https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 02:56:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1864277 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:28:30 +0000 Adira 1864277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, reading this article (<a href="https://medium.com/@medialab/the-media-lab-make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-513fad8bc451" rel="nofollow">https://medium.com/@medialab/the-media-lab-make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-513fad8bc451</a>) is crazy. The USA is considered one of <b>four</b> countries that are "Maternal Health Backwaters." That's nuts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1864258 Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:15:08 +0000 AmandaB8 1864258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As an exclusive pumper, you have NO IDEA how excited I am for this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1863635 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:46:43 +0000 delight 1863635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh wow this is so cool! I can't wait to see their ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1863629 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:40:12 +0000 QueensBee 1863629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: I am totally posting suggestions to that link, thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1862462 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 23:46:26 +0000 ElbieKay 1862462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Post your suggestions here:</p> <p><a href="http://breastpump.media.mit.edu/idea.php" rel="nofollow">http://breastpump.media.mit.edu/idea.php</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1862461 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 23:45:02 +0000 rrachael 1862461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is awesome! Pumping is awful ... I'm so glad a place like MIT is putting time and energy into this!! Thanks for sharing :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1861775 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:02:33 +0000 Emsmems 1861775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is so cool. I hope they come up with something amazing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1861671 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:24:21 +0000 charmed 1861671@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1861606 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:08:49 +0000 HeartAbandoned 1861606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is brilliant! I can't wait to see what they come up with. Way to go, MIT! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/make-the-breast-pump-not-suck-hackathon-1#post-1861605 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:06:17 +0000 QueensBee 1861605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so pumped that this event is happening next week at MIT Media Lab! (Sorry for the lame pun!) I hated pumping when I returned to work and I would love some better options for future LOs. </p> <p><a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2014/09/10/mit-hosting-breast-pump-hackathon/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2014/09/10/mit-hosting-breast-pump-hackathon/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1412340 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:16:15 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1412340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: how do you feel about coconut oil? If you don't mind a mild coconut flavor it's something you can add very easily to a cup of coffee or a smoothie. The only other thought I had was full fat dairy, as long as your LO doesn't have issues with the proteins?<br /> As an aside, it sounds like there's a little nipple confusion/preference going on with his latch. we had the best luck with brestflow bottles but I'm sure others could give more input on that matter if that's something you want to tackle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411982 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:36:03 +0000 daniellemybelle 1411982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: It's not FDA approved but you can get it at a compounding pharmacy or order it online. The general consensus is that it's safe if you don't have a heart condition but there's plenty of info online if you want to research! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411857 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:46:28 +0000 Sweet T 1411857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: I've read that domperidone isn't approved for use in the US. I'll have to try and contact my doctor about it. I might be able to get reglan but I'm really not sure what their stance is on giving it for milk production. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411829 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:39:10 +0000 daniellemybelle 1411829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: So many hugs &lt;3 I have done that exact routine. Pumping to increase supply usually takes at least 3 days but even a few times a day could help. Could you do a power pump after the boys go to bed?</p> <p>Would you be open to trying domperidone? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411721 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:06:57 +0000 Sweet T 1411721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: I've found it at two places near me. GNC only carries it in a 1lb container. I don't need a pound of it anyway but I really don't want to buy that much when we'll be moving back to Hawaii next month. The other place that carries it has it for $22 and I refuse to pay that. As for the avocado, I like it in sushi but that is absolutely it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411710 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:03:35 +0000 Sweet T 1411710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wanted to add a little update too...</p> <p>DS was previously averaging around 10 minutes per breast while nursing. Since introducing the formula, I've had to fight him to get him to nurse and he barely even lasts five minutes. That's with unlatching and crying in between. I've tried switching breasts a few times during his feedings but it doesn't help. His latch started to change a little (too shallow) the week or so before we started formula. Now, his latch is not so great and my nipples are so sore. </p> <p>I pumped after almost every feed yesterday. I didn't see any improvement. I know I need to give it more than a day but I just don't know if that will be possible. It was nearly impossible to nurse, bottle feed, pump, and take care of both boys by myself. I just don't think pumping so much is realistic for me.</p> <p>Truthfully, I don't love breastfeeding. I don't feel like it's creating a bond between us. I wish I didn't feel guilt over it at all because we'd probably all be happier without the stress of BFing. I just don't want to give up, especially for selfish reasons. I've never loved it. Having a good supply just made it easier to push through. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I'll probably try to push through the rest of the week before I make any decisions. W has a weight check appt this Friday and next. I at least want to make it to this one and discuss out options if I can.</p> <p>(Sorry for any typos! Autocorrect is killing me!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411678 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:54:10 +0000 avivoca 1411678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: It took me awhile to be able to eat it. I eat it on salad and in tacos. I still can't eat it by itself, and I do cover it in salt, pepper, and cheese to make it taste good.