Breastfeeding Question! - Sugar Land,TX

Hi T.,

First of all, congratulations on your new baby and Kudos for breastfeeding! It is hard to trust your body when you cannot see and mentally be in total control of what you are giving your baby, but please do continue to trust your body! Whether you beleive in evolution or creation, if one thing is certain, neither God nor nature is wrong on this one. You were made perfectly to be able to meet the needs of your baby. I am a trained lactation consultant and I am absolutely certain that no matter what you are eating, you are giving your baby a better time than if you were giving her formula.

To calm your fears a little, did you know that formula's chemical make-up is actually more fitting for a cow baby than a human? Formula can lead to type 1 Diabetes, obesity, necrocide of the digestive cells... and babies who drink formula have a differenty chemical make-up of their brains than nursed babies. I won't go on, but breastfeeding IS the best thing you can do, if you have the luxury of being able to do so. (I do know that not all moms have that luxury and most babies who are bottle fed do fine. I'm not judgemental about this. That doesn't change the fact that mama milk is infinately better for a baby than formula).

With that said, breastfeeding does require some effort from baby. Mine liked sucking, but they gagged when the let down happend until they were a couple of months old. But they got the hang of it and everything worked out in time. Burping and switching breasts is a good thing to do. Trusting your intuition is a great thing to do! And don't worry about the hind milk. What you and your baby come to agree on is what is right for you! She'll get that. When she's done with the second breast, just switch her back. The fat in the hind milk tells baby that she's full and she can doze off or get on with her life. If she's not getting enough, she'll still want to nurse. Her body knows when she's gotten enough fat. Her body is an amazing little thing.

The BM issues are perfectly normal. Please do not worry another second about that. I always wondered if that hurt them, but that's just what babies do so I'm trusting that there is good reason for it.

Just to put it in perspective, could you imagine if your brain had to oversee her gestational development from a ball of cells to the human you hold now? How badly would that worry us? Breastfeeding is an extention of her development. You don't have to worry about it. God or nature or whatever you believe in has already made you both perfectly able to handle it all without any worry from your brain.

And, btw, your fears are perfectly normal, too. :)

Congratulations again!

U.

3 moms found this helpful

Okay. You are doing great. Here is my two cents on what you eat, it mostly doesn't make a big deal. My daughter is allergic to cow milk, wheat and eggs and I eat all these things and breast milk never bothered her. As long as she is growing and making her mile stones, don't worry. As far as the rash goes, my little ones always developed a rash when they started teething. And it was early (started teething at 2.5 months and first tooth erupted at 4 months). One thing you may try, it feed on alternating breasts for each feeding (ie, right for this one, left for the next). This will help getting the hind milk and also will help increase your milk supply. To keep track, you can tie a ribbon on you bra strap on the side you fed on. Way to go . You are doing really well.

3 moms found this helpful

Congrats on the birth of a healthy girl and congrats that you are doing breastfeeding.

I can say that, with my first child, I was "questioning everything" too! ;) First, I haven't heard anything in your post that doesn't sound normal! One thing to keep in mind that really helped my worrying is that your baby girl can get a lot of breastmilk even when it seems she is only breastfeeding a short 10 minutes (someone told me that breastfeeding for 20 minutes was the normal, I'm glad she wasn't totally right, it's just different for everyone). If she is gaining weight, not acting sickly, not waiting more than 5 hours between feeds (during the day), and pees every day, you should not worry so.

I suggest joining a local La Leche League group (see http://www.llli.org/ for a lot of information, references to documents / articles / books, and for an index of US groups so you can see if there is one which meets close to home. Some people didn't enjoy this type of group, but I really did. The Leaders are accredited by this international organization and kept up-to-date.

When people around you pipe up with the "what did you eat" question, don't hesitate to be assertive. Sometimes a reply isn't expected! If you feel you would like to answer, you can always say something like 'gee, I wonder what if that might have been because of something I ate?!' What I did, personally, is remind myself that most people are 1) just curious and 2) haven't been around a breastfed baby!

When you find her squirming, you might check to see if your arm has relaxed enough that she no longer has her mouth lined up correctly. Try a rolled up towel or a couch pillow to give your arm enough support that you keep her up in position. You may find that the medicine for reflux has the side of effect of flatulation (gas). You might check with the paper that came with it or with your pharmicist (the pharmicists are always encouraging customers to ask!).

Take heart and keep it up a little longer more.

Good luck!
D.

2 moms found this helpful

Congrats on your baby girl and wtg mom for breastfeeding!

Noisy or fussy BMs sound normal to me. I'm assuming they are a normal color (mustard seed looking, as opposed to green and mucousy).

It is common for newborns have white bumps or milia, but they usually disappear in the first few months. My daughter actually has keratosis pillars which is benign but causes little bumps on her cheeks. Heat rash can also cause red bumps. If you are worried it can't hurt to have it checked out by your pediatrician.

