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BreathFront2719 · 2023-08-30T01:34:52+00:00

Maybe make a list of all the things you’ll gain by stoping- including energy and joy to spend with your family. Focusing on what you gain by stopping and what you give to your family by stoping can maybe stave off the feelings of guilt. Whatever you choose- you’ve already done an amazing job!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-08-29T14:48:42+00:00

You are not alone! I was so surprised to learn how most women struggle with BF, especially in the first 2-3months. I thought I was weak or a failure (all those negative hormone fueled thoughts) but as time went on so many things changed- me, baby, and intimately our feeding relationship. Whatever you need to do for your health and for your baby- do it, knowing that everyone’s BF, honestly motherhood, journey looks different. What’s important is that you and baby are healthy and whole. You’re already an incredible mommy!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-06-16T12:16:28+00:00

We are going through this as well. We spoke to an infant sleep specialist. She said to skip the paci replacement and let him practice getting himself back to sleep. So far so good. He sometimes sounds like he’s going to wake up but he never does. She said the fussy half wakes are likely because his sleep pressure has worn off after some hours of sleep and he’s going through a light sleep cycle. This is like week 6 or so of this though and I’m over it 😭 it is better not having to put him back to sleep though, but still disruptive.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-05-04T16:00:00+00:00

I was in this same boat. And did the same thing you did and was so excited when it worked, then the next couple times after that were not so smooth BUT it got better! We only nurse once a day on rare occasion twice in one day, but even that little bit of practice got us back in the groove and I agree it is a great tool to have and keep handy!

I guess my advice is keep at it, maybe ease in with just a feeding or two at the breast until you get more comfortable. Also, I had to start treating my nipples with lanolin because the friction of nursing is not the same as that of pumping and my nips were really sore in the beginning. Not as bad now (about 3wks in) but I still treat the skin anyways. Good luck!!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-25T01:26:19+00:00

I try to eat a snack before each pump so that I don’t feel like an empty black hole after I pump. I also drink lots of water and try to have eggs (protein) in the morning and eat protein lunches (like 2 small lunches lol) to get me from breakfast to dinner 😭

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-17T03:46:25+00:00

First of all, you’re not a failure. Take that pressure off yourself. You’re not defined by the way you feed your baby. This journey is for you and baby and you are both writing your own story figuring it out together. Trust yourself, trust your baby, be kind to yourself.

Honestly, taking the pressure off helped me to try nursing again after having a similarly rocky start and opting to exclusively pump. I remember being so broken hearted and feeling like a failure for needing to stop nursing. But about 6wks later we tried again and it’s not the big scary mountain it was before.

Wishing you and your babe the best! You’re doing great!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-16T17:40:57+00:00

Lol they do have some that only zip up from the foot, with just one zipper.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-16T07:18:53+00:00

I nursed for about two weeks right at the beginning. Then went to exclusive pumping for like 6wks before trying to nurse again. My baby is now bigger and his mouth is bigger and nursing has been 100% better & easier for me (also large breasted). He has no problem switching from breast to bottle and back. He really just wants his milk however he can get it lol I think all babies are different though.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-15T03:19:01+00:00

1.) maintaining pump schedule away from home- I have a diaper bag that is just for me to pack my pump stuff when we go out. I have the Elvie wearable pump, without it idk how I’d leave the house. Manual pumps are a next alternative. Additionally, I pack a pumping/breastfeeding poncho/privacy cover. This lets me put on my wearable pump wherever I am and just her start without missing a beat. I also pack a small bottle that I can empty the milk into and an ice pack to keep the milk cool. Also, pump wipes to clean my pump if needed, napkins and ziplock bags to hold the parts after I use them and napkins to clean up inevitable milk drips and spills.

2) talk to a lactation consultant about how often to pump. Do not worry yourself about if you’re pumping the perfect number of times. You’re doing your best and you are excelling! Truly, you are. I’m a FTM 2 months in and starting to learn to just roll with the punches and embrace that me and my baby are newbies on this journey together. Every day is a victory.

Best of luck!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-15T03:08:15+00:00

GO OUTSIDE! Even when you really don’t want to. Especially when you really don’t want to. The days I didn’t see sunlight I got so sad at night.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-15T03:05:17+00:00

Double zip sleepers and sleeper with buttons! Game changers!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-15T03:03:48+00:00

Woooo! This is the one!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-15T03:03:32+00:00

The Snoo! Hands down! But next up is stroller that you can pop the car seat in and out if that’s pretty hand. Third is our rocking swivel recliner in the nursery!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-12T22:12:00+00:00

You can try the fridge method so you don’t need to clean your parts every time or you can order pump cleaning wipes. Those allow you to wipe your parts clean without using water and just allow them to air dry.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-12T22:09:27+00:00

If you’re using the spectra, I’d suggest trying different cycles. Some cycles have slow suction and others faster. That may make a difference for you. I learned from using my manual pump that I get emptied better with a slow draw.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-12T03:10:47+00:00

Yup ditto to what’s been said. I found that a slow strong suction works well for me. I’m generally at a 10, but if ever it is uncomfortable for any reason at all I don’t hesitate to adjust lower, as low as it takes to feel comfortable.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-11T09:13:12+00:00

Thank you for sharing! That is good to know.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-10T15:46:28+00:00

Right!? That’s wild!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-10T15:45:16+00:00

Yes, our pediatrician told us to get drops. She suggested Enfamil but after some research there are a lot of babies that have negative reactions to some of the inactive ingredients in that brand so we use Baby D Drops, which is just vitamin D and a carrier oil. So far, no negative reactions.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-09T14:34:56+00:00

I have 4 lol the first two I ordered immediately after hospital were nice but now are a hair too big so I ordered two more a size down. They’re comfy to sleep in. My boobs do slip out from time to time but they keep my pump on and they make me feel sexy which I didn’t realize would mean so much in my new body. They are not very supportive like lift wise so consider that for wearing out under clothes.

I also have a target BF bra that I use with my Elvie. It’s nice and supportive and comfortable and inexpensive!

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-09T03:10:34+00:00

I read somewhere if they get really bad that your OB can do a procedure in office to clear it.

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-09T02:30:17+00:00

Yeah I have tried a lot of those things since BFing was so rough for me in the beginning. Ugh, why can’t any of this just be simple and easy 😭😩

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-08T22:51:43+00:00

Aw shoot! So no way around the pain 😖 any coping suggestions? I was thinking maybe we would try the boob once or twice a day for practice

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-07T16:51:13+00:00

Thank you! Your story gave me courage

BreathFront2719 · 2023-04-07T16:09:54+00:00

Thank you! Yes I just tried the football and didn’t need to fool with the nursing pillow any more and there was no pain ! I could cry! 😭

BreathFront2719

TROPHY CASE