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Q
Portland, WA
I have plenty of breast milk at 2 am, 6 am & 10 am. Uncomfortably so at times. But when it comes time for that pre-bedtime feeding there isn't much there. I have him suck and suck until he (or I) get frustrated. Then we give him a little pumped milk from the morning, or a couple of ounces of formula. And have him nurse some more... My body responds great- with lots of supply in the middle of the night, when we want to be sleeping! I have read the books and know it is typical for breasts to be less full in the evening. But this is ridiculous. I don't want to be pumping every morning just to redistribute that milk to that evening. I'm curious to try fenugreek but my breasts already feel overfull in the morning. I don't want to be dependant upon my pump. I'd like to just have the milk when he wants it! Any tips for surviving the evening lull in milk production? Perhaps I need to get him to go to bed much earlier so he doesn't want to feed as much during my lull. Suggestions?
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Q
Chicago, IN
Hi there,
Later this month, I have to be away from my nursing son for about 2 days. I have TONS (I mean freezer is overflowing!) of stored breast milk for my mom to give him. He takes bottles occaisionaly now, although not thawed, just refrigerated. My question is, when thawing all this milk, does she have to make only one bottle at a time, or can she mix a bunch together and do several bottles and keep them in the fridge? Also, once it is thawed and put in the fridge, how long is it good for. I think I have heard 24 hours- does that sound right? Please help! Thanks mamas!
E.
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Q
Chicago, IL
ok, so i am going back to work in a little less than 2 weeks. my dd will be 8 weeks old and is exclusively breast fed, she loves it. it has been difficult getting her to take a bottle, but we are working on it. with my older daughter when i went back to work, i had a terrible pump, and was never able to pump much, therefore she was on formula during the days i was not with her, then i breastfed her everytime i was. this time around i have a much better pump, and have been pumping here and there to stock up, for when i go back to work. in the earlier weeks after she was born i was able to pump 2-5oz bottles in 10 minutes, these days, i am lucky to get 1-4oz bottle in 10 minutes. so my questions to you are, 1) how do i increase my milk supply to pump more for her, i will be pumping at work, but i am afraid, that my milk supply will decrease, i have read that pumping sometimes decreases your supply, and 2) how do i know much milk she will need at daycare. obviousely breastfeeding you can't measure how much they eat, and i don't want to send to much milk, because if they don't use it,they will throw it out after a certain amount of time, and that is gold!!!, i also don't want to send to little, and have her starving throughout the day. i just need a little advice on what any of you working moms have done, and what worked best for you, thank you all for helping out!!!
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Q
Chicago, IL
Yikes,
I've started back to work three weeks ago and am having trouble pumping enough milk so that I have bottles to leave with the sitter. The problem is that when I am at home my five month old daughter wants ALL my milk! I can barely keep ahead with pumping and the stash I have in the freezer is quickly diminishing.
I pump once at work and get about 7-8 oz. and by the time I get home she usually wants to nurse off one breast and I pump the other, so you see I am always short one bottle and always have to dip into the reserves.
So I am wondering what I can do since the emergency supplies will probably run out in the next week. We've started her on rice cereal but it hasn't seemed to make a difference and her system really can't handle me stuffing her with more right now.
(I do nurse her before giving cereal too.)
She has been exclusively breastfed too, and even when I tried to give her formula so I could catch up on the pumped milk (not sure if this was a good idea to begin with) she would not drink it. I'm afraid I've already messed with my milk supply.
Any suggestions? Thanks Gals.
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Q
Daytona Beach, FL
I'm due for the 2nd baby at the end of March and wanted to give breat feeding a shot again, last time I didn't produce enough quick enough so this time I'm going to get a breat pump and was wondering which ones worked the best, plus I'll be going back to work full time and will need to pump there as well. Any advise on which one to get would be wonderful! Thanks
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Q
Dallas, TX
I was wondering if anyone has used Gripe Water and does it really work? My son is just over 2 weeks old and he has so much gas!! My daughter had colic and I didn't know about gripe water when she was a baby. Any suggestions about gripe water or anything else to help a gassy baby would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Q
San Diego, CA
Hello! I have a cold, it started out as allergies. Since i am breastfeeding i do not think there is much i can do as far as OTC medicine. I would like to stay as natural as possible for the baby. I am taking my regular vitamins and extra vit c.....but do any of you have any tricks to help me feel better?
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Q
Chicago, IL
I am getting ready to stop breastfeeding soon. My daughter has been getting some formula during the day and I am comfortable that she will do well with it full time. This is my second baby and I went through a lot of pain when I quit the first time. I know there are some medications you can take to "dry up", but I am wondering if there are other alternatives. Currently, I am only pumping 3 times a day and not nursing at all. Any suggestions would be helpful. I would like for it to be less painful this time. How long will it take?
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Q
Chicago, IL
I'm getting ready to sign up for the breast feeding class at Northwestern. It says it's for couples, but I wanted to know from someone that's actually taken it. Does my husband really need to go? He's very supportive of B/F. Do many husbands go to the class? I feel like it will be fine if just I go. Any thoughts?
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Q
Houston, TX
I have a 14 month old daughter still actively nursing and I would like to wean her but I don't know how to go about it. She will not go to sleep without nursing at night, even if she ate all the food in the world. The good thing is she can and does eat very well almost everything. One night last week, I wanted to test it out, but she refused to go to sleep and cried for over 2 hours and I finally caved in because I was scared the neighbors might call the cops since she was crying out loudly in her crib.
Someone said there are some stuff you can rub on the nipples and the taste will scare her off. Please help !!!
PS: the nursing is not what bothers me really, it's the fact that neither her nor myself get enough sleep during the night. she wakes up on average about 3 times during the night crying for "bobby", she actually has a name for it.
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Q
Provo, UT
I have tried to breast feed my baby but she seems to be always hungry. I have been worried that she is not getting enough milk so when my nipples started to bleed I subsituted with some formula. Now it seems that I breastfeed less and give her the bottle more. I need to get back on to breast feeding as much as possible but I cannot seem to get myself motivated. I dont want my nipples to start bleeding again. I have one other problem. Now that I have been giving her the bottle my milk doesnt seem to be coming in. How can I get my milk to come in? And how can I prevent bleeding nipples? Anyone with any advice?
