The Bond Project | Oversupply and Tandem Nursing
There is such an intense bond between mother and baby when a healthy breastfeeding relationship is created. This was a major factor in Loreli’s decision to breastfeed. She had known about the benefits of breastmilk, and knew she wanted to nurse if she could.
The First Breastfeeding Struggle
“My first daughter, Harper, was born at 34 weeks due to HELLP syndrome. She was born at 3 pounds 15 ounces and was in the NICU for 8 days.”
Nursing a preemie is difficult in many ways. You are not only learning to breastfeed with a new baby, but also the size of their mouth is much smaller. They are also likely in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), which provides its own difficulties such as IV’s and other machines.
Then there is the issue of over-pumping in the beginning stages of breastfeeding. Depending on who you talk to, you will get conflicting advice, especially when it comes to preemie babies and pumping.
Some will tell you to triple feed, which is when you attempt to feed at the breast, pump, then feed the baby the pumped milk. Repeat. And others will tell you not to pump too often or you will create an oversupply which can lead to many other issues down the road. There are good arguments for both sides, so working closely with an informed IBCLC (Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) is always recommended so you can make an informed decision about what is best for your baby and your body.
“I didn’t know anything about pumping and so continued to pump every 2-3 hours even after my milk came in. At one point I was pumping 12-16 ounces every 2 hours. Between the oversupply and untreated reflux Harper developed a severe breast aversion at 11 weeks old.”
“She would literally arch away from me and scream if she were even near the breast. This was so heartbreaking for me as we worked so hard to get her to nurse as a preemie. With the help of our great pediatrician and an amazing IBCLC we got Harper back to breast and now she’s going strong at 3.5 years old.”
Rapid Labor and Food Allergies
“With my second, McKinley, she was stunned at birth due to a very rapid labor (she was out in 3 pushes).”
“She was nursing; however, my milk had not returned (I dried up at 7 weeks pregnant) so I was finger/syringe feeding her donor milk until my milk came in. The same IBCLC who helped with Harper came back to the house and got McKinley to breast and nursing effectively. “
“Additionally, both girls had reflux and food intolerances. I was dairy free with Harper for 15 months and dairy and soy free with McKinley for 9 months.”
It is it’s own struggle to learn how to make large eliminations in your diet. Thankfully, there are many blogs and resources out there to help with ideas and information about it. It was worth the work for Loreli and her girls! She knew it was helping them and knew she would do it if it meant they could be healthier.
“As mentioned above, I developed a huge oversupply with my NICU baby due to excessive pumping. That took some time to slowly resolve.” If you just try to stop pumping when you have an over-supply, there is an extremely high chance that you will get a clogged duct or an infection that can get very severe. Again, working with an IBCLC is highly recommended in this case.
“The bright side was that I was able to donate 86 liters of milk to Mothers Milk Bank and 8 different babies. Now I only pump when I am working (one day a week).”
Little Quirks
Every baby will develop some kind of little habit or quirk when they nurse. Most of the time, it is something very sweet that mothers miss when their nursing journey is over.
“Harper definitely likes to nurse when she’s tired or upset. She used to bring toys or objects over with her to nurse. A couple notable nursing objects she used: a pumpkin, Halloween bucket and a cooking pot.”
“McKinley is a nipple twiddler of the worst kind. McKinley also loves to squeeze the breast when she’s nursing. She’s a very hands-on nurser.”
“I will always want to remember the incredible bond I share with both a babies!”
On Tandem Nursing
When asked what made her want to tandem nurse, Loreli said, “I worked so hard to get Harper back to breast after her breast aversion that I decided early on to let her wean on her own. Additionally, she has continued feeding issues and receives probably half her calories from breastmilk.”
Some babies and children have a hard time transitioning to solid foods for a myriad of reasons. Harper has been one of those children, so, breastmilk has been able to supplement the nutrients that she would be missing from her current diet.
Breastfeeding Goals and Advice
“I would like McKinley to nurse until at least 2. Studies have shown that baby girls who breastfeed until at least 2 have a lifetime 20-25% decreased risk of breast cancer. But in general, I’ll let both girls wean on their own.”
Her advice: “Don’t give up and don’t let anyone convince you to give up. Seek help early and frequently from an IBCLC.”
“Breastfeeding is hard but is so worth it! Be proud if your nursing journey no matter what it looks like!”
Tell Your Story
Each one of us have a unique story. I would love to help tell your story of feeding your baby – it does not have to be exclusively by the breast. Inquire here about what this looks like and to book your session.