Pregnancy Apps - BabyCenter: My Pregnancy Today

Technology helped make my pregnancy a memorable experience. Using telephone apps (applications) I was able to listen to examples of a fetus' heartbeat, comparisons of his length to fruits and vegetables, and my favorite, able to see illustrations that "looked" like my baby. It was no surprise when one of the first questions I've been asked by pregnant friends is what apps did I use when I was pregnant. Many of us have smartphones and have grown used to the ease in which we find information, a pregnancy app is also useful in that way. Using apps while pregnant can really bring a smile to your face and builds a connection with your growing baby, because you get to "see" their development.

I downloaded many apps when I first found out I was pregnant. As time went on I deleted the ones that did not offer much content. As apps get updated, their content changes, somethings for the better and sometimes not. At the end of 9 months I was left with just tree apps, two were made by the same developer. The other is no longer in use.

First up: My pick for pregnancy tracking -
I really loved this app. I was constantly getting into it and checking out how my fetus looked. I loved the quality of the pictures. I also liked that I was able to customize my app with my son's information (age, future appointments, his name, potential due date...). When I used the app, over a year ago, the ratings were not as high as they are now. I looked around and found that they have updated it several times and have added new features, like adding a "'Bumpie' to watch your bump grow." I'm happy to see high marks for such an awesome app!

I guess one of the downsides was that I had to create a BabyCenter username. I was not too happy with having to log into BabyCenter, but honestly it has been well worth it. I really like their website and subscribed to their informative weekly emails. Since I used their infant app as well, I didn't have to create a new account.
*When I used this app it was free, but this may have changed.

This app is available at the Google Play and iTunes stores.

iTunes app for Apple devices 

Google play app for Android devices

Hair today, gone tomorrow

I've always had waaaaayyyy tooooo much hair. My hair is very thick, kind of curly, bouncy and black. So black, people think my hair is colored. :( I have experienced hair loss all of my life. I have clogged up many drains. I considered shedding hair, at every shower, a part of my life. It was just how it was.

When I got pregnant, I began to notice less and less hair loss. By the time I was ready to deliver, only a few hairs were falling out. I had read that this was normal. Hormones were helping my body get used to housing a child. These hormones were responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair. I was feeling relieved that my hair loss was curbed. It gets old having to unclog hairballs from the drain while your trying to have a relaxing or quick shower.

Roughly six months after giving birth, I began to loose my hair, again. The amount of hair loss was surprising. For a veteran hair looser, I began to get scared. Clumps and clumps of hair would be on my hands and on the tub floor.  The hair loss was not enough for my husband to notice a big change, but I did see a change in the amount of hair I had. I saw a noticeable difference when I grabbed all my hair in a ponytail. The thickness at the base of the ponytail felt less thick than ever before. After a few hair washes, I knew I had to either make a doctors appointment (that's how freaked out this had me) or do an online search. I chose door number two.

I was very happy when I read comments by mothers that had experienced similar situations. This was a normal part of being a mommy. Our bodies go through a lot of changes. I mean, we end up with a baby!!! So it was not surprising that the hormones that helped me make a healthy child, were now slowly decreasing from my body, leading to my hair loss.

16 months after having my son, my hair loss is back to normal. One to two handfuls of lost hair is normal for me. It sounds weird to write it, but I have so much hair, that loosing two bunches makes no real difference. My hair looks thick and bouncy. When I put my hair in a ponytail, my hair amount is not back to normal, but I do feel a change in my hair thickness.

So in case you're loving that beautiful pregnancy hair of yours, don't feel scared if it starts to fall out. Take it in stride, it's way better than your body thinking it still has a baby inside!


It's shower time!,

-km

Reading A Percentile Chart Birth to 24 months (2 years)

This is a follow up to Part 2 :)

Tim's Percentile Chart

We are referencing Tim's percentile chart (above). Let's look at Tim's Length.

