So now it seems I have a clogged duct, maybe? DD is sleeping for 9-hour stretches the first time I put her down at night now. My larger breast now has a hard spot in it, but it is much bigger than bb size. It has been there since yesterday morning, I think, or maybe the morning before yesterday. It might have gotten some smaller but doesn't seem to be going away. It's not red and I don't think it's any warmer to the touch than the other parts of the breast.

Also DD has not been herself yesterday or today. She keeps acting hungry today but when I try to feed her she fusses, screams... but then she acts hungry again. It's very upsetting and frustrating and I just don't know what to do. Nursing has just been mostly miserable, it seems, for us both lately, but I feel like switching to formula would only make her reflux worse. [sadashamed][sadashamed] She had some runny stools and one bm was like a dark green today. Her nose has been a little stuffy lately, too. I'm thinking she must have something... but no fever.

Hang in there sweetie! Just take it one day at a time. [hug] It does get better eventually!

Sounds like she may have a cold. Also if her poo is becoming darker she's probably not emptying your breast all the way and getting the hind milk so you may want to try expressing out what she isn't drinking. Massage the lump and apply heat. You really don't want to get to the point of mastitis setting in. But whatever you do don't stop nursing cold turkey, at least pump.

Sorry that you are feeling this way. It really can be rough. I know. Ds has had a cold this week and my nipples have been feeling it. Hang in there though if you can. This is really the best thing for her. You've made it this far. [hug]

agreed on the hind milk issue (esp. since you mentioned dark green poo). I had massive overproduction problems the first 6 months and I had to be really diligent to make sure my kids got enough hind milk. I also had overactive letdown, which caused gassy problems (and choking problems) with kids. It didn't calm down until the kids were about 6-7 months old. it can take time to learn how to cope.... does your milk "spray" when you have letdown? I often let the first letdown spray into a cloth or towel (and it was a LOT) so my kids would get richer milk. Because my letdown was so fierce, my kids would often choke 5-10 seconds into each feeding. it was a mess, really, a sticky mess, but after 6 months it calmed down and i produced more of a "normal" amount. Also, don't switch breasts in the middle of a feeding, they get less hind milk that way.

does your milk "spray" when you have letdown? I often let the first letdown spray into a cloth or towel (and it was a LOT) so my kids would get richer milk.

Yes... it definitely does this. She chokes sometimes but not regularly. I'm sure she's not getting any or much today because she won't eat for long enough. This is a good idea... I did it this morning. Thx.

agreed on the hind milk issue (esp. since you mentioned dark green poo). I had massive overproduction problems the first 6 months and I had to be really diligent to make sure my kids got enough hind milk. I also had overactive letdown, which caused gassy problems (and choking problems) with kids. It didn't calm down until the kids were about 6-7 months old. it can take time to learn how to cope.... does your milk "spray" when you have letdown? I often let the first letdown spray into a cloth or towel (and it was a LOT) so my kids would get richer milk. Because my letdown was so fierce, my kids would often choke 5-10 seconds into each feeding. it was a mess, really, a sticky mess, but after 6 months it calmed down and i produced more of a "normal" amount. Also, don't switch breasts in the middle of a feeding, they get less hind milk that way.

Thanks for the tip. I don't have overproduction issues but I have a very fast let down so maybe this might help him not to choke.

about the hind milk, make sure she is on deep enough to really move your milk. To relieve that breast you can try pumping it out, if you cant get it all take a hot shower and massage that spot and hand express it out...it might hurt to massage it but you need to get it out one way or another. also she might be more fussy and not wanting to nurse because of her cold. keep an eye on her because if she refuses too much you might want to take her to your ped. katie has a cold too and has been nursing more frequently but for less time lately. imagine if you had to work hard for your meal not feeling good and your nose pressed up against a boob. she's probably just tuckered out after a while nursing; which is why she stops but is still hungry. make sure she has good airway when nursing and try sucking the boogies out of her nose before feeding her, that might help too. I'm sorry it's so rough for you and it seems it like one thing after another. There is no disgrace in formula if you end up doing it. I had to supplement and it didn't kill my kids or cause a third eye. (but you still need to pump otherwise you will be a mess!) You just have to figure out if breastfeeding is worth it to you...and it will get better, it just takes time. Also think about this when your at your rope, if you endure through your first your other babies are usually easier to nurse because you already have the hang of it and know what to do when issues arise before they are out of control. I will pray for you. If you do decide to keep breastfeeding, just sing the song from Nemo "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming"[loveyou]

