She comes to our bed at night, now age 3 1/2, and hse still tucks her legs into mine ... sweetness.
Make Mistakes, breathe, reflect, and laugh.out.loud.
Showing posts with label nursing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nursing. Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Nursing Baby Girl and Her Feet
Baby Girl would nurse and always put her little feet between my legs. Perhaps she kept them tucked under my ribcage in utero? That sure is how it felt! These days were long ago. By the look of her little pants I'd say at least 3 years ago...
She comes to our bed at night, now age 3 1/2, and hse still tucks her legs into mine ... sweetness.
She comes to our bed at night, now age 3 1/2, and hse still tucks her legs into mine ... sweetness.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Poem: A New Baby, As the Weeks Go By.
A poem, about my new baby. This poem was inspired by the song by the Laurie Berkner Band, "5 days old." In my poem version this is life with a new nursing baby week to week.
Week 1 things are slow you sleep a lot
Week 2 you have started to eat non stop
Week 3 I'm told it's the halfway point
Week 4 remind me what's the point?
Week 5 still constantly eating
Week 6 I wish I knew what you were getting in a feeding
Week 7 still constant nursing
Week 8 at least your sleeping more and I've stopped cursing
Week 9 you lost some weight a bump in the road
Week 10 I'll have to supplement and
Week 11 you scream at the breast
Week 12 I'm getting more rest
Week 13 I have a nipple infection
Week 14 at least you get only my nutrition
By: Areyousureaboutthatblog author
Reproduction Not Allowed Without Permission
This is a photo of my baby girl nursing to sleepy and my young son just behind her.
Week 1 things are slow you sleep a lot
Week 2 you have started to eat non stop
Week 3 I'm told it's the halfway point
Week 4 remind me what's the point?
Week 5 still constantly eating
Week 6 I wish I knew what you were getting in a feeding
Week 7 still constant nursing
Week 8 at least your sleeping more and I've stopped cursing
Week 9 you lost some weight a bump in the road
Week 10 I'll have to supplement and
Week 11 you scream at the breast
Week 12 I'm getting more rest
Week 13 I have a nipple infection
Week 14 at least you get only my nutrition
By: Areyousureaboutthatblog author
Reproduction Not Allowed Without Permission
This is a photo of my baby girl nursing to sleepy and my young son just behind her.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Poem: Drops of Gold
Drops of Gold
It's in the morning that you get,
My breasts already dripping wet.
What tastes yummy, just divine,
But it just a taste of mommies wine.
It's mommies milk, just for you,
Oh but I have so much to do.
Feeding you takes so much time,
But this year will be over at the drop of a dime.
Cracked nipples, wrong hold,
I don't fit into this mold,
Not gaining weight again,
"Help me feed my baby, Amen."
High palette. Recessed chin,
Not nursing you feels like a sin.
I do what I can and give you my milk
It's only at night on sheets of silk.
Sleeping together makes me whole
Me, my baby, and these drops of gold.
Baby girl, nursing
Baby girl, nursing
by: Areyousureaboutthatblog Author
Not Authorized for Reproduction Without Permission
Make Mistakes. Breath, Reflect. and Laugh.Out.Loud
Friday, January 11, 2013
A Poem: Nursing, As We Drift off to Sleep
As I mentioned in a previous post, the lactation consultant who helped me at the hospital when my youngest son was born taught me how to co-sleep with him. The "tummy to tummy" method is wonderful, with towels or thick sheets rolled up behind mom and babies back (but not near the head or neck!) provide added support and prevent anyone rolling away.
This is how I slept for a whole year with my youngest son and now my baby girl. Some days it gets mundane and tiresome. But and let me be clear I feel very fulfilled and I am luckily not Longing for anything in this regard. But now as we approach baby girl turning one year old, I know I'll miss these days.
A poem: Nursing my Baby, As we Drift off to Sleep.
As I lay here and nurse you in the middle of the night,
The only thing that illuminates us is the street light,
I trace your face and see your eyes that start to quiver,
And your little hand wraps my finger and I just shiver,
At the thought of sheer happiness with you here where I lay my head.
And you fall off contented and as we drift off to sleep in my bed.
Make Mistakes. Breathe, Reflect. And don't forget to Laugh.Out.Loud
This is how I slept for a whole year with my youngest son and now my baby girl. Some days it gets mundane and tiresome. But and let me be clear I feel very fulfilled and I am luckily not Longing for anything in this regard. But now as we approach baby girl turning one year old, I know I'll miss these days.
A poem: Nursing my Baby, As we Drift off to Sleep.
As I lay here and nurse you in the middle of the night,
The only thing that illuminates us is the street light,
I trace your face and see your eyes that start to quiver,
And your little hand wraps my finger and I just shiver,
At the thought of sheer happiness with you here where I lay my head.
And you fall off contented and as we drift off to sleep in my bed.
Make Mistakes. Breathe, Reflect. And don't forget to Laugh.Out.Loud
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Breastfeeding, A Collection of Tips from Several Years (okay, A Decade) of Nursing
"Breastfeeding is not a destination...it is the Journey, it is the Process" - Me
When you hear that to successfully breastfeeding you need to "get a good latch," what does that look like? Or have you heard of using "breast compression" to help encourage milk flow - how do you do it and how to know the breast is compressed in the right shape? While the information in this blog cannot replace a good lactation consultant or the advice of someone who's successfully breastfed, this blog is a collection of tips, video links, perspectives, and clarity on advice NOT commonly found everywhere else. You won't find this compilation of tips anywhere else. They are Breastfeeding Tips from several years of nursing three kids. Let's jump into these easy to remember tips and reminders on what breastfeeding looks, sounds, and feels like.
Overtime, I was a nursing mom who struggled with all three kids, for one reason or another. But I breastfed all my kids as long as possible. The good news is once you get the swing of things, and that takes time, breastfeeding can be a truly wonderful experience between mom and baby. And then some days you just feel overwhelmed and you don't want to nurse. All of these feelings are normal.
Now that your baby is born, you will see that they know how to suck at the breast and they will eventually want to constantly suck, but baby doesn't always know how to latch on properly. And mom might not recognize a proper latch, look, and feel either. Mom and baby will learn to breastfeed over the first several weeks (up to 8 weeks or more).
What a lot of women don't say - for whatever reason - is that Breastfeeding is hard in the very beginning, when we (mom and baby) are learning to breastfeed. Then add in the sleep deprevation, exhaustion, and if you have other kids - phew!! I think knowing that breastfeeding requires some effort for a few women, to a lot of effort for others, makes expectations for new moms more realistic and manageable. If you are persistent and continue to nurse, you can experience success.
Starter Websites:
During every problem I encountered while nursing over 7 years and 3 kids, I read out of print books, researched websites and anything I could get my hands on. There are many great reputable "starter websites" that can teach you how to breastfeed and resolve common issues.
-- I strongly recommend Dr. Jack Newman who's the only doctor who has committed his entire practice to study breastfeeding!!
-- Kellymom is a lactation consultants website with great details.
-- And most recently the Stanford University website with new information from recent breastfeeding studies, including how hand expressing milk in the first few days after birth, helps increase milk production.
Here is some of the BEST reassuring advice I have ever read about nursing:
If you breastfeed your baby even for a few weeks, you have a nursing relationship.
If you nurse your baby at night, you have a nursing relationship.
If you have enough milk to offer your baby "snacks," you have a nursing relationship.
If you breastfeed your baby in any way, you have a nursing relationship.
How Breastfeeding Starts:
How do I start breastfeeding?
-- Put the baby near your breast, some babies latch on to your breast on their own! Some babies can "smell" the breast milk and "sniff around" looking for the breast.
--latch baby on the breast right after birth if possible. Insist on this at delivery! Make your desire to breastfeed known - tell every doctor and every nurse you see. At shift change sometimes the medical caregivers might not exchange notes on what your wishes are. So tell all medical people who walk in your hospital room that you are breastfeeding. No formula in these first few weeks.
-- In the first few days you produce only drops of colestrum. Then drops of milk. These drops is all the baby needs, not more.
--Babies tummy is the size of a marble at birth... So drops of milk are the perfect amount of milk!!! (you tube video).
-- and since babies stomach is so small they will nurse frequently, some times every 20 minutes - as baby grows over the first few days there will be more time in between feedings (30 minutes, 40 minutes...etc. and longer space between as baby grows up into 3, 4, months old).
---Babies love to suck, let them suck all they want on the breast. Dont unattach baby. Let them drink until they are full.
-- by day 3 the baby may be eating every 15 minutes to nearly every hour. There's no schedule, just determined if baby is hungry.
--many women say at this point (the first few days) they don't make enough milk. It's true. Because baby doesn't need that much right now. And the more often baby sucks your breast/drinks your milk, the more milk our body makes.
--At birth babies drink drops of colestrum, not ounces.
--Not until Slowly, by 3 weeks, baby will take 1-2 ounces total per feeding. There stomachs are tiny and don't stretch.
--sometimes shortly after nursing the baby will want to have the breast again. This is normal, baby might want to suckle, have a snack, or comfort nurse.
- baby stomach size is only a small marble at birth, so drops of cestrum is more then enuogh mik. By 5 days it's a large marble. Not even a few ml, or a 1/4 oz per feeding - that's only drops of your milk that will fit. By 10 days baby stomach is the size of a golfball - roughly 10ml or a 1/2 oz.