This part is different because we are looking at the top of the chart, not the bottom. 

Ignore the bottom. 

I have plugged in 3 points to use as Tim's length and will explain each one.

To begin, I plugged in all the missing months (optional but helpful)

Using inches (not cm but it is the same exact process) I looked for the correct number of inches ~22 in at birth. 

I marked where both of these numbers meet (1).

I then followed the percentile line with my finger to see where he landed (95%).

I used this same method to plug the other two lengths. 

*It does happen that numbers fall between percentile marks, look where your child landed, between the numbers, and try to judge which percent your child is closest to. Using that number, estimate your child's percentage (Please see the examples).  

Reading Tim's Percentages:

*At birth - Tim's Length: 22 inches (~55 cm) - See Number 1 in Length Area 

Looking at number 1 on the Length percentile area and following that to the percentage area, you see that Tim's length has landed him above the 95th percentile mark.

When Tim's length is compared to other babies, Tim's length is the same or more than 95 percent of boys at birth. 95 percent of boys measure less than he does.

~Let's look at that a little closer:

Tim landed closest to the 95% mark and is the same length or longer (*Same or more) than 95% of babies (Tim is taller than 95% or more of babies at his age).

95 percent of babies measure less than Tim (95% of babies are shorter than Tim).

*The term same or more is used so that it fits all numbers. For example, an infant is not at exactly at the 50 percent mark, but at the 54 percent mark, it can be difficult to get to such a precise percent. Getting to the closest percentile is what matters, not hitting the exact number. That infant would be closer to 50 percent than the next percent which is 75 percent.

Ideally, a growth chart should show a trend in an infants growth by showing the baby getting heavier and taller, over time. But I'll show different lengths over time.

Back to Tim:

*At 3 months - Tim Length 25 inches (~65 cm) - See Number 2 in Length Area

Tim's length landed him above the 75th percentile mark and bellow the 90th percentile. I would estimate he was around the 80 percent mark. In the mathematical sentence bellow, you can plug in either 80 or 75 percent. I chose to plug in 75 percent.

When Tim's length is compared to other 3 month olds, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does. 

~Let's look at that a little closer:

When Tim's length is compared to other other 3 month old's, Tim's height is the same or more than 75 percent of boys at this age. We know Tim's length landed him between 75 and 80 percent, the term same or more makes sense. Choosing to plug in 75 percent vs. 80 percent does not exclude Tim's actual length. 75 percent of boys measure less than he does.

*At 6 months - Tim Length is 30 inches (~75 cm) - See Number 3 in Length Area

When Tim's height is compared to other 6 month olds, Tim's length is the same or more than 50 percent of boys at this age and 50 percent of boys measure less than he does. 

I definitely suggest keeping your own set of medical records for your child. by making your own chart, or asking if your doctor can supply them. I keep my son's paperwork in the Kaiser Permanente Diaper bag we were given at the hospital. It helps me remember where his paperwork is and I know I wont be using that bag for anything else. Having those handy can help if you move or if you decide that your child's pediatrician is not a good fit. Either way, you are prepared. Asking for your child's medical record is not always easy. Clinics are required to supply their patients medical records, but a patient or guardian often has to wait a couple of business days for their paperwork.


Thank you for reading,

-km

Reading A Percentile Chart (#2)

This is a follow-up post to Part 1 :)

Tim's Percentile Chart

We are referencing Tim's percentile chart (above). Let's zero in on Tim's weight.

I have plugged in 3 points to use as Tim's weight and will explain each one :)

To begin, I went to the line above the word birth.

Don't get confused, we are using pounds (lb), not kilograms, but it is the same method for both. 

The first point is Tim's weight at birth.
I looked for the correct number of pounds ~7.5 pounds. 

Second point is Tim's weight at 3 months (Point 2) ~8 pounds.

Lastly, I found Tim's weight at the age of 6 months (point 3) ~10 pounds. Follow the line to the right, not the left.  

