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Reply: Keeping up with Baby

That sounds very familiar to me!! First, I think 3 months is WAY too early to start any solds, even cereal....

Posted by kell0613

That sounds very familiar to me!!
First, I think 3 months is WAY too early to start any solds, even cereal. You should wait.
Getting 4-5 oz per pumping session sounds about normal. (FWIW, that's generally about how much I get)
There is a lot of good pumping info on www.kellymom.com
Here's my experience:
I've been pumping since DD was 8 weeks old when I went back to work. She is now 7 mos. When I first went back to work, I pumped every 2 hours. I'm not sure what your schedule is like, but if it is possible for you, I'd highly recommend that! Also, if you're the one dropping her off at daycare, leave a little early and feed her right before you leave, so she's "topped off". Tou could also ask her sitters to try not to feed her after a certain time. (I have always requested that my DD isn't fed within 1 hour of my return. So most days she's starting when I get off work, but its better for me to BF).
If you can't pump every 2 hours, the absolute longest you should go without pumping is 3 hours.
Also try to add some pumping sessions in when you're home with baby....for example, I always pump just after I put her to bed at night. Also, throw in as much pumping as you can on the weekends - if you're home and its feesible, try to pump after each feeding.
This will help you start to build up a supply, and you may be able to freeze some of the extra. Or at the very least, it will give you a few extra bags to use during the week.
Also, if she is going to a daycare, I'd recommend packaging her milk in 2-3 oz bags/bottles. The daycares in my state are required by law to throw away any breastmilk or formula not finished in a single feeding. So if your LO isn't taking all 6 oz...but say 5 oz, you're losing an ounce a feed...which if she eats 5 times while you're at work is a full bottle. I just hate the thought of anyone's breastmilk getting thrown away!
Hang in there! When you go to your Pedi for LO's 4 month checkup, be sure to tell her your concerns - be sure to let them know if it is your intention to continue breastfeeding. Some Drs will just say supplement right away. There are lots of other things you can try to stimulate your supply. Ask about solids then (My Dr advised us to start small amounts of cereal just after 4 mos)

Finally (wow this is getting long) I take Fenugreek to help stimulate my supply. It is an herb that you can take while BF and it doesn't affect the milk. The only side effect is that you can smell a little like Maple Syrup. My hubby tells me it makes him hungry for pancakes

I've heard there are teas out there too, but from what I've read different things work for different people.
If you've actually read this long - Thanks!

If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at kell0613@hotmail.com

Keep at it, you're doing a great job!!View Thread

Posted by kell0613

7 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Keeping up with Baby That sounds very familiar to me!! First, I think 3 months is WAY too early to start any solds, even cereal....

Reply: Unlatching

It actually sounds like he may just be a fast eater! 5-7 minutes may seem a little short, but he is the most...

Posted by kell0613

It actually sounds like he may just be a fast eater!

5-7 minutes may seem a little short, but he is the most efficient pump you can imagine! If he started out as a good eater, he probably has just learned how to do it quickly. Especially if he is doing 5-7 on both sides sometimes, I'm sure he is getting plenty foremilk and hindmilk. Regardless of how much/long he eats, at this stage, his tummy is really tiny. Breastmilk is digested MUCH faster than formula, so feeding him every 1.5-2 hours sounds about right. My DD is 7 months now, and those first 8-12 weeks she ate about every 1.5-2 hours. Sometimes she'd give me a break and go 3 hours, but that was rare. As long as he is gaining weight, he is getting plenty.

Yes, at this stage it does feel like all you do is BF. Stick with it. It will get much easier, I promise. There were a lot of days when I felt like I lived on the couch with the boppy around my waist. If you can make it thru this tough time, I promise it WILL get easier. Soon, he will begin to go longer in between meals, and you'll feel like you have a little more freedom. Again, I really do think it sounds like your little guy is getting plenty, and feeding him longer probably won't make him stay any fuller.

Pumping: The best option at this stage is to pump right after a feeding. Especially, if he only nurses one side, pump the other side. At 6 weeks, your body is still learning how much milk to make, and is slowly increasing the supply as your guy grows. Pumping will accelerate your supply increase. At the stage you're at, I'd be surprised if were able to pump 1 oz total after nursing (as in, that would be a lot to get) I remember getting less than 1/2 oz per side when I pumped. As young as your son is, you're still measuring food in MLs, not OZ. Make sure you aren't giving up on the pumping too soon. You should pump at least 10 minutes (but no more than 20). Even if you don't see milk coming out, keep pumping. This will stimulate more production.

I could go on and on about pumping. Let me know if you have more specific questions. (I returned to work full time when my DD was 9 weeks old, and have been pumping since day 1 in the hospital. I BF her anytime I'm with her and she has breastmilk in a bottle while I'm away. I haven't had to supplement with any formula yet, so we're happy about that!)View Thread

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Unlatching It actually sounds like he may just be a fast eater! 5-7 minutes may seem a little short, but he is the most...

