(2009/09) September 2009 MTBs

princessxiaomei · Sep 13, 2009

cloudme
1 time use parking card?
How does ESh charge the timing when we admit? From what time you admit is consider one day? You have any idea?
It's my gynae who told me IF my weight drops by next visit and i still haven't deliver, he might have to induce me. Else can wait. I did try some natural ways to induce but see, i am still here. ):

pam
Hihi.... i also thought you went to deliver liao..... me too, still here! Waiting for my turn.... till now no sign... my discharge still same like usual.. braxton hicks irregular... mood swings even higher than swinging on a swing...

princessxiaomei · Sep 13, 2009

waiwai
Hello! You seemed so energetic after delivery leh... hehehe.... how come must use forceps instead of letting you push few times more?? Your gynae also has so many patients on that day!!

cant imagine how fully packed TMC was!!!

kang · Sep 13, 2009

Hi all!
Reading the posts most of the time..even though its my no 2..still tryingt to learn from everyone here!!! pls update for me..Thanks!
Mummy's Nick: kang
EDD : 24/09/09
ADD : 09/09/09
Wt : 2.605
Lt : 49cm
Method : natural w epidural
BB's Gender : prince
Hospital : TMC

read in the earlier posts abt the service levels at TMC..just want to reassure those who have yet to pop...
I received excellent service during my 2 nights stay there. No worries!

hanabiwaiwai · Sep 13, 2009

princessxiaomei
haha, i didn't look like the one who gave birth hor? but think i was very too happy to see my baby. think gynae used forceps as baby's heart beat was dropping, no time to let me try pushing... or he is rushing for his next patient? the midwives and nurses said they were super busy, as TMC was full house on 090909!

kiki
my boy can latch on left side, can't latch well on right side. both my nipples got blood only on first day!!! sobz

lactation consultant advised me to use cradle hold for left, football hold for right side. but since 2 days ago, i started lying down position for both side, right side still need to take more time to latch.

now both my nipples are injured, then the wound down there also got infected, got pus... so painful...

then my boy has jaundice (level 10.2 as of friday) and heat rashes, going for PD appointment tomorrow... pray hard no need phototherapy

kang · Sep 13, 2009

Hi all,
I'll be selling my medela mini electric plus as I currently have another pump to use. Its in excellent condition. Used only for 2 months when i had my no 1 last year..
I'm looking at $150. Do pm me if you are interested. Thanks!

rayrachel · Sep 13, 2009

milkyway>
very likely she's not enough coz u prob only still producing colostrum now.. dun worry..

once ur supply comes in, she'll slowly adjust...

kiki>
ya loh.. heheh... so like Hui Chern says, our breasts not used to the abuse yet.. hahaa....;P

sandwich>
my CL says no mooncake..coz made of pork oil....cannot eat.....??!!??
dunno..so i dun get to eat till after confinement..... :/

Kam>
sigh... she was ok the whole day...being satisfied with my BM...
dunno why the moment Hb came back...she throw tantrums..after giving her 45min feed at 1 hour interval, she still screaming..
now CL made her FM again...
whole day i so happy that she no need to drink FM.. now she's back on it..sianz.... :/

ooh.. yah....getting more relaxed liaoz.. hehehe..

Michelle>
hahaa.. i went in at 8am...but got into the ward only at 930pm...
but HB says at least i was in the delivery ward occupying space also.. haaha...

no.. i went to PD coz its the same PD at the hosp...supposed to go to him for Hep B Jab which is already included in package..
but coz bb still had jaundice...he gave jaundice and wind medicine....and supposed to go back see him tmr..
if bb jaundice gone, she'll get the Hep B jab tmr..

i latch on all the time liaoz..but she will drink till she fed up.... i also wish to TBF..
but she'll scream and push away.... and be satisfied only after FM...faint..
thats why i ddint want to supplement with FM all the while.. but that day at the hosp... she was really satisfied with the FM..
bo bian..since my supply not enough yet..gotta give FM..else my gal will go hungry...
after she push away.. i can still pump out 10ml loh....

lasinoh is widely recommended here.... and its really good for me la.... i dunno abt u... hehe..

bb is latched properly... but coz of the frequent sucking.. nipples still not used to it..but gettng better..
today is 6th day... just pray for more more more milk..then she can stop FM.... sigh..

enxuan · Sep 13, 2009

Here's my birth story ..

