Breastfeeding and Pumping: Bigger Breast Issues

Hello my fellow momma’s,

Having bigger breast unless they are super perky makes breastfeeding and pumping more difficult. I honestly can say my breasts aren’t perky and when I had my baby I had a very different view of what breastfeeding would look like.

There are so many pictures out there of moms feeding their little ones and still doing other tasks. I found that I have to hold my baby and the breast that is being fed from. If I was to not hold it, the breast slides and the nipple pops out of the mouth. If my baby is tired enough a nursing pillow will work to support her so I can get one hand free.

As for pumping I have a similar issue. I find that if I’m going to use a single or hand pump, I have to hold my breast. Luckily I have a nursing bra for when I’m double pumping. Although I find I still need to hold the bottles in a certain position to help the flow.

So, the only advice I can give you is get a really good nursing pillow and nursing bra.

All underlined words are links to products I personally use. They are also affiliate links. Photographs from Pexels

Colic Relief

Disclaimer: Not A Paediatrician, just a mom!

It is amazingly hard and frustrating to have a colicky baby. I know from my own experience with it. My baby has been colicky since I brought her home almost eight weeks ago. For those parents out there struggling with a colicky baby I feel for you.

Symptoms

  • inconsolable crying (over 3 hours)
  • enlarged stomach
  • clenched fists
  • bringing legs to stomach
  • screaming
  • red face after crying
  • usually over 3 days a week

Causes

  • acid reflux
  • gas pains
  • overstimulation
  • allergies (cows milk protein) formula fed
  • allergies and sensitivity from mothers diet (caffeine, medication)
  • tabacco exposure

Relief

  • Probiotics
  • Warm baths
  • Gas medication (gripe water or Boiron Cocyntal)
  • Leg bicycles (puts pressure on stomach relieving gas)
  • Switching formula or watching what you eat

The most effective thing I use for colic is baby probiotics. Starting with 3-4 drops for five days till they are used to it as can cause diarrhea. Then move up to the recommended 5 drops a day.

Lots of people say to use gripe water, but I found that it either didn’t work or took a long time to kick in. My absolute favourite, quick acting medicine is Boiron Cocyntal Colic Relief. Usually one vial works almost immediately. The most I’ve had to give her is two in one colic session. It is easy to give baby and is all individually packaged in exact amounts.

My other suggestion is warm baths. I bath my baby every other day at this age to help with her colic. It reliefs any gas or stomach pains. If your babies colic is mild try the bath first. Also massage bicycles help push the gas out. Here’s a how to YouTube clip!

All underlined words are links to products I personally use. They are also affiliate links. Photographs from Pexels

Types Of Baby Carrier’s

Carriers are in order from my least to most favourite. I personally tried the stretchy wrap and multi-use carrier with my newborn.

The stretchy wrap did not work for me. I had the DaisyGro Luxury Wrap. It was hard to use, took way to long to get on and tied properly. My baby did not like it as it did not support her neck properly.

The multi-use carrier I personally love but wish it was more cuddly. I have the lillibaby complete. It has great lumbar support for parents and is easy to put on. Some other features include multi-position, rain hood for babies, pocket and safety strap.

All wraps vary by seller. Common weight limit 2lbs – 35lbs. Usually one or two carrying positions. Harder to use and less supportive than most carriers. Have to learn wraps.

Three carrying positions. Have to learn the wraps. Much more supportive than a stretchy wrap. 7lbs to 50lbs (infant – 4 years) weight limit depending on seller.

Easy to use. Two carrying positions. 8-35 lbs weight limit.

Supportive, preformed carrier that comes in multiple sizes. Weight limit 8lbs – 35lbs. Three carrying positions. Easy to put on. Better support of baby than a wrap but with the same cuddle ability.

Supportive, preformed carrier. Weight limit 7lbs – 45lbs with six carrying positions. Easy to use and adjustable straps to fit multiple sizes.

All underlined words are linked to products with highest ratings. They are also affiliate links. Photographs from Pexels

Struggling with Pumping Caused Tantrums

No one ever told me it would be this hard to find time to pump or that my baby would hate me “stealing” milk. I exclusively breastfeed my baby. I want to be able to pump for when someone else is watching her, but I have a particularly fussy baby so that rarely happens.

I’ve tried using the Haakaa pump while feeding her but she just won’t latch and cries till I remove it. After I manage to get time to pump, using my Medela electric pump. My little one will want to feed right away. She will throw a huge crying tantrum and refuse to latch for longer than a minute at a time. As there is still milk but she has to do more work to get it.

My only hope is to calm her enough to sleep. Sometimes her soother helps. For any other parents with a similar issue, I feel for you. It is very frustrating when a baby just won’t feed. It personally makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong by pumping. When all I want is to have a stock pile so she always has food.

It is very discouraging to the point I can be in tears over it. I know I don’t make time as often as I should to pump. Even though it’s hard, don’t give up on finding time to pump momma’s. Get one of your support people to watch your baby even if you only pump for ten minutes once a day. Eventually it adds up.

Adding breast milk from different sessions together and then freezing it seems to work best for me as I don’t have a lot of out put. As long as I can get 2oz. to freeze in a week I feel like less of a failure. I know it isn’t a lot but it gives me peace of mind that I can have someone else watch my child and feed her.

I hope knowing someone else is struggling with the same issues helps other mothers not feel alone. Hopefully this post helps some momma’s to keep trying. We shouldn’t feel bad for being dishearten. Being a parent is f**king hard.

All underlined words are links to products I personally use. They are also affiliate links. Photographs from Pexels

Hospital Bag Essentials

Honestly, I googled and googled this topic but when it came time most of the stuff I bought with me I didn’t use. Here is what I did need though.

For Yourself and Support Person

  • Medical ID
  • A night gown or really loose pj’s
  • A loose outfit to go home in
  • Adult diaper
  • Socks
  • Charging cord and phone
  • Tooth brush and paste
  • Mini shampoo and conditioner
  • Hair bands

For Baby

  • Two different size baby outfits
  • Baby blanket
  • Car seat
  • Name card for announcement photographs

The hospital will supply diapers and wipes for the baby and will let you take some home with you. They also supply mothers with pads and mesh panties with lots of spares. Also, make sure you ask if you can take the babies hospital blanket home with you. It’s a great keepsake!

What Do You Need In Your Diaper Bag?

Once you have chosen your perfect bag filling it becomes the next tedious task. What if you forget something you need? Over fill it with stuff you don’t? Worries of any parent. Here is what you really need.

The Essentials

Anything else you need will depend on age and amount of time you will be out. Such as a bottle or toys.

Extras:

  • Hair bands
  • Chapstick
  • Spare panties
  • Mints
  • A toy
  • A pen
  • Snacks and water

All underlined words are links to products I personally use. They are also affiliate links. Photographs from Pexels

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