And you folks are exactly what I love about this community. I’m having a tough time with online boards, it seems like most of the people who reply are either crazy bitches or know-it-all schmucks. Neither of which I half an ounce of tolerance for.
So I’m happy to report that trying a combination of your suggestions has not only helped me increase my supply, but I was able to get caught up on my frozen supply while maintaining a fresh supply for the two days she is with my MIL. WOO HOO!
I was asked if Leah was sleeping through the night. She is not, she goes to bed at 8 and is up to feed between 11-2, then feeds again between 4-6. If she only feeds on one side I will stay up and pump the other. Also I try to feed her again right before I leave around 8:30am, but sometimes she’s just not interested.
So per your suggestions, I have switched to the preemie nipples, and asked my MIL to distract her if she starts crying right after it’s finished. If she still seems fussy after 10 minutes, she goes ahead with another bottle. (This usually only applies to 2-3 ounce bags)
On the days I am away from Leah, I pump every three hours religiously. Then I pump every night about an hour after she has gone to bed. (I nurse her to sleep at bed time) I have not tried double pumping, but will give it a shot. I usually massage my breasts while pumping to help encourage the flow. I also ALWAYS have a picture of Leah in front of me.
The Tea. Shit actually works. I stopped drinking it for two days and saw a noticeable decrease in the amount I was able to pump while maintaining my regular pumping/feeding habits. I hate the licorice taste, and hot tea is not exactly appetizing on the hot days, so I decided to chill it and it’s much easier to get through 32 ounces a day. That way it’s refreshing, a change of pace from water, and not nearly as licoriceishy tasting. (They recommend 24 – 40 ounce per day.)
I’m also working on eating the suggested foods!
One more question! I seem to be getting a blister in the same spot on the same nipple, which always leads to a clogged duct, because the milk can't get past the inflammed skin. I realize this is likely a latching issue, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to prevent it? I noticed that I got it one time after falling asleep while nursing - she just kept pacifying it. Then I woke up super raw. UGH. But I don't always realize there is an issue until later on.
Thanks again ladies!!!
2 comments:
So glad to hear the suggestions from your readers have helped! Isn't this community amazing?
I have no help on the blister and clogged duct, but hopefully someone else will. Way to go, mama, for asking for and receiving help!!!
So glad things seem tobe working for you!
For blisters and clogged ducts, the only thing that helped was hot compresses and Advil. Also be very scrupulous about cleaning your pump equipment! I bought enough shields to last me the day so I only had to wash at night. The Medela cleaning wipes are a little expensive, but work great.
My midwife did suggest nursing over the baby (baby under you with b00b hanging down) so that gravity would help draw out the clog), but this was too difficult for us as we nursed with a nipple shield.
I think Kellymom recommended grapefruit rind oil (something like that) to prevent the blisters so you may want to try that.
Post a Comment