Breastfeeding help, tips, chat.

[rbnyc]

Anyone here breastfeeding right now? Or any veteran breastfeeders like to share some tips.

Here are my issues:

First, since I've gone back to work, my production has gone down. I make sure not to go more than 4 hours without pumping, but really can't take more breaks than that. So I feed him at 7am, pump at 11am and again at 3pm. I'm home by 7pm and I feed him.

How can I get my production back up without adding pumping sessions to my work day? Any foods that will help?

Also, since he takes my milk in a bottle all day, and since we always had a little struggle getting a good latch anyway, we're a little uncomfortable breastfeeding. He gets overly excited, and it's hard for me to keep his head steady. And he jerks around and thrashes when he's on, so even if we start with a good latch, it doesn't last long. And he likes to let go by biting down and then whipping his head back. Ow!!

Any ideas? We usually do the cradle hold or the football hold? Anyone have a thrashing feeder who found another hold works better?

Anyone want to share anything else about breastfeeding and pumping?

Thanks!

:hi:

[wildeyed]

1. I never had much luck with pumping,

and I never produced one additional sintilla of milk, other than what the baby needed. I had a friend who could nurse on one boob and pump on the other at the same time, and she always had enough milk. A veritable geyser, that one.

There are teas and supplements that supposedly increase milk production, but I don't know how much they actually work. Probably would be a good idea to give the lactation consultant or midwife a call, they probably deal with this all the time.

My sister had a thrasher. She nursed him lying down in a quiet room allot. Was great at home, but made nursing on the run a trial.

[rbnyc]

2. How long did you nurse?

Did you ever call a lactation consultant? How about Le Leche League? I heard they can be kind of mean.

[wildeyed]

6. I nursed both my children for about a year.

They self weaned at that point, and I just went with it. I was lucky and was able to work from home, which made nursing much easier than if I had to pump.

I did call a lactation consultant once, because my second was incredibly sleep disordered for the fist six months and I wanted to find out if nursing might be affecting his sleep patterns. They were very nice. Also, it was a free service through the hospital where I delivered. I was so exhausted and teary by the time I called, I really just needed some emotional support. And they very kindly gave it to me.

I have the La Leche League breast feeding book, which I found helpful. But they seem very adamant about strict attachment parenting philosophy and I don't have strict anything philosophy when it comes to child rearing, so I didn't feel that that organization would be a good fit for my family. I do have friends who are involved and they seem to like it.

[rbnyc]

9. Thanks for the info.

I'll find out if my hospital has a lactation consultant I can call for free.

:loveya:

[Polly Glot]

3. Two-time breastfeeder here

What a nice looking family and adorable baby y'all have!

As for the biting, the books say to stick your finger in his mouth like you're trying to let go of his suction the second the little nibling starts to bite. Keep trying and sooner or later he'll get the idea that biting bad... no milkey... :-)

I do remember that pain though... yikes!!

Enjoy it while you can though... I sure miss that closeness with my kids.

:hi:

[rbnyc]

4. Thanks.

Yes, it's wonderful.

[tjdee]

5. Nurse more when you're at home, if you can.

Everything I've heard/read says that if you nurse more, you'll produce more (since your body tries to meet the needs of your baby)... so I'd try that if you can. And then hopefully you can pump some extra when your production's up and he doesn't want it, at home instead of at work.

Also, for the moving around...have you tried nursing laying down? Like, laying on your left side, using your left arm to do a football-like hold. I did that a lot, and I also tried propping myself up with pillows. I don't know if that helps thrashing, but sometimes a different approach helps a bit.

Good luck!
On edit: I nursed for about four (!!) years. A really long time. That last year or so was just at night. Luckily, we started to get sick of it around the same time!

[rbnyc]

8. Thanks.

I will try the laying down position. Sounds more comfortable at night anyway.

Maybe after he's done eating, I should pump, to make my body think he wants more.

Good ideas.

:)

[rbnyc]

7. Rant about breastfeeding and my sister-in-law:

A little background:

I lost a baby last summer in a terrible car accident. We were a little worried I wouldn't be able to conceive again, so we were especially thrilled when I got pregnant with Garrison. When my husband's brother's girlfriend got pregnant at the same time, I have to admit, I was pissed. Young and irresponsible, they were essentially dating because neither one of them would ever challenge the other's drinking problem. They decided to get married and have the baby, and I did feel like they stole our thunder, a bit. I know it's not very gracious of me, but that's where I was emotionally--so I talked about it in therapy a lot.

