I would bring your SO so they can learn how to support you and realize how much goes into breastfeeding. They might be little uncomfortable, but oh well!
Signed up for my breastfeeding class on the 29th! Anybody dragging their hubby to theirs or am I the only one? I feel like i need him to be my brain
Yep! When I went on Tuesday everyone came with their husband except for me and one other woman. DH couldn't make it at the time that they were holding the class otherwise he would've come too. I just made sure to take lots of notes and tell him about everything when I got home. My hospital encourages spouses to attend.
@mizzkbrat - bringing mine! He'll be a really good resource when I'm having a crazy frustrating time because he's naturally just so calm and collected. He'll remember little fun facts that may save the day. FX that's the case anyway
I like to show new moms this picture to put things in perspective. New moms are often told that baby isn't getting enough or that they're not producing enough and that they need to supplement with formula right away. Babe's tummies are NOT that big and it doesn't take a lot to fill them up (as compared to the size of that formula bottle picture you posted).
To touch on other topics people have brought up:
1) In terms of nutritional content, breastmilk is always changing to meet babe's needs, whereas formula's nutritional content stays the same. Meaning that if a BF babe nurses less (say, when they start solids or become very distractible) the breastmilk will concentrate its nutrients to make up for it. Over a 24 hour period, the overall calorie count is the same, whether babe nurses 6 times or 20 times, even at varying volumes consumed. With formula, if a babe needs more calories they need more formula.
2) Definitely take a breastfeeding class before having babe and if at all possible bring your partner/spouse/support person. It is 15000000% worth it to have that support when you need it. If you can't attend a class, try to find a Le Leche League group near you or Breastfeeding USA group. I am happy to help you find a group if you need help.
3) Do not hesitate to ask questions if you have them! No question is too silly.
4) Hospital LCs are great, but they often have a list of people to get to and a limited time per person. This means that you will be dealing primarily with hospital staff/nurses. This can either be really good or really bad. In my experience, I've heard of a LOT of bad advice being given by nurses that can be extremely damaging to a nursing relationship. Educate yourself beforehand and use the LCs to troubleshoot and problems you may have.
5) I think I covered everything on my brain in the moment but I'm sure I'll think of more later...
@TurtleMomma... You're amazing! For some reason, I always thought that formula held a baby over for longer. So you could feed the baby formula before bed and get a little longer before the next feeding. Based on what you said, that's not true, correct?
ETA- just re-read what you said and I misread the first go round. I still want to know if it'll typically hold a baby longer... And if yes, is it holding them longer because the volume is just so much more?
@bnsmith85 this doesn't exactly answer your question but the nurse at my breastfeeding class did say that once your milk comes in and after some time the baby will begin to naturally eat more (by volume) during the day so that it doesn't need to wake every 1-3 hours during the night to eat and will start going 5 hours or so without a feeding at night. I know this doesn't really answer your question about formula but it is related info. I'm not sure about formula filling up a baby for longer, it does make the baby's tummy grow faster as previously discussed which makes the baby require more than a BF baby, but I'm not sure how that translates (if it does) to how long they stayed "filled up".
Breastmilk is designed to be digested quickly by the body so the nutrients are readily available to the body. This means it's normal for a babe (in the early days) to want to eat every 90-120 minutes. The frequent nursing also stimulates your body to produce more milk. That is how your body is designed to work. There is no research that backs up the claim that formula fed babies sleep longer.
One really neat fact is that your body produces melatonin in the evening/night time that goes into your milk that can help your baby sleep a little longer and help establish a day/night circadian rhythm. That being said, it is normal for a babe to have one longer stretch of sleep in the beginning of the night (3-4 hours) and then resume the every 90-120 minutes routine and the mythological "sleep through the night" milestone is only defined as a 5 hour stretch.
A really great resource on normal infant sleep patterns and habits, especially relating to the breastfed baby, is Sweet Sleep by La Leche League International.
