The Breast Feeding Support Thread

wicklori · 13-03-2014 5:41pm

red fraggle wrote: »

The homeopath was lovely! Have me stuff to use for 3 or 4 days and then he he gets blocked up or windy again. So far he is managing to get up some wind. I haven't heard him burp in so long!! Also got remedy for when his teething is bad. She said I can buy my own kit and do it myself. A basic one like. Where would I get a kit? I don't know much about it but I thought she was great and he this works it's great! Seems to be so fingers crossed!

On the mastitis side of things i'm much better but still tired. The lump is still there but I think it's shrinking. .healt nurse said wait til antibiotics are gone then go back if lump is still there. She said everyone is different.

Remember I put up the link of the place in dblin city centre-can't find it right now... sorry! They do the small kits too. BRILLIANT!
Would you not have thought of mentioning your own mastitis/boob issues too?

red fraggle · 13-03-2014 8:42pm

wicklori wrote: »

Remember I put up the link of the place in dblin city centre-can't find it right now... sorry! They do the small kits too. BRILLIANT!
Would you not have thought of mentioning your own mastitis/boob issues too?

Thanks I'll look back!! Yeah I did and she said come back if it didn't improve. She gave me an exercise to do and told me not to feel under pressure and that I'm doing everything right. She said it's related to putting too much stress on yourself! It seems to be nearly clear now and it did so on its own once I stopped stressing about it!!!

kassie · 14-03-2014 2:31pm

This might be a little off topic but it's partially bf related.

I posted 2 days ago about being overwhelmed about the thoughts of not being able to get my 5 month old to take a bottle and my return to work in 4/5 weeks time. Since then I've been Been trying to figure out if I'm overwhelmed about above, totally exhausted having ebf for five months while caring for my 3yr too or if it's PND???

My lo did take an ounce of formula for hubby from a wide latex teet sippy cup last nite which I'm thrilled about. she took ages to settle last nite - we went to bed between 10.30&11 but I was still awake at 2ish, she would sleep in my arms or on the boob but as soon as she went in the cot she'd wake. She has nites like that, 6 out of 7 nites she's pretty good she'll feed and be in her cot settled within an hour.

Today I feel very down, very teary, I've no probs about going to see my gp but just wondering if anyone has been through a few days like this? Am I just tired and having a bad few days? I really feel like I need a break from my beautiful girls which saddens me ;( but am hoping that if I got a break it would "reset" my mood. This is the first time I've been this teary with no previous PND (or any depressed feeling about any aspect of life), I'm usually a normal person with a good outlook on life with a few down days like any other person.

I know you can't give medical advice but just wondering if anyone had been through a similar situation?

How Strange · 14-03-2014 5:53pm

I said it already but I seriously nearly lost it this time around at 5 months. My daughter is a terrible sleeper and it was really bad at that stage. I think I was suffering from a chronic lack of sleep not to mention having a toddler and a husband who (while he's fantastic in lots of ways) was quite happy to coast along and let me do all the late night getting up. It all came to a head one evening and I blew like a pressure cooker.

For my own sanity I went on a break for two nights. I did come back feeling recharged. It was something I never thought I'd do (leave my babies for two nights) but their dad minded them and I think it was good for him too as he saw what was involved with minding two of them together.

I can't say if you've got PND but don't underestimate how awful sleep deprivation can be. Also getting used to a baby and a toddler is hard. Your doctor would be able to assess quite quickly if you've got PND.

kassie · 14-03-2014 6:11pm

Thank you "how strange" for your words they bring some comfort!

I plan on taking my toddler to the cinema tomorrow or Sunday so hubby can try the bottle/cup without me being home so with any luck it will help. I will have a chat with hubby later and if I don't feel like this mood is lifting by beginning of next week I'll go see my gp

Thanks again, good to know im not alone in situations like this x

cyning · 16-03-2014 9:56am

Baba was born on Wed and I have two cracked nipples and one bleeding one this morn

I have lansinoh and multi mam compresses: is there anything else people would reccomend?

