Moms to be Part 4

[phragmipedium]

IIR, at this point you should be able to pump more then she needs. I remember getting about 14oz of BM the first time I pumped.

The thing I learned about BFing is that the first week is crucial in establishing your supply. If you don't stimulate it enough, your body won't make as much. You need to be pumping at least every 3-4 hours (some say every 2-3) and once at night. Here is a great article from Kelly Mom.

There are several ways to stimulate your breasts to get more milk: Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle to name a few. One or more may work for you. GL - you are doing a great thing for your baby!

kpm, I am getting more uncomfortable too. It seems earlier than with DD#1. Maybe its because I got big quick. I hope that part slows down.

Thanks for the advice! I have had a breast reduction and I think that could be impacting the amount I make. I generally only get between 1-1.5 ounces at a time, depending on how often I do it - I get about 6 ounces a day. I have been trying to do it every 3-4 hours but sometimes depending on what's going on it's longer. I also do it 1-2 times at night. I think I may just not be able to do it exclusively because of the reduction, but that's okay. I am going to try to be better about doing it on the 3-4 hour schedule and I also think I'm going to try a size-up breastshield (I'm using a Lactina Select). It's hard to tell what size to get but I think the medium might be just a bit too small.

 

[TSRE]

How long can Braxton-Hicks last for (not coming and going, but just one)? That probably was it - I never had them with my other two, even at the end, so I wouldn't recognize them. I handle regular everyday stress, even somewhat intense stress pretty well, but apparently not seeing-a-bear stress!

kpm, I am getting more uncomfortable too. It seems earlier than with DD#1. Maybe its because I got big quick. I hope that part slows down.

Ditto, or I will truly be a whale by the end of this whole thing!!

Hey ladies....not much new going on here. We are starting to work on the baby's room (actually both kids will share for a bit so we are re-arranging). I am feeling really uncomfortable and I don't remember being like this when I was pregnant with DD. Less than 10 weeks to go though!!!

Wow, less than 10 weeks - hope it flies by for you!

Thanks for the advice! I have had a breast reduction and I think that could be impacting the amount I make. I generally only get between 1-1.5 ounces at a time, depending on how often I do it - I get about 6 ounces a day. I have been trying to do it every 3-4 hours but sometimes depending on what's going on it's longer. I also do it 1-2 times at night. I think I may just not be able to do it exclusively because of the reduction, but that's okay. I am going to try to be better about doing it on the 3-4 hour schedule and I also think I'm going to try a size-up breastshield (I'm using a Lactina Select). It's hard to tell what size to get but I think the medium might be just a bit too small.

I think it's great that you are trying - and whatever mix you eventually end up with will be fine.


Today is my halfway point - 20 weeks to go 20 weeks of really hot summer - aack! Summer weather usually really ends here around Halloween - a whole 2 days before my due date. I think I am going to live in my sister's pool for the summer.

 

[Nette]

How long can Braxton-Hicks last for (not coming and going, but just one)? That probably was it - I never had them with my other two, even at the end, so I wouldn't recognize them. I handle regular everyday stress, even somewhat intense stress pretty well, but apparently not seeing-a-bear stress!

I've had BH that last for several minutes. Though, when I "got to" visit L&D last weekend, they said I was having real contractions interspersed too... So don't take my word for it, I obviously can't tell the diff between BH and "real" contractions.

Ditto, or I will truly be a whale by the end of this whole thing!!

I'm definitely a whale. I've gained 37 lbs! Thankfully it's all belly, and we're having another u/s done on Friday to check my amniotic fluid, which doctor thinks might be high... Which reminds me I was going to go look up what it means if that is the case.... hmmmm.

Today is my halfway point - 20 weeks to go 20 weeks of really hot summer - aack! Summer weather usually really ends here around Halloween - a whole 2 days before my due date. I think I am going to live in my sister's pool for the summer.

Hooray for 1/2 way... Boooo Hisssssssss for hot summer weather. Enjoy the pool. I know I am enjoying ours!

 

[LaurenLC]

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

 

[Nette]

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

Congrats!!!

 

[irisbud]

Congratulations LaurenLC!

 

[sunlover13]

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

Congrats!

 

[WDWorBUST]

Congratulations Lauren!!