11 Sep
11pm - Checked into TMC to be induced
11.30pm - settled all the necessary registration, proceed to labour ward, changed, pooed and shaved..
12am - Doctor arrived to check that I'm only 1.5cm dilated, instructed to get me on IV drip to quicken the dilation
2am onwards ... Contraction starts to get unbearable.. I felt severe achings in my lower back and thighs. I believe this is due to the drip that causes stronger contractions...
2am to 4am - Tahan all the way..
4am - give up, ask for gas mask.. Got a bit of relieve as in pain was not so intense.. So continue to use gas mask and tahan.
6am - Dr. came to check that I'm only 2cm dilated!!! Shocked that after 6hrs of stupid drip.. cervix only progressed like 0.5cm.. Give up as dilation too slow.. asked for epidural
7am - epidural was administered... relief was felt almost instantly.. Lucky me, I did not have any side effects from epidural.. and then I went to sleep.
2pm - Dr came back to check on me only to realise that I've only dilated till 4cm. Thinking that i'm already half way there.. may deliver in the evening of 12 Sep.
2-6pm - happily on epidural with strong contractions noted on the CTG scan.. At around 5pm, I had develop a slight fever and bb's heartbeat was raising..
6pm - Dr checked my cervix once more to realise that there was no progress anymore.. Still dilated at 4cm..
Dr suggested me to do a emer c-sec due to the fact that my cervix has stopped dilating. She said it's prob. because bb's head is too big and couldn't get through the pelvic to dilate the cervix. Since I;m running a slight fever and bb's heartbeat is raising.. it's best to go for c-sec.
6.30pm - pushed to Operating Threatre. Was put on a stronger dose of epidural instead of General Anestetic. Therefore, I was awake thorughout the whole procedure and honestly I can feel the tugging and pulling sensation on my tummy. In less that 30mins, bb was pulled out from my tummy and hubby felt slightly sick.
7.10pm - hubby and bb go to ward, while dr. stitch me up in O.T. This was when I felt pain .. told Dr I feel pain.. then was given a gas to make me drowsy. But am still awake.. Just cannot response to my surroundings.
8pm - All was over but I was shivering like nobody's business.. I guess that was the side effect of the epidural.

Haha... now resting and will only checkout on Tues. Hubby was saying that I was very brave to agree to be operated on epidural.. Honestly, given me another choice, I would opt for G.A. Although it was great to be able to see my bb fresh out from the womb, the type of weird sensation I felt (like ppl snipping your womb, pulling your organs, stretching your skin) was too much for me to handle.

That;s all.. Oh, and my bb's length is 49cm. Think I forgot to update that.

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

bbq98,
My confinement food are :-
fish
Veg
& Reg
for two weeks.

then now i have beef..

i drinks red dates tea everyday la..

fish shld help to produce milk.

b4 i pop i already have the colostrum milk..i let bb latch immediately after bb popped at the OP room..

you try eat more spinach veg. i thinks its help too..

nurses at tmc say my nipple & breast is good for breastfeeding... puzzle... but bb is good in latching.. not painful thank God.

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

Mamato6js,
Thank you for the advise, and Finally, last nite i have my first PUMP of BM.. but i stopped at 50ml. is bb enuf for 50ml of BM per feed?

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

enxuan,
you are very patient, God bless, both you & bb is safe

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

milkyway,
hahah at one glance, i tot you staying at bangkOK

... til i read, TMC hahah

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

Jenifur,
my bb have pass yellowish urine, i guess is jaundice abit release ba.. oh the herb doesnt help on ur bb and michelle say her bb skin might cause by tt herb, i beter dun try...

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

Rach,
What, Pork oil cannot eat? but arent you having pork dishes for confinement?

Can help me check with you CL, during confinement cant take SWEETS/Candy anot? i keep munching mentos the whole day heeee.. and i breastfeeding will affect bb anot?

jus cant help it. so boring at home, so keep munching sweets notings...

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

Shelled..

hee.. sorry ok.. never scold you la.. now i basically do everything jus like you, except jus like u i dun have to worry about food, cuz my mum cook and my hubby fetch..

oh ya. post natal massage, i actually specially ask to go her place to do massage since she allow pp to go her place and massage...
cuz if she come i oso need to pay transport i mus well go her place and i dun have to headache those oily massage or herbs will dirty my place lor

..

Jenifur,
so disappointed leh,the warming shampoo & washing lotion not warming at all

like not effect like tat...

are u feeling the same? or how much amount you use them?

