a smell from my son and myself but he couldn't smell it. We narrowed it down to onions but it went away after a few weeks.

If I'm lucky enough that he sleeps for long periods tonight, I'll be letting him sleep on! Thanks

I find my poor son just smells of milk all the time... Not that lovely baby smell

I've only been washing him in water so far. Is there anything I can add to his bath yet?

yellow hen · 20-03-2013 10:28am

yellow hen wrote: »

If I'm lucky enough that he sleeps for long periods tonight, I'll be letting him sleep on! Thanks I find my poor son just smells of milk all the time... Not that lovely baby smell I've only been washing him in water so far. Is there anything I can add to his bath yet?

Sorry girls, another question. I have expressed milk from Monday and Tuesday this week. Can they be mixed into the same bottle for feeding today?

Piper101 · 20-03-2013 4:37pm

tyellow hen I wash my little girl with Infacare in her bath, thats what they used in the hospital nursery and recommended to me. She also smells of milk all the time, might be from me spraying her in the face with my milk :eek: poor child!

Re the mixing milk, I would, I'm sure its fine once its been stored properly. Dont take my word for it though, someone more knowledgeable will hopefully reply

cyning · 20-03-2013 4:47pm

From her very first bath in the hospital I've used johnsons: not great if your baby has any skin problems, but I personally never had any issues!

Ya I'd mix them to give in a bottle there and then, but never to store.

C's new trick this week is to fill her mouth with milk and then spit it all out and laugh: she thinks its hilarious!! So now I smell of milk

liliq · 21-03-2013 12:26am

yellow hen wrote: »

Sorry girls, another question. I have expressed milk from Monday and Tuesday this week. Can they be mixed into the same bottle for feeding today?

Yep, they can be mixed

Kellymom.com is a great resource for answers on storage and things like that.

Piper101 · 21-03-2013 10:35am

I have a question, my lo has been EBF since birth and she's 11 wks today, problem is I had difficulty getting her to take an expressed milk bottle and gave her one a day for the 3 day weekend just to get her used to it when himself was home. Now her latch is a little off and she seems to be sucking on my nipple but I don't know if that's for comfort or what.

I know she's getting enough because she's loads of wet nappies and got a whole lotta sick last night (had to change the sheets and the duvet cover!). Any insights would be appreciated

liliq · 21-03-2013 2:59pm

Piper101 wrote: »

I have a question, my lo has been EBF since birth and she's 11 wks today, problem is I had difficulty getting her to take an expressed milk bottle and gave her one a day for the 3 day weekend just to get her used to it when himself was home. Now her latch is a little off and she seems to be sucking on my nipple but I don't know if that's for comfort or what.

I know she's getting enough because she's loads of wet nappies and got a whole lotta sick last night (had to change the sheets and the duvet cover!). Any insights would be appreciated

There could be a little bit of nipple confusion. The bottle lets liquid flow so freely compared to having to work at the breast.
If her latch is a bit off its worth correcting her until you're happy she has a good deep latch, to make sure you both stay comfortable

yellow hen · 24-03-2013 8:28am

Hi girls, baby O is three weeks old tomorrow and up to now has been exclusively breastfed and has had about 5 very pooey nappies per day.

On Friday night he was just starving and my boobs were aching do we have him some aptimil first milk (from carton, not powder). He only took about 1.5oz and fell asleep. Starving again yesterday and he took about 3oz of the aptimil last night . However he's been a bit off... Bit cranky and irritable and hasn't had a poo since 12pm yesterday lunchtime. This is really odd for him and I'm concerned that this is what's causing the irritability. Should I be concerned yet?

littlemissfixit · 24-03-2013 10:27am

I wouldnt worry yet, its quite normal when introducing formula that the little guts need a bit of time to adjust (crankiness could be a side effect too), if you're still concern after a few days, talk to your phn or gp.

