Moms who have breastfed more than 1 LO

babylala07

How did you find your BF experience the second (third, fourth, etc) time around? I'm about to wean my 8 month old so that I can start the TTC process. I hate to wean before a year old but I'm going on 35 so I'm weighing my advancing age and the challenges there against weaning before a year. It's been a hard decision.

However, after the usual initial struggles with sore nipples, engorgement, etc by 8 months it's all so easy. We never had latch issues. But I feel like having the experience of BFing one under my belt will be really helpful in the future. I will know how to help a new LO latch, I will better anticipate that newborns may need to nurse every 1.5 hours and not be caught so off guard or get so frustrated, I know that it gets easier after any early soreness and engorgement, etc. So, have you found it's easier the 2nd time around or is it like anything else and it totally depends on any number of things?

kristenamcb

I haven't BF 2, but I imagine it will be much easier the 2nd time around. We are thinking about TTC (DS is 5 1/2 mos),but really dont want to stop BF yet. Do we have to stop? Would it be easier to just keep BF the first until the second comes along- would that make the start of the BF process easier for #2?  Any idea where I can look for more info on this?

Kellina

I thought I'd have less pain this time, but I had bad nipple pain for 4 weeks! Other than that it was easier. DS1 has done better than I thought he would with #2, so that helps! GL!

madhatter2003

It was much easier for me the 2nd time around.

babylala07

kristenamcb:

I haven't BF 2, but I imagine it will be much easier the 2nd time around. We are thinking about TTC (DS is 5 1/2 mos),but really dont want to stop BF yet. Do we have to stop? Would it be easier to just keep BF the first until the second comes along- would that make the start of the BF process easier for #2?  Any idea where I can look for more info on this?

 My AF has not returned so I don't think I have much of a choice but to wean. I've been pumping since Jan to build a stash to help extend the breast milk after I stop. I probably have close to 300 ounces frozen now. With him on solids and not BFing quite so much maybe AF would return, but I'm pumping an extra 8oz a day so that probably doesn't help. It's a tough decision, no matter what. Some people have AF return while BFing but that hasn't been my case. There is some good info here: https://www.kellymom.com/ 

cchill01

Tough decision - which I will have to make the third time around (if there is a third time).  I just got my first AF at 13months.  So, with our third, I'll have to make the choice of weaning early or waiting until I'm ~37 to TTC. 

Can you try to keep BFing at morning and night, but wean during the day?  That's what got my AF going.

From what I've heard, you may have some of the same challenges (soreness, cracked nipples).  And you'll definitely know better what to do.  But, I've heard that it really depends on your LO's latch.  My friend had it really easy with her first, but her second required all sorts of coaching and latch work. 

Good Luck!!!

dewdrop1210

I found it to be much easier.  I think mainly because I knew what to expect this time around.  DD#1 was breastfed for a year & I plan to do the same with DD#2.  

We started ttc right after DD#1 was weaned, so I don't know anything about ttc while breastfeeding.  People do it though!  DD#2 was born 2 days before I turned 38.  Good luck!

KristinKD

I had a fairly easy go of breastfeeding with both my girls, but I do think it was easier the second time. I remember the nipple soreness and initial engorgement when my milk came in drove me to tears the first time, but it was all much less painful the second time. Also, I didn't waste any time nursing while lying down with DD2; with DD1, I didn't realize how much easier it made middle of the night feedings until she was a month or two old!

lite-bright

The actual process of BFing was easier with me for DD2 -- I knew what a good latch looked and felt like, I was comfortable with various positions, I knew how to handle a floppy or squirmy baby while nursing, I was confident with NIP, had all the gear, etc. 

But that didn't mean it was easier all around. With DD1, I had a lot of pain and a long adjustment period, but a generous supply. With DD2, I had minor soreness the first two weeks (even after BFing for 15 months with DD1) and then supply issues that started around four months. I pumped multiple times a day after nursing, for months, took fenugreek, the whole shebang. Managed to not have to supplement (so far, and we're at 11 months!), but dealing with supply issues was a whole new and different challenge.  

I think that just like every pregnancy, every time you BF has the potential for something new and different and challenging.