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

EHH..... Wat is Let down ah?

my bb will at times latch til got choke himself or coughing

.. isit let down? isit mean milk flowing speedy?

blessedmommy · Sep 13, 2009

flower
why cant eat sweet ah? no logic what haha...

why u stop at 50ml ah? why never empty breasts? how old ur baby? every baby got different appetite lor so u trial and error. mine now 1.5 wk drinking 60-70ml 2 hour from his last feed. worst, he hears my voice only he wanna nurse somemore and its only 1 hr from his last bottle feed. bo bian give him lor and can empty one breast. babies r so cute huh they recognise mommy;s voice and smell! when he is hungry he will root for the breast and when my mom carrying him, he will turn towards her breast and dig his head there then maybe realise the smell different from mommy he will turn away and start wailing.

itsy
for me, if baby only manage to empty one breast then i immediately go and pump after i finish feeding. his appetite differs from time to time. sometimes can empty 2 sides sometimes one sidde or 1.5.

usually mornings u realise ur breasts will be fuller than the rest of the day. usually i will just use my double pump to pump whatever excess after the feed.

initial days i will encourage to total latch first lor cos u will be discouraged by the amount u r able to pump out then u will doubt whther enuf for baby not? usually after 2 weeks once milk comes in and supply is good then i start to pump. dun worry too much ok, just take one day at a time. this is how i always survive my breastfeeding journey. if today baby is satisfied its already an achievement for the day. dun worry abt tomo

flower4 · Sep 13, 2009

mamato6js,
hee.. i can finished one bottle of mentos in one go

...

oh, i din know mus empty breast cuz i afraid bb waken and i have emptied my breast bb no milk to drink liao

.

my bb is 11days old..

ya la, my bb hear my voice he oso want my attention, then once i keep quiet and give him the sense tat im not around, he stopped crying leh

..

my bb dun like to sleep at his cot

... he wan to sleep beside me ah.. Zzzzz , i will breastfeed him lying down til he fallen asleep worst, i fallen asleep b4 him ....

enxuan · Sep 13, 2009

Just finish letting my bb suckle on my breast. Realise that there is no colostrum or whatsover leh. Since last night, have been letting her latch on every 3hr once, 15mins on each breast. But I got a feeling she;s still hungry because my milk has no come in, yet I dun think I have any colostrum for her too.
Understand that first 3 days, bb do not actually need to eat.. but my bb has been crying in fustration leh.. Although I requested for TBF, not sure if I should give in and give her some formula or wait for one more day to see how..
Anyone like me, no colustrum too?

adelinelye · Sep 13, 2009

Hi rach (rayrachel),

I think i let baby latch one and he keep suckling until got sore nipple and then cracked. So it is bleeding no matter I pump or latch on. Haha...My sister told me she can pump up to 60-90ml for one side of her breast.

Just now, I saw an increment from 25ml to 30ml liao. I just pump whenever I feel that my breast is full. I didnt pump every 3 hour interval.

So, does your baby girl have jaundice issue? Mine slightly better. Tomorrow still need to sun bath him.

blessedmommy · Sep 13, 2009

flower
wah u got such sweet tooth ah! haha...not cannot eat sweet during confinement lah but eat too much sweet also cannot lose weight during confinement LOL

oh i see... in tat case then dun need empty breast lor if u expecting baby to wake up anytime. ur supply also quite good hor?

princess09 · Sep 13, 2009

Hi,
Any mommies start to give your bb pacifier?

mwerkz · Sep 13, 2009

waiwai> it's ok. juz let ur nipples get hurt badly once. den ok liao. mine both side injured after 3days. now used to de abuse, den ok liao. keke. slowly learn how to latch bb. actually bb cant really latch on right. u need to guide his mouth in.

rach> erms. how come so early ur bb test for jaundice? my bb did his hep b n bcg jab on 2nd day. 3rd day den started testing for jaundice. cos jaundice usually comes in only fr day 3 onwards?

if u r looking at fm, why not consider pump out den feed ur bb instead? like tat can still keep her on bm.

keke. now bb ok with de latching. seldom i get cracked nipples. so i got no real need for de nipple cream liaos. but if i gonna get swollen nipples again, den i'll go get a tube of lansinoh to try

flower4> u r lucky dat ur bb auto know how to latch. i still got prob latching him sometimes. need to try like 3-4times. but i know when it's wrong n save my nipples immediately to avoid getting them destroyed =p

but my milkflow is there liao. like now is bb feeding time, but he's still sleeping, so i dun wake him out. my milk flowing like mad by itself automatically. hubby was laughing at me -_-"

erhs. i read tat jaundice is passed out 98% by shit n 2% by urine. so best is still get ur bb to poop more. huh? i say wat herb cause bb skin? *confused*

enxuan> dun give in to fm. once u give in, u'll tend to give up breastfeeding cos it's so much more convenient. dun worry if u dun haf much colostrum. cos bb dun really need to eat much for first 2days. actually u got colostrum. juz tat colostrum quantity is very very little. juz try to latch on. bb will get wat he needs

pamelia · Sep 13, 2009

Girly,

It is actually $98 Above the bra buckle. So if your hair is below that have to top $10 once exceed, Another $10 if it exceeds the waist, another $10 if exceed the hips. XD But if your hair is not those SUPER THICK kind we may give it an exception. =)And yes, We're open daily~