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Q
Columbus, OH
I am currently breastfeeding my 4 month old and am a SAHM so I haven't really HAD to give my daughter a bottle very often. When she was 1 month old we did introduce the bottle and she did great with it, so I didn't think much more about it. Well, now I have started to try and give it to her on occasion and she screams and cries and refuses it. I am very frustrated by this because I am starting to feel like I can never get away for more than a few hours at a time. I try and have my husband give her the bottle in the evening, when my supply is low. Sometimes she'll take it, other times not at all. I'm so afraid that if I ever left her for more than a few hours, she'll refuse the bottle and be starving. I use the NUK pacifiers and she does great with them, so use the NUK bottles too. Any suggestions?? Thanks!
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Q
Dallas, TX
I'm finding it difficult breastfeeding. It seems like she sleeps more during the day than at night. I think she might be teething too. It feels like she is biting down. I just moved, any support would be wonderful. Thank you.
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Q
San Angelo, TX
I am going back to work soon and my husband and I have started introducing the bottle to my 2 month old. He is taking the bottle well for my husband but ever since he has not nursed well. He breastfeeds well at night and in the morning but by late afternoon he will nurse for a few minutes and then rejects my breast. I then switch him to the other breast and he nurses fine for a few minutes and then rejects it too. I feel like he is not getting enough to eat in the afternonn and therefore he is not sleeping well in the afternoon. He also has become much fussier in the afternoon than usual. I'm not ready to completely wean so any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Q
Chicago, IL
My daughter is almost 8 1/2 months old. I have been very gradually weaning her off the breast over the past couple of months. I am now only breastfeeding her for her first and last feedings of the day. Can someone please tell me how to go about eliminating these feedings so I am not in pain all day or all night? Also, which feeding do you suggest I eliminate first? Thanks for your help!
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Q
Provo, UT
I have been having trouble with mastitis. I just had twins about 5 weeks ago and I've now have mastitis for the 3rd time. I'm really concerned that I won't get my milk supply back like I need it to be, to feed the two boys. This is my 3rd pregnancy and I've never experienced this before. Do you have any advice for me? How can I maintain a good milk supply while trying to get over mastits?
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Q
Dallas, TX
I have a three month daughter. I have been breastfeeding her since she was born and have been having one problem after another. After I solve one problem, another one arises. As a result, she isn't gaining the wieght she should be and not really thriving. After a lot of thinking, consulting, and praying, I have made the difficult decision to wean her and switch to formuala. I need advice from other moms out there who have done the same. I have tried multiple times to introduce her to a bottle with breastmilk, but she just won't have it. She just cries and cries. I've tried two different nipples: NUK and Breastflow by the First Years. What have you all done that has been successcul for you?
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Q
St. Louis, MO
I got such great responses last time I posted. I have a breastfed baby who is a gourmet! Any ideas, specifically brands/types of nipples/bottles people have had success with. Basically we introduced the bottle at 4 weeks (Breastflow by the First Years) and she sucked it right down. I waited a week before I gave it to her again and since then it's been a real struggle. She HAS taken it a few times (from me and her Dad) but I can count the number of times on one hand. I'm going back to work (part-time) next week and I'm really worried about that first day. I know she won't starve to death but it's not going to be pretty. We've tried various people giving it to her when I'm not around, etc. I'm only working a few shifts a month but they are LONG (12 hours). I've also tried Dr. Brown's natural flow but she just gags and chokes on the nipple and nothing goes down. Help!
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Q
New York, NY
I need help. My 3.5 month old daughter two weeks ago started to refuse the bottle. I have been breastfeeding her since she was born but I have also been giving her a bottle of pumped breastmilk approx. once a day since she was 1 month old. All of a sudden she refuses the bottle and I have to go back to work soon. I have tried the new Adiri bottle. I have tried having my husband or my sister give her the bottle. I have tried not being in the room or even the house. I am at a loss and I need suggestions.
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hi,
My baby is feeding really well (she's 5 days old now) and has already surpassed her birth weight, but her latch is so narrow that its killing my nipples. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get her to latch-on more widely? We've been to the doctor and have been assured that there aren't any physical or other kinds of problems, it's just that she wants to latch very narrowly. I didn't have any problems BFing my son in the beginning, so I'd love some advice (even if it's just for a lactation consultant).
Thanks!
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Q
Fresno, CA
Hello moms. I have an amazing 6 month old son who is exclusively breastfed. About 6 weeks ago one of my milk ducts became blocked and turned into a very hard lump in my breast which developed into a mastitis. It was very painful but after taking antibiotics and using warm wet compresses it cleared up quickly. Then 3 1/2 weeks later it happened again. This time it took 6 extremely painful days to clear up and I was prescribed 2 weeks of antibiotics. I just finished the 2 week course of antibiotics yesterday and this afternoon when woke up from a nap (my son has a ear infection and has kept me up 3 nights in a row) and I felt the familiar lump forming in my breast in the exact same place!
I don't know what to do!! This is the 3rd time on 6 weeks. Does anyone out there have experience with this happening multiple times so close together. I am unsure if an infection is causing the blocked milk duct or if the blockage is leading to infection. Does anyone have any advice to clear up the blockage other than warm compresses, pumping, feeding my son frequently and massage??
I am so scared that if I go to the doctor again they may tell me I should stop breastfeeding! I have always hoped to breastfeed until my son is around a year, but honestly I can't take this pain and I know it is unhealthy to be on antibiotics so often.
Please help!
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Q
Dallas, TX
I had my fourth baby 1 week ago and the hospitals on-call pediatrician thoroughly confused me. With my almost 2 year old, I was never able to get him to take a bottle...I tried every bottle out there. We even took him to a feeding specialist and they were unable to get him to take a bottle as well. I breastfeed my kids for 1 year and will continue to do so with my new baby, but I'd definitely like the option of pumping and giving him a bottle on occasion. The pediatrician (not our regular who is out of the country right now vacationing....can u believe that?!?) told me that a baby will sometimes reject a bottle if it isn't introduced at 2 weeks old. I have always heard that 2 weeks is too young and may confuse the baby and cause problems with nursing. At 1 week old, he is doing well latching on, etc., but I don't want to cause any problems. However, I also don't want to miss the opportunity to introduce a bottle the right way. Any help?
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Q
Seattle, WA
My nine month old has started biting my nipples when he's nursing. Today he drew blood (a small amount but it hurt!). He thinks "no" is funny. "Stop" is just as funny, and if you say those words, he'll giggle and then bite intentionally. I've tried the Dr Sears "push the baby's face into the nipple" and that doesn't work for us at all. I usually just stop feeding him, deciding that he can't be all that hungry if he'd rather chomp than suck. What to do?
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Q
Chicago, IL
My 10 week old has been nursing great until yesterday morning. She refuses to take my nipple and screams and screams when it comes near her mouth but will readily take a bottle of expressed breast milk from my husband. We are on 24 hours of this feeding and pumping cycle (and have a busy 2 year old) and are at our breaking point! Is it time to wean to formula or will she just as quickly switch back to the breast????