-- By 6 weeks babies tummy is the size of a golf ball - so 1-2 ounces of milk is also sufficient, baby may just eat more often then other babies.
You tube video on baby tummy size.
-- Babies should suck swallow the first 5-7 mins of feeding. This suck-swallow is how you know baby IS eating and not just keeping the breast in their mouth. Unless the baby is feeding for a snack, or comfort nursing. (link Dr jack video on suck swallow)
-- a nice latch technique is to roll the breast down along babies lower lip with bottom of your aereola to get a wider mouth and a better latch. (you tube video n minute)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMPpQULNG0w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
- unlatch - my baby didn't start falling off after breastfeeding or "unlatch" on her own until almost 6 weeks. So expect that baby will fall asleep at the breast and stay asleep unless you wake them. There's another school of thought. It to wake baby. But in my case I didn't wake baby and she wasn't actively eating enough, milk wasn't removed, more milk wasn't made, etc., so I needed to wake baby by unlatching, burping her and then offering the second breast.
- when you wait for the open mouth, my lactation consultant taught me that you need to firmly push baby onto the breast. It'll feel strange to first time moms/nursing because we are used to being overly gentle with baby. But when you hold babies neck and push her on the aereola as seen in many latching videos... It's a firm push, not slow because if your too slow you will loose the "open mouth" on baby!
-- Newborn Babies want the breast often - every 1 hour or less and will stay on for 20 mins to an hour, first eating, then sleeping and sometimes just comfort sucking.
--Babies know to sux but they don't know to take enough aereola in. Practice practice practice. Relatch and relatch as needed. Thats why it's said to not give up breastfeeding because it takes time for mom and baby to learn!! And time can mean several weeks!
--Thats why it's said to not give up breastfeeding because it takes time for mom and baby to learn!! And time can mean several weeks!
-- if you feel you need to supplement with formula, then consider a supplemental nursing system. SNS is a great way to supplement AND experience breastfeeding. See below.
-- ask someone to show you how to co-sleep with the baby. And learn to nurse laying down in the "sideline" position. These two tactics saved my nursing relationships with my babies.
-- keeping up even a limited milk supply so you can nurse at nighttime is wonderful so you can save yourself from making a bottle or supplementing at night.
-- gassy baby. After feeding on one side, burp and put back on same breast. Baby may not be getting enough hind milk which is filling and fatty and will aid in gas Relief.
-- if baby starts to spit up it might not be acid reflux. Consider that baby is possibly over eating? Babies will spit out the breast and bottle with their tongue. Do not make the baby finish a bottle. Why do they "have to" drink 2 ounces or 4 ounces? Is it because of your schedule? Baby's won't overeat on their own. So if your being told to consider acid reflux medication for your baby, pay closer attention to how s/he is eating.
-- what to expect in the early weeks of breastfeeding http://life.familyeducation.com/breastfeeding/36046.html?page=1
How does Breastfeeding Feel?
Does breastfeeding hurt?
-- at first it may hurt a little, or a lot. Depending on your latch, and pain tolerance/ irritation tolerance. But if you can last a day or two, it does get easier.
-- video link is below; with suck on finger to first knuckle, then second to learn difference in nipple feel. Put your finger in your mouth so your teeth touch to the first knuckle. Suck like That tickle of tongue on tip of your finger tells you baby is "tuckling the tip of the nipple". That means the latch is too shallow. Now put your finger in gour mouth to your 2nd knuckle. When you suck like threw a straw you feel the tongue rub the bottom of the finger- that's correct sensation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUHLDu4HrM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
-- listen for swallowing, similar sound to when y swallow after sipping thru a straw.
-- video link
-- -Sucking feels like a tugging. But the tug starts at the niplple and feels can feel like a pull or small tug throughout the interior of the breast all the way thru to the chest wall. General description, varies baby to baby.
--you should feel something, basically that baby isn't just holding the nipple in their mouth.
-- breast compression feels like a gentle push on the breast tissue and helps the flow of milk, but squeezing and holdin the squeeze too long stop the flow of milk - see Dr Jack Newman video on proper compressions.
--As baby get older - 5+weeks you may feel / see the top of the aereola move and get tugged as baby sucks. This is normal, and shows she's sucking strongly. But it shouldn't hurt your nipple or breast - tugging is okay but no pain.
--If baby is not sucking well or has a high pallette or a low suck, read this link with ways to improve baby's suck.
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbsepoct04p169.html
-- babies as they get to be 2 weeks old or so will "hug" the breast, wrapping their arms around it. Then as try gain more control of their arms, baby will "kneed" the breast to encourage milk flow. These pushes from baby are similar to breast compressions mentioned by Dr. Jack Newman. Baby might also Di these things to encourage the Milk flow at the breast: push it, press on it, or squeeze it. Sometimes a squeeze feels
Like pinching. You can tell baby gently NO and move their hand, or start breast compressions. Don't be rough and swat or push babies hand away, this is natures way of encouraging milk production.
How does Breastfeeding Look?
How do I know if baby is latched right?
How does a good breastfeeding latch look? :
-- guide to basic setup where baby is tummy to tummy with mom for cradle position. Link
-- Nipple to nose means the flat/top part of the nipple is pointing to babys nostrils and NOT near the top/tip of babies nose.
--when latching your actually focused on getting the aereola in babies mouth and the nipple "tags along" and flips in at the last Moment. Baby is NOT nipple feeding, their aereola (the brown part all around the nipple) sucking. This "flip in" is a good strategy to get plenty of aereola in the mouth.
-- babies neck will be extended, long, and seem like baby is looking up. Their chin shouldn't be touching their chest wall.
--Lips larger then "L" shape
-- Baby should look like they have "fish lips." Their lips are flipped out and you can see the pink interior.
-- Baby is actually taking in only 1/2 of the aereola, the Nipple is the top interior of their mouth and the bottom of aereola is resting on babys tongue. The top part of the (above the nipple) will not be in babys mouth- jack Newman drawing.
-- When latching your not approaching the aereola straight on. Baby is taking in 1/4 of the breast. Do not approach straight on but on an angle. From the top view of a cradle or cross cradle hold, If the nipple is at babys nose then babies mouth is at the all the way right or left of the nipple. More then 1/2 the nipple stays exposed especially in the early weeks when baby's mouth is small.
-- a nice latch strategy is to make a "nipple sandwich" and Squeeze the areola (behind the nipple), release once a good suction is started, a few seconds, this way baby gets plenty of areola in their mouth.
-- a Nipple sandwich should be a "U" shaped compression for the cradle hold: have your fingers parrallel to babies lips. If you football hold or lay down to nurse your fingers, parallel to babies lips will look like a letter "c" - link; Standford and Dr Newman.
-- bring the Nipple to the babies Nose. I know this sounds weird, but baby will "smell" the nipple and tilt their head back and latch on every time.
-- baby Has their lips "flipped out" for a good latch.
-- at the end of Nursing, some babies will have a little "lip blister" on the center of their upper lip - its not painful.
-- As baby get older - 5+weeks you may see / feel the top of the aereola move and get tugged as baby sucks. This is normal, and shows she's sucking strongly. But it shouldn't hurt your nipple or breast - tugging is okay but no pain.
- Dr. Jack Newman latch - great video (which starts with an exposed breast) showing a baby latched on properly.
-- have a special activity/books for toddler to only get to play with during nursing. It's great book reading time too.
-- no pacifiers bottles or anything other then breast for first 3 months or until supply is well established
--At 4/5 weeks I can put baby down for 15-20 mins to make lunch, potty, get my water bottle filled etc. then she will want to nurse again. We started to nurse every 1 - 1 1/2 hours at about 6-8 weeks.
-- she still doesn't unattach when done feeding - she just falls asleep. Then I unattach her after a few minutes and put her to bed for a nap.
-- how a good breastfeeding latch should feel? discovered a roll down the lower lip method to attach baby and get a full mouth of aereola. Also a video on how the nipple should feel by babys tongue.
-- sometimes I unattach and relatch her 5-7xs until we get it right. I let her suck a little and swallow 2-3 xs before I unattach and start again. Baby can get frustrated after so much unlatching and refuse to nurse - use caution.
-- unlatch - my baby didn't start falling off after breastfeeding or "unlatch" on her own until almost 6 weeks. So expect that baby will fall asleep at the breast and stay asleep unless you wake them.
-- when you wait for the open mouth, my lactation consultant taught me that you need to firmly push baby onto the breast. It'll feel strange to first time moms/nursing because we are used to being overly gentle with baby. But when you hold babies neck and push her on the aereola as seen in many latching videos... It's a firm push, not slow because if your too slow you will loose the "open mouth" on baby!
-- a deep latch instructions and pictures
http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/dept.asp?dept_id=3228
How does Breastfeeding Sound?
Do babies make noise breastfeeding? :
-- you should NOT hear loud sucking sounds, or slurping noises. There may be one noise at first, but after one minute or two, baby should only sound like the sounds listed below. That would mean Baby is taking in to much air as s/he sucks. It could also mean baby is sucking their cheeks in, or sucking on his lips, and is also not a correct latch. Unlatch baby and start again. Use the roll down technique mentioned above.
-- it sounds like occasional swallows. Just like when you swallow.
-- it sounds like little releases of air from the nose.
-- it sounds like the swallowing sound you make when drinking through a straw.
Breastfeeding Facts for mom:
How much water should I drink when breastfeeding?
(common tips demystified)
--drink plenty of liquids means:
- you are not thirsty
- you drink mostly water or non- caffine drinks.