Princessxiaomei,

Hello there, the time will come when your BB wants to be in your arms, Stay calm, And try to stay happy~

RE: Auntie

Oh Yes!!! If you all were wondering, I can't remember if I have announced... That AUNTIE staff of mine has been terminated as of the end of August. =) I have a nice, pleasant looking lady of below 30 working with us in our Hair Addicts Styling Studio!~

purpleclouds · Sep 13, 2009

Hi Angel, my next checkup is on Wed, so very likely should be inducing after that, could be Wed night or the next day. *scared*. Yah, babies usually put on a lot in the last few weeks. I eat as per normal but the baby weight increase like 400g within 1 week! *faintz*. Haha Marc still so active can wriggle from side to side, mine likes to put up her legs such that my stomach becomes like a walnut shape!

I’m having aching joints! Fingers are stiff and both my wrists tendons hurts as well. Doc said its due to pregnancy and will take time to go away.

Hi Pamelia, I was at toa payoh on Thurs night. I walked past your salon. Saw this pregnant lady with long waist hair at the cashier. Was that you? Think you wore a white/black t-shirt top with pants?

Happy to see more mummies popping. I’m still waiting..waiting.

rayrachel · Sep 14, 2009

adeline>
oh okie... wah... 60-90ml...how many days???
i think we can reach that amount too in time to come.. just that for now..its a bit slow still..

I've pump 30ml twice today by alternating right & left breasts at each pump..now pumping the 3rd time before i go to sleep....

i'm not pumping every 3 hours also... like for today.. this is the 3rd time..normally after feed i pump out whatever is left..
so that there's time for production for next feed loh..

yah... my girl has a bit bit jaundice...almost not noticeable kind..thats why went to PD and cant take Hep B jab till jaundice all gone.
Going back gynae again tmr..pray its all ok liao...

Sarah>
dun intend to give her pacifier... bad habit.. so... if nobody at home spoil the market.. i wont give her..

Michelle>
my bb wasnt tested for jaundice at all...could see from her face abit bit yellow on 2nd day..so doc already said not gonna give Hep B...
only give BCG....

pump liaoz..but supply not enough now to feed ma... but its increasing...so i try to give EBM whenever i've enough for a feed loh...
like each time only 30ml..need 2 pumps for a feed..and her feeding time definitely faster than the amt i can accumulate...
but supply is coming in..and like i said.. i intend the tin of FM to be the only tin... by the time the tin finishes, i should have enough supply for feeds + bottle feed liaoz..

jenifur · Sep 14, 2009

Something to share:-

http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/pdf/Breastfeedingwhywedontroutinelysupplementbreastfedbabies184.pdf

enxuan · Sep 14, 2009

Haiz... just 'fed' my bb again. But everytime after feeding she starts crying again leh. I believe she's hungry. Haven't give in to formula milk yet .. so ask nurse to give her some water or glucose water to quench her thirst...
Heartpain leh... see her cry so hard. I'm waiting till tuesday.. if still no milk as yet, then maybe give her some formula milk to satisfy her hunger until my milk starts coming in.

What do you mummies suggest I do? Is this a good idea?

-desperate-

rayrachel · Sep 14, 2009

flower>
how big is ur bb now?? mine is 6 days old..and she can latch on and at the same time take in another 60ml of FM.
so i think 50ml may be insufficient for ur bb per feed....i'm not too sure but i read the instructions on the FM tin that bb 1-4weeks need 90ml of FM, so does that equal to 90ml of BM as well??

ya... i asked my CL the same question as well..she said dunno the oil is made of which part of the the pig.......
and i asked then how come can eat pig trotters?? she said...ya...very contradictive...
so i also dunno...she said cannot eat..then i dun eat loh..dun eat i wont die..
and if its supposed to be better...then so be it loh....
though i would love to eat some...
like ice cream she also said cannot...
but well..there's a lot of food that we cant eat during confinement due to whatever reasons...
and so it depends if we wanna follow strictly or not..
just like cannot wash hands with tap water..... i did and i could feel my fingers aching wor...
so... there may not be any logical reasons or scientific reasons... but if they do it for our own good..
and we dun mind abstaining...then abstain loh...
my mum always say, u all havent experience the side effects only..still young..wait till u are old then u know.........
MMmm....quite true la..those who are not following the strict rules.... all still young..and by the time they experience it..
it'll be too late to reverse anything..
so those logical and can follow one...follow loh... sigh...just like bathing...

my CL more strict than my mum..she really make me follow rules and ensures my body is well..
appreciate her for that la...

i just asked her...she said mentos can...those inside got no extra stuffs sweets are okay..
like some sweets got cream or dunno what other ingredients inside one then better not....

u may wanna substitute sweets with fruits??
Apple is the best..and i'm only allowed apples and yest she gave me some strawberries as well.. hehe...