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Q
Chicago, IL
I have a 3 week old and he won't stop eating. I don't know how I have so much milk. If he is awake, he wants to eat. If he dozes while eating, I'll pull him away, and he instantly wakes up and won't stop crying until he is back on the breast. Then he continues to eat. It never ends and I'm worried that something is wrong with him. He is gaining weight and has tons of dirty diapers each day so I know he is getting nourished. He doesn't sleep very much either so I am constantly feeding him. I'll think that he is just sucking, but I can hear swallowing and see milk in his mouth so I know he is actually eating all the time. HELP! My breasts are going to fall off!
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hi Mom's -
I'm trying to breast feed my 2nd child (2 weeks old tomorrow) didn't have luck first go around, not enough milk. I seem to be having the same production problem again. I'm giving her 1 oz. of formula after each feeding at the request of my pedi.
I have a medela pump in style and when I nurse on one side and pump the other I don't even get an ounce of milk :-( I'm going to start taking the fenu greek herbal supplement today to see if that helps out any but I'm already getting to the point of wanting to give up on this. It's just too hard. Kailey is only sleeping during the day so far and up for 5-6 hours at a time at night and wanting to eat about every hour on the hour...I woke up this morning in the recliner with her just lying in my lap and my head down. I was feeding her and fell asleep, and apparently she did too. Not good, she was uncovered and so was I. It was very upsetting to me that I had fallen asleep and stayed that way for about 3 1/2 hours. Any advice for how to make this work any better or would you just call it quits if the fenu greek doesn't work out? I'm exhausted and it's hard for me to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I'm not comfortable nursing in public and looking head all I can see for the next few weeks is very planned out one hour trips out of the house so I can come back home and nurse since I can't even produce enough milk for one bottle to take along. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all of this...thanks for letting me ramble!
~G.
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Q
Chicago, IL
Yes, she is teething but she has been teething for 5 months and it was never like this. Before she would just bite very rarely now for the last 2 weeks it has been more biting than nursing. Yesterday I decided I can't nurse her anymore. She has been exclusively breastfeed but uses bottles of pumped b-milk while I am at work. Of course she also has solids now also three times a day. If I stop nursing her I will not have enough b-milk for her because my pumping production has dropped off drastically and I can only get a max of 6-8 ounces a day and I don't have much frozen any longer. What should I do? My goal was to make it to 1 year with out formula so she could just go right to cow's milk. When she bites I have tried pulling her away, saying NO firmly, and then stopping the nursing for a short while. I have tried giving her a cold teething ring shortly before she nurses. I have made sure she is hungry but not too hungry and also that I am full so she doesn't get frustrated but nothing works she just keeps biting.
On the eve of Mother's Day I am feeling at a complete loss and am very upset. Any advice is appreciated.
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Q
New York, NJ
My sister-in-law was hospitalized for a week and was just discharged. During this time, her three-month-old son was on formula. After her discharge, her son (my nephew) rejected the breast and turned his face away from his mom; she had to give him a bottle.
My SIL is strongly committed to breastfeeding and is in love with her little boy -- she's heartbroken. We'd be grateful for any advice on helping a baby pick up where he left off.
(I should also mention that my SIL pumped while she was in the hospital, so it isn't a question of milk supply. But because of the medication she was on, he couldn't be bottle-fed her milk.)
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Q
Lubbock, TX
I was just wondering when you have a baby while your in the hospital do the nurses change the baby and feed it or how does that work.Do they let you change their diapers and feed them or do they do it.I will be breastfeeding some but i dont know when my milk will be in.I know they feed off the colostrum at first but i dont know how far that gets them.Just wondering thanks
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Q
San Francisco, CA
I have a 6 month old who I am breastfeeding but I have returned to work about a month ago and have been pumping this whole time but I have noticed over the last week that my expressions are becoming a lot less. I was pumping about 15-18 ounces (3 times a day) and breast feeding my son in the morning and in the evening. I noticed the last week I am down to 9-10 ounces. What can I do to increase this? He takes in 15-20 ounces a day and I would really hate to start giving him formula as I wanted him to have breast milk at least for the 1st year. Also, he has not started on solids just yet...we are starting him this weekend(not sure if this matters at all).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
M.
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Q
Los Angeles, CA
My son is almost 6 weeks old and I am afraid that i am not making enough milk for him. he seems to be constantly hungry and when i pump i am only making about two ounces. I have recently (yesterday) tried Milk More Plus but have yet to see any results. Has any one taken it and if so how long did it take to work?!
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Q
Fresno, CA
I am returning to work in few months and am worried about being able to pump enough milk to feed my son while I'm working. He is 3 months old and I would like to continue breast feeding. I have a pump in style medela double pump and have been taking fenugreek and Lactation blend to help increase my milk supply. I try to pump after a few feedings a day. I can pump anywhere from a few drops to 2 oz at a time.
I am starting to freeze my milk and save it but I just don't see how I will have enough to feed him. I am planning to pump while I'm at work but I am still worried. My son's weight has been an issue in the past and I want to make sure I have enough milk. I am not against supplementing with formula if I have to but I would rather not. I would love any advice you experienced moms have for returning to work and successfully continuing to breast feed. Does any one know how many ounces per day he will need at 5 months old? Thank you for your help
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Q
Providence, RI
Hi ladies,
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on how to speed up nursing? I have a 4 month old and she takes about 40-50 minutes to breastfeed (about 20-25 minutes per side). She has done this since birth, and I always thought she would become more efficient on her own with time, but now I am afraid I have gotten her into a bad, slow habit. The bedtime feeding is even longer, over an hour. I have tried things I've heard like tapping her feet, patting her back, circling the crown of her head with my hand, rubbing next to her ear.. When she slows down or stops, I do one of those or gently say "let's keep moving", which generally gets her to get going again for a little while. But I think she is just slow. When I pump and give her a bottle, she is a little slow but not too bad (about 20 minutes). But I don't want to pump every time, I want to be able to BF in a reasonable amount of time. If I try to pull her away after about 15 minutes per side, she starts crying and is still hungry (at least I think so). I honestly sometimes can't even tell if she is still swallowing or not - I usually hear the swallowing for awhile, then not so much, and then I hear it again.
When I pump, I get about 3-4 ounces, does that seem normal at this poing? I don't know if I have a low supply and maybe that's why it takes her a long time to get all that she needs.
Just wondering if anyone else had this problem, if the baby "sped up" on their own with time, if you did anything specific to move it along, etc.
thank you!