</p> <p>ETA: The only place I can find brewer's yeast is at Whole Foods and at the Liquor store. But I made lactation cookies without it and they worked just fine this past time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411654 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:47:41 +0000 Sweet T 1411654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Baby Boy Mom: I wish I liked avocado! It would be such an easy thing to add to my diet, but I'm just not a fan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411648 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:46:23 +0000 Sweet T 1411648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Confetti: thank you :)</p> <p>@tysonja: it's tough! Ds1 was formula fed starting at 3 weeks old. I don't have any issues with formula. I hate that I even care because ultimately I know it doesn't matter. </p> <p>@beaker: I agree. I hate feeling like I'm doing the "wrong" thing. The logical side of me knows it doesn't matter. My oldest was formula fed. I have zero issues with formula. I don't know why I feel guilty at all. </p> <p>@daniellemybelle: thanks. I pumped after almost every feed yesterday and didn't see much of a change. It really was hard try to juggle it all and I really don't know how long I'll be able to do it. :/</p> <p>@birdofafeather: thank you :) it really means a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1411610 Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:37:34 +0000 Sweet T 1411610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: we are only using slow flow nipples. I hadn't heard about paced feedings before this thread. I'll be sure to read the link you posted. He has gotten bottles before now and has never shown a preference. It seems like the drop in supply is the only explanation for that.</p> <p>I am a SAHM. We've been nursing every two hours during the day since he was around 6 weeks old, every 2-3 at night. Due to some crappy circumstances, I've been single parenting and will be for another month. I have a toddler too, so the nursing vacation is not an option. He doesn't have a tongue tie or lip tie to my knowledge. He's 5 months old now and we've been nursing successfully since we dropped regular bottle feeds (around 6 weeks old). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410303 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:35:21 +0000 birdofafeather 1410303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: hm, i didn't realize that, but i'm pretty sure my BFF got a prescription for it in the fall from her doc.... weird.</p> <p>just wanted to pop in and say, you have so much on your plate and i don't blame you for not having the time to pump on top of nursing LO and taking care of a toddler! you're doing a great job, so do what you need to feel like you gave it your all, but at the end of the day, take care of yourself and your LO however that works best for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410292 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 14:26:01 +0000 daniellemybelle 1410292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs! I know how tough supply issues are. I agree with pumping after feeding, even if only 2-3 times a day. Google paced bottle feeding - that &amp; doing breast compressions while nursing helped with our bottle preference a little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1410067 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:59:26 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1410067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: I know what you mean about feeling like you're supposed to. DS2 is now on Elecare because it's easier to digest and I am having a hard time giving up on pumping because I felt like it was the only natural thing we had going for us. But @Mrs Green Grass: is right (she always is! :) ) in the end it's up to little man and what he needs. I'm still working to wean off the pump but I'm down to 3x a day and at least I have more time to spend with my boys. I think pro-BFing culture doesn't acknowledge the health issues preemies and other babies run into where formula can be the 100% best choice option.</p> <p>Hugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409891 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:41:16 +0000 tysonja 1409891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: oh man, I have a 20 month old and a 4 month old too, so I 110% understand about not being able to pump afterward--- it's basically impossible:)! I think you are doing a great job already! You don't need to have any regrets!:) thank god formula was invented--- both my boys are made up of at least 70% formula! Haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409888 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:32:29 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1409888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just remember that no matter what happens, as long as you are feeding your baby, however that happens, you are a great mom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409869 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:06:52 +0000 Kemma 1409869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/feeding-tools/bottle-feeding/" rel="nofollow">http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/feeding-tools/bottle-feeding/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409866 Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:12 +0000 Kemma 1409866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sweet T: so it sounds like you have two issues, bottle preference and the drop in supply.</p> <p>Are you using a slow flow nipple and the paced feeding method? Kellymom has some great resources for bottle feeding in conjunction with nursing, I'll try and find the links for you!</p> <p>With regards to the drop in supply, how many times a day were you nursing prior to the pedi appointment? Are you working and pumping? I think LLL recommends at least 6-8 sessions in a 24 hour period and if you can fit a night feed in between 12 and 5am that could really help your supply. Lots of skin to skin and taking a nursing vacation can also help and I second all the suggestions above!</p> <p>The other thought I had was towards lip or tongue tie, has your LO been checked for either?</p> <p>Hang in there, Mama - you're doing a fabulous job!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409846 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:30:53 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1409846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs! BF issues are so stressful. I agree with everyone else, lots of water and lots of healthy fats- I was basically eating a whole avocado daily for a while. And pumping after nursing helped us as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409843 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:25:51 +0000 Sweet T 1409843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@singingbee: thank you &lt;3</p> <p>@Mrs Green Grass: I don't usually feel full anymore. I have had a few feedings since starting the fenugreek, blessed thistle, etc. where I felt a little full but nothing consistent. I don't really love BFing but I wanted to do what was "best." DS one was formula fed from the time he was 3 weeks old. I have no issues with formula. I just wanted to be able to do what I was "supposed" to, I guess. I have a small stash of frozen milk for him but it won't last very long. I don't want to quit but I just hate that he hasn't gained. The formula just feels safe because I can guarantee he's getting the calories he needs.</p> <p>@avivoca: I haven't tried the cookies yet. Brewers yeast has been a pain to find! Another sweet bee is sending me some, so I'll be trying them soon! :) I usually drink between 80-100oz of water a day. My diet isn't the best, but I don't think that's the issue. I've also cut back on working out (I went almost a month without doing much of anything) so I don't think that's the issue either.</p> <p>@tysonja: thank you :) I have a toddler too and the thought of going back to pumping after each feed is stressful. I just have my hands full.</p> <p>I think I will try to start pumping after most feeds to see if it helps. I want to make sure I try everything possible before I give up. I don't want to give myself a reason to beat myself up later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-think-my-milk-is-drying-up#post-1409821 Sat, 08 Feb 2014 23:10:35 +0000 Sweet T 1409821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: we did do a weighed feeding. He ate an ounce and a half. Last time I pumped (one day last week) I pumped 2oz total. Today is the first day on formula. I gave it to him with slow flow nipples which is what he uses when he gets expressed milk. Is domperidone the one that's not approved in the US? I haven't looked into it much. I might be able to get a prescription for reglan from my doctor. I'll have to call Monday.</p> <p>@Adira: I used to pump after every feed. When he came home, he was getting mostly bottles but we eventually got to the point where we would nurse, top off with a bottle, and then I would pump. We stopped bottles and pumping once he was nursing well and that went fine for a while. Sometime in the last month, there's been a drop. He still eats every 2 hours at 21 weeks actual age, 14 weeks adjusted. </p>