 

*It does happen that numbers fall between percentile marks, try to judge which percent your child is closest to (please see the examples).  

Reading Tim's Weight Chart - Percents
*At birth - Tim weighs: 7.5 pounds (~3.4 kg) - See Number 1 in Weight Area 

Tim's weight landed him near the 50 percent mark.

When Tim's weight is compared to other babies his age,  Tim weighs the same or more than 50 percent of boys at birth and 50 percent of boys weigh less than he does.

~Let's look at that a little closer:

Tim landed closest to the 50% mark and is the same weight or heavier (*same or more) than 50 percent of babies. 50 percent of babies weigh less than Tim (Since he is at the 50 percent mark, any child weighing less than that, weighs less than Tim). 

*The term same or more is used so that it fits all numbers. For example, an infant is not at exactly at the 50 percent mark, but at the 54 percent mark, it can be difficult to get to such a precise percent. Getting to the closest percentile is what matters, not hitting the exact number. That infant would be closer to 50 percent than the next percent which is 75 percent.

*At 3 months - Tim weighs 18 pounds (~8 kg) - See Number 2 in Weight Area

Tim's weight has landed him above the 95th percentile.

When his weight is compared to other 3 month olds, Tim weighs the same or more than 95 percent of boys at this age. He weighs more than 95 percent of boys. 

*At 6 months - Tim weight is 22 pounds (10 kg) - See Number 3 in Weight Area

Tim's weight has landed him above the 95th percentile.

When his weight is compared to other 6 month olds, Tim weighs the same or more than 95 percent of boys at this age. 95 percent of boys weigh less than he does.

As Tim continues to visit his doctor regularly, his doctor will continue to reference his growth chart to see trends in his growth and will note any changes. Ideally, his doctor wants to see the plotted points increase over time. This tool should be used as a way to see your child's growth, not to compare your child to other children. Every child is different. As long as you and your doctor have discussed your child's growth and deem it healthy, don't get too hung up on the numbers. It's just a tool. 

Next up, Length.

Take care,
-km

Reading A Percentile Chart (#1) Birth to 2 years (24 months)

Birth-24 months Percentile Chart

Percentile charts show trends in the growth of an infant.

This leads to a presented standard for healthy child development. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "This standard describes the growth of healthy children living in well supported environments in six countries, including the United States. The standard shows how infants and children should grow..."

This chart you see in blue, Birth to 24 months: Boys Length-for-age and Weight percentiles may be applied to any boy who breastfeeds, formula feeds or on a combination of both.

There is a separate chart that looks very similar to the above, for girls, and interpreting the chart is the same. It also applies to girls who breastfeed, formula feed or that feed on a combination of both.


My Experience with charts

Example of Jaundice Chart

When my son was admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), his doctors referenced a Jaundice Percentile Chart. That was my first exposure to a doctors use of charts in order to gauge a child's "normal" or "standard" level of weight.

At our first visit with our son's official pediatrician, he also referenced my son's growth on a chart. He informed us that he was keeping track of my son's growth and a chart that would become a part of his medical record. I did some research online and found the CDC/WHO percentile chart for Birth to 24 Months.

There are also CDC growth charts for older children (scroll down until you see the 2-20 age heading)


How to use/read a growth chart....

Meet Tim L. This is his percentile chart. 

Tim's Percentile Chart

~In Tim's chart you see an area for Length and Weight, each with their own percentile area.

~For each area you will see their corresponding measurements:
pounds or kilograms for weight and
inches and centimeters for length. 

~This particular chart begins at birth and stops at age 24 months (two years old).

   ~In purple I have filled in the missing months. 

Interpreting the chart:

This chart is interpreted or read by using percent and it is where the word percentile comes from.

In the Percentile area for both length and weight you will see the following percentages:
2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 98 %.

Where Tim lands on the chart, dependent on his age, and what category you are measuring, will show you his percent (either weight or length).

