The Breast Feeding Support Thread

Digs

The Johnson ones are just too small for me but totally with you on the waste with the wrappers on the other ones jlm! Completely unecessary. Between the pads and the nappies I’m not doing much for the planet.

I had no idea Lidl did them, Will definitley be checking them out thanks a mill!

jlm29

Digs wrote: »

The Johnson ones are just too small for me but totally with you on the waste with the wrappers on the other ones jlm! Completely unecessary. Between the pads and the nappies I’m not doing much for the planet.

I had no idea Lidl did them, Will definitley be checking them out thanks a mill!

I know. I’d like to think I might go re-usable (nappies, breast pads and wipes) for my next baby, but I really don’t feel I could manage the nappies. Maybe I’ll compromise at wipes and breastpads

bovril

Digs wrote: »

Congrats Bovril!

I’m only 3 weeks in myself so realistically need to let my own supply settle before looking at the reusable etc. I’m flying through the disposable ones though. I’ve tried tommee tipee (Aldi had them on offer for €3.99 a box, think they’re gone now), boots own brand and Johnson & Johnson (awful!!). Boots were probably the best quality and price wise so may go back there!

Thanks! Congratulations yourself.

Here is a link to the ones I find very good in boots.

https://www.boots.ie/boots-ultra-slim-breast-pads-1-x-36-pack-10053059

Sausage dog

I've found the Lansinoh ones very comfortable. The Johnson & Johnson ones were small & rough/hard.

catrionanic

Digs wrote: »

Congrats Bovril!

I’m only 3 weeks in myself so realistically need to let my own supply settle before looking at the reusable etc. I’m flying through the disposable ones though. I’ve tried tommee tipee (Aldi had them on offer for €3.99 a box, think they’re gone now), boots own brand and Johnson & Johnson (awful!!). Boots were probably the best quality and price wise so may go back there!

Ah congrats, Digs! What did you have in the end? And did you ever agree on a name lol?

Minier81

I use the washable/reusable Boots breastpads. They are 6.99 for 3 pairs. They seem to be eternally on 3for2 offer so well worth getting 9 pairs as you do need to rush washing them before you run out! One of my best buys.i find them much better than the disposable ones. I have a strong let down too, most days now I can wear them for 12 hours, sometimes 24 if not leaky but occasionally need to change more often especially when baby was less than 3 months and I was leakier!

Digs

catrionanic wrote: »

Ah congrats, Digs! What did you have in the end? And did you ever agree on a name lol?

Thanks Catriona!! We had a girl in the end, my husband is destined to stay surrounded by women it seems. After the poor child staying nameless for days we went completely off grid and called her Heidi! Hope you and your little people are doing well. A new kind of madness I’ve no doubt!!

Digs

Minier81 wrote: »

I use the washable/reusable Boots breastpads. They are 6.99 for 3 pairs. They seem to be eternally on 3for2 offer so well worth getting 9 pairs as you do need to rush washing them before you run out! One of my best buys.i find them much better than the disposable ones. I have a strong let down too, most days now I can wear them for 12 hours, sometimes 24 if not leaky but occasionally need to change more often especially when baby was less than 3 months and I was leakier!

Did you find a settling down around 3 months? I’m trying to remember from my other two but didn’t have such an overabundance like this so can’t quite compare. I’m looking forward to not being constantly covered in milk. Those pads sound ideal so will keep an eye out. I am spending a fortune on the disposable ones. Ran out yesterday so had to go to the chemist and a box of theirs was €8 which will only last a few days.

The oversupply/letdown I think is also giving her gas...... I think. Would that sound right? She’s finding it hard to settle especially at night. Very wriggly and full of farts! I really should try get to the Holles Street support group but it’s proving difficult with the two older kids in tow.

waterfaerie

I used reusable ones made of silk and wool from a brand called Elanee. They are super soft and extra absorbent. I got them from Germany at the time but I just had a quick look and you can get them on Amazon now.

catrionanic

Digs wrote: »

Thanks Catriona!! We had a girl in the end, my husband is destined to stay surrounded by women it seems. After the poor child staying nameless for days we went completely off grid and called her Heidi! Hope you and your little people are doing well. A new kind of madness I’ve no doubt!!

