Baby sign was so helpful with my first 2! With my first the teacher in the nursery was very devoted to it and DD knew a lot of words before she was 1 (I don't remember when they started with here). She even learned and used the sign for poop! DS only picked up a few signs (the teacher changed so there as almost no work on it at DC), but he still does the sign for please every.single.time he says it and he's about to turn 3.
One of the things I try to do in general is never say never, but especially with parenting and potential parenting decisions because your perspective is so different and there are always new theories and studies on what to do when and how. I firmly believe the biggest goal my kids have is to make me eat every word I ever said (or thought) about what I would and would not do when I was parent.
Safety recommendations change and evolve over time for everything (you should look up car seats from the 60's- it's terrifying compared to what we have now). There are also conflicting credible studies on almost every topic you look up. Right now the general advice is to avoid all solid foods until at least 6 MO and potential allergenic foods (peanuts, strawberries, etc) until 1 YO, and there are credible studies showing that doing this helps decrease food allergies and studies that show that it increases the risk of food allergies. So sometimes you just have to take in all the information, go with what seems right for you, and pray for the best.
With that in mind, I would like to share something specifically about bedsharing. I recently read an article that's featured by the University of Notre Dame about some research they're doing about bedsharing. I haven't read very much yet, but what I did read was interesting and made some good points. If you click on University of Notre Dame, I've linked to the general site and the article I read was There is no such thing as infant sleep, there is no such thing as breastfeeding, there is onlybreastsleeping, and is under the articles link on the main page.
Question about switching to maternity clothes... I'm going on a 18 day trip starting in a week (So I'll be 12 to 14.5 weeks). Right now I'm sporting a bloat-only bump (and +boobage) but still alright in my clothes. Is the need to switch to maternity clothes going to ambush me violently one morning, or can I just pack a belly band and keep on rolling? We only pack a carry-on, so I can't pack heavy. Dunno if it matters, but I'm super short (5 ft flat) and have 25lbs of extra cuddles.
Not a STM, FTM here...BUT I'd bet you could get by with a belly band and maybe some looser fitting shirts. I'm 13 + 5 and while I do wear maternity jeans now, I still wear my work pants with a belly band and it works just fine. I could still wear regular jeans with a band, I just choose not too lol. I haven't had the need for any maternity shirts yet, just wearing my looser fitting ones these days.
Question about switching to maternity clothes... I'm going on a 18 day trip starting in a week (So I'll be 12 to 14.5 weeks). Right now I'm sporting a bloat-only bump (and +boobage) but still alright in my clothes. Is the need to switch to maternity clothes going to ambush me violently one morning, or can I just pack a belly band and keep on rolling? We only pack a carry-on, so I can't pack heavy. Dunno if it matters, but I'm super short (5 ft flat) and have 25lbs of extra cuddles.
Thanks ahead of time
If you're a FTM I think you can totally get away with the belly band. Around week 17 is when the bump really starts to pick up for the average woman, in my opinion.
So much good advice here, ladies, you are life savers! I've been lurking on like every board to try to get all the information I can! I'm a FTM and we were not planning kids right now (as we just got engaged, oops) so I am overwhelmed in trying to learn everything there is in enough time! My main questions are, for now anyway:
I see a lot about breast feeding classes. Is it really common to have issues with either supply or latching or something else where I should go to these classes?
Alright ladies, what do I really need and what can I just forget about buying?
I don't know if this applies to any of you but, we have a "puppy". she's just over a year but she is a very high energy breed and has anxiety so she still acts very young. She is trained and I am very good about keeping her out of situations that would increase her anxiety. My questions are 1. How do I handle her with the baby? She has a fear of people mostly and she is so rambunctious, I worry for the safety of the baby. 2. How the heck am I going to handle a baby and this dog? If we are outside of the house, one of us needs to supervise her at all times pretty much. Are we ever going to sleep or relax again?
Question about switching to maternity clothes... I'm going on a 18 day trip starting in a week (So I'll be 12 to 14.5 weeks). Right now I'm sporting a bloat-only bump (and +boobage) but still alright in my clothes. Is the need to switch to maternity clothes going to ambush me violently one morning, or can I just pack a belly band and keep on rolling? We only pack a carry-on, so I can't pack heavy. Dunno if it matters, but I'm super short (5 ft flat) and have 25lbs of extra cuddles.
