scared of nursing

Taylovesbrad

So I am getting a little freaked out about nursing. My nips hurt already and reading about cracking and scanning is freaky!!!
That said who else is nervous?
And calling all mom's who have nursed... what was your experience?

Taylovesbrad

Scabbing***

redfallon

It can be difficult. You may crack and bleed and wake your husband up at 3am crying uncontrollably because of it and he thinks you've dropped the baby on her head (my story). But eventually it will work out. Get some polysporin and Lansinoh lanolin for that. The Lansinoh is ok for baby to nurse on. The polysporin you can use for between sessions and clean it off before baby is on there. 

It is wonderful to know that your body makes this stuff that is just for your baby to eat. However, if it doesn't work out for you, or if you find that you don't want to do it anymore, try not to beat yourself up. You may beat yourself up for a little bit, but it is ok if it doesn't work out. 

I had a breast surgery several years ago and I was glad that I could nurse even for a little bit, but we went from about 85% nursing/15% formula to slowly the other way around and eventually 100% formula. I was upset with myself that I couldn't be 100%, but then I was happy that she was getting it no matter which way I tried and formula worked for us. 

4puddleducks

Not every woman gets bleeding and cracked nipples from bf. I bf my son for 13 months and the only bleeding I had occurred when he bit me after getting teeth. We got past that with a lot of support from my husband. I think having a great support system and a determination to see it through definitely helps.

Stellasmom13

Don't be scared! I nursed my daughter and we did have some rough patches but if you can just push through that 3 week mark, you're golden. I literally had no idea what I was doing but you kind of just fall into a good rhythm. Find a lactation consultant for encouragement. And get some lanolin! It'll make sore nipples better. It's really so much more convenient to have it ready on tap rather than make a bottle.

mollyjeanh

It was super frustrating and scary for me in the beginning, but now DD is 21 months and still nursing.  She is allergic to dairy so we've just kept on going.

I agree with PP, find a good lactation consultant.  I had cracked and bleeding nipples because DD was not latching correctly.  It's all about the latch!  I believe one consultation is reimbursed by insurance because of the Healthcare Reform Act.

The first few weeks can be rough, but you never know, you may one of those mamas that sails right through it!

adecembermom2015

Lots of hospitals have experts on hand to come help and talk to you. Just ask!

rain0831boww

I'm more nervous but see if there are any classes your hospital offers. If you decide to tour the hospital before delivery, ask them about what assistance they do for new moms to help the bf process.

GodIsFaithful93

They should have a lactation consultant come in when you have your baby! Ask any questions you want & they'll also show you how to nurse and get them to latch properly! It's great. I agree with PP, get past the 3 week mark & you're golden. Mine hurt but didn't crack or bleed. Lasinoh lanolin I also used and worked wonders. Good luck mama. You can do this!

jessica122015

I'm so nervous about it too @Taylovesbrad!! I had a nightmare the other night that my baby wouldn't latch haha pregnancy dreams are just too much

jessica122015

I'm also worried because I'm sort of the IBTC (itty bitty titty committee) and I'm worried that that will somehow create an issue for me and baby during nursing.

elyssadane

Don't be scared! Your nipples night be sore for a few weeks but after it comes like second nature! My LO is 9 months old and he still nurses!

Knottie14066766

At the hospital where I work, we have two lactation consultants and several nurses that are certified lactation counselors. I eventually will be when my turn comes around. We can only train three at a time. Your nurses are there to help you 24 hours a day with latching and breastfeeding issues. Please, please, please ask for help! That's what we're there for! They will probably also have lanolin cream and soothies gel pads to help with any soreness.

Mags128

It was definitely scary at first. I had bleeding and cracking due to a bad latch. I also highly recommend seeing a lactation consultant.

I saw two and the 2nd was really helpful. She gave me lots of tips and we did a weighed feeding to make sure DD was getting enough. I ended up using a nipple shield the whole time I nursed but that worked for me. It can be really hard. I was also scared of the thought that I was the only one who could feed her. After a breakdown in the pediatricians office I decided to do some pumping so that DH could feed her too. We had a good system so support system is important.