In the next post we'll get into reading the 3 points I plugged or plotted into each percentile area :)

-km

Weight: After Pregnancy Pt. 1

When I delivered my son I was a whopping 181 pounds. At my heaviest weight, at the age of 15, I weighed 175 pounds. After beginning my treck as a vegetarian in 2002, my senior year of high school, I began to see changes and has lost a significant amount of weight. Throughout high school I had began to learn how to eat better. I was not feeling my best and decided that the culprit in my diet was meat. Not meat itself, but the way my mom prepared our food. It was greasy and very delicious! So I began by moderating my portions, to finally giving it up all together. Even after all that, my weight has always been between 145-155. I never worked out. The most I would give any exercise regimen was a week. Never enough time to stick.

When I found out I was pregnant in 2013, I weighed 140 pounds and had just began working out. I felt great! When I delivered my son in March of 2014 I was at 181 pounds. I had gained about 41 pounds.

I was curious to learn more about my weight gain during my pregnancy, I decided to chart my weight by using my doctors visit weigh ins. 

2013

July 17 - 140 pounds (First OBGYN visit)
July 25 - 141 pounds

August 23 - 146 pounds

October 29 - 148 pounds

November 25 - 156 pounds (The holidays got me good)

December 18 - 168 pounds

+28 pounds (Since 7/17)


2014

January 23 - 168 pounds (I found out my son was breech)

February 14 - 176 pounds
February 25 - 177 pounds

March 4 - 181

+13 pounds (Since 12/18)


Total Weight Gain: 41 Pounds

 April 8 - 153 (Last OBGYN visit)

Total weight lost since March 4th, 2014 - 28 pounds

2015 
May 23 - 156 (Had a physical)
My doctor was pleased with my weight loss. I was not. I had begun working out in March, therefore that weight in May was lower than I had expected. I had been feeling heavy for some time. I was not happy with what I saw in the mirror. In preparation for a physical I decided to begin working out. I was not sure about which way to go when choosing an exercise regimen. I decided to go for low impact and chose Winsor Pilates.

From the time I gave birth to the decision to begin working out took over one year. My "American" way of thinking contributed to my lack of focus when loosing weight. I would like to reflect more on that thought in another post.

The 28 pounds I lost after having my son have to do with loss of blood, placenta, an 8 pound 6 oz baby and finally, I believe, having a solid footing in a vegetarian diet. I felt less inclined to listen to my hunger and more towards my reasoning. I was careful about how much I ate. It was not always easy. I had many slip-ups, but overall I felt good when I was weighed on March of 2014 and saw a fair amount of weight loss.

Today, July 4th 2015, I weigh 153 pounds, again. I have been falling off the wagon with exercising, but have kept it in the forefront since March. I manage to sneak in at least one video a week (on a bad week). I wrote this post with another thought in mind, but went into this. I don't want it to appear like I'm obsessing over weight. I think I'm just in a smarter place when it comes to these numbers. I can't run away from something that comes right along with me. I am looking at my weight in a healthier frame of mind. I hope to convey that through future posts.


Just Curious,

km

Somebody To Love - My Favorite

Music...

Music has been a big influence in my life. It inspires me to write, but above all to relax. My mind is a hyper one. I often have a hard time falling asleep because my mind is going over what happened that day, yesterday, four years ago... It's hard for me to unwind. So couple that with being pregnant, it wasn't easy to stop thinking about the future.

I enjoy listening to music, period. I'll give just about anything a listen, but I'm also a loyal fan. Some of the bands I go to when I'm in need some me time...

In no particular order:
Queen
The Doors
Spice Girls
Pink Floyd
The Eagles

All of these bands give me melodies that take me to more serene spaces. One band in particular helped me during my pregnancy ~ Queen!! I often listened to their Greatest Hits Album. I would sit with my bump, listen to the CD and grade papers, write comments on report cards, plan lessons...It has a special meaning to me. My son and I shared these tracks, often hearing them at work, during lunch while my students played outside and ran like crazies!! I was inside relaxing, with Queen.