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Q
New York, CT
I have a particularly stubborn 8 month old who loves the breast and has always refused to take a bottle. She has gone as long as 36 hours without nursing, due to some medecine I had to take, and just held out. I have given up on the bottle because she acts like she is being tortured. She will take a tiny amount from a sippy cup, but only maybe an ounce and not very often. I need to get her off the breast, if not full time at least to supplement. It doesn't seem to matter if it's formula or pumped breast milk or water. I could use some tips that have worked in similar situations. Help!
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Q
Dallas, TX
How do I increase my milk supply? I have been drinking 'mother's tea' which helps a little; however, I feel that I am holding on to my supply by a thread. I could definitely increase my daily consumption of water, but, get busy and forget to drink. My busted and bleeding nipples have finally healed and I am back in business. My daughter is three months and I would like to continue breast feeding for at least another six months. Please help.
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Q
Houston, TX
I am breastfeeding my 2 month old son. I am going back to work in five weeks and need to have him on a bottle by then. My husband, mom and mother-in-law have all tried to feed him a bottle, and he just won't take it. My mom did get him to take one, but it was several weeks ago. He never really latched on, and it took him a long time to finish. I'm worried because I have to be gone all day next Tuesday and my mom is going to babysit. Is he going to scream all day, or will he take it when he gets hungry enough? I'm going to try different bottles. We are using Avent right now, and I'm planning on trying Dr. Brown's and Playtex. I will take any advice I can get.
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
My daughter is 3 weeks old and i breastfeed exclusivly for the first 2 1/2 weeks then i cracked and blead so i started pumping and now i'm healed and she won't latch on for very long so i am still pumping but not getting enough. I read there is a tea called mother's milk and some herbs (fenugreek) and was wondering if anyone has tryed any thing that made you produce more milk before i completely run out i really want to give her my breast milk.
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Q
San Francisco, CA
I exclusively pump breast milk for my nine month old baby. I would like to start weaning him off of breast milk and on to formula. I have a couple of questions. First, how long does it typically take for your milk production to stop? Second, I pump three times a day at work and I need to cut that down to two times. Would you recommend I just stop pumping my 12:00pm pump and only pump at 9:00am and 4:00pm?
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Q
Richmond, VA
I have been breastfeeding my 6 month old girl and would like to start weaning her off the breast. What is the best way to handle this?
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Q
Phoenix, AZ
I absolutely love broccoli, beans and other spicy foods, but am completely avoiding them, as they upset my babies' tummies. If I eat them....how long should I toss my milk afterward in order for it to not pass to my babies through nursing???
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Q
San Diego, CA
I have been breast feeding and pumping for the last 6 1/2 months, and I am wondering if it would be ok for me to switch to formula now? I planned on only breastfeeding until he was 6 months. I really wanted my baby to get all the right nutrients and I now I feel have have done my best and would really like to stop.I love my little pumpkin to death but I am just soooo tired of breastfeeding! I guess what I am wondering is if I stop now will it have all been for nothing? Please let me know what you think I should do?
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Q
Chicago, IL
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about how long you can refrigerate or freeze expressed breast milk. I'm more concerned with the data on refrigerated milk. I have read 24 hours, 48 hours, and even 5-7 days. I have milk from Friday's work day that will be consumed by my baby on Monday, so can this milk be refrigerated? I have yet to freeze any of my milk and wondered if it looses some of its nutritional/health value for my baby.
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Q
Dallas, TX
So I decided to stop breastfeeding as of yesterday, and I am so engorged and full right now and I am wondering when my milk is going to dry up and when I'm not going to be engorged anymore??? Hopefully soon? I heard it takes a day! I'm dying!!!
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Q
St. Louis, MO
After a year of breastfeeding, I finished weaning my son completely to cow's milk last week. I haven't had any problems with engorgement or leaking but am concerned to go without my nursing pads--I don't want any embarrassing wet spots! My question is how long after nursing will I produce milk? At what point can I be confident that there won't be any embarrassing leaks? I am anxious to ditch my nursing pads and buy myself a "real" bra that fits!
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Q
Columbus, OH
I have been breastfeeding for almost 8 months now.... sometimes I can only pump 2-3 oz even after 6-8 hours...?? Was just curious to what other moms are getting.
I am thinking that I need to start building up my milk again.... Thanks for you input!
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Q
Dallas, TX
My baby girl is 2 weeks old. Breastfeeding was going well the 1st week and then we had to hospitalize her for jaundice. While in the hospital and while we were trying to get rid of it I had to pump and feed her through a bottle. She is fine now and we are in the clear w/the jaundice. Unfortunately, she won't take to me anymore. I have continued to pump, but feel that I should be pumping much more than I am at this point. She will be 2 weeks on Monday. I am only getting anywhere from 2 to 3 oz. every 2 to 3 hours. I am pumping anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes each time. Is this normal? She is still wanting more after each feeding so we are having to supplement formula as well.
I appreciate any advice. Thanks.
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Q
Dallas, TX
My baby will be 8 months old in 3 days. She has outright refused the breast lately except for about 2 or 3 times a day. She used to eat every 2 or 3 hours. Now, all she wants is finger food, baby food and juice. I try to feed her "boob" before I give her anything else. She just arches her back, turns away and screms. She'll take anything out of a cup, but I am just wondering if she's eating enough breastmilk. If she keeps refusing, should I just start pumping and giving it in a sippy, or what? Please help! I DO NOT want her to go on formula!!!
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Q
Colorado Springs, CO
my daughter is almost 7 months old and she only want to nurse 3-4 times a day and nurses very quickly. at her last check up, although she was againing wieght, she dropped from the 25th% to below the 5th%. my doctor suggested feeding more solid foods and adding meat based baby foods. the last few nights she hasn't woken up for a fourth feeding at night. i don't think three feedings a day is enough, but when i wake her up to eat she doesn't sleep well the rest of the night. how many times do 7 month olds usually nurse?
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Q
Phoenix, AZ
i want to have a wine cooler with my husband but how much is to much and should i not feed my daughter? should i give her formula or something?
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hi Moms,
I am curious about something...my son is 5 months old and it seems like he eats more than most other babies I know. He is breastfed and receives expressed milk in a bottle when I am at work 2 days a week. He seems to want to nurse every 2-3 hours when I am home and eats 5oz bottles every three hours when I am away - sometimes with 2 or 3oz snack in between.
