Printable View
Ren I am so glad you have some answers and direction now! Ava is just gorgeous :dance:. I hope the silent reflux is gone in a few weeks. You are a great Mum (and DH is such a proud daddy!). Don't feel bad at all about the top up formula feed, you are doing what you need to do!
I'm still amazed at how gorgeous she is. Awww....
:hug: Ren, hope things improve from here. Let us know how you go with the LC.
Hi Ren
I just wanted to say what a great job you are doing! The early weeks after having a baby are hard enough without having to go through all the issues you have.
My story about attachment and supply issues was so similar to yours but I had to put my ds on formula early on due to increasing risks of pnd and my inability to cope with the situation. My ds was such a lazy feeder, he would attach and then not suck, suprised many a midwife in the hospital! When I read your story it gives me hope that I will be able to bf with my next baby. I am interested in baby led attachment as we were doing the right attachment thing in the hospital which didn't work for us and may have led to me not being able to cope.
My ds is coming up to 12 weeks now which has come soo quickly so please enjoy the beautiful moments with ava as they grow up so quickly and you dont get that time back. My ds is alot more settled now then in the early days so it does get better!
So just wanted to say thank you for giving me hope!
Isabel - glad I've given you hope for your next baby with BF! It sure is hard work isnt it, on top of just looking after a newborn... having to express, worry about how much they are getting, etc its stressful.
Here's our update -
LC came over today and watched me attach. I had forgotten the 'chin to breast' part and she wasn't at the correct angle so that was what was causing the pain even though i'm sure i was doing it right!! It was only something slight but that was enough to be hurting my nipple. Showed her my right nipple and she said to not BF with it for a few days and only express from it. So i'm only feeding from L side and expressing R side after feeds and feeding her EBM top ups and if she is still hungry after that (i have to express 100ml each time!) then formula top ups too.
I'm disappointed to find my milk supply has dropped. This is due to Ava's inability to suck/feed effectively each time. She's lazy at the breast but mainly because she is too tired (or too hungry) to feed well and hence this affects my milk supply.... its a bit of a vicious cycle we've been in :( :(
DD is still hanging around her birth weight.... still not really gaining much.
Anyway, still persisting through..... I'm not yet what you'd call a "Breastfeeding success story" but I am DETERMINED to be one.
Oh, and LC believes the Paediatrician has diagnosed Silent Reflux incorrectly and that she is just hungry when she screams and not a reflux baby. So thats very confusing!! Although I believe more what my LC says then the Paed as I don't think he was very good. Seeing him tomorrow anyway and getting prescription off him for Maxalon to increase milk supply.
Hope to get Ava off the "Losec" tablets soon as LC doesn't believe she even needs them.... how confusing!!! To think she's been on drugs and didn't need them :(
Oscar - thanks hun :hug: glad you could meet Ava!!
Ooooh Ren, I would seriously look into getting Motilium over Maxalon. Maxalon is not used that much these days as a galactologue, Motilium is much more common as it has less side effects in long term use.
I know it's very confusing, and hard to know who to listen to. I'm still working through that now!!!! YOU are with your baby all day, YOU know what she responds to best. You choose who you think is the most knowledgeable, and who most supportive of you and Ava continuing BFing. Given that you're on the Losec I don't personally think it would hurt to leave her on it for a bit, as she's has such a good repsonse, while you sort out your BFing issues and get her gaining some more weight.
How would you feel about seeing someone like a naturopath/osteo/chiro? It could really help with the reflux situation, which might make the BFing thing easier over time.
Did you manage to get to your ABA meeting, and grab the booklet?
Sweetie, don't stress about the Losec, I'm sure it's not doing any harm at all. It's a shame not to feed from the sore side - but as soon as you can bear it, get her back on it.
It is a vicious cycle, you are so correct, but you know about it and are getting help and that's so important.
You will look back like so many of us do, and be proud of what you went through and that you did so well.
Also, don't take my word for it, but try not to stress about weight gain too much either. They are so tiny and having a full tummy, or having a big poo can make a big difference.
