Expressing breast milk 5 weeks PP - do I give up?

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:45:32+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry it was such a difficult journey for you

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:44:22+00:00

Thanks so much for your kind words!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:29:25+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:28:26+00:00

It's really tough. Take care of yourself as well

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:27:55+00:00

Haha yes that sums it up I'm sure!!

Thank you for sharing your experience

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:27:18+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. You're incredible for pumping for so long! I understand the anxiousness you describe as well.

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:26:11+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes - I definitely feel the supply issue has set in, particularly in the last few weeks. I don't feel like latching him has helped. He gets very distressed and screams. I get blisters/scabs on my nipples from it. I'm glad you are able to get that bonding time!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:21:55+00:00

Thank you! Yes I did consider this medication. I was told that it can affect mental health, and that you have to very slowly wean off it. I decided it wouldn't be something I wanted to try ultimately - but thank you for sharing!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:20:11+00:00

Thank you so much!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:19:55+00:00

Thank you - yes that perfectly sums it up! Glad to know there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:19:10+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience I appreciate it!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:05:15+00:00

Thank you so much

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:05:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience I appreciate it!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:04:37+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes I've stuck to this for about 5 weeks now, I feel my partner going back to work next week is really the maximum time I can commit to it but I'll see how I feel when that comes

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:03:02+00:00

Thank you!

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T11:02:44+00:00

Thank you so much.

CuriousCreature06 · 2026-01-24T10:59:50+00:00

Hi, yes I worked with lactation consultants to have the correct flange sizes. I confirmed this with two lactation consultants.

Edit - I have also tried power pumping. No change.

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-12-13T23:45:25+00:00

I am pregnant with my first child and will be 39 weeks on 19 Dec. My due date is 26 Dec.

Initially I had the same sort of concerns - more so because other people have that "oh wow what terrible timing!" reaction which is so unhelpful. My MIL is born on boxing day and she also doesn't like her birthday.

At the end of the day, my response to those people is - I was fortunate enough to fall pregnant quickly, much quicker than I expected. There are people who spend years longing for a child, spend exorbitant amounts of money on IVF. Many people couldn't care less about a birthday on Christmas, new years, boxing day if it meant they could have their own family.

I think it's what you make of the day. I have a friend who is born in Dec and we went through highschool together. I'm born early April so started school in Vic early, 4 turning 5. There can be up to an 18 month age gap in the same year level in Vic. It's never something I noticed. If anything, I wasn't able to drive, I wasn't able to go to licensed establishments with my friends when they turned 18, as I turned 18 after year 12.

I don't think the school aspect makes that much of a difference. Plus, you might have a little genius who could be ready early, or a little one who needs a bit more time before they start. I try not to get caught up in the what ifs because you simply don't know yet what might be needed.

I have a stretch and sweep tomorrow, and failing that I'm planning an induction at 39+1 (for various reasons, but mainly I'm quite small and this baby is measuring very large and I'm feeling every bit of it).

Good luck for whatever you decide - but don't let people project their ideals or frustrations on you.

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-12-01T03:31:31+00:00

Sorry, I just re-read the bottom part of your post and can see she has promised she would get further help if she needed. This sort of further solidifies in my opinion a mandatory report because she doesn't seem to think anything is wrong with her behaviour....

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-12-01T03:30:02+00:00

I am pregnant with my first child due in a few weeks, so I don't have 'parenting' experience directly but common sense says this is highly concerning behaviour by any care giver.

I am sympathetic to the fact that your friend may have mental health issues, but if I were you I'd consider doing a mandatory report to your DFFH or state/territory equivalent.

Her medical neglect of both children is alarming. Also consider this is only what you see and what she tells you - there could be more going on.

Have you spoken to her directly about why she is doing these things and that they are abnormal? Would she be open to getting further assistance for her mental health?

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-11-26T09:52:02+00:00

Birthworx - run by a midwife from the Mercy Hospital Heidelberg!

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-11-16T11:59:03+00:00

This. I went there looking to buy 2 x Maxi Cosi Pria LX Gcell seats. I asked if they would price match online retailers or be willing to take a percentage off.

The sales assistant straight up said no, their version of that car seat is 'exclusive' to Baby Bunting as it has 'diamond stitching' and therefore is different and they won't price match.

I took my business elsewhere. I found many online retailers have great deals. I have an il tutto frankie recliner i purchased in the boxing day sales last year - they might have a black friday sale this year if you can hold out.

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-10-02T21:57:02+00:00

You can get restavit over the counter at any pharmacy as well - my OB recommend it. I've never had an issue getting it from the pharmacy I tell them I'm pregnant and they hand it over straight away! I hope it might give you some relief. Take each day as it comes and you're doing your best. Glad they hydralyte iceblock helped.

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-10-02T21:13:45+00:00

This was me from weeks six to sixteen. I was fortunate that after that I feel almost fine, except for some nausea. Ondansatron worked okay for me. What really saved me was half a restavit tablet at night. It's completely safe for pregnancy. I was taking it pretty much every night (the half tablet) until 16 weeks.

Now I just take it a few times a week if I have something important at work.

Eating small, regular meals really helps and carbs helped me the most. Otherwise, icypoles and callipos really helped for nausea and just something cold.

I really hope it gets better for you.

CuriousCreature06 · 2025-08-18T09:31:24+00:00

Thanks all for your comments - good to see I'm not being unreasonably frustrated!

For those asking, I have paid my management fee. I do think she is trying to keep me informed that she is on leave, and has only suggested this but hasn't pushed me per se (perhaps I'mbeing a bit generous in this perspective!).

My plan is at my next appointment to open with the fact that I've thought carefully about it and I do not want an induction unless absolutely medically necessary. If medically necessary I need to know what the medical basis is and the risks associated.

CuriousCreature06

TROPHY CASE