Nipple shield! It’ll save you!
Medela Contact Nipple Shield for Breastfeeding, 24mm Medium Nippleshield, For Latch Difficulties or Flat or Inverted Nipples, 2 Count with Carrying Case, Made Without BPA https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0779BF4V6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1YWGRJ4WC7HX0QPPD32R
If you can freeze it, it’s much easier. I was away for a week from my baby and brought a literal gallon home with me. I froze it flat and bought it back in one of these. I packed it in my check bag, traveled from Alabama to Alaska (14 hours of travel) and not a single bag was even slightly defrosted. It’s worth mentioning that I went in May and it was HOT. I pumped on the plane and saved that milk in bags in my small cooler that I use at work. It was much easier than I thought it would be!
Maybe try the lansinoh momma bottle as it mimics the mother’s nipple a bit better from my past experience with also a little one who hated bottles. We eventually had to just cup feed her with a doidy cup (Doidy cup - Turquoise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AVJ8HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R9684ZQCMEAVRN9Y6KM4). Good luck!
I would get a dress that you can at least unzip and zip yourself.
This seems like an unlikely source to buy a more formal dress, but I got this dress from Amazon for a more formal wedding and got a ton of compliments on it. I know... it’s really cheap but it actually looks very nice in person. And can’t beat the convenience of it being delivered to your door!
Don’t feel guilty love! Every drop of breast milk your baby gets is gold plus! Giving baby and extra bottle of your expenses milk is still exclusively breast feeding ❤️ I like these cookies to help boast my supply plus they are delicious Munchkin Milkmakers Lactation Cookie Bites, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, 10 Ct https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792MKS8F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q8KAYBPTDGWD1H5QZ7JK
Your insurance should cover a pump. Mine is a Spectra and the parts only take a couple of minutes to clean.
For milk storage, I just dump everything in a mason jar and transport with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/PackIt-Freezable-Breastmilk-Festive-Gem/dp/B07TXGZB1J/ref=asc_df_B07TXGZB1J/
My baby had the hardest time taking his vitamin D supplement until we started using the Frida baby medicine pacifier Honestly a game changer, it takes like 3 seconds to give him when we’re feeding, and he doesn’t choke on it because he’s already sucking/we can control how much we squirt into it. It also tricks him into swallowing when we give it while breastfeeding, because otherwise he would make a face and kind of let it look into his mouth. We’ve had minimal issues with him spitting up because, i think, we follow it with more breast milk. But we still have to do our usual ‘keep baby up for at least 20 min’ thing because of regular spit up
These have silicone backings and do not dig in. Highly recommend them. Your nipple needs time to heal. It's perpetually getting rewounded. You need something over them to protect it and let it air out.
I would definitely consult an ENT or pediatric dentist at this point. Everyone said my son's latch looked great from the outside. His mouth was also small so it got easier as he grew.
Amazon has one that has amazing reviews!
Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump - Electric Hands-Free Portable Breastfeeding Breastpump Can Be Worn in-Bra, Spill-Proof Ultra-Quiet Pain Free Breast Pump with 2 Mode & 5 Levels, 24mm (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094JLKWZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N92NP5WRQF80D3N456C2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is one i use and really like: Breast Shell & Milk Catcher for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8DTGCX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I also tried the one from haakaa but it sucks because it’s too bulky.
Carlson - Baby's Super Daily D3, Baby Vitamin D Drops, 400 IU (10 mcg) per Drop, 1-Year Supply, Vegetarian, Liquid Vitamin D Drops for Infants and We used this one.
Toddlers, Unflavored, 365 Drops https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003BVIBMO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_IxbbGbFW4KTWV
I have used the Mother Love Nipple cream to great effect when they were cracked and bleeding. I breastfeed directly, rather than pump, if that matters.
You may be able to get one of those ice cube/milk trays and just put the little bit in at a time. Like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Milkies-795569774461-Milk-Trays/dp/B00553XPMM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=frozen+milk+tray&qid=1609882590&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3KFUTM88PIIM7&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNDRYQ0wzRldFTEswJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUFETERWTVM3NDZCSVAmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDI5ODc1NzNBVzRPNURVNFBKOVYmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
When I was breastfeeding at home I would attach a Hakaa to the other side so I would get a couple ounces passively and just save what I caught there. I built up a nice little extra stash that way.
