Topic Archive: la leche league

August 24, 2010

Breastfeeding Month 4

As second time “new mom” I am seeing some frustrating yet familiar problems I had with my first born. Getting started the second time, with Garrett, now four months, wasn’t nearly as hard as the first time around. I’m a well rehearsed veteran at this point, right?

Nolan, who is now 23 months and breastfed for 14 months, was extremely difficult to breastfeed. Flat nipples, tongue tied, and engorgement made the first three months painful and horribly difficult. No one is ready to be on the phone with you at 2:38 am to walk you through another painful latch and waiting for a let down. But just as I started to get the hang of it, it seemed that my milk supply tanked. I’d feel a let down and hear that little clicking swallow for a few minutes, then nothing. No swallow, just a cry and numerous attempts to re-latch to no avail. So frustrating!!!

The most useful information I got was from a LLL leader. With access to a pump I was able to do something called “Power Pumping.” This is where you spend an hour with your pump doing 12 minute intervals of on and off pumping. So while watching Grey’s Anatomy or a whole hour of The Office, I’d pump for twelve minutes then rest for twelve minutes, then jump back on. This is only three rounds of pumping. I did this at night as soon as the little guy went down.

Well, Nolan got through it. Now I’m working on Garrett. Here we are at four months and spending some “quality time” with my pump on the living room floor.

The difference between the first and second child is that Garrett has already been losing weight. This started before the supply problem. Right now, they’ve chalked it up to being an “active baby.” The only thing keeping me from getting excessively worried is the wet and poopy diapers I change all day, and the fact that Garrett seems to be a happy and healthy baby. The big picture looks good. As a mom, it’s my job to worry. I am confident I’ll get through this adjustment period again.

But until then, pump, drink dark beer, take fenugreek, and nurse all the time!

Episode 149 | August 4, 2009

Breastfeeding Basics

Breastfeeding Basics: What are some advantages for both mom and baby? When will your milk come in? How much and how often should you feed your newborn? When should you consider purchasing a breast pump, bottles and other breastfeeding gear? When is your window of opportunity to introduce a bottle? Plus, common breastfeeding hiccups and ways to overcome them. Is there a genetic factor? Dr. Eyla Boise, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at University California San Diego School of Medicine is this weeks breastfeeding expert.

Episode 14 | August 22, 2006

Breastfeeding: Solutions For Common Breastfeeding Problems

Sore nipples, engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, low milk supply and prior breast surgeries. Annalee Hulburt, IBCLC, RLC, Lactation Consultant is in our studio to shed some light on these issues and more. For more info and resources on Breastfeeding Solutions for Common Problems, visit Annalee’s website Breastfeeding San Diego.

Episode 13 | August 14, 2006

Breastfeeding: The Latch, Feeding Cues, Duration, Nipple Preference and Resources

Margaret Goebel IBCLC, RLC Lactation Consultant, discusses what to do and what not to do during the first days of breastfeeding: feeding cues, the correct latch, nipple preference, resources if breastfeeding is not going as planned and much, much more! Margaret is the owner of “The Sweetest Milk” Lactation Consulting business.

Episode 12 | August 8, 2006

What You Need To Know Before Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding: What to know before it’s time to breastfeed, is discussed with Carol Hunter, a La Leche League Leader. This week PregTASTIC kicks off Breastfeeding Awareness Month with the first of a four part series about breastfeeding. How breastfeeding benefits both baby and mom, tips on utilizing breastfeeding resources, misconceptions about breastfeeding and Dad’s role.