With all this pumping, I still don't know why I have some hard lumps on both breasts, that I hope don't turn into mastitis. I am going to call the lactation consultants today to see what I should do. I have tried pumping the blockage out (doesn't work) and heating pads etc. I hope this doesn't affect my breastfeeding...
Update: Well, the lactation consultant seemed a little disappointed that I am pumping more than nursing; she says the baby is the best pump and that if I am not pumping consistently throughout the day it could cause those lumps, and a decrease in my supply. I think I am pretty much pumping every 3 hours and getting at least 5 ounces every time. She says as long as I don't feel ill or have a fever, I should be able to massage the lumps while pumping and work them out. I am trying that- and they have gone down a bit. I honestly think one of the causes of the lumps was wearing one of myu nursing bras that had a wire cutting into me. I recently bought a more comfortable one without wire from target and its great. I feel a little guilty for not nursing him directly, but I feel if he's getting enough breastmilk it's just as well. I can see exactly how much he gets, and John gets to help out. And it bypasses any problems with latching on. If things continue the way they are, I think I could do this for at least 6 months if not a year. Let's hope my supply doesn't decrease.
8 comments:
Keep us updated on this! I am very nervous about breastfeeding. I hope that it just comes easy for me.
Sounds like everything is going good.
Your supply shouldn't decrease as long as there is a demand for it ;) Keep it up. You're doing good!
thanks-i didn't know that pumping breastmilk and then feeding was looked down upon..i thought it was all the same. I guess there are is always going to be something to make you feel inadequate as a mother!
Yeah I don't see how anyone can look down on that! I think you are doing a wonderful job!
Are you feeding him by breast and bottle or just bottle?
Ughh, this is why this subject fills me with,hmmm, upset. Every single lactation consultant has completely different "rules". And if you aren't following them, you're wrong and made to feel stupid. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
To me, the whole point of breastmilk is that it needs to get in baby's tummy. That's IT! Your milk is so abundant, Sam, that you should be able to do this for a while, as long as you keep pumping often like you are.
The first lactation consult I had with Raquel told me to strictly breastfeed, don't confuse baby with a bottle.
The lactation consultant I had with Maxine said to pump in between feedings to get my supply going. She said it was fine to give Maxine breastmilk in a bottle, and nice for me cuz I could take a break once in a while. Nice in theory, but I ended up completely stressed out about having hardly any milk and spent most of my time caught in a cycle of breastfeed...pump...wash pump...breastfeed....pump...wash pump. It drove me crazy.
Your consultant is one of many, with one of many opinions. Do what you think is right. You are a mother now and God gave us the ability to figure these things out on our own.
I'm so glad your boobs are so milky! lol! You're lucky :)
jenny- I am pretty much switching to exclusively breastmilk fed to him in bottles. Seems to be working so far.
Sarah- thanks, yeah I didn't know there was such a big difference. My nipples don't seem to stick out enough so he gets frustrated and I am never sure he is getting enough. I like to know how much he gets. As long as my supply stays up, I think he will be fine. it's just a process like you said, of pumping, feeding, washing the parts, labeling, refrigerating etc. I am so thankful for John's help right now and I'm scared about when he returns to work next week because he and I have worked out a routine for now. I am hoping things get easier the older he gets.
Things do get easier. I think the first month is definitely the hardest. After that, you worry less cuz they've gained weight and sleep more per nap. Right now you probably wake up every 10 minutes to look at him sleeping and make sure he's breathing, huh? Everyone does that. The first month is like boot camp!
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