 

[vettechick99]

Thanks for the advice! I have had a breast reduction and I think that could be impacting the amount I make. I generally only get between 1-1.5 ounces at a time, depending on how often I do it - I get about 6 ounces a day. I have been trying to do it every 3-4 hours but sometimes depending on what's going on it's longer. I also do it 1-2 times at night. I think I may just not be able to do it exclusively because of the reduction, but that's okay. I am going to try to be better about doing it on the 3-4 hour schedule and I also think I'm going to try a size-up breastshield (I'm using a Lactina Select). It's hard to tell what size to get but I think the medium might be just a bit too small.

Ooooh! That might make a difference. Have you googled breastfeeding with breast reduction? Try some of those supplements also. You can order them online. But even 6oz of BM is something to be proud of!

How long can Braxton-Hicks last for (not coming and going, but just one)? That probably was it - I never had them with my other two, even at the end, so I wouldn't recognize them. I handle regular everyday stress, even somewhat intense stress pretty well, but apparently not seeing-a-bear stress!

Ditto, or I will truly be a whale by the end of this whole thing!!

How long do they last at a time? Normally less than a minute for me (I get several every day and have since about 14 weeks or so). But I had one the other day that lasted almost an hour. I think you only need to be concerned when they are painful or come frequently and often. Anyone else know for sure?

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

Congratulations on your new little one! I can't wait to see pictures.

 

[Nette]

How long do they last at a time? Normally less than a minute for me (I get several every day and have since about 14 weeks or so). But I had one the other day that lasted almost an hour. I think you only need to be concerned when they are painful or come frequently and often. Anyone else know for sure?

I hope someone answers this question... I keep reading and the L&D nurse told me that if they hurt I should go back in. But they hurt more times than not. Is it unbearable? No. Hurt is such a relative term... I have a fairly high tolerance for pain I've found out... They also say if the contractions are regular you need to go in... but my mom swears that none of her contractions were EVER regular. I'm so confused it's not funny. I'm waiting for a real sign like my water breaking.

 

[leith78]

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

Congrats!!

 

[leith78]

I hope someone answers this question... I keep reading and the L&D nurse told me that if they hurt I should go back in. But they hurt more times than not. Is it unbearable? No. Hurt is such a relative term... I have a fairly high tolerance for pain I've found out... They also say if the contractions are regular you need to go in... but my mom swears that none of her contractions were EVER regular. I'm so confused it's not funny. I'm waiting for a real sign like my water breaking.

I would go back in, or at least give the doc a call to find out what to do. Good luck!

 

[TSRE]

Congrats Lauren Hope you are enjoying these first few weeks

Now that you say the BH lasted an hour for you, Vettechick, I am thinking that is what it was. It didn't feel like the contractions I remember, but honestly my memory is a little fuzzy after so long. My memory of contractions mainly consists of "ouch" (times a million). I'm not worried about it as I am fine now and the baby is kicking, but I was very curious as it was new to me. I have a policy of not looking stuff like that up online - just scare myself - so thanks for the answers here!

Nette, I can't remember if this is your first? If it is, I would say that when it is real, you'll just know. I have a high pain tolerance also, but I remember with my first that even though the contractions weren't super regular at first, the pain was something I had not felt before, and when I called the doctor that time, it seemed like she could hear it in my voice - she told me to come in after about 30 seconds of talking to me. Just my experience, anyway.

 

[Pollito916]

We did find out! She named him Axl which is not what we were going to use. Obviously. So our top pick is a keeper. Now trying to pick a middle name is tough. We want something with meaning to us, not just something that flows well.

That's good that they didn't use your name for their son. Also glad to know you're not planning to name your daughter Axl! (No offense to anyone that thinks that IS a good name for a little girl!)

I am feeling really uncomfortable and I don't remember being like this when I was pregnant with DD. Less than 10 weeks to go though!!!

I am so much more uncomfortable with this pregnancy too, don't know what it is, the extra years or the extra pounds! I also got bigger much faster with this one.

Today is my halfway point - 20 weeks to go 20 weeks of really hot summer - aack! Summer weather usually really ends here around Halloween - a whole 2 days before my due date. I think I am going to live in my sister's pool for the summer.

Ugh, I hear you on the summer heat! Summer doesn't end here until October either, and it's already up past 100 degrees again, and probably won't drop until October! Thank goodness for a/c!

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

Congratulations!!! What a long labor to still end in c-section. Can't wait to see pics!

