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#1
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BF advice
Hi,
We are expecting our second child soon. My wife had trouble breastfeeding our son when he was born so he was formula fed. There were many problems - my wife was anemic, the hospital screwed up the delivery in more ways than one, she had an inverted nipple, she had no support in the BF area, had PPD and the milk just didn't seem to come. We are hoping that this time around things have settled down a bit and perhaps our next child could be breastfed for at least the first 6 months. My wife will be working after 3 months or so, so if it was successful she we would have to some how manage with that. Is there anything anyone here could advice to help make this time around a success? Thanks, Ben |
#2
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BF advice
Hi - The best thing you can do to help your wife is find a good source of breastfeeding support NOW, someone who can visit in the hospital and at home if necessary for the first week or two. Meet with an IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant). As you did when choosing a pediatrician, look for one you like and you feel you can work with. Your wife can also attend La Leche League meetings right now, if she can find a group that meets at a convenient time. Both you and your wife can learn a great deal by reading this newsgroup. I can't think of any question that's NEVER been asked here, and you'll get a variety of responses leading to a consensus and excellent advice. You can continue reading it after the baby arrives, post questions on your wife's behalf, etc. I hope this helps, and I wish you all good luck and a smiling infant! --Beth Kevles http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner. |
#3
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BF advice
Ben writes:
: Hi, : We are expecting our second child soon. My wife had trouble : breastfeeding our son when he was born so he was formula fed. There were : many problems - my wife was anemic, the hospital screwed up the delivery : in more ways than one, she had an inverted nipple, she had no support in : the BF area, had PPD and the milk just didn't seem to come. We are : hoping that this time around things have settled down a bit and perhaps : our next child could be breastfed for at least the first 6 months. My : wife will be working after 3 months or so, so if it was successful she : we would have to some how manage with that. : Is there anything anyone here could advice to help make this time around : a success? : Thanks, : Ben Hi Ben, Welcome to mkb. My first advice for successful breastfeeding is to read this newsgroup. No kidding. The solution to every possbile problem is discussed here over a time of a couple of months. Second, if and when you have any problems, post the problems here and ask if anyone has seen this problem. In most cases, they have. Third, regarding getting started on breastfeeding well, the best thing is to try to achieve the best birth experience. You might well consider also subscribing to misc.kids.pregnancy and posting and reading over there for a while. PND is often the result of a birth than is not managed well by the caregivers. Fourth, regarding the inverted nipple, my wife Monika suffered from the same problem before Clara was born. This was a problem we were able to solve. I am including in this post a FAQ I wrote up based on that experience. Larry Subject: Larry's Sore/Inverted Nipple FAQ Newsgroups: misc.kids.pregnancy Larry's Flat/Inverted Nipple FAQ. I have posted this FAQ on numerous occasions in both misc.kids.pregnancy and misc.kids.breastfeeding. I have received a number of responses thanking me for raising consciousness about this possible problem. I have also received questions asking whether nipple stimulation could cause pre-term labor. The kind of nipple stimulation described in this article is less intense than, for example, orgasm from engaging in sex while pregnant. It is generally accepted medical practice practice NOT to contraindicate sex during pregnancy. For that reason, it is my opinion that there is no more reason to contraindicate the techniques I describe for correcting flat or inverted nipples. If pre-term labor has been identified as a preexisting problem or if you have a condition (multiples, for example) that predisposes you to pre-term labor, you may want to avoid the nipple stimulation described in this article. In this case, check with your care provider. On the other hand, if you are having a normal pregnancy and have no known disposition to pre-term labor, there is no reason not to use the methods described in this article. Newsgroups: misc.kids.breastfeeding Subject: inverted nipples-success stories? (long) Yet another inverted nipple sufferer posts asking advice and if anyone has had success solving the problem. I respond for three reasons. 1. To say there ought to be a FAQ on this, it IS a frequently asked question. 2. To say YES, Monika had severely inverted nipples before Clara was born. We recognized the problem WHEN she got pregnant, and we solved it. 3. To say that solving the problem is not rocket science. Solving the problem is quite simple, but like all issues of reshaping the body, it takes time! You can't go into it expecting to change overnight! First, the human body is quite elastic (stretchable) and quite plastic (reshapable) with the exception of bone, which is quite rigid. This is the first thing to note. Inverted nipples are usually a result of the ligaments along the milk ducts which run to the nipples (and the ducts themselves) as shorter than the distance from from the center of the breast where they originate to the nipple. Hence they pull in end of the nipple in toward the center of the breast, inverting it. This is the second thing to note. Since the tissue is stretchable, if you can get hold of the end of the nipple, you can pull it out to a protruding position. The problem is that as soon as you let go, it goes back to the inverted position. However, each time it goes a little less far. Pull it out 100 times and it stays out a while, pull it out 1000 times and it may stay out permanently. Ths is the third thing to note. These facts suggest a simple treatment. Pull the nipple out and hold it in a protruding position as LONG as is comfortable, then rest and do it again as soon as it is recovered from the exertion. Repeat over a period of time. And this is like both orthodontia and politics: A small force over a long period of time accomplishes more than a large force over a short period of time. Now. Some practical ways to accomplish this treatment... A. Get a hospital grade breast pump (ie: one with a strong pull) and pump on the inverted nipples. 