enxuan>
monitor if ur bb having enough fluids...like no pinkish urine (that will mean dehydration)...and if she poos...
her 1st poo & urine very impt...
my girl had a few pinkish urine..and i had no choice but to succumb to FM at the hosp after we were discharged and we went back in the evening coz she was crying non stop..
they say my bb is big..and hence need more fluid than smaller bb...
and surprisingly, she really stopped crying after given the FM and she looked so contented...
before that...she cried non stop 4 hours at home...from the moment we reached home from hosp..till we went back hosp...
i was also crying by then...coz dunno what happend..and i have been latching her on for 2 hours in the 4 hours that we were home..
but she just start crying each time after she unlatch... so stress...and milk not in then...only colostrum...
literally at a loss then...

so.. u see how first loh...

jenifur · Sep 14, 2009

What is colostrum? How does it benefit my baby?

Your breasts produce colostrum beginning during pregnancy and continuing through the early days of breastfeeding. This special milk is yellow to orange in color and thick and sticky. It is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies to help keep your baby healthy. Colostrum is extremely easy to digest, and is therefore the perfect first food for your baby. It is low in volume (measurable in teaspoons), BUT high in concentrated nutrition for the newborn. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby, helping him pass his early stools, which aids in the excretion of excess bilirubin and helps prevent jaundice.

When your baby is breastfed early and often, your breasts will begin producing mature milk around the third or fourth day after birth. Your milk will then increase in volume and will generally begin to appear thinner and whiter (more opaque) in color. In those first few days it is extremely important to breastfeed your newborn at least 8-12 times each 24 hours, and more often is even better. This allows your baby to get all the benefits of the colostrum and also stimulates production of a plentiful supply of mature milk. Frequent breastfeeding also helps prevent engorgement.

Your colostrum provides not only perfect nutrition tailored to the needs of your newborn, but also large amounts of living cells which will defend your baby against many harmful agents. The concentration of immune factors is much higher in colostrum than in mature milk.

Colostrum actually works as a natural and 100% safe vaccine. It contains large quantities of an antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) which is a new substance to the newborn.

Before your baby was born, he received the benefit of another antibody, called IgG, through your placenta. IgG worked through the baby's circulatory system, but IgA protects the baby in the places most likely to come under attack from germs, namely the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, and intestines.

Colostrum has an especially important role to play in the baby's gastrointestinal tract. A newborn's intestines are very permeable. Colostrum seals the holes by "painting" the gastrointestinal tract with a barrier which mostly prevents foreign substances from penetrating and possibly sensitizing a baby to foods the mother has eaten.

Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

The colostrum gradually changes to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition, the concentrations of the antibodies in your milk decrease, but your milk volume greatly increases. The disease-fighting properties of human milk do not disappear with the colostrum. In fact, as long as your baby receives your milk, he will receive immunological protection against many different viruses and bacteria.

jenifur · Sep 14, 2009

Stomach capacity of the newborn

A 1 day old baby's stomach capacity is about 5-7 ml, or about the size of a marble. Interestingly, researchers have found that the day-old newborn's stomach does not stretch to hold more. Since the walls of the newborn's stomach stays firm, extra milk is most often expelled (spit up). Your colostrum is just the right amount for your baby's first feedings! 

By day 3, the newborn's stomach capacity has grown to about 0.75-1 oz, or about the size of a "shooter" marble. Small, frequent feedings assure that your baby takes in all the milk he needs.

Around day 7, the newborn's stomach capacity is now about 1.5-2 oz, or about the size of a ping-pong ball. Continued frequent feeding will assure that your baby takes in all the milk he needs, and your milk production meets his demands.

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mwerkz · Sep 14, 2009

rach> o. so is ur bb's jaundice better now? keke. u got ur daughter used to drinking alot of milk liaos. later supply cannot meet demand wor. i juz let my boy drink as much as i have. den if he cries, juz keep latching him on till he doses off

cl> my cl keep trying to stuff me with food. ended up every meal got food wastage. arghhshs.. y doesnt she understand tat not everyone can eat so much?? grrrs..

rae_cheong · Sep 14, 2009

Re: Jaundice Check
Did mummies bring yr babies to Polyclinic or PD? I brought my 7 day old boy to PD. The level was 9.1, and there isn't any need to be him to go back for review. However, for my #1, I remembered I hv to bring her to Polyclinic 3-4 times for jaundice review. What is the max limit of the bilirubin level before the babies need phototherapy?

blendedbaby · Sep 14, 2009

Went to the paed and he said my baby has a huge appetite, so I give about 20 ml of water broken up in 3 parts, 2 feeds of FM and the usual BM (bout 15 feeds!!)... the night FM feed has been a blessing. I am a lil disappoint in myself wanted to breast feed 100% but I can't cope.

bbq98 · Sep 14, 2009

Jennifur, thanks for the informative posts!

shelled · Sep 14, 2009

Mommies, pls take note of what Jen has posted above about colostrum!!