Working on the latch too

How Strange · 16-03-2014 10:29am

Congrats cyning. Keep using the multi mam or lansinoh and don't let them get dry. You need to get your latch checked as there's definitely something wrong. Cracked nipples aren't normal but a sign that something isn't working properly.

When I had a similar problem the LC in the coombe told me to hold baby lengthways along back with right arm if feeding on left side. Keep baby really close so tummy to tummy. With your left hand take a lot of you breast between forefinger and thumb and put the nipple into its mouth by putting the underside of the nipple on her lip and bedding it it backwards into her mouth. She said not to let the baby snap and grab but you should control inserting the nipple. By keeping baby tummy to tummy and bending nipple backwards into its mouth it should go into the right position.

It might take a bit of practice and a lot of paying attention for a couple of weeks but once I started doing this we were flying at breastfeeding and hideously cracked nipples healed overnight.

Best of luck and congrats again x

How Strange · 16-03-2014 10:32am

Also watch the chin, under chin and around ears. A baby that's sucking properly will be be taking long deep sucks and you'll see the jaws moving like that. If the jaws are moving quickly then he/she isn't feeding so unlatch and start again.

I could never manage laid back breastfeeding so so much for being biologically normal :P

cyning · 16-03-2014 7:20pm

Thanks how strange

was back in hosp today for heel prick so got some help too: I'll see a lc tues or wed... Definitely need it. The midwife reckoned she wasn't opening her mouth particularly wide which isn't helping matters. The pain isn't as bad this afternoon as it was this morning either thank god: she's sticking her fingers in her mouth while feeding too which is obviously not helping.

wmpdd3 · 16-03-2014 9:19pm

Hi Cynning, congrats, I second How strange's advice. I had hell with both trying to get them latched (finally ended up on niple shields) but the tum ot tum really does work.

Also as your nipples get less sore you'll be able to pick them up and direct them down her throat which will help. Best of luck!!

sonners · 17-03-2014 12:38pm

Hi all, my sister in law gave birth to healthy baby boy yesterday morning and she's having some difficulty getting him to latch. I did'nt have difficulty myself so I'm passing on what I know from reading this forum.

I'm getting a manual pump for her this morning so she can start expressing and we're going to try with nipple shields today (inverting nipples seem to be the problem). I've also advised her to have him on her naked chest as much as possible although this is damn near impossible in the ward as I'm sure you all know too well. We're getting contact details for a lactation consultant and will be contacting them first thing tomorrow.

Is there anything else we could be doing to help things along? Any advise is very greatly appreciated.

clare82 · 17-03-2014 5:20pm

sonners wrote: »

Hi all, my sister in law gave birth to healthy baby boy yesterday morning and she's having some difficulty getting him to latch. I did'nt have difficulty myself so I'm passing on what I know from reading this forum.

I'm getting a manual pump for her this morning so she can start expressing and we're going to try with nipple shields
today (inverting nipples seem to be the problem). I've also advised her to have him on her naked chest as much as possible although this is damn near impossible in the ward as I'm sure you all know too well. We're getting contact details for a lactation consultant and will be contacting them first thing tomorrow.

Is there anything else we could be doing to help things along? Any advise is very greatly appreciated.

Hi, I had a big prob with latching on due to inverted nipples and found the shields to be a lifesaver. Just be sure to buy the large size.....the nuk or mam ones are good....or medela brand too.

cyning · 17-03-2014 10:34pm

Sonners no real help I'm afraid: I hope the lc can help. Lansinoh do a latch assist for helping with inverted nipples might be worth a look at? Some people find them great, more a waste of money.

My left nipple is much much better today, but the right one is worse. It's the same side I had trouble with last time and ended up pumping on that side for a few weeks so hopefully can avoid that and shields this time. Stupid wonky pointing sideways nipple!

livinsane · 19-03-2014 10:47pm

kassie wrote: »

Today I feel very down, very teary, I've no probs about going to see my gp but just wondering if anyone has been through a few days like this?

