okay moms who read me....please don't stay silent...I need all the advice, suggestions, stories, etc you care to share about breastfeeding.
Not gonna lie...I'm a little freaked out by it. The potential for pain and for it to be harder than I think and stuff like that...
We take a class tomorrow night about it at our hospital and they seem to be huge advocates about it which is good cause that means they will help me and not discourage me which is good to know...clearly I know the basics and all that and I know about La lechi league and all that but I want to know some practical tips from moms who I know....if there are any...
comments welcome!
10 comments:
Hunny, you are talking to a cow. I have nursed for 19 years! Yes it is hard, but just think of the calories! Do you know how fat I would be had I not nursed all these years! Do you know how many Twix bars I have indulged in and been able to justify it because the calories were headed straight out my girls!!!
All seriousness...you have my phone number if you really need me!
Because Jackson was 5 week early, my milk never really came in. He drank probably 90% formula, but I did not give up that little bit of breastmilk I could offer. It was really hard at first because he did not want to nurse - probably because he was early. Once we both got it (probably after a week or so) it was so wonderful! For me, it never hurt and it was such a bonding time for the two of us. I lasted this way for almost 4 months before I went dry. I tried other meds, but nothing really helped. It was super convienent to use formula, but I will always treasure those 4 months of nursing. You will do great - don't worry!!! And if breastfeeding doesn't work, then don't worry - formula is also a great option! Good Luck!!!
I've been there, done that, and am gearing up to do it again. Plus, I live nearby, so if you need help or support, CALL ME! My biggest advice is to be patient and don't hesitate to call a lactation consultant if you're having trouble. They are there to help you!
I had a rough start with Natalie and it took several weeks for us to really get the hang of it. It turned out that she wasn't opening her mouth wide enough, which led to nursing, then pumping, then bottle feeding her breastmilk. In time, and with a lot of patience and tears and help from an LC, we finally figured it out and she nursed for about 18 months. Ethan had no trouble from day one, but I attribute some of that to the fact that I knew what to expect and knew that it was ok if it took some time.
As far as practical tips, Soothies can be a great relief in those early days. Remember that it takes a few days for your milk to come in, but trust me - you'll know when it does!! However, if your supply ever seems low, there are things like Fenugreek and More Milk Plus that can help. Also, this site is a great resource for breastfeeding, including dosages for Fenugreek and a great list of "Is This Safe While Breastfeeding?": http://kellymom.com/
You can do it!! And seriously, don't hesitate to ask for help. I know it can seem awkward, especially when the postpartum hormones are raging - but it really will be worth it in the end!
Since I have no firsthand experience, I'll just comment and say that the class I took recently was very helpful! Great info. I think you'll feel much more comfortable with the idea and the how-to's, etc., after you guys attend.
http://web.me.com/texasincredibles/Incredible_Happenings/Welcome.html
FYI in case you are interested.
OK,
I read a book (Nursing Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding) as the La Leche League people did NOT help and they did NOT call me back.
What I learned: do it as soon as you can, the baby learns very fast and has a natural instinct for it. Try many positions and the Boppy is a good friend!
I thought it hurt like HECK for weeks and still did it and made it through the initial stage without giving my kids formula. When Noelle was nursing on one side in the morning, I would pump on the opposite side at the same time and stored that milk. (she never took both sides) I'm glad I stuck with it and I got all the benefits from it and so did my kids!
I know many women who did it and NEVER felt any pain, so you have no idea how it will feel or if it will hurt. I used to kick the crap out of the coffee table for the first two minutes and that made me feel MUCH better. Poor coffee table!
I also suffered with Thrush quite a bit and the topicals never worked but Diflucan was awesome.
I think you are going to do GREAT! You agve many friends with LOTS of kids with lots of advice and even little ole "she only has 2 kids" Fuzzy is always glad to help, I just don't want to push myself on anyone.
LOVE YOU!! -Julie
Jamie-
First of all, RELAX! Honestly, that's one of the big secrets.
Start as soon as you can after baby is born- it not only helps baby learn "this is where food comes from" It can help with the delivery of the placenta! Baby can have a bath a little later, so ask that baby be put on your belly as soon as he's born!
While the La Leche League can be helpful, they sometimes come across as boob-Nazis in that you get condemned if you give any formula. (Which I actually learned by baby #3, I needed to supplement formula along with nursing (until my milk came in) to start moving things along in her system (that gross black poop also known as "tar" needs to get out of their system ASAP which normally happens naturally, but all my babies were a little early and had a tendency to jaundice, so by #3 I knew what to do, and we had no problems with jaundice.)
My other piece of advice would be to not feel guilty or disappointed if things don't go as planned! (and this goes for your birth too- we can't control everything. so trust God and try to be flexible.
You can find me on facebook too!
Hope that helps. You're going to do great!
No suggestions! I am so excited for you Jamie! I am looking forward to a baby Lockhart! Enjoy!
Here's a link for ComfortGel Pads...the nurse at the hospital gave some to me when I began nursing. I'd put them in the refrigerator to cool them and put them on after nursing...they helped tremendously.
http://store.nursingmothersupplies.com/cgi-bin/store-mothernursingsupplies/00097.html?id=cnvaA7xZ
You also need Lanolin. For sure. Emma didn't get the hang of nursing for a few weeks - it seemed like I had to have just the right position every time. Owen latched on like a natural from the first minute - much easier with him. Link for Lanolin:
http://store.nursingmothersupplies.com/cgi-bin/store-mothernursingsupplies/00097.html?id=cnvaA7xZ
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