Oh Heidi is a gorgeous name! I'm sure she is a dote. Your husband is a very lucky man - blessed art thou amongst women, and all that! Well done to you on a long nine months, on bringing her safely into this world (dare I ask how fast your labour was?!), and on your breastfeeding journey. Hurrah!

Digs

Thanks a million and the exact same back to you!
Her labour was 1hr7, so longer then #2 but shorter then #1! I was induced at 38+4 for reduced movements so was in the right place when it started. They just had to break my waters. Nothing happened for 7 hours and once I got a contraction it was showtime.

I can’t thank Holles Street staff enough for how they looked after us. Looking back on the last week or so before I had her I just didn’t feel right, I was so anxious and just had this wierd feeling. Her movements were all over the place and I was so glad they took the decision to induce her. They took it so seriously. Her heartbeat was fine and she was moving but they agreed they she wasn’t reactive when they were scanning her, I have this horribly uneasy feeling that I can’t explain if she’d been left it could have been an awful outcome. They said they place a huge amount of weight on a mother’s gut instinct and I really believe I knew she needed out. It’s bizarre. I’m telling every woman who'll listen to me to really listen to their gut when pregnant and if at all worried go into the hospital.

I’m delighted to be feeding her too and it’s all going very well Bar both of us getting soaked I could do with another pair of hands for sure though but the beauty of the third is the older one amuses the second somewhat for me.

I can only imagine how full your hands are Catriona. Two under 2 is absolutely no joke. I hope you’re eldest is adjusting and going as easy on you as possible at this stage!!

catrionanic

Digs wrote: »

Thanks a million and the exact same back to you!
Her labour was 1hr7, so longer then #2 but shorter then #1! I was induced at 38+4 for reduced movements so was in the right place when it started. They just had to break my waters. Nothing happened for 7 hours and once I got a contraction it was showtime.

I can’t thank Holles Street staff enough for how they looked after us. Looking back on the last week or so before I had her I just didn’t feel right, I was so anxious and just had this wierd feeling. Her movements were all over the place and I was so glad they took the decision to induce her. They took it so seriously. Her heartbeat was fine and she was moving but they agreed they she wasn’t reactive when they were scanning her, I have this horribly uneasy feeling that I can’t explain if she’d been left it could have been an awful outcome. They said they place a huge amount of weight on a mother’s gut instinct and I really believe I knew she needed out. It’s bizarre. I’m telling every woman who'll listen to me to really listen to their gut when pregnant and if at all worried go into the hospital.

I’m delighted to be feeding her too and it’s all going very well Bar both of us getting soaked I could do with another pair of hands for sure though but the beauty of the third is the older one amuses the second somewhat for me.

I can only imagine how full your hands are Catriona. Two under 2 is absolutely no joke. I hope you’re eldest is adjusting and going as easy on you as possible at this stage!!

1 hr 7 mins was impressive! I was 90 minutes this time and went into spontaneous labour myself. Scared about number 3! So glad you had such a great experience with HS (I had my two there and I really do not have a bad word to say about them). We owe them so much!

Two under two sure is tough, but we will get there!

Digs

catrionanic wrote: »

1 hr 7 mins was impressive! I was 90 minutes this time and went into spontaneous labour myself. Scared about number 3! So glad you had such a great experience with HS (I had my two there and I really do not have a bad word to say about them). We owe them so much!

Two under two sure is tough, but we will get there!

They were pretty proactive this time given the speed of my second, I was offered a sweep etc and would have had the choice of induction closer to due date but nature intervened anyway and the induction just happened sooner so if you go back for the third you should be well looked after in anticipation of a similar or shorter one! I totally agree, haven’t a bad word to say about HS, had all 3 there and have had excellent care. Any more trips back there for me will be to visit others

catrionanic

Digs wrote: »

They were pretty proactive this time given the speed of my second, I was offered a sweep etc and would have had the choice of induction closer to due date but nature intervened anyway and the induction just happened sooner so if you go back for the third you should be well looked after in anticipation of a similar or shorter one! I totally agree, haven’t a bad word to say about HS, had all 3 there and have had excellent care. Any more trips back there for me will be to visit others

Would you have considered a home birth? We have moved further from hospital now so I think the chances of me getting there in time are slim. It would stress me out all pregnancy. So I'm fairly certain I would like to have a home birth next time.

