How is BFing going?

[mamamilkers]

Hey mamas,

I thought it would be great to start a thread where we could all share our stories about BFing our little ones. I know that experiences can vary so greatly, from good to bad to ugly, and we could probably all use at least a little support!

This is also a selfish request because I am just a BFing junkie and love to hear about other's experiences

So, I'll start. I am now tandem nursing my two year old and my newborn. it hasn't been as easy as I had hoped Nursing through the pregnancy was, well, painful. I just hung in there because it's such a special thing DD and I had going on, and I truly thought it would help the transition to nursing a newborn. Um, yeah, not so much. I still have nipple pain, I still dealt with the giant engorged boobies when my milk came in, I'm still leaking like a crazy person . . . I guess I thought that because I was already nursing these things wouldn't be so pronounced? Now that DD#2 is almost a week old, it's getting better. In the last day my production has evened out and I'm leaking a bit less.

Oh, and I also am having to wake DD#2 up pretty often to even get her to nurse! It's crazy, DD#1 was never like that, so this is throwing me for a loop. She is definitely getting enough (I sure change alot of diapers!) but I swear she would just sleep her days away if I let her.

Okay, I'm ready to read your stories!

[BirthFree]

I'm drowning my baby in milk... or so it sounds. He doesn't slow his nursing after let-down so I don't know if it keeps going (doesn't feel like it is) or if he just doesn't know how to regulate to a slower suck. We're seeing an LC tomorrow to get some help. I've nursed a lot (3 years collectively) but each new one teaches me something new. I feel bad for him - gas and all. I'm looking forward to having him happier when he nurses. Since he 'drowns' he also latches, un latches, re latches, etc. so my nipples are bleeding at the ends - which is why (another reason) we're off to the LC... it's not that I can't handle the pain, but I'd like to not get mastisis (ouch).

I also have mongo boobs (which for little old "A" cup, I'm gleeful), but I think maybe I'm making a little too much milk (part of our problem I'm sure). I'm looking forward to evening out soon.

I do love nursing.

[2 in August]

Well, I thought we were doing well. Far better than with dd. But, he's not gaining weight at all. Saw a LC and she helped by figuring out that he doesn't suck hard enough. So we are using a Haberman feeder to try to teach him to suck harder and I'm pumping to try to increase my supply (which was dwindling since he wasn't effeciently emptying me). I've been having to give 10cc or so of formula with what I pump since I'm not able to pump the full 30cc that I need for each additional feed. We are only on day 2 of the new plan though, so I'm hoping that by the weekend that I'll be pumping more and can stop the formula and that his suck will be stronger and we can stop the feeder. I just want more than anything to be able to nurse him successfully since dd and I had all sorts of issues. I'm mourning the thought of easily popping him on and that being all he needs. I hate to admit it but I'm so jealous of moms who can nurse without all these problems. I'm happy for them, but just wonder why it has to be so hard for me. Ok, enough of my pity party, sorry this is just a sore subject for me right now.

[KarmaChameleon]

Thrush here -- gotta go search my own posts so I can see how I beat it last time

[Robynee]

I had grand illusions of how it would be so easy this time. I had the same cracking and bleeding as last time. The only difference is, I know it will get better. Sean is 2 weeks today and gaining like a baby cow. My nippes are still sore but a hundred times better than last week. Last night the poor kid had milk shooting out of his nose. He gets pissed when I let down and has a delightful tendency to pop off suddenly, practically ripping my nipple off in the process. It's all so worth it though.

[veganf]

Except for the 12+ hours of refusing to nurse at 2 weeks old and the trip to Children's Hospital to find out why...no problems. Managed to stash 3 bags of milk in the freezer during that time though, which is always nice in case of "emergencies".
As usual, no pain. Pretty intense letdown this time though! Still no leaking, I'm just not a leaker. And he's not much of a nighttime eater, so I get plenty of sleep, but then he nurses ALL DAY, CONSTANTLY, except for his 1 or 2 naps. So less time for the boys and chores, but at least the sleep keeps me somewhat sane.
Also, it's nice not tandem nursing this time. With only one to feed, it's a little more relaxing. Plus I don't HAVE to be there for bedtime for the older guys.
Nate has a tiny little mouth though. He often won't open widely, so I use the "scoop" trick, where I scoop it into his mouth on his bottom lip first. I did this with my first and then later learned from someone who is an IBCLC that it's a legitimate technique for babies who don't open their mouths widely.

