BabyWhispererForums.com
EAT => Breast Feeding => Topic started by: Vicku on December 21, 2010, 22:03:32 pm
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All you PG and BF mamas, please continue to chat here :D
Continued on from ... http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=54357.0
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That's me.
DS is still feeding strong.
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Me too.. LOL.. I think it's just you and me right now Ali ;) DS bf'ed twice yesterday, twice so far today... :)
cute pic, btw!
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cute pic, btw!
Thanks. It was a joke for DH's birthday card. I put a slogan at the bottom saying "Daddy, as it's your birthday relax and I will take care of the finances today". It was well received.
We BF about 7 times today, I lost count. DS is still sick so taking more boob than solids.
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Hey ladies! I'm pregnant and bf'ing my 16 month old. Do you plan to wean before your next baby comes or tandem nurse? Are you finding bf'ing painful? I only hurt on one of my nipples for some reason. Only for the first few seconds though. Going to see what my midwife says about it.
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Congrats Sparrow!! :) How far along are you???
I'm still thinking I will wean DS before DS2 comes along in April, but I'm still not 100% sure. I kind of think Tandem nursing will make the transition with the new baby more difficult on DS. I do still plan on giving both DS1 and DS2 my milk though, so I will probably pump and give it to DS1 in his sippy cup while I bf the baby, kwim?
How has your supply been so far? Have you noticed a decrease at all?
I've gone through off and on pain with my nipples. Right now it's not so bad, but in the beggining it was REALLY painful. It was also only for the first little bit... then it almost seemed like the pain went numb. LOL
Ali - how are you doing? Is Cadan still nursing alright? How is your supply keeping up?
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Hi Sparrow. Welcome and congrats on your pg. When are you due? I am due 8 Aug.
My nipples are definitely sore for the first 10 seconds ish, one more so than the other. All the other pg ladies I have spoken to have the same probs but I haven't actually asked my mw. Let us know what s/he says about it.
I am undecided about going tandem. I initially wanted to feed for 2yrs but DS will be 20mo when LO#2 arrives so I'm not sure. If he self-weans before that I will probably just let it happen. We are feeding 3 or 4x/day at the moment. I definitely want to have cut that down to just morning and BT by the time the new baby comes. But maybe he will start demanding more once he sees me feeding another baby. What are your plans?
I am still feeding Cadan fine thanks Rebecca. Not sure how my supply is. They never feel full but he has a good 15min feed in the morning and 3-8mins at BT and any daytime feeds we do. After nap especially is nearer the 8mins. It's hard to tell if he isn;t getting much as solids are his main source of food now so I guess he would just fill up on those anyhow.
I think Im too lazy to pump but maybe I'll change my mind nearer the time.
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I'm due August 15th. I've noticed that if I don't drink lots of water my supply goes down more than it used to. I've heard that around 20 weeks it goes down a lot and that the taste changes. When I got pregnant she was nursing a lot, and asking for it even more. I've been so exhausted (she doesn't sleep well) so I've cut back to 2 or 3 times a day. This has helped the supply and I'm back to enjoying it rather than finding it too much.
I was also planning on bf'ing for 2 years but dd will be 23 months when the new bub arrives. So it's tricky... not sure if I should try to wean her before. The thought of tandem nursing seems overwhelming and exhausting but I also don't want dd to feel like she got kicked off the boob! Weaning right before such a huge transition in her life would be a bit much so I'd probably want to do it a few months before. I've also heard that often kids self-wean because of the change in taste, but I would be very surprised if dd self-weaned!
I had never thought of pumping for her -- I was given a pump but I never used it much and she never took a bottle. Now she uses a cup so she could get the nutrition but boobs would just be for baby. Hmmm now there's a thought...
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I've heard that around 20 weeks it goes down a lot and that the taste changes.
YUP!! I didn't notice any decrease until that point. Around 19 weeks it dropped dramatically.... THEN DS went on a nursing strike for almost a month (I think because of the taste...) but I kept pumping, taking supplements ect. and I still have my milk, though not as much. If you read back on the previous thread I've talked about it alot, so I won't keep talking about it now :P DS has resumed nursing though, and I get donor BM from SIL and a close friend to help with what I can't produce. :)
I also read on the kellymom site that milk usually starts to change into colostrum between the 4th - 6th mth of pregnancy. Although I have noticed a really dramatic change in my milk and I *thought* it was changing to colostrum, it still hasn't yet. I'm in my 7th month now.. I wonder if I should be concerned? I really want DS2 to get the benefits of colostrum! I see my OB on Monday so I will be sure to ask him (but TBH I don't think he's ever had a preg & bf'ing mom at his practice) I'm sure he's learnt about it in school though and will have some thoughts.
I had never thought of pumping for her -- I was given a pump but I never used it much and she never took a bottle. Now she uses a cup so she could get the nutrition but boobs would just be for baby. Hmmm now there's a thought...
Yes, I plan on pumping for DS1 until he's at least 2. Why not right? I pump every morning anyways (as that's always when my supply is the highest). And I would like to give DS2 milk for at least 2 yrs as well... thinking about it, that will be a LONG time to be lactating, but hey, it's worth it for the health of my boys :)
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Hi ladies, how's things? It has been quiet on here lately.
I am REALLY suffering now with sore nipples, the left one especially. Is has gone all dry and peeling and is so raw when Cadan feeds from it. I literally have to curl my toes and count until the pain subsides, usually about 30 seconds. I rubbed some nipple ointment on it a couple of times few days ago and it did help with the driness but it is still really sore. Ladies who are further along please tell this gets better...?
I was wondering how much milk I actually have an whether it has dried up as we are only feeding 3x a day now for 25, 15 and 5 mins normally. I squeezed the nipple just after DS fed and some spurted out easily so I guess there is some there at least. I am 14w4d now so not long until it turns I suppose.
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Oh it's good to hear I'm not the only one... my left nipple is also SO sore for about 30 seconds. Toe curling, yes! I don't know if this will help you, but I find when I nurse her lying down (lying on left side because that's the one that hurts the most) the pain is significantly less. When I nurse her sitting up it's almost unbearable. I don't know why but it really helps. I hadn't done lying down nursing since she was way younger but it's almost all I do now. I really hope this pain subsides ... I'm also 14 weeks along.
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Hi Ladies! Yes, it has been quiet! I think it's only the 3 of us here!! We're still plugging along... will most likely be weaning DS in the next month or so though, as I really want to try and make the transition for the new baby that much easier. I still don't think we'll be tandem nursing here, but even once DS1 is weaned I will keep pumping away...
Sorry to hear about the sore nipples ladies. I've found it to be a bit better lately, but I'm also 30 weeks now, so I don't know how encouraging that is... its still a little sore, but I think the first and second tri were way worse.
I spoke with my OB about still not having colostrum yet... he was a bit clueless... argh, men :P He did say that he thinks once the placenta is delivered, that's when there's a HUGE hormone change so maybe it might happen then? I just don't get why it hasn't started to change yet. My milk seems a bit thinner... less fat, I guess you could say, so maybe it's slowly changing still? Maybe I will see the change once I wean DS??? I have no clue?!
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I think colostrum comes at different times for every woman. My friend was leaking colostrum from the beginning of her 2nd trimester, I only noticed a tiny bit towards the very end of my pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure it will come in time for the new baby!
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Thanks ladies.
I imagine the lying down nursing is more comfortable as the mouth rubs on a different bit of the nipple maybe? I might try it but also haven't really done it since Cadan was about 6mo.
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Hi ladies! I just took a pregnancy test this morning and it was positive. Has anyone ever gotten a false positive? Af never returned, but my supply has dropped and I've been feeling really crummy and hungry so I thought what the heck take a test. I am too afraid it's a false positive to be excited yet. DS had just dropped his night feeds, and last weekend, I had my first 24 hrs away from DS, and then I got food poisoning, so I didn't eat much for a few days while my tummy was healing. This past weekend I've been feeling really really tired, nauseous, and hungry, so I thought I would pick up a test. What do you all think?
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Oh so exciting Amy. I think false +ves are rare as they really need that hormone to be present to give a line. It;s not like a false -ve where there just isn;t enough of the hormone to show up yk? Can you do another test to be sure?
It's definitely possible as you normally ovulate a couple weeks before AF returns so wouldn't know before you become fertile again.
Sparrow you must be due in Aug too. Maybe you could join us on the due date thread for some support?
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=186624.120;topicseen
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Ohhh so exciting Amy!! I agree with Ali, I believe false positives are quite rare. You don't need AF to return to get preg... I only had one AF between pregnancies, but a friend of mine didn't have any and still concieved fairly quickly while Bf'ing as well. I think every woman's body is different. If you're showing all the signs and got a + test that's a great thing!! Maybe go to your Dr to get a blood test to be sure?? Fx and lots of sticky vibes to you!!!! :D
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Hi everyone! Two positive tests and an ultrasound later, it is positive that I am 6 weeks pregnant! I have lots of questions! First of all, how do I know if T is getting enough milk? My supply feels like it has dropped already. From what I read I can't do anything about it since I am pregnant. My body will react however based on the hormones. He started waking at night to feed again, and wants to bf all the time, but he doesn't suck very hard and I'm not feeling letdown because he is asking to nurse so often. This morning I noticed his pee was very yellow in his diaper and they are smelling strongly. I'm not sure what to do. He has a milk allergy, so supplementing with formula is going to be tough. I was really hoping to bf for awhile longer! Any thoughts?
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Lots of HUGS and congratulations Amy!!! Yay!! That's wonderful!
Well, the best advice I can give ATM is DON'T stop!! Even pumping can help, but having a nursling on the breast is the BEST way to stimulate milk production, even if you're pregnant. It's been a long and bumpy road for us, but I've been able to learn alot and gather quite a bit of advice and support.
Have you found this info on the Kellymom website? It can hopefully help to answer a lot of your questions:
http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/16milkchanges.html
Also, something I wish I had started earlier was using an SNS (simulated nursing system). Do you have much of a freezer stash of BM? Thankfully I had over 50 bags when I became preg, but I didn't think of using an SNS and keeping him on the breast while feeding with my frozen milk. That can help your production as well.
There are also many galactagogues that are safe during preg. I use More Milk Two by Motherlove. http://www.amazon.com/Motherlove-Herbal-Company-Alcohol-liquid/dp/B000JZ1ZE6 I've been using it my whole preg. and it is safe. Although your body will do what it needs to for baby, I think it's helped. I also take liquid Chlorophyll (you can get it at the health food store).
Another source worth looking into - are you on FB? Have you ever heard of an organization called "Eats On Feets"?
http://www.eatsonfeets.org/ It's a global organization that connects Mothers in need of BM with milk donors in their region. I've been able to connect with 2 women in my region who are AMAZING. They are bf'ing their lo's and have lots extra, so I've been getting donor BM for what I haven't been able to produce the last part of my pregnancy. (my supply really dropped around the 18-20 week mark) I know it sounds unconventional to some, but if BM is something that's high on your list, it's really worth doing some research and looking into. You'll never know who you can find. The first woman I connected with is a close friend of someone I grew up. I also get some donor milk from my SIL who is also nursing.
HtH a little. Congrats again sweets! Hoping your milk keeps up!!! xox
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That is so great Amy. Congrats!
I would speak with your ped Amy as s/he may feel that Timmy is old enough to go with what you can provide even if it is not what it once was. Does Timmy eat solids well and do you give him non-dairy calcium rich foods? Can you pump to boost your supply? How many BFs s he having per day now? Feeding him more often might help but not sure how you feel about this and messing up any routine you are in with his feeding now.