Here is a link on the OALD issue. ..


http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

I was reading the artical Cheese put up and one of the things they said to avoid for oversupply is anything that stimulates your nipples such as shells...

about the hind milk, make sure she is on deep enough to really move your milk.

Yes... thank you... this is something I have to work at and work at keeping her deeply latched due to the flat nipple issues... :(

also she might be more fussy and not wanting to nurse because of her cold. keep an eye on her because if she refuses too much you might want to take her to your ped.

Talked to my ped's office today to run the symptoms by them. Since she's on Zantac for the reflux they wanted to see her just to be sure there's nothing going on with that ... possible side effects, I'm guessing. Read some online about that, so I think it's a good idea, although, I really think it is just a cold.

I'm sorry it's so rough for you and it seems it like one thing after another. There is no disgrace in formula if you end up doing it. I had to supplement and it didn't kill my kids or cause a third eye. (but you still need to pump otherwise you will be a mess!) You just have to figure out if breastfeeding is worth it to you...and it will get better, it just takes time. Also think about this when your at your rope, if you endure through your first your other babies are usually easier to nurse because you already have the hang of it and know what to do when issues arise before they are out of control. I will pray for you. If you do decide to keep breastfeeding, just sing the song from Nemo "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming"[loveyou]

Thank you so much... other babies are not an issue here! She is/will be my only one since we adopted DS. Unless the Lord leads us to adopt again, this is it for us!

I do want this, especially for her, and I know there are benefits there for me, too. I just wish it wasn't so hard and constant issues. No wonder my nipples are so sore... she's clamps down on them sometimes and when she comes off they look sort of flattened with like a line at the tip... can't seem to stop her from doing this so I'm so worried when she starts teething about biting. How will I be able to stop that if I can't stop the clamping now? I'm pretty certain that one bite and that will be it for the bf'ding. The other things I've been able to get through, but that... I can't push through that... I can only take so much.

Here is a link on the OALD issue. ..


http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html

Thank you!

I was reading the artical Cheese put up and one of the things they said to avoid for oversupply is anything that stimulates your nipples such as shells...

Yes. I've read that before and I've been meaning to post on here that I've been "shell-free" for a couple of days now! They're still tender and sore when touched but so far I've been able to go without them without them getting progressively worse again. I think using the nipple butter after each feeding and the nursing pads (thanks His Butterfly!!!) has been key.

Biting isn't as bad as you will think. Yes it hurts, and it startles, but you nip that in the bud RIGHT away and it's not bad. Em didn't bite at first, she clamped down and pulled off....I had nice scrape marks from that one but I flicked her face and that happened once. I think she bit me once or twice but flicked that too....and that stopped. Mak on the other hand wasn't as easy to deter...but she is more of a stinker and kind of thought it was funny after the first time. I flicked her, and eventually took her off the breast and sternly said "no no" and she stopped. I personally thought I may have to stop nursing if she kept biting, but it didn't last very long and they don't seem to bit very hard after they figure out it's painful...even if they are stinkers!!