Anyway, she had her baby 2 weeks after I had Garrison and we are complete opposites as moms. She put a pacifier in her daughter's mouth on day one. We don't use a pacifier. She sleeps her baby on her tummy. We believe back sleeping is safer. And she feeds her baby formula on a schedule. Garrison gets breast milk when he's hungry.

I've never said a word to my sister-in-law about what I think of her choices, but it does bug me. It especially bugs me that she refused to take her daughter to her breast, even to give her the colostrum.

We were at a wedding over the weekend and my husband's brother invited me to a 13 dollar all you can drink event in the city the next day. I said no thanks, 'cause I'm breastfeeding. Then my sister-in-law asked, "Why is breastfeeding so important to you?"

It was sad because I know her logic was, why would you do anything that would stop you from getting drunk every day. But I was so glad she asked because I could finally tell her:

"Well, the colostrum jump starts the baby's immune system. Breast-fed babies have a lower occurrence of asthma. Adults who were breast-fed as babies how lower cholesterol, a lower occurrence of most cancers, a lower rate of obesity and heart disease. My breast milk is tailor made for my baby. If he starts to come down with something, my body will make the exact antibodies he needs. I just believe in giving my baby every advantage."

She said, "Oh."

I'd wanted to tell her all that for weeks. But I didn't think it was my place. I'm so glad she asked.

I wonder if she's though about it. Her baby is 6 weeks old? Is it possible for her to re-lactate?

If it is, I wonder if I should tell her.

Anyway, that's my rant. Thanks for listening.

EDIT: typo

[MissB]

10. It sounds like you did just the right thing.

First, I am so sorry for your loss.

Your BIL and his girlfriend will have to find their own way in life. You probably already know that you cannot live their lives for them, or keep them from making mistakes along the way. If the drinking gets to the point where it causes problems for their child, I'm betting you're the type of person who would step right in and say something.

As much as it bites, she made the choice to bottle feed. You were right to not criticize- you came up with a wonderful way to let her know the benefits without telling her what an idiot you think she is.

You could approach her again real soon, and suggest that she consider trying to re-lactate. I'm betting that La Leche could help with that. It should still be possible to relactate. You could even let her know how much money she could save!

I don't even want to tell you how long I let down milk after I stopped breastfeeding. It wasn't months. It was wayyyy longer.

As an aside, I wouldn't criticize for the binky. I breastfed my two kids, and they used a binky as well. I never felt that it interfered with their feeding at all - they fed on demand. I made sure the binky habit was curbed by 9 mos, as I've heard that it is much more difficult if you allow it past a year. Snipping off the end and letting them have the binky back worked for both of them. A snipped binky isn't something a kid really wants to suck on.

[rbnyc]

11. Actually, I looked at breast-feeding friendly binkies today...

...at the store. ;-)

It's just that she started using it the day she was born that kind of got to me. But I may eventually decide to get one for Garrison if it seems like a good idea in the future. I just wanted to learn what makes him cry first.

I guess if she shows any more interest in breastfeeding or expresses any remorse, I'll offer to help her find out about relactating if she wants.

But you're right, I really don't want to be telling her what the right thing to do is. I know I wouldn't appreciate her telling me what to do.

Thanks.

;)

[wildeyed]

15. So sorry to hear about your loss.

I can't even imagine how hard that must be.

About your sister in-law. Sounds like she is an alcoholic. Encourage her to get help for that. It would not be a good idea for her to drink (and does she smoke?) while nursing. I have been in recovery for alcoholism for many years, but thankfully never had to deal with my disease in its active from while parenting.

I believe strongly in the benefits of breast feeding and it was definitely the best thing for my family. But it is not the best thing for every family and I have come to accept that, despite my strongly pro-breastfeeding opinions.

Re: the pacifier. I let both my kids have pacifiers in the hospital with no ill effects. They both had a strong latch and were good nursers right off the bat and the binky didn't cause any nipple confusion. They only used them for a few weeks after birth, then completely not interested.

[rbnyc]

20. Very wise.

Thanks so much for your post.

[SarahB]

17. Here's a link I like to give people.

http://www.promom.org/101/

Shuts 'em up. :7

[rbnyc]

19. awesome link!

thanks.

[davsand]

12. Oh man--BF is the toughest job I've ever done!

It was also the most rewarding and worthwhile. I breast fed my daughter for a year, and I kid you not, she NEVER did latch on correctly. I pumped the entire time!

Part of our problem was she was very small at birth. She was only 5lbs 4oz at birth, and I had her by emergency C-section. That was NOT the way to begin that whole nursing relationship!

If I had it to do over, I'd find someone who had been thru the nursing experience a few times and have them help me with all of it. I was in the dark about the mechanics of it all, and the lactation consultants I had at the hospital were next to useless. They either had never nursed a baby themselves or else they were the ones I call the "breastfeeding nazis" who had a specific idea of how it should work for EVERYONE.