1. You need to pump long enough to stretch the nipple out and hold it in the stretched position long enough for the internal ligaments to stretch somewhat. I would suggest at least 15-20 minutes per nipple (this is much longer than you need to pump to obtain milk after the baby is born). 2. I would suggest observing to see if the pump is pulling the nipple out to a protruding position. If not, you need to get a stronger pump or use another method. 3. I would suggest starting no later than your 30th week. This gives you 10 weeks to uninvert the nipple. 4. I would suggest at least 2 to 3 pumpings per day. If you have more time, go for it. 5. If you have not made SIGNIFICANT progress by week 36, then increase both pumping time and frequency or add another method. B. Get DH to provide the same suction. Some people may find this offensive, but I think it is more effective for two reasons. 1. It can be modified to suit the needs of the individual. 2. It is more like what the baby will do than any other method. Here is the way I would suggest proceeding, if DH helps. 1. Since this is more effective DH can suck 10-15 minutes on each breast. 2. DH should make sure to get the entire nipple and at least half of the areole in his mouth and stretch out the nipple as far as is comfortable, while massaging the deep tissue under the areole with his tongue. This encourages the ligaments and ducts to stretch out more easily. 3. Again, start by your 30th week. 4. In this case you can start with once every second or third day, and work up to every day by 33 weeks and twice a day by 36 weeks, etc. 5. I can't imagine not making progress by week 36 with this method. But again, to increase progress, increase sucking time and frequency. C. Breast Shields. This is the LEAST effective way to uninvert nipples. Why? Because it does not apply ANY force to stretch the nipple out to a protuding position, it simply presses the rest of the breast mass back. For that reason, if you choose to use this method, I would suggest starting MUCH EARLIER than with the other two. Both methods A and B can lead to sore nipples or tender breasts, expecially if they are not used to contact. In both cases I would suggest applying Lansinoh cream and waiting until the soreness subsides, at least from weeks 30 through 36. Beyond week 36 you have to trade off how much progress you have made in uninverting the nipple versus how tender you are. Another consideration is that the baby will want to nurse 8 - 10 times a day. If you can't stand sucking or pumping three times a day, you may well have pain problems feeding the baby. Better to endure a little discomfort early than a lot later on. Monika and I used method B. We actually started earlier than 30 wks because Monika was quite anxious about being able to latch the baby on if her nipples were inverted. It took us about 10 weeks to "turn them right side out." Monika had the added benefit that she suffered no nipple soreness when the baby came. This was in contrast to the 5th or 6th week of turning her out when we had to rest a day because of a tender spot or hairline crack. Why do I feel so strongly about this? 1. I am a strong breastfeeding advocate, and I hate to hear of women who want to breastfeed but can't because a. The baby can't latch onto the inverted nipple, or b. The nipple is so painful the mother can't stand to feed. I know both of the conditions can be avoided. 2. Even though we had reversed Monika's inverted nipples, Clara had difficulty latching on at first. This was quite stressful for both of us. If the nipples were still inverted it would have made the problem worse, and we may be in group 1, above. This works! If you don't believe me ask Monika ( mmcmahan at home dot com). As for the ones who have the problem, but only read this message just before the due date (or even after the baby is born), my heart goes out to you. Depending on the severity of your inversion, you may have to choose between enduring relatively more pain or not breastfeeding. However, anything you do NOW to solve the problem will be gentler than what the baby does. If the baby is already here, I would suggest using the pumping method immediately after a feeding. If the baby is latching on at all, you are probably getting all the sucking you need, and any addition may well increase the soreness. The pump can hold the nipple in place with a little less force. Good luck, Larry |
#4
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BF advice
There is a device called the nipplette that you can find if you search
for it online that will pull out flat or inverted nipples. It says not to wear it in late pg, but I did with no ill effects, and it did draw out my flat nipples. As for milk not coming in, if you do have to supplement with formula at first because the initial weight loss is too much or if the baby gets dehydrated give the supplement with a cup, syringe or supplemental nursing system. Don't use a bottle. Then, if her supply is very low there are medications you can try (domperidone or reglan). Good luck, KC Ben wrote in message ... Hi, We are expecting our second child soon. My wife had trouble breastfeeding our son when he was born so he was formula fed. There were many problems - my wife was anemic, the hospital screwed up the delivery in more ways than one, she had an inverted nipple, she had no support in the BF area, had PPD and the milk just didn't seem to come. We are hoping that this time around things have settled down a bit and perhaps our next child could be breastfed for at least the first 6 months. My wife will be working after 3 months or so, so if it was successful she we would have to some how manage with that. Is there anything anyone here could advice to help make this time around a success? Thanks, Ben |