I can't actually remember the last time I felt a let down come to think of it. There is always milk there though after Cadan finishes feeding.
Posted at same time as Rebecca. She has lots of good tips.
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Thanks ladies! T loves to eat solids, but I'm not sure he's been getting calcium anywhere else but breast milk. I'll look into the list of calcium rich foods! He wants to nurse all the time, but I think it is more comfort sucking. I have been trying to decide what to do about it. He probably bf's 8-10x a day! He has always liked to bf, but there has been a definite increase in the last few weeks. He started waking to feed at night too, but i think that was due to teething. I decided last night no more nf's- again. I thought my supply had dropped. However, he isn't really sucking very hard, so I wonder if he is just comfort nursing. Ideally, I would like to drop to one feed a day after he is a year. It is considered strange here in the US to bf past a year ::). However, I think it would be good for him to get the continued benefits of breast milk. The ladies on the mspi board gave me lots of good ideas for dairy substitutes I can try. Thank you both for all your help! I will check out all the links. So far I've been to kellymom, and I bought a book called adventures in tandem nursing about nursing while pregnant and tandem nursing after the baby arrives.
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Congrats Amy! Maybe you'll find that as your supply diminishes your lo will up his solid intake while still getting some BM too.
We're down to 2 feeds a day here, which really hasn't been hard to do. I thought she would put up a fight but she's so busy it's easy to distract her. I'm still finding nursing to be really painful, even more so lately. and now it's both nipples that hurt. I want her to keep reaping the benefits of BM but I'm also starting to resent it a bit. I just can't enjoy it when it hurts so much. Tonight I'm kind of feeling like I just want to wean her... my goal was 2 years and she's just 17 months now. My supply also feels very low but she doesn't seem to mind. She just sucks away! I'm torn. I also just can't imagine tandem nursing. I like the idea of it but the reality seems so draining. Having a newborn is tough, having a newborn and a 2 year old is tougher, breast feeding them both seems like all together too much! Thanks for lending your ears/eyes....
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It is considered strange here in the US to bf past a year . However, I think it would be good for him to get the continued benefits of breast milk.
It's not the most common thing here either, but considering the WHO states that babies can still get amazing immunological benefits from BM up to 2 yrs of age, I say GO FOR IT!!! :D Who cares what other people think!! You're doing THE BEST thing for the health of your baby!! I plan on weaning DS before DS2 arrives (tandem nursing seems like it might be a bit much to me... and a harder transition for DS) But I still plan on pumping BM and giving it to DS1 in his sippy or bottle until he's at least 2 :D
Sparrow - I'm so sorry to hear the Bf'ing has been so painful. At least you're still doing 2 feeds a day though. I have a very close friend that had her babies 15 mths apart and she tandem nursed. She said it was hectic, but for her, she couldn't imagine doing anything else. I think its a really personal choice on what's best for you and your babies.
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Tiger lily- it was my original plan to pump milk and put in sippy, until I realized it takes me 3 pumping sessions to make one bottle. I don't have a stash of bm unfortunately- long story that I am not going to get into right now. We'll see how things go! Thanks for the support! :)
When does bf become painful? I am really dreading that stage!
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When does bf become painful? I am really dreading that stage!
If it isn't painful already, I say you're lucky! :P The first and second trimesters were both quite painful for me! Especially in November when DS went on a nursing strike - I was pumping 4-5 times a day to try and keep my supply up, NOT FUN! And definitely painful!
That being said, this trimester has been much better.... (thankfully!!)
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I think my nipples got a little sore from about 6weeks or so but only what I would describe as painful the last months or so. For me it is only for the first 30seconds max so I just wait it out then it is OK.
We are doing a BF on WU and at BT everyday and one some days one after DS's nap too. Some days we miss that one if we go out straight form the nap or there are exciting people around (like my 19 and 20mo nephews).
Amy even if you can't pump now youwill probably be able to pump lots when the new Lo arrives and start giving him BM in the sippy then. Of course it is up to you and I understand why you would want to but it might harm your supply further if you cut out the nfs. They could be helping keep it up. I did wean the NFs while pg but as Cadan is 14mo I don't need to worry about my supply so much.
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So I've decided to supplement with formula. I have only been pumping a 1/2ounce total. My usual is 2 ounces. From what I've read they need 19 oz of bm or so at 10.5 months. There is no way he is getting that much. He doesn't get any other dairy since he doesn't tolerate it well. He is nursing continuously through the day. His urine is smelling stronger to me in his diapers. I gave him 2 oz of Altimatum this morning and we'll see how it goes. I am going to continue to bf, but I'm hoping this will ease my mind about him getting enough milk. From what I understand they need the milk/formula for the iron.
Hope all is going well for all of you!
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((hugs)) Amy, that must be so hard. I know it took me a LONG time to get over the Mommy guilt of not being able to provide enough milk for my baby anymore due to preg. Much to my sadness, we had to use some formula supplementation as well. I'd highly recommend what we used, Baby's Only. It's completely organic and Non-GMO (no genetically modified components) :D - Which is much better then alot of the choices out there. Here's their site: http://www.naturesone.com/ There's a lactose free version and also soy (depending on what route you need to go) They ship very quickly and you should be able to get it within a day or so. I guess the good thing is that your DS is getting that much closer to the one year mark, so maybe (depending on what your dr. says) you can start him on Organic Soy or Rice milk (or another dairy/lactose free option?)
We just started DS on organic whole cows milk this past week. He's been absolutely fine with it. We're keeping up with an Organic, Iron rich diet and he's also still getting 1 bottle of BM a day. We've also started to wean him, which has been hard on me, since I've been trying SO hard to keep him on the breast this whole time. Especially since he's gone off his nursing strike, he really seemed to be enjoying nursing again, although I still think it was mainly for comfort. He's been fine throughout the day/evening... mornings though when I go in to get him from his crib, he's standing there, smiling and signing "Milk" (I always would nurse him as soon as he got up..) So that makes me a little sad.
I'm still pumping 2-3 times a day though... like you Amy, I don't get much, about 2 oz max. But it's still something, and I still have my milk donors. It's funny how your body doesn't react to the pump the same way when you're preg. I had SUCH an over supply when I wasn't preg., it's just sooo weird having difficulty pumping. Well, hopefully in another 8 weeks or so I'll have enough for both my babies!!! :D
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Amy - Oh, one other thing I wanted to mention. I'm not an expert, but it's worth you looking into and doing your research. I know that Soy can mimic estrogen in the body and can be particularily difficult/troublesome on a baby boy (but girls too..) Here's a video with some info, hopefully the link works: http://articles.mercola.com/videos.aspx It's called "the dangers of soy" . Of course, do what your Dr recommends and of course, what you are comfortable doing as a Mommy, but I just wanted to pass along the info in case you're considering Soy.
Modified, ok the link works, but you need to use the scroll bar at the side, under Categories and scroll down to "Soy". Click on it, and you should be able to see the Video that says "Soy Myths exposed, the Dangers of Soy" HtH
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Ladies thank you so much for your support. Last night no milk came out when I pumped. I am heartbroken. I thought I would at least have milk through the second trimester. DS nursed this morning and got something as I felt the letdown and heard him swallow. However he is completely refuse g the bottle today. We started formula last week and he took it no problem. Today all he wants is the breast. I'm not sure what to do here! It is a bit uncomfortable when he sucks and they are empty. I guess I need weaning advice and should find the appropriate board. I am just so depressed about it.
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Oh hun, HUGE HUGS!! I really really feel for you. Is there anyway you could look into getting an SNS? (Supplemental Nursing System) Some babies flat our refuse the bottle and and SNS is a way to keep him on the breast while still making sure he's getting what he needs (whether its through formula or some sort of expressed BM) Or does he take a sippy at all??
Also, have you tried any galactagogues that are safe during preg? Maybe it could help??
I don't know what else to suggest... have you perhaps contacted a LLL in your area?? I know the leader in our area is a FANTASTIC support... maybe you can also get some "real life" support and hugs from them too. They're wonderful women with a world of wisdom (including what to do when preg. and bf'ing).
Thinking of you... :-*
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just saying hi -- I am 6 weeks pregnant and have a 9 month old. I am concerned about possible milk production issues - has anyone been able to nurse while pregnant successfully? I would like to make it at least until the 1 year mark. I do however tend to get VERY ill during my pregnancies for the first 20 weeks and am concerned about that decreasing my supply.
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I guess I should have read the pages before, as this questions seems to have been asked!!
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just saying hi -- I am 6 weeks pregnant and have a 9 month old. I am concerned about possible milk production issues - has anyone been able to nurse while pregnant successfully?
YES!!! We did, although I did hit supply issues around 20wks+. We are tandem nursing now (I know I said I didn't think it would work.. but it does :) - and I am also pumping for Ds1 ) Read back, you'll be able to figure out my story, but if you have any questions I'd love to try and help.
Congrats on your pregnancy!!! :) And keep up the bf'ing!! If we managed, I know you can too! xo
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Congrats on your pg Emily3434. I think it definitely helps when your older LO is older as they rely less on the milk and more on solids and so will find any decrease in milk production less of a problem. My DS was 12mo when I was 6wks pg and I am still nursing him now at 29wks and he is 17mo. I am not saying my milk did not decrease at all but he didn't mind as he could fill up on solids I think. We are still feeding 2-3 times a day and he seems happy with what he is getting.
How many feeds are you doing each day at the moment? Does he eat a good amount of solids yet?
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Does anyone have any good BFing positions you can suggest for me to try now I am heavily pg? I am finding it so uncomfortable to have Cadan's weight against/on my belly now. Especially for his BT feed which is before my dinner BTW. Sometimes it feels like the baby is pushing out against his weight. And I often feel like my cervix and bowel have been squashed for about 30mins after I feed him. I currently have him lying on his side on a feeding pillow in a craddle hold. I try to sit up as straight as I can so he is not lying on my belly. He is so used to that hold though I don't know how much I can change it without him stopping the feed.
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Hi Ali, haven't been here in a while! I stopped all nursing positions except lying down almost as soon as I was pregnant. I found it helped with the nipple pain for some reason. We just lie on the floor or the couch and her legs just curve around my belly. No pressure, no discomfort. :)
I think my milk is almost gone... it's been very low for ages but today before her nap she looked up at me after sucking for a bit and said "no milk". She switched to the other boob and seemed to get a bit. On top of this nursing is STILL so painful. I can't believe I've lasted this long - I know if it weren't for the fact that nursing is a big part of our going to sleep routine, I probably would have stopped nursing.
Ali, I know we're in the same week of pregnancy - how is the pain and the supply?
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lying down almost as soon as I was pregnant. I found it helped with the nipple pain for some reason. We just lie on the floor or the couch and her legs just curve around my belly
I was going to suggest the same thing. I was fortunate enough for whatever reason I could still manage to hold him in a cradle hold, but I also did nurse lying down occationally. So perhaps if you try lying down on your side while nursing it could be more comfortable?
I think it's wonderful you've kept up with the nursing Sparrow, even through the pain and lack of supply, I"m sure your DD is glad too :)
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Thanks for the suggestions girls. I will try lying down instead. We always nurse propped up with pillows on my bed anyway so at least we can still do it in the same place.
I'm not actually sure if the pain is better or I have just got used to it. It is still sore for upto 30 seconds when we starts nursing but I just brace myself and don;t really think about it. It's a bit plucking my eyebrows I know it hurts but am so used to the pain I only really feel it if I think about it yk?
Not sure about the milk. They certainly don't get engorged and I don't feel a let down but that has been the case for ages and there is milk there if I squeeze the nipple after he has fed. Cadan seems happy to continue morning and night so I am just going with it for now. Sounds like a really vain reason but I am sure it is helping keep my weight gain down this time too!
