https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 29 May 2026 17:14:49 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help/page/2#post-1160260 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 02:12:03 +0000 MrsLilybugg 1160260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yay!! So glad you got some milk! Don't feel bad about supplementing. Like others have said, happy baby happy mama.<br /> Ok so are those leopard print nails?? can we get a close up of that manicure??? Love! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160228 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 00:48:07 +0000 SweetMamaM 1160228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have any advice but congratulations on your LO! Can't wait to hear more when you have life a little more sorted :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160048 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:37:24 +0000 immabeetoo 1160048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: woohoo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160034 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:27:06 +0000 autumnlove 1160034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs. My first Ameda had a faulty motor and they sent a new one!</p> <p>&lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160030 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:24:07 +0000 avivoca 1160030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You're doing a great job Mama! Don't worry about the supplementing, you are doing what's best for both of you. E is such a beautiful little girl and she is so lucky to have you as her mother! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160013 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:18:25 +0000 pregnantbee 1160013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Yessss!! You did great! Hugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1160006 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:13:46 +0000 MrsF 1160006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So glad things are looking up! The first few days are so incredibly hard and it's never how you pictured it would be. Congratulations and *hugs!* I hope that tomorrow is a better day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159989 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:02:52 +0000 googly-eyes 1159989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Congrats on your LO!</p> <p>I just wanted to send some encouragement your way. The supplementing is really no big deal. Just keep at the bf! You're doing great. :) Bf didn't work out for us and we were in the same boat as you except lo's latch was terrrible. If I could go back I'd hire an LC but it looks like everything is going well so you don't need one. I would just encourage you to keep at it and know that MANY MANY moms supplement. Combo feeding is fine, and hopefully you'll be able to ebf again soon. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159986 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:00:30 +0000 pl0508 1159986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: call ameda if you think somethig is up with the pump. They will overnight you a new one or new parts.i EP with that pump and love it and they have awesome customer service Congrats !! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159982 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:57:28 +0000 Boheme 1159982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not familiar with the Ameda pump, but I wanted to drop in and give you my encouragement! You are doing awesome. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159981 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:57:15 +0000 lawbee11 1159981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Yay!! That's awesome :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159980 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:55:42 +0000 BananaPancakes 1159980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh yay! I'm glad you got it figured out. I remember how relieved I was once I knew I was for sure getting milk and pumping correctly. And engorgement sucks, but I noticed in the beginning that a hot shower would sometimes help me pump more efficiently while I was dealing with it. And pumping out some of the engorgement helped the baby latch better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159976 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:53:41 +0000 Ra 1159976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First and foremost, congrats!</p> <p>I had the same issues when LO was born. He had a terrible latch and, despite using shields, he lost over 10% of his body weight. We did weighted feeds and he also was not transferring.</p> <p>It turned out that LO had a tongue tie and a lip tie. My pedi didn't think he had one but our LC suspected it. I took him to an ENT and he had to have both clipped. He transfers much, much better now. I still have to supplement (because I work) but our nursing relationship is so much better. Those first several weeks are brutal. I almost gave up on BFing completely. I promise it gets better though!</p> <p>As for the pump, I have both the Ameda and a Medela. I don't think the suction is as good on the Ameda. I have to press it against my breasts, much like @lawbee11 described. It should start drawing out milk pretty much immediately. If you are engorged though, it will be more difficult. </p> <p>I suggest taking a hot shower and massaging your breasts first. If that is not possible, try a hot compress before you pump. If DH is around to help you have him continue the hot compresses as you pump. You need to get the engorgement down to prevent mastitis.</p> <p>It takes a while for your supply to build up so don't be discouraged by a low output in the beginning. I started off barely pumping an ounce between both breasts (and sometimes not even that much). My left boob is super lazy so there were times I would get nothing out of it. Even now, it produces about 1/3 of what the right produces.</p> <p>BFing is single handedly the most difficult thing I have ever done. Please don't be too hard on yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159966 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:48:39 +0000 Smurfette 1159966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: :happy: sounds like something is wrong with the pump. But I am so glad that you got the one side working! And even more, a good pumping output! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159962 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:46:44 +0000 kjpugs 1159962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you thank you thank you to all of you!!!! I showed DH and he and I took everything apart and back together. One pump is making a weird noise still (like there's a leak) but I used the other and with your tips- 30 ML!!!! And then the same on the other side! woohoo! Feeling so much better (physically and emotionally) now! </p> [attach=2870/13/muw7ly.450x600.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159868 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:00:03 +0000 ladybee 1159868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: adding, we've been using formula the whole time till today. If I had not had a medical professional tell me there was no way I was going to give him BM the first week I would have been devestated. Keep at it, she is happy and loved. How she is fed will never change that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159864 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:57:14 +0000 ladybee 1159864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: I'm so sorry it isn't going how you planned. That can be so hard. I'm only pumping and got my first bit of milk this afternoon but to be fair I was told by my OB and ped to sleep all night and not pump to recover from a traumatic csection. My pump is set up like lawbees. I rented a hospital grade one for my situation. It was $70 for the month and insurance is covering it. My whole nipple is sucked way in so if check your tubing and make sure everything is put together tight. Hang in there mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159857 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:54:14 +0000 photojane 1159857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PS: Wanted to add that supplementing is OKAY! You're doing what's best for sweet E! I know the pressure and sadness you're feeling. I was there. And, FWIW, I wish I could go back and shake myself. Formula is food, food is good, baby is healthy, baby is happy, mama is happy! