Learning how to breastfeed was the hardest thing I've ever done.
I frequently felt like a failure. I hope my experience will help and encourage you.
Breastfeeding Tips
- Don't expect that breastfeeding is going to be easy or "come naturally" but if it does weww-freaking-hew!
- Ask for help! Hospitals have lactation consultants available to help you. If you have a friend who breastfed (or, even better who is currently breastfeeding) ask her to visit you in the hospital ASAP after the baby is born. You may need many friends to help you multiple times. That's okay!
- Drink a beer! That's right my (Christian) pediatrician told me to drink beer because... I don't really remember but it helps you produce more milk and you will relax (relax = more milk).
- If your husband (or anyone) is giving you advice about breastfeeding and it is bugging you tell them to bugger off! Seriously! They have never breastfed your baby and stress = less milk.
- Buy a breast pump before you have the baby even if you don't' plan on giving your baby bottles. Make sure you know how to use your breast pump before the baby is born. Don't wait until your boobs are about to explode and you are sleep deprived to try and figure out how to use it.
- Use a nipple shield initially (if you need to) but stop using it ASAP.
- Make sure you have nipple cream (I used Lansinoh) before the baby is born. Take it to the hospital. Your boobs are going to be soar in the beginning. (Sometimes they bleed. It seems gross but it is normal).
- Don't supplement with formula unless you are about to lose your mind. Then, by all means supplement.
- Make sure you have a nursing apron, hooter hider, whatever you want to call it. Learning how to nurse can be awkward, especially if you are modest. If you don't know where to find them, there are some really cute nursing aprons here.
- Don't give up! It may be challenging in the beginning but it's worth it. AND, formula is expensive!
Breastfeeding
My Story... first published January 2012 right after I stopped breastfeeding for the last time.
I'm finished breastfeeding and I'm a little sad. I've spent more than three years of my life nursing my babies. Learning how to breastfeed was the hardest thing I have ever done. Breastfeeding did not come naturally to me and I would have NEVER done it without the support of my best friends {my book club} in particular {Shantel Caprice}.
All of my children were born early. "fully cooked" the doctor said but my first baby was so small. He weighed 5 pounds and 12 ounces. He was a tiny red-ish thing with wrinkly, thin skin. He had a funny shaped head, which I kept hidden in hats for the first several weeks of his life. He definitely had an alien look about him, a cute alien.
When my husband and I took our son to his newborn doctor visit (about a week after he was born) he weighed 4 pounds and 14 ounces. He had lost nearly 20% of his body weight. In the kindest way, my pediatrician told me something needed to be done immediately. He gave me one week to bring my baby's weight up or he said I would have to start him on formula.
The message I received was you are a failure. You have been a mother for one week and you are failing. My baby was starving. My pediatrician told me I needed to nurse, use my breast pump, and then feed my baby the remainder of my pumped milk in a bottle EVERY TIME I fed him. I did this for six weeks, eight to ten times a day.
nurse. (about 25 minutes) pump. (another ten minutes) bottle. (another ten minutes).
nurse. pump. bottle. for six weeks, 8-10 times a day
I had an idyllic situation for nursing. I was not working. I had my mom, a supportive husband and friends and yet, I have no idea how I survived this time. I thought I was going to lose my mind. I watched the entire series of Sex in the City when I would get up in the middle of the night to feed my baby. I gave my baby formula sometimes too.
When I went back to my pediatrician for my sons 6-8 week appointment he was at a healthy weight. I was so relieved. I called practically everyone I knew and told them. I also went to see a, "nipple Nazi" (i.e. lactation consultant) at this time. Visiting with the lactation consultant helped to give me confidence my baby was getting enough milk and I stopped the nurse. pump. bottle. madness. I continued to give my baby formula sometimes to ensure my own sanity.
One of my proudest accomplishments is nursing my children. I completely sympathize with the mother who is learning how to nurse. The overwhelming feelings I had seemed insurmountable at times but I am so happy I persevered. My second and third babies never had any formula. Truly, it gets easier. To you learning momma, I say DON'T GIVE UP. I also say give your baby a big bottle of formula if you need too and have yourself a cocktail.
You deserve it!
AND, your baby will make it!
What do you think about breastfeeding?
Did you breastfeed your kids? How to you think public opinion about breastfeeding has changed in recent times?
What tips would you pass along to a momma learning how to nurse?
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