Breastfeeding word vomit

[Deleted]

Thanks to all that offered support in my last post.  I haven't thrown in the towel completely on BFing but I'm so frustrated.  I feel like it's one step forward two steps back and I'm really questioning whether it's worth it to spend my maternity leave feeling this way all the time.

I am pumping six times a day.  Ideally I should be pumping eight to ten times a day (well ideally I would be breastfeeding but that's another story) but I can never get to that number because there's not enough hours in the day and it is hard to pump in the MOTN because Ethan does not go back to sleep for the longest friggen time.  The other problem is it takes me 40+ minutes to pump a decent amount.  My letdown takes forever so sometimes the milk doesn't start flowing until ten minutes into the pump. I am using a Symphony with all new tubing and parts and I'm confident I'm doing everything "right" but it just takes forever.  I am likely making this problem worse for myself because my nipples are bruised and my boobs ache. I bought some soothing nipple pads today and will start using the hot and cold compresses more to work on this issue.  My doctor also told me to use lanolin when I pump to lubricate.

Ethan is doing the same if not a little better.  He will usually latch half of the time if I have the nipple shield on. But he gets frustrated after a minute or two when he doesn't get any milk.  I tried using a SNS but I guess the one I have sucks.  My doctor told me to try another one and I'm currently debating pulling the trigger on it because it's $50 and how much money am I going to throw into this hole this week? He doesn't open his mouth far enough, even for the bottle. He has a recessed chin but he also contorts himself in weird ways, likely due to how he was positioned in the womb.  He arches his back and has a pretty bad gag reflex.  He started craniosacral therapy yesterday and we're going back next week.

I asked my doctor to prescribe me prescription nasal spray which can apparently help me let down faster.  She is reaching out to some other people to get advice and will get back to me on Monday. 

So that's what's going on.  Every time I think enough is enough I get a good pump or a good breastfeeding session and change my mind.  Plus all the doctors keep making appointments so I continue just to get to the next appointment. Anyway, breastfeeeding is hard.  Right now I'm hoping to make it to week six just so he's gotten immunities for that long.

[Monica Geller]

((Hugs))

[bananapancakes]

I don't have any advice, just hugs. I'm sorry it's been so difficult for you. You're doing a great job!

[tulips]

(((hugs)))

[noodleskooze]

Sounds very similar to my experience with Leo. I could spill my guts about how it made me feel or what I think you should do, but I'm sure what you need most is hugs and support. Let me know if I can help somehow.

[curbsideprophet]

I'm sorry it is not going as you had hoped. You are doing an awesome job.

[ewall]

You're dealing with so much and you're doing a great job. I just want to give you a hug. I wish it wasn't so difficult.

[polarbearfans]

Sorry this has been a challenge. I am having some struggles too, and the only advice I would offer is to try a lactation consultant if you haven't already. Someone on the board suggested that to me, and she really helped me out with my pump.

I wasn't getting much and it hurt so bad. I'm getting more milk now, and it doesn't hurt. My breastshields were a bit too big, so getting a different size helped a lot with reducing pain and efficiency. I'm a huge fan of earth mama nipple butter. I am not pumping nearly as much (2 sessions per day) and only have had a few days of actually using the pump as part of our routine so I know you are feeling the effects much more.

[Deleted]

Get a Spectra instead of the Symphony rental. The Symphony tore the shit out of my nipples. As in I went to urgent care. Almost no issues with Spectra--tiny bit better pumping results, no pain and occasionally just a bit of bruising.

I never have seen much difference with lubing the flanges.

EPing pretty much blows, but it got better at 12 weeks.

[jene]

Which SNS do you have? I have one that the hospital sent home with us that I never used, I think it is still in Auggie's room. I can look tomorrow and send it to you if you are interested.

[jene]

ETA: there were a lot of days that I wanted to throw in the towel. Please know that you are doing a great job.

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2015 20:17:37 GMT -5 @starry said:

I hate to add to the endless stream of well meaning advice but it just occurred to me that you've mentioned rapid weight loss. I wonder if adding more calories (especially high fat calories) could help.

PLEASE IGNORE IF NOT WANTED

Yes I'm trying to eat more. I think the weight loss happened while I was pregnant. My weight has stayed pretty consistent since a week post partum but I lost thirty pounds from the time I was forty weeks until then.

I welcome advice too. I feel like I don't want to leave any stone unturned.

[zarapipe]

I really admire your determination. I don't think I would have stuck with it as long as you have. As I'm sure you know whatever you decide you will receive support here. Your doing great.

[oceanstbride]

Lots of hugs.

No real advice, but did you pick up the Lansinoh Gel Soothy pads? If so, stick them in the fridge. When they're cold from the refrigerator, the feel even better!

[starburst]

I'm sorry. Breastfeeding can be so frustrating.

((Hugs))

[MadamePresident]

You are a good mom who is working hard to feed your child. Do what you can and still feel sane and remember formula is good, too.

[AlpineSlide]

Hugs. You're doing a great job no matter what.

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2015 21:18:41 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

I'm sure you've already done this, but have you had an LC check to make sure you are using the right size shields/flanges?