In addition to what the others have said...if DD nurses the clog out....be aware that she might spit it up. I had two pretty painful, red, inflamed clogs and I applied hot compresses before each feeding and Em ended up spitting up the infection...it had some blood in it and looked funny compared to her regular spit up, but it doesn't bother them or hurt them at all. It's a blessing the Lord gives us such an amazing tool when we get a clog....;-)

I also agree with the green poo too....too much foremilk. Praise the Lord for this gal....if I had too much of any kind of milk I would rejoice! I have to take medication to make enough milk and there are side effects that are not super fun, but I look at it as my part of the fall...this is how my body is effected and we take it one day at a time. Off topic: I hope to NOT use formula, but I am realistic because of not only having twins, but with my supply issues I think I found the formula I like (it's organic and made in the U.S.) for over $10 cheaper on a website!!! For that I can praise teh Lord!! So excited!! LOL

You are doing great gal....it probably seems like each day lasts FOREVER right now, but this season will too soon pass.

Blessings,
Amber

I don't know if this is an issue, but if your baby pulls off (taking you with her), you might try "breaking the latch" by inserting your finger into the corner of her mouth to break the suction first.

I don't know if this is an issue, but if your baby pulls off (taking you with her), you might try "breaking the latch" by inserting your finger into the corner of her mouth to break the suction first.

Thankfully, she is not doing this. I normally do break the suction and take her off bc usually she falls asleep and/or is just no longer really eating. I guess bc my nipples are short, when she does come off on her own it's more like it slips out of her gums and her lips are just around it but sometimes I do feel something when this happens so she probably is clamping down a little but bc my nipples are short it happens so quickly I don't really have time to break the suction.

Biting isn't as bad as you will think. Yes it hurts, and it startles, but you nip that in the bud RIGHT away and it's not bad. Em didn't bite at first, she clamped down and pulled off....I had nice scrape marks from that one but I flicked her face and that happened once. I think she bit me once or twice but flicked that too....and that stopped. Mak on the other hand wasn't as easy to deter...but she is more of a stinker and kind of thought it was funny after the first time. I flicked her, and eventually took her off the breast and sternly said "no no" and she stopped. I personally thought I may have to stop nursing if she kept biting, but it didn't last very long and they don't seem to bit very hard after they figure out it's painful...even if they are stinkers!!

In addition to what the others have said...if DD nurses the clog out....be aware that she might spit it up. I had two pretty painful, red, inflamed clogs and I applied hot compresses before each feeding and Em ended up spitting up the infection...it had some blood in it and looked funny compared to her regular spit up, but it doesn't bother them or hurt them at all. It's a blessing the Lord gives us such an amazing tool when we get a clog....;-)

I also agree with the green poo too....too much foremilk. Praise the Lord for this gal....if I had too much of any kind of milk I would rejoice! I have to take medication to make enough milk and there are side effects that are not super fun, but I look at it as my part of the fall...this is how my body is effected and we take it one day at a time. Off topic: I hope to NOT use formula, but I am realistic because of not only having twins, but with my supply issues I think I found the formula I like (it's organic and made in the U.S.) for over $10 cheaper on a website!!! For that I can praise teh Lord!! So excited!! LOL

You are doing great gal....it probably seems like each day lasts FOREVER right now, but this season will too soon pass.

Blessings,
Amber

TY so much for the tips! I will try that the next time she clamps down. I'm getting so tired of being sore and tender, but it seems it's from multiple issues which makes it even harder.

TY also for pointing out a positive! As much negative as I feel I do like to try to also remember any positives there are... like she's gaining weight well.

It does seem sometimes like each day lasts forever and it makes me sad that
I feel like I can't even enjoy a lot of this time because of all of this. I must say what I love most is seeing her smile and stretch when she wakes up and the cooing.

Meant to say after using some heat compresses yesterday and massaging while nursing and in the shower, the clog seems to be almost if not completely gone this morning. PTL bc I was worried bc it seemed like a large area!

Do you have a LLL near you? I know Grace and I had some latch issues and it just HURT like the dickens. Essentially the way I was holding her wasn't allowing her to get a deep enough latch. Once I figured that out (by going to 1 LLL meeting) things were mutch better. Definitely the depth of the latch can make a huge difference.

