Breastfeeding when out and about

[Newbeginning1]

I'm wanting to take some EBM out with me wen im out with DS, how does everyone else transport it to keep it cool and then do you just heat it up by putting the bottle in hot water?

Won't need heated really. You can get lovely scarves to cover up to breastfeed when out if that is an issue

I've used a small ice pack before or taken it frozen.

Meant to say that EBM is not like formula and does not need to be kept cold to prevent it growing organisms. It is safe to transport it for a number of hours. Will find a link

here you go

There is no need to heat it particularly which is the same for formula. It is warm enough once it has passed from bottle to stomach.

Depends how soon you intend to give it after being out. EBM is ok at room temp for a certain amount of time (can't remember exactly how long, but someone will know). I've also taken it frozen so it thaws after a few hours and then held the bottle under hot running water to warm it to room temperature.

But agree, always easier to feed the baby directly!

Thanks everyone. I want to when possible give it direct but as he takes up to 2 hours to feed its not always the easiest option.

think it's ok from fresh to be at room temp for up to 6 hours if I remember correctly

Just wondered if you have tried feeding in a sling? When DS2 was a few weeks old I fed him in a sling while walking around TK Maxx.I have a wrap sling so everything is covered, no-one would have a clue you were feeding once baby is latched on.

See Kellymom's guide to storage and handling of breastmilk

Am I missing something? Are you a BFing mother? I'm wondering why you're considering using EBM yourself? Is there a reason it's easier than just popping your baby on the boob?

(I'm not having a go, honest, I'm genuinely interested and trying to find out more info before giving advice)

Hes 5 weeks and ive had the latch checked and they say its ok but 2 hours to feed is crippling me if we're out as its too much to ask people to wait around for us for 2 hours to feed.

Newbeginning, seriously, try a wrap sling, you will be able to feed on the go after a bit of practise and if your baby is anything like mine they will be so content in it too.

The time will get shorter in a few weeks. I used to time the long feeds for when I was sat at lunch or at a destination of some sort. I also managed to use a sling a few times so I could BF while walking along. I am a real prude so it is perfectly possible to do this with nobody having any idea you are feeding and no visible boob.
Are you sure it will be any quicker with the ebm?

Newbeginnings - I remember the time it took to feed a new baby but you know, not always does it need to be that long. If you decide that the feed needs to be shorter you can stop it because it is a partnership. So when you are out and about, you could shorten the feed. I wonder if you are waiting for him to stop and let go (which technically is correct) but some babies like to hang on there.

The sign to look for when interrupting a feed is the change to 'flutter sucking'.

When your baby first latches on he will suck quite quickly initially and then when the milk lets down he will take longer sucks in a rhythm and swallow with each one. He will then pause as he waits for more milk to let down and then he will take long sucks and swallows again. He will then go into flutter sucking where it is faster shorter sucks, sometimes dozing for spells in bewteen. Now this type of sucking is good for stimulating later milk production but it is not essential at all feeds.

You can break his latch at this point, pinky into the mouth to break the suction before taking him off, the offer the other breast. Do the same thing again. You will find that he probably will settle after the feed because of the motion of being out and about.

My first son would latch on for hours. I used that to my advantage to avoid making the tea and watching the spaos on the telly

When I had something I needed to do, I dicated the time of the feed.

When I had DD (4th baby) she was on and off like a yoyo when I went to playgroup, nursery, school etc with the other 3.

HTH.

It used to take 1-2 hours to breastfeed DS and it was almost constant!! So I had to feed him everywhere, including in the middle of the street, walking around shopping in a supermarket etc.

I suggest you wait a little bit more. He'll get better at it and he will get more milk much quicker. You will know your baby better and will be able to tell if he's really feeding or not.

I know it's difficult but its worth waiting a bit more until both of you get a bit more experience and things go into a routine.

"flutter sucking" sounds like my DS2. As I also had DS1 to worry about, I would give ds quick feed if he needed one when out & then give him long feed when we got home. (a dummy was often my lifesaver)

I also kept a carton of formula & a clean bottle in my bag "Just in case" As it was such effort for me to express I didnt want to risk wasting any of it (by leaving it in my bag to long or not needing to use it)

In a few weeks, baby's feeding will settle down & you will be more confident feeding in public & have your routine down to a "T".

Thanks everyone.

I'm not too worried about feeding in public its more the amount of time it takes to feed him and im not yet 100% when hes feeding and when hes just sucking for comfort and hes in the habit of falling asleep on the boob. I've tried dummys but he doesnt like them at all and because im not confident he's full i cant let him cry.

No need to let him cry though. Spend time watching how he is sucking and don't let him just sleep at the breast. A gentle blow on the cheek or a little rub of his feet might help. Also if you find he is really sleepy, switch breasts throughout the feed, even if it is more than once. That will also encourage him to keep going.

The other thing you can do is compress your breast when feeding which speeds the milk flow to keep him feeding instead of sleeping.

breast compression

I find with him though that if he's not full enough for him to sleep then he will settle for about 10 mins if that but will then want feeding until his properly full and can go to sleep.

I'll try breast compression though.