Thanks ahead of time
If you're a FTM I think you can totally get away with the belly band. Around week 17 is when the bump really starts to pick up for the average woman, in my opinion.
This but I'd pack a pair of leggings just in case you have a day or two in case you're bloated and jeans are uncomfortable. Can you do a few maxi dresses?
@jlellis603 re-breastfeeding. I think I'm not wrong in saying that the main consensus is its really just a lot harder than you think it's going to be. The baby naturally is drawn to your boob and the milk in most cases but seems to need to learn how to breastfeed properly. And you, being a first time mom might need to learn some good techniques for holding her, getting your nipple into her mouth so it minimizes the pain in the beginning etc. I think I had it easy with my daughter and I still saw a lactation consultant and was mildly freaking out/crying on and off the first few weeks before we hit our stride. The classes and all of that are just a great resource to have.
So much good advice here, ladies, you are life savers! I've been lurking on like every board to try to get all the information I can! I'm a FTM and we were not planning kids right now (as we just got engaged, oops) so I am overwhelmed in trying to learn everything there is in enough time! My main questions are, for now anyway:
I see a lot about breast feeding classes. Is it really common to have issues with either supply or latching or something else where I should go to these classes?
Alright ladies, what do I really need and what can I just forget about buying?
I don't know if this applies to any of you but, we have a "puppy". she's just over a year but she is a very high energy breed and has anxiety so she still acts very young. She is trained and I am very good about keeping her out of situations that would increase her anxiety. My questions are 1. How do I handle her with the baby? She has a fear of people mostly and she is so rambunctious, I worry for the safety of the baby. 2. How the heck am I going to handle a baby and this dog? If we are outside of the house, one of us needs to supervise her at all times pretty much. Are we ever going to sleep or relax again?
With my first I never took any classes for breastfeeding. I didnt want to go into it with expectations of how things were supposed to be and being stressed out and disappointed. I can't speak for how common the issues are with latch/supply but there are usually a lot of LLL groups that offer a lot of support. For me it was hard for the first 2 weeks and then it was fine.
I dont have have a dog but I think someone suggested getting a baby doll and practicing using it around a difficult pup. Maybe your dog could benefit from that type of training, I don't know.
My kid had a terrible latch that made my nipples raw and bloody. ( We found out much later that she had perinatal stroke). A nipple shield worked to give my poor nips relief during the day feeds, until we figured out a comfortable latch.
@jlellis603 I don't think most women have issues but it's better to be prepared. And if you go into it knowing this might hurt at first, this might not be so easy, this might take a while to get the hang of then you might not get discouraged if it doesn't click right away. It can take a while for things to go smoothly.
I had no isues breastfeeding my first and I had absolutely no preparation. He was born and he just knew what to do which was great because I had no idea. My 2nd was the same. Then my 3rd was born. I knew what to do but this baby was difficult. She had latching issues and I needed help from a lactation consultant.
Can you eat right after delivery or do they make you wait. I imagine I'll be starving.
They let me eat right after. They were super nice about getting the food right away too. It was late so the cafeteria was closed but they had a little boxed lunch which tasted like a gourmet meal after not being able to eat for 24 hours lol!
I had a LOT of trouble BFing. It was devastating for me. I had a lot of support but things just weren't working out anatomically. I ended up pumping and supplementing with formula, which was not part of my whole plan. I will do the same this time around and I will not let myself feel bad about it.
I wish someone had told me I wasn't a failure and that I was still doing the best I could for my kid. I felt a lot of guilt for using formula but now, I don't regret it at all. Is breast best? Of course. But formula is not the Devil's milk either. And don't you dare feel bad if it doesn't work out! I know it's easier said than done. It definitely wasn't part of my grand plan but I did the best I could with what I had.
@AfKash I was able to eat pretty much as soon as he was delivered and I was sitting back up. We ended up having to order takeout since the hospital kitchen was closed by then. And yes, I was starving. I honestly think I was more hungry than in pain a majority of the labor process. Lol
I'm SUCH a bish when I'm hungry. This could be a very real problem. I heard the standards relaxed a bit recently and some hospitals will let you eat a little. I really hope mine does.