@TurtleMomma- did you say you host virtual classes or Q&A's? I'm registered for a class at the hospital but would attend one of yours too. I feel like I remember you talking about it when I was going through a really tired stint and I couldn't imagine staying up as late as it started lol
I admit that I'm completely intimidated by the idea of breastfeeding. I haven't even started researching yet and this is the first time I've even opened this thread.
I wasn't planning to take a class because the ones around here all seem to be ridiculously expensive. The hospital I'm delivering at has a class for cheaper but multiple people have told me that the nurses will give me all the same info and help once baby is here....
@krzyriver Have you considered checking out a La Leche League meeting in your area? They are free, and you can connect with knowledgeable breastfeeding moms in your area. https://www.llli.org I also highly recommend their book: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, it has a ton of awesome information in it.
@von1976 I do have the book. It kind of intimidates me.... I feel like it's going to be a lot of information and I'm going to shut down. But I do plan to read it. I didn't think to look for a local meeting tho. That be a neat place to start, thanks!
I am very well versed in The Womanly Art if Breastfeeding Book (lol), if you read nothing else in that book, read the different Ages and Stages chapters so you know what is normal for each age range and read chapter 18 (Troubleshooting) so you can be prepared for the most common problems/situations that arise. It doesn't have to be a cover-to-cover read to get a lot out of it. And I absolutely agree with @von1976 about trying to find a local La Leche League chapter and attend a meeting or just contact a leader and they're happy to field questions, too. Some groups do online meetings, too.
@krzyriver I think the book, though very informative, is also written to be very approachable. If you just start at the beginning and take it chapter by chapter, I think you'll do okay. But I agree with @TurtleMomma, the chapters she pointed out are incredibly useful if you read nothing else in the book.
@TurtleMomma@von1976 Thanks for the advice ladies! I know I need to put my big girl panties on and just dive in. I'll sit down tonight and start the book and look into the local meetings. I'm sure it won't be as scary as I'm thinking it is once I start the work. The fact that I didn't have time to start until recently doesn't help with the intimidation. Lol
Thanks for the book suggestion @TurtleMomma I was planning on getting the German standard breast feeding book, but it was written in the late 90's. A new version is coming out this October, but for obvious reasons, that's a bit late to start getting informed So I looked up The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Book. It gets good reviews but a lot of people have said it spouts a lot of (judgemental) opinion that isn't necessarily backed up by research. I know you have a strong science background, so what is your opinion on that?
Thanks for the book suggestion @TurtleMomma I was planning on getting the German standard breast feeding book, but it was written in the late 90's. A new version is coming out this October, but for obvious reasons, that's a bit late to start getting informed So I looked up The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Book. It gets good reviews but a lot of people have said it spouts a lot of (judgemental) opinion that isn't necessarily backed up by research. I know you have a strong science background, so what is your opinion on that?
I'm not @TurtleMomma, but as a FTM and a nursing student (so I'm somewhat familiar with the research, having completed my OB/Peds clinicals)--I found the book neither judgmental nor lacking research. In lots of places in the book they talk about needing to supplement with formula, and that being okay if that's what it comes to. Of course, they offer a ton of options before it comes to that, but obviously they're pushing breastfeeding. You wouldn't read the book if you weren't leaning that way anyway. And all of the research they mentioned is spot on as far as I know.
@books&icecream I am a FTM so take this for what it's worth but I was really bothered by the lack of citations in the book. I don't necessary read everything cited in books but I like to be able to see the source when factual statements are made. I finally just gave up and decided I will have to buy another book. I can see how it will be helpful for troubleshooting so it wasn't a total waste but there were just too many blanket, somewhat controversial statements without citations. My lawyer/ science background brain couldn't handle it.
@books&icecream I am a FTM so take this for what it's worth but I was really bothered by the lack of citations in the book. I don't necessary read everything cited in books but I like to be able to see the source when factual statements are made. I finally just gave up and decided I will have to buy another book. I can see how it will be helpful for troubleshooting so it wasn't a total waste but there were just too many blanket, somewhat controversial statements without citations. My lawyer/ science background brain couldn't handle it.
