RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (Full Version)

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Flintejae -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:11:55 PM)

Julie - WET heat helped my engorgement immensely!

My name is Janine and I've been breastfeeding for almost 8 weeks. It'll be 8 weeks on Wednesday! I wish I enjoyed it as much as most of you do. I mean I don't hate it, but I don't find pleasure in it either. I do it for my little man and it's worth it to me. Plus, I'm thankful for the benefits to him, to me, and to our checkbook! lol



IAMJulie -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:33:24 PM)

Thanks ladies! My engorgement doesn't hurt anymore thankfully, I was more concerned that the "lumpiness" and swelling that I felt was caused by severed milk ducts from my surgery - milk that was being produced but couldn't get out but I couldn't remember what engorgement felt like with #1 who I BF before my surgery.

Starting last night and into today when I BF Gideon his tummy creaks like a squeeky floorboard - is that normal?

This morning I looked at safefetus.com for the pain med that they have me on. I was surprised that they have no data except to say to watch the baby for signs of sedation and gastrointestinal issues. So now of course I'm worried that his tummy is upset because of my pain med. I only just started it yesterday morning. Tried to control the pain with just Ibuprofen but it didn't work and I ended up hurting, achy with chills all the time so yesterday morning I started the Vicodin and stopped the Ibuprofen. Now because of what I read I'm thinking I should switch back but I'm worried about not being able to control the pain again.



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:42:54 PM)

julie...can you at least time the meds so that you take them when you are bfing so that it takes longer for him to get whatever will get into his system....so it's lower then? If I were you I would do that...esp if it's meds you need for pain.
his stomach sounds....that's weird...I have never heard that sound before, but it could be that I can't imagine what you are describing exactly....lol



Sideways -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:46:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Flintejae
My name is Janine and I've been breastfeeding for almost 8 weeks. It'll be 8 weeks on Wednesday! I wish I enjoyed it as much as most of you do. I mean I don't hate it, but I don't find pleasure in it either. I do it for my little man and it's worth it to me. Plus, I'm thankful for the benefits to him, to me, and to our checkbook! lol


Honey, you just described me to a T. I've never loved nor hated it, but I do it. In fact I've been BFing for 13 months now, which is at least 1 month longer then I thought I would. He still nurses about 4 times a day, but my supply has plummeted. I can hear from his swallows that he isn't getting much; it's more habit/comfort. But he can fall asleep without nursing, and can be away from me for 6+ hours easily.

Yesterday, my good hubby watched Nathan while I went to a professional seminar. I need to do this in order to maintain my engineering license. I nursed him around 6am, left, then didn't return till close to 1pm. Nathan was fine. He gets most of his liquid from sippy cups nowadays.

Ladies, please take this as I did, with more bemusement then anything else, but for Mother's Day, dH offered to help me wean Nathan. Basically, he offered to give me the weekend to myself, maybe to stay someplace nice, where I could get all the sleep I wanted, go for long walks, etc. I brought up the fact that Nathan still nurses, and dH was like, "Well, he really doesn't need to now, and...."

Bear in mind, dH has always stayed far away from my BFing decisions. He felt that it was completely my business. But I can appreciate why he thought I would enjoy a full night of sleep and some time alone.

I also think he would like to have a night alone as a couple, and that also requires weaning. But I simply said "I don't want that", and he asked a few more questions about what I have planned for Nathan and BFing. I'll have to think more about this issue. It becomes a whole lot more murky after 12 months, for me at least.

I don't care one whit if other women nurse till their kid is 4. It's not my concern. But child lead weaning is not for me. So... I have a lot of thinking to do.



Tea-Tea -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:54:09 PM)

Tammy, sorry you're still feeling poorly. Hopefully you'll be feeling much better soon.

Well, since my last post, Josie has semi latched on twice. She even sucked a few times the first time she latched on! But when she found out it wasn't her bottle, she cried. *sigh* After buying another canister of formula today, I'm even more bound and determined!

I must say I couldn't do what I've been doing without a very supportive hubby. He doesn't force it on me (if I wanted to quit, he'd let me) but he is soooooooo helpful and encouraging.

I found out a few interesting facts about breastmilk when I went to the LC's office....

* Breastmilk has over 200,000 identified ingredients; formula has 30 to 40.