Just posting to offer support because I was in the exact same emotional situation a few weeks ago. My son is 5 months also and after two straight months of waking almost every hour at night to nurse, I almost lost my sanity. I became insomniac from the lack of sleep and used to just lie in bed anticipating the next waking. Ended up getting a stomach bug suddenly in the middle of the night while my partner was away for the weekend and I was alone with the baby. Scariest two days of my life. Was terrified I would faint with him in my arms or something. For the rest of the week I bawled my eyes out, even the smallest task seemed momentous and I couldn't imagine doing the simplest things like going for a walk ever again. Felt totally overwhelmed. It was just the culmination of months of hard work.

Since then I:

Started a diary and jot down every little detail of my day. I make a to-do list every night before bed. I have less to be contemplating so I fall asleep easier. I would really recommend doing this.

Started Pregnacare breastfeeding supplements.

Joined the local pool and even though I cant swim, I go for an hour a few times a week to float around/use the steam room etc. It is glorious.

I go for a nap with the baby any time I feel like it. That is one of the best things about breastfeeding - it makes it so easy to get into the bed with your little one and drift off together.

Any day my partner isn't working, he takes the baby in the morning and I sleep on till I wake/baby gets hungry - we had been doing this in the beginning but it fell by the wayside. It undoes a lot of the damage caused at night.

His sleeping has improved and he's cut his first tooth so it all feels worth it. I feel a million miles away from how I felt but I've also learned to just take each day as it comes.

Hope you feel better soon and do something nice for yourself.

Siipina · 20-03-2014 10:02pm

hi, have a problem as well. Baby was born on Monday and the feeding went ok, not everytime but it was getting better. Then last night I think the milk came in and since then the boobs are swollen and now as well very very sore, the left one is hard as well. And og cause the little one wasnt such a good drinker today. I am cooling them now does anyone have any ideas? Thinking maybe to get a pump tomorrow?

How Strange · 20-03-2014 10:28pm

Congrats Siipina. You have to wake your little man up and get him to latch on. At this stage it should be 10-12 times in 24 hours. After that get into the shower and massage your breasts under hot water. Some people use a comb to stimulate the milk. You just need to get the milk out. The pornstar fullness will ease over the next few days but it's common for newborns to be sleepy so you'll have to wake him up. Take his clothes off and just leave his nappy on when feeding. The cold should wake him. Also do lots of skin to skin as your smell will wake him so both of you should spend lots of time in bed.

Cold compresses or bashed cooked cabbage leaves help to ease the discomfort after feeding or massaging.

In my opinion, pumping should be the last course of action in these early days as it could lead to producing too much milk.

How Strange · 20-03-2014 10:35pm

Also for latching babies on to swollen breasts reverse pressure softening is recommended. It's where you apply finger pressure to the areola pushing it towards the chest so you soften the area and reveal the nipple and make it easier for the baby to latch on.

cyning · 20-03-2014 11:17pm

So S has a tongue tie... PHN picked up on it at breastfeeding group and lactation consultant too. Phn faxed referral today for me to get it seen to. My supply is a bit crap too... Need to pump after feeding for a little while. I think it might be thyroid related. She's gaining weight which is good though. Has anyone here had a tongue tie snipped? Did feeding get much easier after?

kassie · 21-03-2014 12:35am

livinsane wrote: »

Just posting to offer support because I was in the exact same emotional situation a few weeks ago. My son is 5 months also and after two straight months of waking almost every hour at night to nurse, I almost lost my sanity. I became insomniac from the lack of sleep and used to just lie in bed anticipating the next waking. Ended up getting a stomach bug suddenly in the middle of the night while my partner was away for the weekend and I was alone with the baby. Scariest two days of my life. Was terrified I would faint with him in my arms or something. For the rest of the week I bawled my eyes out, even the smallest task seemed momentous and I couldn't imagine doing the simplest things like going for a walk ever again. Felt totally overwhelmed. It was just the culmination of months of hard work.

Since then I:

Started a diary and jot down every little detail of my day. I make a to-do list every night before bed. I have less to be contemplating so I fall asleep easier. I would really recommend doing this.

Started Pregnacare breastfeeding supplements.

Joined the local pool and even though I cant swim, I go for an hour a few times a week to float around/use the steam room etc. It is glorious.

I go for a nap with the baby any time I feel like it. That is one of the best things about breastfeeding - it makes it so easy to get into the bed with your little one and drift off together.