@KarenBM13 Did you check the back of the book? There's 35+ pages of "Selected References" at the end of the book. I agree that it would be better if they cited them in text, but they are organized by chapter and page number with a brief snippet of the text in bold in the back.
Speaking of classes, I've been in contact with my insurance about getting my breast pump, and not only do they cover the pump, they also cover replacement parts and 20 lactation/breastfeeding classes per benefit year! I was stoked; I was on the fence about taking classes at the hospital, but knowing they are covered by insurance pushed me into signing up for sure!
ETA: clarity
Countdown to Baby H! Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
@von1976 I did see that there are citations in the back. It is really just a personal preference thing that it really bugged me that there weren't cites in the text because there are many things (especially about birth interventions) that I have found conflicting information in other, equally reputable sources. For me, it was just distracting to not be able to easily see (1) what source they were referencing and (2) if there was a reference because there were things I felt should have a reference that didn't. I did not mean to suggest that it isn't a good/ helpful book, but if you are the type of crazy person who looks at the cites, there may be better options for ease of use.
In terms of research, I've found it lines up with basically every published article I've read and every good practice book I've seen. A lot of the information is across the board universal for breastfeeding management.
A few points to keep in mind, too:
1) LLLI was THE resouce for breastfeeding information for many years during the boom period of formula use in the 50's and 60's.
2) Any breastfeeding book is controversial and will make a mom feel shamed because somehow breastfeeding has been turned into a controversial subject instead of just a matter of feeding your child. I have many hypotheses on why that is, but I will keep them to myself. Truth be told, certain sections aren't 100% with the reality of the times (at least here in the states where it is increasingly difficult to live off one income, for example) but that doesn't mean the rest of the information presented is worthless. One of the main themes within LLLI is "Take what works for you and leave the rest". Does something the book says not work for you? No big deal. This isn't lock-step fanaticism. You have to find what works best for you and your babe.
3) I had a third point but my brain is toast, lol.
Just wanted to add that I, too, have really enjoyed reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I was pleasantly surprised with how fascinating I've found it to be!
@karenbm13 I think academia spoils you (or maybe improves your critical eye, depending on how you want to look at it). I have trouble with so many sources written for a general audience that don't cite as thoroughly as I'd make my freshmen comp students cite.
Re: All Things Breastfeeding
DH: 34
Married: May 2011
TTC #1: May 2015
DS: 10/20/2016
TTC #2: June 2019
#2 EDD: 2/20/2020
@bnsmith85
I like to show new moms this picture to put things in perspective. New moms are often told that baby isn't getting enough or that they're not producing enough and that they need to supplement with formula right away. Babe's tummies are NOT that big and it doesn't take a lot to fill them up (as compared to the size of that formula bottle picture you posted).
To touch on other topics people have brought up:
1) In terms of nutritional content, breastmilk is always changing to meet babe's needs, whereas formula's nutritional content stays the same. Meaning that if a BF babe nurses less (say, when they start solids or become very distractible) the breastmilk will concentrate its nutrients to make up for it. Over a 24 hour period, the overall calorie count is the same, whether babe nurses 6 times or 20 times, even at varying volumes consumed. With formula, if a babe needs more calories they need more formula.
2) Definitely take a breastfeeding class before having babe and if at all possible bring your partner/spouse/support person. It is 15000000% worth it to have that support when you need it. If you can't attend a class, try to find a Le Leche League group near you or Breastfeeding USA group. I am happy to help you find a group if you need help.
3) Do not hesitate to ask questions if you have them! No question is too silly.
4) Hospital LCs are great, but they often have a list of people to get to and a limited time per person. This means that you will be dealing primarily with hospital staff/nurses. This can either be really good or really bad. In my experience, I've heard of a LOT of bad advice being given by nurses that can be extremely damaging to a nursing relationship. Educate yourself beforehand and use the LCs to troubleshoot and problems you may have.