Take care and i'm sending you lots of supportive vibes!!
Aww thanks lovely girls :grouphug:
I just fed DD 10mins on L side (as advised) and then fed her EBM of 90ml but she only took 60ml and went back to sleep!!! :rolleyes: Soon I have to express again. This is all so very tiring.
Janie - yeah she said to get either Maxalon or the other one. I will keep in mind what you said! Thank you. She only wants me on it for a few days only... just til my milk supply is up again... so which one should I do? Its not long term.
Lenny - yeah it is a big shame I can't feed off R side at the moment, well i can but my nipple is so badly damaged and painful that we need to give it time to heal. Shame cos' that is the breast where DD seems to feed more effectively from!! and has more milk i think! LC is hoping I am back on the R side within only a few days. As soon as it heals.
Expressing from R side still and thats good as it doesnt hurt. (using Medela swing)
Ohhh i just wish DD had more energy to suck more effectively!!! She's so tired all the time.
Ren, I would still go for Motilium :)
Ren, as Ava gets more milk from you she will grow stronger and suck more effectively. It sounds like your LC is the one to help you do this. You are doing really well to keep going, despite so many obstacles. Remember bfing is a long-term journey, so once you are past this you will reap the rewards.
:hug: hun, sometimes you must just wish that you could click your fingers and it would be easy. But I promise, at the other side you will be so proud of yourself for getting through so much to do the best by your DD.
Ren, I really know how tired you are, it's so exhausting. But truly, it will pass, and like Jennifer said, you will be so proud of yourself. You really can do this! Look how much you've invested already :D
Just make sure that you and Ava are the priority right now, nothing else matters. Make sure you rest AMAP in between all of the assorted feeding stuff, and make sure you eat! I know when you're on that seemingly never-ending cycle of BFing, comping, pumping that eating can come waaay down the list of priorities, but it is important. Have your DH make up some sandwiches to leave in the fridge, and when you have more than two seconds spare, grab one ;) Even if you eat it while feeding or pumping. My DS has been covered in crumbs throughout his little life, and he seems to have survived hehe.
Also, I know how tempting it is to think "oh, I won't go to bed now, she's due at 11pm, I'll only get an hour or so in, so I'll wait until after that feed". But by the time you get through feeding, pumping etc it's getting to be way too late to be up! So go to bed early (if you're not already ;)).
Hang in there hun, I can promise you it will get better :hug:
REN I just wanted to say that you are doing an AMAAAAAZZZING job. I would never have persisted if I had come across your hurdles. You are an inspiration to many. You are doing your absolute best, and you should be so very proud of that. All this hard work will pay off, and you will be so glad you persisted and no doubt will have a huge sense of achievement. Things can only get better. xxxxx
Ren i would recommend the Motilium as well, if your tired now the Maxalon would just do your head in!
Your doing great
:D
I was just saying the other day that mashed potatoes was the first thing i dropped on DS. I remember it 'cos i felt so bad. He's had so much food dropped on him since then though - it became common place for him to need mummy's food washed off his head!:
It truely is important for you to eat and drink.
Hope things start getting better every day that goes by. You'll reap the rewards of the hard work you have put in, and be so proud of what you are doing.
Take care :hug:
Saw Paed yesterday - Ava has put on 100g in one day!!! :cheer: that's from getting formula AND EBM feeds in between. I'm expressing every 3hrs (probably should do it more often too) and getting a good amount depending on how long i'm on it for.
GP saw me today and I got Maxalon. He did warn me I could feel tired but I don't mind, already am.... getting more sleep now as Ava is getting into more of a sleep routine (if you could call it that ;) ) and sleeping more thru the day!! Gives me chance to sleep at least twice in the day if i want to. She's asleep now so I really should try to get some too.
Getting about 5hrs sleep a night so not too bad.....
GP also gave me script for cream for my nipples as per the LC's advice. It's an ear ointment called "Kenocomb Otic" but works wonders for damaged cracked nipples supposedly. So 3 times a day I have to put it on.