My daughter was antsy at the beginning of feedings- arching her back, fussing, turning her head and it turned out I had overactive letdown. When she was a newborn I would detach initially and let the overspray jet into a burp cloth. I also switched to only using one breast per feeding. I also had to burp her halfway though each feeding or she would get fussy and spit- up (as opposed to her brother who practically burped himself). When she was older she didn't have any problems keeping up.

Check out your local La Leche League group- they are a great resource for breast-feeding info and suport. https://llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVSepOct95p71.html

2 moms found this helpful

T.,

First of all, breathe. Second of all, give yourself a break. In interpreting others' words as criticism towards you and your diet, it shows that you are feeling overwhelmed by it all. It's tough to have such great responsibility. And yet, try to feel into the connection and beauty that exists in the process of feeding your baby. How amazing is it that our children can grow and thrive just from the milk we produce. Try to feel into this magical place more and the place of worry about "doing it right" less.

Breastfeeding can be difficult and painful and downright discouraging when it's not going smoothly. I have an almost 7-month old son. There have been moments when I've felt like throwing in the towel, because of a clogged duct or it's the middle of the night and he's having trouble latching on..whatever it is that particular moment. Then I just have to take a deep breath and remember that this time will not last forever and that providing my son with the best nutrition possible (which for me means breastfeeding) is important. Every mom/parent has to decide what works for their lives too. For some that means deciding not to breastfeed. There's no judgment here. :)

Now, after saying all that, I also want to say that there are things that can cause colic (abdominal discomfort/cramps) which may be the reason your daughter is doing lots of grunting. YOu might try eliminating some of those foods for a while just to see if it helps. Below is some advice offered by a loving post-partum counselor who helped me tremendously in adjusting to motherhood and breastfeeding...

Foods that may cause digestive upset: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, onion, garlic, lentils, beans, soy & soy products, peanuts, spicy food, milk, cheese, chocolate, coffee.

Your baby's digestion track in new. Keeping your food simple for the first few months helps you and your baby adjust to being nourished together. Adding one new food at a time makes it easy to learn how your baby feels about the new food. Giving 24 to 48 hours between foods at least.

Some ideas of what to eat:
oatmeal, soaked almonds, maple syrup, quinoa pasta, brown rice pasta, avocado, squash and other veggies, eggs, yogurt, fish, chicken, red meat, fruit, whole grains (quinoa, millet, barley and brown rice), bread, sprouted bagels (good protein and quick easy food), sea vegetables, non-gassy soups, oat and rice milk (oat milk brings in mama's milk!)

Keep it simple. Eat often. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Be patient with yourself.

1 mom found this helpful

Oh I know the first couple months of breastfeeding are such an adjustment! It does get so much better and easier. My son had reflux too, so that was a rough start for us as well. My mother-in-law gave me lots of great tips about how to do it. You mention that she is antsy in the afternoons, is that the only time? Maybe her little internal clock has her on a bm schedule and she is feeling that coming on around the time she is breastfeeding in the afternoon. If she is continuing to gain weight then all really is OK. If you are starting all her feeds on the breast you finished with at the previous feeding, her hind milk supply should be great. As far as not feeling like your milk is flowing as much, the initial engorgement passes and your breasts can feel pretty soft even before you start to feed and that is normal. Have you started pumping at all? That was a tremendous help to me to see that I really was producing milk. If you do pump and get very little there are things you can do to boost production, a lot of the moms on here can help you with that should you need it. I was a total cow, I think I could have fed the whole neighborhood!;) If you have any concern about her intake you can always add an extra feeding in. Sometimes if my son seemed fussy and it had only been an hour and a half I would feed him anyway and he did great with that and slept better. Hang in there!! Oh, about the bumps on her face, that is totally a normal thing. My dr gave my son some cream and it got rid of them. I had to use the cream off an on for a while, even without any cream they will clear up in time, I just didn't like to see them on my baby boy's cheeks. As far as what you eat bothering her, I don't put much stock in that. Breastmilk is breastmilk. Gassy things like garlic never bothered my son in the least when I was breastfeeding him and I did it the whole first year. Hang in there!!!!:)

1 mom found this helpful

Morning,

Firstly, welldoen on perservering on the breast feeding even though it is alot of work.

You may want to tell all those people who are questioning wht you ate that it has nothing to do with what you eat but actually that your daughter has reflux which will cause her to get gaspains, squirm when feeding etc. Try read up more about the rfeflux and the side effects of the prevacid, this may explain away alot of her symtoms you have been seeing. Soem people get constipated from prevacid and others get gas and diaharea.

It sounds tome that during her late afternoon feeding that is when her reflux is worse. Changing her to formula willnot help this problem, if anything it could make iteven worse.

So keep on keeping on.

Also try maybe feeding her just from one side each afternoon so she empties that side, then the next afternoon make sure she empties the other side. That way you know she is getting the hind milk.

I hope this has helped a little.

Congratulations on your baby girl :)

1 mom found this helpful

First of al ((hugs)) to you! You are right, it is best and it's ok to have these concerns.