Well done for carrying on Sparrow. Remind me how old your LO is now...?
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She's 20 months. And I think we've weaned. It's been day 2 now. There just didn't seem to be any milk, and the pain was even worse than before. I felt like my body was sending some pretty clear messages that it was just time to stop. I've been very emotional about it, especially because she still likes nursing. She's been crying before going to sleep which she hasn't done in ages. But only for a minute or less. It's tough... but I have to remind myself that everyone has to go through transitions. This is just a transition, not a bad thing. Very curious to see how she'll react to #2 nursing when he/she comes along in 3 months...
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This is just a transition, not a bad thing. Very curious to see how she'll react to #2 nursing when he/she comes along in 3 months...
Absolutely I agree. It's so hard, but you're doing what you need to do. ((hugs)) Will you/are you considering tandem nursing when #2 arrives if your DD still wants to? I thought it would be a legistical nightmare, but really it's not so bad. And for my Ds1 it's usually only once a day (some days not at all). I am still pumping for him though, so he gets lots of BM still. Is that something you'd consider as well?
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I think I'll just see how things go. If she wants to nurse when she sees the baby nursing maybe we'll give tandem nursing a go. I do have a pump, but never did it much with dd - mostly because she never took a bottle and I was always available to breast feed. I'm considering trying pumping with the second lo, and what a great way to give dd some extra nutrients...
I'm researching the effects of weaning because I figured it must be quite a hormonal shift. I'm feeling quite sad about it, and mood swingy. Apparently this is normal after weaning. It's harder than I thought it would be.
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I'm feeling quite sad about it, and mood swingy. Apparently this is normal after weaning. It's harder than I thought it would be
More Hugs! This I completely understand, and was why I just couldn't. I can only imagine how hard it is right now. I was set on weaning Ds1 before the baby arrived. I don't know if you remember, but we went through so much to get him to continue nursing when he went on a nursing strike, that once he was nursing again and enjoying it I just couldn't deny him for the sake of my fear of tandem nursing. So I went with it, and I'm glad I did.
Your situation is totally different though. Try and take it day by day. Have you ever gone to a LLL meeting or spoken to a leader in your area? They are an amazing support, even if you are weaning. Try to stay positive. You should be so proud of yourself you've given your DD the gift of BM for 20 whole months AND while pg. That's an amazing thing!! :-*
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Hugs Sparrow. I can't face the thought of weaning just yet and Cadan is still asking for it morning and night anyway.
I tried the lying down feeding position you ladies suggested yesterday morning and it went well. Cadan was actually ill with a fever and happy to just lie there. Then last night when I tried again he kept getting up and crying "boobies". I asked if he wanted to sit up like we normally do and he said yes so we did and he was happy again. ??? He wasn't happy with the lying down this morning either so I have reverted to the uncomfortable sitting again. I'll have to keep trying the lying down though as it is getting really uncomfortable to sit up now.
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Thanks ladies. I've been feeling better today, so that's a good sign! Bed time went really well, she cried a little when book reading was over, but we had a cuddle and she didn't cry when I put her in her crib. Huge relief there.
Ali, I would say keep trying and I bet eventually it will just seem normal for him. Sometimes when dd would resist at first I'd just kind of get the boob near her lips and she'd just stop all complaints and latch right on. It took some boob acrobatics haha...
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LOL at the boob acrobatics! Thanks. He will latch on but then after less than a minute he will come off and complain. I think we are mostly down to the 2 BFs a day now so at least it is not too often. I shall persevere
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Hello! :)
When I locked the last thread at 30 pages and started this one I had no idea that I would be able join it myself!! :o But here I am... 5 weeks today and I'm already experiencing quite a dip in my supply. DD2 is nearly 19mos and nursing first thing am, around 3pm, at BT and often a couple of times at night still ::) So quite a few feeds really. I've stopped feeling the letdown and the flow seems much much slower. I was hoping to get to 2yrs or thereabout, but now I'm not so sure we'll make it :-\ I'm not ready to wean, and DD still loves nursing, so I hope we can carry on for a while yet. Have no idea if I'd be cut out for tandem nursing, and DD will be 2yrs 3mo when this bub is born if all goes to plan so not sure if weaning during PG would still be the best here...
Any tips on galactagogues that are safe while PG?
How are the rest of you doing? :)
Vicku
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Welcome Vicku! Congrats on your pg. I have seen Rebecca (tigerlilly) mention galactagogues for pg a few times before.
There are also many galactagogues that are safe during preg. I use More Milk Two by Motherlove. http://www.amazon.com/Motherlove-Herbal-Company-Alcohol-liquid/dp/B000JZ1ZE6 I've been using it my whole preg. and it is safe. Although your body will do what it needs to for baby, I think it's helped. I also take liquid Chlorophyll (you can get it at the health food store).
I wouldn't necessarily worry too much about your supply at Sienna's age though. Assuming she has a balanced diet she'll be getting all the nutrients from solids and with the 4-5 feeds she had each day that should be enough to give her the immunilogical benefits too even if she is only getting a little each time.
Cadan and I are just doing 2 feeds each day (WU & BT) and I don't get a full feeling or a letdown but there is always a little milk there when I check after a feed so I know he is getting something. He seems happy to nurse for 15-20mins each time and doesn't tend to fall asleep on it so I don't think it comfort so he must be getting something out of it.
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Hi Vicku!!! :D Congratulations!! So excited for you!!
Yes, Ali posted exactly what I was going to post for you. Along with the More milk two and the Chlorophyll, I also ate a TONNE of oatmeal and drank a tonne of water. I kept Ds1 on the breast as much as possible and I also pumped whenever I could to help encourage my supply. Through a dip in supply and a nursing strike from Ds1, we still managed to bf all the way through and are tandem nursing now. :D It's amazing what our bodies are capable of! I was thinking I would wean Ds1 before Ds2 arrived, but it didn't really happen that way, and tandem nursing isn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would have been. Ds1 still nurses at least once a day and will take his BM from a bottle as well.
Anyways, congrats again! There isn't a lot of us on this thread, but we're definitely here for lots of hugs and support!! :D :-*
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Thanks both of you! :-*
Yeah, I eat oatmeal and have upped my water intake. Will look into More milk two, see if I can order it over the net. Don't think they sell it here. How does the liquid chlorophyll work? Is that a galactagogue as well? I've seen it mentioned on here before..
You're right Ali that Sienna will get most of her nutrients from the solids, and I'm not really worried about supply for that, I'm more worried she won't like to nurse if there's less milk and wean as a result. I suppose if that happened it wouldn't be that bad as she's nearly 19mos, but I'd like her to get some BM until about 2yo if possible. Also I was hoping to night wean her soon as those feeds are obviously just for comfort and habit ::) I've just not had the motivation to do it and she doesn't fall asleep nursing ever, she will finish the feed, then go to sleep with her dummies, and she naps independently so it's not really interfered with her sleep, apart from her waking for it in the night still of course :P Anyway, what was concerning me was that if I now dropped the nightfeeds it might impact my supply even more. Dk.. Well it's nice to have somewhere to talk about it :)
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Dropping your night feeds will almost certainly affect your supply whether PG or not but hopefully it will balance out to what she is taking during the day and not dip below that. I guess the only way to know is to try it. Maybe start taking the supplements you plan to first and give all that a chance to work before you wean the NFs.
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How does the liquid chlorophyll work? Is that a galactagogue as well? I've seen it mentioned on here before..
Yes, it's a galactagogue. I was sooo desperate not to loose my supply I had read the entire "preg & Bf'ing" part 1 thread and it was mentioned by someone there. I figured I'd try just about anything if it was safe :P So yes, you can get it at the health food store. It doesn't taste the greatest, but the one I took had some mint in it, so it wasn't horrible. I took 1 tbsp 3x a day. I ordered the More Milk 2 over the net and they shipped to Canada. Not sure about your end of the world, but it's worth looking into, I would think.
Personally, if I were you I'd continue with the Nf's for now, just to help your supply. When you're preg it seems like you're fighting your body to keep your milk going (at least, that's how I felt a lot of the time) If you keep up with the Nf's I think it would only help in keeping your milk. I guess you will have to perhaps think about weaning the Nf's closer to when the baby is due, unless you plan on doing Tandem NF's, and that might get exhausting ??? For now though, since you're still so early in your pg, I think the NFs are good to keep up.
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Thanks for your thoughts girls!
Hmm, tandem nightfeeds... that is one scary thought! :o Nope, don't think I want to be doing that LOL
DH is going away for a week (travels a lot with his work) so nothing will change night feeding wise for at least this week. Found More Milk Two at UK Amazon so could arder it from there. How long does a small bottle last? Might I as well order several? Will keep the chlorophyll in mind too.
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How long does a small bottle last? Might I as well order several?
Hum, I ordered a big bottle - 8oz and it lasted quite a long time. My tired mommy brain can't exactly remember just how long, but you should be good for a while. I would get a couple of small bottles for sure, (maybe 2?) and see if it helps you. You can always reorder if it's working well for you.
Hmm, tandem nightfeeds... that is one scary thought! Nope, don't think I want to be doing that LOL
This made me LOL! ;) Ya, it scared me to even type it :P Eep!
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Thank you very much Rebecca! :-*
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To let you all know that we (the moderators) have decided to make this thread a combined support thread for pregnant and nursing mums AND tandem nursing mums. So the ones that continue to nurse through the whole PG and go on to tandemfeeding can stay and still support each other, and also share their experiences with new PG and nursing mamas :D Hopefully it'll become a bit busier too :)
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To let you all know that we (the moderators) have decided to make this thread a combined support thread for pregnant and nursing mums AND tandem nursing mums. So the ones that continue to nurse through the whole PG and go on to tandemfeeding can stay and still support each other, and also share their experiences with new PG and nursing mamas :D Hopefully it'll become a bit busier too :)
Good call!! :D So funny actually. I was thinking the other day about starting a Tandem Feeding thread but didn't end up doing it b/c I didn't really have much to say at the time! LOL! ;) Thanks for adding that! xo
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Same here. For those who dont know us k is 2 today and feeding in the mornings and before sleep, but would do more if e could. b is 2mo and feeds every 2-3hrs in the day and 3-4 in the night. I usually give k the side b last nursed on so b always has a full boob since the hv told me i had to give up with k or b would be skinny. He is not. He is a chunk who is slowly jumping up to the next line on his chart just like k did.
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Oh honestly KM, I take everything the HV says to me with a pinch of salt and do my own research because I often find a lot of their advice is their own opinion based on outdated info rather than actual currrent health guidelines or policies.
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I also found that Ali. That is why i didn't stop.
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I thought there would be mamas who'd appreciate a place to post about tandem feeding :D Welcome to the thred Khalam's Mama, and now you can carry on posting for yourself too Rebecca :D And happy bithday to Khalam!! Two already...
I agree about HVs. I bet there are some really good ones out there, but it seems to be depending on personal interest what they know, rather than on their training. If mums of twins or more can successfully BF, why shouldn't a tandem nursing mum be able to make enough milk for two?
I've not noticed a further drop in supply this last week, but it feels as if I have about half of the milk I did before I got PG. DD is asking a lot more still. We'd quite recently managed to drop the late am feed by doing don't offer don't refuse, and it was nice to not have to do that one. Now she's been asking for a feed then again, almost every day. I try to distract her as there seems to be hardly any milk anyway and I read that increasing supply while PG isn't really possible due to the hormones. Have you found that to be true? that you couldn't increase supply while PG? Was wondering if the More Milk Two etc mostly just help to keep the supply you have, or if it can actually increase it back up to what it was?