For the next pregnancy I'd like to make a mix to take with me to delivery...

I just asked my husband to buy me some wireless headphones when that time comes around.

I told him he'll be holding the phone and i'd say, "Change the f-ing song!!!!" When it's time for a little change :D (He just nodded, as he tweeted about the Lakers)

But seriously, I probably wont even be able to keep those thing on. Still, music rocks!
Wishing I would have played something while I was in the hospital.


Thinking clearly(ish),

-km

This musically inclined post is dedicated to da homie, Lorena - xoxo

This the Digitally remastered version of the 1980's release :) See a complete track listing (with links!! Yay!!!) here.

A little birthspiration...

One line follows the graceful curves of a pregnant woman's figure,
and positive birth affirmations follow the line to signify that path of pregnancy
leading to childbirth...


My body knows how to birth my baby.
I trust my instincts.
I deserve to have the birth I desire.
I trust my body.
I am strong, confident, assured, assertive and very feminine.
My body contains all the knowledge necessary to give birth to my baby.
My baby knows all is well.

Good strong contractions help my baby come into the world.
I now feel inner peace and serenity,
I accept  all my feelings as part of myself.
I am loved.
Babies are born when they are ready.
I love and accept my body completely.
I get to have a voice.

Getting Used to NOT Being at the Hospital

Being at the hospital was scary. Before I delivered I was worried about what might happen at the hospital. I wondered if I would heal, how my baby would look...Once we left the hospital with my baby, prior to his first "Baby Well Visit," leaving the hospital seemed like a natural and expected outcome.

When we had to go back to the hospital with my son, my expectations shifted. I felt relieved to be there. There was always a nurse coming in and out checking on my son. My little one was safe and comfortable under the bililights.

After those 3 days and 2 nights at the hospital, we were ready to sleep in our bed and eat food other than cafeteria grub, but I was worried. We were leaving the safety of the hospital. It was time to be a mommy, without the help. My husband had taken a week off from work to help out at home, and we spent it all at the hospital. That meant that starting that following Monday I'd be all by myself with my son. Of course, that's something amazing, but due to having the C-Section, I felt that it would be difficult to lift my son, feed him and everything that comes along with it.

Thankfully that was all me. I was telling myself that it would be hard to take care of my boy. With time it became easier to take care of him and myself. But some days were difficult. Not making milk made me fall into depression. Along with all the hormones and the bleeding and the baby crying that comes with having a child, I found it difficult to disconnect from my mind. Many of the things I did were automatic. Feeding, changing, crying. I've always been an emotional person, born a Cancer, the motherly figure of the zodiac, always wearing her heart on her sleeve...Many of days were too much for me. There were days when I had to walk away while my son cried in the other room. I never left him for more than a few minutes, but that time in between moods allowed me time to gather myself. I don't remember being sad every day. But when I was, those days were dark. I was hard on myself about my lack of milk. I hated myself. I felt like an unfit Mom.

The first 6 months of my sons life were extremely difficult. Trying to judge how much food he was eating from my breasts was not an easy task. At night, He would feed, seem satisfied, sleep for 2 hours and would wake up crying just to do it all over again, and again, and again. There was a suspicion that he might have Colic, but his patterns didn't fit that diagnosis. At our wits end, we made an appointment to see his pediatrician. It was recommended that we change his formula from Regular Enfamil to Enfamil Gentlease. As the weeks went on, his tummy seemed more and more receptive to the Gentleases formula. Although his sleeping patterns have improved, my little guy still has tummy issues to this day. They are not severe, but new foods take his intestines for a loop.

