Just had a few ?s for the experienced breastfeeding moms...

How long until your nipples "toughened" a bit and it's not so uncomfortable anymore? (I know proper latch is key for it not to be really painful and I think we are fine there. Using an all natural nipple butter and I'm mostly uncomfortable during feeding only and moreso on the right side...)

Do you feed on demand or by a schedule? Our ped and LC said about every 2 hrs but that was not going so well for us and we decided to try on demand and it's going much better! She is sleeping a lot right now... :-D

The LC said pumped bm can stay at room temp for hours and the bacteria actually decreases in it... but if it goes from refrigeration to room temp for a while, can it then be put back in the refrigerator and still be safe?

eta - if this should really go in all natural moms forum, pls move it! Wasn't sure....

It could be several weeks before your nipples toughen up, I think it's different for everyone. I had lots of pain the first 4 weeks.

I fed on demand... Most babies will fall into a schedule as they get older, so I found myself feeding at the same times everyday, but it was always on-demand.

We feed on demand here as well. And as Cheese said, it could take a few weeks, everyone/child is different. Just keep up with the cream (lanolin is awesome for this if you have no sensitivities to such!) and proper latch. Hang in there! I remember those first few weeks...the cringe and wince, even though everything was 'right' we just weren't *there* yet.

those soothie gels are great for sore/cracked nipples. expensive but they last for a week. I also am on demand but make sure your waking your little one up to nurse if it's been more than 3-4 hours especially at first.

Feed on demand here too, it's the only thing that felt right for babe and me. :) With my first that I breastfed it was tough for six weeks, but after that, the next ones were easier and I was only sore for a couple weeks. Here is a great informative site about breastfeeding, a lot of the ladies here go to it! http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html

I found that with my first baby, the soreness was a lot better after the first couple weeks, after we got through the poor latch and thrush issues. My 2nd baby, I had no pain or latch problems whatsoever.

We have always been on demand feeders.

Babies just need to nurse A LOT! Comfort sucking helps keep baby calm and helps build your milk supply. I find that it helps to just forget the clock and relax.

Perhaps the LC meant to feed the baby AT LEAST every two hours, rather than no more than every two hours? At any rate, I know that each mom and baby pair are different. There's no way to prescribe a schedule that fits all babies, because every mom has a different milk storage capacity and every baby has a different appetite.

those soothie gels are great for sore/cracked nipples. expensive but they last for a week. I also am on demand but make sure your waking your little one up to nurse if it's been more than 3-4 hours especially at first.

Hi! Always had problems with soreness/crackness for first few weeks - almost unbearable sometimes no matter what - had to switch positions to help it. And still bled alittle bit - yikes I know! The hospital gave me some of those soothie gels? you put them in the frig and then apply them directly - and that was bliss![clapping]. What a difference it made the crack/soreness help alot! No matter how many babies I have nursed, always the first 4 weeks or so is the threshhold to get through the "grin and bear it" stage. But well worth the well contented babies and bonding experience. Hope this helps! It really does get better - hang in there!:-D

Thank you all.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 4HisGlory
those soothie gels are great for sore/cracked nipples. expensive but they last for a week. I also am on demand but make sure your waking your little one up to nurse if it's been more than 3-4 hours especially at first


Hi! Always had problems with soreness/crackness for first few weeks - almost unbearable sometimes no matter what - had to switch positions to help it. And still bled alittle bit - yikes I know! The hospital gave me some of those soothie gels? you put them in the frig and then apply them directly - and that was bliss![clapping]. What a difference it made the crack/soreness help alot! No matter how many babies I have nursed, always the first 4 weeks or so is the threshhold to get through the "grin and bear it" stage. But well worth the well contented babies and bonding experience. Hope this helps! It really does get better - hang in there!:-D

I have some and have only used them once, but not refrigerated. They felt good just at first and then they didn't really seem to be doing much, but I can see where refrigerating them would help. Only thing is the instructions say to leave them on until the next feeding, but you have to wash your nipples before feeding? It says to use warm water and so I didn't use soap. The only problem with that is it just adds to the preparation before I can actually get her to the breast (in addition to getting set up with a pillow, which is taking a little longer than it will once I'm moving faster after recovering completely from the c-section). By the time we get there, sometimes she's just so "worked up" from crying that it gets harder to get her to latch on (moving her arms in the way, trying to suck on her hands instead if the first latch attempt isn't successful).