Any day my partner isn't working, he takes the baby in the morning and I sleep on till I wake/baby gets hungry - we had been doing this in the beginning but it fell by the wayside. It undoes a lot of the damage caused at night.

His sleeping has improved and he's cut his first tooth so it all feels worth it. I feel a million miles away from how I felt but I've also learned to just take each day as it comes.

Hope you feel better soon and do something nice for yourself.

Thank you so much for your reply! Today I feel like the luckiest person alive with my hubby and two beautiful girls! It's so strange compared to this time last week where I felt like crying at the drop of a hat!!!

I think it all stemmed from my conversation with the La Leche League lady, who basically told me that my Lo at this point wud prob never take a bottle and that when I returned to work life wud get harder (I'm trying to make my life easier) as she wud be waking more at nite! I was so stressed about my Lo not taking a bottle I just couldn't see me ever getting a break, but my darling hubby took her Saturday mornin and tried and tried with a bottle (while I got a few extra hours sleep!) no luck with the bottle though or cup nothing! She's loving spoon feeds so we tried spooning her milk and yey! she'll take it!! It's not ideal and am still a bit anxious about my mum and mum in law having to spoon her milk but needs must I suppose! We've cut out the boobie up to 3pm most days since Saturday and today she only got her first boobie drink at 6.30!!! Today I feel a weight has been lifted and I know I can walk away from her safe in the knowledge that she won't starve if I'm not around!!!

Have been suffering from insomnia too but it's been happening for months, like u I think it's worrying that Lo will wake, she takes a good while to settle at nite and most nites needs to be settled 2 or 3 times!

zoe 3619 · 21-03-2014 1:17am

Siipina wrote: »

hi, have a problem as well. Baby was born on Monday and the feeding went ok, not everytime but it was getting better. Then last night I think the milk came in and since then the boobs are swollen and now as well very very sore, the left one is hard as well. And og cause the little one wasnt such a good drinker today. I am cooling them now does anyone have any ideas? Thinking maybe to get a pump tomorrow?

This will pass in a few days.a hard time I know,when the milk starts coming in.but discomfort is only temporary.stick with it,feeding baby will bring relief,so do it any time he or she moves.forget about schedules and establishing routines.this will get better.breastfeeding is the best and most natural thing for both you and you're child. well done for doing it.not enough do in this country.people feel self concious and embarrassed,or are just under educated.get past this hurdle,and you'll be feeling smug about not having to sterilize bottles,or plan how many feeds you need to take when you're going out. as soon as you're body settles down(give it a few days)breastfeeding will seem so easy compared to other options.fed my last child until3,all we're weaned onto milk from the goats we keep.they couldn't be healthier.stick with it.x

Sweet_pea · 21-03-2014 12:01pm

Cyning I just got my boy's tie cut four or five weeks ago. I have seen a huge improvement (not straight away but eventually) but I would say to get it done as soon as possible and make sure to do the exercises afterwards. I've brought him to an osteopath as well which also seems to have helped al ot.

Siipina · 21-03-2014 12:40pm

Thank you all so much. I woke the little cookie more often tonight and it is on the one side already better. the best.thing though is to know that that's normal and it ll go. I feel a lot better now because of it.

sonners · 21-03-2014 1:44pm

Siipina wrote: »

Thank you all so much. I woke the little cookie more often tonight and it is on the one side already better. the best.thing though is to know that that's normal and it ll go. I feel a lot better now because of it.

Glad you're feeling better Silipina, I can only echo what the ladies above have said. At you're stage I was taking daily tea-tree baths to help with the stitches. I gave myself a breast massage whilst in the bath every day to help bring down the engorgement. I also placed hot facecloths over them to help with the pain. I found this helped me add the massaging into what already felt like a very busy day! Its hard to find time for all these things at the start but as the other ladies have said it will pass in a few days.