The other thing that's actually quite annoying now is that as DD is used to having night feeds, she gets really restless after her feed at about 4 or 5am when there is hardly any milk, and it'll keep her awake and looking for more milk on and off until wake up time :( Ugh, doesn't help with my tiredness atm. I wonder if I should just try and wean her from that feed somehow. She also usually has a feed at 11/12, and then there seems to be more milk, but wonder if she'd be confused if she got the first NF but not the second ??? Sorry for rambling today, just thinking out loud really... If you have any suggestions though... :)
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I read that increasing supply while PG isn't really possible due to the hormones. Have you found that to be true? that you couldn't increase supply while PG? Was wondering if the More Milk Two etc mostly just help to keep the supply you have, or if it can actually increase it back up to what it was?
I would agree about the hormones part. Like I said before, I felt like I was fighting my body just to keep the milk I had. So IMO, I think it is all about keeping what you have as opposed to increasing it. Once my supply dipped I was never able to get it back to where it was pre. preg until after Ds2 was born. :-\ But with the galactagogues and consistent pumping/nursing I was able to keep my supply going at least. For me, I didn't really notice a dip until closer to 20 weeks though. I guess I had a big hormone shift at that point?
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I never really tried to increase supply. K was asking more towards then end but i was also home from work so assumed it was that. I would be tempted to wean both of the nf but i know that wont help supply but the last thing you want is to be feeding both over night.
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We're sort of struggling along here... There reallt isn't much milk and DD isn't happy about it :( I also have a sore that's been there for the last week now without healing and it is excruciating to feed on the R. Because of this my R that was the best side has got worse than the L now, and it's just not funny :'(
We've dropped the mid-day feed that we were still doing, to try to give the skin more time to heal between feeds and today was the fourth day with just morning and BT feeds, plus 1-2 NFs. NFs have gotten shorter and less lately though as there isn't much there for her she's sort of losing interest, and in regards to the NFs I suppose that's a good thing. I'd really like to keep the am and BT feeds for a while longer if we can, but this sore has to somehow heal. I've had them before but never for this long. DD's latch is lazy and it's very hard to correct it as she won't have any of it stubborn little thing :) Well, we'll have to see what happens I guess...
Have tried to get hold of the More Milk Two but there's none in stock at amazon UK and haven't found anywhere in Sweden that sells it. Anyone knows where I could get some? I looked at their own website but they only seem to ship wihin US??
Hope you're all doing well girls! :-*
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We are still plodding along with the morning WU and BT feeds. Cadan seems to feed for ages some days and then only for a few mins other days. He keeps asking for milk/water or juice at the same time so I think it is not quenching his thirst in this hot weather we are having. I guess that is a sign he isn't getting all that much. I'm happy to keep offering if he is happy to have it though.
I find I get BH contraction when I feed him for longer than about 5 mins now, especially at BT. We are still feeding sitting up with a feeding pillow as he cries his heart out and passes me the pillow if I try to do it lying down and I just can't be bothered to persist. Only about 5 weeks left now and the bump will be gone and the milk flowing a plenty (I hope).
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Hi,
Not doing so well here BF wise, although I suppose it is ok if we have to stop soon as we've still made it as far as we have... Was hoping to get to about 2yrs though, and I will miss it if it does end here.
Last few evenings DD has just taken a few sucks, like 5-10 seconds, then come off for about 15-20 seconds, then back on for 5-10 again and carried on like that 5 or 6 times before either she's asked for the other side or I've offered it. then repeat on that side :( Doesn't seem like she's getting more than a few drops and I don't even have a chance to get a let down like this I don't think. We weaned the 3pm ish feed a few weeks back as ther was hardly any milk and it seemed pointless, and her interest for it had decreased too so was easy to just not offer. she only asked once the first week and I let her have it then but she came off very quick as there was nothing there really. The morning feed and the one night feed we still mostly do are better but she still doesn't stay on for long and there's very little swallowing so I wonder if this is the beginning of the end... My breasts have gone down in size during the last few weeks too, so maybe my milk is just drying up from the PG hormones?
I never did get hold of any More Milk Two so no idea if that would have helped. I have some nettle tea and will drink lots of that tomorrow and for a few days to see if there is any increase at all, and will see if I can get hold of some other herbs that are safe when PG, but I don't have much hope of anything helping. these PG hormones have just had such a big impact on my milk that I now seriously doubt I'd be able to BF even through half of the PG :( No wonder the birth control implant had such a bad effect on my supply when feeding DD1 and that AF had a dramatic effect every month from when it returned at 14mo PP. I must be super sensitive to hormones.
How is everyone else doing? Much better I hope :)
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I know we have had this conversation Vicku but for the sake of the thread I will just say after 2years and 1 week feeding K including 2months tandem I have weaned K now. I am glad I did it for the two years and did some tandem feeding, but it was hard work. I plan to BF B for as long but doubt I will get pg as quickly again so as to end up tandem again.
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Hugs Vicku. You could maybe just continue offering and see if she takes it if yo are reluctant to wean. Some days Cadan is less interested in the BT feed and other days he's supping for a good 30mins. I am keeping going with the morning and BT feed as I figure soon I will have plenty of milk so supply won't be an issue. If you do stop now though 20mo is a fantastic length of time to have given her your milk.
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((hugs)) Vicku. I agree, 20 months is amazing!! and I would also keep offering it just to see. Ds1 went on a month long nursing strike around the time I was 20 weeks preg. I'm convinced I had a big hormone shift at that time. But I kept pumping and pumping, and I offered the breast at least once a day to see if he was interested. All of a sudden, like some sort of switch was flipped, Ds1 started nursing again. It was so bizzar, but I was SO glad I kept pumping/taking supplements ect. and didn't quit on my milk production. Dont get me wrong, it was EXHAUSTING, but we managed.
KM - Wow! That's excellent you bf'ed K so long! And I'm happy you got some tandem nursing in too!! :D
Ali - Only a little longer to go, eh?! That's so exciting!! :D I'm so happy you've been able to continue to BF Cadan.
We're still tandem nursing here. Nothing's really changed, except the fact I'm finding Ds1 is asking for it more, which can be tricky. It's hard to figure out when he really *needs* it, kwim? and when it's really something else going on. And at this point, I do love that he nurses for comfort sometimes, but I want to make sure he's developing other ways to self soothe throughout the day and not just running to the breast. It's funny b/c he never used to nurse for comfort when he was younger. It was just for food really. Now since he's older, I'm finding he wants to turn to it for other reasons, and I don't think thats a habit I want to get into. Many a times I can distract him, give him water or a snack, and a cuddle. I know a lot of it is b/c he sees me nursing the baby and wants that special time too, so I make sure I'm giving him lots of special time as well, without always needing the breast.
I'm very happy my supply has been great though. I've been able to get enough BM for Ds1's bottles, nurse both boys, and add to my freezer stash. Some days I feel like a milk cow, but I'd much rather have too much then not enough. :P
Glad to see the updates from you ladies!! :-*
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Thanks girls :-* You always make me feel better :)
I will definitely keep offering, and even if her bedtime feeds have been like they have, she still asks for them and wouldn't accept it if I didn't do it, so she's still getting comfort from it even if not so much milk. Even when she's not sucking she likes having her hand on my breast and gets upset if I put it away :P
Last night she woke and asked for a feed but only took one sip (literally 2x3 seconds!) then was ok to go back to sleep. This morning though she had a decent feed (for us) at about 3 mins per side and actually swallowing and getting some milk. I'll carry on and I figure she'll at least get some goodness from the little milk she's having. I read somewhere that the antibodies etc get concentrated when there's less milk so they still get a lot of goodness. Hope that's true.
I would love to hear more about your tandem feeding experiences girls! Some people say it helps with sibling rivalry and helps the older sibling not feel left out. Some say the opposite and it's best to wean them a while in advance of the new sibling arriving to avoid them feeling like the baby is taking "their" breasts. What are your experiences of it?
Rebecca, I found DD starting to see it more as comfort too after about a year or so, and definitely more so the older she gets. I guess they see it as a safe place to come back to :) but yeah I hear you on not wanting it to be something they ask for all the time.
Good to hear your updates too girls :)
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How often are you feeding DS1 Rebecca? If you want to limit it could you perhaps limit it to certain points in the day, like morning, WU from nap and BT? That might help with him being so demanding if he knew when he could have it and when he couldn't. I think KM had some success with highlighting all the things her DS2 couldn't do because he was not a big boy like DS1 (eat nice things, use the potty, ride the bike etc.) and that went some way to helping DS1 understand that being a big boy had pros and cons and wasn't all bad (he can't feed every couple hours like DS2 might).
I am looking forward to tandem nursing. Cadan insisted on holding his big teddy while feeding at BT the other night and it was lying on him in such a way that it made me think that could be how DS2 joins in when he comes. Exciting!
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You're right Ali we did do that mentioning what big boys could do alot! Even now, k says things like " Baligh want lolly? Big baligh. big" like he is saying you can when you are big.
It was so cute when K used to stroke B's head when they were both nursing together. Sometimes if K was nursing he would stop if B cried and say "Baligh need boobie" and let him take his turn so I don't think it contributed to sibling rivalry. Even now we have weaned K, he doesn't seem to resent B having the breast.
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How's everyone doing?
I've found that tandem nursing has done nothing but strengthen the bond between my boys. I was afraid it would cause jealousy or rivalry, which was why I tried weaning Ds1 before Ds2 arrived. I'm so glad he didn't wean though, b/c tandem nursing has actually been the complete opposite of what I expected.
Sometimes it is tricky. For the most part I make sure I'm sitting on the floor when I'm nursing Ds2 so if Ds1 needs a cuddle, story, nurse I can do it. If he wants to nurse at the same time Ds2 is nursing I'll usually ask him to wait until Ds2 is finished on one side. When I switch sides I'll allow Ds1 to have the side Ds2 was on first. It can make for some interesting nursing positions! :P I find it helps Ds1 learn patience and sharing. He also snuggles so sweetly with Ds2 when they are nursing. Sometimes Ds1 only wants a little bit to be included, but I'm fine with that. Since my boys are so close in age, I don't see an issue with jealousy ect. It's just normal to them.
Like I mentioned before, the only challenge is sometimes Ds1 wants to nurse very frequently, so I am setting boundaries. I like the suggestion about setting specific times. I always let Ds1 nurse during his wind down for bed. He has BM with/after lunch before nap but that's usually in his sippy or a bottle.
Anyways, hope you're all doing well.
Ali, you must be ready to pop!
How's your supply Vicku?
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On my phone so will be brief... Supply is not good, hardly a drop there. I have also got nipple thrush now from having sores from her teeth for quite some time. Guess it somehow got in there as it's worse where the sores were. Ugh, getting quite fed up tbh. DD still has a brief such on each side morning and BT and sometimes in the night but she's not getting milk. Don't know if I should encourage her to stop or to continue... Didn't want it to end just yet. When in the PG did your colustrum come in girls?
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When in the PG did your colustrum come in girls?
I have no idea TBH. How do you know? I never pump now so never really get to see the milk. I just let Cadan continue as he wants to and I figure soon I'll have plenty of milk for both my boys.
Cadan is still feeding 2x/day on WU and BT. He occasionally asks for another drink when he WU and we skip the BF but then he'll go back to asking again. We normally bath together in the mornings and he sometimes asks to nurse then, presumably since they are naked, and I always let him but he normally just has about 10 seconds on each side and then he's off to play.
