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BFers

ludyjanboltzludyjanboltz
in North Dakota Babies

I had trouble with BFing last time and ended up having to EP which really sucked.  I went to a LC a week or two after C was born, but it obviously didn't help much. 

Any recommendations on things that I can do to be proactive about this?  One thing I plan to do in the hospital is immediately ask for a LC consultation.  With C, the hospital LC consultant showed up as we were being discharged so it was very rushed and not effective.  Any hints now that you're a pro at it that you can think of to do in advance or during the first crucial week?

TIA

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Re: BFers

  • ash.fleaash.flea

    Hmm those days are so blurry.  Definitely ask to BF as soon as possible after the birth.  Also meeting with an LC early helps a lot.  At my hospital the LC came in about an hour after G was born and helped me BF him the first time.  Then she came in two more times before we went home.  That was really helpful.

    Mostly I just remember crying and hating BFing those early days and wanting to quit at every feeding.  What helped me was to make small goals.  At first it was make it to 2 weeks.  Then when I got there I changed it to 6 weeks.  By 6 weeks it was easy for me and I was so glad I made it.  But those first few weeks were hell.

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  • MrsBlayneMrsBlayne member
    I think getting the LC involved right away is the right idea.  If you can get the latch right, right from the start I would think that will make all the difference.  Also, you may already know this, but it helped a lot for me:  In the beginning, Briley would latch on and stay for 20-30 min per side.  It was frustrating because I felt like all I did was nurse her.  My midwife told me that they get 80% of the milk in the first 5-8 minutes, so she said I should listen for her swallowing and when she stopped swallowing as often after that time period it was ok to unlatch her.  Unless you don't mind being a human paci, there is no harm in letting them do that, but it helped me a lot, especially at night, to know that she did not need to nurse for 40 min or an hour.
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  • CanadianBride84CanadianBride84 member
    Our hospital has a dvd on bfing I wish I knew that while there. This time I plan to watch it. Also having goals helped. I would bring cream cause my nipples hurt like h3ll at the hospital. I also plan to see the lc asap. Good luck
    A & T Since 2009 Parents of A born July 2010
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  • AprilJTAprilJT
    First off I would say relax.  I had a terrible time the first time too but remember that each experience is different.  This time hasn't been hard at all in fact its been pretty easy.  Making sure your latch is correct every single time helps a lot, you won't get as sore even if you are used as a human paci those first few weeks.  I did talk to the LC  in the hospital but she honestly wasn't much help for me.  I had a lot more luck talking to the pediatrician.  Basically I would say to just take it one day at a time and if you have questions then ask them. 
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  • aleikelaaleikela member

    I agree with PPs and would say to work closely with a consultant during your hospital stay.  In my hospital, they had a dry-erase board up and asked me what my most important need was during my stay.  I told them breastfeeding and they wrote that on the board.

    I had a consultant come to my room twice a day.  If it won't be like this during your visit, don't be afraid to call for them and tell them you want thier guidance.  That is what they are there for. Even with them coming to my room on their own twice a day, I also called them several times for help.  It went back and forth from great to having some issues which they helped resolve everytime.  They were also there to just vent to and they would explain why things were happeining and what would happen next.  Like previous post said, a correct latch is key in pain.  So are nipple shields! ;)

    I would also tell you to call them the first couple of months when any problems or doubts arise.  I had them on my speed dial.  It really helps to have the assurance and support.  I would be on the verge of quitting because of a certain problem (i.e., fussy/grunty baby, pain, etc.) and they would either give me a solution or tell me that it was normal.

    I would also recommend a BFing class.  It definitely prepared me for what to expect and how hard it was going to be.  Also, read up on what can go wrong and how to fix it.

    Not to sound parental/condescending because I obviously know nothing about your reasons to not BF, but anyway you look at it...it is a serious commintment and a huge sacrifice.  You have to be 100% in it or anything can make you quit.  It was the most challenging time in my life and I couldn't have done it without my husband's support.  I would have thrown in the towel a million times if it wasn't for him.

     Then, around four months...it became a cake walk! =)  Well, until his strikes and weaning started! Crying

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  • ludyjanboltzludyjanboltz

    Thanks for all your suggestions ladies.

    I tried for a month or so, but aside from the normal nipple pain, I had sharp, shooting, toe-curling pain every single time I put her on the breast.  I just couldn't get past it and dreaded it every time she was ready to nurse.  Looking back, I assume it probably had to do with an incorrect latch, but I never could get it figured out.  I will have more help this time around so I'm hopeful that I can relax more and get it figured out.

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  • MarryinginMexico07/08MarryinginMexico07/08

    I am by no means an expert here as out LO is only 8 weeks old and we still have our occasional issues.  But a couple things that I think helped me was like others said relax.  I really had no expectations about it going into it.  I felt like if it works great, if not that will be ok too.  For me this helped me be relaxed about the whole thing and just let it happen. 

    Seeing a LC is key too.  It really is all about the latch.

    And, I may get flamed for this but...my meds helped too.  Let me explain!  I had a c section so I was on medication.  I think the pain meds helped with the piercing sharp pain I felt when he would latch. (That pain really only lasts a couple days).  Dont fear the meds they offer you like I initially did - they really do help!!!

    I also used nipple cream every time I fed him.  This prevented me from ever getting really sore dry or cracked nipples. 

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