So I was wondering... do you wear yours from the end of one feeding to the next or do you just wear them for a certain period of time and then remove/clean the nipple?

The first 2 weeks for sure were SO bad, just hang in there cuz it gets so much better!!! Now at 4 months it's a dream :) I'm not sure if this will help for nipples but for engorgement try slightly wetting nursing pads & freezing them. Works awesome!! And doesn't stink like cabbage leaves! ;)

Here is a great informative site about breastfeeding, a lot of the ladies here go to it! http://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html

[thankssign] sooooooooo much!! After reading more about latch and tweaking a little, it's already a lot better. Amazing how adjusting the grip on the breast a little to make sure it's not on her chin worked wonders.... [claphigh] [cheerful]


I'm not sure if this will help for nipples but for engorgement try slightly wetting nursing pads & freezing them. Works awesome!! And doesn't stink like cabbage leaves!

Thanks, Margi.

I wonder how common it is for one breast to stay engorged longer? I didn't realize the breasts would get completely soft again. One was still firm but not as much as before, and I thought that was "normal" while bf'ing... :???: until speaking with a nurse about it. I think it's starting to get soft again now, too.

Mine took at least 2-3 weeks to calm down milk production and get "soft" again. And now at 4 months I don't even wear nursing pads except at night. I'm not a real milk cow; definitely don't have extra!!

Mine took at least 2-3 weeks to calm down milk production and get "soft" again. And now at 4 months I don't even wear nursing pads except at night. I'm not a real milk cow; definitely don't have extra!!

Once your supply establishes you shouldn't leak. It means that the breast is producing exactly what baby is asking for. That's why feeding on demand is important. It helps increase your supply when needed.

It says to use warm water and so I didn't use soap.

You never want to use soap on your nipples because it will dry them out and cause cracking. Not a good thing while both of you are learning how to bf. Your nipples secrete a substance that cleans your nipples.

I wonder how common it is for one breast to stay engorged longer? I didn't realize the breasts would get completely soft again. One was still firm but not as much as before, and I thought that was "normal" while bf'ing... :???: until speaking with a nurse about it. I think it's starting to get soft again now, too.

It could be that you aren't nursing as frequently on that side. I found with myself that I tended to nurse longer on one side because it was more comfortable to me. If you put her on that side and let her nurse longer it should help return that breast to being soft again.

Once your supply establishes you shouldn't leak. It means that the breast is producing exactly what baby is asking for. That's why feeding on demand is important. It helps increase your supply when needed.

Not really leaking anymore. I read that in the first two weeks until the birth weight is gained back and the milk supply is established, it's important to make sure she doesn't sleep through a "2-hour" mark feeding, except at night it's ok to go 4 hours if she doesn't wake. Generally, she has been eating (cues) about every 2-3 hours during the day (occasionally more, like just now it was about 1 hour after the last feeding), but there have been a few times when she has slept longer. I'm wondering if I should let her sleep on those occasions unless it becomes more of the norm than the exception?

At her weight check Monday, she had gained one ounce from when we took her in Thursday after she was born that Sunday. The Dr. said she probably had lost a little more after that first doctor visit, so in actuality, probably had gained more than an ounce back, but wants to do another weight check Monday just to be sure her weight gain continues on a curve upward. I'm nervous about the weight gain and don't want them to tell me we need to supplement, so that's why I'm wondering about the feed on demand and trying to figure out the best thing to do with the times she does sleep longer. [whatscratchinghead]

She falls asleep pretty easily sometimes while nursing, especially if I've woken her to eat. It seems to go so much better when it happens after she cues she needs to eat.

You never want to use soap on your nipples because it will dry them out and cause cracking. Not a good thing while both of you are learning how to bf. Your nipples secrete a substance that cleans your nipples.

Do you try to keep soap from running over them in the shower when you wash your chest or do you mean not applying soap directly to the nipple? [whatconfused]

It could be that you aren't nursing as frequently on that side. I found with myself that I tended to nurse longer on one side because it was more comfortable to me. If you put her on that side and let her nurse longer it should help return that breast to being soft again.

Thank you.... I don't think I'm doing this and it does seem to be returning to soft again, just more slowly than the other one did. :-D

Growing up in a "Baby Wise" society, I always thought feeding "on demand" was kinda a swear word :) but I'm learning that's the way God & nature intended. I don't mind it at all! Sure I feed more often than my BW and bottle-feeding friends, but it's the most fulfilling and bonding experience. I instinctively *know* what he wants and I know I can give it to him when he needs it. I do often take note of the time just because he generally goes 2 hours and that gives me a clue as to whether he's really hungry or having some other needs...