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32 TTC Since 11/2015 #1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
@AfKash I was able to eat pretty much as soon as he was delivered and I was sitting back up. We ended up having to order takeout since the hospital kitchen was closed by then. And yes, I was starving. I honestly think I was more hungry than in pain a majority of the labor process. Lol
This was me! I called the in laws to let them know that DD had been born and begged them to bring me food on the way in. I was so ungodly hungry. It didn't help that I was induced Friday morning and come that night, nothing had happened. I was so hungry I begged them for some food. They gave me a PB&J sandwich which was promptly thrown up an hour later. I had DD at 11pm on Saturday night.
BFP #1: DD born on 08.25.12
BFP #2: 09/08/15 miscarried at 6w
BFP #3: DD2 born on 02.07.17
I had a LOT of trouble BFing. It was devastating for me. I had a lot of support but things just weren't working out anatomically. I ended up pumping and supplementing with formula, which was not part of my whole plan. I will do the same this time around and I will not let myself feel bad about it.
I wish someone had told me I wasn't a failure and that I was still doing the best I could for my kid. I felt a lot of guilt for using formula but now, I don't regret it at all. Is breast best? Of course. But formula is not the Devil's milk either. And don't you dare feel bad if it doesn't work out! I know it's easier said than done. It definitely wasn't part of my grand plan but I did the best I could with what I had.
I cannot agree with this more. I can't tell you how many tears I cried in the first two months of my daughter's life over trying to breast feed. It was literally all I did was cry because I felt like the worlds worst mom for struggling so much with it - like it was my personal failure.
My AMAZING pediatrician finally talked some sense into me. At exactly two months old, I sat down with my daughter, breast fed her one more time, then we switched to 100% formula. It was the best decision (for me). My kid was just as happy, healthy, and hitting the same milestones as all the breast fed kids. I just needed to let myself off the hook because seriously no one else cares and anyone who mom shames you for ANY reason isn't worth keeping as a friend
I was strictly pumping all the milk for my babies, I learned some major do's and do nots. This could be useful for people who plan on breastfeeding but end up having to pump often or strictly pump for whatever reason.
1. The pump itself can make a huge difference. We had bought a pump in the middle price range thinking we were good, my son was born and the pump had no suction whatsoever. It was a hunk of junk. We returned it and purchased a nice madela model (this was 10 years ago, but after doing research I intend on buying the exact same one again). It was the madela pump in style advance. At the time it was around $450 but I think it's a couple hundred less now. It was able to be used everyday, and lasted through 2 kids and was still in perfect condition when I got rid of it.
2. After you have a good pump, make sure the breast shields are the right size for your breasts. I was able to use the standard ones that came with my pump, but my sister had to go purchase a larger size to accommodate her boobs. She said it hurt so bad until she got the right ones, then it was better.
3. Keep a strict schedule to pump on time if possible. With my first I just pumped whenever I felt like doing it, and my milk supply dropped so low, I had to stopped pumping, there was no way to get it back up. With my daughter, I pumped every 3 hours. This was terrible, and not fun at all, but every 3 hours I would pump. I pumped for 15-20 minutes even if the milk stopped flowing, this kept my supply high enough for my daughters demands. I learned how much she was eating and would keep it out for her, but freeze the rest. We had months worth of frozen milk by doing this, and it came in handy when she got older and was drinking more, or when we were traveling out of town.
Other general information
I hear pumps can often be covered by insurance, I have no clue how to go about getting it, or how true it is, but it's worth looking into.
If the pump has a way to adjust the strength of the suction, it's ok to not turn it all the way up to the highest level. Turn it up gradually so your boobs have time to adjust, then stop when it gets to hurting. I thought my pump was going to suck my nipples right off when I first started and thought I needed to have it on full blast. Excruciating pain was the consequence.
If you get clogged ducts, it hurts. You will have a red patch on your breast, and it might feel warm, and it will be very hard and hurt to touch it. Place a warm compress over the area, I used a hot wash rag, and after a few minutes it should let up, you will probably want to feed or pump right away, once it's no longer clogged.
