View Full Version : Would you consider this breastfeeding?
I bottle feed.
EBM.
I was having issues trying to breastfeed and control my 'spirited' toddlers.
So I've got around it by expressing and feeding Gabriel expressed breast milk.
Yes, he does also get formula... but only at night feeds, as I figure he'll be dropping those when he starts sleeping through anyway.
I'd love to get him back on the boob once the twins behaviour settles down...
Not sure how to go about that...as he is now thouroughly frustrated with how slow my let down is...
So can I still call myself a breastfeeding Mum??? Coz Gabs IS on breastmilk.
Oh.. and question: Do those lactation cookies really help to boost supply???? Coz I need to boost it. :)
Noah_and_Elijah
20-11-2007, 21:11
I'm not a breastfeeder, let's hope I'm not shot for giving my opinion in this section! :rolleyes:
I personally would consider you a breastfeeder because bubs is getting EBM.
Sure it's through a bottle but from what I understand he still has the breast sometimes, therefore still a breastfeeder. :D
the_queen
20-11-2007, 21:13
I definitely consider you a breastfeeder. You're a breastmilk feeder, and in the WHO's list of preferred baby-feeding methods, number 1 is mothers breastmilk from the breast, and number 2 is mothers breastmilk from a bottle. (3 is another mothers breastmilk, and number 4 is artificial baby milk)
So I think you're definitely a breastfeeding mummy. If I was you I'd ditch that bottle of formula though, maybe try that last feed from the breast (if the twinnies are already in bed, it might be easier).
I haven't tried the cookies, thank God I haven't had supply issues - but I have heard good things about them. Another way to increase supply is to have some kind of protein for breakfast - eggs, or steak, or even a piece of chicken. Some kind of protein first thing in the morning (even just have your normal breakfast but also a protein shake) (Or a protein energy pill, like Roger Ramjet.... oh wait.......... :p)
:hugs:
pookiesossige
20-11-2007, 21:14
Breastfed babies drink breastmilk.
You are a breastfeeder :thumbsup: :D :yelclap:
I definitely consider you a breastfeeder. You're a breastmilk feeder, and in the WHO's list of preferred baby-feeding methods, number 1 is mothers breastmilk from the breast, and number 2 is mothers breastmilk from a bottle. (3 is another mothers breastmilk, and number 4 is artificial baby milk)
So I think you're definitely a breastfeeding mummy. If I was you I'd ditch that bottle of formula though, maybe try that last feed from the breast (if the twinnies are already in bed, it might be easier).
Well Said :D :iagree:
Lollie86
20-11-2007, 21:17
Yup, i'd consider you a breastfeeding mama!
He is drinking your breastmilk afterall no matter if he is literally on the boob or getting it through a bottle.
~Emmylou~
20-11-2007, 21:18
yep I'd call you a breastfeeder! :D
Another suggestion if you want to continue the bottles is to use a really slow teat - like newborn "slow" - this makes them work for the milk a bit harder and you're less likely to have trouble with them getting toey about the slower letdown on the breast.
DS is 14 months and when he has ebm in bottles for daycare he still has the slowest teat possible - he doesn't know any different and even at his age he doesn't care.
So I think you're definitely a breastfeeding mummy. If I was you I'd ditch that bottle of formula though, maybe try that last feed from the breast (if the twinnies are already in bed, it might be easier).
I haven't tried the cookies, thank God I haven't had supply issues - but I have heard good things about them. Another way to increase supply is to have some kind of protein for breakfast - eggs, or steak, or even a piece of chicken. Some kind of protein first thing in the morning (even just have your normal breakfast but also a protein shake) (Or a protein energy pill, like Roger Ramjet.... oh wait.......... :p)
:hugs:
Thanks for the advice!
True, boobing him at the last feed would help to increase my supply too :thumbsup: I was boobing him all night, but then found I couldn't express enough in the morning for the day.
It's all gone a bit crooked lately as the twins have been sick, so I'm not getting any rest at all... up and down all night with 3 kids. :sleeping: And that wasn't helping my supply at all.