While it is true that BM takes a few days to come in, THAT IS NOT A REASON TO SUPPLEMENT BBs WITH FM!!

If you want to BF successfully, then you HAVE to BF and not just turn to FM at the drop of a hat. Issues with latching, supply, feeding times, etc are PART & PARCEL of early BF days. IT IS NOT A REASON TO SIMPLY USE FM! Like I've mentioned to many moms, by the time your babies turn 2 mths old and your milk supply has established, all these problems will hardly ever occur again.

With regards to giving FM because heavier babies having bigger appetites and baby being "dehydrated",
I only have 1 word in response: "BULLSHIT".

If you are latching baby correctly, there will be no problem of bb getting sufficient BM to be full and hydrated!
This is the #1 rule of successful BFing!
If your latching is wrong, EVERYTHING will eventually go wrong. Bb won't be able to efficiently extract BM, therefore leading to hunger/dehydration/"wind" in tummy. Not to mention you will have sore/blistered/bleeding/cracked nipples. Correct latching is VERY VERY important.

Both my boys were born at good weights of 3.5kg and 3.7kg, and none of them were supplemented with any FM at all.
If it is true that colostrum is not enough, then both my boys should be DEAD from starvation and dehydration before they can even turn 1 month old.

Jen, mama to 6Js and many other moms have BFed our kids with only colostrum, until BM came in.
And our kids are not only not starving, but instead pack on weight at amazing speeds. Isn't this proof enough???

Last thing I want to mention is:
If you can pump ANYTHING out at all, it means you have milk. And if you have milk, then there is no reason to use to FM.
Unless you WANT to use FM, to which is your personal choice and which I will definitely not pass any judgment on.

But if because you have some problems with your latching, and you did not seek help from LC/nurse, then you come and tell ppl to give their BBs FM as well, pls do not blame me if I give you not-so-nice comments. There's no need to encourage other moms to use FM just because you choose to supplement bb with FM for whatever reason it is.

Unless a doctor or LC is certain that your bb truly requires FM, then you shouldn't use it if you are 100% keen on BFing.

If you have ANY questions regarding BFing, you can call TMC's 24-hour Postnatal Help Hotline: 9119 3502. 
Instead of relying on info that may not be 100% accurate from mommies who may not know any better. Even Jen and I also cannot comment on some of the BF issues, for example: hui chern's "every 5 min change breast when pumping" question. Because we never tried, so we don't know, and therefore we don't anyhow give ppl advice/answers.

Mommies, pls be wary of what kind of BF advice to take from who.
Especially from 1st-time moms who don't bother to read up properly and learn more abt BFing, then easily resort to FM without asking for help from LC when still in hosp.

shelled · Sep 14, 2009

enxuan
If you're very keen on BFing your bb, then yes, what you have in mind is a good plan. Meanwhile, latch bb on as often as she wishes, and if you're concerned abt dehydration, give her some plain water.
Sometimes newborn bbs just cry for no reason. That's why there's a condition called "colic". Even my K also ki siao ki siao sometimes. Must carry him then he will be happy.
I'm sure your milk will be coming in very soon! Meanwhile just keep BFing bb so your boobs will know to work hard to make milk!

rae_chong
I believe it's 10. Cos my #1 also had some jaundice, but it was ard 10.2 or something, so they say no need to do anything cos its borderline case.

mwerkz · Sep 14, 2009

rae_cheong> i bring my boy to polyclinic for jaundice check simply cause dere is no need for a pd for this. de charges so much higher n de clinic so much further for me. as long as u see a trend of jaundice lvl dropping, den no need to worry.

marie> erms. agree dat having fm at night is really a blessing. cause u can juz throw de work to a helper while u sleep thru. but this way, it will juz cause ur supply to drop even lower. if possible, try to wake up once every 2-3hrs to do de pumping or try to latch on. n sleep when bb is sleeping too. like this can get de supply in n at de same time give bb 100% bm.

fm> i totally agree with shelled, dun try to use watever excuses n try to feed bb with fm. cause our supply comes with demand. if there is demand, de supply will automatically be there. u juz have to be more hardworking, waking up every 2-3hrs to feed bb. if not enugh, latch on every 1hr or so. this will make all de supply higher.

hollow · Sep 14, 2009

hi shelled

how would i know if baby is latching correctly? if she sucking happily does it mean correct?

i have been trying to pump BM or latch every 3 hourly, but i realise that i do not produce that much milk...

most of the time only 6 hours later then will have milk. and only max 40ml for both sides... so sometimes i feel a bit sad and depressed..

nongning · Sep 14, 2009

Hi Mummies - pls advise, my baby is now 14 days old. We have been letting him sleep on his side from the beginning due to some pple advise that his skull is not formed properly yet so it is better to sleep on the side. I would like to check, can i now let him sleep on his back?

jenifur · Sep 14, 2009

Is your milk supply really low?