Your boys sound so sweet nursing together Rebecca. I hope mine are so good at sharing. I was wondering what to do if Cadan starts asking for more feeds once he sees DS2 on the boob all day. I was planning to just keep it to his two set times he's having now but then I don't know if it would just be easier to let him have it when he asks and it will probably just be a phase.
Yes I am READY to pop!
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I was never sure what sort of milk i got. It always just looked like normal even after b was born. I always felt empty until few days after the birth but there was always a few drops even after k had fed. I would be tempted to set boundaries early on. K didn't grow out of asking lots and it caused lots of tears. Keep to routine and it Will be less change for them i think. How long do you plan to tandem nurse ladies?
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I hope to make it to Cadan's 2nd birthday and then see if he loses interest perhaps with a don't offer, don't refuse slow wean.
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I'm also hoping Ds1 makes it a full 2 years nursing, but would like him to still get BM beyond that. I mean, I'm still planning on nursing Ds2 for 2 years as well, so I might as well keep giving it to them as long as they'll take it. It's just SOOO good for them, I can't deny the health benefits. Even if they only take it in a cup, or on oatmeal, I don't think that's weird, do you?
I thought my milk changed to colostrum a few times during my preg, but I think that was just my hormones changing the consistency of my milk. It didn't truly change to colostrum until very close to my EDD, and even still, it wasn't fully colostrum until after Ds2 was born. My MW's said that there's a huge hormone shift as soon as the placenta is delivered which causes the milk to fully change to colostrum.
((hugs)) Vicku. I was hoping for a more positive update. :( I hope you can continuing nursing as long as you would like. Don't give up. xox
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Thanks! I've read that the colostrum starts to be produced about half way through And was thinking she may hang on for that. I imagine that the colostrum would be very good for DD too. Now there isn't anything there after she's done, can't even get a drop last few days... I was also hoping to get to 2 yrs and we're only 3mos short of that soon so perhaps it's ok if we stop. Also when thebaby is due she's 2yrs 3mos and I'm not 100% I want to tandem feed, I'm sort of 50/50 on doing it or not. If DD was as young as your LOs I'd definitely try to do it but as she's already over 2 then I'm not sure.
Anyway it kind of seems like the decision is being made by my boobs, not me :( so we'll see.
Glad it's going well for you all! So exciting to hear about it! And good luck Ali! You are so close now :D
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I don't think that's weird to give it to your boys your milk in a cup or on cereal etc Rebecca but are there any health benefits from continuing after 2yrs? I'm not saying there aren't I just don't know what they are and would be interested to know. Can your boys have cows milK?
Maybe if you have enough milk Vicku you could pump and give Sienna the BM in a cup even if she has weaned if that is something you would like to do. Otherwise I think 20mo is a fantastic amount of time to have given her your milk and you should be very proud. I wouldn't worry about weaning at that age AT ALL if Cadan stopped being interested.
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Here's some neat info, Ali: http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/priscilla_colletto.html
This video was shared around my FB page a while back by the Milk Sharing group I'm a part of, I loved it: Ignorance Meets Knowledge (extended breastfeeding)
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oh, and yes, I know for sure Ds1 is fine with dairy. We do give him homo cow/goats milk. Ds2 is MSPI (and I suspect has other intolerences but we are still trying to rule those out, so my diet is VERY limited ATM... :-\, Im currently dairy, soy, gluten, egg free, AND will be starting a low Salicylate diet as well if things don't show improvement soon :( ) so, I'm hoping he will grow out of the MPI and whatever other intolerences in time, however that will have to be figured out down the road. I understand MPI takes at least until 12-18 months to subside if they will grow out of it. But, that's all the more reason for me to continue extended/tandem nursing.
OH, and I wanted to share this - it's somewhat off topic TBH, but facinating for BF"ing mothers, especially extended nursing ones - explaining the importance of BM in producing healthy gut flora and preventing neurological disorders. Very compelling info: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/31/dr-natasha-campbell-mcbride-on-gaps-nutritional-program.aspx?e_cid=20110731_SNL_Art_1
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V you can't feel bad about being only 3m short of 2yr. That is fantastic.
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Thanks for the link Rebecca. Interesting. Just as it says a lot of people are against extended breastfeeding but it really is just ignorance because they don't see mothers doing it. I was a bit confused about the bit in the video that mentioned a ban in the UK on public BFing??? That is ignorant. We actually have a law making it illegal to ask a BFing mother to stop Bfing in public although that only came in in Oct I believe. Most people don;t know about it though I don't think.
I'm not sure if my milk has changed but Cadan has found a new love for BFing. He is doing it for a ridiculous length of time (45mins tonight until I stopped him) at BT. Not sure if it is a new taste or something or he has just discovered he can delay BT if he keeps BFing. LOL. Mornings are still only about 6 mins each side but he often asks for milk, water or juice (fresh juice diluted with mostly water) first now. And he sometimes takes a few gulps of water then holds the cup (lid on and sport spout style sippy thing) while BFing.
Vicku how are things going with Sienna now?
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Thanks Rebecca. The video is from 2008 Ali, but there has never been a ban on BF in the UK just a misunderstanding about the laws.
http://www.babiesnappies.co.uk/2008/07/20/breastfeeding-in-public-the-laws-made-clear/
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Just a quick update that Colby Charles arrived safe and sound on Saturday 13 Aug at 11.40pm by VBAC. We came home from hospital last night and I did my first tandem feed this morning. It was so cute, Cadan in the cradle hold lying along the feeding pillow and Colby in a rugby hold, his head resting on Cadan's hip. DH got a cute photo. Cadan was rubbing Colby's little head and it melted my heart. Ahhh so lovely!
Hope you other tandem feeding and pg mamas are doing well.
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Just a quick update that Colby Charles arrived safe and sound on Saturday 13 Aug at 11.40pm by VBAC. We came home from hospital last night and I did my first tandem feed this morning. It was so cute, Cadan in the cradle hold lying along the feeding pillow and Colby in a rugby hold, his head resting on Cadan's hip. DH got a cute photo. Cadan was rubbing Colby's little head and it melted my heart. Ahhh so lovely!
Hope you other tandem feeding and pg mamas are doing well.
LOVE THIS!! Congratulations Ali!! I'm so thrilled that you could do the tandem feed already! And congrats on a successful VBAC!! :D My, you have lots to celebrate! What a lovely name as well!! Ds1 is "Charles" too. ;)
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Hi ladies, how are you all?
We are still tandem feeding but I actually tend to do most feeds separately since Colby is often still asleep when Cadan wakes in the morning (they are both lazy boneses like their mama TG) and Colby goes to bed before Cadan at night.
I have noticed that Cadan is not really hungry for breakfast like he used to be. I think it is because I have so much milk he is getting full from that in the morning. I tend to just do fruit for breakfast and then cereal later in the morning when we used to do a snack.
I'm not sure if Cadan is drinking all the milk in the mornings since Colby doesn't seem to be satisfied after his morning feed and often wants to feed for ages and go back to it an hour later or so. Plus that is the only feed he's taking both breasts. Do others have thos problem at all? I have thought about limiting Cadan to one side but he's always had both and likes to switch at his request so the one time I tried to tell him he had to save one for Colby he broke his little heart crying so I gave in and never tried again. Strangely if we feed them both at the same time he never asks for the side Colby is having and is happy to share with him. Colby is growing at an alarming rate, he's well above his line now and he'd put on 24oz in 13 days when I weighed him last week so he's not going hungry.
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I had to limit k to one side if he ate 1st else b would have been hungry which happened a few times. Would c have his breakfast 1st and milk after colby? Or would he switch soon after starting so he left most of the 1st side for colby?
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Also sometimes i would switch position but not breasts so k would think he was getting the second side but wasn't.
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Oh that's sneaky km. I love our sleepy snuggles first thing so don't wanna do Cadan's BF later really.
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I wish I had more advice to give. I'm quite engorged by morning, so Arthur takes a full feed from one breast and I pump the other. Charlie gets 2 bm feeds/day - one bottle as part of wind down for nap, and then nursing before bed. Charlie weaned the morning BF himself, so we just kept the mid-day and evening for BM.
I would try and nurse Caden after Colby if possible.
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Thanks ladies. It's difficult because Colby feeds about 6.30 or 7am (one side only) then Cadan is up at 8 or 8.30 and has his morning BF (drains both breasts) while Colby is asleep again. But then Colby is up and wanting to feed again around 9.30 or 10am but the boobs haven't filled up again fully. Lately Colby is only having 1 NF at 3am so they are not used to supplying every 1.5hrs. It's not a major issue I don't think. Colby is tending to take the second side about 2 hours after the first following that 10am feed but then he does a long nap and is back on feeding every 3-3.5hrs. I am actually pumping a bottle right now (It's 11pm) before I go to bed and I might see if DH wants to give it to Colby for his 10am feed tomorrow which is the one we have issue with. That should give me time to restock! Only problem is Cadan drained me at BT and it's taken me 30mins to pump 3oz. Took me about 6mins to do 5oz the other day so I need to pump in the mornings I think rather than now.
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But then Colby is up and wanting to feed again around 9.30 or 10am but the boobs haven't filled up again fully.
I'm not sure if you would want to do this, but have you tried giving Cadan breakfast first, then offering only one side. If Charlie wants to nurse any other time during the day besides BT, I always put him on the side Arthur drained first, kwim? So there's less milk there, but he does still get his suckling/cuddle time. I leave the other side off limits so it has time to fill for Arthurs next feed, iyswim?
It's hard to balance the needs of a baby and a toddler for sure. For me, after I've pumped the morning bottle for Charlie, anything after I make sure Arthur gets his fill first, then Charlie second.
Vicku, are you still around... thinking of you. Hope pregnancy is treating you well.. xo :-*
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"boobies" is the first word out of Cadan's mouth when i go to to get him out the cot in the morning so he wouldn't happily wait until after breakfast no. Lol.
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LOL!! ;D How sweet!!
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Hi girls,
I've meant to come on here to update for ages now... Updated on the Extended nursing thread a few days ago and meant to come straight here after that, but got interrupted... but here I am now.
I had a bit of a break from BW as I felt so ill PG wise (soooo sleepy, and then awful nausea and vomiting) As you can see from my signature Sienna is no longer a "booby kid" and we're no longer BF. It was a very gradual wean where she self-weaned due to my gradually decreasing supply that I'd talked to you all about before. Turned out there was nothing we could do to fight the pregnancy hormones, they just took over and the milk gradually got less and less. Felt sad :'( but I'm very glad it was as gradual as it was so I had time to adjust too. I would have really liked to continue for at least a while longer, but we just had to accept it and move on.... Towards the end she was only sucking for a few seconds at bedtime and am, then only in am, and for the last weeks she only got drops and the last week nothing but she kept still wanting to latch on so I let her. Didn't see any point in refusing it and knew it wouldn't last anyway so let her do it at her own pace. Then she finally lost interest when it was clear nothing was coming and it wasn't coming back either, and it's been a few weeks now since she latched on at all. I really wanted to get to two years at least, but I suppose we were only 2.5 mos short of that and I should be happy that we could BF for as long as we did. One bonus is that she's now finally STTN. Woke for a drink of water at night instead of the milk she used to have, and at the beginning she was having 6-7oz in one night :o She's now dropped that to the occasional sip of water if she wakes, but she takes care of it by herself so I do get much better sleep now. (PG nausea got a lot worse when we stopped though, no idea if this was related or not... a bit better again now TG). One of the reasons I kept going with night feeds was that I knew my supply was quite vulnerable. Had problems with supply with DD1 (and nowhere near the knowledge and support I have now about how to keep it up) and it was decreasing supply hand in hand with bottle preference that ended DD1's nursing at only 9.5 mos. So I'm very happy and proud that we got as far as we did, even if I'd prefered to carry on a bit longer. I'll try DD2 with a cup of pumped milk once baby#3 is here and see if she'll have it that way then. She doesn't like cow's milk or any other milk.