- you drink about 64 ounces a day, that's 8 oz or 1 Cup of water every hour
- you are urinating every hour during the day.
-- a good way to stay hydrated is drink drink 8 ounces of water before each nursing session. And if you are still parched, then drink another cup after nursing.
How does breast pumping look and feel?
How does it look when you pump Breastmilk?
What's a good nursing and pumping schedule?
-- understand just for yourself, what are your reasons for pumping? Is it So someone else can give baby a bottle? Because you work? If you primarily breast feed and baby is always in your care, do you really need to pump?
-- pumping looks like nothing at first. On the first few attempts It could take several minutes (2-7 minutes) before you even get a drop of milk to come out. Many moms need to walk away from the machine, take a few minutes break and then come back and try again in the first attempts at pumping.
-- a lot of advice says look at a picture of baby, or sniff their clothes. But if you are constantly thinking about that email from work, or that website you had to read.... Do it! Once you learn how to pump you can read email instead of looking at baby's picture.
-- Realize also that you won't pump 8 ounces probably ever, or even 1 oz until many, many weeks to months down the road. Droplets are great in the first few days!! Then a half ounce (from both breasts) is excellent. Anything more is not the norm.
-- breastmilk looks like a skim milk with a slight light blue color. It turns from watery drops to a thicker Looking whole milk.
-- when pumping the milk starts as little milk drops from on top of the nipple, then either a small drops drip Down or/a spray stream forms. "spray streams" is the milk coming out of the nipple. Some women have one or two spray streams start. Some women have many spray streams from their nipple. (I rarely get past this point and I'll pump 1-1/2 oz in 5-10 minutes.)
-- when your milk comes out of the nipple there is two types of simultaneous flow: one slow constant drip, and one spray of milk with every suction action. (The spray part comes out of the nipple in one hole or thru several holes - like a garden spray hose attachment/ or a shower nozzle with a few holes). It's worth watching a hand expression video (on you tube) to see this effect in action.
-- Occasionally I will have a "milk let down" while pumping and a large amount of spray holes open - looking like a spray valve with nearly 10 sprays of milk working simultaneously. Sometimes only the "drip" happens with 1 spray hole working. And sometimes it's 4 sprays... Everything depends on when you pump, before or after a feeding, is it morning, are you tired, etc.
-- how much you pump depends on so many factors. How full of milk your breast are, is it after a feeding, is it early morning, or evening, are you relaxed enough?
-- remember we are not designed to pump. The machine doesn't suction as well as a baby. You only pump approximately 70% of what your breasts produce.
-- most women see at least a few drops. Pumping many ounces (more then 1-2 ounces or so) is the exception.
--I could only pump 1/2 oz or less (total from both breasts) for the first several pumping sessions thru 5 weeks. More pumping experience = equals more milk per session. This happens slowly over several ( 3-5) days... Not hours!
-- when pumping it is helpful to try breast compressions to help drain the milk. See Dr. Jack Newman compression video. It really helps to gently push out the milk working with the pumps rhythm.
-- and add power pumping or every hour pumping.
-- this is a nice pumping and breastfeeding combination schedule. It is from an adoption website, but works for moms trying to build a milk supply while pumping. http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/Boot%20Camp/bcr.htm
How to know if breastfeeding works?
Is Breastfeeding going well?
How big is newborn poop stools?
In general:
-- baby is actively sucking at the breast.
--Baby is satisfied after eating (not screaming or irritated).
-- watch baby, are they making drinking sounds?
--Baby is relaxed and not tense or tight fisted. But feeding is an intense experience for the baby. It is
Normal for baby to look and feel excited before nursing by cooing, babbling or crying. My babies would kick their legs or even shake with excitement.
-- there is enough in the diaper to count pee and poo. After 6 weeks Some breastfed babies poop once a week, but this is only true after 6 weeks or so. Otherwise breastfed babies poop at least once daily, some poop after every feeding.
-- baby stools and baby poop is small. The first day merconium amount is small, less then palm size. As babys continue to poop everyday, poop will vary, but I usually small in the first few weeks through 6 weeks. link here to what baby poop looks like.
-- Sometimes baby poo is only the size of a dime or a quarter. This is a stool and poop that equals a dirty diaper.
-- is my breastfed baby constipated? Or is baby just not pooping enough?
-- baby is gaining weight using the WHO world health organization guidelines (3.5-7 ounces a week). Breast fed baby weight growth chart link
-- don't be afraid to weigh baby yourself and own a scale. In Europe many women own their own scales and weigh baby daily. In the united states we would cause major congestion at the doctors offices just weighing our babies! This is a good way to feel at ease and know baby is gaining weight, and not wait too long between weight checks to uncover a possible problem!
-- early good weight gain turns into slow/no weight gain at 6 weeks or so. Read Dr. Jack Newman article about how newborns stay on the breast often falling asleep there and shorty after get a 2nd let down of milk. This adds calories an intake. Another good reason NOT to unlatch baby right as they fall asleep. When they are older babies get frustrated sooner or other reasons highlighted In This article.
-- Dr Jack Newmans BLOG is a great read thru and resource also.
-- if baby is gassy s/he may not be getting enough "hind milk." hind milk is more fatty and filling. After a feeding, and it's time to feed again, put baby back on the same breast as the last feeding so they can get more of the hind milk. Then When baby finishes the first breast offer the second breast. After a several feedings this should help ease the gas.
-- baby should have 6 wet diapers a day. Wet means 1-2 ounces of pee, especially under 6 weeks. Take an empty diaper and fill it w a shot glass worth of water, that's one ounce. now hold the water filled diaper in the palm of your hand, and hold an empty diaper in your other hand. Compare the sensation (it's a subtle difference).
-- after a nursing session if baby won't stay asleep alone, without mom, this Does NOT mean baby is hungry. My daughter would take a full nursing and I would lay her down when she fell asleep and within 5 minutes she'd be awake. But if she fell asleep and i'd keep her in my arms or in a baby sling, she'd sleep for a full 20-30 minute nap.
General breastfeeding advice and tips:
Links:
Stanford studies
Kelly mom
Dr. Jack Newman
-- if baby is spitting up, consider they are over eating or eating too fast. Slow the feeding by giving half the breast/ or bottle supplement. Stop and burp baby. Then give the rest of the feeding. If baby isn't hungry, and spitting out the bottle, then respect that.. do not force baby to eat more - their stomachs are small.
-- once your baby is regularly nursing in a rhythm (not a schedule) and baby is regularly finishing the breast, and then starting her next feeding sooner, this is how baby gets your breast to make more milk. Allow baby to eat sooner - it's not your time to eat doesn't help the nursing rhythm.
-- Do you always finish your lunch or dinner? Do you sometimes need a snack, or maybe your a Little extra thirsty today? Babies needs also vary, consider this when feeding your baby. Sometimes they are hungry sooner, or baby needs an extra drink.
-- When Breastfeeding / Nursing in public: do you like eating with your head covered? Having your dinner with a scarf over your head so you cannot see? I think covering up a nursing baby actually draws more attention to you -- people know your trying to cover something. I started nursing without a cover up and I find people pay less attention to us. If you nurse and see yourself in the mirror you will find that your baby covers a lot of the breast.
-- sometimes shortly after nursing the baby will want to have the breast again. This is normal, baby might want to suckle, have a snack, or comfort nurse
-- A friend who was still night nursing at 2 year old. I still want to nurse because this is my last baby. I'm Not having more kids and I want to last as long as possible! WHO recommends nursing until 2 years old, and it's not because of "lack of dietary" needs in poorer countries. It's because breast milk contains everything's babies need. Consider combination nursing and introducing foods.
How to produce the most breastmilk?
How to make more milk?
Induced Lactation Resource
-- I started using a SNS because baby wasn't gaining fast enough. I then kept the SNS the hospital gave me out of fear of him being hungry. Every whimper, every cry, in my mind it meant hunger. Insecurity is so dibilitating.
-- Nursing is fab. No bottle no water to shlep. Just some nappies and my body brings the milk. I love going on outing with my kids and I can nurse anywhere while they have fun and get there energy out.
-- I don't unlatch baby girl when she falls asleep. I find that after a little while, sometimes 10 mins of nibbling, sometimes 20, she will start gulping - alot - it is either a 2nd left down of milk or all those drops from nibbling build up in her mouth to several gulps worth.
-- Cluster feeding - babies sometimes build up there calories for a long night's sleep, so they "cluster feed" or take several feedings in a short period of time at night. Maybe every 20 minutes for 1-2 hours before bedtime.
-- Often I feel like a refridgerator constantly in use
-- cup feed supplement instead of a bottle, even with a newborn.
-- compress breast to get milk flow- pain free
-- link Breast Compression Dr. Jack Newman
-- Dr Spock: excerpt diapers and breastfeeding paragraph so moms know wet / poop diapers standard for formula fed baby and breastmilk varies.
-- if you have a Gassy baby, After feeding on one side, burp and put the baby back on the same breast. Baby may not be getting enough hind milk which is filling and fatty and will aid in gas Relief.
-- Spock sleeping with baby excerpt
-- tongue tie - consult a pediatric dentist for good advise in additin to LC and pediatrician. See tongue tie questions.
-- surround urself with support - it's hard to find sometimes.
-- Get people to cook for u .
How to Breastfeed and Supplement?
How can I breastfeed and give formula to my baby?
How soon should I start supplementing?
How to supplement feeding a breast fed baby?
