Finely, a few final bits of advice. 1. With subsequent PG's moms tend to produce more milk easier due to further breast changes during the 2nd PG. 2. Google Kellymom, you will find a popular site run by a certified lactation consultant (LC) with tons on BF'ing info/advice. 3. I would also recommend you look into wether your hospital employs an LC you can see postpartum or find a local private practice LC (if BF issues arrise) as they're trained to address latch issues, resolve low supply, etc.
Forth, the fact your 1st baby was pulling off the breast constantly may not be simply because of low supply but rather because the problem of nipple confusion. The early bottle of formula may have led him to prefer the faster flow the bottle over the slower flow from the breast. It's recommended to wait at least 3 weeks before giving a bottle for this reason. Also, if your baby had a latch issue then proper milk transfer from the breast may have been an issue too.
Third, regarding milk supply concerns: Pumping is not a good indicator of supply do to inefficiency of pump compared to baby suckling directly. Pumping 1.5 oz. per breast is above the average of 1/2-2 oz. both breast combined most moms can pump when pumping in addition to nursing directly. Only good indicator of low milk supply is less the avg. wet and dirty diaper count and below avg. weight gain as other "signs of low supply" may actually be signs of another issue or just be normal behaviors.
Second, contrary to what that nurse told you, cracked and bleeding nipples are not considered normal by breastfeeding experts and are generally a sign of a either poor latch or tongue-tie. You should have your babies latch evaluated by a lactation consultant/lactation nurse in the hospital in such a case to correct the problem. Only mild/moderate soreness with no bleeding or cracks in the early weeks is normal and should go away on it's own within a week or so.
Let me try and address many of your concerns. First, about nursing a baby w/ a toddler around: If you get a baby sling, it's possible to learn to nurse hands-free in the sling. That way you'll have both free hands and some mobility so you can attend to your toddlers needs, especially if he shows jealousy or demands special attention during nursing session. Also, you can have your husband help occupy the toddler when he is around so you can focus on nursing the baby.
Finely, a few final bits of advice. 1. With subsequent PG's moms tend to produce more milk easier due to further breast changes during the 2nd PG. 2. Google Kellymom, you will find a popular site run by a certified lactation consultant (LC) with tons on BF'ing info/advice. 3. I would also recommend you look into wether your hospital employs an LC you can see postpartum or find a local private practice LC (if BF issues arrise) as they're trained to address latch issues, resolve low supply, etc.
CharleenCC 2 months ago
Forth, the fact your 1st baby was pulling off the breast constantly may not be simply because of low supply but rather because the problem of nipple confusion. The early bottle of formula may have led him to prefer the faster flow the bottle over the slower flow from the breast. It's recommended to wait at least 3 weeks before giving a bottle for this reason. Also, if your baby had a latch issue then proper milk transfer from the breast may have been an issue too.
CharleenCC 2 months ago
Third, regarding milk supply concerns: Pumping is not a good indicator of supply do to inefficiency of pump compared to baby suckling directly. Pumping 1.5 oz. per breast is above the average of 1/2-2 oz. both breast combined most moms can pump when pumping in addition to nursing directly. Only good indicator of low milk supply is less the avg. wet and dirty diaper count and below avg. weight gain as other "signs of low supply" may actually be signs of another issue or just be normal behaviors.
CharleenCC 2 months ago
Second, contrary to what that nurse told you, cracked and bleeding nipples are not considered normal by breastfeeding experts and are generally a sign of a either poor latch or tongue-tie. You should have your babies latch evaluated by a lactation consultant/lactation nurse in the hospital in such a case to correct the problem. Only mild/moderate soreness with no bleeding or cracks in the early weeks is normal and should go away on it's own within a week or so.
CharleenCC 2 months ago
Let me try and address many of your concerns. First, about nursing a baby w/ a toddler around: If you get a baby sling, it's possible to learn to nurse hands-free in the sling. That way you'll have both free hands and some mobility so you can attend to your toddlers needs, especially if he shows jealousy or demands special attention during nursing session. Also, you can have your husband help occupy the toddler when he is around so you can focus on nursing the baby.
CharleenCC 2 months ago