AnnH74

I have nursed my two kids both for over a year each. I had an awesome nurse help with my first. Had it not been for her we may not have had the success we did. I also highly highly recommend the lanolin. It's like ointment gold! Just put it on after every feeding and it is amazing. I thankfully have never had major problems-pretty sure there was never any bleeding, no infections. Keep reading, find a class, and take advantage of lactation consultants.

ammnam14

Knottie15445834 said:

I'm also worried because I'm sort of the IBTC (itty bitty titty committee) and I'm worried that that will somehow create an issue for me and baby during nursing.

Lol! I'm also part of the IBTC but I've already jumped a few bra sizes. My mom & grandma have always said breastfeeding is easier for us smaller folk. Which I fully believe, my SIL is a DD and couldn't breastfeed to save her life. Don't stress too much

jessica122015

@AudriannaMaria it's nice to actually have boobs now lol but thank you for your encouraging words!

redfallon

AudriannaMaria said:

I'm also worried because I'm sort of the IBTC (itty bitty titty committee) and I'm worried that that will somehow create an issue for me and baby during nursing.

Lol! I'm also part of the IBTC but I've already jumped a few bra sizes. My mom & grandma have always said breastfeeding is easier for us smaller folk. Which I fully believe, my SIL is a DD and couldn't breastfeed to save her life. Don't stress too much

Size doesn't matter. 

ammnam14

@redfallon LOL my heads in the gutter with that comment. Size may not matter "scientifically" but from what I've seen it does. I'm not saying everyone woman bigger than a C can't breastfeed.

soccsm13

I bfed my son for almost 14 months and wouldn't change it for anything. It was not easy in the beginning but sooo worth it! My nipples were sore for a couple weeks, but eventually they get used to the constant attention, and it actually feels good (in a not creepy way... Lol). BFing has been known to help with baby blues because it releases feel good hormones (sorry, not the technical terms!). It's also free and so good for baby, so when it was tough I just kept reminding myself of that and pushed through. The only time I bled, was when my son bit me (as another poster said), but we got through it and he didn't do it again, because he didn't get to eat anymore when that happened

313Meg

You don't have to feel like nursing is the only option. But it's a great option. Has so many benefits to a newborn!

I will come back and edit when I can finally sit down for the day.

redfallon

AudriannaMaria said:

@redfallon LOL my heads in the gutter with that comment. Size may not matter "scientifically" but from what I've seen it does. I'm not saying everyone woman bigger than a C can't breastfeed.

Yes, but what you've seen (only as mentioned in your previous post) is only the few women in your family. That is a very teeny tiny part of the female population of the world. So, no, the size of your breasts does not make a difference in whether or not you will have issues with breastfeeding. 

ammnam14

Refer to my previous post. You will not change my mind about this and it is silly to argue, I clearly said its what I've seen and I know its not a fact. Haha

susiaustin

Anyone know any lanolin free nipple cream? I'm allergic as is every member of my family, so can't even chance it... Want to get all that set up as early as I can to make sure no rashes from creams

nik6499

AudriannaMaria said:

@redfallon LOL my heads in the gutter with that comment. Size may not matter "scientifically" but from what I've seen it does. I'm not saying everyone woman bigger than a C can't breastfeed.

Size actually does NOT matter. I have worked with women of all sizes and shapes and they are all able to breast feed just fine. I was wearing an E when I delivered and did just fine. If you do the actual published research you will discover that all women have the potential to breastfeed and stating otherwise could be detrimental. Please, if you are going to quote science be accurate. If you are quoting personal experience preface it that way. There are a lot of women here who do not need to be discouraged before they even start.

TomekiaB

I am scared. I am a registered dietitian and so we did a lot of education on the benefits and challenges. I've also seen a number of failure to thrive babies as patients. The "dark side of BF" we had to learn has terrified me (my professor actually laughed at my terrified facial expressions during an 8 hour seminar on BF challenges: mastitis, plugged ducts and engorgement). I have referred patients to pediatric speach therapist and/or lactation consultants for poor latch or suck-swallow-breathe patterns. There is also even more pressure for me BF for 6-12 months since professionally we encourage it because it is so healthy (I had a professor that really struggled with it and admits if she didn't teach "lifecyle nutrition" she wouldn't have kept doing it because it was "REALLY hard" for her and the baby). It is a lot of pressure as a mom and I have added professional pressure since BF is the gold standard of infant nutrition. Unfortunately, my professional experience means I have seen a lot of the challenges because I don't see the mom's and babies it came easily too, but I know that is an experience bias. I've seen so many babies under the 10th percentile for growth that when I see a 50th percentile baby I truly think they are huge...they are perfectly average size but I have an experience bias. 