He is actually a pretty skinny little guy so I am happy to feed him as much as he wants - it just seems like this is a lot more than normal. In an ideal world, I would love it if he nursed every 3-4 hours so that my body could get a break and we could do things like go to the grocery store without having to stop to nurse!!! I have tried to push back feedings by 15 minutes in order to build up to a longer span in between, but he gets so crazy that I'm not sure its worth it. We will be starting some cereal next month, maybe that will fill him up??!!!
What has your experience been?
Thanks Moms!!
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Q
Dallas, TX
I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and I have to leave my 6 week old baby with someone. I have only breastfed, so I have no idea how much she actually eats. I have a bunch of pumped breastmilk, so I was wondering, how much is enough to leave for her? I'm planning on about 3 hours. Thanks!
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Q
Chicago, IL
My son is on breastmilk exclusively. He's nursed when I'm home and bottle-fed expressed milk during work hours.
I'm trying to gauge whether he's getting enough when bottle-fed.
How much should a four month old boy be taking? I realize there will be different answers but I just want to take an average and give myself some peace of mind.
Thanks moms!
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Q
New York, NJ
I have a bunch of milk frozen for when I return to work. Now I am pumping so I am able to enjoy a night out with my DH, have a couple of drinks and still have fresh milk in fridge to feed my little man. I am wondering how many oz I should pump for each bottle and how many feedings I need to pump until all of the alcohol is out of my system and I can feed directly from the breast again.
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Q
San Francisco, CA
My daughter is 6 months old and I will be leaving her with grandma for 3 days while I am out of town. At this point in time I am breastfeeding in the morning and at night. Maybe once in the day. The rest of time we do formula. Even though I'm not nursing much I would still like to continue the small amount I am doing when I get back. I'm wondering how often I need to pump while I'm on vacation to keep my milk supply up.
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Q
Chicago, IL
Quick question nursing moms--how many times a day are you nursing your 9 month olds? When? Are you giving anything to drink with food? If so, what? Just making sure I am on the right track! Thanks!
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Q
College Station, TX
Just curious how often everyone's babies fed around three months. My daughter has fed 7 times a day since she was about a month old. She has gone for 5 hours at a time between the last evening's feeding and the middle of the night feeding almost about the same time. It seems now she is transitioning to only six feedings per day. She's still gaining weight (and is actually somewhere around the 70% for weight and length), so I'm not worried about that. I'm just really curious. Hope you all are enjoying your babies!!
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Q
Austin, TX
My 4-month-old nurses about every 3 hours. At night he sometimes goes 4 or 5 hours between feedings, but it's not consistent. Sometimes he'll wake every hour! I know that technically, a 4-month-old should be able to last a little longer. And I keep telling myself it will get better! What I want to know is how long should I comfort him with singing, patting, rocking, etc, before nursing him.
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Q
Buffalo, NY
My youngest son is 4 months old, and breastfed exclusively. Just curious about what age did your breastfed babies begin to sleep though the night?? And begin solid foods? We have tried rice cereal for the past month, (our ped said it was OK) he weighs 15.5 pounds, but he just has no interest in it at all. I am not pushing it, I try maybe every few days to see if he'll take some, but no luck. I do know he can thrive on my milk alone until 6 months, I just thought adding the cereal in would help fill him longer at night. Which leads me to my next question.... when will he sleep!!?? LOL
I just went back to work yesterday, so I have been home with him for 4 months. Not that I could nap when he did since I have a 2 year old and 10 year old, but I was able to at least relax while he napped. Now that I am back to work full time, I am completely mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. I almost feel like I can not function. Colin still wakes 2 sometimes 3 times per night. I would be happy with maybe once. Can I make this happen on my own?? He doesn't go to bed until 10pm usually either, so it's not like I am putting him in early by any means. Any suggestions, idea's or tips are greatly welcomed!!
Thanks!
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Q
San Antonio, TX
A close friend of mine recently had a baby, but will not be breast feeding. She asked me if I knew how to dry the milk so she would not leak. I have no idea. Does anyone know any home remedy to dry breast milk?
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Q
Boston, MA
Hi All - I have a nearly 4 week old who was born by c-section and was on bottles her first week and a half of life (she was up in NICU for 4 days and had a very easy flow teet up there, but I got her on to a normal bottle when we got home). I finally got her latched on by sheer luck one evening just over two weeks ago and after a few days of top ups with formula she's been breatsfeeding really well ever since. I'd now like to introduce a bottle again for one night feed so my husband can participate in feeding (and so I can get a good block of sleep!) but she isn't having any of it! I've been expressing, so it's breast milk in the bottle, but the two nights we tried it she's eaten very little and pretty much refused it. Have I tried to do this too soon? I just thought she'd take to it easily since she was so used to the bottle for the first week and a half! Any advice on how or when is best to do this would be greatly appreciated!
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Q
San Diego, CA
I have been nursing my twins that are now 4 months old and would like to continue for as long as possible but lately I haven't been producing enough to make them happy. I drink a lot of water, keep up my eating, and try to nurse and pump as much as possible but still not very much milk. I seemed to produce more than enough when they were born but now I don't produce enough. Any advise?
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Q
Dallas, TX
With my first son, my milk didn't come in until 5 days after he was born. Because of this he was jaundiced and we had to supplement. Of course, that all messed up breastfeeding and we didn't really get back on track until he was 4 weeks old (and that was with a lot of tears on both ends!) Just FYI, I started pumping after a day and a half and even when we supplemented, I put him on the breast first.
I know this time around, I want to be more successful, so I am planning on using a syringe to supplement (if I have to) instead of a bottle. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my milk production going faster this time? I really want to avoid supplementing if at all possible.
Thanks in advance!
A.
I didn't think to add it before I got the first response, but I did pump after every breastfeeding.
Also, I was induced at 37 weeks due to pre-eclampsia, and I have a high probability of going the same way this time.
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Q
McAllen, TX
Now that my little one is almost 14 months, I want to stop breastfeeding which happens mostly in the evening before bedtime. Any suggestions on how to go about this?
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Q
St. Louis, IL
My daughter is now 16 months old and we still breastfeed. I don't know how to ween her. She has NO desire to stop; Whenever I have tried she just screams. I am open to any suggestions.
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Q
Bellingham, WA
I would like to stop having to nurse my son to sleep. I am currently nursing him at night, whenever he wakes up, in my bed first thing in the morning (just to get a little more shut eye) and when he goes down for naps. I don't believe he needs to nurse for nutrition, he is already eating three meals a day, snacks and takes cow's milk in a sippy cup. I've really enjoyed nursing him but we are already wanting child #2 and I'd like to have my body back for just a few months before we start trying. I know that some people get pregnant and still nurse but I think that would be too tiring, and I'd prefer to make the transition before I have a new baby in the house. He is too old for bottles and I don't think it is a good idea to put him in bed with a sippy cup. Does anyone have some good advice for how they were able to transition their child from having to nurse to sleep to falling asleep on their own?
