The Breast Feeding Support Thread

jlm29 · 31-07-2017 07:14PM

waterfaerie wrote: »

I'm hoping to get some advice about breastfeeding and going back to work. I'm going to ask at my local Cuidiú group as well but I'd love to hear from anyone who has experience of it.

I'll be going back at the end of August and she'll be a week short of 6 months old. I'll be job sharing but even though it's only part time, I'm totally heartbroken about it! I'll be on a cycle of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on and then 7 days off.

I'm lucky in that my husband will be a stay at home Dad so at least she'll be with him and the plan is for her to take expressed milk in a cup while I'm gone. We're planning to start trying the cup with her a couple of weeks beforehand. Has anyone used a Doidy cup before and am I crazy to expect her to just take it?

I'll be gone from about 8am until about 3.30pm and I'm only going to be able to express just once in the middle of the day, due to break time restrictions. Is that going to be enough?

Whatever I express one day, my husband will give the next day, although he'll divide it up and spread it between 2 or 3 feeds. I've loads in the freezer as a backup in case of spills etc but the plan is for her to take no more than I'm able to express, as I want my supply to keep up with her. Does that sound right?

I'm worried about two things really. Firstly, I'm worried about her feeling abandoned while I'm gone and secondly, I'm worried about keeping my supply going as I'd like to breastfeed until she's 2 at least. At the moment, we're together all the time and she's feeding on demand so the new routine goes against everything I believe in and everything we're both used to.

Also, once a fortnight I have to do yard duty (I'm a teacher) and I won't have any time to express at all. Does anyone know anything about my rights in this regard? I know there are provisions until 6 months old but do I have any rights at all after that? I plan to express during my own lunch time but that is impossible on the days when I don't get a proper lunch time in the first place! Are the school allowed to impose that on me? I'm not asking for additional breaks but I feel I should be entitled to a normal break like mothers in other professions would have. As a teacher, I've never complained about days with no break at all but now that I'm a mother, I have a different perspective on things!

I know I've asked a lot of different questions there so thanks if you can answer any of them.

I went back to work when my lb was 9mo, and continued to bf no problem. He did refuse any expressed milk though, so was fine on solids and water, which was grand, because he was a bit older, and well established on solids by then.
Do you plan to baby led wean, or to go for purées? It can take a bit longer for them to become established on solids with blw.

She might take fine to cup feeding, but I wouldn't be surprised if it took a lot of perseverance to get her used to it. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

Legally you're not entitled to any breaks, but you can ask. I was offered them when I went back

jlm29 · 31-07-2017 07:17PM

Obviously I meant you're not entitled to any extra breaks over and above what you normally get!

catrionanic · 31-07-2017 07:38PM

Waterfaerie, try not to worry too much. I am not vastly experienced, but my wee boy just turned six months last week, and I went back to work last weekend. I'm working 2 days one week then three days the next, so similar to you. He is with his daddy or his grandparents when I'm in work.

With this in mind, I started solids at 5.5 months because I wanted him to be eating a little by the time I went back to work. I'm gone 8.30-6.30. I feed him before I leave, and he has a bit of porridge a few hours later, a 4oz bottle a little later, then vegetables or fruit for lunch, another 4oz bottle in the afternoon, then something for dinner, and then I'm home to feed him again before bedtime.

I don't get many breaks either (just two 15 min pumping breaks, which I've opted to take instead of a 30 min lunch). In that time, I managed to pump about 6oz total, but my pump is a single pump and not great. I feel I could have got a lot more if I had more time or a double pump.

So if I was you, I would consider starting her on solids a little before you go back.... because you're unlikely to be able to pump enough in your lunch break to last her all day the next day. It's great that you have a freezer stash though. That should take the pressure off.

If you don't already have a good pump, preferably a double pump, consider investing in one. And I think it's totally reasonable for you to request that you skip on your yard duty because you need to pump. That's a really legitimate reason, and I'm sure everyone will be understanding.

It's also great that you will have lots of time off, and can breastfeed away on your days off.

catrionanic · 31-07-2017 07:42PM

There's also a really helpful Facebook group called "Back to work and breastfeeding (Ireland)". You should post any questions on there.

waterfaerie · 31-07-2017 08:04PM

jlm29 wrote: »

Do you plan to baby led wean, or to go for purées? It can take a bit longer for them to become established on solids with blw.