I learned a few things in that year that I will happily share with you:

1. There is no one right way to do any of this Mom stuff--including nursing. If it works for you and your kid--then go for it and tell the others to back off!

2. Take it day by day. I swear that every single day of that first year I would get up in the morning and think "I am gonna nurse my kid for today." I never could allow myself to think about it as a long term thing or else I'd feel like I was overwhelmed.

3. When your Mom/ his Mom/ Grandma/ next door neighbor tells you that you can quit nursing any time--it has gone on long enough--feel free to refer back to point number one and thank them sweetly for the advice then promptly ignore them.

4. Read every bit of the info you can on the benefits of BF. If I hadn't done that, I'm not sure I'd have been able to keep going for as long as we did. Today when I look at my kid and see how well she's doing and how bright she is--it is all worth it.

5. If my production was down, I'd just pump about ten minutes longer the next few times and it would come right back up. Something that I do want to mention to you is DRINK a LOT of water. I did find that my milk production was a lot less if I wasn't really working to drink enough water.

Now, my final bit of probably useless advice, is that IF you are willing to put up with the rabid BF folks, La Leche may not be quite as bad as you expect them to be. They may even have a bunch of great advice to offer. You never know unless you try it... Nothing says you have to go back, and if you are REALLY worried about it you can always use a fake name and wear sunglasses and a wig when you contact them. :)

Laura

PS, Can you maybe put a blanket over the little one and keep him still that way? Remember how they swaddle them in the hospital? Would that work? I figure that has got to be better than duct tape.*

*Oh yeah--one MORE bit of advice? NEVER give up your sense of humor when it comes to this parenting thing. The minute you do, they will make you feel like a complete idjit! Keep on laughing!

[tjdee]

13. Water is a very good idea....

I always felt slightly dehydrated when I started breastfeeding, someone told me something I totally forgot other than water is good :silly: ...

Also, that's a good point you make about people telling you to stop any time. ALL of my (childless) friends said this, other relatives said it whenever I mentioned a tough time, or not being able to go out for drinks, etc.

I got cracked nipples, it took two and a half months before I didn't wince in pain when she latched on (I suspect I was doing something wrong?).... but it was worth it.

[Liberal Mommy]

14. Well I was going to suggest water

But it looks like these ladies all know what they are talking about & beat me to it. :) I breastfed all three of my kiddos. I just weaned the latest a few months ago.

[rbnyc]

22. I think I probably don't drink enough water at work.

I always think of it at home, but at work, I think about work.

Thanks.

[rbnyc]

21. Thanks so much!

Thanks for your really great advice. Especially point number 1. I know when I do get Garrison to latch correctly, I do not hold his head the way I'm supposed to, in fact I hold his head in a way they told me to never do.

:)

[gollygee]

16. I never pumped

but I think you need to bf and pump more often.

Also, if you're having supply problems, I would put off the binky. It could cause more. Especially as you said you're having latch issues - pacifiers can make latch problems even worse. Your baby is having trouble latching because he's so used to the bottle - if you add yet another type of nipple into the mix I'm afraid you might have even more problems.

So if you can put in a couple extra nursing sessions in the evenings when you're home, that might help. And ITA about the water suggestion. If you're at all dehydrated that will hurt your supply too.

Oh one other suggestion I've heard - after your first nursing in the morning before work, pump as well. A working bf/pumping mom who is a friend of mine said that helped her a lot.

[rbnyc]

23. Cool.

Thanks very much. This is so great.

[SarahB]

18. A couple of suggestions.

If you don't already have one, get a double pump (something hospital grade like a Medela Pump in Style). I always found pumping hard too and my production was less, but I am huge when nursing (G or H cup) and I think my babies were far more effective than the pump because of that. Sometimes having a picture of your baby around as well as a few minutes of massaging your breasts before you pump to help the let down occur more readily.

My other suggestion is to co-sleep or have your baby in a sling when you're home. Just let him nurse all the time or as much as he wants. He may get used to a cycle where he does the brunt of his nursing from say 6pm- midnight and although he will still need to otherwise have milk, he may become accustomed to being content with every 3 or 4 hours during the day and loading up at night or in the evening.

If you need more info on co-sleeping safely or the benefits of co-sleeping, here's a great site:
http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/faq.html

You're doing great. Enjoy your little guy! :thumbsup:

[rbnyc]

24. Thank you.

I put a picture of my baby crying with his mouth wide open over my computer at work. It's actually a really cute picture. And I have a voice mail on my cell phone of him crying that I can listen to before I pump. We'll see if that helps.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

42. I co-slept with my son when he was breast feeding.

It worked quite well for us. If he was hungry in the middle of the night (and he always was), he could latch on and we'd both go right back to sleep. I never felt like I wasn't getting enough sleep.

