The Breast Feeding Support Thread

annoyedgal · 29-08-2018 11:41AM

I had to fully wean to get cycles back and conceive number 2. Even though was down to one feed a day it still affected my fertility.
Weaned at 14 months and got period 6 weeks later.
Hoping it comes back sooner this time as I'll pushing on age wise but fully expect to have to wean again.
Everyone is different though, midwife i spoke to got her cycle back at 4 months while breastfeeding twins!!

fits · 30-08-2018 04:59AM

Mine came back at 15 months and anecdotally a few seem to take that long. I was still feeding twins round the clock when it returned. A friend of mine just got pregnant on first egg after fifteen months. Big surprise ( but wanted)

shesty · 30-08-2018 10:38AM

My GP starts the six week checkup with the statement "Breastfeeding is not contraception"!!!
Haven't been feeding as long as you guys but I think I last pumped when this little guy was 10 weeks.Just got my first period yesterday and he is now 16 weeks (I was getting slightly worried).I can only imagine how much longer it would take if you were feeding for months.

Toots · 30-08-2018 04:50PM

Yeah my GP was saying it's mad how many people think you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding! I never considered using it as a form of contraception, my husband always did one of the night feeds so I could sleep, so it was ruled out for me cos as far as I know it only works if you're not having gaps of more than 3 hours between feeds or something. I have a history of depression/possible bipolar disorder and hormonal changes seem to trigger it, so I've been told not to use hormonal contraceptives.

I've been getting really bad pains in my shoulder for a few weeks and I think it might be caused by my bra. Prior to breastfeeding I'd have always taken my bra off when I got my jammies on at about 10pm, but now I'm wearing one 24/7 and because it's not wired, my shoulders are taking the whole weight of my boobs. I think I'm going to have to find a physio

shesty · 30-08-2018 05:21PM

You can get nightime ones toots, that are non-wired and comfy.And then your ordinary maternity ones in theday

rainbow kirby · 30-08-2018 11:12PM

Toots wrote: »

Just wondering did anyone else have a huge delay in getting their period back after the birth, while breastfeeding? My daughter will be 7 months on Friday and still no sign of mine. Even went so far as to take a pregnancy test just in case (negative) After I had my son my period came back after about 8 weeks, but I wasn't able to breastfeed him so I'm not really comparing like with like

After #1 I conceived on what would have been the first cycle at 9 months PP, had an early loss just before 6 weeks and then got my period properly at 11 months PP. I stopped breastfeeding #1 when I was 10 weeks pregnant with #2 and he was 15.5 months as the milk dried up completely.

Anne_cordelia · 31-08-2018 09:58PM

Lucky ye. I was feeding every 2 hours day and night when my period came back at 6 months!

Minier81 · 03-09-2018 06:26PM

Hey guys. Possibly stupid question. How important is it for baby to be tummy to tummy with me while feeding? She keeps ending up with her side to me and turning her head... but seems to be feedinh well. Quite uncertain here as I'm only a few weeks in!!

bee06 · 03-09-2018 06:51PM

Minier81 wrote: »

Hey guys. Possibly stupid question. How important is it for baby to be tummy to tummy with me while feeding? She keeps ending up with her side to me and turning her head... but seems to be feedinh well. Quite uncertain here as I'm only a few weeks in!!

I remember worrying about the same. Is the latch comfortable for you, does she seem comfortable, is she gaining weight and having plenty of wet nappies? If it’s yes to all these then I wouldn’t worry too much. I found more of a laid back position made it easier to get closer to tummy to tummy so he wasn’t turning his head too much but I could never get him fully tummy to tummy.

Minier81 · 03-09-2018 07:05PM

bee06 wrote: »

I remember worrying about the same. Is the latch comfortable for you, does she seem comfortable, is she gaining weight and having plenty of wet nappies? If it’s yes to all these then I wouldn’t worry too much. I found more of a laid back position made it easier to get closer to tummy to tummy so he wasn’t turning his head too much but I could never get him fully tummy to tummy.

Thanks!! Yes I'm confy and she seems comfy as she happily stays there for up to 25 mins. Plenty of wet nappies. And was gaining weight as of last week, due for a weigh in tomorrow so that will be reassuring if the weight is going up. The tummy to tummy just doesn't seem as natural for me but will keep trying to get her as close as possible to it.

bee06 · 03-09-2018 07:31PM

Sounds like you’re both doing great so. I think the tummy to tummy advice is to get a nice, deep latch but if you’re getting that anyway then it’s all good. In a few months you’ll have a foot on your shoulder or a hand in your mouth if she’s anything like my little boy and tummy to tummy will be far from your mind!

Millem · 03-09-2018 07:34PM

Girls any tips on back to work? By lunch I thought I was going to vomit with headache from engorgement.
Taking breaks just after lunch to feed but one day will have to go for a good 8 hours

fits · 03-09-2018 08:14PM

Just pump when you feel uncomfortable. I was pumping twice a day when I started. Down to once after a couple of weeks. And dropped it altogether after about six weeks. The body adjusts.