I plan to do blw but I'm in no hurry for that. They're not supposed to depend on calories from solids until 1 year old. It's just for trying, tasting + getting used to food and eating. I want her to have as much breastmilk as ever and any solids to be an extra. Then between 1 and 2 years the ratio of solids to milk will gradually increase. That's the ideal plan anyway but I hope it's achievable. Obviously the odd bit of food might keep her going until I get home but I don't want to end up in a routine where her daytime breastfeeds are substituted with solids until she's at least 1.

jlm29 wrote: »

Obviously I meant you're not entitled to any extra breaks over and above what you normally get!

I know but it's such a frustrating position! I'm happy to use my own breaks to express but it's a bit harsh having a day with no breaks to use at all. I thought all workers were entitled to breaks? Barely having time to just use the toilet and grab some food to bring out to the yard is something I've always accepted as part of teaching but now that I'm in this position I feel it's really wrong.

waterfaerie · 31-07-2017 08:30PM

catrionanic wrote: »

So if I was you, I would consider starting her on solids a little before you go back.... because you're unlikely to be able to pump enough in your lunch break to last her all day the next day. It's great that you have a freezer stash though. That should take the pressure off.

If you don't already have a good pump, preferably a double pump, consider investing in one.

I have a good double pump and I also have a haakaa pump so if I don't get much during the day, I can use the haakaa when I get home like I have been doing. Most of my freezer stash is from the haakaa. I just pop it on one side when she's feeding from the other a couple of times a day. My main worry with this is will my body get used to producing less milk during the day if I don't pump enough at work?

catrionanic wrote: »

And I think it's totally reasonable for you to request that you skip on your yard duty because you need to pump. That's a really legitimate reason, and I'm sure everyone will be understanding.

I asked the Principal and he said I had to do the same duty as before and that, basically, the breaks are my own problem. I'm just not quite sure of my rights in this regard. I'm sure the other teachers would understand but there's not much I can do if the Principal doesn't agree with it.

catrionanic wrote: »

There's also a really helpful Facebook group called "Back to work and breastfeeding (Ireland)". You should post any questions on there.

Thanks, I'll have a look. I'm not on Facebook but I'll have a read of their page.

jlm29 · 31-07-2017 08:51PM

I wouldn't worry too much about your supply- it should be pretty bulletbproof by 6 months- I never pumped, and had no problems with supply, still fed on demand at weekends, days off etc.

Have you tried cup/bottle feeding before now? I think it's probably a little bit idealistic to expect her to just take to it.

waterfaerie · 31-07-2017 09:03PM

jlm29 wrote: »

I wouldn't worry too much about your supply- it should be pretty bulletbproof by 6 months- I never pumped, and had no problems with supply, still fed on demand at weekends, days off etc.

Thanks, that's quite reassuring.

jlm29 wrote: »

Have you tried cup/bottle feeding before now? I think it's probably a little bit idealistic to expect her to just take to it.

The plan was to try the cup for a couple of weeks before work. I've given her the empty cup to explore and she brought it to her mouth but she does that with everything! I did't really want to start too soon because I think she'll be more able the older she is when she starts. I suppose I could start trying a small bit sooner rather than later because I don't want her having a bottle so I need the cup to work!

PhoenixParker · 31-07-2017 09:10PM

waterfaerie wrote: »

Thanks, that's quite reassuring.

The plan was to try the cup for a couple of weeks before work. I've given her the empty cup to explore and she brought it to her mouth but she does that with everything! I did't really want to start too soon because I think she'll be more able the older she is when she starts. I suppose I could start trying a small bit sooner rather than later because I don't want her having a bottle so I need the cup to work!

Is there a reason you don't want her having a bottle? Most babies will switch back and forward just fine in spite of what you'll read. If she's had six months of boob she should be just fine with a slow teat and paced bottle feeding.

waterfaerie · 01-08-2017 07:18AM

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Is there a reason you don't want her having a bottle? Most babies will switch back and forward just fine in spite of what you'll read. If she's had six months of boob she should be just fine with a slow teat and paced bottle feeding.

There are lots of reasons really but I don't really want to get into that debate. I know it can work well for plenty of people but it's not what I want for my baby.