And as for teeth, don't worry about that yet. Once you get to the point where she has teeth, the other issues should be nonexistant so you can nip the biting in the bud. Yes, it hurts. But it really is more startling than painful. I think most mamas are able to get it under control pretty quickly. It hasn't ever been too much of an issue for us. The whole not opening wide enough when coming off though... THAT is her deal! OUUUUCH!

I'm SO glad that things are positive though too. The lump is gone!! YAY! SHE IS GAINING WEIGHT!!!! YAY! That's HUGE!

At the end of the day, when you're exhausted, don't want to deal with BFing one more second, and your nipples are driving you nuts... just remember that you ARE doing a great job! You are fighting to make it work. Even if you do go to formula, right now... you're trying. And your precious little baby is growing. All because of you. It's amazing.

Try to hang in there. It really, really does get easier. I hope she's feeling better super soon too!

[hug]

Do you have a LLL near you? I know Grace and I had some latch issues and it just HURT like the dickens. Essentially the way I was holding her wasn't allowing her to get a deep enough latch. Once I figured that out (by going to 1 LLL meeting) things were mutch better. Definitely the depth of the latch can make a huge difference.

And as for teeth, don't worry about that yet. Once you get to the point where she has teeth, the other issues should be nonexistant so you can nip the biting in the bud. Yes, it hurts. But it really is more startling than painful. I think most mamas are able to get it under control pretty quickly. It hasn't ever been too much of an issue for us. The whole not opening wide enough when coming off though... THAT is her deal! OUUUUCH!

I'm SO glad that things are positive though too. The lump is gone!! YAY! SHE IS GAINING WEIGHT!!!! YAY! That's HUGE!

At the end of the day, when you're exhausted, don't want to deal with BFing one more second, and your nipples are driving you nuts... just remember that you ARE doing a great job! You are fighting to make it work. Even if you do go to formula, right now... you're trying. And your precious little baby is growing. All because of you. It's amazing.

Try to hang in there. It really, really does get easier. I hope she's feeling better super soon too!

[hug]

Thank you so much also! My right breast got completely soft again in that area today. :-D It's been hurting a little off and on where the clog was but I read that's normal.

Because of the flat, short nipples, latching is always work and I don't get a good latch every time. Also, for some reason I seem to alternate breasts on difficulty. Seems like I go for a while getting a good latch on one side and not the other and then for some reason it switches. Oddly, right now, the right side is the better side and actually feels good sometimes when she's nursing (never thought I'd say that! :))... but it also looks like she's been clamping down on it when she stops nursing. :???:

Read some things in the KellyMom forums that I'm trying. Have been very hesitant about going to LLL for personal reasons.

I am so glad you have moments where it feels good when she nurses...those are the small peeks of sunshine through the clouds...and we all know that usually those clouds, in their time tend to break up and the sunshine ends up coming through and taking over the sky!! :-D
I was also thinking that the older she gets the stronger her suck will be and soon she should be able to suck you nipple in her mouth with more gusto than you could imagine. These babies get pretty darn good at nursing the older they get...I always appreciated when I could just stick my baby under my shirt and they found my nipple and nursed on their own. Much easier for nursing in public. ;-)
Typing this post made me have my first real memory of nursing that I actually physcially remember the FEELING of since stopping nursing 5 months ago. To me, nursing is like pregnancy, once it stops I cannot remember most of it! LOL I will be quickly reminded soon though!!

Keep up the wonderful progress and keep us updated!
Blessings,
Amber

I am so glad you have moments where it feels good when she nurses...those are the small peeks of sunshine through the clouds...and we all know that usually those clouds, in their time tend to break up and the sunshine ends up coming through and taking over the sky!! :-D


I wonder if the sun is starting to burst through?! What a great analogy. Thanks, Amber.