I'm sorry you are going through this. BFing can be so damn hard and it can be the most frustrating and infuriating thing in the world when something so "natural" feels anything but. You are doing and have done an amazing job. You are a wonderful mother. Hugs.

First time around I did. I'm using 27s so not the regular 24s that come with the pump. I tried 30s too but didn't like them. Since I EPd with Ben I feel like I know pumping issues pretty well.

[mudslide]

((Hugs))

[celiacmom]

I have a bag of treats left over from today that didn't sell that I'd love to send to you. Pm or email me [e-mail] your address and I'll USPS them to you in the am so you'll have them Monday or Tuesday!

[sequins]

You're doing an awesome job. I admire your determination!! Hugs. I'm crossing fingers that things get easier soon!!

[VillainV]

Have you tried Pumpin' Pals flanges? They are way more comfy IMO if you're doing a lot of pumping (they are angled/tapered). May or may not increase your output, but it should make pumping more comfy.

Otherwise, I'll echo my admiration of your commitment. You haven't had an easy road, and this shit is hard. You're doing a great job.

[chickens987]

Jul 31, 2015 21:24:02 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Jul 31, 2015 21:18:41 GMT -5 @mrswindycity said:

I'm sure you've already done this, but have you had an LC check to make sure you are using the right size shields/flanges?

I'm sorry you are going through this. BFing can be so damn hard and it can be the most frustrating and infuriating thing in the world when something so "natural" feels anything but. You are doing and have done an amazing job. You are a wonderful mother. Hugs.

First time around I did. I'm using 27s so not the regular 24s that come with the pump. I tried 30s too but didn't like them. Since I EPd with Ben I feel like I know pumping issues pretty well.

You might want to check again. Your breasts could have changed between pregnancies.

Hugs, and I want you to know that we all support you no matter what. I admire all of the effort you've put into this, but that doesn't mean it's wasted if it doesn't end up being whatever you imagined.

[polarbearfans]

Here is the guide I used for the breastshield sizing. In the hospital 24 was perfect, but after a few weeks the 21 was a better fit. Good luck! You are doing a great job.

www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/assets/file/1908488_RevA%20Breastshield%20Sizing%20Tool.pdf

[sillygoosegirl]

I've heard that chiropractic adjustments can do wonders for babies who cannot/won't get into a good position for nursing due to stiffness from positioning in utero or birth. You know, speaking of more ways to throw money down the rabbit hole.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2015 11:14:50 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

I've heard that chiropractic adjustments can do wonders for babies who cannot/won't get into a good position for nursing due to stiffness from positioning in utero or birth. You know, speaking of more ways to throw money down the rabbit hole.

Thanks! That's what we are doing with the craniosacral therapi.

[lo]

Aug 1, 2015 11:39:13 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Aug 1, 2015 11:14:50 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

I've heard that chiropractic adjustments can do wonders for babies who cannot/won't get into a good position for nursing due to stiffness from positioning in utero or birth. You know, speaking of more ways to throw money down the rabbit hole.

Thanks! That's what we are doing with the craniosacral therapi.

You are doing an amazing job! I'm seriously in awe of all your hard work cuz this shit ain't easy.

I know you're seeing someone for CST, but I just started with a new Chiro for myself and I've heard she's amazing with newborns.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2015 11:52:22 GMT -5 lo said:

Aug 1, 2015 11:39:13 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Thanks! That's what we are doing with the craniosacral therapi.

You are doing an amazing job! I'm seriously in awe of all your hard work cuz this shit ain't easy.

I know you're seeing someone for CST, but I just started with a new Chiro for myself and I've heard she's amazing with newborns.

Thanks! Are her initials KP?

[Deleted]

Hugs. You are doing an awesome job. Breastfeeding struggles are so, so hard physically and emotionally. I commend you for sticking this out for so long, truly!

Which SNS are you using and which do they recommend? Those things arent the easiest to use! I used the Medela one with the girls and some other cheaper one they gave me at the hospital. It was really hard to get it positioned correctly. Do you need the shield to nurse? Can you use an SNS with a shield?

Sometimes if I had H push the bm through the SNS as soon as they half latched it would get them to latch. Then they were motivated to stay latched and keep sucking to get the milk flowing.

I think it might be worth looking into the flange size or trying pumpin pals.

I also think the rapid weight loss the first week or so didn't help. I had that happen with the girls. In less than a week I dropped the 35lbs I had gained during the pregnancy. I was having to force myself to eat that first couple of mo ths because I was too tired and stressed to want to eat. But I needed the calories to keep supply up.

I had to follow the don't quit on a bad day mantra to get through it. And like you, right when I was about to day F it, I'd have a good session and get just enough motivation to keep going. Just know that what you have done is amazing!!

[lo]

Aug 1, 2015 12:35:17 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Aug 1, 2015 11:52:22 GMT -5 lo said:

You are doing an amazing job! I'm seriously in awe of all your hard work cuz this shit ain't easy.

I know you're seeing someone for CST, but I just started with a new Chiro for myself and I've heard she's amazing with newborns.

Thanks! Are her initials KP?

Yup, lol. Looks like you're already on it