-- if supplementing consider buying breastmilk from a milk bank instead of formula. Or use your pumped milk.
-- Consider using a supplemental nursing system (SNS). It's a nice way to supplement while nursing!
-- when baby drinks from a bottle the milk flow is fast, and baby does not have to suck hard or work as hard to get the milk out. When using the tube feeding SNS the baby still has to suck to get the milk out. So at the same time baby practices breastfeeding.
-- you can also use a less expensive #8 French tube feeder with a small plunger. Use the tube in the corner of babies mouth as you would the SNS, and attach to the bottle as pictured. Cleaning the tube: Buy a catheter tipped syringe to push clean water through the tube. Amazon links here.
-- if baby is not gaining weight well and having less then 6 wet diapers a day, this is an indication of a problem with breastfeeding.
-- for example: My daughter was only gaining 1.5 ounces a week for 2 months. She was never satisfied after a feeding yet we nursed constantly. She had 3 wet diapers a day and very little poop, maybe one spot the size of a dime, every other day. In my case we started supplementing at 8 weeks, after truly giving breastfeeding it's due time to work.
-- I started supplementing at 2 months / 8 weeks with my 2nd son due to low weight gain. However knowing the information I have now, he didn't loose weight. I would have waited a little longer to supplement.
-- with my daughter I started supplementing at 8 weeks because she did loose weight.
-- when supplementing along with breastfeeding, first let baby breastfeed until they unlatch. If they fall asleep at the breast, burp baby, change their diaper, and then offer the same or the next breast. Then slide in the SnS into the corner of their mouth while latched to the breast. Or offer the bottle after baby breastfeeds.
-- if supplementing, start slow. Newborns tummies are so small they need only drops, not ounces!!
-- If you want breastfeeding to be successful then except that baby will eat with in 20 minutes to an hour, not longer between feedings. This allows for them to not over eat and be ready for the next breast feeding.
-- Baby's tummy is small. So "getting enough" it relative to babies age, and tummy size. Link to British you tube video stomach sizes:
Day 1-2 Baby's Tummy is the size of a marble
Day 3 about the size of a ping pong ball.
by Day 10 its the size of a large egg.
-- babies have been studied an found that they will take a full breastfeeding and Then can still take a full bottle!! Babies cannot "turn off" the sucking reflex. So add the supplement-- slowly, a few drops to a few tablespoons. Formula fed babies can go 3-4 hours between feedings. If you give formula your baby will not nurse and then you will "loose" that feeding of milk from your breasts.
-- If needed, add 1 tablespoon of supplement at a time. See if baby is content. Then build up over a day to 2 tablespoons, then the next day 3 tablespoons until you may or may not reach 1 ounce for easier weening later. You DO NOT have to feed one ounce to baby!! 1-2 tablespoons might be enough, just to take off the edge of hunger from baby..
-- formula keeps babies satisfied longer the. Breastmilk, eating every two hours is a Formula based feeding schedule. Remember to pump or hand express if you supplement with any milk.
-- weening from formula strategy and chart
Weening from supplement link: http://www.mother-2-mother.com/supplement.htm#wean
http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/decrease-formula/http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/decrease-formula/
-- or 8 week self weening
-- a nice article on the impacts of breastfeeding and formula feeding. If you breastfeed, your baby will be healthier,’ to ‘If you don’t breastfeed, your baby will be more prone to…,” http://drjaygordon.com/breastfeeding/milkyway.html
The days are long, but the years are short. - Chinese Proverb
Originally published on August 21, 2012 and one of my biggest inspirations!
When you hear that to successfully breastfeeding you need to "get a good latch," what does that look like? Or have you heard of using "breast compression" to help encourage milk flow - how do you do it and how to know the breast is compressed in the right shape? While the information in this blog cannot replace a good lactation consultant or the advice of someone who's successfully breastfed, this blog is a collection of tips, video links, perspectives, and clarity on advice NOT commonly found everywhere else. You won't find this compilation of tips anywhere else. They are Breastfeeding Tips from several years of nursing three kids. Let's jump into these easy to remember tips and reminders on what breastfeeding looks, sounds, and feels like.
Breastfeeding, A Collection of Tips from Several Years (okay, A Decade) of Nursing
Overtime, I was a nursing mom who struggled with all three kids, for one reason or another. But I breastfed all my kids as long as possible. The good news is once you get the swing of things, and that takes time, breastfeeding can be a truly wonderful experience between mom and baby. And then some days you just feel overwhelmed and you don't want to nurse. All of these feelings are normal.
Now that your baby is born, you will see that they know how to suck at the breast and they will eventually want to constantly suck, but baby doesn't always know how to latch on properly. And mom might not recognize a proper latch, look, and feel either. Mom and baby will learn to breastfeed over the first several weeks (up to 8 weeks or more).
What a lot of women don't say - for whatever reason - is that Breastfeeding is hard in the very beginning, when we (mom and baby) are learning to breastfeed. Then add in the sleep deprevation, exhaustion, and if you have other kids - phew!! I think knowing that breastfeeding requires some effort for a few women, to a lot of effort for others, makes expectations for new moms more realistic and manageable. If you are persistent and continue to nurse, you can experience success.
Starter Websites:
During every problem I encountered while nursing over 7 years and 3 kids, I read out of print books, researched websites and anything I could get my hands on. There are many great reputable "starter websites" that can teach you how to breastfeed and resolve common issues.
-- I strongly recommend Dr. Jack Newman who's the only doctor who has committed his entire practice to study breastfeeding!!
-- Kellymom is a lactation consultants website with great details.
-- And most recently the Stanford University website with new information from recent breastfeeding studies, including how hand expressing milk in the first few days after birth, helps increase milk production.
Here is some of the BEST reassuring advice I have ever read about nursing:
If you breastfeed your baby even for a few weeks, you have a nursing relationship.
If you nurse your baby at night, you have a nursing relationship.
If you have enough milk to offer your baby "snacks," you have a nursing relationship.
If you breastfeed your baby in any way, you have a nursing relationship.
How Breastfeeding Starts:
How do I start breastfeeding?
-- Put the baby near your breast, some babies latch on to your breast on their own! Some babies can "smell" the breast milk and "sniff around" looking for the breast.
--latch baby on the breast right after birth if possible. Insist on this at delivery! Make your desire to breastfeed known - tell every doctor and every nurse you see. At shift change sometimes the medical caregivers might not exchange notes on what your wishes are. So tell all medical people who walk in your hospital room that you are breastfeeding. No formula in these first few weeks.
-- In the first few days you produce only drops of colestrum. Then drops of milk. These drops is all the baby needs, not more.
--Babies tummy is the size of a marble at birth... So drops of milk are the perfect amount of milk!!! (you tube video).
-- and since babies stomach is so small they will nurse frequently, some times every 20 minutes - as baby grows over the first few days there will be more time in between feedings (30 minutes, 40 minutes...etc. and longer space between as baby grows up into 3, 4, months old).
---Babies love to suck, let them suck all they want on the breast. Dont unattach baby. Let them drink until they are full.
-- by day 3 the baby may be eating every 15 minutes to nearly every hour. There's no schedule, just determined if baby is hungry.
--many women say at this point (the first few days) they don't make enough milk. It's true. Because baby doesn't need that much right now. And the more often baby sucks your breast/drinks your milk, the more milk our body makes.
--At birth babies drink drops of colestrum, not ounces.
--Not until Slowly, by 3 weeks, baby will take 1-2 ounces total per feeding. There stomachs are tiny and don't stretch.
--sometimes shortly after nursing the baby will want to have the breast again. This is normal, baby might want to suckle, have a snack, or comfort nurse.
- baby stomach size is only a small marble at birth, so drops of cestrum is more then enuogh mik. By 5 days it's a large marble. Not even a few ml, or a 1/4 oz per feeding - that's only drops of your milk that will fit. By 10 days baby stomach is the size of a golfball - roughly 10ml or a 1/2 oz.
-- By 6 weeks babies tummy is the size of a golf ball - so 1-2 ounces of milk is also sufficient, baby may just eat more often then other babies.
You tube video on baby tummy size.
-- Babies should suck swallow the first 5-7 mins of feeding. This suck-swallow is how you know baby IS eating and not just keeping the breast in their mouth. Unless the baby is feeding for a snack, or comfort nursing. (link Dr jack video on suck swallow)
-- a nice latch technique is to roll the breast down along babies lower lip with bottom of your aereola to get a wider mouth and a better latch. (you tube video n minute)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMPpQULNG0w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
- unlatch - my baby didn't start falling off after breastfeeding or "unlatch" on her own until almost 6 weeks. So expect that baby will fall asleep at the breast and stay asleep unless you wake them. There's another school of thought. It to wake baby. But in my case I didn't wake baby and she wasn't actively eating enough, milk wasn't removed, more milk wasn't made, etc., so I needed to wake baby by unlatching, burping her and then offering the second breast.
- when you wait for the open mouth, my lactation consultant taught me that you need to firmly push baby onto the breast. It'll feel strange to first time moms/nursing because we are used to being overly gentle with baby. But when you hold babies neck and push her on the aereola as seen in many latching videos... It's a firm push, not slow because if your too slow you will loose the "open mouth" on baby!
-- Newborn Babies want the breast often - every 1 hour or less and will stay on for 20 mins to an hour, first eating, then sleeping and sometimes just comfort sucking.