These helped me:
Legendairy Milk® Sunflower... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKR77N6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And I drink at least one BodyArmor a day:
BODYARMOR Sports Drink Sports Beverage, Orange Mango, Natural Flavors With Vitamins, Potassium-Packed Electrolytes, No Preservatives, Perfect For Athletes, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Y6P5M6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_diN3Eb3TQP70Z
You can get the BodyArmor at almost any store if you don’t use Amazon. It’s just cheaper to buy them in bulk through subscribe and save.
Hang in there! You are doing an amazing job😊
You suction it on to the other breast while nursing.
My son threw the bottles or he tried too.. have you tried this brand it's a weird nipple shape but it worked great for him ... MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNB3MHM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Definitely agree with the previous poster that nursing rather than pumping would be the way to go. One thing I’d suggest is a very dim light. I found that the lamp we had already was too bright, so I ordered this light from Amazon. It’s great!
It is a silicone pump. You squeeze it, put it on your boob and it helps release the milk. It’s a gentle constant pressure and you don’t have to be hooked up. I like it because you can squeeze it more for more suction or less for less. If you get one, don’t spend $30, they are on amazon for $12
https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W
Drink lots of water. I got this thing (sorry if its dutch) it helps me to drink enough.
Breast Pump Electric,TSRETE Wearable Breast Pump,Hands Free Breast Pump,Portable Breast Pump with 2 Modes,9 Levels,LCD Display,Memory Function Rechargeable Single Milk Extractor - 24mm Flange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097GKSX1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9E9REVTJS3WPC71CS7BS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I like this nipple balm. I also sometimes put lanolin on my flanges to help reduce tenderness.
Between NICU trips and everything else I’ve spent more time double pumping and power pumping than I have regular pumping. Every time I pump I go for 15, rest 10, go for 10. Power pumping repeat once more. Not sure if this would work for inducing lactation as well as it does for regular pumping but if you can only motivate to get set up a few times a day you can try and make them count for more.
No problem...this is what I use Legendairy Milk® Sunflower Lecithin, 1200mg of Organic Sunflower Lecithin per Softgel, 200 count bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKR77N6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WZ9VHAYR8JCBMG8JQVXQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So I have yet to try this one personally but my sister has very big boobs and she said this is the only bra that worked for her
Elomi Women's Smoothing Underwire Molded Nursing Bra https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DZWVP6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_E9SC4C7A6WRW71XRHD9S
I like the Kindred Bravely ones because they have a “busty” option and Bravado Seamless Nursing Bra also has a “full cup” version. ASOS has some fuller bust options too which I got on sale. Knowing what I know now tho, I would buy one or 2 cheap bras because I sized up like 3 times since becoming pregnant. Went from E to F to G and H. I even have some I’s. Not as large as you but I ran i to the same issue. I currently wear some cheap Amazon ones to use w my portable pump and I think they’re comfortable and supportive enough. I’ll link them here.
Edit: Forgot to say these are all wireless. The only wired nursing bra I own is from Thirdlove and they only go up to H :/
I loved these nursing tanks under any of my regular shirts for easy access! My boobs are on the smaller side so I didn’t even need a bra with them.
I also liked these tank tops:
They were cute and flattering and paired well with a cardigan or just worn by themselves. My youngest has been weaned for about 6 months and I still wear them!
I was skeptical but this worked for me when my son was about 20 months old. Basically worked after 1-2 tries. He hated the smell and taste and never wanted to nurse again after i put it on.
I’m the same size and I’ve been obsessed with the new nursing bras from Fabletics! They’re like sports bra material and super comfy I buy the largest size and they fit well. I also got these tank tops from Amazon. They’re also comfy and I can get away with not wearing a bra under them
Womens Nursing Tank Tops Built in... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L3HMV1Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Rather than seeing what flange you have that fits okay, have you tried measuring your nipples? There are guidelines here that can help you figure out the correct size. Both nipples may be the same size or different sizes.
Once you know the correct size I would recommend buying flange inserts to make the standard size you have fit your breast properly. These are an example of what I'm referring to.
In my case I use a 15mm and a 17mm insert in my 24mm flange. It works like a charm.
Rather than seeing what flange you have that fits okay, have you tried measuring your nipples? There are guidelines here that can help you figure out the correct size. Both nipples may be the same size or different sizes.