At about 6 months, my son was pretty big. He started to take up more than his fair share of the bed. He no longer slept in the fetal position. He would instead sleep with his arms and legs fully stretched out. At that point we put him in his crib. He didn't have any trouble sleeping in it after the first night. My son was also used to taking a bottle, so we gave him a bottle of formula (I sucked at pumping)when he went to bed to make him more comfortable when he first started off in the crib.

He still breast fed during the day for the next two months. At eight months, he just lost interest in breast feeding. He had started walking at that point. Once he was completely mobile, he preferred the bottle exclusively because he could walk around and drink out of the bottle at the same time.

I remember that my husband's parents said it would be hard to get him to sleep in his own bed if we started off co-sleeping. I didn't find this to be the case at all.

[SarahB]

43. Yeah, the co-sleeping thing depends on the kid sometimes.

One of mine was a kicker and a wild, crazy sleeper. He had to get out of there just for everyone's sanity after a few months.

Plus, I usually tried to get them to start off the night in crib in order to have "special grown-up time". Then when the bambino in question awoke, everyone was happier. :D

[rbnyc]

47. I'm afraid to let him sleep with us.

I'm afraid we'll squish him or that he'll suffocate. He sleeps in a pack-n-play next to our bed right now.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

50. A lot of people are afraid of this.

Neither my husband nor I ever rolled on top of our son while sleeping. I've never rolled on top my husband while sleeping either (and vice-versa). I actually felt that he was safer being next to us. I know a couple of times he needed help burping in the middle of the night, and we might not have known to help him if he was not near us.

You know how you sleep better than anyone else, so it's best for you to judge whether or not co-sleeping is for you. I think the pack-n-play next to your bed is a good idea. At least your child is near you at night if they need your help.

[SarahB]

54. This link give a lot of info....

http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/faq.html

It's from a physician who has done research on the area of sleep and infants. Definitely something to check out for some of the benefits as well as how to do it safely if it's something you choose to do.

[Ilsa]

64. He's one of my favorites.

McKenna's work and his articles are a treasury for breastfeeding mommas.

[AspenRose]

25. Question about 'flexible scheduling' vs. 'on-demand' feeding

There was a thread about a cafe in Round Rock kicking a breastfeeding mom out last night, and I appealed for help there, but I found this thread today, so I will appeal here too :-)

I am reading "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," which advocates a flexible scheduling plan for feeding.

I have many, MANY reservations about the "Babywise" books and have heard too many horror stories about that particular scheduling program, so I'm not even considering it.

It seemed to be implied last night that any kind of scheduling wasn't good.
This is my first baby (due Feb) and I plan to breastfeed.

Could someone please shed some light for me about this? I'd greatly appreciate it because I'm in a fog as it is. :dunce:

[rbnyc]

27. I say feed your baby when your baby is hungry.

And I've found when he's not hungry, he won't eat. He did cluster feeed a bit his first few weeks, but that's normal.

;)

[Pithlet]

28. Babywise rant.

Babywise is crap. It isn't worth the paper it is printed on, and in fact can be harmful. It is written by James "Focus on The Family" Dobson. He's not even a pediatrician. It was originally written as a "Christian" method of raising a baby, based on the bible, but he toned it down and removed the bible references to make it more marketable to the general public. Some babies actually failed to thrive because their parents followed the advice to the letter, and scheduled their feedings instead of feeding them when they were hungry. Basically, Dobson's theory is you will spoil your child when you feed them when they're hungry. It's all based on the right wing theory of parenting is strict and authoritarian from the very beginning. Some unwitting, well meaning but desperate parents of fussy babies are suckered into following its advice, usually when a friend or relative gives them a copy. You are on the money with your criticisms of Babywise. There is also Toddlerwise, and "Bringing Up Boys (To be Homophobic Right Wing Assholes)" :puke:

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer is like any parenting book. Take from it what you find works and discard the rest. Some of her advice I found was helpful. My one criticism is I think she make it sound like parenting a baby is all just a matter of doing exactly the right thing to make it all easier, and I'm not so sure that is always the case. It might make a parent of a particularly fussy baby feel more frustrated.

[rbnyc]

30. My baby almost never cries now...

...because we picked him up and took care of him, fed him, changed him, hugged him, etc. every time he cried as soon as he cried. Now he feels secure and knows his needs will be met. He wakes up, and makes sweet sing-song noises, and waits patiently.