--Babies know to sux but they don't know to take enough aereola in. Practice practice practice. Relatch and relatch as needed. Thats why it's said to not give up breastfeeding because it takes time for mom and baby to learn!! And time can mean several weeks!
--Thats why it's said to not give up breastfeeding because it takes time for mom and baby to learn!! And time can mean several weeks!
-- if you feel you need to supplement with formula, then consider a supplemental nursing system. SNS is a great way to supplement AND experience breastfeeding. See below.
-- ask someone to show you how to co-sleep with the baby. And learn to nurse laying down in the "sideline" position. These two tactics saved my nursing relationships with my babies.
-- keeping up even a limited milk supply so you can nurse at nighttime is wonderful so you can save yourself from making a bottle or supplementing at night.
-- gassy baby. After feeding on one side, burp and put back on same breast. Baby may not be getting enough hind milk which is filling and fatty and will aid in gas Relief.
-- if baby starts to spit up it might not be acid reflux. Consider that baby is possibly over eating? Babies will spit out the breast and bottle with their tongue. Do not make the baby finish a bottle. Why do they "have to" drink 2 ounces or 4 ounces? Is it because of your schedule? Baby's won't overeat on their own. So if your being told to consider acid reflux medication for your baby, pay closer attention to how s/he is eating.
-- what to expect in the early weeks of breastfeeding http://life.familyeducation.com/breastfeeding/36046.html?page=1
How does Breastfeeding Feel?
Does breastfeeding hurt?
-- at first it may hurt a little, or a lot. Depending on your latch, and pain tolerance/ irritation tolerance. But if you can last a day or two, it does get easier.
-- video link is below; with suck on finger to first knuckle, then second to learn difference in nipple feel. Put your finger in your mouth so your teeth touch to the first knuckle. Suck like That tickle of tongue on tip of your finger tells you baby is "tuckling the tip of the nipple". That means the latch is too shallow. Now put your finger in gour mouth to your 2nd knuckle. When you suck like threw a straw you feel the tongue rub the bottom of the finger- that's correct sensation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUHLDu4HrM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
-- listen for swallowing, similar sound to when y swallow after sipping thru a straw.
-- video link
-- -Sucking feels like a tugging. But the tug starts at the niplple and feels can feel like a pull or small tug throughout the interior of the breast all the way thru to the chest wall. General description, varies baby to baby.
--you should feel something, basically that baby isn't just holding the nipple in their mouth.
-- breast compression feels like a gentle push on the breast tissue and helps the flow of milk, but squeezing and holdin the squeeze too long stop the flow of milk - see Dr Jack Newman video on proper compressions.
--As baby get older - 5+weeks you may feel / see the top of the aereola move and get tugged as baby sucks. This is normal, and shows she's sucking strongly. But it shouldn't hurt your nipple or breast - tugging is okay but no pain.
--If baby is not sucking well or has a high pallette or a low suck, read this link with ways to improve baby's suck.
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbsepoct04p169.html
-- babies as they get to be 2 weeks old or so will "hug" the breast, wrapping their arms around it. Then as try gain more control of their arms, baby will "kneed" the breast to encourage milk flow. These pushes from baby are similar to breast compressions mentioned by Dr. Jack Newman. Baby might also Di these things to encourage the Milk flow at the breast: push it, press on it, or squeeze it. Sometimes a squeeze feels
Like pinching. You can tell baby gently NO and move their hand, or start breast compressions. Don't be rough and swat or push babies hand away, this is natures way of encouraging milk production.
How does Breastfeeding Look?
How do I know if baby is latched right?
How does a good breastfeeding latch look? :
-- guide to basic setup where baby is tummy to tummy with mom for cradle position. Link
-- Nipple to nose means the flat/top part of the nipple is pointing to babys nostrils and NOT near the top/tip of babies nose.
--when latching your actually focused on getting the aereola in babies mouth and the nipple "tags along" and flips in at the last Moment. Baby is NOT nipple feeding, their aereola (the brown part all around the nipple) sucking. This "flip in" is a good strategy to get plenty of aereola in the mouth.
-- babies neck will be extended, long, and seem like baby is looking up. Their chin shouldn't be touching their chest wall.
--Lips larger then "L" shape
-- Baby should look like they have "fish lips." Their lips are flipped out and you can see the pink interior.
-- Baby is actually taking in only 1/2 of the aereola, the Nipple is the top interior of their mouth and the bottom of aereola is resting on babys tongue. The top part of the (above the nipple) will not be in babys mouth- jack Newman drawing.
-- When latching your not approaching the aereola straight on. Baby is taking in 1/4 of the breast. Do not approach straight on but on an angle. From the top view of a cradle or cross cradle hold, If the nipple is at babys nose then babies mouth is at the all the way right or left of the nipple. More then 1/2 the nipple stays exposed especially in the early weeks when baby's mouth is small.
-- a nice latch strategy is to make a "nipple sandwich" and Squeeze the areola (behind the nipple), release once a good suction is started, a few seconds, this way baby gets plenty of areola in their mouth.
-- a Nipple sandwich should be a "U" shaped compression for the cradle hold: have your fingers parrallel to babies lips. If you football hold or lay down to nurse your fingers, parallel to babies lips will look like a letter "c" - link; Standford and Dr Newman.
-- bring the Nipple to the babies Nose. I know this sounds weird, but baby will "smell" the nipple and tilt their head back and latch on every time.
-- baby Has their lips "flipped out" for a good latch.
-- at the end of Nursing, some babies will have a little "lip blister" on the center of their upper lip - its not painful.
-- As baby get older - 5+weeks you may see / feel the top of the aereola move and get tugged as baby sucks. This is normal, and shows she's sucking strongly. But it shouldn't hurt your nipple or breast - tugging is okay but no pain.
- Dr. Jack Newman latch - great video (which starts with an exposed breast) showing a baby latched on properly.
-- have a special activity/books for toddler to only get to play with during nursing. It's great book reading time too.
-- no pacifiers bottles or anything other then breast for first 3 months or until supply is well established
--At 4/5 weeks I can put baby down for 15-20 mins to make lunch, potty, get my water bottle filled etc. then she will want to nurse again. We started to nurse every 1 - 1 1/2 hours at about 6-8 weeks.
-- she still doesn't unattach when done feeding - she just falls asleep. Then I unattach her after a few minutes and put her to bed for a nap.
-- how a good breastfeeding latch should feel? discovered a roll down the lower lip method to attach baby and get a full mouth of aereola. Also a video on how the nipple should feel by babys tongue.
-- sometimes I unattach and relatch her 5-7xs until we get it right. I let her suck a little and swallow 2-3 xs before I unattach and start again. Baby can get frustrated after so much unlatching and refuse to nurse - use caution.
-- unlatch - my baby didn't start falling off after breastfeeding or "unlatch" on her own until almost 6 weeks. So expect that baby will fall asleep at the breast and stay asleep unless you wake them.
-- when you wait for the open mouth, my lactation consultant taught me that you need to firmly push baby onto the breast. It'll feel strange to first time moms/nursing because we are used to being overly gentle with baby. But when you hold babies neck and push her on the aereola as seen in many latching videos... It's a firm push, not slow because if your too slow you will loose the "open mouth" on baby!
-- a deep latch instructions and pictures
http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/dept.asp?dept_id=3228
How does Breastfeeding Sound?
Do babies make noise breastfeeding? :
-- you should NOT hear loud sucking sounds, or slurping noises. There may be one noise at first, but after one minute or two, baby should only sound like the sounds listed below. That would mean Baby is taking in to much air as s/he sucks. It could also mean baby is sucking their cheeks in, or sucking on his lips, and is also not a correct latch. Unlatch baby and start again. Use the roll down technique mentioned above.
-- it sounds like occasional swallows. Just like when you swallow.
-- it sounds like little releases of air from the nose.
-- it sounds like the swallowing sound you make when drinking through a straw.
Breastfeeding Facts for mom:
How much water should I drink when breastfeeding?
(common tips demystified)
--drink plenty of liquids means:
- you are not thirsty
- you drink mostly water or non- caffine drinks.
- you drink about 64 ounces a day, that's 8 oz or 1 Cup of water every hour
- you are urinating every hour during the day.
-- a good way to stay hydrated is drink drink 8 ounces of water before each nursing session. And if you are still parched, then drink another cup after nursing.
How does breast pumping look and feel?
How does it look when you pump Breastmilk?
What's a good nursing and pumping schedule?
-- understand just for yourself, what are your reasons for pumping? Is it So someone else can give baby a bottle? Because you work? If you primarily breast feed and baby is always in your care, do you really need to pump?
-- pumping looks like nothing at first. On the first few attempts It could take several minutes (2-7 minutes) before you even get a drop of milk to come out. Many moms need to walk away from the machine, take a few minutes break and then come back and try again in the first attempts at pumping.
-- a lot of advice says look at a picture of baby, or sniff their clothes. But if you are constantly thinking about that email from work, or that website you had to read.... Do it! Once you learn how to pump you can read email instead of looking at baby's picture.
-- Realize also that you won't pump 8 ounces probably ever, or even 1 oz until many, many weeks to months down the road. Droplets are great in the first few days!! Then a half ounce (from both breasts) is excellent. Anything more is not the norm.
-- breastmilk looks like a skim milk with a slight light blue color. It turns from watery drops to a thicker Looking whole milk.