This is just what I learned along my journey, and may not work for everyone. Please don't feel like I am saying this is what you need to do, it's just what worked for me, and what I wish I knew for my first.
@Tennis11785 +1 to the angry hungry bish. I'm also violently opposed to things that smell arbitrary. In 2015 the anesthesiologists (ASA) suggested that a light meal during labor is beneficial. There was one asphyxiation during labor in the US between 2005 and 2013... A single high risk lady in 8 years. I'll listen to my OB, but if its just a rule just because the hospital doesn't update policies, that's their failing. I'll eat.
FYI - most insurances provide pumps for free now! I got a brand new medela last time around. You get a new one for every pregnancy.
That's so good to know, I had recently heard that but haven't personally looked into it yet... I'm glad I can get the how to from someone who's done it.
@Aussie45 yes!! I was in the hospital Saturday night, then given cervidil Sunday morning and fully enduced Monday morning. Thankfully I was able to eat lunch Sunday but that was it until I had my son Monday evening. A sweet nurse did slip me a 2 pack of crackers sometime Monday morning though and they were the best saltines ever!!
FYI - most insurances provide pumps for free now! I got a brand new medela last time around. You get a new one for every pregnancy.
That's so good to know, I had recently heard that but haven't personally looked into it yet... I'm glad I can get the how to from someone who's done it.
With my insurance, you just call and let them know and they will send you to a supplier website to order. I think they made me wait until 25-30ish weeks (not sure exact date). It was a really easy process.
I had a LOT of trouble BFing. It was devastating for me. I had a lot of support but things just weren't working out anatomically. I ended up pumping and supplementing with formula, which was not part of my whole plan. I will do the same this time around and I will not let myself feel bad about it.
I wish someone had told me I wasn't a failure and that I was still doing the best I could for my kid. I felt a lot of guilt for using formula but now, I don't regret it at all. Is breast best? Of course. But formula is not the Devil's milk either. And don't you dare feel bad if it doesn't work out! I know it's easier said than done. It definitely wasn't part of my grand plan but I did the best I could with what I had.
This is pretty much what I came here to say. Breastfeeding just isn't for everyone. Try super hard to let yourself chose what's right for your family even if it's formula.
I had a NICU baby who struggled with sucking/swallow for a whole year. But that didn't stop me from feeling like a complete failure when I gave up pumping for full time formula. It was what was best for my situation. And while I was pregnant I always thought I wouldn't care.
Also if you have a baby born before 35w, insurance might cover a hospital grade breast pump. Our NICU had a social services person that helped us through the process.
Lastly - ask all the questions when you are in the hospital. Even the dumb ones. The nurses are so knowledgeable and were so helpful.
FYI - most insurances provide pumps for free now! I got a brand new medela last time around. You get a new one for every pregnancy.
That's so good to know, I had recently heard that but haven't personally looked into it yet... I'm glad I can get the how to from someone who's done it.
With my insurance, you just call and let them know and they will send you to a supplier website to order. I think they made me wait until 25-30ish weeks (not sure exact date). It was a really easy process.
Thank you for the info, I will definitely be needing it!
FYI - most insurances provide pumps for free now! I got a brand new medela last time around. You get a new one for every pregnancy.
That's so good to know, I had recently heard that but haven't personally looked into it yet... I'm glad I can get the how to from someone who's done it.
With my insurance, you just call and let them know and they will send you to a supplier website to order. I think they made me wait until 25-30ish weeks (not sure exact date). It was a really easy process.
I missed this one with my precious quote. thanks @4PsInAPod! now I need to furiously check my insurance...
I'm sure every hospital is different but I had a c-section and was on a liquid diet until I passed my first bowel movement or farted, whichever came first.
It was 2 days before I was able to get any real food in my body. Needless to say, I was very hangry.
I'm sure every hospital is different but I had a c-section and was on a liquid diet until I passed my first bowel movement or farted, whichever came first.
It was 2 days before I was able to get any real food in my body. Needless to say, I was very hangry.