After seeing a link to this video on the Kelly Mom forums (thank you SO MUCH, Jenny, for sharing with me about that site in another thread!!) and trying this technique, things have actually been so much better today and yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9XNdqmAUPM

When I nursed her one time today on both sides and it actually felt good on both sides, which has never happened before, I thought if this is what nursing is supposed to feel like no wonder so many women actually do enjoy it and like it. I have not really gotten to that point and had actually felt guilty because I really was hating it. When it's such a difficult and miserable experience, though, and you're constantly battling issues, it's just hard to keep pressing on and you start wondering if it's really worth it, especially if it's always going to be like that. [sadashamed]

But... I have some hope today that maybe we are on the upside of things... I really hope so. I am so thankful to have had the support that several of you have given me here.

yay! I hope you're on the upswing and that it becomes enjoyable really soon!

you're such a good mama...just remember, in one way or another "This too shall pass."

((hugs))

I'm going to have to try that trick. Thanks for sharing the link.

I'm going to have to try that trick. Thanks for sharing the link.

You're welcome! Hope it's as helpful for you. I think there's only been a couple of times I haven't really been able to get it to work so well and I can't use it at night because my breasts get too full when she sleeps longer that first time I put her down. I'll be anxious to hear if it was helpful for you, too.

yay! I hope you're on the upswing and that it becomes enjoyable really soon!

you're such a good mama...just remember, in one way or another "This too shall pass."

((hugs))

Thank you! ((Hugs)) back... :)

You're welcome! Hope it's as helpful for you. I think there's only been a couple of times I haven't really been able to get it to work so well and I can't use it at night because my breasts get too full when she sleeps longer that first time I put her down. I'll be anxious to hear if it was helpful for you, too.

Yeah, doesn't work well at all for me at night. Too full. For the most part it works though during the day. Ds isn't objecting too much so hoping that last bit of soreness will go away quickly.

Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing this week, His Butterfly?

My week has gone very well, for which I am SO thankful! Seems maybe the toughest part is behind us hopefully. I had tried nursing lying back before and it had not worked well then because of the lack of head control and I had to try to maintain a good or decent latch AND support her head at the same time (to keep the breast from getting up around her nose). Now I am able to get a good latch (my nipples are not as flat now as they were), then lie back, and I don't have to support her head and it is so much better. It helps with the OALD and she is not nursing as long usually, seems to fall asleep while nursing after about 10 minutes usually. :-D:-D:-D

I hope it is getting better for you, too, His Butterfly!!

Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing this week, His Butterfly?

My week has gone very well, for which I am SO thankful! Seems maybe the toughest part is behind us hopefully. I had tried nursing lying back before and it had not worked well then because of the lack of head control and I had to try to maintain a good or decent latch AND support her head at the same time (to keep the breast from getting up around her nose). Now I am able to get a good latch (my nipples are not as flat now as they were), then lie back, and I don't have to support her head and it is so much better. It helps with the OALD and she is not nursing as long usually, seems to fall asleep while nursing after about 10 minutes usually. :-D:-D:-D

I hope it is getting better for you, too, His Butterfly!!

It's going much better. I have some soreness right now but I think that is in part to LO having a little bit of a stuffy nose and a small growth spurt. (You should see the little chunkers thighs- teehee) Overall though I have realized that in the past week I am not even noticing as much that they are still sore. It's just become something I do. It's part of my day to day life. I just make sure that I check his latch, it's fine, and it's all good. No nipple cracking and no toe curling pain so I am pretty sure it's getting better. He's even sleeping better at night.

Glad to hear that it's going better for you. Hoping the worst is behind us.

It's going much better. I have some soreness right now but I think that is in part to LO having a little bit of a stuffy nose and a small growth spurt. (You should see the little chunkers thighs- teehee) Overall though I have realized that in the past week I am not even noticing as much that they are still sore. It's just become something I do. It's part of my day to day life. I just make sure that I check his latch, it's fine, and it's all good. No nipple cracking and no toe curling pain so I am pretty sure it's getting better. He's even sleeping better at night.