-- when pumping the milk starts as little milk drops from on top of the nipple, then either a small drops drip Down or/a spray stream forms. "spray streams" is the milk coming out of the nipple. Some women have one or two spray streams start. Some women have many spray streams from their nipple. (I rarely get past this point and I'll pump 1-1/2 oz in 5-10 minutes.)
-- when your milk comes out of the nipple there is two types of simultaneous flow: one slow constant drip, and one spray of milk with every suction action. (The spray part comes out of the nipple in one hole or thru several holes - like a garden spray hose attachment/ or a shower nozzle with a few holes). It's worth watching a hand expression video (on you tube) to see this effect in action.
-- Occasionally I will have a "milk let down" while pumping and a large amount of spray holes open - looking like a spray valve with nearly 10 sprays of milk working simultaneously. Sometimes only the "drip" happens with 1 spray hole working. And sometimes it's 4 sprays... Everything depends on when you pump, before or after a feeding, is it morning, are you tired, etc.
-- how much you pump depends on so many factors. How full of milk your breast are, is it after a feeding, is it early morning, or evening, are you relaxed enough?
-- remember we are not designed to pump. The machine doesn't suction as well as a baby. You only pump approximately 70% of what your breasts produce.
-- most women see at least a few drops. Pumping many ounces (more then 1-2 ounces or so) is the exception.
--I could only pump 1/2 oz or less (total from both breasts) for the first several pumping sessions thru 5 weeks. More pumping experience = equals more milk per session. This happens slowly over several ( 3-5) days... Not hours!
-- when pumping it is helpful to try breast compressions to help drain the milk. See Dr. Jack Newman compression video. It really helps to gently push out the milk working with the pumps rhythm.
-- and add power pumping or every hour pumping.
-- this is a nice pumping and breastfeeding combination schedule. It is from an adoption website, but works for moms trying to build a milk supply while pumping. http://www.fourfriends.com/abrw/Boot%20Camp/bcr.htm
How to know if breastfeeding works?
Is Breastfeeding going well?
How big is newborn poop stools?
In general:
-- baby is actively sucking at the breast.
--Baby is satisfied after eating (not screaming or irritated).
-- watch baby, are they making drinking sounds?
--Baby is relaxed and not tense or tight fisted. But feeding is an intense experience for the baby. It is
Normal for baby to look and feel excited before nursing by cooing, babbling or crying. My babies would kick their legs or even shake with excitement.
-- there is enough in the diaper to count pee and poo. After 6 weeks Some breastfed babies poop once a week, but this is only true after 6 weeks or so. Otherwise breastfed babies poop at least once daily, some poop after every feeding.
-- baby stools and baby poop is small. The first day merconium amount is small, less then palm size. As babys continue to poop everyday, poop will vary, but I usually small in the first few weeks through 6 weeks. link here to what baby poop looks like.
-- Sometimes baby poo is only the size of a dime or a quarter. This is a stool and poop that equals a dirty diaper.
-- is my breastfed baby constipated? Or is baby just not pooping enough?
-- baby is gaining weight using the WHO world health organization guidelines (3.5-7 ounces a week). Breast fed baby weight growth chart link
-- don't be afraid to weigh baby yourself and own a scale. In Europe many women own their own scales and weigh baby daily. In the united states we would cause major congestion at the doctors offices just weighing our babies! This is a good way to feel at ease and know baby is gaining weight, and not wait too long between weight checks to uncover a possible problem!
-- early good weight gain turns into slow/no weight gain at 6 weeks or so. Read Dr. Jack Newman article about how newborns stay on the breast often falling asleep there and shorty after get a 2nd let down of milk. This adds calories an intake. Another good reason NOT to unlatch baby right as they fall asleep. When they are older babies get frustrated sooner or other reasons highlighted In This article.
-- Dr Jack Newmans BLOG is a great read thru and resource also.
-- if baby is gassy s/he may not be getting enough "hind milk." hind milk is more fatty and filling. After a feeding, and it's time to feed again, put baby back on the same breast as the last feeding so they can get more of the hind milk. Then When baby finishes the first breast offer the second breast. After a several feedings this should help ease the gas.
-- baby should have 6 wet diapers a day. Wet means 1-2 ounces of pee, especially under 6 weeks. Take an empty diaper and fill it w a shot glass worth of water, that's one ounce. now hold the water filled diaper in the palm of your hand, and hold an empty diaper in your other hand. Compare the sensation (it's a subtle difference).
-- after a nursing session if baby won't stay asleep alone, without mom, this Does NOT mean baby is hungry. My daughter would take a full nursing and I would lay her down when she fell asleep and within 5 minutes she'd be awake. But if she fell asleep and i'd keep her in my arms or in a baby sling, she'd sleep for a full 20-30 minute nap.
 |
| Look at baby when they are nursing, it helps develop self esteem and awareness areyousureaboutthatblog |
General breastfeeding advice and tips:
Links:
Stanford studies
Kelly mom
Dr. Jack Newman
-- if baby is spitting up, consider they are over eating or eating too fast. Slow the feeding by giving half the breast/ or bottle supplement. Stop and burp baby. Then give the rest of the feeding. If baby isn't hungry, and spitting out the bottle, then respect that.. do not force baby to eat more - their stomachs are small.
-- once your baby is regularly nursing in a rhythm (not a schedule) and baby is regularly finishing the breast, and then starting her next feeding sooner, this is how baby gets your breast to make more milk. Allow baby to eat sooner - it's not your time to eat doesn't help the nursing rhythm.
-- Do you always finish your lunch or dinner? Do you sometimes need a snack, or maybe your a Little extra thirsty today? Babies needs also vary, consider this when feeding your baby. Sometimes they are hungry sooner, or baby needs an extra drink.
-- When Breastfeeding / Nursing in public: do you like eating with your head covered? Having your dinner with a scarf over your head so you cannot see? I think covering up a nursing baby actually draws more attention to you -- people know your trying to cover something. I started nursing without a cover up and I find people pay less attention to us. If you nurse and see yourself in the mirror you will find that your baby covers a lot of the breast.
-- sometimes shortly after nursing the baby will want to have the breast again. This is normal, baby might want to suckle, have a snack, or comfort nurse
-- A friend who was still night nursing at 2 year old. I still want to nurse because this is my last baby. I'm Not having more kids and I want to last as long as possible! WHO recommends nursing until 2 years old, and it's not because of "lack of dietary" needs in poorer countries. It's because breast milk contains everything's babies need. Consider combination nursing and introducing foods.
How to produce the most breastmilk?
How to make more milk?
Induced Lactation Resource
-- I started using a SNS because baby wasn't gaining fast enough. I then kept the SNS the hospital gave me out of fear of him being hungry. Every whimper, every cry, in my mind it meant hunger. Insecurity is so dibilitating.
-- Nursing is fab. No bottle no water to shlep. Just some nappies and my body brings the milk. I love going on outing with my kids and I can nurse anywhere while they have fun and get there energy out.
-- I don't unlatch baby girl when she falls asleep. I find that after a little while, sometimes 10 mins of nibbling, sometimes 20, she will start gulping - alot - it is either a 2nd left down of milk or all those drops from nibbling build up in her mouth to several gulps worth.
-- Cluster feeding - babies sometimes build up there calories for a long night's sleep, so they "cluster feed" or take several feedings in a short period of time at night. Maybe every 20 minutes for 1-2 hours before bedtime.
-- Often I feel like a refridgerator constantly in use
-- cup feed supplement instead of a bottle, even with a newborn.
-- compress breast to get milk flow- pain free
-- link Breast Compression Dr. Jack Newman
-- Dr Spock: excerpt diapers and breastfeeding paragraph so moms know wet / poop diapers standard for formula fed baby and breastmilk varies.
-- if you have a Gassy baby, After feeding on one side, burp and put the baby back on the same breast. Baby may not be getting enough hind milk which is filling and fatty and will aid in gas Relief.
-- Spock sleeping with baby excerpt
-- tongue tie - consult a pediatric dentist for good advise in additin to LC and pediatrician. See tongue tie questions.
-- surround urself with support - it's hard to find sometimes.
-- Get people to cook for u .
How to Breastfeed and Supplement?
How can I breastfeed and give formula to my baby?
How soon should I start supplementing?
How to supplement feeding a breast fed baby?
-- if supplementing consider buying breastmilk from a milk bank instead of formula. Or use your pumped milk.
-- Consider using a supplemental nursing system (SNS). It's a nice way to supplement while nursing!
 |
| one type of SNS sold by Medela, however I used a tube with a plunger and a baby bottle. Easy to Use! Areyousureaboutthatblog |
-- when baby drinks from a bottle the milk flow is fast, and baby does not have to suck hard or work as hard to get the milk out. When using the tube feeding SNS the baby still has to suck to get the milk out. So at the same time baby practices breastfeeding.
-- you can also use a less expensive #8 French tube feeder with a small plunger. Use the tube in the corner of babies mouth as you would the SNS, and attach to the bottle as pictured. Cleaning the tube: Buy a catheter tipped syringe to push clean water through the tube. Amazon links here.
-- if baby is not gaining weight well and having less then 6 wet diapers a day, this is an indication of a problem with breastfeeding.
-- for example: My daughter was only gaining 1.5 ounces a week for 2 months. She was never satisfied after a feeding yet we nursed constantly. She had 3 wet diapers a day and very little poop, maybe one spot the size of a dime, every other day. In my case we started supplementing at 8 weeks, after truly giving breastfeeding it's due time to work.