I'm looking forward to being able to exclusively breastfeed my DD again soon hopefully by the weekend if the nipple keeps healing well......
Now and then she feeds from L breast. I'm just scared after having all these bottles she will refuse the breast or something!!!! But i suppose it's not like she's going weeks without it.....
Way to go!!!
Just wanted to add some more cheers for you - hope that nipple heals up soon. You CAN do this, don't worry about the bottles - she's still bfing as well.
go girl
Thank you for the continous support in this thread.... it truly is so appreciated like you wouldn't believe. :D
DH makes me lunch every morning and leaves it in the fridge... usually salad and meat. I actually ate lunch on time today.... at 1pm!!! YAY.... And yes, drinking more water too!! Every time I express, I make sure I drink a cup of water at least!
I haven't read this entire thread but just wanted to say you are doing sooooooooooo great!!! I had supply issues and top ups etc were needed and you are doing what I now wish I had done and will do this time if needed!!! Good job keep going it will be worth it!!
OMG hun .. I had no idea you were struggeling this much. It's hard being a first time mommy and when your precious little cub is crying the whole time, it's even harder. And then your nipples are sore and your tired .. it gets darn near impossible BUT you are doing a good job, babe, a really good job. Hats off to you that you are pushing through and bfing ... it took me 4 days of bloody nipples before I gave up :lol:
Has anyone mentioned nipple shields?? I did not read the whole thread. Could help that nipple heal while she still sucks, although, if she is already a "lazy" sucker ... it might not work. They have to work twice as hard to suck off the shield than off the breast.
Goodluck to you and DH ... take one day at a time
:hug:
Hey Ren, you're doing fabulously! I've still been following, just less time to write words......but I am so proud of how well you are doing! You really are going to get there. It will be hard still, there's a way to go, but I hope you can now see the light. Make sure you keep in regular contact with your LC, and call her if you're ever feeling desperate or unsure. And don't forget the ABA helpline and forums if you ever can't contact her immediately. I know it's easier with someone who knows your history, but the ABA is great for support.
I'm not sure about nipple shields......you'd need to speak to someone in the know. I would have thought they wouldn't be a good idea with your supply dramas, but then I haven't seen your nipples ;) If you think you might need them I would definitely make sure you check with your LC first.
I'm saying it again.....hang in there!!!! :hug:
Thanks Nadine :hug: sorry I haven't written back to you on FB! I've been so busy.
I'm not allowed to use nipple shields as advised by my LC. She says they aren't good for my milk supply. Also DD is a lazy sucker so that wouldn't help either. I did use them when I left hossy for 2 days as the midwives all said to buy them!! But since, I haven't.
Thanks Janie & Jas :hug:
Janie - you are so supportive its so great!!
Anyone got any ideas on how to increase my milk supply further? I'm on Maxalon, pumping every 3-4hrs, it's not realistic to pump more often than that as between feeds and settling I just don't have the time and I need rest too. I'm seeing Acupuncturist today so she may be able to help with milk production too!
What's this Fenugreek people use? Where do i get it and how do you take it and should I take it with Maxalon?
LC is visiting me tomorrow and hoping to get me back onto both nipples again. R nipple is healing well but still cracked a bit.
Sweetie, i think you are already doing more than enough to increase your milk supply already. Don't overload yourself with too much to do/take etc. Tomorrow, when the LC comes and you are back to using both sides (the power of +ve thinking) then nature will take over and your supply will increase.
You know you are a success already. Try to look at all this as a huge acheivement already, even if it isn't quite what your ideal situation was meant to be. You could have given up so many times and you haven't. You have kept striving for your goal. No matter what happens - you're already a super mum.
I agree with Lenny ... you're doing enough. I know this is going to sound utterly impossible, but you HAVE TO TRY AND RELAX!!! Your milk production will increase if you stop worrying and fretting (as if I don't know what you are going through) If you eat right, drink water and rest, your body will take care of making enough milk, ok? Are you still taking your preggie vites?? That could help with the vitamins you need and are not getting from eating like any new mother eats.