Once you know the correct size I would recommend buying flange inserts to make the standard size you have fit your breast properly. These are an example of what I'm referring to.
In my case I use a 15mm and a 17mm insert in my 24mm flange. It works like a charm.
I had to do a bunch of supply increasing with my first baby, and did successfully double it. You do want to be double pumping to empty (like 15 min) 8x or more per day. The more you pump the more you are telling your boobs to make.
Supplements are helpful for temporarily boosting supply, and then if you continue pumping out all that extra milk it will stick. Fenugreek was specifically recommended by my pediatrician and I found it very effective, however taking fenugreek supplements alone it was a lot of pills. I ended up switching to this, more concentrated and with blessed thistle as well, which was way fewer pills per day. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00UID8844/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_47H2MG7Z1HJ1BTJ8YMGJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I found it took about 3 days from starting supplements to see the bump up in supply.
The other thing you can do is power pump to simulate cluster feeding. Pump 15-20min, wait 10, pump 10, wait 10, pump 10. Doing this even a couple of times a day can really add up.
If these methods are not working enough for you I’d recommend you see a doctor about prescription meds, and see a lactation consultant to evaluate your breast tissue. Some women actually do just not have enough glandular tissue to breastfeed.
Have you tried cup feeding. I find this model works just as well as a bottle
Medela SoftfeederTM Sterile - Medela 6100018S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G8GUX6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B934HFW0CHYGAXS0KPQ8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KTRSXZ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share They are lined and pretty supportive. I wear a 36 D when I'm not nursing, and these are more supportive for me than other brands I've tried.
Congratulations. So there are cami shirts with built in bras and those sound like what you are looking for.
And they work great for me.
At 9 months you have a lot more options. Try a Squeasy. https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Squeasy-Snacker-Silicone-Reusable/dp/B07QRV9J8Q/ this is the first thing my daughter drank out of after refusing bottles until she was around 10 months old.
I haven’t used a symphony but I have a pump n style. You can manually change earlier than 2 minutes if you think that’s too long for you. Since the settings are pretty limited on the medela (basically turn it up or down) I really recommend you just play around and test different speeds, different duration of letdown mode, etc! You can also put it back into letdown mode after your first letdown stops to stimulate a second one!
For the medela, you can buy these “knock off” flanges that I find work well and are cheaper than true medela flanges. Start with 19mm and if they’re still too big, go down again!
I have struggled SO hard with breastfeeding and I still do. My son is 3 months now and he wasn’t able to breastfeed at all the first month due to health problems-per my pediatrician. (All food needed to be measured and recorded.) I started exclusively breastfeeding at about 6 weeks. I pumped exclusively and while I did have supply, it has fluctuated from being too much to not enough multiple times until just recently it has leveled out around the 3 month mark. I drink oat milk in my coffee every day to boost production and have used the store bought lactation cookies. I felt like the cookies made a big difference for me.
Pumping in general for me only gets a fraction of the milk that I get while breastfeeding. I spoke with a lactation consultant and she said it’s because there’s no connection to the pump and not nearly as stimulating. I have found that having the Haakaa on the side that my baby isn’t nursing on is what has increased my supply the most-and has now kept it really consistent. I use it as a manual pump and it helps stimulate the non feeding side and catch all extra milk. Good luck and remember that breastfeeding is really difficult for a lot of people, if not most!
Link to the Haakaa that I use: https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=25JOF1PGPRNL&keywords=hakaa&qid=1638638506&sprefix=haka%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyP...
We use this because the probiotic is also MAGIC when it comes to gas pain
10/10 highly recommend
These are the 1 drop ones. I am in Canada, but assume you can get them most countries. I just put one drop on my nipple when breastfeeding and he takes them like that.
I used one of those giant washable pads from the hospital. Put it down and slept on it. I got plus sized nursing bras off of Amazon and lined them with nursing pads. My supply has more or less regulated at 2 months pp, so I don't leak nearly as much. Unfortunately I soaked through everything for quite a while. Poor hubby couldn't come near my side of the bed unless he wanted to be soaked in breast milk. 🤣🤣These are the bras I got and I love them. They're super comfy and fit more or less true to size. They're also pretty cheap (:
Dangle feeding, warm bath with electric toothbrush, husband method. What worked best for me was taking an herbal supplement and then dangle feeding/massaging. You can find the supplement at Vitamin Shoppe or similar (Walmart has them too, I think) if you’re in the US. I follow the directions from this website. I had a lot of clogs and was at my wits’ end trying everything and this worked the best for me.