Millem · 03-09-2018 08:37PM

fits wrote: »

Just pump when you feel uncomfortable. I was pumping twice a day when I started. Down to once after a couple of weeks. And dropped it altogether after about six weeks. The body adjusts.

Sorry fits I should of said. I can’t pump on this day.....literally no time.
Is there anything else I can do or is it just mind over matter?

I will see how long I can last.
The other days are okish well fingers crossed.
Wore proper bra today as it kind of numbs the pain a bit!!! Nursing bra made me feel worse last week?? Or could proper bra clog ducts??

Hats off to all who work and feed I am just exhausted. It’s such a constant juggle.

Minier81 · 03-09-2018 08:54PM

A cold cloth held to each breast is supposed to help with engorgement. Sounds awful but your body will slowly adjust.

catrionanic · 04-09-2018 03:28AM

A quick bit of hand expressing in the loo to ease the load? Your body should adapt in a week or two.

Sausage dog · 04-09-2018 08:57PM

Have you tried the Haakaa. I find it great for engorgement in the morning. No leads attached, quite discreet as in u could have a scarf draped over it and very portable. Even a few mins will ease it.

AlwaysDoe · 19-09-2018 06:42AM

Hi all! So I think my 22 month old lb has weaned...he was down to one morning feed but this is day 3 now of skipping that. Just a question about the weaning process, boobs are feeling pretty full and a bit tender atm and I'm wondering if it'll just die down over the next couple of days or if I need to pump a bit? I'm not uncomfortable the way I would have been if I spent a day or night away from ds when he was feeding much more but definitely quite full.

annoyedgal · 19-09-2018 07:26AM

When i weaned i felt the same, not engorged just full. I hand expressed only if got very sore and on two occasions i felt a blocked duct and massaged that out. Only expressing the minimum for comfort. Boobs hurt for maybe three days then woke up and chest had deflated overnight! Think i took some nurofen too for discomfort too.

Purple Lemons · 02-10-2018 06:30AM

My son is 3 weeks old tomorrow and I've been getting on great with feeding so far until 2 days ago. All of a sudden he's like a madman shaking his head and hands side to side looking for the nipple while I'm guiding him to it resulting in him missing it and getting even more frustrated, once he does latch he's only on a short while and throws himself off only to search for it wildly again. He's always had PLENTY of wet and dirty nappies and is still loading them up for me so I know he's getting enough but he just seems so unsatisfied with our feeding now and everytime he's not on the boob he's wailing. He's also sleeping considerably less. Health nurse is coming today for a check up and I feel so worried she's going to tell me I've been doing it all wrong or he's ill or I'm just **** at this breastfeeding business. Is this just a growth spurt? My 2yo daughter was bf for 5 months and anytime she had a growth spurt she just fed more and slept more for 3-5 days and then back to normal routine again. Can anyone advise me please if this is normal? I've been up since 2am feeding and cuddling but he's still fussy in between 10 min catnaps. Feeling quite useless to him at the moment and wondering if I should buy some formula to top him up

bee06 · 02-10-2018 06:41AM

Sounds like a growth spurt alright. As long as he’s having plenty of wet and dirty nappies I wouldn’t be worrying about him getting enough

waterfaerie · 02-10-2018 09:19AM

Purple Lemons wrote: »

My son is 3 weeks old tomorrow and I've been getting on great with feeding so far until 2 days ago. All of a sudden he's like a madman shaking his head and hands side to side looking for the nipple while I'm guiding him to it resulting in him missing it and getting even more frustrated, once he does latch he's only on a short while and throws himself off only to search for it wildly again. He's always had PLENTY of wet and dirty nappies and is still loading them up for me so I know he's getting enough but he just seems so unsatisfied with our feeding now and everytime he's not on the boob he's wailing. He's also sleeping considerably less. Health nurse is coming today for a check up and I feel so worried she's going to tell me I've been doing it all wrong or he's ill or I'm just **** at this breastfeeding business. Is this just a growth spurt? My 2yo daughter was bf for 5 months and anytime she had a growth spurt she just fed more and slept more for 3-5 days and then back to normal routine again. Can anyone advise me please if this is normal? I've been up since 2am feeding and cuddling but he's still fussy in between 10 min catnaps. Feeling quite useless to him at the moment and wondering if I should buy some formula to top him up

That all sounds totally normal and is almost certainly a growth spurt. As Bee says, as long as the nappies are still wet, don't worry.

Babies go through bursts of suddenly feeding more than before, crying and fussing in order to increase your milk supply. This is normal and it happens with all breastfed babies. It's nature's way of making sure supply meets demand. You definitely have enough milk for your baby. However, if you top up with formula, your body won't learn to keep making as much as your baby wants and you may end up affecting your supply.

The best thing to do is to believe in yourself and your baby, understand that this is normal and spend as much time as possible just relaxing with your baby, doing plenty of skin to skin and continuing to feed on demand. You are doing a wonderful job. I know what the self doubt is like but it will pass and is so worth pushing through.