Minier81

Digs wrote: »

Did you find a settling down around 3 months? I’m trying to remember from my other two but didn’t have such an overabundance like this so can’t quite compare. I’m looking forward to not being constantly covered in milk. Those pads sound ideal so will keep an eye out. I am spending a fortune on the disposable ones. Ran out yesterday so had to go to the chemist and a box of theirs was €8 which will only last a few days.

The oversupply/letdown I think is also giving her gas...... I think. Would that sound right? She’s finding it hard to settle especially at night. Very wriggly and full of farts! I really should try get to the Holles Street support group but it’s proving difficult with the two older kids in tow.

It definitely settled after about 3 months. Before then I could collect 5oz in a single feed from the Haakaa! I was leaking all over the place, and washing my sheets very often, a nuisance!! I hadn't thought about the wind, but our little was definitely windier at that stage too, so I'm sure the oversupply didn't help with that either. The Holles st clinic is worth attending if you can make it in.

Digs

catrionanic wrote: »

Would you have considered a home birth? We have moved further from hospital now so I think the chances of me getting there in time are slim. It would stress me out all pregnancy. So I'm fairly certain I would like to have a home birth next time.

It was suggested to us but when we talked about it it didn’t make sense for our particular circumstances. They totally make sense for others. My second was 37 mins, so at home we would have been counting on a midwife to get to us in time anyway plus what to do with the other two kids. I know some people like to involve them at home but my eldest is a bit of a worrier and there’s no way on earth I’d want her to see me in labour. An induction in a controlled setting was definitley the best option for me (caveat being I went to 42 weeks on the first 2 so I’d make it close to due date for the actual induction!). The kids were minded and I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be when it started.

Digs

Minier81 wrote: »

It definitely settled after about 3 months. Before then I could collect 5oz in a single feed from the Haakaa! I was leaking all over the place, and washing my sheets very often, a nuisance!! I hadn't thought about the wind, but our little was definitely windier at that stage too, so I'm sure the oversupply didn't help with that either. The Holles st clinic is worth attending if you can make it in.

Yes!!! I got the haakaa last week and 5oz is exactly what my right boob is giving me on letdown. Maybe 2/3ish on the left.... clearly the “lazy” one! I’m sick of being soaked, the baby is soaked, the couch, bed...... everything. I was beginning to think I have a sensory issue because I hate the feeling of being drenched but my husband is telling me it’s totally understandable! You’re giving me hope with 3 months, if there’s an end to it I can cope although I am getting a bit more savvy at managing it so things are improving. The haakaa is brilliant, very fiddly though. If she doesn’t kick it off I have to catch it before the suction goes. Clearly needs practise!

shesty

Digs I am dropping in here...I had total oversupply on two of my three, I was continuously drenched.Everything was drenched.It is hard.And I am glad you say she is windy, mine were, in particular the third, who I ran into problems with-I couldn't keep him latched on from round four weeks, causing supply to drop.Couldn't figure it out but I really felt it was wind ,and the speed of the let down was most of the problem.It's really annoying.The one thing I did find was that I gave him a bottle round 7pm from the start which was great because I was less drenched at night then -on my second, she would cluster feed and I would wake up soaked every night- sheets, pjs, the works-several times, if her sleep stretched at all.It just got really old......

Digs

Shesty thanks. I have to say it’s a relief to hear I’m not over dramatising how annoying it is. I’ve no pain this time, she’s latching brilliantly, gaining weight like a champ so I was getting fed up with myself for finding this to be an issue, but it is. Clearly a big issue if it’s causing her discomfort. kellymom etc is telling me a fast letdown can cause them to be gassy and I suppose it makes sense. When I see the force it sprays out with and the sheer volume it’s no surprise.

I have been trying laid back feeding and I try hand expressing before latching her but that’s difficult when she’s looking to feed! I fully intend to start giving her a bottle in the evening, am trying to get to 4/5 weeks. I have a nice freezer stash built up aswell ready to go.