The boys are in kindy on Thursday Friday... so going to try some intense boobing on those days... REALLY want to get him back on the boob.
I've even FINALLY figured out a way to wear clothes that make it really easy to breastfeed in without showing much skin .. (lol.. I'm kinda shy of my flabby tum)
I've been taking fenurgreek tablets, but I'll def try the protein in the morning thing :thumbsup:
And I'll make my cookies. I've bought all the ingredients.
I'd call your baby a breastfed baby and I would call you a Bloody Legend.
Breastfeeder.
yep I'd call you a breastfeeder! :D
Another suggestion if you want to continue the bottles is to use a really slow teat - like newborn "slow" - this makes them work for the milk a bit harder and you're less likely to have trouble with them getting toey about the slower letdown on the breast.
DS is 14 months and when he has ebm in bottles for daycare he still has the slowest teat possible - he doesn't know any different and even at his age he doesn't care.
Yeah, we are using the slowest teats.
We still use the slow ones even for the twins night bottles... (find we go through less milk that way :laughing:)
I'd call your baby a breastfed baby and I would call you a Bloody Legend.
:hugs: Awww shux :bee::o
the_queen
20-11-2007, 21:23
Can I just also say, you madam are a ****ing SUPERMUM *standing ovation and huge applause*
Can I just also say, you madam are a ****ing SUPERMUM *standing ovation and huge applause*
:iagree:
(loving that emoticon :D)
LOL I was just about to link you :p
mumofKieran
20-11-2007, 22:24
I would definitely call you a breast feeding mum! AND I can sympathise, my baby has not drunk directly from the breast since he was 9 months old, and he is now 13 months. I was sorta hoping he might go back to it someday so I didn't have to keep expressing, but he hasn't :(. I'll just have to put up with chronic wrist strain... Although breast feeding the 'normal' way is the most ideal, sometimes it's not the best option or not possible for whatever reason. You are doing the very next best thing, which is even harder on you!!
I would call you a breastfeeder :yes:
The pumping and whatnot can really affect supply, so I'd really consider getting prescription galactagogues if you find your yeild is not meeting demand (if you can't find the time to feed/pump more). There are many mums that pump exclusively... http://www.pumpingmoms.org/html/pumping_faq.html check out that pumping moms link for some support and ideas :D
It's in bubs best interest to get breastmilk, but whenever you can it would be good to give it straight from the breast because a) it is better for their development b) he doesn't loose his attachment, or totally reject the breast and c) it's easier!
Once he becomes more efficient at feeding, the feeds will only take about 5-10mins (surely that's faster than pumping?).
Thank you so much guys.
It's been such a struggle trying to keep it up, and I've had a lot of people just tell me to switch him to formula... but I know I'm doing the right thing for him.. and I really want to 'one day' be able to get him back on the boob permanently... I read all the extended breastfeedin threads, and in my heart I SSOOOO want to breastfeed till at least 18months, and longer if he wants.
I've been feeling so guilty about it... but now I don't feel so bad.
:sunshine:
Once he becomes more efficient at feeding, the feeds will only take about 5-10mins (surely that's faster than pumping?).
THAT would be excellent!!
At the moment it takes about 15 mins to pump.. and I double pump. SO it's not 'too' bad.
The twins stand around watching me 'milking' lol... and try to breastfeed their teddy bears. which is just gorgeous.
It still is early days yet Gretel... have you sought support from the ABA? Seriously, I think you are doing a tops job, but we all need some support. It might be handy to have a chat with an ABA councillor, and perhaps create some kind of game-plan, you know?
Not directly. But I"m lucky because my sister is an ABA community educator... or I chat with her sometimes..
It's harder though because while she has excellent advice, it's based around the lifestyle of having one child who's breastfed..
not 3 under 3 with extremely 'spirited' twins.