You cannot spoil a baby.

:)

[Pithlet]

32. I can't imagine letting a baby scream with hunger

The thought makes me want to cry.

You're a good mom. Garrison is a lucky baby :)

[rbnyc]

33. Thanks so much.

You rsupport has been really wonderful.

[SarahB]

38. Yes, yes, yes!!!

Babywise is crap beyond crap. The Babywisperer isn't much better in my opinion (4 kids, early childhood ed. degree, former post partum doula, and nursing student). :P
Get yourself a copy of some of Dr. William Sears books now- The Birth Book and The Baby Book in particular. Much more natural and common sense approaches to parenting. If you want to breastfeed (which I'd highly recommend health-wise), start going to La Leche League meetings now too. Some people don't like LLL and I've had my own experiences as well (I had 4 c-sections and wanted to be very natural, but my children's' large heads, posterior presentations, and my narrow internal pelvis had it's own ideas and it was very hard coming back the "Earthy birthyness" of LLL after my last 'failed' attempt at natural birth, so I had to stop going for my sanity).
Despite all that, the moms there know breastfeeding and have wonderful parenting suggestions and will provide you a wealth of knowledge before you need it.

[LeftyMom]

45. Babywise

was written by Gary and AnnMarie Ezzo. They are creeps, but Dobson and Focus on the Family have denounced them for claiming parenting and medical expertise they don't have, fostering a cult-like atmosphere and twisting scripture to suit thier own ends. (Mr Pot, please meet Mrs. Kettle.)

Sorry, just had to straighten out that misconception about who wrote that peice of crap- in the name of knowing the enemy.

PS For more info on the evils of Babywise, please check out ezzo.info. I don't agree with some of thier arguments (which are specific to Christianity and thus irrelavent to my life) but they have a pretty detailed critique of the book as well as an account of it's changes over the years and the strange and cultish behavior of the Ezzos.

[amandae]

49. Weren't they kicked out of one (or more) of the churches they belonged to?

Because of these ridiculous notions that they have about childrearing and using God and Christianity to strengthen their arguments?

:shrug:

[LeftyMom]

55. Yep.

The huge megachurch they belonged to in Southern California (the name escapes me at the moment) asked them to leave and to refrain from using thier name in thier materials. Apparently the Ezzo child abuse cult vs everybody else conflict was tearing thier church apart. I think there may have been some financial issues involved too.

[Pithlet]

53. You're right, it was Ezzo

I had the right rant, but the wrong person. Thanks for the correction.

[Ilsa]

61. I think their publisher dropped them also and they

had to get a new one. I believe they had to revise alot of the breastfeeding stuff so it wasn't so strict because there were several deaths from Failure To Thrive.

[lizzieforkerry]

66. Oh man, I bought that Bringing up boys

before I really knew anything about Dobson. I spent about a week walking around my house reading different passages to my husband, usually starting with "Listen to this crap" My husband finally took the book and threw it away. He said "You aren't learning anyhting and you are driving me nuts" God I hate that man (Dobson, not my husband)

[wildeyed]

34. Babywise

:puke: Horrible book. I am open to various parenting styles, but this book is the pits. Good for you for avoiding it.

I read the Baby Whisperer after my second, and although it was a nice book, it didn't really help me much.

My system ended up, feed them almost constantly for the first two or three weeks (I timed it, 8-10 hours of nursing a day with a newborn). They will start to have a schedule on their own after a little. A flexible nursing schedule always worked well for me and the baby.

And don't forget about the growth spurts. The two of you will have a nice little routine going, the baby will be stretching out sleep at night, and suddenly, blammo, the dreaded growth spurt. Suddenly they are on you every two hours. But it passes in a few days. Your milk supply catches up and everything smooths out again. Good luck!

[amandae]

40. I agree with everyone else ... take what you can from

the books and discard the rest. What works for you won't necessarily be something that works for other parents. I drove myself nuts reading about all the things that we were supposed to do (as parents) when I had my first (of 3) child. Finally, after I had my second, I unsubscribed to the parenting magazines and only read articles that I thought I could learn something positive from. It took reading two articles (from the same magazine) within only a few months, that COMPLETELY contradicted each other yet offered advice as though it were gospel to convince me that the best judge of how to be a parent was my own gut instinct.

Admit to yourself that YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES. You're going to because you're not perfect. Allow yourself to make mistakes and not beat yourself up over not being the perfect parent. As long as your child is happy, healthy and knows that they're loved, you're doing a good job. The rest will fall into place.