Glad to hear that it's going better for you. Hoping the worst is behind us.

Glad it's going better for you, too, but I must have spoken too soon... :(

Don't know if you saw in the prayer requests, but I developed Mastitis Sunday. Sooo painful that day. The pain has gotten better but the plugged ducts are really stubborn. [crytantrum] My sister told me she nursed about every hour for about a week before hers went away...

Please pray for me that they clear up (terrified of the possibility of it becoming an abscess) and my nipples don't get too sore again. I just commented to DH tonight that it was nice when we hugged today that I am not wearing a bra (I think the underwire was contributing) or shells and can hug him without my nipples hurting for the first time since I've been nursing. They're still tender but not so sore like they had been for so long.

Glad it's going better for you, too, but I must have spoken too soon... :(

Don't know if you saw in the prayer requests, but I developed Mastitis Sunday. Sooo painful that day. The pain has gotten better but the plugged ducts are really stubborn. [crytantrum] My sister told me she nursed about every hour for about a week before hers went away...

Please pray for me that they clear up (terrified of the possibility of it becoming an abscess) and my nipples don't get too sore again. I just commented to DH tonight that it was nice when we hugged today that I am not wearing a bra (I think the underwire was contributing) or shells and can hug him without my nipples hurting for the first time since I've been nursing. They're still tender but not so sore like they had been for so long.

So glad you're feeling better. Glad you are sticking to it - breastfeeding is so nice once the nasty stuff is out of the way.:-D I think I had mastitis a little bit with one of mine - searing pain - unbelievable pain! But I stuck through it and asked God to give me strength and heal me.:-D

Ouch! I feel for you. Keep nursing. Heating pads and massage work wonders for mastitis. If need be so does an abx.

Jayne had sent me this site also and it is full of great tips for dealing with mastitis. http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/10/prevention-and-treatment-of-mastitis-natural-alternatives-to-taking-antibiotics.html

O wow girl...I'm so sorry its been so rough:( I totally have the OALD issue goin' on and I was doing the same thing Cheese (I think??) suggested. It meant going through lots of burp clothes BUT otherwise I had a puking baby thanks to a reflux problem. Not a good combo... She's getting much better at handling it tho! Praying the mastitis clears up soon and things get better for BOTH of you!

Ouch! I feel for you. Keep nursing. Heating pads and massage work wonders for mastitis. If need be so does an abx.

Jayne had sent me this site also and it is full of great tips for dealing with mastitis. http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/10/prevention-and-treatment-of-mastitis-natural-alternatives-to-taking-antibiotics.html

Thank you! The link about low supply towards the end was really helpful as this has really affected my supply and my other breast wasn't all that great supply wise to begin with. I really need to focus on getting more rest during the day, drinking more (have *never* been a big drinker and it's hard for me to remember to drink more while nursing), and eating really well. Before, I was eating a snack before bed, but this has been hard to continue right now because I'm trying to get to bed earlier and I have to take the meds a certain time before/after eating and have to get in 4 doses.

How long did it take for your plug(s) to clear? I have multiple ones on the inside of the breast and they are really stubborn this time.. [thumbsdown]

Thank you! The link about low supply towards the end was really helpful as this has really affected my supply and my other breast wasn't all that great supply wise to begin with. I really need to focus on getting more rest during the day, drinking more (have *never* been a big drinker and it's hard for me to remember to drink more while nursing), and eating really well. Before, I was eating a snack before bed, but this has been hard to continue right now because I'm trying to get to bed earlier and I have to take the meds a certain time before/after eating and have to get in 4 doses.

How long did it take for your plug(s) to clear? I have multiple ones on the inside of the breast and they are really stubborn this time.. [thumbsdown]

I had multiple ones in both breasts that unclogged within 3 days. I did a lot of hot compresses and showers, massage, and letting him nurse. Hope that yours unclog quickly.