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Q
St. Louis, MO
I breastfeeding and my 3 week old is nursing for hours at a time. She isn't nursing the entire time. She is sucking a little and falling asleep. Every time I try to pull her off she starts to root around or cry. The only time she is content is when she is on my nipple. She acts like she is still hungry, rooting, sticking out her tongue, etc. I don't think she could possibly be getting any milk and I am afraid my supply is low. My breasts feel very soft and I can't express hardly any milk. She will go on like this for hours at a time like this. I am at my wit's end. Please, any advice. Ah, and there she goes again.
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Q
Minneapolis, MN
I have a 7 month old baby girl who breastfeeds exclusively. She was born 6 weeks early. She got two teeth a couple weeks ago and has started biting when breastfeeding. It is happening almost every time I feed her. Today she drew blood. I have tried saying "no, don't bite" and ended the feeding. That has not worked. I should also note that she smiles and sometimes even laughs after I scream. I have heard most babies cry after the Mom screams. I really want to keep nursing her and am hoping someone has a great idea how to get her to stop. Also, is it likely to be a phase? Thanks.
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Q
Chicago, IL
Another question ladies.....
My 6 week old daughter is exclusively breastfed. Lately her eating habits seem to be changing. Today, for example, she ate for 35 minutes at 3 a.m., 5 minutes at 6, 11 at 8:45, 5 at 10, 18 at noon, 10 at 2, 7 minutes at 3, 20 minutes at 6:30 and 21 minutes at 9 (sorry for all the details...i am a worrier!) At night she gets really fussy and often refuses my right breast but will nurse on the left side or she completely refuses me and will take a bottle. I LOVE breastfeeding and want to continue...but I get so frustrated some times...is this irregular pattern normal?? At her one month check up she had gained 2 lbs. Please help...I need reassurance!!!
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Q
New York, NY
hi everyone, i posted here a few weeks ago thinking i have thrush. i have since taken diflucan and had a sonogram, i still dont know what is wrong, and now there is a blister or something on my nipple, even though i have only pumped on that side for a week. i get so little when i pump, my supply is dwindling rapidly. the sonogram came back clean, thank Gd, but i still dont know what's wrong. does anyone know of someone i can go see? i live in east meadow. thanks so much, D.
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Q
Dallas, TX
I have a baby that is 1 week old. I have been breastfeeding, but pumped one day to take a break to try to heal up so that I wouldn't tear up everytime I nursed. Well, now he wont latch on again. He gets SOO mad and screams until I give him a bottle (that I pumped) Have I ruined my chances of him latching on again? What can I do to get him back to nursing?
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hi Moms:
I have been sitting back and just reading other post and haven't sent a post in a while but this has been heavy on my heart. First let me mention that I am a worrier and have a mild/severe case of OCD. I know all mothers wonder if they are being good moms but sometimes it brings me to my knees. I breastfed my boys for almost 7 months but then I just felt depleted (no pun intended) so I stopped and thought I had stopped for good but there is a part of me that wants to start again but there is a part of me that feels like there is not enough of me to do it anymore. I hear about how great it is for the baby but how do you get over this hump? How do you nurture when you need to be nurtured a little? What makes it worse is that I am afraid that they are developing allergies to the milk and also I have introduced cereal and I have noticed them being more fussy. They are teething but I think I have a "feeling" that these things are affecting them (I have heard about foods contributing to behavioral problems/diseases) Has anyone had either of these experiences. Your insight would be appreciated.
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Q
Fresno, CA
My son will be 2 in May and I would like to start weaning him. He really only nurses to go to sleep. He nuses very little in the day some days not at all. Its mainly at night and all night long. He has never slept through the night still to this day wakes up more than 3 times a night. He will not drink milk of any kind out of a cup, but will drink other stuff from the cup. He shows no sign of wanting to stop. He grabs my shirt tries to pull it up and says baby,baby which means he wants to nurse. I am happy that he has nursed this long but I would like to start weaning since its just night nursing basically. I think he would sleep better and so would we.
Thank You for all the responses. Right now he also sleeps with us. We have tried to change this and have him sleep with one of the other kids but it is worse than trying to stop nursing. My husband gets up with him after the 2nd time he wakes to try to put him back to sleep but it dosent always work. He will cry till he makes his self sick, he will cry the hole night if we let him. He does not fall asleep or give up. It is now a horrible tantrum. Jumping up and down screaming and caring on. I have nursed the other children the same amount but have never had this hard of a time weaning. My family gives me a bad time saying I'm going to have a 5 year old on my breast. Thanks again. C.
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Q
Seattle, WA
I am a first time mom and nursing. My son has gugling noises in his stomach after feeding and on some days for a long time after. He has lots of pee and poopie diapers. I know that there will be lots of spitting up too, but how much is too much. I'm probably just being paranoid but if
anyone has any advice it would be great to know.
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hi Ladies...
So here is my problem... well my son was finally born on 10/2!!!! :) Unfortunately he wasnt able to latch on so they gave me a sheild to use while feeding.... I dont know how much he was getting, but 3rd day from giving birth I needed to do a CT Scan, therefore needed to stop breastfeeding him for 3-4days. By the time I was able to get a breast pump and start pumping it was over 24hrs and then I wasnt able to pump every 2hrs as recommended. Starting today I am able to start giving him my milk, but while pumping I was never able to pump out even 1 oz. Did my body stopp making milk? How am I oging to satisfy my child? I dont want to give him enfamil all the time. Please let me know if there are any ways to increase my supply.
Thanks a lot, and sorry for the long story.
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Q
Los Angeles, CA
I have this terrible rash on my legs that has itched me to insanity for seven days. I've taken antibiotics and have an antibiotic cream and benedryl. Nothing is helping and the doc said it is the worst staph infection he's ever seen. He said he would have to hospitalize me if it didn't go away. Now he wants to add another antibiotic that I can't take while breastfeeding and this makes me so sad. I don't know how to be a night time mom without a breast to offer. My son is almost 13 months and expects a little snack at 2:30am and 5:30am. How do I let him know that I can't breastfeed him anymore. He's too young to understand the bandage thing. He does understand all gone but he just starts whining and climbing and patting my chest. He looks heart broken. My heart can't handle it. Please help - any advice?