One piece of advice I would offer any parent is that if they have a hard time saying their sorry (to anyone or everyone) than practice saying your sorry to your child when they're a baby. Just because you're a parent, you're not always right, and it shows a child a lot when their parent can admit a mistake and take responsibility for their actions without a "but." (Speaking from my own experience with my mom ... lol). Anything that you feel you need to talk to your child about but have a difficult time talking about right now (or feel you'll have a difficult time talking about when they're older, i.e., sex (terminology, not acts :) ), drugs, etc.), I would suggest practicing saying it aloud when your child is an infant.

Remember what others here have said. You CANNOT spoil a baby. Hug your child, love your child, hold your child. And don't forget to read to your child :).

[Pithlet]

26. With both of mine

I seemed to have a dip at right about 6 weeks. Keep pumping and nursing as often as you can, drink plenty of liquids, and you just may see it go back up. Also, the amount you pump is probably not as much as what Garrison is getting when he nurses, so don't panic if it doesn't seem like a lot. Even the best pumps aren't as efficient as your baby. One way to make sure he's getting enough is to keep track of the wet diapers. My supply was always a little slow to establish both times, but it got better. If his wet diapers are plentiful, and his weight gain is good, then he's more than likely getting what he needs.

My second born was a thrasher and a biter. The bite phase usually doesn't last forever, though. If you can, remove yourself to a quiet, dark room to nurse. He's starting to become more aware of his surroundings, and it might be distracting him while he nurses.

Another thing that really worked for my thrasher and biter was pumping for about a minute to get the letdown before he nursed. Some babies are impatient, and when the letdown doesn't happen right way, particularly in the beginning when you're establishing your supply, they will get frustrated and bite or pull off.

Most importantly, try not to stress. I know that is so much easier said than done. Breastfeeding can be the biggest challenge, for something that is supposed to come so naturally. I can remember the tears and frustration, and feeling that I was going to have to give it up, and trying to remember that I hadn't failed as a parent if it did come to that.

I hope this helps. Keep us updated, and if you ever want to PM me with a question or support, feel free. :hug:

[rbnyc]

29. So smart!

I think my let down probably is alittle slow. Thanks!

[Pithlet]

31. A L&D nurse who was also a lactation consultant

taught me that trick before I left the hospital. :)

[phylny]

69. The dip at six weeks is explained by "frequency days"

Long, long ago when I had babies, I read a great book about breastfeeding, and in it, it talked about frequency days, which were days that babies nursed like they were starving. IIRC, it was 10 days, six weeks, and some other time that I forget.

The baby nurses like crazy on those days to boost your supply. It is so common that they were actually able to predict when it happens :)

[Sabriel]

35. Two supply suggestions:

I nursed two children for almost three years each, so this thread is making me more than a little nostalgic. I can't believe how much I miss it!

Anyway, I second the suggestion to get the double electric pump, such as the Medela Pump-in-Style I used. It's not cheap, but it was both very effective and a good idea over the long haul. You can also get them used, which the company doesn't recommend, but....

Also, I drank a lot of "Mother's Milk" tea, put out by Traditional Medicinals. I don't know if it was the water in the tea, or the fenugreek and other ingredients, but I can attest that it worked for me.

Good luck! I envy you your special moments.
Sabriel

[jlucu]

36. Dare I add this thought?

I breastfed my daughter (currently 8 months old) just shy of 6 months. My supply dropped after going back to work. I tried many of the suggestions (although maybe not diligently enough?) - water, fenugreek, oatmeal, mother's milk tea, extra pumping.
A friend who managed to breastfeed a year while working/pumping added extra pump sessions on her non-work days, woke up early etc. I tried that for a while myself, but even those sessions yielded very little. One thing I didn't try - waking up in the middle of the night to pump....

What I am here to say is keep at it, but I just want to add....if you don't quite make it to your goal, don't feel guilty. You are clearly going to bring up your child to be healthy and strong.

Oh - another thought - another friend struggled to breast feed her first two children due to a variety of factors (work/pumping, baby didn't "like" breastfeeding etc etc) but this time (3rd baby), she is having great success and really enjoying it. So, it can be different every time!

on edit: added a word to subject heading

[rbnyc]

37. Thanks.

I would love to make it a whole year. But I am going to resist feeling guilty if it's just too hard.

Well, it's time to start work. I'll be back at lunch.

[SarahB]

39. I'll add this too.

It is possible to combine breast and bottle feeding, if necessary, once you're supply is established. It may not be the "ideal", but it's always better the baby gets some milk than none at all. If you breastfeed at certain times of the day and the baby is bottlefed at others, you body will quickly adjust and produce less at those particular times.