Do you try to keep soap from running over them in the shower when you wash your chest or do you mean not applying soap directly to the nipple? [whatconfused]

I try to keep the soap off it totally but if some runs over, I just rinse it off. I haven't had nearly the cracked nipples this time around though, with my first one they were so excruciating that I was a LOT more careful. I only stuck it out 2.5 weeks though :(

I try to keep the soap off it totally but if some runs over, I just rinse it off.

Yup, yup. :-D

I'm nervous about the weight gain and don't want them to tell me we need to supplement, so that's why I'm wondering about the feed on demand and trying to figure out the best thing to do with the times she does sleep longer. [whatscratchinghead]

Just keep feeding her on demand and don't supplement. Whenever she wants it. She may want to cluster feed at times or she may want to eat once and then sleep a few hours. Also if you start getting uncomfortable it's okay to try waking her up to see if she'll eat. She will gain weight. Supplementing is one of the worst things you can do as it makes babies feel full longer and then they won't need to eat as often. Hence your milk supply will end up shrinking. I did it with my my first while we were trying to get her to do a proper latch and ended up with my milk drying up within 6 weeks.

Also as much as we love our pediatricians please know that the charts that they use to gauge weight gain and growth are supplied by the formula companies and are based on formula fed weight gain not bf weight gain. Also you can almost guarantee that the dr is being paid by the formula companies to endorse or encourage supplementing or 100% formula. She will gain weight at the pace that she is meant to. I wouldn't worry about it. Babies can gain very little or a lot in the first year. We're all different and so are they.

Yup!! My Emma gained very slowly, and was 100 percent breastfed, she just didn't gain very well. My pediatrician said to supplement, but mom reassured me that she was a healthy baby, so I didn't. Sure enough another pediatrician told me that just because she isn't gaining according to their charts doesn't mean something is necessarily "wrong"... She would have to meet other criteria for them to have a genuine concern about that. Helen (dd#2) was the exact opposite! She gained like crazy and had the highest healthy weight gain my pediatrician had ever seen! All babies are so different. :) you're doing such an amazing thing for your baby!! Not to mention how much cheaper breastfeeding is! I bottle fed one of mine for six months and I gotta tell ya, it was a pain compared to bfing.

Thank you all. I have another question. What exactly is "comfort nursing," and do you always put the baby to the breast when he/she gives cues or if you "just" fed the baby not long ago and you think it might be for comfort do you sometimes try something else first? Today she was giving some cues, but I thought it was more for comfort and that she was really just needing a nap. I have nursed before when it was for comfort, I think, and she didn't even nurse for a minute and went right to sleep. So today I tried rocking her and singing to her and she went to sleep.

After we get through this initial period of adjustment with nipple soreness and all, I'm sure I won't mind the comfort nursing at all. But I figure it helps them to have other ways to be comforted, too, because not everyone can offer a breast... KWIM? She will need to feel comforted by rocking and other ways, too...... so just curious how others handle that also.

ETA: Also... how many different positions do you use? The LC said to try to rotate different positions so all parts of the breast are used and it will help avoid... (can't remember for sure... clogged ducts maybe?). At first the football position was the most comfortable but now I'm able to use the cradle sometimes, too. Haven't been able to lie down to bf yet because I'm not comfortable lying on my side yet (still have some swelling and discomfort in my tummy).

I bottle fed one of mine for six months and I gotta tell ya, it was a pain compared to bfing.

I know it's a pain as far as expense wise and having to get a bottle ready and everything... we bottle fed DS after adopting him! But I will be so glad when we are through these first few weeks where it's so uncomfortable/painful at times when the latch is not right at first, and last night, for some reason I had a hard time getting it right in the middle of the night. I really need pillows to help support her and by the time I'm ready to feed her she's so worked up and eager to eat that sometimes it feels like she's literally chomping down on my nipple, which I guess she is, when I can't get the latch right the first time. [whateww]

What exactly is "comfort nursing," and do you always put the baby to the breast when he/she gives cues or if you "just" fed the baby not long ago and you think it might be for comfort do you sometimes try something else first? Today she was giving some cues, but I thought it was more for comfort and that she was really just needing a nap. I have nursed before when it was for comfort, I think, and she didn't even nurse for a minute and went right to sleep. So today I tried rocking her and singing to her and she went to sleep.