1. the poo...sounds totally normal. that's what they do! if baby is exclusively breastfed (meaning no supplements or solids) then baby will not get constipated. If we watched an adult during every BM we'd probably see some fussiness and noise, too, KWIM? She sounds totally normal.

2. Many times babies get really fussy when the milk isn't flowing fast enough for them. They are just impatient. That sounds normal enough. I don't know anything about medications for reflux, so I am not sure how that affects babies. Have you tried burping her and then putting her back to the same breast? You are right in thinking it's important for her to get the hind milk, and important for you to empty the breast. Sometimes babies have a preference for one breast over the other, but if at all possible, you want her to finish that side, even if she needs to burp.

3. sounds like baby acne and it's fine. it usually just goes away on its own. you could try to put a little of your breastmilk on it and let it dry. it is an awesome medication and can help cradle cap and baby acne. I've also used a salve for my baby that contains propolis and that cleared it right up. but breastmilk and time will do the job!

4. DON'T feel guilty! Unless your baby is sensitive to the enzymes in dairy (which could be possible) what you're eating is NOT making her fussy. They have debunked the myth that broccoli, beans, and other gassy foods make baby gassy and fussy. Most of what you eat is not going to affect her that way. My favorite site for breastfeeding is kellymom.com Kelly is an Independent Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and the site is totally research based. Here is what she has to say about what Mom eats and how it affects baby:

Are there any foods that I should avoid while I’m breastfeeding?
There are NO foods that you should avoid simply because you are breastfeeding. It is generally recommended that a nursing mother eat whatever she likes, whenever she likes, in the amounts that she likes and continue to do this unless baby has an obvious reaction to a particular food.
It's suggested that everyone, particularly pregnant and nursing mothers, avoid eating certain types of fish that are typically high in mercury.
It is a good idea to restrict caffeine and alcohol to a certain extent, but it is rarely necessary to eliminate them.
Some food proteins (such as cow's milk protein or peanut protein) do pass into mother's milk. If there is a history of food allergies in your family, you may wish to limit or eliminate the allergens common in your family.
Any baby might react to a particular food (although this is not very common). If baby has an obvious reaction every time you eat a certain food, it may be helpful to eliminate that food from your diet. For more information, see Dairy and other Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies.
This is a link to the "Dairy and other Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies" article (it's too long to copy and paste here!) http://kellymom.com/babyconcerns/food-sensitivity.html

Read through that, and then tell people what you have learned: What I am eating does NOT affect her, and if you want to know more, go look at this website!

Congrats on making it this far with breastfeeding. Except for the comments of the people around you, it sounds like things are totally normal! Feel free to message me if you have any breastfeeding questions! I am not a lactation consultant, but hope to be one one day, and breastfed my first for 2 years, my second for 1.5 years (she self weaned when I was 8 months pregnant with my second), and my 10 month old is still nursing. All three of them were exclusively breastfed (no solids) for at least 7 months (7, 8.5, and 8 months respectively), with never a drop of formula.

Good luck!

talk to her pedi about this. she might need special formula to help with the reflux. people are rude, forgive them. they usually think they are trying to help. you should answer with something like i ate beer and liver with onions or something foul. ( i am a smart mouth though ). if you can no longer breast feed please count your blessings. i tried for 6 weeks and got only drops at a time. i think its most important for the first 2 weeks or so. cant remember the time line. but i think she got the greatest effects from this...again ask your pedi what they think. good luck. congrats momma! sounds like your doing a wonderful job.

Keep breast feeding and don't pay attention to anyone else.

She may have acid reflux, maybe not. Since she is still a pretty new to the game, she may just be having trouble finding what's comfy for her. I would ask your doc or consult a lactation specialist. It was the best thing I did when I was having problems.

As for the pooping, it sounded like my daughter had an explosion every time she went. Like a bomb went off. This will go away about the 3rd or 4th month. It's normal.

For the rash, you can try using lanolin like you may use for your nipples after feeding.

If ever in doubt with a newborn, contact your doctor or nurse.

Congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed, that's the best thing you can do . I've been there, and understand exactly how you feel, my daughter is 21 months and still nursing, sometimes I feel that she is sucking life out of me....and many times I wanted to quit!
As far as your diet, unfortunately it affects your milk, so whatever you eat will affect your daughter in good or bad way.My daughter had always pain passing stool even if they were soft, she would always kick her legs and seem very uncomfortable until it's out, and the first few weeks of her life she had a tiny string of blood in her stool, that's when we took her to the doctor, and guess what they put out of all dairy product and soy for a year!!! it was very very hard for me, but she stopped the bleeding and the fussiness.
So I suggest you ask her doctor if it's something in your diet that bothers her.
Hang on there it will all pass:-)