[rbnyc]

41. He usually gets a little forfula on Mondays...

...because over the weekend I'm not making enough to feed him and store some for Monday while I'm at work. But yesterday, I was at work, sadly, from 7am-9pm and he only needed 8 ounces of formula. That's pretty good. But it does upset his tummy. :(

[lizzieforkerry]

67. I always had to add Mylicon directly to the formula

bottles. He wouldn't get an upset stomach if I put 2 droperfuls in 8 oz. Otherwise he would scream for hours.

[LeftyMom]

44. What pump are you using?

Foodwise oatmeal is supposed to help. Fenugreek helps some people, but you have to take a lot. Medicatiosn like reglan and domperidone can also help with low supply. Have you tried mother's milk tea? I have most of a box (the packets are induvidually sealed) and can mail it to you if you'd like to try it, but you should be able to find some at most and grocery or natural foods store. Most women find that it results in a significant boost in thier production, sometimes to the point of causing engorgement.

[rbnyc]

46. Avent, hand pump. Due to finances.

No one bought me the pump I put on my baby registry. I can't afford an electric pump right now. :(

[LeftyMom]

48. Have you checked with WIC?

Usually they can help a working mom out with a pump, sometimes even if you aren't on WIC. Can your Dr get insurance to pay for a better one? If none of that works email me and let me know- I have a Lactina (Medela hospital grade pump) lying around and you're welcome to use it, it's just collecting dust right now.

A strong electric pump would probably make a lot of difference in keeping your production up during the day. In the meantime if there's any possible way you could sneak in an extra pumping session, even if it was a short one, that would propably help to keep you supply up.

[rbnyc]

51. What a great offer!

I'll let you know what I find. Thanks so much!

[LeftyMom]

52. No problem

I got it for almost nothing and am between rugrats at the moment so I don't mind sharing it. Makes more sense than letting it collect dust and take up space in my closet. :)

[lizzieforkerry]

68. I've got a single electric one you can have.

Just pm me and I will mail it to you! Until you can get a double!

[fortyfeetunder]

75. Isis hand pump?

That is one of the best hand pumps around. I bought one at the tail end of my breastfeeding but it worked like a champ; got all the milk out!

[LeftyMom]

56. Will he slingfeed?

Having a really long feed in the evenings and another while you get ready for work might help him to increase your supply. I'd aim for really long feeds in the evenings and on the weekends to make sure you get enough nipple stimulation to keep your production up.

When he's bottle fed is it a really slow nipple? Usually the "newborn" nipples work best, and to avoid nipple confusion it's best to use a nipple with a wide base that causes him to splay his lips out like he's nursing.

[Krupskaya]

57. My first post in the parenting section! WOOT!

Oatmeal worked for me to get my production up. Oatmeal cookies work, too. ;)

Lots of water.

But mostly, your body produces on demand. So add a pump after he goes to bed, and that might help.

I nursed my first until he self-weaned OVERNIGHT(!!!) at nine months. I'm still nursing my second, who just turned TWO (!!!!!), right before bed. If anyone had told me, a few years ago, I'd be nursing a two-year-old, I woulda told them they were crazy. But kids make you crazy, I guess.

You can see pictures of my kids at www.editbarn.blogspot.com. Shameless blog plug!!!!!

[rbnyc]

58. Nice Blog. Very cute kids!

My friend brought me oatmeal cookies at my office today! Yummy! So glad I have a good reason to eat them all!

:)

[rbnyc]

59. CAN I EAT SUSHI???

I know I couldn't eat it while I was pregnant. And I know the food rules for breastfeeding are close to the same. But I really, really, really miss sushi. How unsafe is it? Anyone know. Having trouble finding specific food guidelines.

Thanks.

[wildeyed]

60. I believe you can eat sushi.

There is some strange bacteria very occasionally found on sushi and also lunch meat that can cause damage to the fetus. But I don't see how it could transport through breast milk.

[Ilsa]

63. You can eat practically anything that you ate before getting pregnant.

You may find that some things irritate the baby, or at least while he's young and until his gut matures a little more.

Biggest offenders:
cows' milk protein (not lactose) in dairy
broccoli, onions, cauliflouer, garlic
peppers, such as bell peppers, etc
caffeine, chocolate (theobromine)
Sometimes the baby reacts to alcohol, like something in wine, etc.

It's okay to have a little alcohol and you don't have to "pump it out" to dump. The amount going to the baby is very little and is proportional to your blood alcohol levels at the time you feed him. Just be careful if you're going to imbibe.

I've worked with moms who have these food borne infections. It's the antibiotic you have to be careful with sometimes and the aftermath from taking an antibiotic (being prone to yeast infections, etc).