Reply: Fenugreek

I've just started taking Fenugreek this week actually. My DD is 6 months and has started drinking more during...

Posted by kell0613

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Fenugreek I've just started taking Fenugreek this week actually. My DD is 6 months and has started drinking more during...

Reply: hello

Hi! My Daughter is just over 6 months old now. We are still going strong with breastfeeding! My goal is also...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:hello Hi! My Daughter is just over 6 months old now. We are still going strong with breastfeeding! My goal is also...

Reply: Breastfeeding & Periods

I think it is different for everyone. My first is 6mos old and I had a vag birth, and am exclusively...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Breastfeeding & Periods I think it is different for everyone. My first is 6mos old and I had a vag birth, and am exclusively...

Reply: One side makes more

Its somewhat normal for one side to be a better producer than the other. Just keep alternating breasts when...

Posted by kell0613

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:One side makes more Its somewhat normal for one side to be a better producer than the other. Just keep alternating breasts when...

Reply: Lacking milk

Nurse him - a lot - anytime it is possible! His suckling will stimulate your supply more than pumping ever...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Lacking milk Nurse him - a lot - anytime it is possible! His suckling will stimulate your supply more than pumping ever...

Reply: Mother in law & breast feeding

My MIL is kind of weird about it, too. She seemed almost uncomfortable being in the same room with me AT HOME...

Posted by Smithc27

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Mother in law & breast feeding My MIL is kind of weird about it, too. She seemed almost uncomfortable being in the same room with me AT HOME...

milk blisters/infections

I have this going one for about 2 months now. My daughter is going to be 1 year old on the 27th of this...

Posted by Anon_24423

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:milk blisters/infections I have this going one for about 2 months now. My daughter is going to be 1 year old on the 27th of this...

Mom's health and breastfeeding

What are signs to look for when it comes to mothers health - tenderness, fever, swelling etc? Beyond the...

Posted by An_243985

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Mom's health and breastfeeding What are signs to look for when it comes to mothers health - tenderness, fever, swelling etc? Beyond the...

Reply: Weaning help

well, I haven't weaned yet since my daughter is only 5mos. But you didn't mention how old your LO is. Just a...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Weaning help well, I haven't weaned yet since my daughter is only 5mos. But you didn't mention how old your LO is. Just a...

Breast Pump- milk in tubing

My daughter is 2 weeks old, and I am pumping after every feeding to increase my milk supply. I have the...

Posted by kerrymh

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Breast Pump- milk in tubing My daughter is 2 weeks old, and I am pumping after every feeding to increase my milk supply. I have the...

Reply: breastfeeding

There is no excuse for the way your manager treated you! That's just horrible! I don't know much about...

Posted by StarryGrrl

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:breastfeeding There is no excuse for the way your manager treated you! That's just horrible! I don't know much about...

Reply: Worried Supply is Decreasing

Do not worry about the decreasing supply, continue with the same, take proper green leaf vegetables in diet,...

Posted by daisydee76

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Worried Supply is Decreasing Do not worry about the decreasing supply, continue with the same, take proper green leaf vegetables in diet,...

Reply: breast feeding and pumping

Remember, you're going in after she's eaten (and emptied out the breast) so you're not going to get too much,...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:breast feeding and pumping Remember, you're going in after she's eaten (and emptied out the breast) so you're not going to get too much,...

Reply: can u tell me

Sorry, this is late. But, a good rule of thumb to remember when you're BF: the alcohol goes into you milk,...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:can u tell me Sorry, this is late. But, a good rule of thumb to remember when you're BF: the alcohol goes into you milk,...

Reply: One side makes more

It is totally normal! (at least for me!) My daughter is 5 months today and usually most days, my right breast...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:One side makes more It is totally normal! (at least for me!) My daughter is 5 months today and usually most days, my right breast...

Reply: Baby Choking while nursing

I agree, it is probably just a forceful let down. Your baby will be fine to eat off both breasts. Only using...

Posted by kell0613

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Baby Choking while nursing I agree, it is probably just a forceful let down. Your baby will be fine to eat off both breasts. Only using...

Colour of my baby's skin

My baby girl is 8 weeks old now. She was born with fair complexion. Im using Olive oil. Now i noticed that...

Posted by SunithaUK

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Colour of my baby's skin My baby girl is 8 weeks old now. She was born with fair complexion. Im using Olive oil. Now i noticed that...

Reply: questions from a soon to be newbie

I also have the Medela pump in style. I found some "soft shield attachments that make it MUCH more...