* It has been discovered that there's a corelation between not breastfeeding and the occurance of Autism and agressive behavior. This was researched and discovered by a neurologist and will be coming out in the medical journals later this year.

Well, off I go to pump. Oh how I long for the day that I don't have to do that! [:D] I'll let you know how my appointment Monday goes.



Sideways -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 3:55:53 PM)

Tammy, you're doing a great job. Keep the faith, my good lady. [:)]



Flintejae -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 5:22:02 PM)

Sideways - I have no opinions for you on the matter. My initial thought is "wean if you feel it's time/it's already leading that direction. Take the time with the hubby". However, I am so new at this that I'm not sure my opinion holds much weight at all. Now, if your baby was younger I'd say, "phooey on the weaning - take him with/pump/etc."

Kudos to your hubby stepping up and encouraging you to take some time alone and deal with the weaning aspect alone. What a thoughtful gift. (In my world, at least, lol).



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 6:48:23 PM)

Ruth...if you want to wean and don't want to de child led, and considering the amount he is still nursing right now, maybe going away for a weekend would be a litttle much for both of you (you emotionally since you are on the fence, and him because you will drop all those feedings all of a sudden). Believe me...BTDT with immediately stopping (had to with Jake because I was pregnant and he was getting sick because of it...he was nursing about 5-6 times a day). I was NOT ready for that emotional roller coaster!!!! If you are though then it might be the way to go. I personally would encourage weaning another way though. If he has a definite schedule of nursing, then work with it. For real advice on that though, I have one question....is he an emotional nurser at this stage, or is it for nourishment still mostly?



Sideways -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 8:52:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: peculiar_lady2

If he has a definite schedule of nursing, then work with it. For real advice on that though, I have one question....is he an emotional nurser at this stage, or is it for nourishment still mostly?


Ah, I'd say emotional. It helps him relax, though he has a flexible schedule. Usually first thing in morning, especially if I'm trying to coax him into an hour more of sleep, but I can probably give that up, I just need to sooth him another way and understand he may not go back to bed, even though it's 5am.

Often before both naps and bedtime, but not right before. He can still go to bed awake. I'm not ready to hard core wean. But I absolutely do not want to go beyond 18 months. Honestly, I didn't think much of it till hubby brought it up. And he just thought I could use a night of uninterrupted sleep and the chance to sleep in, since Nathan gets up so early. Nathan does not get nursed in the middle of the night, though

I don't see us going away any time soon, but we'd like to sometime before the next baby. But no, I'm not pregnant. I am late, the the stick says "no".

Even with my low supply, I still leak... how's that for irony. [8|]



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/3/2008 10:07:20 PM)

quote:

Ah, I'd say emotional. It helps him relax, though he has a flexible schedule. Usually first thing in morning, especially if I'm trying to coax him into an hour more of sleep, but I can probably give that up, I just need to sooth him another way and understand he may not go back to bed, even though it's 5am.

Jack was emotionally nursing at the end too...and how we got him to give it up was introduce something else for him to hold....a toy or blanket or something...and a cup of water. At first he just held the water, then he started just cuddling with me and sipping the water more but still nursing some too (kind of off and on again). Then he naturally gave up the nursing more and went for the cup more. He then worked his way to not even needing to be on my lap anymore....first he would lay beside me, then he would lay on the other couch....now he is to the point of laying on the floor. We will eventually work him to laying in his own bed...but he's not there yet. It didn't really take that long for him to switch to that though...I think within just a few weeks he was not nursing anymore, then the other has taken a bit longer. He stopped nursing back in February though, so it really hasn't been that long. Once he was using the cup of water at more emotionally nursing times he totally gave up nursing at just nutritional times.



Georgia-Peach -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/4/2008 7:39:00 AM)

(((Ruth))) All I can say is I know what you are going through and I know its a hard decision. Luckily a trip to FL with far more interesting surroundings apparently for Hunter was all it took for him to give up his last 1-2 nursing sessions he was hanging on too. He had way to much to do, that stopping to nurse was not in his agenda.