First of all RELAX God did not give you that precious baby as a mistake! You are her mommy and that is how it should be- do not question yourself based on what others ask you! As far as what you eat- that just changes the taste of the milk but not until later on- after about 6 mos or so- this is a good thing- it gets the baby's tastebuds ready for big people food when the time is right. As far as her pains and stuff- if you are eating foods that give you gas then you know it will give her gas so you just avoid those and it is different for everyone. I couldn't eat Guacamole with my first (I have 4) but could with the others. I could eat a lot of dairy with the last but she had lots of other issues- In your heart you should know that you are doing what is best for your baby but with the way they make formulas today babies are just as healthy that way too- don't give up you are strong and confident and the bonding is heavenly! Water water water is the key for you and lots of food for the mommy- that will keep your milk supply up and both of you will be happy- if you are worried about hind milk- stop- if she is growing she is getting hind milk- stop reading and listening to everything- breathe, enjoy your baby, and bond- she is your gift- relax and enjoy her- that will help relax your mind and body and help that milk just flow like crazy!!

i would go talk to a lactation consultant. they are awesome and will have you feed her while they are watching, weigh her during etc. this will tell you everything you need to know. if she is having problems latching etc they will be able to help you fix it. i went with both my kids and was amazed at what a help they can be....even the second time around.

first of all, this is all normal, so don't be so anxious or feel like you're doing something wrong, because she'll pick up on that before anything you ate would bother her. her breastmilk BMs are supposed to sound like diarhea, liquid in - liquid out. wait til she starts on regular food, now that's nasty! :)
she's moving around and squirming because she needs to burp, and you are doing exactly what you need to do, burp her. don't be concerned that she's getting what she needs as far as flow, she'll get it.
DO NOT LISTEN TO PEOPLE. they don't know so ask stupid questions. :) you are doing the right thing, and the absolute best thing for your baby. Relax and enjoy it. I can tell you that what you put in your body has little to do with what she gets out of it, I mean be consious and healthy, but our bodies were meant to do this and your body prepares for her exactly what she needs. eat lots of good stuff, though, 'cause that's what's good. and don't let other people make you feel bad. you rock and your baby is getting the best!

T., don't give up!!!!! You are doing great! Everything you mention here is normal, normal, normal! ...the acid reflux is not considered "normal" but VERY common. You just have to work through it. It will eventually improve. It is possible that the reflux would actually worsen with bottle feeding because they are very often taking in so much more than they would with the breast (and so much faster flow than the breast).

As for the diapers, that's just how a breastfed newborn poop sounds. You think they are just making a mess in there but it's just a normal dirty diaper. It should look yellow and seedy (also loose). The look will change over time as well (and start to look more "normal.").

As for the unhappiness when she starts out on each breast, it's likely she is frustrated because your milk hasn't let down. I had a big problem with that with both of my kids (breastfed them for 14 and 19 mos). They used to get so fussy until my milk let down. I would get stressed because they were crying and that would delay the let down. If you want, before you start, pump for a minute to try and let down. Or, when you put her on the breast, try your hardest to close your eyes, relax and actually think about the let down. It sounds ridiculous, I know. But, just try it. It really helps. If you are worried about her getting the hind milk, just keep her on one breast until you feel sure it's empty. If she doesn't want the other breast, don't worry about it. Just put her on the opposite breast when you feed her next. My girlfriend is a lactation consultant and she always alternated breasts like that. I never did because I had a crumby supply. Mine needed both breasts every time.

As for the face rash, mention it to her pedi at the next appointment but it sounds like typical baby acne to me. You can try putting Burt's Bees Baby Bee on it (it's a thick cream that comes in a jar). I had some luck with that. She'll grow out of this.

Lastly, it is true that what moms eat or drink can affect the way the baby feels but it's really not all that likely. My gut tells me that it's just the reflux making her fussy. It's an uncomfortable thing for the babies. When people make these comments, do not feel embarrassed to correct them!!! They need to stay out of it and support you. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.

So, you are doing GREAT!!!!! It's all normal and you are on the right track (as long as she's gaining weight). Once she's about 3 months old, you will find that nursing is a lot easier!!! It's tough in the beginning. People give up all of the time because they think it's not working (because of the frustrations). You are doing the best thing for your little one. Keep up the good work.

The BMS sound normal. BF'd babies have watery stools and are often very noisy coming out. I wouldnt worry unless it gets a strange color to it. It should be a yellowish color.
Im not sure about the feeding but it sounds like gas or the reflux. My son had it as an infant too. Do you feed her so she is sitting up a bit? If she is lying down it could be painful for her.
The bumps are most likely fine. My kids both got them from the milk, especially if they got the milk on thier face during feeding.

And dont worry too much about what you are eating. Since she has reflux I would stay away from super spicy foods but the percentage of each item of food you eat that makes it into the breastmilk is very low. If you are concerned that it is something you are eating try cutting out certain foods for a week and see if it changes anything in her. Dairy is usually the biggest culprit. My son was lactose intolerant and had reflux so I couldnt eat any dairy while nursing.

And I know its very difficult when you are a first time mom. But when in doubt call her doctor and talk to a nurse about your concerns, if they want you to come in they will schedule you, otherwise they will try to help answer your questions over the phone.