Thanks to the ladies who passed on advice for my sister in law. She's doing well, she has decided to express her milk and is feeding the little fella a mix of breast and formula. I must say I found it difficult to give advice to someone without coming across as 'I breastfed, its the best thing to do, if you don't do it you've failed'.

clare82 · 21-03-2014 7:45pm

hey ladies,
quick question about side lying feeding...my LO is 5mths old and we normally feed lying in bed in the morning but i cant seem to do it without putting my arm under her neck which works but its just im worried that its ok..or if anyone else does it this way?. my boobs are not that big so its not that easy to do it the "right" way. she feeds fine, falls asleep and then i remove my arm from under her...id just like to know if theres anyone else out there that does same/similar. im going to a lll meeting early next month so i can ask there but sure ye know how it is, sometimes you just need to ask as many people as possible!

Quirkygirl · 21-03-2014 8:39pm

Hi I used the tommee tippee bottles and teets and they worked with my sons and daughter, my husband always gave expressed bottle at around 6-8 weeks and maybe one bottle every 4 weeks if I had to go somewhere before baby was asleep, always husband never me. You will need to persist in giving the bottle, make sure it is warmed to body temp and not hotter or colder, just stick with it, also try to make sure baby is taking sufficient calories during the day, they really need a milk feed from breast or bottle at 7, 11, 3 and 7 thats what I have always done at around 6 month mark, baby should really be sleeping for you at around 8pm at 6 months,

cyning · 22-03-2014 4:45pm

Thanks sweet pea... What age was your little one getting it done? S will only be 4/5 weeks getting it done she's only 10 days old now. We have referral in to limerick so just waiting on hosp to ring me with a date. She's quite puky too I don't know if she has reflux or it's the tongue tie.

That's great it's going well Siipina

Sonners I know what you mean: if you say how great and normal breastfeeding is your pushing it. But the default position if your having any problems is formula. It's a really thin line!

Bagheera · 22-03-2014 7:13pm

Just feel I need to post today as I'm having a very low day. I'm feeling exhausted, have had a virus the past few days and night feeds are not getting any easier. My son is just under 10 weeks old and I know it's normal for him to still be feeding at night but I'm wrecked. We've been trying him with one bottle a day since 6 weeks. At first he kind of played with it, then one night he downed 50ml. I thought 'yes, we've cracked it!' That was two weeks ago and since then if my husband goes near him with the bottle he gets hysterical and the only thing that calms him is the boobie of course. I don't understand why he took it then suddenly went anti-bottle totally!

I don't need to be away from him any time in the next couple of months but it would be nice to know that I could go out for a few hours without worrying about rushing home to feed him. It's just all taking it's toll at the moment probably because I've been feeling unwell. The other problem is getting him to sleep in his cot as I don't sleep well when he's in the bed and he ends up beside me by 3am at the latest every night as he won't settle otherwise. It's better having him in beside me than not sleeping at all, but I don't know how much longer I can take it.

Rant over, hoping I feel more positive tomorrow as I do love Breastfeeding but the way I feel right now I want to quit!

red fraggle · 22-03-2014 8:42pm

Bagheera wrote: »

Just feel I need to post today as I'm having a very low day. I'm feeling exhausted, have had a virus the past few days and night feeds are not getting any easier. My son is just under 10 weeks old and I know it's normal for him to still be feeding at night but I'm wrecked. We've been trying him with one bottle a day since 6 weeks. At first he kind of played with it, then one night he downed 50ml. I thought 'yes, we've cracked it!' That was two weeks ago and since then if my husband goes near him with the bottle he gets hysterical and the only thing that calms him is the boobie of course. I don't understand why he took it then suddenly went anti-bottle totally!

I don't need to be away from him any time in the next couple of months but it would be nice to know that I could go out for a few hours without worrying about rushing home to feed him. It's just all taking it's toll at the moment probably because I've been feeling unwell. The other problem is getting him to sleep in his cot as I don't sleep well when he's in the bed and he ends up beside me by 3am at the latest every night as he won't settle otherwise. It's better having him in beside me than not sleeping at all, but I don't know how much longer I can take it.

Rant over, hoping I feel more positive tomorrow as I do love Breastfeeding but the way I feel right now I want to quit!