It's looking like a c section for me this time around and this is kinda depressing, lol.To think that 15 minutes after giving birth to DS I had sent H out to get me a12 inch steak & cheese sub. I had been craving it for so long and it was so satisfying when I ate it. What a bummer!
************* First BFP: 12/16/13 EDD: 08/23/14 Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I'm sure every hospital is different but I had a c-section and was on a liquid diet until I passed my first bowel movement or farted, whichever came first.
It was 2 days before I was able to get any real food in my body. Needless to say, I was very hangry.
I didn't pass a bowel movement til day 5 after my c section. I don't remember farting either. I would have died.
I I am pretty sure I got food within a few hours of my c section. I was more excited about drinking water because I had been living for 28 hours exclusively on ice chips and I was THIRSTY.
To the moms who mentioned they have exclusively pumped @fourPsinapod@kswiger06 if you plan on EPing again, have you thought ahead to what you'll do post birth at the hospital? Do you plan on bringing your pump with you or do you know if the hospital you are delivering at will let you use a hospital grade even if not medically necessary?
I nursed my daughter for the first two weeks before switching to exclusively pumping by choice, I just plain hated nursing and it wasn't for me. This time around I want to pump from the beginning and I want to make sure I start off on the right foot to be able to pump long term.
My insurance covered a really nice breastpump last time. I think Medela PISA with the tote and everything.
At the hospital I delivered at last time they had a menu and you could order anything you wanted and as much and as often as you would like. I think I will look back on that time fondly as I don't think it's the norm? It was pretty sweet.
To the moms who mentioned they have exclusively pumped @fourPsinapod@kswiger06 if you plan on EPing again, have you thought ahead to what you'll do post birth at the hospital? Do you plan on bringing your pump with you or do you know if the hospital you are delivering at will let you use a hospital grade even if not medically necessary?
I nursed my daughter for the first two weeks before switching to exclusively pumping by choice, I just plain hated nursing and it wasn't for me. This time around I want to pump from the beginning and I want to make sure I start off on the right foot to be able to pump long term.
The hospital I use provides us one but I will probably bring my own this time around just in case.
To the moms who mentioned they have exclusively pumped @fourPsinapod@kswiger06 if you plan on EPing again, have you thought ahead to what you'll do post birth at the hospital? Do you plan on bringing your pump with you or do you know if the hospital you are delivering at will let you use a hospital grade even if not medically necessary?
I nursed my daughter for the first two weeks before switching to exclusively pumping by choice, I just plain hated nursing and it wasn't for me. This time around I want to pump from the beginning and I want to make sure I start off on the right foot to be able to pump long term.
I delivered my kids in different hospitals. (2 kids 2 hospitals) at both hospitals they questioned why I wouldn't even attempt to get baby to latch, I just told them I preferred to pump. (Just a heads up because I thought it was weird they were questioning me about my choice) but anyway, they both let me free access to the hospital pumps. With my first, i used the hospital pump, but with my second I already had my pump and I absolutely loved it, so I took my own. They offered for me to use theirs but I still preferred mine. They actually complimented how nice it was. Lol
With DD I was given a hospital grade pump in the hospital which I ended up renting for a month before buying my own. BFing was so difficult for me. She had a bad latch, the LC wasn't there because I delivered on a Friday and left on a Sunday, and it was just a struggle. I plan to be much more educated this time and try harder as well. Like, limit visitors in the hospital and when we first get home so that I can really focus on it.
And me I was a rule follower when I was pregnant so I asked my mom to bring me a large coffee, a Diet Coke, and a turkey sub when she came to meet DD! I was dying for those three things.
And me I was a rule follower when I was pregnant so I asked my mom to bring me a large coffee, a Diet Coke, and a turkey sub when she came to meet DD! I was dying for those three things.
Lol my step mil brought be a 2 liter of Dr Pepper when she came to visit. I craved it my whole first pregnancy and never got a sip. It was heaven
To the moms who mentioned they have exclusively pumped @fourPsinapod@kswiger06 if you plan on EPing again, have you thought ahead to what you'll do post birth at the hospital? Do you plan on bringing your pump with you or do you know if the hospital you are delivering at will let you use a hospital grade even if not medically necessary?
