tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post2864610963073543319..comments2023-08-10T08:24:08.460-06:00Comments on Mama Needs Coffee: An experienced mother becomes a hand-wringing idiotJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07923751596148085363noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-16111178554905188852014-08-22T10:11:24.031-06:002014-08-22T10:11:24.031-06:00One sided nurser here, it can be done. Also, if yo...One sided nurser here, it can be done. Also, if you think it's infection or thrush eating raw garlic can help. I chop it into small pieces & swallow it with water several times a day.... Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01474121540163316371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-69347748275733527962014-08-21T01:01:54.705-06:002014-08-21T01:01:54.705-06:00Hi Jenny, Great blog. Trust me, one side is perfec...Hi Jenny, Great blog. Trust me, one side is perfectly possible, supply and demand is your friend. My left boob was a dismal failure (pain, bleeding..) so I gave up on it when DS was about 6 weeks old. I fed him exclusively from the right until he weaned himself at 11 months. No problem, no pain, no lopsidedness, no nothing. I'm left handed to boot, so it worked perfectly.Minervahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12217683507425083019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-29521752487025311632014-08-21T00:43:06.679-06:002014-08-21T00:43:06.679-06:00Oh, and btws.... I still have a chunk missing. But...Oh, and btws.... I still have a chunk missing. But it definitely isn't as obvious after four months.amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08042196441402705907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-43422051223374276172014-08-20T23:34:31.953-06:002014-08-20T23:34:31.953-06:00You can definitely wean one side if that's how...You can definitely wean one side if that's how you need to go - I did that once because HOLY SHIT that nipple got torn up something fierce :(. I pumped for comfort first, you can also keep cabbage leaves just on that side to help with swelling/lower your supply on that side.<br /><br />All that being said, I hope you figure out what's best for you. I've had to stop nursing three times and it sucks. If you have to do that, you can always talk to me about how you feel. Some women don't care one way or another, but I found it to be a great loss. I second everyone, though, about seeing a good IBCLC (not just an LC or some "breastfeeding consultant" or self-proclaimed whatever). Only you know what's best! BFing is soooo emotionally draining when there are issues like this :(amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08042196441402705907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-33769950807601791232014-08-20T19:41:09.216-06:002014-08-20T19:41:09.216-06:00I would vote for a doctor visit for you, AND a lac...I would vote for a doctor visit for you, AND a lactation consultant visit, if you haven't already done that. That being said, you can easily wean to one side. I have a friend whose last daughter only would nurse on one side, so she just went with it. I also have one side that produces WAY more milk than the other and all my babies preferred it - weird, I know. But by the time they were Evie's age, they mostly nursed on the one side and not so much on the other. Your body will adjust.Krishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02999838147173390906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-63692022832343515882014-08-20T14:53:46.996-06:002014-08-20T14:53:46.996-06:00I've never had your specific weaning problem (...I've never had your specific weaning problem (sorry), but I will tell you that I struggled with moving to formula because I could never find an organic cow's milk formula that didn't have carrageenan and/or MSG. I thought I was sunk, because I have read too much about what MSG does to the brain and carrageenan to the gut to pump them into my infant (and MSG has many guises, as you may know from your paleo dieting, being labeled anything from "citric acid" to "yeast extract"). Then I learned from LLL that goat's milk is an excellent breastmilk substitute. The proteins are way easier for the baby to digest than cow's milk or soy proteins, and you don't have to worry about those weird preservatives and additives found in formulas. We've used goat's milk on all our babies since, and it's been great for us. I know not everyone is averse to formula, but I am, and so this find felt like a small miracle. EWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02976023509476805803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-66920665801676908112014-08-20T13:28:42.835-06:002014-08-20T13:28:42.835-06:00I had this same thing happen with my first. I was ...I had this same thing happen with my first. I was young and stupid and didn't want to go to the doctor until he was getting so much blood that he would nurse and then puke up the blood after nursing. Makes my stomach turn to think of it. I don't know what I was thinking! And the pain was so bad that I'd grab my husbands hand and squeeze it like I was in labor, literally gnashing my teeth.. :( <br />Anyway, it turned out to be thrush which us basically yeast in the nipple and baby's mouth. Meds cleared it up quickly and we nursed for almost 2 years. So, I'd say get thee to a doctor and see what they say. <br />As far as one sided nursing, or going to formula...as long as baby's getting fed, it's all good! Were you thinking of weaning before the pain? If you were, I'd jump to formula and food. If you were happy to nurse until this, then I'd say go one sided until you heal, maybe supplementing if you need to, but then jumping backin with both feet (breasts?)! Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09580662002362050209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-3285070181672389782014-08-20T13:09:20.896-06:002014-08-20T13:09:20.896-06:00Not much to say that hasn't already been said....Not much to say that hasn't already been said...but I feel awful for you. Maria has broken skin in the past (such a chomped!) and that's just so painful! I'd echo LLL and one side if need be...but also remind you there's nothing wrong with switching to formula if you need to. 8 MO is a good chunk of time to nurse for, and you can feel proud of that. ;-) Wean only if you want to, stick with it if you want to. It probably would be worth trying to favor the undamaged size and get treatment for the injury and go from there. But trust your gut. ;-)Michele Chronisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05328455640818231923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-60594566691757916502014-08-20T12:05:03.400-06:002014-08-20T12:05:03.400-06:00I've never done it but I heard you can call Le...I've never done it but I heard you can call Le Leche League for FREE advice. Worth a shot!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03870161141461508882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-12493226801980627782014-08-20T11:37:48.198-06:002014-08-20T11:37:48.198-06:00First, make this your mantra, "There are many...First, make this your mantra, "There are many ways to be an excellent mother." Also, read this, it will help! http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2012/09/what-does-nursing-baby-mean-and-readers/ Yes, you can wean to one side if you want to but be sure you aren't actually making your injury worse- I know not emptying the breast can make things worse with mastitis, for example. And, I probably would lean LLL just because they are free and you need reassurance more than you need expert advice. I second the person who says that you may wind up being able to build up your supply again once you've healed. I think I may still be just about to make more milk and my youngest has been weaned for almost 2 years... Apparently bodies can have long memories. :-)Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09963493181798474313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-28243418085922095812014-08-20T10:57:49.886-06:002014-08-20T10:57:49.886-06:00My fourth and fifth babies ended up only using one...My fourth and fifth babies ended up only using one side by the time they were about nine months. Then they totally stopped at about fourteen months. So you wouldn't be the first. And even when I'm not nursing my boobs are not the same size. I have to wear a padded bra that I bought at Soma (the best bra source and now they make nursing bras!)--super sneaky boob equalizer!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-26433803198163820932014-08-20T10:17:58.850-06:002014-08-20T10:17:58.850-06:00I have always nursed more on my left side than my ...I have always nursed more on my left side than my right because I'm right handed and I'm the only one who can tell a difference in my breast size.<br /><br />With my first I went through something very similar. One of my nipples had a deep crack and was SO painful, what with the blood and infection. If I were you I would spend money on a visit to my midwife, stop nursing on the injured side until it is healed (following her instructions for how to express milk and not get mastitis), and then reintroduce that side once the nipple is healthy again. Obviously we've got different breasts ;) but it may be fairly easy to build your milk supply back up again.<br /><br />Especially since she's eating table food I don't think you'll need to get any formula. <br /><br />You are such a good mom, Jenny! Now take care of yourself!!!Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01805401564651493025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-42743325654153193512014-08-20T09:36:50.312-06:002014-08-20T09:36:50.312-06:00http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nippleheali...http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/nipplehealing/<br /><br />Okay, forgot to put this link in my last comment. Sorry. Ginnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15812693998163341023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-51220846858359930692014-08-20T09:33:21.976-06:002014-08-20T09:33:21.976-06:00I am so sorry!!! Everyone has offered such good su...I am so sorry!!! Everyone has offered such good suggestions, but one source that I did not see was KellyMom.com. It is a research based, free site with TONS and TONS of information on breastfeeding. I was introduced to it by a co-worker when I was pregnant with my first child and continues to be a go-to resource for questions, answers, and help. I have turned to them for questions on medications to increasing supply to bleeding nipples to all those uneducated questions/comments people make about nursing/weight gaining babies/formula. Take a look at KellyMom, they may have some other ideas as well. Ginnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15812693998163341023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-53679492548756961822014-08-20T08:14:59.386-06:002014-08-20T08:14:59.386-06:00Oh no! What a horrible situation! I say go to the...Oh no! What a horrible situation! I say go to the lactation consultant, money spent healing yourself is money well spent!!! It's not at all self indulgent to want to hold on to the Breastfeeding relationship with your little girl. Also, my first nursed on only one side at night and I didn't see a huge difference in size, I might just be unobservant though :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01800346449072403356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-80991902120408796312014-08-20T07:47:02.606-06:002014-08-20T07:47:02.606-06:00so so so terrible!!!so so so terrible!!!Nell @ Whole Parenting Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18191618874497967241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-33638985306881863052014-08-20T06:05:15.570-06:002014-08-20T06:05:15.570-06:00I was going to say... If It were me, I'd try t...I was going to say... If It were me, I'd try to nurse on one side and pump on the other gently(if it's electric) while you're nursing on your good side; & do that until it heals.