-- I started supplementing at 2 months / 8 weeks with my 2nd son due to low weight gain. However knowing the information I have now, he didn't loose weight. I would have waited a little longer to supplement.
-- with my daughter I started supplementing at 8 weeks because she did loose weight.
-- when supplementing along with breastfeeding, first let baby breastfeed until they unlatch. If they fall asleep at the breast, burp baby, change their diaper, and then offer the same or the next breast. Then slide in the SnS into the corner of their mouth while latched to the breast. Or offer the bottle after baby breastfeeds.
-- if supplementing, start slow. Newborns tummies are so small they need only drops, not ounces!!
-- If you want breastfeeding to be successful then except that baby will eat with in 20 minutes to an hour, not longer between feedings. This allows for them to not over eat and be ready for the next breast feeding.
-- Baby's tummy is small. So "getting enough" it relative to babies age, and tummy size. Link to British you tube video stomach sizes:
Day 1-2 Baby's Tummy is the size of a marble
Day 3 about the size of a ping pong ball.
by Day 10 its the size of a large egg.
-- babies have been studied an found that they will take a full breastfeeding and Then can still take a full bottle!! Babies cannot "turn off" the sucking reflex. So add the supplement-- slowly, a few drops to a few tablespoons. Formula fed babies can go 3-4 hours between feedings. If you give formula your baby will not nurse and then you will "loose" that feeding of milk from your breasts.
-- If needed, add 1 tablespoon of supplement at a time. See if baby is content. Then build up over a day to 2 tablespoons, then the next day 3 tablespoons until you may or may not reach 1 ounce for easier weening later. You DO NOT have to feed one ounce to baby!! 1-2 tablespoons might be enough, just to take off the edge of hunger from baby..
-- formula keeps babies satisfied longer the. Breastmilk, eating every two hours is a Formula based feeding schedule. Remember to pump or hand express if you supplement with any milk.
-- weening from formula strategy and chart
Weening from supplement link: http://www.mother-2-mother.com/supplement.htm#wean
http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/decrease-formula/http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/decrease-formula/
-- or 8 week self weening
-- a nice article on the impacts of breastfeeding and formula feeding. If you breastfeed, your baby will be healthier,’ to ‘If you don’t breastfeed, your baby will be more prone to…,” http://drjaygordon.com/breastfeeding/milkyway.html
The days are long, but the years are short. - Chinese Proverb
NEW UPDATE :: YOUTUBE CHANNEL INFO ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT BLOG
Our family has had many adventures through the years. Mom, the @Minstr0Interior had an a-ha moment . . . Suddenly I See what we will have filled our life with, ADVENTURES! We travel, craft, sing, dance, collect insects and spend loads of time together. Sometimes too much time together. Our kids have recently begun to document their own adventures, and so this channel was born. Enjoy our adventures. Or not. WANT MORE? If there is a blog post accompanying this video we will share it here. Sometimes we will include the ingredients list of the craft or recipe, or the itinerary of our trip. In the meantime click play.
From our family: 👍 + 🙃 + ❤️ ( Thumbs up, emoji face, hearts! )
See It Live >>>
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mGpujQIVgxdfTImFnQuLA
Make Mistake. Breath, Reflect. And Laugh.Out.LoudOriginally published on August 21, 2012 and one of my biggest inspirations!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
"Latch On" New York initiative - It's Not About You!
I've been reading some blogs about the Latch On initiative in blogs and twitter, all I see is women saying get out of my bra Mayor Bloomberg! I won't delve into the initiative specifics, for that you can read here. Well guess what ladies, "Latch On" is Not For or About You! Or you, yeah you, reading this right now.
Now, in 2016, this 2012 post is still relevant. In that many women still dont see other women nursing. So much in our lack of time lifestyle doesnt allow us the comfort of nursing. That sentence stands out to me still. Im so glad Latch On was an initiative I witnesses. It reminds me that my awareness level - and personal learnings from family and friends - arent always the same with other mothers.
Back to Latch On...
Middle class women, educated women, and women reading blogs are arguably aware of the choices they make when breast feeding or formula feeding their babies. Because we are reading, and engaging in conversation, we understand it's a choice, and our personal pros and cons that come with our choice.
But hundreds of thousands of women don't make a conscious choice, they just do.
Think for a moment about how much formula advertising there is in the world? Bus stops, tv commercials, bottle fed babies are arguably seen throughout urban areas, "free formula" bags at the hospital, and direct mail to new mom's... But where are the moms who are breastfeeding? Where is the breastfeeding advertising? And please don't say "it's natural" so women should know how. The CDC study shows "While 75 percent of U.S. babies start out breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, only 13 percent are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months."
Most women post-baby boomers generation, born and raised in the U.S., haven't seen a women breastfeeding, let alone their mothers or family members breastfeed. So no, most women don't instantly think about breastfeeding, but they do have $688 millions of dollars of formula advertising in their ear, according to Nielsen data.
The Latch On initiative is to ADVERTISE to women that they have a choice, to breastfeed or formula feed. Women, who may be poor, uneducated, and have limited resources, will for The First Time be given information on breastfeeding, education they didn't have before. You have this information tho. You are probably a women who - if you desire - can bring your own bottle and formula to the hospital. But at least breastfeeding information will be provided - and ADVERTISED!
Now, in 2016, this 2012 post is still relevant. In that many women still dont see other women nursing. So much in our lack of time lifestyle doesnt allow us the comfort of nursing. That sentence stands out to me still. Im so glad Latch On was an initiative I witnesses. It reminds me that my awareness level - and personal learnings from family and friends - arent always the same with other mothers.
Back to Latch On...
Middle class women, educated women, and women reading blogs are arguably aware of the choices they make when breast feeding or formula feeding their babies. Because we are reading, and engaging in conversation, we understand it's a choice, and our personal pros and cons that come with our choice.
But hundreds of thousands of women don't make a conscious choice, they just do.
Think for a moment about how much formula advertising there is in the world? Bus stops, tv commercials, bottle fed babies are arguably seen throughout urban areas, "free formula" bags at the hospital, and direct mail to new mom's... But where are the moms who are breastfeeding? Where is the breastfeeding advertising? And please don't say "it's natural" so women should know how. The CDC study shows "While 75 percent of U.S. babies start out breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, only 13 percent are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months."
Most women post-baby boomers generation, born and raised in the U.S., haven't seen a women breastfeeding, let alone their mothers or family members breastfeed. So no, most women don't instantly think about breastfeeding, but they do have $688 millions of dollars of formula advertising in their ear, according to Nielsen data.
The Latch On initiative is to ADVERTISE to women that they have a choice, to breastfeed or formula feed. Women, who may be poor, uneducated, and have limited resources, will for The First Time be given information on breastfeeding, education they didn't have before. You have this information tho. You are probably a women who - if you desire - can bring your own bottle and formula to the hospital. But at least breastfeeding information will be provided - and ADVERTISED!
Friday, June 29, 2012
My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard
So, here's what our society doesn't talk about....sometimes breastfeeding is hard.
Everywhere I read about "just always put baby on the breast," no schedule is needed. And usually baby eats every two hours or so, for roughly 20 minutes each side.
Ha!
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
In the early 8 weeks my babies would eat CONSTANTLY. My routine was eat for 5, 10, 15 minutes, nap for 10 -30 minutes, eat, nap, eat, nap. So I affected my confidence wondering if somethings wrong. I accepted and loved staying home, I don't need to leave to house, or go to target - I'm here just to care for the baby.
As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.
My poem goes into how this was a challenge, but I made it out of those dark few weeks, realizing that just have the baby at the breast is a wonderful feeling in itself. Yes, there are concerns. But let's talk basics. You Are Feeding Your Baby, Offering a Snack, It's Lovely.
But for now, here's my poetic take on why:
Breastfeeding is hard
Just put the baby on the breast
And make sure you get plenty of rest
Eat an extra 500 calories a day
And drink lotsa water as much as you may.
Rest ? What's that
I'm exhausted all. the. time.
Eating requires cooking
An for that I'd have to hear you whine
Feed the baby on demand,
A schedule is not at hand.
She'll eat at least 20 minutes on each side,
Just go with the feeding tide.
What's this 20 minute thing?
Baby eats only when she's not sleeping,
at the breast, in my arms, but not at night,
I've been up so long I greet the day light.
Watch the baby to show their satisfied,
6-8 diapers a day u what you'll find.
Rest when baby rests, and watch that she IS getting enough.
As your nursing relationship develops.
My baby cries, ....alot.
It's not colic, and it's her, or my frustration. this is tough.
We found the latch sweet spot,
But it doesn't matter when nursings not.
Lean babys head back, nipple to nose,
Get plenty of breast tissue and on she goes.
Chin first, then her mouth,
Nursing shouldn't hurt even if at first it's a little rough.
My DD latches fine at first,
But then suddenly there's a burst.
Off she slides, and pulls down her chin
And suddenly her lower lip flips in..
See a Lactation consultant and get some help,
Don't worry you ARE making plenty of milk.
Take a supplment like fenugreek or domperidone
You'll smell like maple syrup, an through this you are not alone.
I'm taking 15 pills a day,
Pumping like crazy and my milk stays away.
Baby's latching, on a very red nipple and breast.
And my 3 month old is putting me to the test.
Don't give up, your almost there.
Your making milk, and baby's loving your care.
All babies cry? Look at her diapers and weight gain,
Just thinking you don't have milk is making me insane.
What sux is I'm not enjoying my time with you.