Piper101 · 24-03-2013 11:22am

When I started BF I said to myself I'd give it a go until it didn't suit anymore and then I wouldn't beat myself up about it knowing I'd done my best. Now I really don't want to give up and because of that I'm dreading going back to work, she's thriving and loves being BF and im scared ill emotionally scar the two of us!

Went out last night for 4 hours and left my partner with an expressed bottle and when I got home she wouldn't even look at me (the little wench fed alright) and kept smiling at her dad!!!

anyone had this experience? Should I start leaving her more to get her used to it? She's nearly 12 weeks

How Strange · 24-03-2013 11:24am

yellow hen, that was probably a growth spurt. They're tough going because the feeding can be frenzied, youre exhausted, your breasts feel completely empty and you just naturally assume you haven't enough milk.

This is where a great leap of faith is necessary. He is feeding do much because he's sending a signal to your body to create more milk for him as he's growing and needs more. Your body will respond and will make more milk as long as you give him unrestricted access to your breasts and let him latch on when he wants.

I think the first couple of growth spurts are the big stumbling blocks for mums. I remember the 6 week one as being horrific but at least I knew to expect it. Although nothing quite prepared me for the intensity of it.

I think after the 6 week one it gets easier.

If you supplement with formula you're interrupting the process of increasing your milk supply. I know it's hard to have faith in something like breastfeeding when you can't measure the intake etc but that's what's needed.

It's your personal decision whether or not to supplement with fornula but doing so can have an adverse effect on your supply.

yellow hen · 24-03-2013 12:05pm

Thanks lilmissfixit and how strange. I'm going to try give the formula a miss tonight and hope his little bowels return to normal.he seems to be in so much pain

How strange, you're right in describing the last few days. I felt like my boobs were completely empty...they were so deflated

he was ravenous and I got upset that I couldn't give him enough hence the formula.

I've massaged his belly this morn and it seems so hard. Poor little pet. Breaks your heart watching them in pain

littlemissfixit · 24-03-2013 3:05pm

yellow hen wrote: »

Thanks lilmissfixit and how strange. I'm going to try give the formula a miss tonight and hope his little bowels return to normal.he seems to be in so much pain

How strange, you're right in describing the last few days. I felt like my boobs were completely empty...they were so deflated he was ravenous and I got upset that I couldn't give him enough hence the formula.

I've massaged his belly this morn and it seems so hard. Poor little pet. Breaks your heart watching them in pain

I had read it wrongly, didn't get that you were giving formula because you thought he wasnt getting enough! In this case, I would second what How strange has said, and they often do have less bowel mov when in growth spurt because they use pretty much everything they get from the milk.

It does break your heart to see them in pain, but we have to remember that their little bodies are constantly adapting and that it will normally not last very long, do the bicycle with his legs, or lay him on his tummy on your lap, always worked at relieving mines.

littlemissfixit · 24-03-2013 3:13pm

Piper101 wrote: »

When I started BF I said to myself I'd give it a go until it didn't suit anymore and then I wouldn't beat myself up about it knowing I'd done my best. Now I really don't want to give up and because of that I'm dreading going back to work, she's thriving and loves being BF and im scared ill emotionally scar the two of us!

Went out last night for 4 hours and left my partner with an expressed bottle and when I got home she wouldn't even look at me (the little wench fed alright) and kept smiling at her dad!!! anyone had this experience? Should I start leaving her more to get her used to it? She's nearly 12 weeks

First of all, she'll have no emotional scar from you starting work, I do believe though that for both of you, it is better to do it gradually if you can get someone else to look after her regularly. You dont have to stop breastfeeding either if you dont want to, I know a lot of people who continue, the child feeds morning and evening and sometimes at night (not sure what age they can easily go through the day though, maybe someone with that experience can comment!), for over 2 months I breastfed my boy just 7am, 7pm and 10pm when he was 7-8 months and he was having formula (if you dont want express) during the day.
It is also good for her emotinal and social development that she has more contacts with other people, including the dad and others, so by taking a little step back you are actually doing her great service so dont feel guilty about it!

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