Don't give up. Nursing is so hard, but it does get easier. Don't listen to the people who make you feel bad. Just ignore them. You are doing a great job. Try to relax and know you are a good mom and it is a learning curve. You are not expected to know and do everything perfectly and immediately. Give yourself some time to learn.

About your daughters wiggles. It could be that your milk keeps coming out fast. Have you tried different possitions. Sometimes if you lean back in a recliner a little, it will allow gravity to help the milk not come so fast.

Keep working at it. Nursing will get easier. It just takes time.

Hi! You've received lots of feedback and unfortunately I didn't read all of them, but I wanted to say that your daughter sounds a lot like my 3rd baby. She had all the same symptoms as your little one, plus she frequently had bright green bowel movements. Eveyone (pediatrician, lactation consultant, friends) told me she was within the 'normal' range, but I wasn't convinced, so I continued researching...and finally when she was 10 weeks old I discovered that all of her problems could be caused by a food allergy. So I immediately removed all allergenic foods (mainly nuts and dairy) from my diet, and she immediately got so much better--she was like a new child within 2 days. It turned out that she had a milk allergy that she eventually grew out of by the time she was 5. My suggestion would be to cut allergenic foods from your diet and then gradually start adding them back, one at a time, to figure out if it might be something you are eating. I know pediatricians say this is 'rare,' but it is not unheard of, and worth a try...breastfeeding really is so much better for your baby, not to mention a ton cheaper than formula! Best of luck to you and your little girl. :-)

You're doing a great job and worrying too much! It sounds like her nursing issues are mostly in the afternoon, and that is a fussy time for many babies. Don't worry about "hind" milk at that feeding if she's doing well at the others. It is normal for her to fuss during bowel movements, and it is normal for it to be noisy. If she is having wet diapers and pooping and gaining weight, you're doing fine. Really!
Get the rash checked on.
I know it is annoying, but people are just trying to be helpful. We all have the instinct to help new moms. Just make a note on your own about what you're eating and if it seems to have an effect on her.
You might try seeing a lactation consultant to help reassure you with some of these issues. But don't give up. It all seems overwhelming and terribly important, but you're doing very well. As you get more experience...and more sleep...you'll settle into an easier routing.
Keep nursing!

Congratulations on your little one!
You are right on track! My daughter's little one was born in June and it took at least 6-10 weeks for breast feeding to work out its many kinks. Today she is "old hat" in this arena.
Yes, check out the foods you eat. It is absolutely normal to have to work out what is good for Nellie and what is not. This ia a wonderful time to clean up your diet and learn to listen to Nellie's needs. You are ahead of the game as you will know foods not to feed her when it is time to add solids.
Keep up the good effort.

T.,

No one told you about this part of having a baby and being a new mommy. that was always so fusterating to me. I was always told what a wonderful experience it will be yada yada, yes it is a wonderful experience but it is also extremely difficult when you don't know what your doing!! Plus your hormones are a-wall and you just don't feel like yourself. I am also a first time mommy too, my son is now 16 months, but if it makes you feel better I felt a lot of the same feelings you felt :)

Regarding breastfeeding, it is good to do for your child. But don't feel pressured by other people's opinions about this issue, you go with what will make you more comfortable, which will in turn make your baby more comfortable. I breastfeed for 5 weeks and finally said that wasn't my cup of tea and went to formula. It's OKAY to not breastfeed as long of some mother's do. I have noticed that as a mommy you will find others playing the comparison game, comparing what they did compared to what you do. There is no RIGHT way to be a mommy, the only RIGHT way is YOUR way for your child. I will promise you will begin to build confidence and a lot of the confusion you feel now will pass.

Second, the red bumps are probably baby acne, a lot of infants get this, nothing to worry about, it is from the hormones in your breast milk. It will go away. My son also had this. It is not harmful or anything.

I hope this helps.

L.

Haven't looked at the other responses, so this is what I'm thinking from my own experience.
1. Loud gassy BMs normal for Breast babies...also saving up for a few day, runny stools etc...they really are less stinky that other types of milk for baby

2. I know its hard to think about stopping and burping, but some of my guys needed this. You could try putting baby back on the same side and she'll still get hind milk this way. Just go to the other side at the next feeding. Sometimes they'll do the head side to side thing when they are trying to help the milk release and come down, but I think you are right about thinking she's gassy from your description.

3. You've really endured the hardest part. Please, don't give up now :)

4. I go back and forth on the food thing. Sometimes I think it really makes a difference and try to avoid certain foods....chocolate gave my last baby gas, his reaction was almost immediate. Other times I have eaten what others would consider taboo for moms nursing and just thought well he'll just have to adjust.
But really for a little one this young, mom adjusting diet might really help some of the distress baby may be feeling in the stomach. As time goes on the baby's system will mature and be able to handle the variety you have in your diet better. My sister started drinking a Lactose Free milk and taking lactaid and it seemed to help the baby's lactose intolerance. If she's having problems with mom milk she may have problems with some of the formulas.