About the pumping ... the girl in hospital told me to pump every two :o hours, but it was easier for me, because my bubba were in hospital, so I think you are doing great by pumping every 3-4 hours. What you can do is while you are breasfeeding Ava, you could pump the boob she has finished with, just to get some extra stimulation, but honestly ... I really think you are doing enough already. And quite frankly, pumping while breastfeeding is a mission of titanic proportions!!!
And don't worry about replying on FB ... I KNOW you don't have time ;)
Ren, Fenugreek is great for increasing your supply. You can take the capsules or the tea - the tea is pretty disgusting so I recommend the capsules. Don't go by the dosage on the jar - take three capsules three times a day or more, until your sweat begins to smell like maple syrup. It was fantastic for me when I was struggling with supply issues with dd4. It can make you gassy.
Hello Ren,
I just want to let you know I think you are doing a great job persisting through all these dramas! You are def encouraging others to keep going. I wish I had tried harder, next time I will. I seem to have had some similar problems as you in the early days and I kept trying to pump and feed but ended up exclusively pumping (still going at 6 months) I did call an LC but she was busy at the time and didn't call back so it put me off. It sounds like you really have a FANTASTIC one! Hang on to her.
You are doing such a great job for your little Ava. Well Done!!!
Hmmmmm. It's such a hard balancing act. I would definitely agree that you don't want to run yourself into the ground. That's why it's so important not to worry about anything else, just you, Ava, and breastfeeding. (it doesn't last forever, I promise!).
Fenugreek can be helpful, you need to take 3000mg/day, so make sure you buy the 100mg capsules.
Look, pumping is useful, but it's better if Ava can simply have more feeds at the breast. Is she up to that? If so, then I would just offer it to her when you would normally pump. After a few days, or a week, she will be getting the hang of it, and your supply should be increased.
Maxalon, you might need to give it a while yet. Did your LC talk about dosages? Make sure that she's happy with the amount you're taking, GPs aren't that great at prescribing galactalogues.
I have to go, crying boy, will come back tomorrow! You're doing SO SO well :hug:
Hey Ren... Hope you can get Ava back on the BB's today. I'm looking forward to hearing what the LC says.
I know it's hard to express while trying to settle Ava. I recommend putting her straight into her rocker/bouncer after you feed her, & look at her whilst expressing. I don't know if anyone has mentioned this to you but it is FACT that you WILL express more milk if you are looking at your baby. They say you can even look at a photo, but I didn't find this as affective. When BJ was in the SCN, if I expressed at his crib, I would get so much more milk. Once I got him home, when I fed him in the middle of the night, I would pop him into his bouncer while I expressed. It is really good for their digestion too. To keep them upright and still for 20mins or so after a feed.
I will mention again, that I lost all my supply in my right breast when I had mastitis. I would express for 15mins and only get 10mls. It took alot of dedication to get my supply back. It took nearly 3 weeks of 2hourly pumping. Heat packs first, and loads of massage.... This really helped too. Maybe while your DH is home, on weekends, you can focus on expressing while he settles Ava. I'm sure this will help. Once you see your supply building up more, you will get so much more motivation to keep going.
I will also mention again, YOU ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB..... YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS & DEDICATION *hugs*
Back very quickly......
You can get Fenugreek from health food shops, but not all of them will have the 1000mg capsules. I can't remember what the brand is, but the bottle has a dark green lid. I think you can take it with Maxalon, you certainly can with Motilium.
TBH, I would only give the Maxalon 7-10 days before ditching and trying Motilium. Even that will take a little while. I expected an immediate difference, but it took a couple of weeks.
I really, really wish I had not been so hell bent about expressing and simply put DS to the breast more often. He wasn't up to it in the early days, but later on I could have. How many feeds is Ava having? I know you know that the more she has, the better it is for your supply.