Posted by kell0613

I also have the Medela pump in style. I found some "soft shield
attachments that make it MUCH more comfortable to use!! I went back to work when my LO was 8 weeks old. I was away from 6:40a-4:20p everyday. I started out pumping 4 times a day (about every 2 hours) because that's when I started to get really uncomfortable. Now, DD is 4.5 months and I pump every 3 hours (3 times a day) because my supply has evened out. I'm still getting the same amount as when I pumped every 2 hours. You can keep milk in the fridge for 7 days, in a freezer that's next to the fridge (like you'd have in your kitchen) for 6 months and in a deep freezer for 12 months. (because deep freezers are at a colder temp). Try to freeze it in smaller amounts (I usually do 5-6 oz per bag) so you don't waste any when you thaw it. Once you remove it from the freezer, it has to be used within 24 hours.
You can start pumping whenever you'd like. I'd recommend introducing at least 1 bottle feeding a day at least a week before you go back to work, just to get him used to the bottle.
TIPS:
Buy a Boppy or some other nursing pillow! It is a lifesaver!!
For the first week or 2, expect to do nothing but BF. Honestly. I felt like those first 10 days all I did was eat and drink and BF. It kind of sucks at first, because it is a new experience for both your you. You're learning together. Stick with it!! It does get easier. Now, I think back on the nights when I'd be sitting on the couch crying, telling my DH I couldn't do it. And now, it seems like the easiest thing in the world and feels like I've been doing it my whole life.
Finally, try to resist the urge to supplement with formula. Your milk may take a couple days to fully come in, and that's normal! Its a supply and demand thing, so anything you supplement tells your body you don't need to make as much milk.
Good luck!!View Thread

Posted by kell0613

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:questions from a soon to be newbie I also have the Medela pump in style. I found some "soft shield attachments that make it MUCH more...

Reply: Spiting up with breast feeding what to do?

She most likely isn't spitting up as much as you think she is. My daughter is 4.5 months and still spits up...

Posted by kell0613

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Spiting up with breast feeding what to do? She most likely isn't spitting up as much as you think she is. My daughter is 4.5 months and still spits up...

Reply: overnight fussiness

My son is 7 weeks old today and we are experiencing the same thing. I call it "fighting sleep" because he...

Posted by ktaylor11

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:overnight fussiness My son is 7 weeks old today and we are experiencing the same thing. I call it "fighting sleep" because he...

Reply: HELP PLEASE!!! 3 mth old's BM

Totally normal. Make sure you are burping her well after every feeding, that helps with the gas.

Posted by ButterflyBaby1107

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:HELP PLEASE!!! 3 mth old's BM Totally normal. Make sure you are burping her well after every feeding, that helps with the gas.

Reply: Pressure from ppl to quit breast feeding?

My baby is almost 3 weeks old. Breast feeding is the most amazing thing I have ever done. I love that I can...

Posted by peanut_1991

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Pressure from ppl to quit breast feeding? My baby is almost 3 weeks old. Breast feeding is the most amazing thing I have ever done. I love that I can...

Reply: If the other side of my breast is bigger than the ...

The size difference is common when you have a side preference. If you nurse on both sides equally it would...

Posted by mathgypsy2

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:If the other side of my breast is bigger than the other one due to breastfeeding. The size difference is common when you have a side preference. If you nurse on both sides equally it would...

Reply: How much longer?

my first daughter nursed for 16 months. dd #2 is 8 months old and still nursing a lot. i plan on nursing for...

Posted by lucy4219

19 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:How much longer? my first daughter nursed for 16 months. dd #2 is 8 months old and still nursing a lot. i plan on nursing for...

Reply: HELP! fussiness while nursing

you want to lean back enough that baby is almost laying on your chest. the slight pressure from baby on your...

Posted by lucy4219

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:HELP! fussiness while nursing you want to lean back enough that baby is almost laying on your chest. the slight pressure from baby on your...

help PLESA!!! 3 mth old's BM

my daughter is 3 mths old, breastfeed. I'm concerned because she is soooooo gas-y and farts all the time,...

Posted by vanessagw23

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:help PLESA!!! 3 mth old's BM my daughter is 3 mths old, breastfeed. I'm concerned because she is soooooo gas-y and farts all the time,...

Prolong menstrual bleeding

Hi, I've been breastfeeding for 9 months now (yay!), about two months ago I began to get my period back. ...

Posted by tatum238

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Prolong menstrual bleeding Hi, I've been breastfeeding for 9 months now (yay!), about two months ago I began to get my period back. ...

Is it safe?

I just drank a cup of lemon echinacea throat tea and then saw the label that said do not drink if breast...

Posted by lovevdj

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This Discussion Report This | Share this:Is it safe? I just drank a cup of lemon echinacea throat tea and then saw the label that said do not drink if breast...

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