Boiron Phytolacca Decandra 30C, 80 Pellets, Homeopathic Medicine for Sore Throat https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000FJ5VD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AYVA90AA0P0CM59QS8EH
I don’t know if this will work for you since your case is so severe but I found homeopathic stuff to really help. I know, I know, I’m not a crunchy granola person myself, I only tried it bc nothing else worked for my clog and this took care of it within 1-3 hours and it’s all I have used since. It’s called Phytolacca decandra 30cc (aka pokeweed), you can find it on Amazon or Vitamin Shoppe if you live in the US. I followed dosage directions from this website.
Amazon link. Read the reviews, a lot of people use it for mastitis and clogs.
I’m currently just using this one. The support is decent enough for my 40G (uk size) breasts.
I’m in the market for some perfect nursing tanks though.
It's not technically a nursing swimsuit but I easily nursed in this last year: Amazon swimsuit
The flowy part covered up the baby so I didn't even need a separate nursing cover or feel exposed. Also it's very flattering.
So you can pull it down? Or do you slip it off? I need details.
I bought this dress for nursing. Unfortunately I think the XXL is probably a size 12.
I recommend breast shells maybe not these specific ones but something along these lines They are marketed for collecting random milk drippings, but are also amazing for keeping your nipple dry and from rubbing on clothes. I got them when we were battling thrush early on, then pulled them back out when teeth came in and chunks were being bitten out of my nipples. I noticed at lease half the healing time while wearing these with nipple cream compared to going without them!
I wear this under most of my regular shirts. Kind of conceal my boob with the top shirt and I’m not totally exposed when I lift it.
The closest thing to 'real' clothes that I wear are these shirts which are nursing tops but look somewhat normal and leggings. I have a few dresses that are V neck and I'm able to nurse in those so I still wear them. Otherwise, yeah, I packed away all my other clothes.
Express a couple drops of milk onto your nipples and let them air dry after each nursing session. Also, try some breast shells so your nipples don’t stick to the inside of your bra or breast pad. Medela makes these that you can use in between feedings, but you have to rinse your nipples before feeding. They are amazing and worth the extra step for a day or two for the sweet, sweet relief!
It honestly gets better all the time but when it was really bad I just used the milk I pumped and took a break.
The best nipple cream I’ve found is just straight coconut oil. You don’t have to wash it off before the baby eats so it’s a good adorable option as well.
Whenever I wasn’t nursing I put these on too so nothing was touching the nipple or aggravating. Really helped.
Breast Shells, 4 Pack Nursing Cups, Milk Saver, Protect Sore Nipples for Breastfeeding, Collect Breastmilk Leaks for Nursing Moms, Soft and Flexible Silicone Material, Reusable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PG7YQ5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_X46-FbSNSGQMT
These also helped
Medela Soothing Gel Pads for Breastfeeding, 4 Count Pack, Tender Care HydroGel Reusable Pads, Cooling Relief for Sore Nipples from Pumping or Nursing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011ECPA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_a66-FbQHV4Q8X
This may not be helpful but I wanted to share since I’m with you here, covered in spit up & all.
My baby will be 13 weeks this week and she still spits up a ton - but it’s gotten a bit better, kinda. i call her a little geyser. I was super concerned because it seemed really excessive but I stopped worrying about it after our two month ped appointment. She was gaining weight, had the right amount of wet diapers and they explained that babies have weak muscles around their esophagus that don’t do a good job at holding anything down. I call that her floppyesophagus. She was born a bit small and she’s still small on the curve - so it may take her a little longer to strengthen? Maybe?
At night I’ll hold her upright for 10min before I put her back in her bassinet. And she seems to help her not spit up overnight.
Daytime is free game - cause of play time & other things. That darn floppy esophagus. Grrrr.
The aggressive vomit like episodes- which happen from time to time seem more scary but ped wasn’t concerned. But that still makes me uneasy. Thankfully it’s rare.