Something that is good for your supply is feeding at night. Lots of feeds overnight. I don't mean to kill yourself sitting up and feeding all night, but getting 3 or so feeds in is great. Something that is GREAT for your supply is co sleeping, feeding lying down in bed. It has the added benefit that you get more sleep too :lol: Nobody actually told me that, and we didn't co sleep for months. Once we did I couldn't believe the difference in my supply! Of all the things I did to increase my supply, that was the thing that worked the best BY FAR. You really just need to rely on good old hormones to do the job for you, but sometimes they need a little bit of help ;) And the night time snuggles are lovely :D I would guess that between co sleeping and frequent feeds, your supply will be rocking in no time.
BUT......obviously you know best what's going on in your home, and you have your LC who is the expert. If none of these suggestions sound right to you - then don't try them. Or check with your LC. You need to choose very carefully who you take your advice from, and make sure it's right for you and Ava. (I'm sure you are already, just thought I'd mention it ;)).
Let us know how things are going.......:hug:
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! :cheer:
Ava was weighed today and she's put on more weight! She was 3.78 on Monday and is now, today 4.11kg!! Woot!! My little girl is putting on weight.... she is way past her birth weight now.... yeaahhhaa! That's thanks to combination of feeding on L side only, plus EBM plus formula feeds.
LC came to visit and she helped me to attach on the right side (the painful damaged one that's been healing for 5 days) and it didn't hurt!!!!! Yay. She corrected my attachment (once again) and has advised me to now b/feed 10 mins one side, 10 mins other side and then feed Ava EBM or formula (if not enough EBM) if she wants more. Only 10mins each side because we don't want her to get lazy again if she's on too long.... which was happening before and affecting my supply.
That's the new plan at the moment.
Wish us luck with the next feed!!
Already, I've noticed my milk supply has increased. The GP told me Maxalon can take 2-3 days to kick in, sometimes longer. Guess it varies for everyone huh?! Once I run out of tablets (i have 28) I will go to Motilium if I feel I still need it.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support girls. It means the world.
Georgi - I usually put Ava in front of me and express but sometimes she'll be crying as she wants to be held after her feed.... is this ok for milk supply? lol To see her crying? It sometimes stresses me out so I have to make sure I'm relaxed..... you are a champion for expressing 2hrly. Wish i could! I have been doing 3-4hrly.
I can express R side and get 50ml in 10mins lately. Whereas few days ago I was only getting say 20ml in that time.
Thanks for info on Fenugreek girls. Will check at the health food store tomorrow about it.
WOOHOO Little Ava on the FANTASTIC weight gain!
And EXCELLENT job mummy Renee!
u are both doing GREAT!!!
Ren - Bianca wants to congratulate you both as well - here she is
afdsjkkkkkkkkkkk sddddddaoi;;;sdnvd fa;adso;
WOOHOO so fantastic Ren!!!!!!!!!! It totally rocks your world to get news like that, hey? Good on you :D
Like with any galactologue, make sure you wean off it slowly, rather than stopping suddenly. So allow for that when you know you're getting near the end of the script.
Janie - I've only got 6 tablets left of Maxolon.... should I only take two today then instead of 3? I'm going to stay off them unless i feel my milk drops again and then i'll go onto Motillium. Thanku for your ongoing support in this thread you have been AMAZING :clap: :clap:
I went to the health food store yesterday and got Fenugreek tablets!! :D I woke this morning with full breasts!!! Leaking too.... ... does Fenugreek work that quickly??? mind you, DD didn't feed from 9pm til 4am (she slept through!!! she didnt sleep at all yesterday tho so i let her sleep) and she fed well from me on my right side for 20mins at 4am today. I offered the left but she still has trouble attaching on the L side and fusses. (still a big issue to work on)
I expressed alot yesterday and made sure i expressed every 2-4hrs and no more. This would have helped too.....
Today again, I'm staying home and working hard on expressing and feeding, expressing and feeding and establishing my supply so that within a few days I can exclusivebly B/Feed and no more formula.....!!
I'm slowly getting ahead of DD with the supply of EBM i have in the fridge and hopefully soon I can express enough to freeze.