5. Also you might check out Central Market or Sun Harvest for some homeopathic type of "gripe water" for babies. It sometimes settled the gas so our babies could relax. Most times there is someone there that can help.

You said something about feeling guilty about causing aches and pains...remember you are also doing her an amazing service by providing nutrients and nurturing that really are best suited to a human baby. Hang in there!

oops...The rash, bumps on the cheeks, might be from moisture from milk that is dribbling onto her face as you nurse...a milk rash...if you have a soft cloth with just warm water you may try just gently cleaning and drying the area so that it won't be irritated...It's hard to keep it dry with drooling and spitting up and such...but that's the only thing I can think of to do.

Good for you for breast feeding!!! This is your baby, donz't let anyone discourage you for doing what you think is best for you and YOUR baby!! Ok, it could be a few things: you could be eating something that she doesn't like: onions, apples, nuts, dairy and beans can cause gas in babies. Try cutting those out for a while, like 2-3 weeks and see if that makes a difference. She also just may need to burp more cause she is gettting to much air. To me, it just sounds like a food that is giving her too much gas or that she has a trapped burp so when she poops all the gas and air come out making it sound so loud. Ask your Dr. About it but she sounds otherwise like she is doing well! Hang in there! Do what is best for you and your baby!!

My daughter and I were very frustrated breastfeeding. My daughter never latched on and I just never got comfortable with it.

At 4 weeks, I started pumping and giving it to her in a bottle every 3 hours. This calmed my nerves and seemed to help the frustration on both sides.

Plus, I was able to measure how much she was consuming and what I could not produce I substituted with formula.

I continued pumping until she was 9 months old. I stopped after Ike because we were displaced and I had a lot on my plate.

I hope this gives you some comfort.

Congrats on the new baby! I think the most important thing to know is that breastfeeding can be very difficult! I struggled with many uncertainties during the process. We had given my son a paci, so he never really latched on well. While I wouldn't recommend the way I went, I ended up pumping exclusively, but he got ONLY breast milk in his bottles for 8 months. That was I way I could know how much he was eating and it helped ease my mind which helped me produce more milk.

As far as eating, anytime I had anything spicy, had broccoli, cauliflower, peanut butter, onion he would get gassy and have bowel troubles. I had to jot down what I ate so I would know the triggers. Once I learned what was upsetting his tummy, I was able to eliminate that food and he did better.

Good luck! Hang in there!! Feel free to contact me with questions!!

J.

Your doing fine! I also have a little girl who has difficulty breastfeeding...she's now six months and we've been struggling together since she was four months.

First, is she making approximately eight wet diapers a day and gaining weight? If so, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to the hind milk. Babies are great at extracting milk efficiently, so she may be getting more than you think she is. Also, those loud poops are just part of breastfeeding (my husband and i called them shotgun poops)-- breast milk has a natural laxative in it so everything comes rushing out. Enjoy it!

She might also be at a distractable age (my baby's problem). Try nursing her in a darkened, quiet room. And if she doesn't want the boob, close up shop and offer it again in a half hour.

Good luck and email me if you want additional help, cheer leading!

Gosh T...I remember like it was yesterday me having the same issues with my little guy and not knowing if it was normal and unfortunately I didn't have a great forum like this to bounce questions off of. First of all, good for you for breastfeeding and wanting to stick it out. It's the best thing for you and little Miss Nellie. Everyone has given you great advice regarding elevating her, and burping her. I will tell you the BM thing is pretty normal as well..My little guy would have what my husband and I would call "explosions" in his diaper. Miss Nellie body is still trying to digest everything, and sometimes the way it comes out isn't as smooth as when it went in, but as long as you don't think it's hurting her I'm pretty certain you're ok. :) Regarding the rash on her face..what kind of products are you using? Most babies will have new baby bumps over their body (especially breastfed babies) just because their skin is still getting use to being out of that comfy womb and your hormones are still rushing through her little body. But a lot of the time it is environmental. I will tell you that Johnson and Johnson products did not work with our little guy. He had baby eczema really bad and we ended up having to throw all the baby products out (which all have toxic chemicals in them unfortunatley :( ) and buy all natural products. Unfortunatley it took us months and months of trying different products, tearing my sweet son's skin up, until we found the right thing for him. It makes me so mad that the manufacturing companies put all these chemicals in our kids products, when their little skin and body is the most vulnerable. Nonetheless...maybe consider switching your products so the rash doesn't get any worse. If you need a suggestion on what products worked for our little guy, let me know I'd be more than happy to share with you. We love them, it's natural, safer for him and our family, cheaper, and I never have to worry about him having a break out..Such a relief. Congrats on little Miss Nelllie and I'm sure you're doing a great job!!
T.

T.,
Don't give up!!!! Sounds to me like you just need a little lactation support, lord knows we all did after our first babies. I suggest giving La Leche League a call, here is a link to their website http://www.lllaustin.org/. They can connect you with a consultant (all free) who can help you try different things out to make nursing better for you and baby. I know it can be frustrating at first, but trust me you will find your "nursing rhythm" soon and nursing will become a true pleasure and keep your baby really healthy!
Best to you,
D.