I nursed my daughter for the first two weeks before switching to exclusively pumping by choice, I just plain hated nursing and it wasn't for me. This time around I want to pump from the beginning and I want to make sure I start off on the right foot to be able to pump long term.
I delivered my kids in different hospitals. (2 kids 2 hospitals) at both hospitals they questioned why I wouldn't even attempt to get baby to latch, I just told them I preferred to pump. (Just a heads up because I thought it was weird they were questioning me about my choice) but anyway, they both let me free access to the hospital pumps. With my first, i used the hospital pump, but with my second I already had my pump and I absolutely loved it, so I took my own. They offered for me to use theirs but I still preferred mine. They actually complimented how nice it was. Lol
Yeah I'm nervous about the questioning of my choice. I'll be delivering in the same hospital and last time the nurses where kind of clueless when it came to anything involving breastfeeding and the LC was just a horrible, grouchy, mean woman. I need to prepare myself to be confident with backing my decision as I'm almost certain at least one person is gonna question me.
Re: Ask a STM 8/3
One of the things I try to do in general is never say never, but especially with parenting and potential parenting decisions because your perspective is so different and there are always new theories and studies on what to do when and how. I firmly believe the biggest goal my kids have is to make me eat every word I ever said (or thought) about what I would and would not do when I was parent.
Safety recommendations change and evolve over time for everything (you should look up car seats from the 60's- it's terrifying compared to what we have now). There are also conflicting credible studies on almost every topic you look up. Right now the general advice is to avoid all solid foods until at least 6 MO and potential allergenic foods (peanuts, strawberries, etc) until 1 YO, and there are credible studies showing that doing this helps decrease food allergies and studies that show that it increases the risk of food allergies. So sometimes you just have to take in all the information, go with what seems right for you, and pray for the best.
With that in mind, I would like to share something specifically about bedsharing. I recently read an article that's featured by the University of Notre Dame about some research they're doing about bedsharing. I haven't read very much yet, but what I did read was interesting and made some good points. If you click on University of Notre Dame, I've linked to the general site and the article I read was There is no such thing as infant sleep, there is no such thing as breastfeeding, there is onlybreastsleeping, and is under the articles link on the main page.
Thanks ahead of time
Married: 10/10
EDD: 8/27/16 MMC 1/16
Rainbow Boy: 2/04/17
TTC: 4/18 BFP: 1/2/19
EDD: 9/6/19
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
So much good advice here, ladies, you are life savers! I've been lurking on like every board to try to get all the information I can! I'm a FTM and we were not planning kids right now (as we just got engaged, oops) so I am overwhelmed in trying to learn everything there is in enough time! My main questions are, for now anyway:
I see a lot about breast feeding classes. Is it really common to have issues with either supply or latching or something else where I should go to these classes?
Alright ladies, what do I really need and what can I just forget about buying?
I don't know if this applies to any of you but, we have a "puppy". she's just over a year but she is a very high energy breed and has anxiety so she still acts very young. She is trained and I am very good about keeping her out of situations that would increase her anxiety. My questions are 1. How do I handle her with the baby? She has a fear of people mostly and she is so rambunctious, I worry for the safety of the baby. 2. How the heck am I going to handle a baby and this dog? If we are outside of the house, one of us needs to supervise her at all times pretty much. Are we ever going to sleep or relax again?
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
I dont have have a dog but I think someone suggested getting a baby doll and practicing using it around a difficult pup. Maybe your dog could benefit from that type of training, I don't know.
A nipple shield worked to give my poor nips relief during the day feeds, until we figured out a comfortable latch.
I had no isues breastfeeding my first and I had absolutely no preparation. He was born and he just knew what to do which was great because I had no idea. My 2nd was the same. Then my 3rd was born. I knew what to do but this baby was difficult. She had latching issues and I needed help from a lactation consultant.
I wish someone had told me I wasn't a failure and that I was still doing the best I could for my kid. I felt a lot of guilt for using formula but now, I don't regret it at all. Is breast best? Of course. But formula is not the Devil's milk either. And don't you dare feel bad if it doesn't work out! I know it's easier said than done. It definitely wasn't part of my grand plan but I did the best I could with what I had.