I am really glad it was a gradual transition to weaning completely. I think if it wouldn't have been my choice or if we would have done it cold turkey it might have effected me emotionally. This way I was completely ready and had been for a month. So him giving it up was a relief, complete and total relief!



nicole6598 -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/4/2008 6:41:20 PM)

Ruth- I don't know what you are going through because I wanted Grace to stop feeding, but I hope that you are able to make a decision that you are comfortable with [:)]



Sideways -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/5/2008 7:55:35 AM)

Oh my poor little man is having one of those "I'm so congested I can't breath and nurse at the same time days".

This morning he woke at 5:15am, crying after an unsettled night. I nursed one side, but it was rough going. He tried to keep trudging through, but once his throat was wet, I could tell his heart wasn't in it. I put him down in the crib at the start of the second breast, as I was going to get a plug-in Vick's Vapor for his room, but he fell back asleep by the time I even got back. Then he slept till after 7am, so that's good.



Mrs.X -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/5/2008 11:44:26 AM)

Awww, Ruth. Poor little guy. I hope he's feeling better soon.



Tea-Tea -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/5/2008 11:17:24 PM)

(((((Ruth))))) Praying for you and your baby.

The doctor's appointment today went VERY well! There's so much to tell but I'll try to make it brief. She has hope!!!! After watching Josie with a bottle (we couldn't get her latched and the only thing to calm her was the bottle), she said Josie has good form...her lips flange out like they should at the breast, her tongue comes forward very well, and she has good suction.

Our game plan is:
1. Increase my supply so it squirts out. This will help Josie know there's milk there. I will start taking Reglan and Fenugreek tomorrow. I've tried both individually but the doctor said that they work so much better together. I also wasn't taking quite enough of the Fenugreek.

2. Lots of skin-on-skin time, including bathing together. She said a lot of babies who won't nurse outside the tub will in the tub! She also said when my milk is coming so freely, it'll be easier for Josie to migrate towards it. I'm not to pressure her into nursing during this time.

3. Come back in two weeks if she still isn't nursing or we are having some problems; cancel if all is well.

There's also a special latch for babies who are afraid their airway will be abstructed (in the case of a cleft baby, one who has had surgery, or other special cases). I cannot remember what the latch is called but she showed me a drawn graphic video of it. This latch helps the baby be in control of his/her nasal airway. This may be Josie's problem...afraid she won't be able to breathe at the breast. Also, the trama of surgery may play into her resistance.

She was SO good with Josie and I felt completely at ease with her. She was very encouraging and knowlegeable. I only wish I knew of her before Josie was born--I would have been in her office after our first pediatrician visit!!!

Now for my rant...

She also gave me TWO booklets about nursing cleft babies! I cannot believe that NO ONE gave us even ONE of those booklets when Josie was born. The LC at the hospital should have given me one, the pediatrician should have given me, the LC at the pediatrician's office should have given me one (one was written by LLL; this LC is supposedly a leader of a LLL!!), goodness...my OB should have given me one! All I can figure is everyone here is ignorant. I told the doctor today that I was amazed at the ignorance in my city. She said, "Where did you live before?" I said, "How did you know I lived somewhere else before?" She said, "Anyone who is amazed at the ignorance in Meridian is either not from there or has traveled extensively." Unfortunately, she's right!

So I'm on a mission to get my hands on as many of those booklets as I can and send them to every OB, every pediatrician, and every LC here in Meridian! Oh how I do NOT want another mother and father to go through what we've been through! [:@]

After saying that, I'm sure God has a plan in all this and I'm so very thankful he saw fit to let me learn about this doctor! I'm truly not bitter...I just want it better for future parents of cleft babies! I know I've gained SO much education in this process! My next baby will probably be a breeze to nurse! LOL

Sorry...this turned out so long! Guess I'm just excited. [:D]



RepentanceIsRequired -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/5/2008 11:28:46 PM)

All I can say is ROCK ON TAMMY!! I am glad you are making progress with you daughter and that is awesome you are going to educate others in your town. [:D][:D]



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/5/2008 11:31:09 PM)

That is fantastic, Tammy!!!!

[sm=dance.gif][sm=dance.gif]

It makes me wish I had someone like that when I had so many problems with Gabby[:(]



thisistheday -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 12:39:19 AM)

Tammy, I'm excited for all the people that you are going to help!

