new mom & breastfeeding

mlag2010

New member
HI I'm a breast feeding mom we are not yet sure if our second daughter has c.f or not. But I'm breastfeeding I don't know from your post exactly what it is you are struggling with, just do what you can with the b.f it's the best thing you can do for your newest addition. Remember there is no harm is supplementing if u need to as I have had to any amount of brst milk is better than none. Keep your chin up....hope this serves at least to encourage u.

sincerely, mlag
 

mlag2010

New member
HI I'm a breast feeding mom we are not yet sure if our second daughter has c.f or not. But I'm breastfeeding I don't know from your post exactly what it is you are struggling with, just do what you can with the b.f it's the best thing you can do for your newest addition. Remember there is no harm is supplementing if u need to as I have had to any amount of brst milk is better than none. Keep your chin up....hope this serves at least to encourage u.

sincerely, mlag
 

mlag2010

New member
HI I'm a breast feeding mom we are not yet sure if our second daughter has c.f or not. But I'm breastfeeding I don't know from your post exactly what it is you are struggling with, just do what you can with the b.f it's the best thing you can do for your newest addition. Remember there is no harm is supplementing if u need to as I have had to any amount of brst milk is better than none. Keep your chin up....hope this serves at least to encourage u.
<br />
<br />sincerely, mlag
 
J

jennylivingston

Guest
I'm a breastfeeding mama with a 10 month old baby, but in our situation I am the one with CF. However, I've talked with my mom extensively about the subject (breastfeeding) and she said that my sisters and I (all with CF) ate A LOT more frequently than my brothers did (no CF). She mentioned how it seemed like ALL she did was sit on the couch and let us nurse... ALL DAY! To this day, I feel best when I eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day.

As far as being gassy and fussy... I can tell you that the stomach and digestion issues related to CF are no fun! I imagine your little guy may be in a lot of discomfort. But, as others have said, breastfeeding is the one of the best things you can do for your baby. If you are having issues with milk supply, allowing him to nurse is the best way to help with that.

I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding, but I think it should also be said that, after trying so hard, if for any reason you have to end up supplementing or switching to formula, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't feel guilty. It sounds like you have given it a heck of a run! Ultimately, you have to do what is best for that little guy, whatever that may be.

Best of luck and hang in there, momma!

(Also- I, too, am clueless as to what a breast sheild is...)
 
J

jennylivingston

Guest
I'm a breastfeeding mama with a 10 month old baby, but in our situation I am the one with CF. However, I've talked with my mom extensively about the subject (breastfeeding) and she said that my sisters and I (all with CF) ate A LOT more frequently than my brothers did (no CF). She mentioned how it seemed like ALL she did was sit on the couch and let us nurse... ALL DAY! To this day, I feel best when I eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day.

As far as being gassy and fussy... I can tell you that the stomach and digestion issues related to CF are no fun! I imagine your little guy may be in a lot of discomfort. But, as others have said, breastfeeding is the one of the best things you can do for your baby. If you are having issues with milk supply, allowing him to nurse is the best way to help with that.

I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding, but I think it should also be said that, after trying so hard, if for any reason you have to end up supplementing or switching to formula, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't feel guilty. It sounds like you have given it a heck of a run! Ultimately, you have to do what is best for that little guy, whatever that may be.

Best of luck and hang in there, momma!

(Also- I, too, am clueless as to what a breast sheild is...)
 
J

jennylivingston

Guest
I'm a breastfeeding mama with a 10 month old baby, but in our situation I am the one with CF. However, I've talked with my mom extensively about the subject (breastfeeding) and she said that my sisters and I (all with CF) ate A LOT more frequently than my brothers did (no CF). She mentioned how it seemed like ALL she did was sit on the couch and let us nurse... ALL DAY! To this day, I feel best when I eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day.
<br />
<br />As far as being gassy and fussy... I can tell you that the stomach and digestion issues related to CF are no fun! I imagine your little guy may be in a lot of discomfort. But, as others have said, breastfeeding is the one of the best things you can do for your baby. If you are having issues with milk supply, allowing him to nurse is the best way to help with that.
<br />
<br />I am a huge advocate for breastfeeding, but I think it should also be said that, after trying so hard, if for any reason you have to end up supplementing or switching to formula, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't feel guilty. It sounds like you have given it a heck of a run! Ultimately, you have to do what is best for that little guy, whatever that may be.
<br />
<br />Best of luck and hang in there, momma!
<br />
<br />(Also- I, too, am clueless as to what a breast sheild is...)
 