My husband is going to work from home tomorrow so I can get into Holles Street for the group, woohoo!

kastasia

I was always leaking at the start, flying through the disposables so bought the boots reusable and found them good. Stopped needing any a good while ago though.
Have a busy day tomorrow so trying to build up some milk (have plenty frozen, but still try to just build up fresh for it) and since yesterday morning only have 3oz from haakaa, where at the start I'd have got that in no time. I'd like to keep feeding until 1, going back to work when he's 9 months, so thinking maybe I need to invest in some other kind of pump?
The haakaa has served me well though, so in case anyone is looking for one I got an email this morning saying they're 40% off on their UK site with code Christmas40.

shesty

No problem Digs.I can't say I have any solutions and unfortunately it led to problems feeding, as they were just very fussy, particularly himself.But I remember my second being really fussy about wind up to nearly 18 months, lost count of the number of nights she would be awake and I would have to go in- she wouldn't resettle til she got upright and let a load of gas out.I have actually taken this guy out of his grobag lately and he is in padded babygros, as he does so much grunting and trying to pass wind at night, and the grobag restricts his legs and wakes him up.Honestly.....🙄
Hope it works out well for you.I hated being contiuously drenched and it was only when I talked to my sister lately that I realised how different my experience was with BF and how it was hardly surprising I stopped early-she never has half the "problems" I did, with continuously soaked bras, trying to latch a half drowned baby (!) , milk pouring out of the other boob while they feed from the first, and the resultanr wind, no matter what you do-not a great experience.

hollymartins

shesty wrote: »

No problem Digs.I can't say I have any solutions and unfortunately it led to problems feeding, as they were just very fussy, particularly himself.But I remember my second being really fussy about wind up to nearly 18 months, lost count of the number of nights she would be awake and I would have to go in- she wouldn't resettle til she got upright and let a load of gas out.I have actually taken this guy out of his grobag lately and he is in padded babygros, as he does so much grunting and trying to pass wind at night, and the grobag restricts his legs and wakes him up.Honestly.....��
Hope it works out well for you.I hated being contiuously drenched and it was only when I talked to my sister lately that I realised how different my experience was with BF and how it was hardly surprising I stopped early-she never has half the "problems" I did, with continuously soaked bras, trying to latch a half drowned baby (!) , milk pouring out of the other boob while they feed from the first, and the resultanr wind, no matter what you do-not a great experience.

Oh god I sympathise as I had the exact same experience with my two. First time around it was such a shock, waking up with wet sheets etc. and milk literally spurting out of me. I used to sleep with a towel underneath me and I leaked continuously until I returned to work and stopped breastfeeding. Second time around it was the same again. The smell of stale milk and the desperate feeling of just wanting a shower Constantly wearing breastpads and having to replace a few times a day, I do not miss those days.

Digs

Oh gosh Shesty that sounds so stressful!! I don’t think I’m having as big an issue as you did, no wonder you struggled.

I’m back from the group and while I have an abundance of milk it doesn’t seem like a true oversupply so should settle around 6 weeks fingers crossed. I last fed baba around 7:30an and by the time I got to the group it was 10:30 so she was well due a feed. Sat down and latched her on and proceeded to soak everything around me, myself, the chair, the baby!!! The LC said well I can tell why you’re here! The girl beside me had eyes like saucers, I felt so sorry for her. She was having the opposite issue, couldn’t bring up her supply and was in terrible pain. My heart went out to her.

So after chatting with the LC it seems the forceful letdown is my issue. She showed me another position to help deal with it and said apart from getting used to it it’s a matter of powering through. The gas goes hand in hand but she’s an efficient little feeder and the older and bigger she gets she should get better at coping with the letdown and won’t guzzle as much air. I’ve definitely noticed when I’m more diligent with winding her she settles very quickly. So hopefully all in all I’ll get a handle on it.