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Q
Chicago, IL
Hard to believe I did it, but after suffering with muscle spasms in my neck and shoulder all day I finally broke down and applied some IcyHot, gosh does it feel good. But I read the package after I applied it and noticed the bit about pregnant and BF mothers consulting their dr's first. I'm wondering if I should be worried and about how long it'll take for this stuff to clear out of my system. Thanks for your help!
S.
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Q
Denver, CO
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get the babies from breast milk to whole milk. My 2 yr old is still eating breast milk, and refuses to drink whole milk of any kind. I've tried strawberry flavored, chocolate, and i've even tried warming the whole milk up to the breast milk temp, still he refuses. He knows the difference in taste, and as soon as he taste the whole milk he just spits it back out.
As for my 10 month old baby, he refuses the bottle and the only way to get him to take breast milk is from a straw out of a cup or out of a shot glass with a spoon. Even though he takes breast milk from these two different methods it still bothers me, because he would only suck up a little or sip a little from the straw or spoon. When is it best to change them over to whole milk anyways?
On top of all this i have a mother in law who lives with me, and she keeps advising me to breast feed my children until they want to quit themselves. I don't think that my babies are going to get enough calcium for their bones or nutrients if they are still on breast milk at the age of two.
I couldn't get my babies to go on the bottle, but i do want them to stop eating from me and start drinking whole milk from a cup or nuby. If anyone has any suggestions or advice please feel free to advise me of them.
~Thanks
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Q
Kansas City, MO
I just returned to work after 6 wonderful weeks with my son. I'm pumping on a regular basis while at work and breastfeeding when at home. (When pumping, I'm getting about 2 oz -- total.) However, I don't know if I can keep up on the supply for while I'm away from him. Any ideas/suggestions of how I can increase my milk production is appreciated? Thanks in advance!
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Q
Seattle, WA
My 4 mo. old son is completely healthy, but his weight is on low end for his height. My ped suggested changing my diet to increase my breastmilk supply and the caloric content of it, or supplement with formula. I'd like to begin by improving my milk to see if that works, before going to formula. Any tips? p.s. My diet is largely vegan (but I'm open to consuming more meat, some dairy)
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Q
Phoenix, AZ
My little baby boy is 4 months old and about a week ago he started to get fussy when I try to nurse him during the day. He really throws a fit when I lay him down into breastfeeding position... I have tried other positions and he just doesn't want to eat during the day. He really get's upset too. He is also now waking up more during the night to nurse and literally pigs out during the night. He is interested in eating and seems to get more fussy as the day goes by because he doesn't eat and doesn't seem to fall asleep easily either... I am not sure what is going on with his little body during the day but I think he might just be overstimulated and doesn't want to 'waste time' eating when so many other things are going on. Does this sound correct or should I be worried about him?? I have been letting him just take his short naps and waking him up close to the end to nurse and he is WONDERFUL nursing at those time (when he has not been stimulated by sound or color or anything yet). Thank you so much and I would appreciate hearing back from all of you experienced mommas... :)
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Q
Seattle, WA
My friend asked me a question and I have no advice for her, I've never had this particular problem!
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. My friend finally joined mamasource and rewrote the question right above mine, jennifer s.! Feel free to answer hers directly and show her how great this website is that I've been talking about for so long!
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Q
San Francisco, CA
My 1 month newborn is having some major gas issues. Can anyone recommend some remedies that I may try to help her out. I just hate to see her cry. I can tell they are belly pains due to the fact that, I can feel and hear her tummy acting up. She only eats breast milk and right now it's mostly via a bottle, due to my mastitas infection. Thank you in advance.
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Q
Indianapolis, IN
I an in the process of researching breastpumps. I have looked at several different websites, read some reviews etc. I was wondering what others recommend. I was not able to breatfeed by daughter b/c my pain pills affected her/she was hospitalized and would love to do so for this child. I am due in 8 weeks. Is this something you would go ahead and buy or would you wait.
I had a great supply of breast milk, so i am not worried about supply. I have heard great reviews about the Medula Pump in Style, but what about the Ameda Purely Yours. Any help would be great.
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Q
Charlotte, NC
I am a mother of a 4 month old baby and in a few days i start working. I breastfeed and I wouldn´t like to start giving my daughter milk formula. My intention is to start with fruit or cereals but my pediatrician told me it is better to start when she is 5 months old. Iwould like to know your experiencies in this item.
Thank you.
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Q
Chicago, IL
I have a 15 month old son and was not able to beastfeed him, as my body never produced more than about an ounce a day. Has anyone else had this happen? I have always had extremely small breasts, and they barely grew at all during my pregnancy. Every OB and lactation specialist I went to reassured me that despite my breasts not growing, my milk production would be fine since milk production is based on the amount of glandular tissue, not actual breast tissue.
My son was born by emergency c-section @ 36 weeks due to the cord being wrapped around his neck. He spent the first 13 days in the NICU and since I lived about 10 miles from the hospital and couldn't drive, and my husband was working overnight shifts, I barely got to see my son until we brought him home. I am thinking that this might also have something to do with not producing enough.
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Q
New York, NY
Help,
Our baby is 3 months old & still not taking the bottle. We have tried a couple different ones--Nuk & Dr. Browns's, plus the Medela bottle that comes with the pump. He smiles but doesn't suck & the milk dribbles out his mouth. He's not having a terrible experience, but not eating, so after my husband tries for some time, the baby ends up back on my breast. The only time my husband is home to try this is for the 6-7am feeding. 6-7pm is too much for the baby as he is ready for bed & totally maxed out. Im not pumping to much out as it is always wasted. I know people say try different bottles & for someone other than Mom giving the bottle. Does anyone have experience with their baby not taking the bottle & therefore not eating while Mom is away?
Thanks so much,
E.,
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Q
Chicago, IL
My baby is almost 9 weeks and hasn't really taken to the bottle yet. Any hints for helping him take the bottle?
We've tried Avent and Dr. Browns bottles but so far he seems to have a preference for Playtex drop-ins, though he has yet to take more than an ounce in that bottle.
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Q
Dallas, TX
Hi! My almost 7 month old has started pulling off the breast at the beginning of feedings and usually not drinking much. I know there's milk there b/c I can manually express some when he pulls off. He does this even in a quiet room where he shouldn't be distracted. I had started supplementing with formula before bedtime and when it seemed that my supply was low and he drinks that well. Any idea what's going on?? Thanks!
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Q
Los Angeles, CA
I currently have a cold and my 6 month old has gotten it also, with a slight cough. For her, I just put Baby Vicks on her chest and run a warm mist humdifier in her roon during naps and bedtime. I also suction out her nose when she lets me ..which is rare, but I still need to.
