I doubt that it is thrush. Usually the baby would have symptoms and it is unlikely you would have had it since day 1. It sounds like an attachment problem. Seeing an LC is a great idea - it is good to get a thorough assessment of breastfeeding. These things are common in the early days, but things improve rapidly as you both get better
Great to hear you are seeing an LC. At least you know that they will be completely pro-breastfeeding. I had two GP's tell me I would have to wean my son before conceiving my daughter. I ended up breastfeeding through two IVF cycles, all through the pregnancy, and now have two hungry little mouths that share their "mumma milk"
I started expressing when my son was about 2 months old. We knew that we wanted another child fairly quickly, and I was worried that I might have to wean my son to be able to fall pregnant. But we also wanted our son to have the benefits of breastmilk for as long as we could. So I expressed almost daily and ended up with about 9-10 litres in our deep freezer. Because he never stopped breastfeeding we only used a small amount of it (in food for him). I used quite a lot of it after my daughter was born because she had a hormone rash, so I would put about half a litre in the tummy tub with water for her to bathe in. Even if you end up with lots to spare you'll probably find something to do with it.
I called the ABA about the 12 month limit on EBM in a deep freezer because I had some milk that was over a year old. I was basically told that EBM had been tested and studied up to a year which is why they know it's safe for at least that long, but that it obviously doesn't go off after exactly 365 days. She said that if I defrosted some and it still smelt normal, then it would be fine to consume. When breastmilk starts to go bad it has the very distinct "off milk" smell. She also said that babies seem to know as soon as milk is starting to go bad and will most often refuse to drink it. Obviously it would be up to you if you feel comfortable letting your child consume milk that had been stored for longer than the "recommended" time frame
As for your supply, just remember that it's a supply and demand situation. The more milk that comes out, the more milk is made. So rather than your supply suffering from expressing, you'll find that you make more milk. Expressing is a great way to relieve pressure when you are engorged.
If you're lucky like me, you'll be a great "galactagogue" (lol) and make lots of milk. I'm breastfeeding a 2 year old, a 4 1/2 month old, and I express and donate milk to two other beautiful babies that aren't able to be breastfed by their Mum's.
Best of luck! I hope the pain goes away soon so you can enjoy your breastfeeding journey ♥
LC came to see me on Sunday, and showed me the correct latch. It takes a few attempts to get it correct when I latch bub on the right boob, but I am feeding without pain on the right side now, which is great. Just a little frustrating getting the latch correct.
I showed her my left nipple (sore, cracked and bleeding), and she said to leave a few more days to heal. So I have been pumping the left boob (very hard to find the time to pump though). She said keep putting the Lansinoh on as well. She also diagnosed vasospasm, but the pain is bearable.
I went to the doctor (local GP) yesterday and she prescribed a topical ointment to speed up the healing process. Its called 'Kenacomb'
Fed off left side 3 times yesterday, and it hurt, as I take bub on and off trying to get correct latch. Will keep trying to feed off left side,while trying not to keep damaging my nipple further.
Now Im worried that my supply has dropped from my left side, since it hasnt been used properly since last Friday. I can already notice a difference in boob sizes.
Is the way to build supply back up to feed bub from that side more often?
How will I know if I have blocked ducts or anything else wrong with my left side?
Last edited by Summertime; June 9th, 2011 at 12:01 PM.
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