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00463808246743563481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-43977473828335624682014-08-20T01:59:34.101-06:002014-08-20T01:59:34.101-06:00I'm nursing my first baby, and after I stopped...I'm nursing my first baby, and after I stopped using the feeding pillow, I unconsciously used my right breast more and more since my right arm is stronger. This breast has always been a tiny bit larger, but not by much (read: you don't notice it if I'm wearing clothes). Now my baby is 7 months old, and she pretty much exclusively eats from my right breast. It just seems to never run out. I offer her my left one about twice per day to keep up production in it, but she always gets bored after a couple minutes since the right one has a much stronger flow and she gets inpatient. If I don't feed her for ~4 hours, my right side gets somewhat engorged, but it's not painful. Point being: yes, it's possible to feed baby from only one breast. Btw, did you know that there's some tribe somewhere (sorry forgot the name) where the women purposefully only use one breast to feed? I have no idea why...Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18352200402938057332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-48572203080597527432014-08-19T22:44:52.017-06:002014-08-19T22:44:52.017-06:00-Have you tried a nipple shield on the injured sid...-Have you tried a nipple shield on the injured side? This can protect the wound from reopening quite as much.<br /><br />-Do you have a pump? Nurse as little as possible and relieve any pressure engorgement on the injured side as needed.<br /><br />-Is it possible the wounded side has thrush (itchy? scaly? does baby have signs of thrush like white that doesn't rub off in her mouth or a diaper rash that won't quit?). Thrush can make wounds more painful and slow to heal but you'd have signs of it.<br /><br />I'd honestly just offer the uninjured side for a few days. Your supply is well established after lactating three times and having a solid nursing relationship for 8mo now. When your injury heals, you can go back to offering that side and your supply will come back with time (offer the "weak" side first to build the supply again. Drink your water, nurse on demand (which you may find increases), and yes, it *is* indeed possible to nurse on just one breast- twins nurse and mama doesn't sprout a new set of boobs, yes?;) <br /><br />I know its icky to think of the baby getting some blood with her milk, but its really not a big deal and won't hurt her one bit (though yes, it makes me squeamish too!). The large issue here is getting your body to effectively close up the injured site and you've given it a good week and nursing on that side while writhing in pain *isn't* working out.<br />If your wound isn't healing or starts looking infected, call your doctor.<br /><br />Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11934725670523343332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-53817153164396207262014-08-19T22:34:36.129-06:002014-08-19T22:34:36.129-06:00Ugh. It seems like you have lots of good advice he...Ugh. It seems like you have lots of good advice here. I was not sure about leaving peter when I went to Dallas because he wasn't a pro bottle baby but I was gone for 3 full days and guess what- he loves his bottle. Annnnd he still wants to nurse. So, now I feel like I have this perfect little situation of nursing when I want/it's convenient, and bottling when I want/it's convenient. Maybe give yourself a little vacation and see if she's into a bit of both worlds when you've had time to recover? If not- no biggie bc you'll have healed boobsBlythe Fikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083711888523698156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-73782526515591404242014-08-19T22:31:25.396-06:002014-08-19T22:31:25.396-06:00Yep! First daughter went to just one side at 5 mon...Yep! First daughter went to just one side at 5 months and nursed until 17 months. Second daughter quit that same side at 11 months and is still nursing now at 16 months. No supplementing necessary. My midwife assured me, it is quite normal and okay:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12875148442088806301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-53089367633616942992014-08-19T21:28:01.677-06:002014-08-19T21:28:01.677-06:00Sometimes hospital have free lactation consultatio...Sometimes hospital have free lactation consultations! I'd call around and see because in my experience they are worth their weight in gold! :) MHolthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05166230721952549337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-80659440686783258282014-08-19T20:31:47.639-06:002014-08-19T20:31:47.639-06:00Oh, honey. That is the worst! We had a verrrrrrrry...Oh, honey. That is the worst! We had a verrrrrrrry similar situation when Ev was, I don't know, maybe 11 months? The hormones are the worst. I temporarily weaned to one side and let the other side heal. We picked right back up where we left off as soon as everything healed up- it worked out just fine.<br /><br />Trust your mama instinct, you'll get it right for the both of you.<br /><br />Also, hormones are a B*&#%!!. True facts.Adrienne https://www.blogger.com/profile/01230677839295627502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-70573234511420324252014-08-19T20:27:13.322-06:002014-08-19T20:27:13.322-06:00so. much. good.
thank you!!so. much. good.<br /><br />thank you!!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07923751596148085363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669762298855511295.post-23334626750280785942014-08-19T20:26:39.286-06:002014-08-19T20:26:39.286-06:00thank you Amelia!thank you Amelia!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07923751596148085363noreply@blogger.com