I don't see why the cup shouldn't work anyway. I'm just not sure when the best time is to start trying it with her. I still have a month before work. She'll be 5 months old at the end of this week so I might start then.

waterfaerie · 04-08-2017 09:31AM

So, I tried the cup and she took it no problem. I only gave her 10ml and she spilled about half of it but I imagine she'll have much better control by 6 months. I'll keep practising with tiny amounts and get my husband to do it with her as well so he's confident before I leave him with her.

Thanks for the advice to try it sooner rather than later. I feel a lot better about that side of things and also about the supply.

Does anyone have any advice in regard to worrying about her feeling abandoned? It's great that she'll be at home with her Dad but are there any little tricks to help her know I'm not abandoning her?

shortstuff! · 04-08-2017 12:21PM

waterfaerie wrote: »

So, I tried the cup and she took it no problem. I only gave her 10ml and she spilled about half of it but I imagine she'll have much better control by 6 months. I'll keep practising with tiny amounts and get my husband to do it with her as well so he's confident before I leave him with her.

Thanks for the advice to try it sooner rather than later. I feel a lot better about that side of things and also about the supply.

Does anyone have any advice in regard to worrying about her feeling abandoned? It's great that she'll be at home with her Dad but are there any little tricks to help her know I'm not abandoning her?

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby-travel-accessories/feeding-travel-essentials/munchkin-miracle-360°-sippy-cup-assortment/p/155891

You think about getting this cup! It's amazing, only one that we found spill & throw proof! Save wasting precious BM!! We only used it for water but I'm sure BM would work as well.

Breastfeeding when I got home was great for reconnecting, I don't think they feel abandoned as they are so busy learning/exploring at that age but if they do, all will be forgiven once they see their mama!

I went to work a bit later but son took less and less BM every day, preferring to wait for it at source:) he did well on solids and water when I was at work, gone 12hrs.

bee06 · 06-08-2017 04:20PM

Does anyone have any experience of using the silver nipple covers while breastfeeding? Someone I know swore by them but as they are quite expensive I was looking for some more feedback before committing.

jlm29 · 06-08-2017 05:31PM

bee06 wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience of using the silver nipple covers while breastfeeding? Someone I know swore by them but as they are quite expensive I was looking for some more feedback before committing.

I've heard they're great too, but no personal experience! I had to get APNO cream prescribed this time, and it was amazing!

ledc · 06-08-2017 07:22PM

bee06 wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience of using the silver nipple covers while breastfeeding? Someone I know swore by them but as they are quite expensive I was looking for some more feedback before committing.

Are you referring to Silverette Breast Angels? I used them and found them great. I had them from the start so I can't say that they definitely prevented mastitis etc but I didn't get mastitis over the 10months of feeding. I stopped using them after the first few months, but if I ever got any tinge of tenderness I would pop them on and it never developed in to anything. I have at least 3 other friends who used them as well and were happy they got them.

bee06 · 06-08-2017 08:39PM

ledc wrote: »

Are you referring to Silverette Breast Angels? I used them and found them great. I had them from the start so I can't say that they definitely prevented mastitis etc but I didn't get mastitis over the 10months of feeding. I stopped using them after the first few months, but if I ever got any tinge of tenderness I would pop them on and it never developed in to anything. I have at least 3 other friends who used them as well and were happy they got them.

Yep, they're the ones. Couldn't remember the proper name

bonnie_ · 06-08-2017 09:10PM

bee06 wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience of using the silver nipple covers while breastfeeding? Someone I know swore by them but as they are quite expensive I was looking for some more feedback before committing.

I used them and found them really great. I had nipple damage and pain due to latch issues and after only a few days using the breast angels they had healed up great. I only had to use them a few days here and there. Once I sorted the latch issue I didnt need them. Would definitely recommend.

Little_cub · 07-08-2017 01:20AM

bee06 wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience of using the silver nipple covers while breastfeeding? Someone I know swore by them but as they are quite expensive I was looking for some more feedback before committing.