Over time the feelings started to drift. As I got more sleep and more time to heal, I felt better. My husband began to take over late night feedings and that helped a lot. As months went by, I learned his patterns. I began to understand him better and had a bond with a little guy that was more than just a sleeping, eating, pooping machine. The first time he flashed a smile at me, I cherished the moment for many, many days. It was a confirmation that my little dude was happy. I had prayed for 6 long months for things to get better, to forget about my inequalities and to put the second hospital stay in the past. When I was finally able to catch his smile in a picture, I printed it out and put it up in his room. That little moment in time always put a smile on my lips.

Almost 16 months after his birth, watching him sleep through the baby monitor, I am appreciative of all the ups and the downs. Today, I can see how I have changed from the day I found out I was pregnant. I am a better human. More caring and loving. I know life doesn't outright tell us why shit happens, and that can be frustrating and ego shattering. In my case, I'm thankful for all the broken glass. I've always felt like a strong woman. Capable of anything, yet having a baby was never something I thought would just happen, one day. I thought I'd plan it, we'd go for it and eventually a child would be born. When I had my son at 29, unplanned, time had caught up to me! And in turn it seemed to slow down for me. I was growing a human in my body!

Writing this blog takes me back to when he was a teeny tiny guy. I hold him and snuggle him closer because of that. Although SOMETIMES those first 6 months SUCKED!! SOOO BAD! It no longer matters. All those are just memories...

Rambling on,

-km

Breast Pump Flange Fit for Breastfeeding Mothers

The following is a written piece I submitted to eBay (link will take you to my eBay guide :)). My task was to write a "guide" regarding something I was interested in. At the time, I was breastfeeding and finding myself with the difficult task of figuring out how to boost my milk supply as well as figuring out how to use a breast pump effectively, and finding my correct flange size. I hope you find this blog post helpful.

 
Flange fit is extremely important in the breastfeeding process. The proper fit of the flange on the breast allows for steady pumping and more milk flow.

After having my son I notices an extreme lack of milk production from both of my breasts. I used pumping to provide extra milk production, in addition to using Fenugreek.

Unfortunately, I thought the standard flanges that came with my breast pump were too big for my breasts. In my quest for the proper flange, I purchased a set of smaller sized flanges on eBay. When looking at listings related to my purchase, I made sure that the flanges were brand new (never used) and in a sealed package. They arrived within a few days. eBay was a great place to make my purchase, there were different flange sizes, brands and price points to choose from.

Sadly, it turned out the breast flanges I purchased were too small for my breasts. I finally bought the right size flange after visiting a lactation consultant. I would like to make purchasing flanges an easier task. 

Flange Vocabulary

Breast pump: A manual or electric pump for removing breast milk. 

Breast shield: A device to protect the nipple when pumping.  

Breast Shield Tunnel: Area on the breast shield where the nipple is pumped. 

Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness of the breast. Mastitis that's not due to an infection may be caused by milk staying in the breast (this is called "milk stasis").
Plugged Milk Ducts: Too much milk production or not enough milk pumped out of breasts; ducts become plugged. The results can be painful and lead to Mastitis.  

Breast Engorgement: breasts feel hard, swollen, throbbing, lumpy, uncomfortably full, or painful.

What’s standard?

Nipple Size Helps Find Flange Fit

The standard flange size differs between breastfeeding pump manufacturers.  In my research, I found there to be a 1mm difference in standard flange sizing between the  Ameda and  Madela brands.  

Please consult your breastfeeding pump users manual for information regarding flange size. 

How do I know if my flange is too small?

Nipple rubbing inside of the tunnel, the fit is too small

Take a close look at the action that is happening within the flange to find out. The part on the flange where your nipple is inserted is called “the tunnel.”

Check to see if your nipple is moving freely within the tunnel. If the nipple is rubbing against the sides of the tunnel, the flange is too small.

Also notice the gentle pulling of just your areola with each
 suction, otherwise the flange is too small (see Good Fit vs. Too Tight). 

How do I know if my flange is too big?

The areola is coming along with the nipple into the tunnel

If the flange is too big, you may see your areola come into the tunnel along with your nipple. If the nipple doesn’t enter the breast shield tunnel, the flange is too big. 