I've always nursed whenever baby cried. Regardless of whether I thought it was for comfort or not. Babies need their mothers and nursing is not just for feeding. It's vital for comfort in my opinion. Also trying to use something else for comfort in the first 6 weeks can be a bad thing. A pacifier for example can mess up breastfeeding. Not with all babies but it can give nipple confusion.

Also... how many different positions do you use? The LC said to try to rotate different positions so all parts of the breast are used and it will help avoid... (can't remember for sure... clogged ducts maybe?).

Yes, rotating positions can help with reducing the possibility of a clogged duct/mastitis. It also helps with establishing a good milk supply. If the breast doesn't fully empty it can send a message saying the baby doesn't need as much to eat.

I really need pillows to help support her and by the time I'm ready to feed her she's so worked up and eager to eat that sometimes it feels like she's literally chomping down on my nipple, which I guess she is, when I can't get the latch right the first time.

Have you thought about setting up a nursing station? You may find it helpful to have everything you need in one location so that you aren't having to fumble to get set up and dealing with a fussy baby. I use a basket to hold most of the stuff and set my pillows next to it. It sits next to my rocking chair and that way I can grab baby and go.

All in all remember that both of you are learning and it will take awhile to get it right. She's learning and so are you. Take a deep breath. These days won't last long and the rewards are wonderful.

Re: comfort nursing, I basically just put the baby to breast whenever he/she was fussy. In those early weeks, they just need to be close to mom. I figured that if I just nursed whenever, the baby would get enough. And both of mine did. Don't worry about overfeeding, baby will stop when she's had enough. And if they're just nursing for comfort, they'll nurse in a way that doesn't extract much from the breast.

It's true that they need to learn to be comforted other ways eventually, but don't worry, that will come. In the meantime, all the nipple stimulation from comfort nursing + food nursing = a great supply. :D

Also trying to use something else for comfort in the first 6 weeks can be a bad thing. A pacifier for example can mess up breastfeeding. Not with all babies but it can give nipple confusion.

So you think 6 weeks before trying a pacifier? Our LC thought it would be okay since nursing has gone so well, but if it could cause a setback, I don't want to take that risk. As far as using other things for comfort, I was thinking more along the lines of rocking, singing, holding her close, etc. Sometimes that has worked well also.

Have you thought about setting up a nursing station? You may find it helpful to have everything you need in one location so that you aren't having to fumble to get set up and dealing with a fussy baby. I use a basket to hold most of the stuff and set my pillows next to it. It sits next to my rocking chair and that way I can grab baby and go.

All in all remember that both of you are learning and it will take awhile to get it right. She's learning and so are you. Take a deep breath. These days won't last long and the rewards are wonderful.

I do have my stuff for nursing in one place. Since I had a c/s we are sleeping downstairs on our bed that pulls out from the sofa. I have my nursing stuff over on another piece of furniture and all I have to do is put the brest friend pillow on over another pillow on my lap and adjust my shirt/bra. It's just stressful the little bit of time that takes that she is getting so upset, but you're right. It is a learning process for both of us. Sometimes I'm able to hold her and get it all ready, but sometimes it's been better for me to lay her down.

Thank you for the encouragement. I have really needed it today. I got really frustrated with it all earlier today.

Sometimes she just wants to fall asleep right away while eating and it's hard to keep her awake. She hardly ever lets go on her own so it's hard for me to tell for sure when she's finished because she constantly falls asleep while eating and most of the time stops sucking too. Is it "normal" for the sucking to fluctuate so much between "good" sucking where they're constantly swallowing and it sounds like they're taking in quite a bit versus smaller sucks and less frequent swallowing?

ETA: Re: the pacifier, she is a little bit of a thumb sucker and we've been told a pacifier is much better for them as far as I guess for ease with weaning later and for dental reasons.

So you think 6 weeks before trying a pacifier? Our LC thought it would be okay since nursing has gone so well, but if it could cause a setback, I don't want to take that risk.

All 3 of mine loved their pacifier... right from day one! And with the 2 that were breastfed, it never interfered with their nursing. But that could differ with different kids...