My mom was able to BF both my brother and me, I think I was 13 months at weaning and my brother was weaned at 9-10 months because he bit hard enough to draw blood. I hope I am as successful and I will not hesitate to wean after 6 months if the baby bites me hard enough to bleed!

ammnam14

If you would've read my other comments you wouldn't be so upset

nik6499

@TomekiaB it is hard when you regularly see that small percentage of infants it just isn't working for and those can truly be multi factorial issues. Your lactation consultant is your best friend and a good latch is worth it's weight in gold. Some infants need supplmentation and that is not a failure on anyone's part, it's a fact of life. And PS I nursed my daughter till 18 months, she never bit me once

Edited to add: so it's not all teeth sometimes just be patient and give yourself permission to not naturally come out knowing what to do. Use your resources and ask for help and if it doesn't work for you then that isn't a failure

BostonBaby1

I know I posted this earlier but it's just so good. I also get nervous about bf, even with lactation consultant being available on my hospital, however I will try to do to the proven scientific benefits of breast-feeding. Even though my breasts are currently an E cup, not one of my doctors has mentioned that this would be a problem for me. My best friend is a G to H and she breast-fed both of her girls just fine and intends to do so with her baby boy who's due in October. but I have heard from a number of my friends that have been using shields that they can also be very helpful.

TomekiaB

@nik6499 Thank you, I know it is the experience bias and really knowing way to much about what can go wrong. I refer to the lactation consultants a LOT...maybe I can get one to come home with me for a couple days  

I am looking forward to burning 500 calories a day for BF! My mom said I never bit either, I was just ready to be weaned.

I'm planning on pumping too so that my husband can help feed, especially with an early morning feeding before he goes to work

BostonBaby1

TomekiaB said:

@nik6499 Thank you, I know it is the experience bias and really knowing way to much about what can go wrong. I refer to the lactation consultants a LOT...maybe I can get one to come home with me for a couple days  

I am looking forward to burning 500 calories a day for BF! My mom said I never bit either, I was just ready to be weaned.

I'm planning on pumping too so that my husband can help feed, especially with an early morning feeding before he goes to work

You can probably even get a prescription for a breast pump. Not only will you save the $300 to $400 on the main equipment but then you will also have a pump that works much much better than anything that you can buy at a store! Yay for professional grade equipment covered by insurance!

nik6499

BostonBaby1 said:

I know I posted this earlier but it's just so good. I also get nervous about bf, even with lactation consultant being available on my hospital, however I will try to do to the proven scientific benefits of breast-feeding. Even though my breasts are currently an E cup, not one of my doctors has mentioned that this would be a problem for me. My best friend is a G to H and she breast-fed both of her girls just fine and intends to do so with her baby boy who's due in October. but I have heard from a number of my friends that have been using shields that they can also be very helpful.

It didn't end quote for some reason

I don't recommend shields as they can be very difficult for women to transition off of them and on to the nipple. I was given one and didn't know any better and used it and the transitions was soooo difficult to get her off it and on to me. If you have ever see a national geographic you know all breasts are just as capable of nursing you can even visit with them beforehand and they can do a breast exam to let you know if there are any areas of concern prior to

nik6499

AudriannaMaria said:

If you would've read my other comments you wouldn't be so upset

No one is upset I just believe that nonsensical and non factual posting on subjects you have limited knowledge of can be detremental to others.

hardlyhannah

I just want to say thank you for the info on size not mattering, that was a worry I had too!

BostonBaby1

nik6499 said:

BostonBaby1 said:

I know I posted this earlier but it's just so good. I also get nervous about bf, even with lactation consultant being available on my hospital, however I will try to do to the proven scientific benefits of breast-feeding. Even though my breasts are currently an E cup, not one of my doctors has mentioned that this would be a problem for me. My best friend is a G to H and she breast-fed both of her girls just fine and intends to do so with her baby boy who's due in October. but I have heard from a number of my friends that have been using shields that they can also be very helpful.