Congratulations on your baby girl, T., and choosing to breastfeed!
Everything you described is normal for a breast fed baby, but I would question whether the previcid is neccessary. Was it prescibed because of the fussiness, or was your daughter spitting up during/after every feeding? I will admit, I am not a fan of medications, they often cause more problems then they solve, and most doctors now days hand out prescriptions like they are candy!
Also, both my babies were "gulpers". I worried because I could only get them to nurse from one breast each feeding, and then for only 5-10 minutes. With my son (now 5) I found a place that sold breast feeding supplies that would let me weigh him before I nursed, then again after, and I found he was gulping down an ounce a minute! Not sure where you could do this in Houston, but another way to check would be to pump one breast while she nurses from the other. It takes some coordination, but this way both breasts get drained each feeding. You will have a good indication of how much milk you are producing, and you can freeze the milk for daddy to take over one of the night time feedings (or so you can go out with daddy!)
The rash is normal, like another poster said, try rubbing some of your breast milk into it, works great for sore nipples too!
Most babies don't react to most of what we eat, but if you do notice a reaction after you have eaten something in particular, don't eat it, and see what happens! My daughter had no problems with anything I ate, while my son couldn't tolerate pumpkin pie or deviled eggs! (Late September baby!)
I could go on, LOL,but this has become a novel already! PM me if you would like, and good luck! You are doing a great job!

I say congrats to you for wanting to nurse. I am certainly no expert but I can tell you my experience.

Babies have gas. You will hear it because I think the acoustics of the diaper just makes it sound louder. My twins had it all the time and it is normal. I also looked into what I was eating and tried to eliminate foods that might cause me to have gas and in turn give the babies gas. You just have to keep burping them and do bicycle legs to help get rid of the gas. Maybe feed for a few minutes and when she gets restless, burp and go back to that same breast so that you are sure to get all the good stuff.

DO NOT FEEL GUILTY! Tell whoever is saying "What did you eat?" that comments like that are not helping.

Rash - my kids had dry skin/eczema and my ped said to use aquaphor. Just keep them moisturized. It has helped a lot, when I see them getting the red bumps, I slather on the Aquaphor.

You should always bring up issues with your pediatrician, they can give you answers about the rash.

Keep at it, there are times I wanted to give up and I was trying to nurse twins. I still nurse occasionally but they are teething and having some issues there too but I plan to push through it. Good luck.

Hi T., I know as a new mom you want everything to go perfectly but it won't. I am a mom and a NICU nurse so here's what I know. When you breast feed, it is normal to have stools every diaper change. The breastmilk is easier digested and it moves through quicker than formula which has iron in it which can be constipating. Sometimes the stooling canbe unconfortable and she will make funny noises and some babies just do not like being dirty at all. She is completely normal in this I promise you. She must have some pretty severe reflux issues if she is on those meds now. Not unheard of. If she is opening her mouth and moving her head from side to side she is rooting and may be getting frustrated if she is not getting much out. Try to squeeze some out to let her taste it and them that will help her to latch and focus. Not to be too graphic but do you need a nipple shield? Those are great to use if your nipples are a little small or flat for the baby to grasp when feeding. Of course everyone will ask what you are eating because what you eat can affect the breastmilk so don't take it too personally. I don't think anyone means to place blame on you. Just avoid gassy foods. Some moms do get frustrated and pump and feed. This does take a little more time and effort on your part but sometimes it is the solution they need. If your supply is not adequate in your opinion, you can do a 24 hour "power-pump". Pump every two hours for 24 hours. Feed her that. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. This is a supply and demand issue and the more your body thinks the baby needs, the more it will produce. Stress doesn't help your supply either. If you are worried about the Hind milk, you can pump after you feed. This will also help to stimulate to increase production. The rash on her face is most likely newborn rash. It is completely normal and will go away. It can look like red spots or even like acne Don't worry too much. You are doing a great job and don't be so hard on yourself. There is never a perfect way or one right way to do things. You may have to improvise to fit her and her needs. As she gets a little older she will get better at it too. Don't get discouraged. Also you can call any of the major hospitals...like Memorial Hermann in the med center and speak to a lactation consultant. They can help you some and you didn't have to have your baby there. They may be able to give a few other pointers too. The City of Houston has a lactation consultant available for public access also. I hope this helps to put your mind at ease some. Don't give up. You are doing just what she needs.