Try not to worry about the health nurse. They have absolutely no authority and can't make you do anything. She should be supportive and helpful and if she's not, just ignore her. Chances are, she'll turn up and tell you you're doing great. If she doesn't do that and does suggest formula, I'd advise getting a second opinion from someone who actually knows about breastfeeding, like a Cuidiú counsellor or other mums in your local breastfeeding group. I'd definitely recommend getting to a breastfeeding group anyway. They are fantastic support and a great way to socialise with others in your exact situation.

annoyedgal · 02-10-2018 12:41PM

My 12 weeks old is became a fussy feeder from around that time too. Very unlike her brother who was a quiet and relaxed feeder! She comes on and off, fussing and whining. I find winding her a few times during a feed sorts this out and she is much calmer.
Could easily be a growth spurt either. Don't doubt yourself as previous postet said. These things present differently in different babies.

Purple Lemons · 02-10-2018 05:45PM

Thank you all for your kind words and advice you were absolutely right health nurse confirmed that it's most likely just a growth spurt and he's put on exactly 1.5lbs so I shouldn't worry about my supply or ability to feed him. She was actually very supportive and full of praise whereas last visit when he was 6days old she seemed very cold and matter of fact. Very happy I didn't cave and buy formula because I really love our feeding and cuddle sessions

bee06 · 02-10-2018 06:20PM

Purple Lemons wrote: »

Thank you all for your kind words and advice you were absolutely right health nurse confirmed that it's most likely just a growth spurt and he's put on exactly 1.5lbs so I shouldn't worry about my supply or ability to feed him. She was actually very supportive and full of praise whereas last visit when he was 6days old she seemed very cold and matter of fact. Very happy I didn't cave and buy formula because I really love our feeding and cuddle sessions

Great stuff! You probably know already but here’s the timeline of the growth spurts and developmental leaps. It’s nearly nonstop for the next few months!

Crybabygeeks · 03-10-2018 09:18PM

Hi everyone. Interested in people's views on stopping feeding.

Currently 6 month old still feeding but gets a bottle before bed. Everything else is my milk or solid food. Going back to work after Xmas so interested in people's experience.

I think I'm happy enough to keep going as long as she is .. for anyone thats stopped, was it something you chose or was baby led?

annoyedgal · 03-10-2018 09:41PM

I weaned at 14 months to conceive no 2. Probably would have tried to let baby wean himself otherwise however might have taken awhile as he loved being breastfed!

catrionanic · 04-10-2018 06:54AM

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi everyone. Interested in people's views on stopping feeding.

Currently 6 month old still feeding but gets a bottle before bed. Everything else is my milk or solid food. Going back to work after Xmas so interested in people's experience.

I think I'm happy enough to keep going as long as she is .. for anyone thats stopped, was it something you chose or was baby led?

Firstly, well done on six months of BFing! That's a great job.

We stopped in March after 13 months because I was pregnant again and my milk dried. Would have loved to keep going, but it was taking too much out of me too.

What I will say is that boobs are incredibly adaptable. They will adjust to feed baby as often as baby feeds. So it's very possible for you to get into a new routine of feeding in mornings, evenings and weekends, if it works for you. You'll have an uncomfortable few days when you first go back as your boobs will be very full and you may need to express a bit, and baby might feed in the night more often at first. But it will all settle for you soon enough.

Crybabygeeks · 04-10-2018 09:22AM

catrionanic wrote: »

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi everyone. Interested in people's views on stopping feeding.

Currently 6 month old still feeding but gets a bottle before bed. Everything else is my milk or solid food. Going back to work after Xmas so interested in people's experience.

I think I'm happy enough to keep going as long as she is .. for anyone thats stopped, was it something you chose or was baby led?

Firstly, well done on six months of BFing! That's a great job.

We stopped in March after 13 months because I was pregnant again and my milk dried. Would have loved to keep going, but it was taking too much out of me too.

What I will say is that boobs are incredibly adaptable. They will adjust to feed baby as often as baby feeds. So it's very possible for you to get into a new routine of feeding in mornings, evenings and weekends, if it works for you. You'll have an uncomfortable few days when you first go back as your boobs will be very full and you may need to express a bit, and baby might feed in the night more often at first. But it will all settle for you soon enough.

Thanks.. wouldn't have thought that was possible.. to only feed morning evening and weekends. It's amazing really! We probably do want to think about number two next year too so that may force it even though as per your experience,it's possible to get pregnant while feeding.

Think I'll just not worry about it and see how it goes.

bee06 · 04-10-2018 09:50AM

I’m in a similar situation. Going back to work next month when my little boy will be 10 months. Currently pumping every morning to build up a bit of a stash and I’m going to pump twice a day until he’s 1. We’re doing baby led weaning and he doesn’t eat great yet so I’d prefer to have him having milk as well. Hopefully he won’t start waking more at night then. He’s already waking every two hours and sometimes every hour! Can’t take much more.

The Breast Feeding Support Thread

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