3 hr easy, block feeding, and supply

[julieb]

DD is on 3 hr EASY and I've begun block feeding (feeding same side 2 feeds in a row).  I've always single side fed.  She has issues with reflux and green mucusy stools with occasional blood.  I've been on various elimination diets since she was 10 days old with little improvement, and currently on day 12 of a 4 day rotation elimination diet.  I had tried block feeding when she was maybe 2~4 weeks old, for just a couple days, but decided to try it again after reading this article: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/23/breastfeeding.secrets/index.html

I don't have issues with OAL and I seriously didn't think it could be a fore/hind milk imbalance since I only feed from one side.  I'm concerned about my supply now though, because that means one side isn't used for a whole 9 hours (breasts seem really saggy and empty now!)!  I'm on day 3, and I guess she's not acting hungry.  She seems to eat less at the breast now though, and finishes faster.  Do you think that's because she's getting more hindmilk and therefore feeling full faster?  Or was she overeating before because of the abundance of milk (she was 7.5 lbs at birth and now almost 15 lbs!)?

And if her diapers are a result of the fore/hind milk issue, do you think I always need to continue block feeding or can I go back to switching each session?

[Vicku]

Bumping this for you.

[~Emma~]

 In the very beginning with DD I had horrendous oversupply coupled with a fierce OAL. I spoke to a lovely lady from the La Leche League and started block feeding and it worked a treat. I would just hand express for about 30 seconds or until the pressure on the nipple lessened and use the same breast for a couple of feeds then switch. After a few days it would calm and I could start switching boobs at each nursing session. If the breast I wasnt using became full I would hand express from that one too, but only enough to make me comfy.

 Now the supply seems to have calmed down a bit but my left feels alot emptier than the right which was always the one that had most oversupply/OAL problems with. I will admit that it worries me sometimes but DD seems to last fine over the 3 hours and can even do some good stretches at night sometimes so I trust that she's getting plenty fro both now. I also think that because I was used to my breasts feeling SO full before that when they feel normal it feels empty kwim?

  Or was she overeating before because of the abundance of milk (she was 7.5 lbs at birth and now almost 15 lbs!)?

 In the early days the MW's were astounded at DD's weight gain and now I know it was because of the OAL and oversupply, the poor soul was being drowned on mik at every session!

 How are her poops now?


 Sorry I dont really know that much about it other than my own experience but ((((hugs))))), it can be so hard to guage how you are doing.

[julieb]

For some reason, I don't get notifications of replies anymore. 

Anyway, thanks for your reply.  Her poos have slowly improved.  No mucous, more yellow in color than green, and the number of bowel movements a day has slowed way down.  I think she might even skip today's.    I did a week at 2 feeds per side and just switched to 3 feeds per side a couple days ago.  Though I'm not really sure if this is contributed to the rotation diet either. 

Her reflux seems just as bad, if not worse sometimes though.  And I think it has to do with once I finally switch sides.  The new side is very full and she spits up more after the switch.  I try to pump off the first 2 ounces to help, but that's not retraining my breasts to make less milk.  I don't want to keep up the pumping, but not sure what else to do.    The spit up gets so bad I can't lay her down to nap at all (spits up multiple times, even on her tummy).

[~Emma~]

Have you tried just hand expressing into a towel before the feed rather than using the pump? I found this to work best as I seemed really sensitive to the pump and would make twice as much milk!

DD is the same as yours whenshe feeds from the fuller side, lots of spit up generally uncomfortable afterwards. I found putting her on her tummy made the spit up worse as it put pressure in it, just a thought.


(((((hugs)))))