NancyLKF

New member
Maggie nursed every couple of hours too. It was worse before she was put on enzymes. She was constantly wanting to eat and always pooping. It was so frustrating. And everyone laughed and said "oh she's using you as a pacifier!" Is your baby on enzymes? Breastfeeding is hard work - that's why some people don't do it. It took us a while to get the hang of it and Maggie never really latched perfectly. But it is worth it, especially for CF babies. They get your antibodies, their immune system will be better and kids who breastfeed are less likely to have illnesses and diseases later in life. Plus it is beneficial to you healthwise as well - including dropping your risk of breast cancer.
Anyway - talk to the CF doc about it. See if there needs to be an adjustment in enzyme dose if there is a great deal of pooping still. Otherwise, sit back. This time with your baby will be over before you know it.
 

NancyLKF

New member
Maggie nursed every couple of hours too. It was worse before she was put on enzymes. She was constantly wanting to eat and always pooping. It was so frustrating. And everyone laughed and said "oh she's using you as a pacifier!" Is your baby on enzymes? Breastfeeding is hard work - that's why some people don't do it. It took us a while to get the hang of it and Maggie never really latched perfectly. But it is worth it, especially for CF babies. They get your antibodies, their immune system will be better and kids who breastfeed are less likely to have illnesses and diseases later in life. Plus it is beneficial to you healthwise as well - including dropping your risk of breast cancer.
Anyway - talk to the CF doc about it. See if there needs to be an adjustment in enzyme dose if there is a great deal of pooping still. Otherwise, sit back. This time with your baby will be over before you know it.
 

NancyLKF

New member
Maggie nursed every couple of hours too. It was worse before she was put on enzymes. She was constantly wanting to eat and always pooping. It was so frustrating. And everyone laughed and said "oh she's using you as a pacifier!" Is your baby on enzymes? Breastfeeding is hard work - that's why some people don't do it. It took us a while to get the hang of it and Maggie never really latched perfectly. But it is worth it, especially for CF babies. They get your antibodies, their immune system will be better and kids who breastfeed are less likely to have illnesses and diseases later in life. Plus it is beneficial to you healthwise as well - including dropping your risk of breast cancer.
<br />Anyway - talk to the CF doc about it. See if there needs to be an adjustment in enzyme dose if there is a great deal of pooping still. Otherwise, sit back. This time with your baby will be over before you know it.
 

cfmommy8812

New member
Let's see if I can answer all the. Qs. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> He needs the shield because he doesn't latch-that was the other frustrating thing for us. Poops are good-now only once to three a day...weight:about 1.5-2lbs a month...not sure by week. He doesn't always burp...do enzymes affect the gas?? We stop about every 3hrs to give him the enzymes. And applesauce. I have had to supplement w/some formula mixed in breastmilk because I get so worn out. Lactation consultants seem to have me running in circles and don't know anything about CF. So disappointing. He also falls asleep a lot during feedings and gets fussy. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> that's when I feel like I am not doing something right. Tried fenugreek and hate the way it made me smell, now waiting for blood test prolactin level check. Thanks for your help ladies! This is support I desperately needed! Now only if my hubby can help me get some more time on here! I am sorry I waited so long to reach out!
 

cfmommy8812

New member
Let's see if I can answer all the. Qs. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> He needs the shield because he doesn't latch-that was the other frustrating thing for us. Poops are good-now only once to three a day...weight:about 1.5-2lbs a month...not sure by week. He doesn't always burp...do enzymes affect the gas?? We stop about every 3hrs to give him the enzymes. And applesauce. I have had to supplement w/some formula mixed in breastmilk because I get so worn out. Lactation consultants seem to have me running in circles and don't know anything about CF. So disappointing. He also falls asleep a lot during feedings and gets fussy. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> that's when I feel like I am not doing something right. Tried fenugreek and hate the way it made me smell, now waiting for blood test prolactin level check. Thanks for your help ladies! This is support I desperately needed! Now only if my hubby can help me get some more time on here! I am sorry I waited so long to reach out!
 