First of all, is your milk supply really low? Often, mothers think that their milk supply is low when it really isn't. If your baby is gaining weight well on breastmilk alone, then you do not have a problem with milk supply.

It's important to note that the feel of the breast, the behavior of your baby, the frequency of nursing, the sensation of let-down, or the amount you pump are not valid ways to determine if you have enough milk for your baby.

Some common misunderstandings:-

1. Your baby nurses frequently. Breastmilk is digested quickly (usually in 1.5-2 hours), so breastfed babies need to eat more often than formula-fed babies. Many babies have a strong need to suck. Also, babies often need continuous contact with mom in order to feel secure. All these things are normal, and you cannot spoil your baby by meeting these needs.

2. Your baby guzzles down a bottle of formula or expressed milk after nursing or fussing at breast. Many babies will willingly take a bottle even after they have a full feeding at the breast.

When the bottle goes in the baby's mouth the mouth fills with milk, the baby is obligated to swallow and the action of swallowing initiates another suck. The suck again fills the mouth and the cycle repeats, giving an appearance of the baby "gulping the bottle down hungrily".

This of course only contributes to mom and dad's fear that the baby wasn't getting enough at the breast and they keep offering more and more bottles (understandably). Which then causes a true low milk supply. Often the baby falls asleep peacefully after the bottle which also reinforces to the parents that the bottle was just what the baby needed. What has really happened is the baby has by coincidence come to the natural conclusion of the fussy spell (most parents give the bottle as a last resort which means the fussiness has been going on for awhile) and/or the baby has withdrawn because "gulping" down the bottle was actually stressful and NOT what the baby wanted but she could not stop the flow, so exhausted, she falls asleep. So don't offer bottles during any fussy time.

3. You get very little or no milk when you pump. The amount of milk that you can pump is not an accurate measure of your milk supply. A baby with a healthy suck milks your breast much more efficiently than any pump. Also, pumping is an acquired skill (different than nursing), and can be very dependent on the type of pump. Some women who have abundant milk supplies are unable to get any milk when they pump. In addition, it is very common and normal for pumping output to decrease over time.

4. Your baby suddenly increases the frequency and/or length of nursings. This is often a growth spurt. The baby nurses more (this usually lasts a few days to a week), which increases your milk supply. Don't offer baby supplements when this happens: supplementing will inform your body that the baby doesn't need the extra milk, and your supply will drop.

5. I just cannot produce milk. Practically every woman is capable of producing enough milk for a baby (or even two or three babies!). The only major exceptions are women with no or little glandular tissue, a condition that is easy to detect during pregnancy, and those who have undergone extensive breast surgery that severed their milk ducts.

cho · Sep 14, 2009

hi all,
i delivered early tis morning at 00:46..
boy's wt is 3.235kg, length 51cm..
it was so scary coz i had slight complications.. uterus wouldnt contract n kept bleeding even after all e medicine..

thank god all's well!

mampoko · Sep 14, 2009

Congrats to all mummies all hv popped!

kiki - our bbs born on same day at tmc.

enxuan - wah..u r really brave indeed! i was oso worried abt having to go thru emergency c-sect if my cervix didn't dilate well in time. same thots...being awake while doc cut u open really freaks me out. m really lucky bb came out fast n furious..though the pain for me was excruciating!

i started BF oni on the day after delivery. hv been latching n giving FM to supplement these few days while waiting for mt BM to come. bb is drinking 30-40ml of FM during each feed. the colostrum i pumped out today is oni 30ml. trying to latch on as often as possible.

mummies, shud i pump as frequent as possible or dun need as long i latch bb on frequently? i oni pump abt 2-3x a day so far.

shelled · Sep 14, 2009

hollow
If bb is sucking happily, it just means bb is able to get milk. But it doesn't mean your nipples won't get sore!
Sometimes certain latching position, bb can get milk, but its still not really correct, then end up you will still get sore nipples, but at least won't be so bad until bleeding lah.

3 hourly only works if your supply is enough and bb is not easily hungry and/or demanding. If you wish to make more milk, then you have to pump/latch every 2hrs. If that is still not enough, then have to do it hourly. After a few days, confirm your supply go up!

Your 40ml both side is combined left + right then got 40ml? Or is it 40ml each side? If 40ml each side then it's very very decent liao leh! Even I also only got 60ml per side every 3 hrs. And mine is already OVERSUPPLY liao hor. My boobs hurt 70% of the time cos of the oversupply making my boobs swell.

