breastfeeding/pumping....HELP!

danienicole99

I'm a FTM and plan on breastfeeding/pumping, only problem is is that I feel completely and utterly clueless! I took a breastfeeding class through a local hospital but I still feel like I know nothing!! I obviously get the jist of what I need to do but do any mama's out there have any helpful hints they've learned??!! I decided on the Medela Freestyle Pump...anyone have any experience with it?? I would love any tips!! Thanks!

 Also is there any special diet I need to stick to while I'm breastfeeding? Foods to stay away from, etc?

 

kle+spd

I have that same pump and used it everyday (multiple times some days) for 9 months! Loved it! Very easy to use!

Honestly, it's hard to know what you are doing until you have YOUR baby to practice with! Just breath, take your time and learn together!

I was personally more hungry when I started BFing. So I tried to eat healthy and high protein diet to stay full.

Some moms have to avoid dairy products if you notice them bothering your child. For example you eat cheese/milk and then breastfeed a few hrs later and your baby is gassier/fussier than normal. It could possible be the dairy....things like that.

 

forensicmama

First of all, WOAH!

Second of all, think about it this way: formula is a modern invention. Women have breastfed their children for centuries.

Breastfeeding is a learned talent, for the most part. I've never taken a class personally, but I did breastfeed my DD for over 2 years. At first it's strange and awkward, but within a few days, instinct kicks in and it's an amazing experience! Amazing!!! Step back and don't panic. It will all work out!

No, you don't need a special diet. (Kellymom.com) Taking your prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding is a smart idea, but it's not necessary. I personally felt better physically if I took my vitamins and drank plenty of water. Since I wanted to lose baby weight, I did watch what I ate, but of course I ate junk food now and then - I didn't restrict myself. And I lost all the weight with BFing alone!

I didn't stay away from any specific foods, personally. Babies tend to be very gassy for the first 17 weeks no matter what you do. Mylecon is awesome for that. After her digestive system matured, there were no more gas problems. I never had to stay away from peanuts or seafood or anything like that. I don't drink alcohol, so there was no issue there. I'm not a fan of seafood in general, so  things like whether or not X would harm baby never came up on my radar. You can even drink coffee while breastfeeding with no problems. Most babies will tolerate whatever mama eats. Make sure baby gets the hind milk by BFing on one side at a time, so that the poo isn't greenish in color and you should be able to tell from there on out whenever something is bothering baby and causing changes in her/his stools. Bookmark Kellymom.com and look up future questions there. It's an awesome site.

shihtzu51

I loved the "Breastfeeding Made Simple" book.  It was helpful and not judgemental.

ohfour

www.kellymom.com is a great resource

angel2288

I dont have that pump, but some helpful hints, i would limit milk in your diet, and if you are big on it (as i am- i can down a gallon in a day or 2 lol), gradually increase your intake and see if LO is fussy or has green poo. I didnt realize this until DS was maybe 3months, turn out the poor guy was getting reflux from all the cows milk in MY milk.

Also wait until your supply stabilizes to introduce a bottle. If you introduce too soon and skip a feeding, your supply might dwindle down because of it.

Lastly, think positively, this is what your body is designed to do I had so many negative thought that i couldnt do it espcially since in small chested, but if you think positively, and know that women have done it since the beginning of time, literally, it will help alot.

sunandsurfmama

ohfour:

www.kellymom.com is a great resource

This. 

dragon_chica

Ditto everyone's advice.  A few things to add that have worked for me or others to increase your supply:

- pumping soon after nursing LO

- eating foods such as oatmeal (NOT instant), drinking mother's milk tea, lactation cookies, or anything with fenugreek in it

- eating and staying hydrated

Also find yourself a good lactation consultant if the going gets tough.  Don't give up.  Milk supply can sometimes take a week or two (or more) for it to come in.  Use lanolin after every nursing.  HTH

cherryringpop

Just keep in mind that it takes a while to get the hang of it for most women. The best advice I can give you is don't give up. I gave up too easily with DD1 and 7 1/2 years later I still feel horrible about it. I think I feel worse about not successfully breastfeeding her than needing a c-section. This time I'm determined to make it work.