The only other suggestions she had was when I go out to pack a few changes of tops, plenty breastpads and a few hand towels! The glamour.... A saving grace for me is I seem to be fine in between feeds, I’m not soaking through (I tend not to have longer then 3 hrs between feeds at the moment though!!) my issue is just during feeds at letdown, much easier to manage then being constantly soaked at random times.

shesty

No I was the same but if they went too long between feeds, the second they latched on it was milk everywhere.He was quite efficient, and actually particularly so at night.He was very good at night, and my supply was much more regulated.Day time was a nightmare and honestly I never got a handle on it.My issue was at 4/5 weeks he simply would not stay latched, he would pull on and off constantly with wind-i could hear it gurgling through him-and so my supply never did that six week leap that he needed.He fed great when sleepy so nightime continued til 10+ weeks, when his sleep stretched quite a bit, but daytime was pumping.Unfortunately LCs were not great help.But look anyway at least your little girl is feeding away and fingers crossed it will sort itself out.And you're not imagining it, it seems like nothing but the letdown and wind can be such a nuisance.It was SO frustrating for me, because all of mine latched on straight off and fed great but I just never seemed to get too far past six weeks despite my best efforts.

Digs

That does sound super frustrating, it’s pretty amazing you lasted so long!!

The LC was quite clear with me that it’s a management issue, this appeals to my practical side. Rather then me sitting around waiting for it to magically disappear I instead need to get to grips with it. I’m finding it easier by the day, I think the haakaa is a game changer on that score though. I pop that on and the letdown is caught and goes straight to the freezer. Bit fiddly but again practise will perfect that. Luckily her wind isn’t bad at all, certainly no worse then any of my other two but again more frequent winding has helped there. Unlike my first baby I at least now know what’s causing it. She’s also used to me taking her off during letdown while I spray into a towel and she goes back on no issue! Today was another learning curve in being more prepared when I’m out and about as the haakaa isn’t as easy to use in public!

While I think of it aswell, anyone reading with the same problem the LC said to help when I’m out feeding if I feel letdown on the other side to apply pressure to the nipple with my finger and it suppresses it. Tried it twice and worked a treat which was neat.

I think we’re on the right track anyway. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Pocos

Hi all

Just looking for some advice from thise who breast fed in the past!
Any advice on how to drop the last feed? I literally only feed herself to sleep, and only when I’m on my own! My husband rocks her to sleep or lies on the bed beside her and she’s happy with that but if I’m on my own she just cries until i feed her! Like it could be 3 days since I last fed her and it’s not at the same time when I do! So it’s not habit and I don’t consider it a feed (she takes a bottle now!) But just expects it once she’s tired and i lie down beside her! Any advice???

Is it a case I just have to refuse and put up with the tears? If so how long does that last for?

She’s 1 since last week so I gave her a year and for a few reasons I want to finish up! Preferably in a nice manner!

jlm29

I dropped it a couple of months ago. My oh did bed times for a few nights, and the first few times I was at home without oh, I just plonked him in the cot and sat in a chair beside him until he stopped crying. It generally didn’t take long, but he’s a very easy going baby. It took longer with my last guy, but he was born with a serious case of middle child syndrome.
My little guy is 18 months old now, so prob around 16 mths or so when we weaned

Pocos

jlm29 wrote: »

I dropped it a couple of months ago. My oh did bed times for a few nights, and the first few times I was at home without oh, I just plonked him in the cot and sat in a chair beside him until he stopped crying. It generally didn’t take long, but he’s a very easy going baby. It took longer with my last guy, but he was born with a serious case of middle child syndrome.
My little guy is 18 months old now, so prob around 16 mths or so when we weaned

So I will have to put up with crying and sadness?? I was hoping there would be an easier solution but to be honest I didn’t hold out much hope!

My LO would be the opposite of easy going! She’s very stubborn!!!

jlm29

Pocos wrote: »

So I will have to put up with crying and sadness?? I was hoping there would be an easier solution but to be honest I didn’t hold out much hope!

My LO would be the opposite of easy going! She’s very stubborn!!!

Maybe you should wait for someone else to advise. Maybe there’s a better way. I often see a book called “the no cry sleep solution” recommended. Maybe read that for magic tricks?

Pocos

Thanks jlm29 but I really think you are probably right! Tough it out for a few days and hopefully she will forget about it by then!

Might try avoiding having to put her to sleep in her room (do car and buggy and let dad do nighttime) for a while first! She’s such a good memory though not sure will that work!