#5
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BF advice
Ben wrote in message ... Hi, We are expecting our second child soon. My wife had trouble breastfeeding our son when he was born so he was formula fed. There were many problems - my wife was anemic, the hospital screwed up the delivery in more ways than one, she had an inverted nipple, she had no support in the BF area, had PPD and the milk just didn't seem to come. We are hoping that this time around things have settled down a bit and perhaps our next child could be breastfed for at least the first 6 months. My wife will be working after 3 months or so, so if it was successful she we would have to some how manage with that. Is there anything anyone here could advice to help make this time around a success? Thanks, Ben Yup. First, your wife should have the attitude that she is *going* to breastfeed. Not that she's going to try. It's all mental, but a positive attitued makes a big difference. Have her get a great bfding resource book; "The Nursing Mother's Companion" and "So That's What They're For!" are both excellent choices. Have her seen a lactation consultant, in the hospital if possible, they are invaluable. And, tell her that the first several weeks can be VERY hard and not to give up; it DOES get better! Good luck! laurie mommy to Jessica, 27 months and Christopher, 14 weeks *This email address is now valid* |
#6
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BF advice
Laurie wrote:
Yup. First, your wife should have the attitude that she is *going* to breastfeed. Not that she's going to try. It's all mental, but a positive attitued makes a big difference. Have her get a great bfding resource book; "The Nursing Mother's Companion" and "So That's What They're For!" are both excellent choices. Have her seen a lactation consultant, in the hospital if possible, they are invaluable. And, tell her that the first several weeks can be VERY hard and not to give up; it DOES get better! How do you find these lactation specialists? They are available in the hospital or do you have to find them before hand and they come in specially? thanks, Ben -- BTW. I can be contacted at Username:newsgroup4.replies.benaltw Domain:xoxy.net |
#7
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BF advice
Laurie wrote:
Yup. First, your wife should have the attitude that she is *going* to breastfeed. Not that she's going to try. It's all mental, but a positive attitued makes a big difference. Have her get a great bfding resource book; "The Nursing Mother's Companion" and "So That's What They're For!" are both excellent choices. Have her seen a lactation consultant, in the hospital if possible, they are invaluable. And, tell her that the first several weeks can be VERY hard and not to give up; it DOES get better! How do you find these lactation consultants? Are they available in the hospital or do you have to find them before hand and they come in specially? thanks, Ben -- BTW. I can be contacted at Username:newsgroup4.replies.benaltw Domain:xoxy.net |
#8
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BF advice
Hi - A great place to find a lactation consultant is through your pediatrician. This serves two purposes: you'll get a choice of a couple of LCs, and you'll find out whether your ped. is actually BF-friendly. (Many peds. aren't really accustomed to infants who breastfeed, so have all kinds of misinformed expectations and advice. Finding a ped. who's well-informed and supported of breastfeeding is important if you want to Bf past six weeks. Our ped. is supportive even of breastfeeding that extends for several YEARS.) --Beth Kevles http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner. |
#9
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BF advice
Larry McMahan wrote:
Ben writes: : How do you find these lactation consultants? Are they available in the : hospital or do you have to find them before hand and they come in specially? A couple of comments. The LCs associated with hospitals are often nurses will little additional training, and won't be able to help with serious problems. You could try the local La Leche League chapter, or even the yellow pages. You should look for an IBCLC certified LC, and when you find one, ask if she is IBCLC certified. This, at least, ensure a certain minimum training requirement and supervised consulting before they practice. I'll have to look into what LLLs are close by perhaps and call. Or perhaps call the hospital and ask about their qualifications there. Thanks again, Ben -- BTW. I can be contacted at Username:newsgroup4.replies.benaltw Domain:xoxy.net |
#10
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BF advice
Ben wrote: Larry McMahan wrote: Ben writes: : How do you find these lactation consultants? Are they available in the : hospital or do you have to find them before hand and they come in specially? A couple of comments. The LCs associated with hospitals are often nurses will little additional training, and won't be able to help with serious problems. You could try the local La Leche League chapter, or even the yellow pages. You should look for an IBCLC certified LC, and when you find one, ask if she is IBCLC certified. This, at least, ensure a certain minimum training requirement and supervised consulting before they practice. I'll have to look into what LLLs are close by perhaps and call. Or perhaps call the hospital and ask about their qualifications there. I found the LC that finally fixed our problem via LLL. I had attended a meeting while pregnant. There were two women there with newborns. Both had used the same LC and raved about her. I got the number and when we were in trouble, she was a tremendous help. Of the two LCs we saw at the hospital, the first was OK, the second was lousy. The LLL leader I saw after birth was pretty good, although she missed what ended up being our big problem (poor tongue positioning by DD). Good luck, Mary |
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