I got these after two weeks of painful cracked nipples due to a shallow latch - they were amazing! Wish I'd had them from the start. I had been using the lanolin/compresses but these were the only thing that made a real difference. I only used them for a couple of weeks but they were still money well spent as I'm still breastfeeding 3 months on ðŸ˜€

bee06 · 07-08-2017 05:42PM

Thanks for all the feedback. It sounds like they'd be worth it anyway. My thinking is get them and start using right for the start so hopefully I'm reducing the possibility of issues as much as possible.

spottybananas · 07-08-2017 06:47PM

As in use them from day one, rather than latching baby on directly?

spottybananas · 07-08-2017 07:05PM

Sorry, getting mixed up with shields!

Toots · 08-08-2017 11:43PM

Guys would anyone be able to recommend some good books for breastfeeding? I'm due #2 in January and breastfeeding didn't work with #1 - basically got no help at all in hospital and by the time I got an appointment with a lactation consultant my little boy just wouldn't take a feed from me. I ended up expressing everything. I'd love for it to be successful this time, so want to do as much prep/research beforehand as possible.

jlm29 · 09-08-2017 02:22AM

Loveinapril wrote: »

I am reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League. It's very good!

I've never read a book, but I did a preparation course with Clare Boyle when I was expecting my first, and it was well worth the time and money, if you could find similar in your area! Also I would recommend going to some support groups (Cuidu, fobf etc, whatever is available) while you're still pregnant- create your village now, and you'll be better able to find help when you need it!

Lucuma · 09-08-2017 08:09AM

Breast is Best is an oldie but a goodie Toots. You can order it online. I found it less politically correct (i.e more direct and to the point) than The Womanly Art of BF. I'd highly recommend a BF course as well, private or else if that's not possible make sure you sign up for the free ones in teh hospital, they book out months (and months) in advance. If you haven't rang up to book a place on one, do it straight away!

Toots · 09-08-2017 09:08AM

They do one in my hospital so I've to book that this morning. My PHN was actually great last time around - one of the very few times my son latched on and fed was with her help, but she's retired now

jlm29 · 09-08-2017 03:25PM

Toots wrote: »

They do one in my hospital so I've to book that this morning. My PHN was actually great last time around - one of the very few times my son latched on and fed was with her help, but she's retired now

My PHN is great. A real breastfeeding advocate, which a lot of them don't seem to be! It's such a plus when you have a good one!

PhoenixParker · 09-08-2017 03:44PM

You tube videos are great too. There are lots about latching which is difficult to pick up fully from a book.

The ones I found best were the videos about swallowing, basically what to look for so you know baby is actually drinking vs making pointless sucking motions.

That wasn't mentioned at all in my hospital course but watching for swallowing really helped when I was struggling with low supply.

Little_cub · 09-08-2017 07:39PM

Toots wrote: »

Guys would anyone be able to recommend some good books for breastfeeding? I'm due #2 in January and breastfeeding didn't work with #1 - basically got no help at all in hospital and by the time I got an appointment with a lactation consultant my little boy just wouldn't take a feed from me. I ended up expressing everything. I'd love for it to be successful this time, so want to do as much prep/research beforehand as possible.

Hi Toots,
I had a very similar experience to you on my first baby. Didn't get the right support, baby never latched & I pumped for a couple of months. I had my second baby 3 months ago and I was nervous about the same thing happening again. I read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding which I found great and watched loads of Jack Newman videos on you tube!
This time my little girl latched on straight away & although the first 3-4 weeks were really tough we're still going strong now. I had a great PHN & also got a private lactation consultant out to the house which was money well spent.
Hope everything works out for you this time, each baby is so different - this was definitely the case for me!

Toots · 09-08-2017 08:23PM

Thanks so much for all the advice guys! I'm sure I'll be glued to this thread as the due date gets nearer. I'm going to order those books, and also check out YouTube (never even thought of that!) Really hoping it works out this time - I was like premier dairies for the first couple of weeks with my son (burnt out the motors in 2 pumps from overuse) and then almost overnight my milk just dried up. I had a good stockpile built up by that point, but I'd still prefer to be able to actually feed this one directly from the boob

scarepanda · 14-08-2017 08:09AM

Hey ladies!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributes to this thread.

My lo is 1 today and we've made it to the year breastfeeding, despite a rough start and a few worries about her weight. I'm so stupidly proud of myself for achieving it, but can't really say it to anyone irl because most people don't get it. The support here has been amazing throughout, so thank you all!

The Breast Feeding Support Thread

Comments