**Remember, everyone has a different breast size, shape...therefore there are different factors to consider when choosing a breast shield.  

Good Fit Vs. Too Tight

Good Fit Vs. Too Tight

 Notice the Good Fit side shows a nipple that has space to fit in the tunnel. The breast will feel the pulling of the nipple area, but will not have a nipple jammed into the tunnel as it pumps.  

The Too Tight side, shows a nipple that is tightly inserted into the tunnel. There is no space around the nipple. This makes it difficult for the pump to function and for the removal of milk.  

Should it hurt when pumping? ‘Cus it looks painful!

With time, perhaps...

Yes and no…well, no! But as you get used to things, it might.

Ultimately when you find the right fit for you, it should feel comfortable to pump. There should be no pain in your breasts or nipples or any swelling or tenderness.

If you do feel pain, look into other flanges. Or, if your pump has a manual control, you might need to keep working on finding your correct setting(s).

 

Does not having the proper flange affect me?

The major impact is milk yield. If your flange does not create the proper seal on your breast, you will not be pumping correctly. You might finish your pumping session and still feel areas on your breast that feel hard, due to your breasts still having milk. This  could lead to mastitis, plugged ducts or breast engorgement. 

Good Luck!

I hope you find the correct size for your needs!

P.S. If you suffer from low milk production like I have,  and would like to boost it, I suggest using a pump in between feeding your infant (every two hours or so), in addition to allowing your infant to feed on demand. It's a lot of work...Sometimes it might feel like a loosing battle. I encourage you to give it a try anyway. It may just be just what you needed. 

If you'd like, you can also try Fenugreek (herbal supplement) to increase your milk production. When using Fenugreek, or any other supplement or medication, please educate yourself on possible side effects and dosage limits.  

Sources

Ameda
Medela
BabyCenter
Pregnancy.about
Breastpumps
Induced Lactation
Mommy Edition
Freemie
Webster Dictionary  

What are Tubular or Tuberous Breasts?

***The following links will take you to the National library of Medicine's National Center for Biotechnology's Breast Anomalies Page (That's a mouthful). They show black and white pictures and diagrams of Tubular breasts, also referred to as Tuberous Breasts.***



I was reading about my breast type and found this on Wikipedia. I understand that Wikipedia is not a "reliable" source, but reading what the author of the article wrote concerning my breasts, I felt compelled to share.
 

"Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The effect of the condition on the appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical characteristics include: enlarged, puffy areola, unusually wide spacing between the breasts, minimal breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall. The condition can affect the ability of women to breastfeed as in some cases the breasts, including the milk glands, have not developed enough to produce breast milk. However, other physical aspects of fertility and pregnancy are not affected by the condition.”

I've underlined the text I feel pertains to my breast type and go into specifics bellow.

In my case...

My Type
Type I (Please click on the link to take you to a diagram)

Small...
I have small breasts. I don't fill out shirts very well and often rely on under-wire bras to give me lift. I don't usually purchase padded bras. Since I'm petite, 5 feet, 3 inches tall, having smaller breasts doesn't look odd on me. My breasts are on the smaller B side. I mostly have to move up in sizing due to the circumference of my upper chest, more so than by breast size.

Mild(ish)...
Since my breasts seemed normal to me, and my husband never mentioned anything, I say my breasts are on the mild side. I also think they are mild in the scale because my breasts seem proportional to one another. I've read of cases where one breast is more affected than the other and there is a difference in shape and/or size. I am able to breastfeed my son, some women with this issue cannot produce any milk.

My Characteristics...
I definitely have enlarged and puffy areola (Click on link for diagram. Mine are type III). My areola also appear to be much too big for my breast size (Mine are Type II).
Thankfully, when my breasts are perky my tubular breasts are not as noticeable. But they do sag! BOOOO.