P. O

Everything you've described is very normal. Plus, you have to learn to ignore (for the most part) everyone's comments. Suggestions are fine to consider; but rude comments or accusations should not be considered at this point. Plus, consider that you are reading into what their saying a little too much and they probably mean well. 5 minutes on each side and a then a little more on one side is perfectly fine. Just make sure to switch sides for the first feeding as she will suck harder at that time and will keep things even. Try not waiting too long to feed her - try not to let her get too hungry. Anticipate when she will be hungry and beat her to the punch so to speak. She won't be so frantic at eating and then eat too fast and swallow too much air. Burp her between each side. Keep her still and elevated for at least 20 minutes after she feeds. Have her sleep on her side with a sleep positioner. This way she won't gag on her own spit up as she is on her back. Sometimes what you eat can affect the baby - but from everything I've read it is minimal. Just be aware and look for connections - but don't worry about it. If your baby seems satisfied after her feeding and is satisfied for a good hour - then you have nothing to worry about. Some babies will eat every 2 hours, most 3. My sister wanted to feed every hour or so. Each baby is different. No matter what, it's a real pain in your schedule - but it is so much better for the baby. Also, consider adding a bottle of formula every now and then to get her used to it. Start with pumped breastmilk and see how she handles the bottle. See if she has the same problems or increased or decreased problems. Then, begin to add a little formula each week until she can at least do 1/2 and 1/2. This will help out so much if you can't make it back in time to feed her or there is an emergency. I did this with all of my kids and it was a life saver many times, even if all they got was one bottle a week. Don't give up yet. This all sounds very normal to me, even the diapering part.

T., you are doing the best that you can. In the end that is what matters! I am sure that baby is getting what she needs. Try to stick it out until you go to your 2 month check up. The doctor will tell you if she is not “putting on the weight” and if she isn’t then the two of you can decide what is the best route to take from there. One thing about their BM’s is that at first (the first month or so) I noticed that they may have difficulty. But once their digestive system adjusts you will notice they don’t have BM’s as much. It is not uncommon for them to go days without one. (that is what my doctor told me about my daughter when I first had her. I nursed her for 15 months but became pregnant and stopped, I now have a 2 month old son, and I am nursing him. With that said ALL BABIES are different. My daughter had no problem nursing but she nursed every 3 hours like clockwork… AROUND THE CLOCK! No sleep for me! But my son nursing throughout the day and sleeps 7 hours at night! So, just keep doing what you are doing if you feel like you can’t do it or need to supplement formula now and then just know that you did the best you could do! And that is all that matters 
Also, as far as “what you eat effecting baby” I heard it all! Actually I am a vegetarian and I have heard it all! You need to eat meat for the baby… you shouldn’t be eating so many vegetables, it makes them gassy… oh it is not good that you do this… do that… I simply say that I take a vegetarian multi and that my doctor has told me what is “okay.” Then pause and say thank you though… and they usually get the hint.

Let me start off with this: You are a mom, and you can do this! Trust your insticts, but don't let your fears take over. As long as she is gaining enough weight and wetting plenty of diapers, you are both doing fine!!! Unless the pedi expresses concern over her not gaining weight quickly enough, just trust your body and baby to do what needs to be done!

As for the bowel movements being noisy and her fussing about it, that is normal. Her digestive tract is still working things out and it may be quite noisy for a while! :)

As for fussing at the breast during feedings, that really sounds like bubble issues to me... I had that problem with one of my sons and I had to burp him rather frequently and give him Mylicon drops to help break up the large bubbles. If you burp her and then offer the same breast will she accept it? I seem to remember my son wanting to switch after each burping. Don't be overly concerned about her not getting the hind milk unless she is wetting plenty of diapers but not gaining wait quickly enough and dropping in her percentile chart. They say a baby knows what they need, and if at a particular feeding they are more thirsty than hungry, they will opt for the more watery foremilk.

I don't have much imput on the rash you mentioned except that most infants have some type of skin issue as their skin adapts to a whole new environment than they are used to!

I will tell you this also: The people who ask what you eat are annoying but don't mean any harm. At such a sensitive point in your life it is hard to shrug it off, but you are doing your best, and that is what counts! Do not let unsolicited advice or comments sway you. Breastfeeding is best! My first son had a weak suck and I didn't know what the problem was until way later, but I had to end up supplementing him with formula and he ended up a fat little butterball... My second son did just fine being only breastfed, but is naturally a leaner, taller baby than my first, (which is normal for some breastfed babies) and even though I know it is his normal, I still worried when people would innocently say, "aww, he's so skinny" or "what a little guy" or "why is he so much thinner than Paul was?" It just gets under your skin and makes you worry for no reason. So I know it is tough, but a lot of advice and comments are coming your way. Smile and nod and discard the bad info and use the good. It is the only way to get through this! I wish you the best!

Try eliminating dairy products from your diet and see if she is less fussy and the bumps go away. Regarding reflux, try letting sitting her upright for about 30 minutes after she eats and then put her down. You can also put her face down during the daytime. Babies digest better when they are on their tummy. I even put my babies down during the night, because they slept in the same room with us. New babies can have loud sounding BM's. My daughter had a very loud one at church during her baptism! Also try infant massages, moving your baby's legs and rubbing her bottom while she is on her tummy to comfort her. Breastfeeding is the very best gift you can give your baby and yourself. It protects your baby in so many ways--especially since we are inthe height of cold and flu season. The benefits for you are immense--reduces your risk for several types of cancer. Keep with it. It is so worth it.