If you can, try to latch bb instead of pumping. Bb's sucking is better at upping supply than the pump.

Ning
My boys all sleep on their backs from Day 1 leh. Just have to be careful that there's nothing nearby that may cover their face and cause suffocation. Also, bb may get flat head if sleeping on their backs. J had it, and until now the back of his head is still a bit flat flat one lor.

You can try to use those newborn pillows if u want bb to sleep on back, and want to avoid flat head syndrome.

cho
CONGRATS!!

mampoko
Latching bb on as often as required is better than pumping.

But if you feel you would still like a higher supply, then by all means pump in between feeds lor. Good to build up a very good supply and start storing EBM esp if you'll be going back to work.

cho · Sep 14, 2009

thanks shelled..
it was really v scary.. or mayb i felt so. coz i was in so much pain n e delivery oredi took most of my energy away being in labour for 13 hrs.. n having to battle e non-stop bleed for 6 hrs..

mampoko · Sep 14, 2009

shelled - ok noted. tks alot!

wah..bb keeps crying every 1-2hrs. when i latch on, he suckles for awhile then fall asleep in my arms. after abt 15-20min, he's up crying again. tis goes on n on! i oni feed him 30-40ml at 4hrs interval. i wonder if latching on is nt enuf for him? stress man.

blessedmommy · Sep 14, 2009

cho
congrats! every childbirth there is a certain percentage of risk that we cant take for granted. thats why im always thankful each time i have a smooth delivery, cannot take for granted lor. glad to hear all is well now. rest lots ok

nongning · Sep 14, 2009

Shelled - thank you

the baby pillows are those with a small hole in the middle?

blessedmommy · Sep 14, 2009

jennifur
thanks for ur info. its not only helpful for first time moms but serves as a reminder for me too even though i have breastfed so many kids.

michelle
wah i can tell that u really work hard to tbf ur boy. *pat pat* good job! im sure ur hard work will pay off!!

shelled
wah ur post v colourful

totally agree with u. babies need nothing but colostrum in their first few days of life. in fact that is the perfect first gift we as mothers can give to them cos its packed with all the goodness and immunity they need. in all my breastfeeding years, my newborns were never dehydrated, never wail out of hunger during their first 2 days in hosp. the key is correct and frequent latching. their tum tums r so tiny all they need is a tiny spoonful of colostrum which all our bodies r capable of producing. so have faith in urself and ur bodies ok! our bodies have worked hard to nurture the lil ones in our wombs, bring upon labour and delivering the new life. dun tell me it will fail us by not producing the right amt of food to fill our babies?

happymrskoh · Sep 14, 2009

Hi ALL,
Only managed to log in today. Can't finish reading all the posts still.

MICHELLE:
I think we're working in the same company. Saw your post on the mooncake discounts from your company. Which PC are you from? MAybe we know each other? Haha.

PRINCESSXIAOMEI:
How are things going for you? My baby is about 2.5kg at Week 37 from my last check-up. Seems a little light as compared to most of the babies here. But I think as long as she is born healthy, weight doesn't really matter. My gynae says he will do a cervix check & amniotic fluid level for me during my check-up this week i.e. Week 38. I am hoping my baby will arrive in Week 38-39.

I have been getting cramps on and off. Wonder if labour is around the corner. The cramps are irregular though. Sometimes, I tried to go poo poo thinking it's stomach ache and ended up really got some loose/soft stools. Getting confused with the cramps/pains.

ANPANMAN138:
How are you? Any labour signs showing? let's countdown to our start of maternity leave.. only less than 1 week left. I might contemplate to get MC sometime this week too. Hee.

mwerkz · Sep 14, 2009

hollow> as long as u can c bb sucking n dun feel pain in ur nipples, den u r latchin right. du worry abt not being able to pump much out. as long as u feed bb, de pumping out is unnecessary. i dun really pump now. juz purely latch bb on as n when he feels hungry.

ning> all along my boy sleep on his back. how did u get to let him sleep on his side? aren't u afraid he will suffocate himself when he flips over? i put him on his back n swaddle him. on n off he turns his head left n right.

mampoko> juz latch ur bb on. automatically de milk will come in. like my boy latches on once every 2-3hrs. if he dun come to me for more den 3hrs, my breast automatically starts leaking. but as for pumping, i dun get much milk too. so now i stop pumping n juz latch bb on. i pump to clear all de engorgement only. not for using de milk purposes. though i dun throw dem away, i store in freezer in case bb needs milk n i not hm or something.

btw, to b able to pump out 30ml of colostrum is good enugh

dun pump before u wanna latch bb on. pump after u finish feedin bb n feel engorged

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