I also have, "Unusually wide spacing between the breasts." It is most noticeable when I am not wearing a bra. I've never had "natural" cleavage.

Lactation...
I am able to produce some breastmilk. I have been told by 2 lactation consultants that there could be a possibility that I may make more breastmilk with subsequent pregnancies. I'm hopeful.

Fertility and pregnancy were not affected.

Tubular Bells :)

-km

Tubular Breasts

Do you remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? They had their own lingo, they used words like Cawabunga, dude...and Tubular.

I never thought I would refer to myself as "Tubular" but oh me oh my, life has it's way of dealing with things.

After consulting with over four lactation consultants I was able to give my lack of milk production a reason...

I have "Tubular Breasts!"

And not in a good way.

Most breasts are round (I know not all, but for the sake of this blog, most boobs are) mine, on the other hand are longer. When I wear a bra my breasts look normal. A good B-Cup. When I don't wear bras, my breasts appear pointy. I had never noticed. I guess I was never into boobs. My husband had never mentioned anything either.

When I was pregnant  my breasts did not grow much. I often read about women getting enormous boobs and unfortunately I didn't. Turns out my breasts don't have enough milk ducts to make a lot of milk, so there was no expansion. During my second trimester I felt them get bigger, but then they didn't seem to grow anymore. I then developed stretch marks on my breasts. Both of those are signs of a problem, I later learned.

One of the lactation consultant advised me to use herbal supplements to see if the milk flow increased. I used Fenugreek as well as Blessed Thistle. Blessed Thistle didn't work for me, but Fenugreek did. For over 4 months I took 9 fenugreek pills, three times a day. My pee, my pits, my sweat smelled like maple syrup (Fenugreek is used as an imitation flavoring for vanilla, butterscotch and maple syrup).

I never made much more than 4.5 ounces of milk, and that's combining both of my breasts!!! So discouraging. So, I decided to look into medication that might help me. The lactation consultant perscribed me Domperidone.

Domperidone is the only FDA drug sold in the United States that is prescribed to boost milk production. There are other medications that are used in other parts of the world, but unfortunately not sold in the U.S. Domperidone is not just used for cases like mine, instead it was found to help mothers after it was produced for other reasons. Some women taking the medicine for its intended method found that they started lactation and/or felt their breasts changing. 

I was only prescribed the medication for 10 days. The first two days I was in heaven. It worked!! I remember sleeping with my son as he fed on my breast. I felt the milk flow like never before. By day three, I noticed a drop in production. It continued. After discussing the results with my lactation consultant, I decided to go on another 10 day run. Desperate mommy. The results were no different. The first two days were good and then back to normal. 

I cried so many times. Days of crying, feeling like an unfit mother. I was extremely hard on myself. My feelings of incompetence filled our home. Thankfully, my husband was encouraging and loving. Together, my son, my husband and I breastfed for over a year!!

If you are going through this, perhaps not tubular breasts, but through a lack of milk production, keep trying. What motivated me was the fervor in which my son demanded my breast milk! He loved it. As he got older it did get harder. I hardly made enough milk to merely satisfy his thirst. I did start to feel resentment when he would suck on my breast and quickly turn away because he knew it was not enough. About a month or two after that I decided to begin to ween. He is now 15 months and still misses breastmilk!! But it was the best thing for both of us. He wasn't feeling satisfied, which lead to major crankiness!! And I could finally be OK with being a Mom, no breastfeeding required for that!

I am happy I stuck it through. I know other women would have stopped and not gone to the lengths I have. That is also OK. Breastfeeding can be a real bitch! I tell you this because I feel like celebrities and organizations tout breastfeeding as if, if you do it, you "truly" care. That ladies and gents is not true. Please don't beat yourself up over it, too. Be happy that you have a baby to share life and love with. Breastfeed as best you can and enjoy life!! Time with your little one doesn't last forever. Don't spend your time feeling sad.

With so much love to give, it makes me cry!
-km