God gave women many amazing gifts. One of them being the ability to grow another human being. Another being the ability to feed our babies with breast feeding. Something so natural seems like it would be so easy. Why is it so difficult to get started?
While formula is a way to feed our babies, it's goal is to mimic breast milk. I was determined to succeed at breastfeeding. Our bodies are designed to know how much milk to produce by the frequency our baby nurses and the milk "maturity" changes based on our baby's suck. Not only is breast milk the perfect "formula" for your baby, it is FREE!
Aside from knowing the benefactors of breastfeeding, I wanted to quit a million times!
Between the epidural and medication I was given for my c-section, my son was
very sleepy. He was not wanting to nurse. I was stressing out, because he would
sleep for hours and wake up hungry but he still didn't want to be put to the
breast. I was
hand compressing the colostrum onto a spoon to feed my son, because he flat out refused
the breast. After the lactation consultant worked with me, she gave me a nipple shield (which became another nightmare), because I didn't have much for the baby to latch. I used the nipple shield for 3 months. I thought I would never wean him from it. The lactation consultant failed to tell me how to properly use the shield. The baby became dependent on the shield. If you HAVE to use a nipple shield, which I don't recommend in any case, you should ALWAYS offer the breast first. If the baby refuses the breast, use the shield. Once he starts nursing good, try to remove the shield and re-latch the baby.
I felt very overwhelmed and desperately wanted to quit. I felt as if no other breastfeeding mom must know of the difficulty I was going through. I was hormonal! Newsflash, every new mother goes through this! You are not alone! You wonder if the baby is getting enough, you are counting all the dirty diapers to make sure it is enough, you are weighing the baby to make sure he is gaining and not losing, but I think if we could just relax not only would our milk production increase but the baby would relax and nurse. I was very blessed and had A LOT of family support. My husband was very understanding of my hormones. He kept reminding me of how much I wanted to breastfeed and he how I would regret quitting.
I felt very overwhelmed and desperately wanted to quit. I felt as if no other breastfeeding mom must know of the difficulty I was going through. I was hormonal! Newsflash, every new mother goes through this! You are not alone! You wonder if the baby is getting enough, you are counting all the dirty diapers to make sure it is enough, you are weighing the baby to make sure he is gaining and not losing, but I think if we could just relax not only would our milk production increase but the baby would relax and nurse. I was very blessed and had A LOT of family support. My husband was very understanding of my hormones. He kept reminding me of how much I wanted to breastfeed and he how I would regret quitting.
I don't think there is enough information and help out there for women who need help with breastfeeding. Some of my recommendations are as follows:
1) As awkward as it may seem, have your physician check your nipples to be sure they aren't flat.
2) If you have flat nipples, I recommend wearing breast shells about 3 weeks before delivery. and using the breast pump to draw the nipples out more for the baby. Ask your physician when it is safe to use the breast pump. It can be linked to bringing on labor.
4) No question is stupid! Ask the nurses and lactation consultants everything while you are at the hospital!
5) A Boppy isn't necessary, but it sure makes it easier in the beginning. It is also great for propping the baby, tummy time, and sitting up as the baby gets older.
6) The baby's latch is very important, but I think sometimes we stress so much about the proper hold and latch we can't relax. As you and the baby get used to each other, a lot of those issues will resolve themselves. Your baby is trying to learn how to breath, eat, swallow, suck, etc. Give yourselves a break!
7) Be sure to change your breast pads often enough. You should never put a wet breast pad back to the breast. This can cause a yeast infection, which is hard to resolve. It often becomes a vicious cycle of baby to mom giving it to one another.
8) Drink water like it is your new job. Without water you can't produce milk.
9) Rest when your baby sleeps. Rest is also an essential ingredient to making breast milk. It is also the hardest thing to do when you have a new baby. Accept help when it is offered!
10) The first 6 weeks are the hardest! After that you should be on easy street. Don't give up on something that is so good for you and your baby! Did you know breastfeeding reduces your risks of breast cancer?
I hope that sharing my experience will help at least one of you! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I'm not an expert, but experience and failure are our best teachers!
1) As awkward as it may seem, have your physician check your nipples to be sure they aren't flat.
2) If you have flat nipples, I recommend wearing breast shells about 3 weeks before delivery. and using the breast pump to draw the nipples out more for the baby. Ask your physician when it is safe to use the breast pump. It can be linked to bringing on labor.
4) No question is stupid! Ask the nurses and lactation consultants everything while you are at the hospital!
5) A Boppy isn't necessary, but it sure makes it easier in the beginning. It is also great for propping the baby, tummy time, and sitting up as the baby gets older.
6) The baby's latch is very important, but I think sometimes we stress so much about the proper hold and latch we can't relax. As you and the baby get used to each other, a lot of those issues will resolve themselves. Your baby is trying to learn how to breath, eat, swallow, suck, etc. Give yourselves a break!
7) Be sure to change your breast pads often enough. You should never put a wet breast pad back to the breast. This can cause a yeast infection, which is hard to resolve. It often becomes a vicious cycle of baby to mom giving it to one another.
8) Drink water like it is your new job. Without water you can't produce milk.
9) Rest when your baby sleeps. Rest is also an essential ingredient to making breast milk. It is also the hardest thing to do when you have a new baby. Accept help when it is offered!
10) The first 6 weeks are the hardest! After that you should be on easy street. Don't give up on something that is so good for you and your baby! Did you know breastfeeding reduces your risks of breast cancer?
I hope that sharing my experience will help at least one of you! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I'm not an expert, but experience and failure are our best teachers!
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