the decision to breastfeed....

sjra1028

The lactation specialist worked with me on breastfeeding today since my sweet girl is coming home in a few days. I was content with the idea of primarily pumping, but the LS really wanted me to give it a try.
She didn't have a successful latch, BUT the emotions I felt while she tried were so overwhelming!!! It was an absolutely incredible experience! We will continue to try, but whether successful or not, it's worth it for the bonding. I also pumped afterwards and I had even more milk than usual! The LS said that bonding and skin to skin contact is like a little miracle worker when it comes to milk production.
I know there's a lot of FTMs trying to make the decision, so I thought I'd share!

Thj417

Bravo momma!! Thank you for sharing =D

ptelfra

Thanks for sharing! I've been on and off about wether to breastfeed or not, I do know all of the amazing benefits of it and would love to experience that bond but then the fear of not having a supply or enough because of my small boobs takes over.. I have set my mind on trying it at least, the fear of failing is just the worst though :-S

Baby2HG

Its an amazing feeling once they latch on with no problems. It might take a while so don't give up. It took me almost a month for proper latch but was so worth the struggle in the end.

carriebelle77

Good share! I was the same w/my first...not convinced. But once we both got the hang of it, it was the most AMAZING experience! Highly recommend it if you can!

fowlerpfs

Had struggles with my first, and like @Baby2HG took a month to get a good latch. My 2nd was much easier, latched immediately and no issues. I'm hoping this time is as easy as the last, but I do worry since she will be 3 weeks early.

cosplaymom

Ladies don't worry about small boobs! Size does not matter. Drink lots of fluids after delivery and nurse a lot to get your milk going. It's totally worth giving it a shot if you can!

kettlekitten

Yes size doesn't matter. I've only ever just made it into a B cup and my supply was out of control!

Good on you for trying it out @sjra1028, it makes me happy to hear positive stories. My BFing story was pretty crappy for my first but I kept going anyway, I'm hoping since I've had practise my next experience will be as great as yours

emmacake08

That is so great that you had an open attitude to try it! I only ever get frustrated when people don't want to try things at all. I'm happy you're enjoying feeding her! Good job!

laineyjewel

ptelfra said:

Thanks for sharing! I've been on and off about wether to breastfeed or not, I do know all of the amazing benefits of it and would love to experience that bond but then the fear of not having a supply or enough because of my small boobs takes over.. I have set my mind on trying it at least, the fear of failing is just the worst though :-S

Don't let the small boobs worry you, I've always been a solid A cup, and have successfully breastfed 2 babies with an abundant supply

You never know you can do something until you try! GL Momma!

aluapaniri

Definitely keep trying. My LO won't latch on well either as she is premie and I'm basically pumping all the time now. But it's so much more work to pump and feed that I don't think I will be able to sustain it as long as I would like. So will keep working on the latching. I'm getting a nipple shield today which might help her.

emmacake08

I had to pump for my preemies for 4 straight months with no supply issues before they were strong enough to nurse. Keep it up ladies! There are a tons of things you can use. I used a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to teach and encourage them to nurse. Try not to be discouraged if they aren't strong enough for full feeds yet.

acgonzalez22

Thank you for sharing and for the encouragement!

Kiescha

Thanks for sharing!  I didn't breastfeed with my last 2 but I am with my 3rd.  I;m looking forward to it!

sjra1028

@Kiescha it's amazing just watching her try. She falls asleep everytime now, but it's worth it. :-) I didn't breastfeed with my 1st, so I know where you're coming from!