I'll be checking in from time to time to see how you're all going and to support any new PG and nursing mamas who may join too. It's lovely reading about your tandem feeding experiences (even though I have to admit I sometimes feel just a little jealous :-[ ;) )
Thank you all so so much for all the advice, encouragement and support you've given me here! :-* I hope to see you around.
Vicku
Oh and Rebecca, thanks for thinking of me sweetie!
Vicku, are you still around... thinking of you. Hope pregnancy is treating you well.. xo
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I'll try DD2 with a cup of pumped milk once baby#3 is here and see if she'll have it that way then. She doesn't like cow's milk or any other milk.
((hugs)) Vicku! You've done tremendous!! Just a thought. If you need BM for DD2 sice she won't drink any other milk, you could consider a milk donor(s). There's plenty of Mama's willing to help who have extra milk that will just go down the drain. It doesn't matter your situation, a younger nursling, or a older one... I used a few milk donors to get extra milk for Ds1 when my milk supply was down during pg. They were a God-send and we are all still friends to this day. It's a wonderful thing. Anyways, here's the local chapter in your area if you are interested in looking into it: https://www.facebook.com/Hm4HbSwitzerland :-* I hope you're feeling better! xo
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Thanks Rebecca! I'd love to try donor milk but really didn't think it was possible here. I'll look into that link. :)
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Oops that's the page for Switzerland not Sweden ;) Can't make out a word lol. So can I search for a Sweden site/group then? I'm not a very good FB user :P
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Oops that's the page for Switzerland not Sweden ;) Can't make out a word lol. So can I search for a Sweden site/group then? I'm not a very good FB user :P
HAHAHA!!! I'm so embarrassed! Sorry sweets!! Maybe the 2 were close to eachother and I clicked on the wrong link! :P ::) Here's their main website, you should be able to access a local group here: http://www.hm4hb.com/communities.html Just scroll down through the list. If you can't find it, you can message the main administrator here: http://www.hm4hb.com/contact.html HtH :)
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Thanks so much lovely! I will check that out :-*
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Thought I would share with you girls. I made the mistake of telling Cadan one night that Colby had just drunk all the milk from one breast (Cadan's favourite) so he would probably want to start with the other breast. He insisted on sticking with the empty one and then after a few seconds he came off and declared in a little sad voice "Milk gone! Colby drink!". So he swapped to the other side and was happy. Anyway since that day he often insists that Colby drank all the milk even when it's running out of his mouth as he speaks and dripping from my breast onto my stomach. ::)
And BTW we seem to have found a balance with the morning BF and Colby is going 3hrs between feeds happily so is getting enough I assume. I am now sometimes able to distract Cadan from taking the second breast if it is nearing Colby's feed time.
Now Colby is getting bigger I am finding it really difficult to hold the two of them to feed at the same time even with my trusty feeding pillow. So I can often persuade Cadan to let Colby have a go first and then I pop Colby in the bouncy chair and let Cadan finish up. So I almost never feed at the same time now.
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Colby, you greedy little thing! Poor Cadan LOL.
I found the actual feeding them at the same time hard work even when B was small. Onle ever did a few times.
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Hi everyone ;D
Thought I'd pop in here and ask a few questions - I'm currently nursing our 2 1/2 yo dd and am also 21 weeks preggers. We really only nurse once or so a day - right before she goes to bed, but sometimes she'll want to if she's feeling sick or something, too. Going along with the "don't offer, don't refuse" type deal.
So two things - I don't think I"m making much milk at all - I actually tried hand-expressing a bit yesterday because it looked like dd had a red eye (milks are the best for pink eye :D) and it's basically colostrum I guess? i never really went ahead and found out what happens when you're nursing and pregnant - like when the milk stops (if it does) and the colostrum kicks in, if the older child would have a chance to get all the colostrum before baby has a chance to (I'm guessing colostrum sticks around until the birth and hormones get the milk going again?)
The other thing is that I've started up with very sore nipples :P It was totally fine - even at the very beginning, but then once I hit about 18 weeks or so, it HURTS! So that's another incentive for me not to offer and try to distract for daytime feedings:)
Okay - I had a third question then, too - what about 'nipple stimulation' and contractions? I've been so cramp lately but it's more from activity and not from breastfeeding. It just has me wondering as time goes on why the whole nipple stimulation thing isn't frowned upon because it could possibly lead to early labor? Guessing that if the baby/body is not ready, it couldn't lead to true labor, but just a curiosity on my part. I just don't want to get to a point where I all of a sudden need to stop abruptly. I'm fine with potentially tandem nursing - although I'm picturing it being more like a curiosity on dd's part - don't plan to refuse her if she asks, which I"m expecting her to once she sees the baby nursing, but she'll also be almost 3 yo and that's about when I'd like to stop..
Any tips or good resources?
Thanks so much!!!
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I believe milk turns to colostrum around 16 to 20 weeks then just continues until your milk kicks in after the birth. I fed my DS who's now 23mo 2x a day right through pg and although i got cramps after each feed i didn't go into labour until 5 days overdue. As you say if your body isn't ready those things won't make labour start. I also got nipple soreness. Not sure if it got better in late pg or i just got used to it. It's just where the pg is making your breasts tender so not doing am harm if you want to put up with it. I'm still feeding both boys now but am strict with DS1 that he only gets it morning and at BT so he doesn't both asking other times or if he does he readily accepts the answer will be no. Up to you but i didn't want to be feeding all day. We'd only been doing those feeds since about 15mo anyway i think. Congrats on your pg. Let up know how it goes.
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Oh and the book adventures in tandem nursing was recommended to me but i never got around to getting it. Maybe try la leche league's website for more info.
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Have you checked out the Kellymom website? There's an abundance of info on preg & Bf'ing. It will probably answer all of your questions :) http://www.kellymom.com/bf/tandem/links-nursingpregnant.html
My colostrum didn't fully kick in until after Ds2 was born and the placenta was delivered. My MW said there's a hormonal change that happens once the placenta is delivered which causes this to happen. My milk did change consistencies several times throughout my pregnancy though.
Congratulations for bf'ing so long and continuing to do so throughout your Preg!!! :) You'll have some very healthy little ones!! :D
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Did any of you get p/g before AF returned? If so, what were your symptoms? Did it affect BF'ing?
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No Valerie, I had 3 AFs before falling PG with DS2. I think my supply did dip but Cadan was 11mo when I got pg so it wasnt really an issue since solids were his main source of nutrition by the time it did. He carried on feeding throughout the pg even when there wasnt that much there.
OMG are you thinking you might be pg?
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Valerie - I had one AF between pregnancies at 3 months PP, then I became preg. the following month. My boys are 13 mths apart. I didn't notice any issues with supply until closer to 20 weeks preg. I continued to nurse & pump as much as possible. I also took some galactagogues that are safe during preg. to help keep my supply up. It was difficult at certain points, b/c Ds1 went on a nursing strike around 22 weeks preg... but I kept pumping and offering the breast for every feed. After a month long nursing strike Ds1 took to the breast again and he's been on ever since. I was also fortunate that I was able to connect with local milk donors so I could get extra BM for Ds1.
Do you think you're preg?? :o :D How exciting!
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Yeah, it's a possibility. :) :-\ :) ::) Had some cramping (could be implantation) that matches up with dtd 5 days before. We used spermicide but it's something like 94% effective (making it 6% ineffective!) Ha! My breasts are tender and sore now when ds nurses and he seems less than satisfied. He's fine following a feed but then he's hungry again much sooner than normal. He's fussy too which hasn't been the norm when having a GS. And MOTN feeds are more now. ???
I haven't had AF so I won't be "late". I am planning to test on Mon or Tues, as that will be 2 weeks.
I will be very HAPPY but also very nervous if I am. To have two LO's so close together scares me, not to mention the p/g itself, AND my desire to B/F my infant! I nursed my other two for 14 months and 16 months and I thoroughly intend to do the same for Samuel! ;D
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It could also be your cycle starting to come back/hormonal switches. My milk supply dropped a tich leading up to the few AF's I've had. Are you taking a calcium supplement/ drinking a lot of milk? I've found calcium to be key in keeping my supply up. I take 2,000 - 3,000 iu/day (throughout the day, not all at once)
If you are pg, sending you an early congrats ;) and it is possible to continue to bf all the way through. Every ounce of BM little Samuel gets is amazing! I can't say enough wonderful things about having my boys so close in age, not to mention tandem nursing them. If you are ambitious, take a read through the Kellymom link I posted above. It will give you lots of info on being preg & bf'ing.
I'm sure the wait until monday/tues will feel long, but I'm hoping you can get some results soon! :-*
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I'm still taking my prenatals but also Calcium, Mag, Zinc separately. I'm not a milk drinker, though-yuck imo! :-[. I do drink calcium enriched o.j. and eat yogurt, and other things daily. :)
Yeah, I know it could be a different hormonal change, it's just been suspiciously similar to p/g. I am ready to find out either way! I will be relieved & sad if it's neg. But happy & scared if it's pos. ha ;)
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I'm not a milk drinker, though-yuck imo
Don't worry, I get it. We're a dairy free household too ;)
We're here holding your hand whatever the results! xo :-*
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Jumping on board! I'm not sure how far along I am, but my baby ds2 is 11 months old now and I would guess I am 7-8 weeks along. I really don't remember the date of my last period . . . sometime in October maybe! Ha!
I am not planning on tandem nursing. I just planned on nursing for at least a year. So I will definitely stick that out, but I do feel a decrease in milk supply. We are down to 3 feeds a day. I just cut the bedtime feed. Although I am worried he's not getting enough nutrients . . . he takes a little water from a sippy, but do I need to give him formula or something? I'm not real excited about starting dairy yet. He gets solids 3x a day (3-4oz jar of food with cereal + any finger foods), and snacks sometimes.
He has a really bad rash on his bottom and diarrhea . . . I was wondering if this could have something to do with starting on prenatal vitamins again as I can't think of any other diet changes. Hmmm...
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Congratulations MaryAnn! :D
Everyone, I have a question (and I'll post on the general BF'ing board too I guess). My ds is 3.5 months old. He sleeps well at night, going down between 7:30 & 8:30, a DF around 10, one NWing most nights, and a wake up time of 7:00. For a week and a half now, though, he has been eating much more often during the day. Two hours at best except, like yesterday, he took a 2 1/2 hr nap in the afternoon (and then woke up really hungry), but sometimes it's even after only an hour and a half! I feed one side and he IS satisfied afterwards, but now goes such a short time in between! :-\ If I'm p/g (which I very well could be, but don't know yet), could this be the reason for his behavior change? Can your supply drop and affect how often they feed? He was going 3-3.5 hours during the day as of a few weeks ago. I thought it was a GS, but 8 or 9 days- that's too long...right? And btw, he's not snacking, he's taking full feeds and he's aggressively eating at them.
I don't mind feeding him this often, but I wonder what's up. If I'm not p/g, what could it be? Even during the two GS he has had, he never went this many days.
Thanks! :)
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Congrats MaryAnn. My DS1 was 11mo when I got pg with DS2. I didn't really notice a drop in supply for sometime and by then he was on 2 feeds a day and plenty of solids.
After 1yo your LO doesn't need a specific amount of BM or FF for nutrients since they can get it all from a varied diet. They do need the calcium from the equivalent of 600ml (about a pint) of whole cows milk. This can come from other dairy products like yogurts or cheese or dairy replacement products but if you're not giving any dairy you'll need to make sure he gets the calcium from elsewhere. Any reason why you don't want to do dairy?