My main problem with breastfeeding was that every time I was feeding, the twins played up....SO I was taking Gabs off the boob every 2 minutes, which affected the flow, which made a fussy baby, who wanted to feel ALL the time, which I couldn't do because I had the twins.. adn they played up when I was feeding.. and on and on it went... :rolleyes:
SO hopefully now he's a bit older and his suck is stronger he'll take less time to feed, and it won't be such a problem.
mumofKieran
20-11-2007, 22:39
There are many mums that pump exclusively... http://www.pumpingmoms.org/html/pumping_faq.html check out that pumping moms link for some support and ideas :D
I can't believe what a wealth of info you are!!
How about a sling? I had Louie in one for the first few months, he basically lived right by my boob, so he would feed whenever he wanted, for as long as he wanted, and I could get on with sorting out my toddler, or whatever else needed doing...like the supermarket shopping!! :)
I do have a sling :yes:
And I even used it to BF Gabs when we were shopping the other week (I didn't have the twins with me)
But it's not practical at home, as I can't pick the boys up while I've got Gabby in the sling...
and we have a LOT of 'time out' in this house right now... and the boys do not go willingly, so I have to pick them up. (they keep hitting each other and throwing.. :banghead:)
Could you try a special toy/craft/something box that they can only have while you are feeding?
the_queen
20-11-2007, 22:58
What about (and those who know me will gasp at my main-streamed-ness :D) a playpen? Two playpens? Would they play in a playpen while you breastfed?
Do you have a trampoline with a net enclosure, stick em in there and staple the opening shut :laughing: ;) (just joking)
Could you try a special toy/craft/something box that they can only have while you are feeding?
Tried that.
Everything even romotely hard ended up pegged across the room, or thrown up to try and hit the light.
Then they decided it would be a better idea to break into the TV cabinet and pull out DH's xbox 360.
And then they flooded the bathroom.
All in the one feeding session.... they play off each other too much.
What I need are two little straight jackets that come out every time I feed :laughing:
What about (and those who know me will gasp at my main-streamed-ness :D) a playpen? Two playpens? Would they play in a playpen while you breastfed?
Do you have a trampoline with a net enclosure, stick em in there and staple the opening shut :laughing: ;) (just joking)
We have a playpen.. they just climb over it. It was the one purchase I made to try and keep Gabby safe.. lol.. and they just see it as a climbing frame.
I must say, I'm extremely proud of their climbing abilities and ingenious problem solving capacities. :p
Do they still eat in a highchair? Maybe put them in there :laughing:
Do you have a play area outside that is totally childproof? Maybe just let up run wild?
I don't know, I obviously don't know your boys and how they would respond to different things, and I am sure you have thought of everything that I could come up with.
But Queenies idea of an enclosed tramp :laughing: that could work! ;)
mumofKieran
20-11-2007, 23:05
You poor thing, how stressful! You are right, most BF advice is based around having only one little bubba to concentrate on. I had never thought before about the logistics of successfully feeding with older children in the background (or foreground). It sounds really hard for you. Sorry that's not very helpful to say that though but I do feel for you. I think you are doing an amazing job and take my hat off to you.
:hugs: Thank you Katherine. :)
Ikis
That's been the easiest way so far... to go outside, close all the doors and just let them fend for themselves for half an hour.
I just feel sorry for Gabs mainly... the poor kids never gets to have his dinner in peace!!
It's been a very helpful/supportive thread. Made me even more determined tog et him back on the boob. :yelclap:
We'll see how it goes tomorrow... I'll boob him, and then express anything that's left so I've got top-ups (coz I know he'll need them) :D
reAllytee
20-11-2007, 23:21
You know i think you are a legend but thought i would come in here & say it again :p
I think we need to come up with something to help out b/f mums with spirited toddlers we could make a fortune ..... muzzles & check chains perhaps :devil6:
I think we need to come up with something to help out b/f mums with spirited toddlers we could make a fortune ..... muzzles & check chains perhaps :devil6:
:iagree: :laughing::laughing:
I'll draw up the plans and begin the advertising campaign.