I'm getting DD weighed with the LC today; will let you know how she goes. I have my ups and downs every day with the whole BF'ing thing but this morning I'm feeling confident again! I'm no way near ready to give up..... this breastmilk is too precious to me.
your doing so well ren!! well done for perservering!!!
Hey Ren - what exactly does Fenugreek tablets do? can they restart the milk if u got none?
HJ - Fenugreek assists with milk production. I will have a look on the net for you. See what I can find.
Lady at health food store also said to try healthy fats in producing more milk so like Avocado, flaxseed oil, omega 3's etc.... good fats. I bought some flaxseed oil and an avocado after she told me that :lol:
Ren, yes I would take two Maxalon tablets today, maybe two tomorrow, and then one and one IYKWIM. Starting the fenugreek will help counteract any drop you may have noticed stopping the Maxalon. Although it sounds as though you are doing a fabulous job all on your own!!!! Just a note, some people find that fenugreek makes their babies very windy. So if you notice a change in Ava's behaviour that might be it. I took it for months, and I don't think it bothered my DS unduly, but some people have to stop taking it because it is so unsettling for their babies.
You sound as though you're doing a fantastic job, you are so dedicated :D Your hard work will pay off (in fact it already is, look at all that BM that Ava is getting!), and you will be so pleased and proud of yourself. Hey, can I ask how many feeds Ava is having now?
Good luck today with the LC, I hope you hear what you're hoping for ;) Please update us when you get home!
Am I going to start smelling like maple syrup now?!?! :lol: (that's what I read about it)
I'm already sweet enough ;) hehe
Janie - I am offering the breast at 'most' feeds, not all. Depends, if I've just expressed and she wakes unexpectedly for a feed then I will give a bottle of EBM or formula (if no EBM). Hoping to stop formula as of today or at least just offer 1 bottle of formula only.
I offer the R breast first because she feeds well off this one. My L one, well, we are working on that..... I still only offer 20mins on R side at a time otherwise DD gets lazy and comfort sucks.
DD feeds 2-4hrly. Mainly every 3hrs.
Ren, just wanted to pop in here and say I think you are doing a marvellous job! Janie and the girls have given fantastic advice.
Keep up the great effort you are putting in. I know from my experience, there were times when it all seemed so fruitless and I was ready to chuck it in, but I stuck with it and we are now here back to fully breastfeeding, no top ups needed.
You sound like you will get back to exclusive b/f very very soon, more quickly than I did because you're on top of the game early on.
With the expressing, if it is stressing you out too much, have a break from it. I was really bad at expressing and it wasn't doing much for my supply and as soon as I stopped things improved! The Fenugreek is great for your supply and let down. I take 2 capsules 3 times a day. I agree with Janie on the Motillium so get that if you feel you need more.
As soon as Ava starts comfort sucking take her off and switch sides. If she starts to comfort suck again, take her off and switch sides again. Don't let her slack off ;) It will encourage her to suck strongly at feeds which means she will be drawing more milk from you which in turn will boost your supply.
Hope it all goes well with the LC. Keep us updated!
Hope everything is going well today, Ren, particularly with the LC and Ava's weigh-in!
Thank you girls!!
Ava has only put on 4g since her last weigh in.. but that's OK considering she put on HEAPS (a bit too much!!) last week :lol: so no big deal at this stage. At least she hasn't lost any.
LC has advised me to keep doing what i'm doing and to get a script for more Maxalon.... I've made an appointment with my GP for tomorrow morning and I'm going to ask this time for the Motillium. Give that a go for a week.....(as advised by LC).
She warned me about the Fenugreek (as Janie did) regarding wind in babies. So i'll have to watch Ava closely....she was a little unsettled yesterday come to think of it.....but surely it doesnt work that fast? Only started it then.
That's my update.
Laranna - thanks hun for the advice. That's fantastic advice :hug: yep as soon as she starts fussing around and pulling off and on, i will swap sides but only after a good 10 mins of trying.