Sorry val, my LO was a lot older when I got pg so the change in feeding wasn't apparent. IT=t makes sense though that if your supply is dipping it might make him feed more. Can you try to up it with pumping and diet?
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Welcome MaryAnn. 3 Bf at 11mo is plenty. The WHO only say 4 until 10mo is necessary so you should be fine. Does he have intolerance if you are reluctant to give dairy?
AMo3, pg can definitely affect supply. As can hormones in general. I found this tiime around (DS2) my supply dropped just before AF returned at 7mo. I do hear the 3 and 4mo GS are big though. We had a good 1week long one at 4mo.
3-4mo was also the time when we had to start doing 2 sides even though he seemed satisfied enough after 1 he wouldn't go long on it.
Also are you drinking enough? PG makes you need more.
Posted same time as Ali.
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Hey guys does too much of breast feeding affects the mother and the child? Thanks in advance
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BFing is good for mother and baby. The only time i can think of that too much would not be good is if the lo is over 12mo and is having so many BFs that they aren't eating enough solid foods.
Feeding during pregnancy is not harmful since the body Will take what it needs for the baby growing in the tummy first and then service the BFing and then mum's needs. Hope that answers your question.
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If I'm not p/g, what could it be? Even during the two GS he has had, he never went this many days.
It could either have been a hormonal shift, if your cycle is returning. I also read somewhere that it is not uncommon to have a dip in supply around 3-4 months--I don't know why, but that has always been the time I experienced it. Sorry, I wish I had a more scientific explanation!
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Are you feeding through pg this time Jannelle? Any thoughts on going tandem?
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I am continuing to breastfeed because my little one will not take a bottle. I do not want to tandem nurse...I have enough going on in my life, the last thing I need is to breastfeed 2 little ones (unless I have twins, of course!)
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Bring on the sippy cup then Janelle.
Any news Atlanta?
I think 3m is when your supply is "established" so it can dip.
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Hi Ladies, I'm mum to a lo who will be 1 on Friday and we are still feeding, he is a right boobie monster. He has three to four feeds a day and at least one in the night (I've posted on other boards about trying to address his night feeds). I've just discovered that I'm pregnant again ;D , very early days only about 3 or 4 weeks. I've just been reading this board and I'm worried that my lo might be trying to feed more (as he has over the past 3 days) because of lack of supply, is that possible already? Although I love feeding him (and I'm chuffed because I was told my lo would NEVER learn to bf by MW), I have found the last few months tiring because of the night feeds. I'm also worried that my little man will become frustrated if I don't produce any milk or the taste changes for him and I don't want him to have any negative associations about this and weaning. Would it be better to try and wean him before he becomes frustrated do you think?
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I guess that depends on your lo. Does he like the comfort as well as the nutrition? Did you want to BF for a particular length of time? Since he is nearly 1 he doesn't need the milk as much now so if he gets a little less for a while it isn't the end of the world as long as he has a balanced diet. I would let him feed when he wants to to keep your supply up if you wish to continue. I did find I had a drop right at the beginning but it picked up quick soon after and was ok for the rest of the pg. I think it can vary though.
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I think he is too young to pick up any negative associations that you'd need to worry about. Personally I would continue feeding in the day at least (the NFs will keep your supply up but sleep would be more important to me at this stage) and if he loses interest because of any changes that occur with the milk you can use that as an easy way to wean *if* you wish.
I got pg with my DS2 when DS1 was 11mo and we weaned a NF at 12.5mo using PD and walk out. DH did it over the period of a week. There were times that DS1 lost interest in the boob but I kept offering and let him refuse if he wanted because I wanted to Bf him for 2 years. Now he's just turned 2 and we just dropped to one BF a day at BT. I'm kind of wishing I let it peter out naturally when his interest was waning as I'm finding it hard to BF two now and he is back to being a boobie addict so I'm having to actively wean which he isn't so happy about. I am happy I made it to two years and experienced tandem feeding though.
And BOO to your MW who said your Lo would never BF!
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Thank you Khalam's Mum and Ali for responding. He is a real comfort sucker this little fella. I had in my mind that I would feed for 1 year and he will be 1 on Friday so whooop whooop!
I now think that I would like him to self-wean, when he is ready. Being honest I would hope this is within the next few months so that I get a little bit of a rest before the next little bubba arrives - is that selfish? Ali if my little fella loses interest like your little man did then I don't think I would offer him it because as you say it seems a natural way to wean and I would be really happy with this approach. I can't see this happening to be honest but I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Interestingly (or perhaps not), my little man has fed every hour today, it's been draining to say the least. He is unwell (and on antibiotics at the moment) with a sore throat and ear infection but he has wanted boob constantly all day. He has been unwell since Wednesday so I'm surprised by his sudden desire to feed more now. Do you think this is the illness or my supply? My boobs feel soooo empty and I did begin to worry about my supply but given I'm only 3/4 weeks pg then it can't be low supply can it? Any advice?
WOW 2 years and tandem feeding - I take my hat off to you!
Ali,
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I would think it is the illness making him feed so often. Is he eating solids ok? I'm not surprise your breasts feel empty. I imagine they aren't used to being sipped every hour. Frequent feeding will help your supply. I was quite strict and set times when he could feed and if he asked in addition to these times I said it wasn't boobie time and that he would have boobje time after his nap or at bt or whenever. That helped him know what to expect and helped me feel I wasn't at his mercy all day. I don't know if that is an approach that appeals to you. I would wait until after he is better though. He may lose interest if the milk changes, you never know.
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DS1 seemed to find a new found desire to BF when I was pg. I think he liked the taste more.
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My gut instinct is that he is nursing more frequently because he feels unwell. He has been latched on ALL day. It doesn't help that we do baby signing so he just does the sign in my face every few minutes!
I will wait to see how he is tomorrow. Saying all that he has been screeching for it - is that normal? He doesn't normally do that, perhaps he'll get a little impatient but today he has literally screeched at me until I get it out - there isn't a growth spurt at 1 year that I'm not aware of is there?
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I don't think it's a gs. I always kept BFing to certain times in the routine so never really fed on demand once he could sign or speak. I think it's just a phase. It's up to you if you just want to oblige or try to distract him or just get stricter on when bfs happen. Can he be distracted with a story or another drink.or snack?
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Hello ladies, me back with another question. The last three days I have noticed that whilst feeding my little man during the evening and throughout the night, i feel incredibly sick and get a headache. I seem to be okay during the day but it's just evening onwards. It's awful - could this be because of my pregnancy (I'm only 5 weeks).....?
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I didn't find it at any particular time of day but I did find for the 1st 3 months I felt sick whenever I BF DS. I know the hormones for NF are highest at night (hence why we often get night sweats when BFing) so maybe that is something to do with why you feel worse at that time.
Can you try to nibble something before you feed to see if that helps??? Maybe also you are more tired then. Are you getting enough rest?
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Not sure if this helps? :) http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/faq/18morningsickness.html Even just to reassure that it's not abnormal :)
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Hi ladies, me back again. I'm really struggling at the minute and need some help. Just to recap, I have a lo who turned 1 at the beginning of the month. He is a right boobie monster. He has been ill for the past 3 weeks and can't seem to shift this cough/cold. He takes an hour to feed to sleep at night and at least that each he wakes in the night (which was last night was twice). He is up from 5 but just wants to feed ALL the time. So far since getting up he has demanded 7 feeds. This will continue all day. I'm exhausted and also 6 weeks pregnant. My morning sickness is kicking in and each time I feed him in the night I'm sick as soon as the feed finishes. I'm feeling faint and weak and surviving on 4/5 hrs sleep a night. I'm just at my wits end. I did have athread elsewhere about getting my lo to self settle and I really need to address this. There ate just so many issues and I don't know where to start. I also feel guilty for thinking about 'sleep training him' and also wanting to 'wean'. The feeding sensation is making my skin crawl during the night. It wouldn't be so bad if it took him at least an hour to resettle after each night waking. What on earth can I do?
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Do you think he is hungry? If so I would offer a snack instead of a feed. Would he have a hot milk in a cup instead? I added a tiny bit of hot chocolate when desperate. If he just wants the comfort I would start trying to teach self settling as you best to do it when pg than with a NB. Can you get him to lie with you to sleep rather than feed? Can you cuddle him or rock him with a view to wean those later? Will he suck a blankie instead?
Fwiw I did find these issues with feeling sick and it turning my stomach resolved somwhat around 12mo or 13w. Can dh do any bt?
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Oh and eat every 2hrs at least and drink loads and take a snack to bed too. A cereal bar was good for me.
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Hi, Its really difficult to tell because he will always eat and things have been so much worse since he has been ill. If I take him off the boob too early (before he is asleep) he will complain and go back to eating but then it peters into comfort sucking. He won't take anything from a cup. I cant even really get him to take much water either (he will from a straw cup but still not much). I really do need to sort this now in the early stages of pregnancy because if I stop the feeding him (if its been longer than 1 hour he's been latched on), he will fight me - push me, climb up me, arch himself and scream. I won't be able to handle this as my pregnancy develops.
My OH is backwards and forwards on whether or not he will help me. I think its safe to say that 'no' he isn't really around much. He has a very demanding job and travels alot. He is also rubbish if he hasn't had much sleep so I find its easier for me to just deal with these issues.
So my lo has been up since 5 and went down for a nap at 10.30am and is still asleep so he is clearly exhausted. He has missed lunch, we have no routine at all since he has been ill. I need to sort this mess out - where do I start? I shouldn't be feeding him more than he is eating now should I, which is what is happening at the minute? I don't know whether its time to try and nightwean completely.... sorry this is such a ramble I'm exhausted and drained!
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Not BF related, but would it be worth a trip to the Dr to check him out since he's been unwell for so long, or have you done that already? :-\
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I would night wean. He doesn't need nf nutritionally at this age. I would feed hum up solids as much as possible all his fav meals. My sister told her boobaholic ds of a similar age that her Boobs were sore so needed a rest and surprisingly he accepted it no questions. Maybe you could try something like explaining and then just use words or a hand on him to help him soothe.
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Thanks for the advice. I will start to try and night wean him next weekend. Can't this weekend because we have my mil staying. He eats lots throughout the day but then when it gets to dinner time he barely eats anything and just screams and throws it all about. I think he is partly tired but not always. I've tried bringing dinner forward by up to an hour but that doesn't improve his mood
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Could you perhaps give him a big cooked lunch and then a smaller meal at dinner or supper time? You could always use last night's leftovers. I weaned my ds1's nf at 12.5m using pd and wo. My dh did it and it only took a week. He was waking almost every night for a feed around 4am for a few months before that. Personally if you need a break in the day and he is constantly demanding I would chose times when you are willing to BF and stick to them. You can explain that to him and then distract if he asked at other times perhaps. Good luck.
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Good luck.
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=124222.0
You might find some ideas and support here too.
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just curious, is there anyone left tandem nursing still?
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Oh, I was still doing tandem nursing up until 9 days ago but as you know Cadan has just weaned at 26mo so I'm just BFing Colby these days.
You are doing so well tandem nursing your boys for so long Rebecca.
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Not me anymore.