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159856 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:51:36 +0000 rachiecakes 1159856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: don't beat yourself up :heart: I had a total meltdown, crying for 24 hours straight when I was asked to supplement and looking back, I wish I gave myself a break. Of course you want your LO to thrive, and you're in pain, but you're doing everything you're supposed to!<br /> First I'd see if DH or someone could go to a pharmacy and get you a cheap manual pump (under $30). It'll help relieve the engorgement while you fiddle with your electric. I also wish I bought a manual pump. I had a few issues with my electric that made me panic and had I had a manual just to get by, I would've felt so much better. </p> <p>I second the YouTube videos! They helped me with everything from the Ergo to the pump to swaddling. </p> <p>But most importantly, be good to yourself. You're doing a great job. (And if it makes you feel better, I'd say 9 out of 10 moms have the 'I'm failing' breakdown in the beginning. I promise you'll look back and want to give yourself and hug.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159852 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:49:15 +0000 singingbee 1159852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My lc also had me use heat before I pumped at the beginning to help with the engorgement. She also had DH help with massaging my breasts while I was pumping to break up the hard spots in the ducts. Hang in there!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159851 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:49:13 +0000 lawbee11 1159851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok I just took these pics of how it should be assembled if the LC did it correctly. Hope these make sense! </p> [attach=1395/13/muw4y2.600x228.image.jpg] [attach=1395/13/muw4y4.600x346.image.jpg] [attach=1395/13/muw4y6.600x392.image.jpg] [attach=1395/13/muw4y8.600x266.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159847 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:45:11 +0000 Mrs. Twine 1159847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Engorgement will send a signal to the breasts that there is extra milk that is not needed. It can lead to supply issues if you continue the cycle of sending the message to stop making so much milk. It sounds at the least like you may have some transfer issues; it's hard to judge supply from a single weighed feeding. Would you consider renting a scale so you could do a full 24-hours of weighed feedings? Also, how was her diaper output before you started supplementing? I just know that sometimes when breastfeeding gets off to a less than ideal start, you can actually create issues by accident. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159845 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:44:02 +0000 vnvdvci 1159845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Oh and I forgot to mention you should totally call Ameda if you still have trouble. They were super helpful when I called and were willing to send replacement parts free of charge. They replaced my entire pump when there was an issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159838 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:40:21 +0000 photojane 1159838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: I didn't pump for long, but when I did the suction was pretty strong. Like, my whole nipple was pulled into the cup. It was crazy looking. I had a pretty intense Medela pump that I got through my insurance, but I think any pump you get should be creating suction. </p> <p>If you need help figuring it out, Ameda has an instructional video, brochure, and Q&amp;A's on their website: <a href="http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding-products/single-user-breast-pumps/purely-yours" rel="nofollow">http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding-products/single-user-breast-pumps/purely-yours</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159837 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:40:16 +0000 vnvdvci 1159837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: I have that pump too. I've found sometimes the pump suction is really weak, and the silicone diaphragms would scrunch up but not expand again (for whatever reason). I have to then unsnap the white caps and fiddle with it to get suction. </p> <p>First though, you should check to make sure there's no tear/crack in the tubes, the valves (even a tiny tear makes a huge diff), and the pump connector. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159834 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:39:28 +0000 immabeetoo 1159834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: yes, @mrstwine is right - CONGRATS! I am not familiar with that pump. Sometimes I have to take my pieces apart and put it back together and realize something wasn't "tight" before it works. Maybe a youtube video would help? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8gzRIMnTcY" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8gzRIMnTcY</a></p> <p>I can't imagine you'd have a supply issue yet -- especially if you're engorged. Check this link: <a href="http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html" rel="nofollow">http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html</a> </p> <p>Hang in there mama! Are there any La Leche Leagues near you? Sounds like you need a visit with a better LC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159831 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:36:27 +0000 lawbee11 1159831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: Yes, there should be a seal, and you should be able to see your nipple being drawn into the flange. I normally firmly press the flange to my breast (I try to center my nipple as best I can) then start the suction. I hold the flange there the entire time (you can't just let go unless you have a hands free pumping bra). I don't press down hard, but I normally do apply slight pressure as I am pumping to maintain the seal. I hope this makes sense--I would post a video of me doing it if that were at all appropriate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159828 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:34:40 +0000 kjpugs 1159828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Twine: and does it count as a supply issue? I'm so engorged it's ridiculous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159826 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:33:55 +0000 kjpugs 1159826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Twine: no suction at all. I am wondering if this LC put it together wrong or something because there is no suction pulling toward my breast at ALL. I have to basically JAM it against my breast to get it to really pull my nipple at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/having-a-hard-time-and-in-need-of-some-help#post-1159825 Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:33:46 +0000 MamaMoose 1159825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kjpugs: try ordering the simple wishes hands free pumping bra. I found that using the bra positioned the flanges on my breasts much better than just holding them.</p> <p>Also, try hand expressing before you nurse. If your breasts are encouraged it might be hard for LO to latch. And as for the shield I used one successfully for 4 months, and then Lo just decided one day that she was done with it and we are still going strong nursing at almost 11 months. I truly believe BF'ing wouldn't have worked for me without the shield. So don't feel badly is using one works best for you. </p>