- Krista

[Meeshi Mama]

We're getting into our groove now. Initially, I had a hard time for the first two days because of being in the hosp. and all hooked up to IVs and tubes and what-not. I wasn't helping Luna get a nice big mouthful and ended up with blisters on both nips that popped. I have been walking around with my boobs hanging out a lot these last few days and they're healing up. *lol* The mailman came yesterday with a letter I had to sign for and nearly got quite the eyefull!! : I still get a bit of pain when Lulu first latches on but that is starting to fade quicker and quicker.

My milk came in Tuesday, gotta love porn-star sized football boobs!!! *lol* But, now Luna is getting lots of yummy milkies and gets all "milk drunk" after a good feeding.

I just love nursing.... football boobs and all!

[Ary99]

I have to wake my sleepy 10 pund chunker sometimes, but he nurses pretty regularly every 2 1/2 hours. He goes longer at night sometimes (NOT last night though). I weighed him Monay and he'd already gained his back his birth weight plus an ounce so I guess he's getting enough. I worry sometimes he's not getting enough because I am so surprised my supply has evened out already (never really got engorged).

Two week check up tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see how he's doing!

[amybw]

Originally Posted by 2 in August

I hate to admit it but I'm so jealous of moms who can nurse without all these problems. I'm happy for them, but just wonder why it has to be so hard for me. Ok, enough of my pity party, sorry this is just a sore subject for me right now.

Me too. <sigh>

DS was ready to suck right after birth! I was very excited!

I am almost flat onthe right and flat to almost inverted on the left. He would latch onto the right and suck for about 5 mins and then fall asleep. I couldnt get him to stay awake for long. We had a couple of sessions that were 5 mins, 10 mins and one 15 min. Well, on day 2 ( in the middle of the night) after trying for 3-4 hrs on the hour and him screaming and crying the nurses scared me and i supplemented with formula. My boobs were so sore from pumping and i forgot to bring lansinoh and they said only the LC's had it.
So on friday i had to take a break for my mental stability ( I think i had PPD over not being able to nurse right with DS1 but that's another story).
So since i supplemented on friday, he no longer wanted to latch. :

Spent saturday trying and trying to make him forget the bottles by cup feeding. DH got pissed. Said i am depriving our baby of his sucking needs. We had a mini fight and then resolved to try whatever i wanted to this week and i promised not to get crazy over it.

Well, i opted to go with nipple shields and pumping.

Monday thru wednesday he did GREAT with the shields. Nursed away. This morning he nursed for 40 mins!
He was pooping and peeing like crazy. Then this afternoon he refused to latch onto them. Wouldnt nurse from me all day :cry Screams, cries, falls asleep from exhaustion. :cry

I just dont know what else to do. I am so sad. It started so well in the hospital and those darn nurses scared me into thinkiing he was starving. I learned after the fact that 1 wet diaper per days old is sufficient.

I am going to keep pumping as long as i can and my supply stays up, but with DS1 my supply dwindled. Also, as long as i am not facing total exhaustion and mental breakdown with DS1. I have two to care for now so cant let myself get PPD. :

DS1 had an immature suck reflex, that coupled with my flatness never got us anywhere. I tried to pump every 3 hrs but would up exhausted and a basket case. I cried ALL THE TIME!
I thought this time was going to be so different when it started off so well. Then i screwed up with those Darn@#$%* bottles.


I will listen to whatever advice i can get.

thanks for letting me share,

Amy

[Meeshi Mama]

I'm sorry you're having a hard time with it right now, Amy! I hope someone here can offer you some wise advice.

I missed your announcement, I better go look for it!

[Mama2 '05'06]

NAK
Hang in there Amy! Ds couldn't nurse right away b/c he was on oxygen and when he finally got off of it, he didn't even care to try bfing. The nurses just pushed the bottle into his mouth and he finally drank about 10cc and then later had another 10cc. It took several days to get him to even try to latch on he is doing ok now.