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Hey girls just thought I would say hey, my LO is 16months and is still bf before BT, was thinking about weaning cos I am 10weeks pregnant with #2, however we are going on a very long OS flight in about two months so am now thinking fir sanitys sake on the airplane I might just stick with it for a little longer... I hv a strange thing happening though, DD will only feed of one side, and I'm pretty sure vie totally dried up on the other side...should I be pumping this other side or just leave it? I'm not even totally sure how much she is getting from the one side she does feed off anyways as her feeds are so short now I think it's more of a comfort thing than a nutritional one IYKWIM....any thoughts? Charly xx
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Charleygirl you should check out the Extended nursing thread as I was just reading about someone else who was saying that happened to her DD and is now happening again with her DS.
http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=212311.msg2503904#msg2503904
Have you tried switching holds to the rugby style hold when she asks to have the other side. I also heard it can sometimes mean discomfort from an ear infection on one side but I expect that is less common than just a preference. I probably wouldn't pump unless you get engorged and need to relieve the pressure.
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Ok thanks, will hv a look at it... It is not engorged at all so I don't think I'll pump, just kinda worried I'll be a little lopsided...lol.
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Hi DD is 8 months old and we are trying to get pregnant again. I am an older mom and father time is not on my side! Any tips on how to increase my chances of getting PG? My OBGYN doctor wants me to stop BF, but according to the wonderful ladies on the BF boards, I can easily BF, get prego, and continue on after. We have been trying to give DD a bottle since she started refusing at 4 months old, but she is a stubborn little one and will not drink. We are in the process on working on sippy cups with a straw.
Thanks!!!
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Ah you having monthly cycles yet? How many feeds are you doing a day and are any NFs?
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I'm glad to hear there are others out there. :) I am concerned that my cycle has only returned once (at 6 months) and not since. How do I get it to start again? I am following a 4 hour easy with only one night feeding at night...at 4:00 am!
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I know many people find their cycles return more regularly when they wean the night feed so they are going about 12hrs without feeding. How do you feel about weaning the NF? Do you think she really needs it?
If you didn't want to wean the NF or you do and that doesnt help then, and I know you have been looking at weaning to formula completely so, what about just swapping the BT BF to a bottle of formula? That way you would be going from the mid afternoon feed (Im guessing around 3pm) to the NF around 4am. That would give you a longer stretch without feeding and may kick start your cycles.
If you aren't really keen on giving formula then would it be a major issue to wait 4 months until she turns 1yo and you could wean straight to cows milk?
What do you think?
The other thing to bear in mind is if you have been using a form of contraception it may take a while for the effects of that to stop. I'm sure that is something your obgyn would be dealing with though.
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Thanks do much for all your ideas.
I am all up for anything...formula, expressed milk, cow's milk in a few months...my biggest problem is that my daughter won't take a bottle. She did until the age of 4 months and then stopped.
We r workin in this now. I just read a link about stooping nighttime feedings by decreasing the minutes. I am goin to start this tonight and see how it goes.
Thanks again. I hope one of these works!!!
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Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
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At 8mo I wouldn't even try for a bottle but see if he will drink from some sort of cup. Mine loved an open cup at this age. A sippy cup might also work.
Good luck ttc
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Seconding trying a cup :)
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I just remembered there is a TTC while breastfeeding thread which may be worth posting on just for support with TTC. It isn't very active right now but like this thread there are people on there who will see your post who have btdt. TTC while BFing thread
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Hi ladies,
First off, before I move forward, I want to begin with a statement about how I am a failure with the EASY routine as it seems because my 9.5 month old is still waking several times at night to nurse. I'm a mess in that area in itself and am too embarrassed to ask for more help on the forum but probably should. Anywho, so here's the purpose of this...
My daughter is still nursing several times a day and at night but I am feeding her 3 solids meals a day and JUST found out we are expecting our third. She will NOT drink from a bottle (it's too late to start on that now anyway IMO) or a cup. She just kind of smiles at the sippy and bites it. If water does get in her mouth she often lets it run out. (I haven't tried any other liquids.)
My concerns:
1. My milk could run out
2. Depleting myself of any nutrition I need myself to keep growing the one in utero and my daughter.
3. Worried about transitioning her to a cup and feeling like she never will!
4. Wondering if I am going to be waking up at night to feed two kids at different hours for the next two years.
Any advice is very appreciated! Thank you for reading about my problems!
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Please don't be embarrassed to post. There is no shame in doing what you felt was best for your daughter and your family at the time. If you are ready to change that now there are many mamas here who have btdt and would love to offer you their support and advice.
There is some great info here on nursing in pregnancy. http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/resources/pregnancynursing-faq.pdf
Your supply may decrease but it may not. You can watch your dd for signs she isn't getting enough milk but don't worry unnecessarily as that can cause problems itself. Have you spoken to your dr about meeting your DD's milk requirements?our body will prioritise the baby in your womb so don't worry about depriving him/her.
My DS1 was 10.5mo when I fell pregnant with DS2. I nursed him throughout the pg and in tandem until DS2 was 6mo. We were feeding 4x in the day and once overnight when I got pg. I weaned the NF shortly after so DS1 and I could get the sleep we needed. We also dropped to 3 day feeds just after a year and 2 day feeds a couple months later. How do you feel about weaning the. NFs but keeping the day feeds? How many day feeds is she having now?
Have you tried a straw sippy? BFed LOs often do well with those.
Hugs.
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Hi,
I'm breastfeeding my 13month dd1 and 16wks pregnant with dd2. I don't feel ready to give up breastfeeding just yet, but wondered if people had any practical experience of tandem nursing post cesarean section?
My dd only feeds from the breast (never had EBM from bottle/sippy cup) x2 day currently but I envisage her being down to X1 feed by time dd2 gets here in October. I'll be in hospital for a maximum of x5nights post cesarean and wondering how people managed feeds whilst away from breastfed toddlers?
Thank you
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My 20mo just went without while i was in hospital for 2 days when i had ds2. He was having morning wu and bt bfs. While i was away he just had breakfast with Daddy in the morning and a yogurt or small cup of cows milk if he wanted it before bt. He wasn't feeding to sleep so had teeth brushed after normally anyway.
I had a normal delivery with ds2 despite having emcs with my other two so i have no experience of that. You may just be able to try different positions or tell him you are too sore for a few days if he would accept that? Is he an independent sleeper? If he feeds to sleep i would try to stop that before you go into hospital so it is easier for him to sleep without the breast while you're away. We moved the bf to before the bath to help separate It from sleep.
The easiest position i imagine would probably be him sitting beside you, facing you like a rugby hold?
Khalam's mama fed her toddler after an emc so she might see this and reply soon.
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Hi Ladies,
Just moved from another post here.
My DS is almost 6 months and we decided to start trying for a second baby. We waited for our son 3 years and we feal like there is no time to waste. My LO is BF, We started solids 3 days ago with 2 teaspoons of applesauce. He has been a little constipated though, and I regret buying apples and doing it myself instead of ready jar baby food. But back on the topic:) My doctor wants me to stop BF as it will speed up the cycle. I didnt have my period yet.
I feed at 3am, 7am, 11am, 4pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 11pm. At first I thought of weaning day feeds, but after reading these posts I think maybe better would be trying to limit night feeds? What do you think would be better? To be honest I was going with what would be more convenient for me, didnt know that it makes difference:/
My DS takes bottle well, we were giving him formula when away from home. He sometimes was too distracted or scared to take bottle. He had to turn away from the room and was all shaky. But I am really hesitant about formula... I know many kids eat it and dont even BF, but I justfeel like after we fought so hard for BF it is such a loss for both of us. I feel like I am taking something so precious from my baby. This is all so sad for me:(
I thought I will be able to feed for 12mnths and go to cows milk, but at 6 mnths it's too early, i know.
My mom inlaw wants me to mix cows milk with wated instead of formula. Daaaaa, im so confused:(
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Nooooooooo! You mustn't mix cows milk with water. Cows milk doesn't have the nutrients a baby requires and should not be used as a drink before 12mo in the UK and USA. Diluting it with water would give it even less nutritional value. It is also dangerous to give too much water as it can cause an imbalance of electrolytes. Cows milk also has too much protein and certain minerals which can be damaging to a baby's immature kidneys. At 6mo the only options are breast milk or formula. Formula has all the nutrients a baby needs so if you choose to reduce or wean the breast feeding then formula really is the best choice. Please consult your doctor first if you are considering offering any other milk.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Why-Formula-Instead-of-Cows-Milk.aspx
https://www.plunket.org.nz/news-and-research/media-releases/why-babies-shouldnt-be-given-cows-milk/
As your baby starts taking more solid foods you will find that breast milk intake reduces gradually anyway. As solids increase and you add in dinner you will probably find that 6pm feed naturally gets cut.
Or what about giving formula at BT and/or DF? That may have the effect of reducing the NF too (although obviously that isn't a sure thing).
You sound very sad at the thought of cutting the BFs. Are you sure you wouldn't just like to keep BFing for the next 5.5 months until LO is 12mo and feeds are much less and you could introduce cows milk? You could just see what happens with regards to trying to conceive in that time.
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After my post last night I thought about it a lot. The funny thing is, before my baby came I had no idea that BF can be that emotional. I was sure it is just a necessary thing to give your baby whats best. Instead of rejoicing in every moment I BF I am constantly thinking of the upcoming end of it. That just doesnt make sense. I think you made me see it. Thank you for that! :)
I put too much pressure on doing everything perfect- that was always my problem in life. So I decided to start with doing everything I can, one thing at a time:)
I didn't know that making a longer break between feeds can help with starting a cycle. So instead of cutting 2-3 feeds during the day, I will work on the night time. Last night I wanted to check when my LO will wake if I dont DF at 11. I was hoping I could feed around 2.30 and then 7. But it got me nowhere. He woke up at 1:30 and needed to be fed at 5, so goodbye breakfast:/ I know its just 1 day, but still gave me an idea. So today I will give him formula for his DF and will see when he wakes up. I hope to slowly teach him out of his NF, and create that longer pause.
Thanks Ali! I still can't believe there is a support group like this. Sometimes you just need to talk to other moms, not your partner, not sister that always knows best. Someone that gives you sincere advise:)
I will keep you posted!
:)
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I don't think things will change overnight so please give your baby and yourself time. Please do keep us posted. We're always happy to offer support.
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Hey, just wanted to update. It has been a month, I just realised.
I BF at 7pm, 11pm and 2 other feeds during the night. I usually not BF between 5am and 7pm.
No change yet :( I still want to wait some more before I stop BF completely:/
Ehhh, I hate waiting but what can you do. But I feel better with the decision. Made peace with formula I think :)
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Oh, I noticed I had a separate thread for the same topic and probably posted in the wrong place. Sorry, made a mess a little :)
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Thanks for updating us. Glad you are working it out. I hope it helps soon.
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Would anyone like to share the positives and negs of tandem BF?
My 16 mth old was having just one feed a day when she wakes and to be honest, I could've easily dropped that feed. BUT, now she has started to ask for a feed or two during the day (I taught her the sign). I'm just watching to see if this continues. Sometimes she can be distracted, other times not. I don't know whether to encourage her and feed on demand or wean. Emotionally I don't feel ready to wean, and I guess she doesn't either. She's little and gets sick often so I'm assuming the colostrum I have now (I'm 22 weeks preg) would be highly beneficial for her.
If this continues, will it be a pain when baby is born or is it fairly manageable? Does it help with sibling jealousy because my toddler will still be able to have that mummy time whenever she feels jealous?
Would love your insight and advice.
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Personally I preferred to keep the feeds limited at this age as the last thing I wanted when pregnant was a toddler on and off of me all day whereas I could cope with a couple of feeds at set times .
I fed DS1 for 6 months in tandem with DS2. I think we did a morning and a BT BF for 4 months and then just the BT feed for 2 months. It was fine but I think it helped that I felt able to say it was or wasn't his feeding time. I could say "yes, you can have milk at BT" then I'd offer a cuddle or a snack depending on whether it was for hunger or comfort.