Is it OK for me to take cold medication during nursing? I just returned to work this week, I work full time as a police officer....I work as an investigator in an office setting and it lets me pump about 2-3x a day. Working with all men, I quietly scoot to the locker room to pump!!
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Q
Cincinnati, OH
I am a mother of a 6 month old & I stopped breastfeeding her because I was not able to produce enough due to stress. I was wondering if it is possible to start breastfeeding her again after I quit? I never was not able to supply my daughter with as much milk as I was before I went back to work. When I returned to work I was working for a new manager who was new to the company that I work for & he thought he knew it all and really made my worklife stressful. I am beyond the stress part & I am hoping someone has an answer for me on if I am going to be able to start breastfeeding her again.
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Q
Redding, CA
My baby girl is almost 8 weeks old and she has only gained 2 lbs 5 oz... she weighs 10 lbs 5 oz right now and I feel like that is not enough. I plan to call the doctor this week but thought I would ask all the other moms what there opinions were on wt gain and such. I breastfeed only and feel like she is just not all the way full at the end of her feedings the last few days. I went on Micronor BC 2 weeks ago and I hope that it is not affecting my supply??? If so, do you think my milk will come back if i go off of it? I am pumping all the time as well in order to try to produce more as well. I used to be leaking all the time and just had PLENTY for her... and now its dissapearing.. help! I am not ready to stop breastfeeding!! Thanks in advance for all the advice... I just love this website!
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Q
Dallas, TX
My 5 week old son has been doing fine with breast feeding. He usually nurses for 45 minutes to an hour as he's a nap/feeder. But when he's full he pulls off on his own and goes right to sleep. But the past couple days, he'll be nursing and then about 20 minutes in he'll unlatch and start going nuts before he's full. He gets really frantic (fussing, kicking his legs, and acting like he's trying to find my breast), but when I put him back on, he'll nurse for a couple minutes and do the same thing. I thought he was just sleepy and being fussy but when I tried rocking him and calming him down... he let me know that THAT was unacceptable.
I starting thinking that maybe he wasn't getting the milk flow he wanted and was unlatching because nothing was coming out. So I switched him to the other, (which is new for both of us as I'd previously just nursed him from one breast at each feeding). Once I switched breasts, he'll basically nurse on the other breast for about 20 minutes and then do the same thing. We played this game all day today and by the time my husband got home I was almost in tears! I'm insanely patient when it comes to him, so I'm not frustrated with him, I just feel so helpless seeing HIM frustrated like that and not know what to do to help. :-(
Any ideas on his new behavior???
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Q
Chicago, IL
I am not sure if my 9 month old is trying to wean himself or not. He has been exclusively BF since birth- he gets bottles of EBM the 2 days a week I work. Lately he has been resisting nursing- pushing against my breast and starting to fuss. At first I thought he just wasn't hungry, but he does it a few times a week. Once I tried giving him a bottle of EBM and he drank it. Lately I have been cuddling with him for a few minutes if he tries to resist or will give him his pacifier and then turn him towards my breast and he will then start nursing. I am ok if he wants to wean, just not sure what he is doing. It does not happen all the time just like once a feeding every few days. Any ideas?
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Q
New York, NJ
I'm nursing my 7 week baby boy who is having real problems with gas and intestional irritation. I'm really paying attention to my diet but having a problem pinpointing what it is I'm eating. Has a anyone found grains or herbal teas an issue when breastfeeding? I'm starting to wonder if he'll be better off on a formula diet.
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Q
Lafayette, IN
I went back to work this week. I was given a Pump in Style by a friend. I was doing good at home--sometimes getting 4 oz out of one side at a time! Now I'm here and I'm lucky to get 4 oz out of 2 or 3 sessions total! I tried again last night at home (I knew I was extra full) and nothing came out. I pulled out my Avent manuel pump and got 3 oz.
I got everything new for the pump except tubes and the pump motor itself, so the valves/membranes are only a few weeks old.
So, is it my stress or is it the pump?
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Q
Chicago, IL
My daughter is almost 3 weeks old and i have been breastfeeding her every 2-3 hours on one breast only each feeding. She latches on and suckles without any problem. My question is that since i am only doing one breast each time i feed her and alternate each feeding, she will suckle for anywhere from 8-20 minutes. If she suckles for only 8 minutes but spits out my nipple and either goes to sleep afterwards or just seems satisfied and content, is that ok? 20 minutes is rare. The usual is about 10 minutes. She never seems fussy in between feedings like she isnt getting enough. I have even tried supplementing her afterwards in case and she doesn't want that. SHe is pooping and peeing like crazy. Is she just very sufficient with her suckling? And is this ok? Just a little paranoid and new at the whole breastfeeding thing. Thanks!
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Q
Orlando, FL
I can't quite explain this, but last night after i put my daughter to bed, i noticed that my right breast was extremely tender and sore, almost bruised feeling. and i knew that my breast wasn't full because i always feed her right before bed. i've been breastfeeding for about 5 months now and have never felt anything like this. she eats a ton all the time, so my breasts never feel really full except for in the morning when we wake up these days. i woke up this morning and the bruised feeling was still there. i fed her, and it was still there even though it lessened a bit. and i massaged my breast for a while a few times, and it's still bugging me. i suppose i'll take a hot shower and drink some mother's milk tea...but has anyone else dealt with this? what is it? and how can i make it go away? i realize this could possibly be because i've been under a great deal of stress lately. any responses or advise would be greatly appreciated. thanks so much.
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Q
New York, NY
I just weaned my baby (9 months) from the breast. I started supplementing with formula about a month ago. First I was giving him one bottle a day and I slowly increased until I was just nursing him in the mornings. I wanted to continue morning feedings, but I felt he wasn't getting enough milk. He would cry an hour after nursing and if I offered him a bottle he would take 7 ounces. Anyway, my question is how do I get my milk to dry up completely? The first week was fine, but now my breasts are sore (especially my nipples) and I feel like I am getting clogged ducts. I am afraid of getting an infection and am looking to see if anyone has any advice. Thanks.
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Q
Detroit, MI
My cousin just had her first baby on Tues. She has decided not to breast feed. Her brests are giving her a lot of problems as far as pain goes. She said they are swollen and sore. I told her to use warm compresses and to massage them when she is in the shower, but I was wondering if anybody on here knew of anything else she could try? I didn't have this many prbs.b/c I breast feed, so I'm not quite sure what to tel her!! Thanks!! Oh and if anybody has any ideas that DON"T revolve around pumping, that would be great. She doesn't have a pump, and is looking for other solutions!!
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Q
Washington DC, MD
Has anyone experienced bleeding nipples while breastfeeding? If so, what did you do?
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