(((((Ryanne)))))

An introduction--I've been nursing my youngest for the past four years. I don't know how much longer it will be. I limit her to "night nights" which she'll ask for any time of day. I'll let her have them pretty much anytime late afternoon or later if it works for me, but that's it for the day. Tonight she took one side for a few seconds and then ran off and never asked again. Sometimes she doesn't ask at all. I'm ready to be done nursing, but I also would prefer to do it nearly tear-free, and that is what is happening, so all is good.

Dee



PrudentWife -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 6:43:44 AM)

Tammy I am so thrilled you've found someone to give you valuable info and help you!! Isn't it the greatest feeling to have an ally in your breastfeeding journey?

It amazes me too how completely misinformed Drs, nurses, and most LCs are about breastfeeding. I know for certain I wouldn't have survived breastfeeding if I had listened to their advice with both of my children.



Sideways -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 6:54:04 AM)

That's wonderful Tammy! You're doing such a great job. [:D]

I had supportive doctors and nurses with BFing my baby, so I know what a relief it is. I really feel like a tide turning towards BFing in the medical community. Oh sure, there will still be old-school ignorance, but I feel hopeful for the future.

Nathan slept 10 hours solid last night, and seems much better this morning. I wish I could say I slept that well, but I've been struggling with falling asleep and staying asleep. But I feel okay.



BlessedMamaofmany -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 6:59:01 AM)

that's awesome Tammy. You go Mama.
It's shameful that no one told you any of these things, but it's so clear that God has a really great purpose in this, and hopefully He'll use you as a tool to spread the word and hopefully prevent other parents from the same troubles
Sandy



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 9:11:21 AM)

quote:



I had supportive doctors and nurses with BFing my baby, so I know what a relief it is. I really feel like a tide turning towards BFing in the medical community. Oh sure, there will still be old-school ignorance, but I feel hopeful for the future.


All of my doctors/nurses were supportive but they knew very little about problematic breastfeeding, and think that ends up hurting alot of women in the long run. My OB who I love and adore told me that Gabby was just "allergic to my breastmilk" and there was nothing I could do about[8|] One of the post partum nurses told me that a nipple shield wouldn't effect my supply[&:] But yeah, they were all very supportive of my breastfeeding.

Really, it was the LLL ladies that were the biggest help and our case even really perplexed them so maybe it wouldn't have mattered anyway.



Georgia-Peach -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 9:53:52 AM)

Tammy, you are go momma!

I was really blessed by all the nurses, LC, and even my pediatrician was great. Even though we were having latch issues no one ever mentioned a nipple shield to me which now that I read things I appreciate. I feel like I was given all the correct information and even my pediatrician didn't make a big deal about his immediate weight loss before my milk came in. Oh or the fact that he was never a big gainer, he always gained just enough for them not to be concerned though the boy ate plenty.



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 11:05:13 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RepentanceIsRequired

All I can say is ROCK ON TAMMY!! I am glad you are making progress with you daughter and that is awesome you are going to educate others in your town. [:D][:D]

[sm=thumbsup.gif][sm=thumbsup.gif][sm=thumbsup.gif]yup...ditto!!!!

btw...I never knew LLL had a book out about cleft babies or else I would have told you that!!! That's cool!!!! (Have to file that info away for if I ever need to know it again)

quote:

It amazes me too how completely misinformed Drs, nurses, and most LCs are about breastfeeding.

me too!!!!!
Luckily my mom BF and really answered many questions for me...and the first baby I had we had the best LC imaginable. My milk didn't come in until 9 days after he was born (yes, I said 9!!!). Dr's were freaking out because of his weight loss...they had us coming in 2-3 times a day every day until he started gaining weight. They wanted to put him in the hospital, but decided to let us just bring him in for weight checks every day instead because we had family in town at the time. He was 8lb at birth and got down to 6lb 13-14oz or so for the lowest weight check. Once my milk came in though he was good to go and gained it all back by his two week apt.



PrudentWife -> RE: Got Mommy's Milk, Take 6 (5/6/2008 1:23:03 PM)

Sarah, I've had positively horrible experiences too. This last time was so aweful I think I finally understand why women choose homebirths. I feel as strongly about breastfeeding as some women feel about natural childbirth. And if experience tells you that the medical professionals will do everything they can to contradict your wishes, you decide to 'do it yourself.'

With Reagan I went through 4 peds in those 1st weeks trying to find one who supported BF. This time we simply didn't take Lincoln in until he was 2 months old. Saved me a lot of frustration!



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