I'm stressed and pumping and supplementing but no more milks
coming thru.
But I just don't know how to give up, I keep going on, but for what?
and it's torture not enjoying this time, but I won't quit, I just can not.
Don't listen to those who ask, "is she getting enough?"
"She's so small, this must be rough."
"I can't believe your doing 'that' when you have those other two."
"Give a little formula so she'll sleep for you."
I'm worried, your crying and It's week number 8,
Your not satisfied and you're not gaining weight.
A few ounces is really it, you didn't gain a lot.
But I keep going because wet diapers you have got.
I'm still here nursing, offering both sides,
I've arrived here satisfied knowing I've tried.
You get the antibodies when you drink my gold,
And night nurse, skin to skin it's best I've been told.
And in the daytime hours we use an SNS,
your not hungry and more content at my breast.
This is a happy baby, she feels satisfied,
And doesn't have the hunger inside.
Out getting groceries I can offer you a snack,
Or at my breast you'll take a nap.
A happy baby is what I want,
This is a good place from what I first got.
Yes I'm bummed out this isn't what I planned,
But some nursing's better then none, it's liquid gold In Hand.
It's not my fault you were tongue tied and a pallet that's high,
A recessed chin, argh! I have no more tears to cry!
Breastfeeding is hard, it's a constant attachment.
But your not a failure if you can't tackle it.
Successful moms even say it's hard, having an infant constantly keeping you behind bars.
I don't know where 20 minutes came from,
There's only a pattern in this hum drum.
So give your baby what you can,
let them suckle and feed very often.
Most women who make it past the 6 week mark,
Will make it outta the dark.
And Feel a joy like no other.
For that of an infant and her nursing mother.
Here I am nursing my baby girl for nap time and my young son plays in the background.
With my oldest I was turning his head toward the breast (not aligning ear, shoulder, hip). So he couldn't swallow right...Imagine drinking through a pinched straw. The LC wasn't at the hospital over my weekend delivery and I saw her two weeks later, where I expressed drops... of... milk...
With my second son I was simply freaked out that he was constantly at the breast. I was so concerned he wasn't satisfied...even tho he did sleep after nursing. He wasn't gaining weight "quickly enough," so at two months I started supplementing with a SNS. I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). I also took domperidone for two months, which helped my nighttime supply for sure. We expressly night nursed, which was a satisfying nursing relationship.
Now with baby girl, and a ridiculous amount of reading I was determined to EBF!!! She nursed great in the first few hours. Only lost 7% body weight. This was it, success! But as we left the hospital the LC said she was seriously Tongue Tied. Once home she was gaining 1-1.5 ounces a week. The WHO standard for EB fed babies is 3.5-7 ounces a week. At one week she was clipped. But her lower lip kept turning in, I'd flip it out, she'd flip it in. She has a recessed chin impacting the latch. Then my nipple was lipstick shaped, she also has a high palette and wasn't taking in enough breast or having the nipple hit the roof of the mouth...
Aaaaasrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!
Can you see that I knew what was wrong and I couldn't do much about it. She wouldn't sleep after nursing, and cried the most from all three babies. She was hungry. So we also supplement with the SNS and night nurse. Of course, I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). When I skipped a feeding or night pumped I consistently had two ounces. She suckles to nap and lotsa snacks. She gets the most breast milk, and we have a happy nursing relationship.
Not allowed for reproduction without permission
by Areyousureaboutthatblog author
Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud
Everywhere I read about "just always put baby on the breast," no schedule is needed. And usually baby eats every two hours or so, for roughly 20 minutes each side.
Ha!
________________________________________________________________________
In the early 8 weeks my babies would eat CONSTANTLY. My routine was eat for 5, 10, 15 minutes, nap for 10 -30 minutes, eat, nap, eat, nap. So I affected my confidence wondering if somethings wrong. I accepted and loved staying home, I don't need to leave to house, or go to target - I'm here just to care for the baby.
As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.
My poem goes into how this was a challenge, but I made it out of those dark few weeks, realizing that just have the baby at the breast is a wonderful feeling in itself. Yes, there are concerns. But let's talk basics. You Are Feeding Your Baby, Offering a Snack, It's Lovely.
My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard
But for now, here's my poetic take on why:
Breastfeeding is hard
Just put the baby on the breast
And make sure you get plenty of rest
Eat an extra 500 calories a day
And drink lotsa water as much as you may.
Rest ? What's that
I'm exhausted all. the. time.
Eating requires cooking
An for that I'd have to hear you whine
Feed the baby on demand,
A schedule is not at hand.
She'll eat at least 20 minutes on each side,
Just go with the feeding tide.
What's this 20 minute thing?
Baby eats only when she's not sleeping,
at the breast, in my arms, but not at night,
I've been up so long I greet the day light.
Watch the baby to show their satisfied,
6-8 diapers a day u what you'll find.
Rest when baby rests, and watch that she IS getting enough.
As your nursing relationship develops.
My baby cries, ....alot.
It's not colic, and it's her, or my frustration. this is tough.
We found the latch sweet spot,
But it doesn't matter when nursings not.
Lean babys head back, nipple to nose,
Get plenty of breast tissue and on she goes.
Chin first, then her mouth,
Nursing shouldn't hurt even if at first it's a little rough.
My DD latches fine at first,
But then suddenly there's a burst.
Off she slides, and pulls down her chin
And suddenly her lower lip flips in..
See a Lactation consultant and get some help,
Don't worry you ARE making plenty of milk.
Take a supplment like fenugreek or domperidone
You'll smell like maple syrup, an through this you are not alone.
I'm taking 15 pills a day,
Pumping like crazy and my milk stays away.
Baby's latching, on a very red nipple and breast.
And my 3 month old is putting me to the test.
Don't give up, your almost there.
Your making milk, and baby's loving your care.
All babies cry? Look at her diapers and weight gain,
Just thinking you don't have milk is making me insane.
What sux is I'm not enjoying my time with you.
I'm stressed and pumping and supplementing but no more milks
coming thru.
But I just don't know how to give up, I keep going on, but for what?
and it's torture not enjoying this time, but I won't quit, I just can not.
Don't listen to those who ask, "is she getting enough?"
"She's so small, this must be rough."
"I can't believe your doing 'that' when you have those other two."
"Give a little formula so she'll sleep for you."
I'm worried, your crying and It's week number 8,
Your not satisfied and you're not gaining weight.
A few ounces is really it, you didn't gain a lot.
But I keep going because wet diapers you have got.
I'm still here nursing, offering both sides,
I've arrived here satisfied knowing I've tried.
You get the antibodies when you drink my gold,
And night nurse, skin to skin it's best I've been told.
And in the daytime hours we use an SNS,
your not hungry and more content at my breast.
This is a happy baby, she feels satisfied,
And doesn't have the hunger inside.
Out getting groceries I can offer you a snack,
Or at my breast you'll take a nap.
A happy baby is what I want,
This is a good place from what I first got.
Yes I'm bummed out this isn't what I planned,
But some nursing's better then none, it's liquid gold In Hand.
It's not my fault you were tongue tied and a pallet that's high,
A recessed chin, argh! I have no more tears to cry!
Breastfeeding is hard, it's a constant attachment.
But your not a failure if you can't tackle it.
Successful moms even say it's hard, having an infant constantly keeping you behind bars.
I don't know where 20 minutes came from,
There's only a pattern in this hum drum.
So give your baby what you can,
let them suckle and feed very often.
Most women who make it past the 6 week mark,
Will make it outta the dark.
And Feel a joy like no other.
For that of an infant and her nursing mother.
 |
My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard |
My story in Poetry: Breastfeeding is hard
As a mother of three, I wanted to nurse all my babies. With each one there was a small problem here or there.... And I wasn't able to EB (expressly breast) feed.With my oldest I was turning his head toward the breast (not aligning ear, shoulder, hip). So he couldn't swallow right...Imagine drinking through a pinched straw. The LC wasn't at the hospital over my weekend delivery and I saw her two weeks later, where I expressed drops... of... milk...
With my second son I was simply freaked out that he was constantly at the breast. I was so concerned he wasn't satisfied...even tho he did sleep after nursing. He wasn't gaining weight "quickly enough," so at two months I started supplementing with a SNS. I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). I also took domperidone for two months, which helped my nighttime supply for sure. We expressly night nursed, which was a satisfying nursing relationship.
Now with baby girl, and a ridiculous amount of reading I was determined to EBF!!! She nursed great in the first few hours. Only lost 7% body weight. This was it, success! But as we left the hospital the LC said she was seriously Tongue Tied. Once home she was gaining 1-1.5 ounces a week. The WHO standard for EB fed babies is 3.5-7 ounces a week. At one week she was clipped. But her lower lip kept turning in, I'd flip it out, she'd flip it in. She has a recessed chin impacting the latch. Then my nipple was lipstick shaped, she also has a high palette and wasn't taking in enough breast or having the nipple hit the roof of the mouth...
Aaaaasrrrrrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!
Can you see that I knew what was wrong and I couldn't do much about it. She wouldn't sleep after nursing, and cried the most from all three babies. She was hungry. So we also supplement with the SNS and night nurse. Of course, I also pumped after nursing and took fenugreek (15 pills a day). When I skipped a feeding or night pumped I consistently had two ounces. She suckles to nap and lotsa snacks. She gets the most breast milk, and we have a happy nursing relationship.
Not allowed for reproduction without permission
by Areyousureaboutthatblog author
Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
PIN it