Sorry I've no real advice. But I know how you feel somewhat. My 4 month old was sleeping til 6am but hasn't in over 2 weeks. Wakes at 3 and I've ended up feedin him just cos it was quicker than spending hours settling him! Now I'm thinkin would formula help him. He is a big box but I'd gather not introduced solids yet. I've also got mastitis again as it didn't clear properly last time. I'm thinkin if I just give formula I would have my boobs back and they could have a break!!!

As for the bottle. Maybe keep tryin but you be gone out of the house for a while beforehand. My little lad gets distracted if. I'm there.

Hope you feel better. And you are doing great with Breastfeeding. Look after yourself and do what makes you happy.

red fraggle · 22-03-2014 8:42pm

Bagheera wrote: »

Just feel I need to post today as I'm having a very low day. I'm feeling exhausted, have had a virus the past few days and night feeds are not getting any easier. My son is just under 10 weeks old and I know it's normal for him to still be feeding at night but I'm wrecked. We've been trying him with one bottle a day since 6 weeks. At first he kind of played with it, then one night he downed 50ml. I thought 'yes, we've cracked it!' That was two weeks ago and since then if my husband goes near him with the bottle he gets hysterical and the only thing that calms him is the boobie of course. I don't understand why he took it then suddenly went anti-bottle totally!

I don't need to be away from him any time in the next couple of months but it would be nice to know that I could go out for a few hours without worrying about rushing home to feed him. It's just all taking it's toll at the moment probably because I've been feeling unwell. The other problem is getting him to sleep in his cot as I don't sleep well when he's in the bed and he ends up beside me by 3am at the latest every night as he won't settle otherwise. It's better having him in beside me than not sleeping at all, but I don't know how much longer I can take it.

Rant over, hoping I feel more positive tomorrow as I do love Breastfeeding but the way I feel right now I want to quit!

Sorry I've no real advice. But I know how you feel somewhat. My 4 month old was sleeping til 6am but hasn't in over 2 weeks. Wakes at 3 and I've ended up feedin him just cos it was quicker than spending hours settling him! Now I'm thinkin would formula help him. He is a big box but I'd gather not introduced solids yet. I've also got mastitis again as it didn't clear properly last time. I'm thinkin if I just give formula I would have my boobs back and they could have a break!!!

As for the bottle. Maybe keep tryin but you be gone out of the house for a while beforehand. My little lad gets distracted if. I'm there.

Hope you feel better. And you are doing great with Breastfeeding. Look after yourself and do what makes you happy.

red fraggle · 22-03-2014 8:42pm

Bagheera wrote: »

Just feel I need to post today as I'm having a very low day. I'm feeling exhausted, have had a virus the past few days and night feeds are not getting any easier. My son is just under 10 weeks old and I know it's normal for him to still be feeding at night but I'm wrecked. We've been trying him with one bottle a day since 6 weeks. At first he kind of played with it, then one night he downed 50ml. I thought 'yes, we've cracked it!' That was two weeks ago and since then if my husband goes near him with the bottle he gets hysterical and the only thing that calms him is the boobie of course. I don't understand why he took it then suddenly went anti-bottle totally!

I don't need to be away from him any time in the next couple of months but it would be nice to know that I could go out for a few hours without worrying about rushing home to feed him. It's just all taking it's toll at the moment probably because I've been feeling unwell. The other problem is getting him to sleep in his cot as I don't sleep well when he's in the bed and he ends up beside me by 3am at the latest every night as he won't settle otherwise. It's better having him in beside me than not sleeping at all, but I don't know how much longer I can take it.

Rant over, hoping I feel more positive tomorrow as I do love Breastfeeding but the way I feel right now I want to quit!

Sorry I've no real advice. But I know how you feel somewhat. My 4 month old was sleeping til 6am but hasn't in over 2 weeks. Wakes at 3 and I've ended up feedin him just cos it was quicker than spending hours settling him! Now I'm thinkin would formula help him. He is a big box but I'd gather not introduced solids yet. I've also got mastitis again as it didn't clear properly last time. I'm thinkin if I just give formula I would have my boobs back and they could have a break!!!

As for the bottle. Maybe keep tryin but you be gone out of the house for a while beforehand. My little lad gets distracted if. I'm there.

Hope you feel better. And you are doing great with Breastfeeding. Look after yourself and do what makes you happy.

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