cfmommy8812

New member
Let's see if I can answer all the. Qs. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> He needs the shield because he doesn't latch-that was the other frustrating thing for us. Poops are good-now only once to three a day...weight:about 1.5-2lbs a month...not sure by week. He doesn't always burp...do enzymes affect the gas?? We stop about every 3hrs to give him the enzymes. And applesauce. I have had to supplement w/some formula mixed in breastmilk because I get so worn out. Lactation consultants seem to have me running in circles and don't know anything about CF. So disappointing. He also falls asleep a lot during feedings and gets fussy. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> that's when I feel like I am not doing something right. Tried fenugreek and hate the way it made me smell, now waiting for blood test prolactin level check. Thanks for your help ladies! This is support I desperately needed! Now only if my hubby can help me get some more time on here! I am sorry I waited so long to reach out!
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
When I was nursing my daughter and she was nursing for a long period of time; I would repeat the enzymes definately more than every 3 hours. For example, if she started nursing at 10 am, I would give her enzymes at 10 am right before nursing, let's say with that nursing session she stopped at 1035am. But then at 11:15 am she wanted to nurse again, I would give her her dose of enzymes and nurse again. The enzymes do not last in their system for 3 hours; maybe that's why he is gassy. I think it's about 45 minutes the enzymes last. Check with your Cf nutritionist and Cf doc about how often to dose her with enzymes but with nursing, you are feeding them so often the breast milk is so digestible that I think they nurse more often thus need enzymes more often. Hope that makes sense.

I used Fenugreek when i was nursing and I definately think it helped my supply..Course you do smell like maple syrup..Truly I found eating oatmeal to help supply as well..

My kids didn't have latch issues so I'm not sure about that; but as the baby gets older their latch becomes very strong.
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
When I was nursing my daughter and she was nursing for a long period of time; I would repeat the enzymes definately more than every 3 hours. For example, if she started nursing at 10 am, I would give her enzymes at 10 am right before nursing, let's say with that nursing session she stopped at 1035am. But then at 11:15 am she wanted to nurse again, I would give her her dose of enzymes and nurse again. The enzymes do not last in their system for 3 hours; maybe that's why he is gassy. I think it's about 45 minutes the enzymes last. Check with your Cf nutritionist and Cf doc about how often to dose her with enzymes but with nursing, you are feeding them so often the breast milk is so digestible that I think they nurse more often thus need enzymes more often. Hope that makes sense.

I used Fenugreek when i was nursing and I definately think it helped my supply..Course you do smell like maple syrup..Truly I found eating oatmeal to help supply as well..

My kids didn't have latch issues so I'm not sure about that; but as the baby gets older their latch becomes very strong.
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
When I was nursing my daughter and she was nursing for a long period of time; I would repeat the enzymes definately more than every 3 hours. For example, if she started nursing at 10 am, I would give her enzymes at 10 am right before nursing, let's say with that nursing session she stopped at 1035am. But then at 11:15 am she wanted to nurse again, I would give her her dose of enzymes and nurse again. The enzymes do not last in their system for 3 hours; maybe that's why he is gassy. I think it's about 45 minutes the enzymes last. Check with your Cf nutritionist and Cf doc about how often to dose her with enzymes but with nursing, you are feeding them so often the breast milk is so digestible that I think they nurse more often thus need enzymes more often. Hope that makes sense.
<br />
<br />I used Fenugreek when i was nursing and I definately think it helped my supply..Course you do smell like maple syrup..Truly I found eating oatmeal to help supply as well..
<br />
<br />My kids didn't have latch issues so I'm not sure about that; but as the baby gets older their latch becomes very strong.
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
La Leche league can be a resource as well. Also, a breast feeding website www.breastfeeding.com. They likely won't know alot about CF but would know about general breastfeeding and latch issues.
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
La Leche league can be a resource as well. Also, a breast feeding website www.breastfeeding.com. They likely won't know alot about CF but would know about general breastfeeding and latch issues.
 

Rebjane

Super Moderator
La Leche league can be a resource as well. Also, a breast feeding website www.breastfeeding.com. They likely won't know alot about CF but would know about general breastfeeding and latch issues.
 

kellyga

New member
Glad you found this site. I tried to breastfeed my daughter and found it very difficult. She ended up switching to formula around 12 weeks. I felt so guilty because I know that it really is the best thing for them, especially with CF.

I did talk to my OB/GYN at one point about my supply not being very good, and she was able to give me a prescription that increases milk supply. The drug is some sort of antacid type pill (regulen?) but it has a side effect of increasing your milk. It did help, but in my case not enough. Looking back, I think a lot of my problem may have been related to stress.

Good luck, and I hope the advice the successful breastfeeding moms have given helps you. If you do have to switch to formula don't beat yourself up about it too much. There are some really good ones out there, and you can fortify them which increases the calories.
 
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