 

[kpm76]

I am so much more uncomfortable with this pregnancy too, don't know what it is, the extra years or the extra pounds! I also got bigger much faster with this one.

No kidding! I keep saying I am 3 yrs older and boy do I feel it...haha

Congrats Lauren!! Hope you are enjoying your little girl

 

[Nette]

Nette, I can't remember if this is your first? If it is, I would say that when it is real, you'll just know. I have a high pain tolerance also, but I remember with my first that even though the contractions weren't super regular at first, the pain was something I had not felt before, and when I called the doctor that time, it seemed like she could hear it in my voice - she told me to come in after about 30 seconds of talking to me. Just my experience, anyway.

This is my second, but my first was nearly 8 years ago. I thought a few times with the first that I was going into labor from contractions, but I never was... My water finally broke on it's own at 4 am one morning, and by 7 am I was having serious contractions, but I really can't remember how bad they were... I remember the transition contractions though! Those were horrible.

 

[Piecey]

Nette, I can't remember if this is your first? If it is, I would say that when it is real, you'll just know. I have a high pain tolerance also, but I remember with my first that even though the contractions weren't super regular at first, the pain was something I had not felt before, and when I called the doctor that time, it seemed like she could hear it in my voice - she told me to come in after about 30 seconds of talking to me. Just my experience, anyway.

I didn't feel any contractions until after I was a 5... and I was on Pitocin for 7 hours before I got to a 5.
I had several "stays" in L&D with Lucas due to gallbladder attacks... I started having the attacks nightly and the pain (from the gallbladder) got so bad I finally went in for a shot of Demerol. Turns out I was having contractions.. they think the contractions was what caused my attacks. I didn't feel them... I ended up in L&D 3 times that week for pain meds, each time I was having contractions and never felt them.

I went into the hospital for IV fluids just a few weeks ago and turns out I was having contractions. I only got to 1, so they weren't hard core contractions, but they were 'real' as opposed to BH. Didn't have a clue. They almost had to give me preterm labor drugs to stop them, too.

I'm not sure why exactly I don't feel them, but I'm just offering up another experience. It's possible to be having *real* contractions and honestly have no idea.
It's happened to me several times.

 

[kpm76]

I'm not sure why exactly I don't feel them, but I'm just offering up another experience. It's possible to be having *real* contractions and honestly have no idea.
It's happened to me several times.

Same here. I am not claiming to be Superwoman, but I know I have a very high pain threshold. I was induced with DD and even with Pitocin I can't say I remember contractions being awful. It just felt like intense tightening but it was still manageable....hope this time is as easy

 

[cmskok]

Thank you so much for that kind offer! I think things are going pretty well, though I don't know if the amount I produce is normal or low. About a quarter of what she eats comes from breastmilk, though I haven't pumped as often as I probably should. I think if I did it every couple hours I'd still just be making about half what she needs, but my output might increase if I did it more frequently too. Anyway, I'll always welcome advice. I hope things are going well for your family.

Harper seems to be doing great! She's a very happy baby. We have her next ped appt tomorrow morning. She's already getting too big too fast for me, at 11 days old.

Please don't worry about supply. My DS was 7 weeks early and I pumped for 6 weeks straight and I averaged 1-2 oz. per breast..very little...at 6 weeks, he learned to latch and then he breastfed exclusively forever (or at least it seemed that way). My dd was born at 9#6oz and I still could only pump that little bit and she also breastfed exclusively. You can tell if they are not getting enough if they are not gaining weight, don't measure by how much you are pumping. Some women are super milk producers and I was a just enough milk producer. My kids both thrived. Good Luck!!!

 

[cmskok]

Hello all!
We welcomed a beautiful, healthy, baby girl into the world on Tuesday, June 8 at 5:25 am weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz and measuring 18 inches! She is a little peanut, but with the exception of being a little jaundice she is just perfect!
I went into the hospital Sunday afternoon at 5:30 to begin the induction process, but after 33 hours of 'labor' I never progressed past 3 and ended up with a c-section. We came home from the hospital late Friday afternoon and have been sooooo happy at home!
I hope that everyone is doing well.... I will attempt to post a few pictures later!

WooHoo! Congrats on your sweet baby girl!

I get you on the 33 hours then c...When I had my DD I was in 20ish hours, progresses to 9, then c.....I was so hoping to see it through the regular way, but when I saw how large she was, I figured that would have hurt!!!

Have a wonderful day!