What about a set of these :laughing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Baby-Keeper-For-Public-Restroom-by-Mommy-Essentials_W0QQitemZ250142926099QQihZ015QQcategory Z3081QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
What about a set of these :laughing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Baby-Keeper-For-Public-Restroom-by-Mommy-Essentials_W0QQitemZ250142926099QQihZ015QQcategory Z3081QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
perfect! :laughing:
mumofKieran
20-11-2007, 23:36
Well I will know who to turn to for tips on keeping older children entertained when I have my next baby :laughing:
reAllytee
20-11-2007, 23:45
LMAO :laughing:
Shame Boof wouldnt fit it or would break it heh.
I keep warning i will use a rope around the tree out the back everyone seems to think im joking for some reason .......
Desperate times call for desperate measures... ;)
ShadyCharacter
21-11-2007, 11:38
Yes, he does also get formula... but only at night feeds, as I figure he'll be dropping those when he starts sleeping through anyway.
So can I still call myself a breastfeeding Mum??? Coz Gabs IS on breastmilk.
I don't think the bottles of EBM make a difference... he has a combination of breast AND formula, so I would call you whatever any other mother who combines breast and bottle feeding.
Not sure why the label is important though :confused:
Not sure why the label is important though :confused:
I don't think it's about the label. She's been doing it tough and just needed a bit of support from fellow breastfeeders I think :hugs:
I don't think it's about the label. She's been doing it tough and just needed a bit of support from fellow breastfeeders I think :hugs:
snap!
Thanks Alicia!
Jeclipse
21-11-2007, 11:44
Yep - your a breastfeeder:yes::thumbsup:
westerner
21-11-2007, 12:18
Just a warning with the cookies Gretal.. They are addictive..
I made a double batch 4 days ago (90 cookies) and i only have half left (and they are taunting me from the freezer..) :eek: :laughing:
Def work though, im leaking everywhere.. :o
Good luck with it all.. You are doing great.. :thumbsup:
ETA - just thought id add that DP loves the cookies too and has eaten some.. Im not a total pig.. lol
Just a warning with the cookies Gretal.. They are addictive..
I made a double batch 4 days ago (90 cookies) and i only have half left (and they are taunting me from the freezer..) :eek: :laughing:
:laughing:
Might be a silly question, but if you ate them during pregnancy would your breasts leak? I'm already leaking a little bit.
(they sound yummy is all :o)
mummylovesyou
21-11-2007, 13:14
Hi there,
Sounds like you are doing a great job - I would say you are for sure, a breastfeeder:) I was also going to suggest a sling, I had 4 yr old twins and a 20month old when our last DD was born and I used my sling alot in those early days, DD is 14 months now and has only 1 - 2 bf a day. I would take my others on walks or out in the yard when DD was in the sling but as you said, its not suitable for you at this time.
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:
westerner
21-11-2007, 13:15
Might be a silly question, but if you ate them during pregnancy would your breasts leak? I'm already leaking a little bit.
(they sound yummy is all :o)
They might.. but might not.. (how helpful was that.. :rolleyes: lol :laughing:)
But they freeze really well.. So you could always make some and if you find you leak more and dont like it then freeze them and save for when you have had bubs..
Or you could just leave out the brewers yeast (the main ingredient to help supply. oats and the meal are good also but not as much iykwim..) and enjoy eating them for the taste..
Adding some chopped apricots makes them even better.. :D :yes:
Hope that helps.. But dont say i didnt warn you when you come back complaining that you ate every single one within days.. :p
Hi there,
Sounds like you are doing a great job - I would say you are for sure, a breastfeeder:) I was also going to suggest a sling, I had 4 yr old twins and a 20month old when our last DD was born and I used my sling alot in those early days, DD is 14 months now and has only 1 - 2 bf a day. I would take my others on walks or out in the yard when DD was in the sling but as you said, its not suitable for you at this time.
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:
Oh WOW! YOU are amazing!!
That's awesome! Gives me a lot more faith that I will be able to pull through with this. :thumbsup:
Thank you for sharing.
Great to know Goose!!!
*trots off happily to kitchen to start baking*
:bee::sunshine:
ShadyCharacter
21-11-2007, 14:04
Sorry if that sounded rude or anything... I didn't know the background. I don't think the label 'breastfeeder' or 'combined feeder' or whatever needs to apply... you sound like you are doing the best job you can :)
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