[Ilsa]

62. rbnyc, I also recommend that you feed on one side and pump the other

whenever possible, such as in the morning when your supply is higher.

Also, you should avoid peppermint and sage, as they can decrease your milk supply. Oatmeal is great. I attended a low milk supply seminar about 18 months ago.

Fenugreek is great, and you only take it for 2-3 days, but it might make your sweat and urine smell like maple syrup. Also, if you or the baby have diabetes or any blood glucose issues or asthma, you might want to skip it. It makes some babies colicky and gassy for those 2-3 days. Talk to your doc about Reglan, but remember: you have to wean yourself gradually from Reglan or you'll be right back where you started.

I do a rental station business, and if you need a new kit for Lefty mom's Lactina, I sell them for $35, which is probably cheaper than where you are. I'd be happy to get one to you and I'll pick up the shipping. Lactina Select is a great pump. Rentals range from $35-70/mo depending on where you live in the US.

With your Avent, try pumping really quickly, even if you don't get alot of negative pressure, for the first two minutes to stim the letdown, then slow down for a longer harder draw as your milk gets going.

Remember, keeping up your milk, even if you have to splurge for a pump, pays for itself in a couple of months versus formula.

A good book: Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Gale Pryor.

La Leche League should be thought of as a smorgasbord of information. Just take what works best for you. If someone seems dogmatic, it's because they advocate for an approach that works well for most mothers. If another one works better for you, so be it as you are the expert on your child.

(I hope to take the IBCLC exam next year if I have enough hours. I also nursed my two boys for the last seven years!)

[rbnyc]

65. In just one week, am doing a bit better.

I pumped 3 more ounces at work on Friday than I did on Monday. I've used a lot of your suggestions. You've all been so great. Thank you!

I still have a hand pump. I'm looking into affordable ways to get a double electric pump. But so far just simple things like remembering to drink water at work, never letting him take a bottle if I'm home no matter how tired I am, listening to a recording of him crying before I pump at work, and looking at his picture while I pump, and talking to my boss about my need to feel that it's okay for me to take breast milk breaks and that I don't have to rush, have all helped. My production is getting better.

We still have some latch problems, but not too bad.

And I'm thrilled to hear that sushi is ok.

Thanks so much everyone!

:loveya:

[MrsMatt]

70. Take an article of clothing

that your baby has worn with you to work. When you take a break to pump, smell the clothing. The scent of your baby will help you let down more easily when pumping.

I also used fenugreek supplements which worked very well.

Good luck.

[rbnyc]

71. Very smart.

Thanks. I should have thought of that.

;-)

[fortyfeetunder]

72. The Traveling Dairy

My kid quit nursing at 46 months. And I had milk in me for at least another year after that. So I was "Moo-my" for a good while.


I had to travel at times while the kid was actively nursing, so I'd take a cooler bag with ice packs, reserved a hotel room with a refrigerator and freezer, and a 3 quart bottles. This was pre-9/11 so I never got the third degree or searches to see my traveling dairy. I had a Medela Pump in Style -- wore that puppy out.

On the pumping strategies, I found brewer's yeast and oatmeal to be the best milk producing substances. I tried fenugreek but was tired of smelling like maple syrup. But brewer's yeast and oatmeal I could add to food (Brewer's yeast was yummy in soup, chili, and on pizza). I always ate these foods on the road to make sure I was pumping enough milk to take home.

And for the more daring episodes of the traveling dairy, I was traveling in the desert, no civilization for about 30 miles. I was wearing one of my nursing blouses (I made some I could wear to work), hitched up the Pump in Style, AC adapter, fastened the pumps under my blouse and pumped 2 bottles worth or milk....

Oh yes, if you are into sewing check out www.elizabethlee.com There are some very easy nursing blouse patterns.

[rbnyc]

73. Cool link!

Thanks Moo-my!

;-)

:hi:

[fortyfeetunder]

74. Also, mom's support groups

I was soooooooo lucky when I was pg (at 40+) that I had several co-workers my age give or take a few years who were also expecting children. We all bf our kids at the same time. The company we worked for had provided rooms for pumping. So we'd have an informal e-mail loop (with subject line "Moo") to discuss the experiences we had with nursing. That was the best support group I could have. And IIRC all the kids in this group weaned themselves, well mine weaned after a few years...LOL..

[abelenkpe]

76. wow!

I wish I had discovered this thread earlier. It sounds like your little boy is very similar to mine. I go back to work in January so all these tips will come in handy. Thanks for posting the question and to all those who responded with great suggestions!

[rbnyc]

77. cool!

Let me know how it goes.