But otherwise she smiles while spit up rolls out of her mouth and laughs when I dab her face clean - as she’s drenched & smelling like a cheese ball. so other than outfit changes - it seems to be totally fine.
But ask your doc - if you feel like something is wrong or your worried.
Also - I did buy the below book one night when I was up worried about it - but I didn’t end up reading it. It seems to be helpful to some!
The Baby Reflux Lady's Survival Guide - 2nd EDITION: How to Understand and Support Your Unsettled Baby and Yourself https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1999957458/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_f9w6FbE8CZGF4
Mine was super fussy while breastfeeding when I was trying to wean off nipple shields. I ended up buying a baby scale and weighing her before and after feeds to get an estimate of how much she was eating. It seems pretty accurate in my experience and made me feel way better!
This is the scale we got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WRSJC77/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_bUl6Fb9C342Y9
Woohoo! There’s nothing better than the relief you feel after working out a clog. Try this next time: BOIRON Phytolacca Decandra 30 C, 80 CT https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00028O0CE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_sNr0FbBX35P4F
I followed directions from this homeopathy website: https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/3-homeopathic-remedies-for-mastitis/
I tried everything I could and as a last ditch attempt found this kinda obscure recommendation for pokeweed. The Amazon reviews convinced me to at least give it a shot, it was cheap enough. I actually found it at my local Vitamin Shoppe if you’re in the U.S. I’ve used it twice and both times I took it and then nursed/massaged and got the clog out without having to do anything else.
No personal experience but a friend worked with Lucy Ruddle to relactate with good results. She's U.K.based but sure she could do things over zoom if needed? She also has a bookavailable on amazon. Good Luck!
I’ve been here! Too many times. Amazon saved the day after my most recent one - cat jumped up on my night stand to lose two good ounces all over the wall and floor! Buy a stopper Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump Stopper 1 pk (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG8FUSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kRZWDb1GS7AWT
I am on a similar boat. I am a tax accountant and am going back to work the last week of January and will have to pull 50 - 60 hour work weeks. There are a lot of YouTube videos in pumping efficiently at work. One tip that I am grateful I found is that after you pump go ahead and wipe the parts with a paper towel and throw them in a wet bag ( I bought these on amazon for a really great price and awesome reviews compared to other popular brands) and store them in the fridge so that you don’t have to wash them in between each pump. That saves a lot of time with setting up and washing. I’m sure this goes without saying but make sure you have a pumping bra so that you are hands-free and can continue working. If you don’t have a pumping bra or forget to wear one there is this really cool hack I found on YouTube. Check out this video
A few bits from my personal experience with my almost 3 month old: - It took me forever to wear any bra or top as well! I bought some reusable bamboo cotton nursing pads to act as a barrier between my nipples and my bra (Nursing pads . Those helped immensely
-I’m no expert but it sounds to me like your milk isn’t coming out as fast as he would like. My daughter had this problem too; I bought these lactation cookies and they helped my milk flow a lot better for her!
Hang in there! It does get better!
Oh I’m so sorry for your poor bub. :( Look up the Windi by FridaBaby on Amazon! Pretty weird but people seem to swear by them. Windi by FridaBaby
I have actually only worn some cheap nursing bras I found on amazon. They are almost shaped like a sports bra, and the Elvie fits perfectly in there. Any bra that will hold them tight to your chest would suffice.
On mobile, so idk if the link will look perfect, but below are the exact bras I have. They are very comfy, but the removable pads can be a pain in the ass.
Suekaphin 5PACK Nursing Bra Wireless Bra Women's Sleeping Maternity Bra Breastfeeding Bra https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LM3T3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BoTVEb38YJZ55
Just thought of one other thing... have you heard of the Haakaa?
https://www.amazon.ca/Haakaa-Silicone-Breast-Grade-Phthalate/dp/B01F8W7CF0
If you used that just before your feed it might help with the heavy let down and then the flow wouldn’t be as strong. It doesn’t pump it just suctions on and collects what comes out so you don’t have to waste.
So sorry to hear this is difficult for you. I hope you can find a solution!
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (54 Oz) - Non-Gmo Cold Pressed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNTPF7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mFMRDbWAG4WSH
This is the only kind I’ve used cause I got such a large amount but I think the best is any organic extra virgin cold pressed kind. I think they sell some at Walmart and Target too.