My issue: extreme nipple pain!: Maybe I am a wimp. It hurts so much to latch on that i am ready to give it up Once he's on and nursing,the pain generally stops. I have tried to find a lactation consultant but there don't seem to be any in town. I asked the nurses at the hospital and they said that its normal to have pain while the nipples get used to nursing so no help there. I know that it will subside but it may take awhile- dd was almost 4 months old before I could nurse without pain and then I got sick and had to quit: Anyway, I just needed to complain!

[peilover010202]

Originally Posted by amybw

I just dont know what else to do. I am so sad. It started so well in the hospital and those darn nurses scared me into thinkiing he was starving. I learned after the fact that 1 wet diaper per days old is sufficient.

Oh Amy, I alomost fell into the same black hole! The nursery nurses came in one night and asked if ds2 had had any wets/dirties and when I answered, "just one", the nurse was obviously concerned - but just told me to let her know when he had one. She came back a few hours later - no news to report. Then that evening the night shift nurse asked me how frequently I had been feeding him, asked me for how long he nursed, Again asked about wets/dirties - still no more, just one. By the next day, still only 1 wet diaper. I told her that maybe I should talk to the dr since each nurse seemed so concerned with the few wet diapers. She told me, "the only way you can fix that is by giving formula, he's probably not getting enough to drink." When she walked out, I instantly started crying. Thankfully the dr came in shortly after and I explained what was happening and he told me 1 wet a day is fine - we know the "plumbing" works.

----------------------

My experience this time has been unique too. Ds had a short frenulum and after 24 hours, I had red blood blisters on both nipples. I was in PAIN. So dr clipped his tongue, we saw an LC, and we're really off to a pretty good start now. Ds is gaining weight well - of course, he should what with nursing every 1-2 hours! I definitely don't have a sleeper on my hands.

[Meeshi Mama]

Originally Posted by Mama2 '05'06

My issue: extreme nipple pain!: Maybe I am a wimp. It hurts so much to latch on that i am ready to give it up Once he's on and nursing,the pain generally stops.

I have the same initial pain when Luna first latches on. I have read it is more common in fair skinned people, and I have red hair and super pale skin. I just have to practice my deep breathing when she latches on until the nips desensitize. With my first, I had the latch on pain for about 2 weeks as I recall. It does make my toes curl and my older girls wonder why I scrunch up my face.

This too shall pass...

[2 in August]

Amy, I'm so sorry you are going through all that. I totally understand and I'm almost crying reading it because it's so much like what I went through with dd. It was what I was trying to avoid like the plague this time. But here I am doing the pump and bottle thing too. Even though the bottle is supposed to be helping him learn to suck harder, I still dislike doing it. Actually I hate each and every time I do it. I keep thinking that each time is just taking him farther away from me. I'm not really sure it's helping either. I just wish that everyone would just leave us alone. I'm so torn between trusting that he will eventually gain weight without all this fuss and worrying that I'll starve him.

Hugs to all of us mommas who are having problems.

[boobyfeeder]

For a few days I was having real trouble bfing, I got scabs on my nipples and it was so painful. Things seem to be settling down, I think they were just not used to being used so often (DD was down to 2 sessions a day throughout the pregnancy). I'm still nursing DD#1 twice a day, and she has only asked to nurse once while the baby was nursing. I am so thankful I didn't force her to wean before the baby came, I think we would have had real jealousy issues if I had.

I'm so sorry to all of you mamas having real troubles, I hope things clear up soon and you are all able to enjoy breastfeeding.

[Azreial]

bf is pretty mixed here. I, thankfully, haven't had any realy soreness issues. My supply dropped quite a bit since Dominic wasn't really eating for a few days before his surgery. Unfortunatly with 4 kids, 3 under 2, I don't have anytime to pump, so we're supplementing with formula. They've been supplemented since the nicu. Thankfully we haven't had any real issues with that.

A few times Aaron has gotten frustrated that the milk doesn't just poor out of my boobs like the bottle and has shaken it about. Kinda like a dog with a toy, not very pleasant.