It didn't end quote for some reason

I don't recommend shields as they can be very difficult for women to transition off of them and on to the nipple. I was given one and didn't know any better and used it and the transitions was soooo difficult to get her off it and on to me. If you have ever see a national geographic you know all breasts are just as capable of nursing you can even visit with them beforehand and they can do a breast exam to let you know if there are any areas of concern prior to

Thank you! That is very useful information and I think I will definitely try the route that @redfallon recommended earlier with the products that can ease the nipples. I also definitely plan on having a lactation consultant in the future so hopefully there won't be an issue. My OB already looked at my breasts (I get regular breast exams and mammograms due to my mothers history of breast cancer at an early age,) and said that she has no reason to believe that there would be any issue.

lmgagliardi@hotmail.com

So I know breast feeding can be controversial, but I will only tell you my story. When I had my DD, I was prepared to breastfeed. Had a pump and everything. She was an excellent latched. I mean excellent. She would latch, suck, unlatch, and then relatch. It took me 3 days to loath her because of it. My nipples cracked and bled so bad, and I had had enough. They gave her some formula while I took a break, and I never went back. It really isn't for some moms, and I think all moms need to know that there shouldn't be any shame in saying that. I think all moms should give it a shot, but if it's not for them, move on. I remember cryin in my kitchen to my mom because I was so afraid to tell DH I didn't want to breastfeed. I ended up not wanting my daughter anywhere near me, and that wasn't a healthy state of mind. The hospital will literally bully you if you tell them you want to breast feed and then change your mind, but you have to do what's right for you. That is my story

313Meg

OK im back.
Breastfeeding is near and dear to my heart. Like I said, you will know if it's something you want to do or will be best for you after you try it. I want to encourage you to at least try it. 

Start off with a short term goal. Like a week/3weeks/1mo something that gives you an attainable timeline. Adjust your goals after you hit them and by your experience.
I also want to say, it's common to have some type of "complication". Such as latch issues, supply issues, sore nips... something. But if you are willing to try it and see if you can find a way around it and through it, you may feel even more rewarded after doing it.

I'll give you a little story. I couldn't get my baby to latch. We tried and tried and he just had a terrible latch and we both would be so frustrated. I used every opportunity to see a LC (lactation consultant) while I was in the hospital. Use them, they are there for you. Remember their job is breastfeeding, so if that's what they talk about and if they seem "pushy" it's because you are working with someone who is there to help you through the hard time and to breastfeed.
We used a nipple shield. I was so upset with it. I wanted everything to be natural, I didn't want to have to wean him off the shield. But as time went on we figured out that was best as I had very a very forceful letdown and a lot of foremilk. (nothing to worry about right now, cross those bridges as/if you get there). I was determined to make it a month, then 3 months. And by 6mo we FINALLY felt like we were figuring it out. It was best for us to breastfeed. We are still breastfeeding at 21 months. I wouldn't have made it this far if it weren't for awesome support. My family kept telling me to just use formula, it was my lactation consultant support group that kept me going. They were awesome. So do your research, find support, and use it.

Give it a try and see what works. Don't have high expectations in the beginning and set small goals. See where it takes you and what is best for you and your baby.

katiejoern

I agree with everything @313Meg said! I continue to nurse my 19 month old daughter at nap time and before bed. She had never bit me so I'm glad for that! Also the lanolin is a must! I used it after feedings and before I showered. My daughter nursed every 2-3 hours until she was over 6 months so even if you have it down, your nipples can get sore from the frequency. The lactation consultants at my hospital were not the greatest. No one explained to me that I would become engorged when my milk came in! My daughter couldn't latch and my husband had to go buy me a manual pump in the middle of the night(insurances pump couldn't be ordered until baby was born). That was really the worst experience I had in 19 months, otherwise I love it, bonding with my child, dropped a ton of weight postpartum, an the financial savings are all worth giving it a shot.

nmonty15

I'm glad you posted this as it will be my first, and I have fears and am nervous about breastfeeding too! I've said i'd never do it..but now that I'm having a baby, I feel like I really want to try. Good info to have from other experienced moms!!

enigmaanjel

hardlyhannah said:

I just want to say thank you for the info on size not mattering, that was a worry I had too!

I have rather small boobs and bf 8 kids for 6+ months each lol it is not easy and not for everyone. But if you want to try it out and it doesn't work...you can say you tried and move on and not be down about it. The important things is baby thrives

raq_2020

I'm definitely nervous too. I'm a little sad because I think I'll only be able to breastfeed for a month or so because I will not be able to pump at my job & have to return to work pretty soon after. Thanks everyone for posting.... really helpful information - easing my anxiety about it for sure!!!