5) I think I covered everything on my brain in the moment but I'm sure I'll think of more later...
ETA- just re-read what you said and I misread the first go round. I still want to know if it'll typically hold a baby longer... And if yes, is it holding them longer because the volume is just so much more?
Breastmilk is designed to be digested quickly by the body so the nutrients are readily available to the body. This means it's normal for a babe (in the early days) to want to eat every 90-120 minutes. The frequent nursing also stimulates your body to produce more milk. That is how your body is designed to work. There is no research that backs up the claim that formula fed babies sleep longer.
One really neat fact is that your body produces melatonin in the evening/night time that goes into your milk that can help your baby sleep a little longer and help establish a day/night circadian rhythm. That being said, it is normal for a babe to have one longer stretch of sleep in the beginning of the night (3-4 hours) and then resume the every 90-120 minutes routine and the mythological "sleep through the night" milestone is only defined as a 5 hour stretch.
A really great resource on normal infant sleep patterns and habits, especially relating to the breastfed baby, is Sweet Sleep by La Leche League International.
Turtlemomma covered it, but yes formula *sometimes* holds a baby over longer- because breast milk is more completely digested.
I wasn't planning to take a class because the ones around here all seem to be ridiculously expensive. The hospital I'm delivering at has a class for cheaper but multiple people have told me that the nurses will give me all the same info and help once baby is here....
@krzyriver Have you considered checking out a La Leche League meeting in your area? They are free, and you can connect with knowledgeable breastfeeding moms in your area. https://www.llli.org I also highly recommend their book: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, it has a ton of awesome information in it.
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
I am very well versed in The Womanly Art if Breastfeeding Book (lol), if you read nothing else in that book, read the different Ages and Stages chapters so you know what is normal for each age range and read chapter 18 (Troubleshooting) so you can be prepared for the most common problems/situations that arise. It doesn't have to be a cover-to-cover read to get a lot out of it. And I absolutely agree with @von1976 about trying to find a local La Leche League chapter and attend a meeting or just contact a leader and they're happy to field questions, too. Some groups do online meetings, too.
@krzyriver I think the book, though very informative, is also written to be very approachable. If you just start at the beginning and take it chapter by chapter, I think you'll do okay. But I agree with @TurtleMomma, the chapters she pointed out are incredibly useful if you read nothing else in the book.
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
I was planning on getting the German standard breast feeding book, but it was written in the late 90's. A new version is coming out this October, but for obvious reasons, that's a bit late to start getting informed
So I looked up The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding Book. It gets good reviews but a lot of people have said it spouts a lot of (judgemental) opinion that isn't necessarily backed up by research. I know you have a strong science background, so what is your opinion on that?
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
That's helpful
DS#2 due 25 April 2019
Baby GIRL born 9/16/201
BFP! EDD 8/1/2019 CP 4w2d
ETA: clarity
Mommy to Elizabeth (6/18/09), preemie at 34 weeks
Team Blue!
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
In terms of research, I've found it lines up with basically every published article I've read and every good practice book I've seen. A lot of the information is across the board universal for breastfeeding management.
A few points to keep in mind, too:
1) LLLI was THE resouce for breastfeeding information for many years during the boom period of formula use in the 50's and 60's.
2) Any breastfeeding book is controversial and will make a mom feel shamed because somehow breastfeeding has been turned into a controversial subject instead of just a matter of feeding your child. I have many hypotheses on why that is, but I will keep them to myself. Truth be told, certain sections aren't 100% with the reality of the times (at least here in the states where it is increasingly difficult to live off one income, for example) but that doesn't mean the rest of the information presented is worthless. One of the main themes within LLLI is "Take what works for you and leave the rest". Does something the book says not work for you? No big deal. This isn't lock-step fanaticism. You have to find what works best for you and your babe.
3) I had a third point but my brain is toast, lol.