Oh yeah, the pacifier will differ between different kids. Both of my girls suffered from major nipple confusion and so we never did the pacifier. On the one side it is better to use a pacifier than the thumb. Oldest daughter is 5 and we are still trying to get her to stop using it. On the other side though I do know a few kids that still use a pacifier at the age of 4. I lucked out with youngest daughter as she never used either. If I can help it I try and rock and soothe in other ways. So definitely trying those things first helps if that is what you are leaning towards. And yes, most LC will say wait at least 6 weeks before introducing a pacifier or bottle. LLLI recommends it as well.

Sometimes she just wants to fall asleep right away while eating and it's hard to keep her awake. She hardly ever lets go on her own so it's hard for me to tell for sure when she's finished because she constantly falls asleep while eating and most of the time stops sucking too. Is it "normal" for the sucking to fluctuate so much between "good" sucking where they're constantly swallowing and it sounds like they're taking in quite a bit versus smaller sucks and less frequent swallowing?

That's pretty common. The way of the baby. :-D

Can't thank you all enough for the feedback. It has been a tremendous help.


Yes, rotating positions can help with reducing the possibility of a clogged duct/mastitis. It also helps with establishing a good milk supply. If the breast doesn't fully empty it can send a message saying the baby doesn't need as much to eat.


How do I know when the breast is fully emptied?! I'm not sure at what point if she is still sucking do I know if the one breast is emptied and if I need to then switch her to the other?

If it's been 20 minutes, go ahead and stick your little finger in and pop her off.

And for me, I don't nurse a screaming baby... I try for maybe a minute or 2 to calm baby down for a bit with the 'rock and bounce'... where I hold baby upright tummy to chest and bounce baby up and down while I sway side to side (wide stance). If that doesn't calm baby, okay I nurse, but your nipples will thank you if you try to calm baby a little before nursing.
At night time, I just use my voice a little shh shh shh and rub his back, cause we co-sleep and I don't get up unless I absolutely have to. Mama needs sleep!

Big hugs and hang in there, I was ready to give up a couple times, and I was so glad I didn't.

If it's been 20 minutes, go ahead and stick your little finger in and pop her off.

And for me, I don't nurse a screaming baby... I try for maybe a minute or 2 to calm baby down for a bit with the 'rock and bounce'... where I hold baby upright tummy to chest and bounce baby up and down while I sway side to side (wide stance). If that doesn't calm baby, okay I nurse, but your nipples will thank you if you try to calm baby a little before nursing.
At night time, I just use my voice a little shh shh shh and rub his back, cause we co-sleep and I don't get up unless I absolutely have to. Mama needs sleep!

Big hugs and hang in there, I was ready to give up a couple times, and I was so glad I didn't.

Thanks, Rach, and also for the tip. Yes, it's so hard when she's upset going to the breast and she immediately starts chomping down really before I can even make sure she's latched properly. It's very painful at first and then I adjust my grip and we're fine, but I'm sure it's contributing to the soreness between feedings also. Your tip hopefully will help us with that! And yes, I've had fleeting thoughts about giving up, but so far it has only been fleeting.

I just hope the soreness subsides soon!! Almost to the end of two weeks, and I know some have said it took 4, so if it takes that long that means we're almost halfway there. Nursing overall has gotten progressively better and easier, so I'm hopeful maybe it won't take 4... [whatwacko]

Yes, rotating positions can help with reducing the possibility of a clogged duct/mastitis. It also helps with establishing a good milk supply. If the breast doesn't fully empty it can send a message saying the baby doesn't need as much to eat.


OK.... the only position I can get and keep a good latch with is the football hold. It is by far the most comfortable after the initial pain/discomfort in the nipple, and so I find myself using it the vast majority of the time. Sometimes it seems like the only way I can get her to latch really well is when she gets upset with having to keep working on the latch and is crying, so her mouth is wide open. Any suggestions for things I can do to get a better latch quicker? The only thing I remember from the bf'ding class was to rub her lower lip with the nipple.

You can find videos on You Tube that will show you how to get baby to latch on. Of course be careful to only open ones that are posted by breastfeeding groups. You may also want to try a breastfeeding support group. If it is hurting to latch her on then it sounds like there might be an issue with her latch.

Ya know... six kids, and I had no idea that it wasn't supposed to hurt when you first start breastfeeding!! ::snort:: You guys are a wealth of information! :)

Ya know... six kids, and I had no idea that it wasn't supposed to hurt when you first start breastfeeding!! ::snort:: You guys are a wealth of information! :)

I read too much! Lol. Well my first had a bad latch that never corrected, she sucked her bottom lip. My second I never had pain issues and she was super easy to latch. But seriously I do read too much.