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32
TTC Since 11/2015
#1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
My AMAZING pediatrician finally talked some sense into me. At exactly two months old, I sat down with my daughter, breast fed her one more time, then we switched to 100% formula. It was the best decision (for me). My kid was just as happy, healthy, and hitting the same milestones as all the breast fed kids. I just needed to let myself off the hook because seriously no one else cares and anyone who mom shames you for ANY reason isn't worth keeping as a friend
1. The pump itself can make a huge difference. We had bought a pump in the middle price range thinking we were good, my son was born and the pump had no suction whatsoever. It was a hunk of junk. We returned it and purchased a nice madela model (this was 10 years ago, but after doing research I intend on buying the exact same one again). It was the madela pump in style advance. At the time it was around $450 but I think it's a couple hundred less now. It was able to be used everyday, and lasted through 2 kids and was still in perfect condition when I got rid of it.
2. After you have a good pump, make sure the breast shields are the right size for your breasts. I was able to use the standard ones that came with my pump, but my sister had to go purchase a larger size to accommodate her boobs. She said it hurt so bad until she got the right ones, then it was better.
3. Keep a strict schedule to pump on time if possible. With my first I just pumped whenever I felt like doing it, and my milk supply dropped so low, I had to stopped pumping, there was no way to get it back up. With my daughter, I pumped every 3 hours. This was terrible, and not fun at all, but every 3 hours I would pump. I pumped for 15-20 minutes even if the milk stopped flowing, this kept my supply high enough for my daughters demands. I learned how much she was eating and would keep it out for her, but freeze the rest. We had months worth of frozen milk by doing this, and it came in handy when she got older and was drinking more, or when we were traveling out of town.
Other general information
I hear pumps can often be covered by insurance, I have no clue how to go about getting it, or how true it is, but it's worth looking into.
If the pump has a way to adjust the strength of the suction, it's ok to not turn it all the way up to the highest level. Turn it up gradually so your boobs have time to adjust, then stop when it gets to hurting. I thought my pump was going to suck my nipples right off when I first started and thought I needed to have it on full blast. Excruciating pain was the consequence.
If you get clogged ducts, it hurts. You will have a red patch on your breast, and it might feel warm, and it will be very hard and hurt to touch it. Place a warm compress over the area, I used a hot wash rag, and after a few minutes it should let up, you will probably want to feed or pump right away, once it's no longer clogged.
This is just what I learned along my journey, and may not work for everyone. Please don't feel like I am saying this is what you need to do, it's just what worked for me, and what I wish I knew for my first.
Married: 10/10
EDD: 8/27/16 MMC 1/16
Rainbow Boy: 2/04/17
TTC: 4/18 BFP: 1/2/19
EDD: 9/6/19
I had a NICU baby who struggled with sucking/swallow for a whole year. But that didn't stop me from feeling like a complete failure when I gave up pumping for full time formula. It was what was best for my situation. And while I was pregnant I always thought I wouldn't care.
Also if you have a baby born before 35w, insurance might cover a hospital grade breast pump. Our NICU had a social services person that helped us through the process.
Lastly - ask all the questions when you are in the hospital. Even the dumb ones. The nurses are so knowledgeable and were so helpful.
It was 2 days before I was able to get any real food in my body. Needless to say, I was very hangry.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
First BFP: 12/16/13
EDD: 08/23/14
Baby BOY born: 08/29/14
I I am pretty sure I got food within a few hours of my c section. I was more excited about drinking water because I had been living for 28 hours exclusively on ice chips and I was THIRSTY.
I nursed my daughter for the first two weeks before switching to exclusively pumping by choice, I just plain hated nursing and it wasn't for me. This time around I want to pump from the beginning and I want to make sure I start off on the right foot to be able to pump long term.
At the hospital I delivered at last time they had a menu and you could order anything you wanted and as much and as often as you would like. I think I will look back on that time fondly as I don't think it's the norm? It was pretty sweet.
And me I was a rule follower when I was pregnant so I asked my mom to bring me a large coffee, a Diet Coke, and a turkey sub when she came to meet DD! I was dying for those three things.