Dominic has been giving me a hard time latching since his surgery but it getting better.

Everyday is getting better though. In the begining they would only nurse for a few minutes and Aaron had a very lazy suck, but that was from being early. The supplementing has gone way down, now they bf and ff around 9, then dh ff them both the next feeding. The feeding after that I get one baby to bf and he ff the other. Then depending on the day there might be another bottle when dh gets home from work.
Well that was what was going on. For now, until Dominic is feeling better, he's getting a bottle after bf when dh is home. That's becuase he's falling asleep 5 minutes into bf and he's only feeding every 4 hours but sometimes longer. If you wake him to eat he just won't

[radiogirlgr]

I seem to say this all the time here-but it's so good to know that we're not the only ones! Spencer came out ready to nurse-and he's remained a good nurser from the start. My milk production is really really high-so much so that come to find out, he was drowning a little bit, which led to bad bloody cracks (soooo painful-I actually cried a couple times), and a finally trip to the LC. She helped tremendously-she gave me a modified hold to use to help Spencer get what he needs without drowning, improve his latch, and allow myself to heal a little bit. I'm able to pump frequently-and have saved a LOT of milk. I was able to actually take a 24 hour break and bottle-feed with breastmilk to save myself from agony. By the time that was up, we were back bfing, and Spencer (happily) definitely is a boob man, rather than a bottle man. To help continue the healing process I'm using the Soothies gel patches (wonderful) and also a little bit of Neosporin after feedings. I'm definitely on the mend, and Spencer is much happier (and so much less gassy) to be on the boob again, instead of the bottle.

Hang in there everyone! It took me two weeks to get it figured out this time, and I'm still healing... Why on earth did I ever think this might be easy? LOL!

[veganf]

Originally Posted by amybw

It started so well in the hospital and those darn nurses scared me into thinkiing he was starving. I learned after the fact that 1 wet diaper per days old is sufficient.

That's too bad that they weren't more knowledgeable and supportive about breastfeeding. With my second I had to wait 5 DAYS for my milk to come in, and he didn't starve to death; but I'm sure they would have freaked out about it had I been in the hospital.
Hopefully things will continue to improve for you. Maybe when you're feeling up to it you should write the hospital a letter about your breastfeeding experience.

[Azreial]

Krista it depends on the hospital. It took 5 days for my milk to come in after my dd was born. At the hospital they just kept tellingme my milk would come in and not to worry, just let her nurse and nurse

[Bay Area Babe]

After over 48 hours of labor and an emergency c-section, Lucas was given some formula in the NICU. When we finally got him back, we tried BF at 4:30 in the morning and the nurse who was checking my breasts said 'you have flat nipples.' Great. I suck at this too. BTW - I have huge breasts and aerolas and never thought/noticed that my nipples were flat. We ended up agreeing to 10 cc of formula since he was so frustrated.

He didn't do as well the first day, only a few minutes here and there and the nurses all were freaking us out and wanting to supplement. He was asleep whent the LC came by so no help there. We stuck to it and after midnight the next day tried a nipple shield which kind of worked. I also started pumping. The next morning as we weren't meeting the poopie/peepie diaper quota, we were again encouraged to supplement. The LC came again and he sort of BF for a little while. Amazingly there was a breastfeeding/parenting store there at the hospital that the LCs are associated with and I sent DF there to as about the SMS supplementer. The store owner, an amazing midwife and LC, stopped by to show us how to use it and she said I have plenty of tissue even if my nipples are a little flat. She got him on both breasts and it was such an amazing and powerful experience. I can DO this! I had a ton of colostrum and I think a ton of milk too.

It's been touch and go a few times since then. I'm learning how to do the U correctly and make sure he's ready. Still pumping about once a day and have a ton of bottles of colostrum in the fridge and a few milks in the fridge. Some times when I can't get him to latch on or stay on I cry - it can be so frustrating. He's making a good number of poopie and peepie diapers so I think everything is okay. He will nurse sometimes 10-15 on one side and maybe 2-5 on the other. Yesterday/last night it was nearly 7 hours before I could get him to have a 'good' feed. But we're figuring out this dance. It's the most important job I can do right now.