Just recieved my $175 Medela PISA.

GreenEyedGal · September 2009

Wow, I can't believe how much money I saved on this (thank you to the Nestie who posted the link). It came in today via FedEx and the box is HUGE, it's the real deal! I'm not going to open it though because I still haven't fully made up my mind about breastfeeding.

I'm so mad at myself for not being as committed as I was when I first found out I was pregnant. 7 months ago, I was going to breastfeed and that's the end of that, period. Formula feeding just wasn't an option. Now that the time has gotten closer and now that I'm doing more and more research, the thought of it scares me. I didn't know anything about thrush, clogged ducts or masitis before I started reading books. The thought of my nipples being cracked, swollen and raw make me cringe. Also (and this is probably the main reason), I really want my husband to be able to feed him. He probably wants this more than me and I can totally understand why. This is why I got the pump but my husband said that I'm home all day so it's much easier to just feed him at the breast than busting out the pump.

I'm just so confused and what doesn't help is that I feel like a horrible mother for even contemplating this issue. I feel like I'm obligated to breastfeed because of the nutritional value and choosing any other route makes me selfish, especially because I haven't even tried.

With that said, I am going to try. There's no reason why not to. I have an awesome electric pump, storage bags, breast pads, nipple shields, cream, nursing tops and bras...I'm ready to go. The least I can do for my baby boy is try, right?

duke'sgirl · September 2009

I can understand where you're coming from. The thought of BF terrifies me! I have very sensitive nips to begin with (you wanted to know that, didn't ya??), so I'm scared it will hurt terribly. But in the end, I feel the same way you do. I want to TRY. If it doesn't work out, it will be okay. But I'm going to give it a shot!

Susanann · September 2009

FWIW... I was so terrified of failing that I actually gave DD formula the first day because after birth I was too overwhelmed to deal with BFing. Then I started pumping and giving her that. A few weeks later I finally tried BF and LOVED it. I was actually sad when I had to stop. I never thought I would feel that way because from day I was set on the idea of formula only. It is weird though because now that I've been done for a few months I'm on the fence about BFing if we are lucky enough to have another baby.

The point of my rambling... it is scary and isn't for everyone. If you try and don't like it, don't beat yourself about it.

GypsyEsq · September 2009

Whew - glad its the real deal. I was worried it would end up being bogus.

Re; breastfeeding. Good for you for even doing the research beforehand. So many posts on the BFing board are things that could be easily answered with some reading on Kellymom. (not to say the questions shouldn't be asked - better to ask than wonder) You already know what so many seem not to - BFing is hard. The first few weeks were rough but it does get better and there is a lot of support here and on the BFing board IMO.

Pumping for an occasional bottle is not that big of a deal to me. I do really give kudos to women who exclusively pump though, that does seem to be the hardest parts of both BF and FF, so hopefully you will be fine pumping for a bottle or two for DH. Good luck!

madhatter2003 · September 2009

I"ll give you the flip side....with DS I had no problems at all. No pain, (well, a little from engorgement), no cracks, no supply issues, etc.

Many women do have problems and I think a lot of them are lack of education as a major factor. They don't know to watch for clogged ducts and then get infections, or that not nursing enough can hurt supply, etc. Like the pp said, knowing the first few weeks will be hard BUT knowing it is temporary will help you immensely.

Pumping is actually not a big deal for the occasional bottle. EP would be a PITA, but I pump at work and it's nice to have that freedom, and yes let DH feed, etc.

cjsbdl · September 2009

Just keep an open mind. I went through the same cycle as you--I was adamant about bf'ing to begin with, then the closer it came to delivery time the more ambivalent I got. I just wasn't feeling passionate about it all. So I decided to nurse as soon as he was born, give it a go and see what happened and how I felt about it.

I LOVED IT! Nursing my son is seriously my favorite thing about being a Mom so far. I cannot imagine not doing it. Of course, we've had zero problems--he latched on and started nursing like a champ less than an hour after he was born, and we've had virtually no problems (other than a few blisters that formed before my milk came in). I'm sure if we'd encountered problems I might feel differently about it.

But I agree with madhatter--there is a lot you can do to avoid problems. Read up now. My best advice is to nurse as soon as you possibly can after delivery--within an hour, if you can. And insist on seeing the hospital's lactation consultant (despite them pushing the program at all our pre-birth classes, I had to beg to see the LC once I was in the hospital). If possible have the LC observe a feeding before you're discharged and offer input. And if your hospital has a LC outpatient program take advantage of it. I called them a couple of times in the first 2-3 days I was home and they were VERY helpful.

Best of luck! It certainly isn't for everyone, but I am SO, SO glad I gave it a shot and just wanted to encourage you to do the same, if you have any inkling at all that you might want to breastfeed.

ejgballerina · September 2009

I was scared too. And at first, it didn't go so well. But, I kept at it and now I absolutely love it. I actually had oversupply issues so DH started giving DS an evening bottle almost immediately (thanks to my wonderful PISA--good choice!). I also started going to La Leche League meetings in my area once a month for support. BFing is so easy now, I definitely plan to do it for at least a year, maybe a little longer. Good luck and know there are plenty of experienced EBFers out there who can answer ANY questions/concerns you may have.

na24 · September 2009

I have been through hell trying to get these two girls to BF, and have finally gotten them to the point where it is really enjoyable to feed them. It doesn't hurt anymore, they both latch fine, they get enough, etc. Everybody is happy. I am really glad that I stuck with it, although I was THISCLOSE to quitting so many times. It can be challenging, but then you might very well be one of those women who has a pretty easy time of it. You never know. Even with challenges, though, I think it's still at least worth a good honest try. It's so easy to just pop them on the boob and not have to deal with bottles. And so much cheaper than formula.

And pumping after a feeding for the occasional bottle is not a big deal, honestly. (I was pumping 12x a day after and in between feedings for a while and that was a bit much, but once a day is a piece of cake.) Clogged ducts aren't a big deal, either. You just massage them and nurse them out and they go away. So don't worry too much about those issues.

GreenEyedGal · September 2009

Thanks for all of your support girls. Here's to hoping that BF'ing goes smoothly for me!

mrspresley · September 2009

it's totally normal to feel that way - I'm worried too...but at least you are going to try. you can breast feed and then after each feeding pump to save a little so that your DH can be involved w/the feedings.... if you can breast feed for at least 6 months, it's been proven the baby will have a higher IQ and fewer health problems.

if you can't, don't feel like you are selfish or like you are a failure - it is not an easy thing to do and sometimes just doesn't work out. just give it a try and see what happens..........

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