- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Breastfeeding
So how long did it take to understand breastfeeding?
I came on here actually looking to see if any ladies happen to ever list nursing bras for sale.
Either way I started reading all these post, about rotating stash, rotating breast, how often LO eats, whether LO eats off of both sides and how that affects it. The list goes on and on.
Everything seems so confusing to me, and it's almost making me a little discouraged that breastfeeding is a lot more difficult that I had thought it was. I have planned on not returning to work, however if we find we can't rely on DH's income alone I will go to work PT and that throws a wrench in things as well because I need to make sure my stash is stocked up pretty well and then here we are with more confusing stuff.
Did you ladies feel confused prior to actually starting to breastfeed? If you did, what did you do to get rid of some of the confusion (read a book, research, etc...)? And is this one of those things you don't really get until you are actually doing it, is it almost something that will be more understood when you are actually having to do it yourself rather than reading it?
Thanks a million ladies, look at the trouble I get myself in when I come over to a new board 
!
**February 20th, 2010 I Married My Best Friend and June 5th, 2011 My Soulmate Was Born**
This discussion has been closed.
Re: So how long did it take to understand breastfeeding?
I did a ton of research while I was pregnant. Especially on this board and kellymom.com. I won't lie. Breastfeeding is very, very hard in the beginning, but once you get to 6 weeks it gets much easier. By 3 months, for most women, it's a breeze. Personally I feel if you do not educate yourself, and don't go into it with the additute that you can and will breastfeed, it's going to be even more difficult.
I don't think it's really confusing if you learn ahead of time. Just think of it this way, you have never breastfed, nor has your baby, so your both going to have to learn and figure it out. The more you prepare yourself, the easier it's going to be learn once the baby gets here.
If you have specific questions as to the logistics of breastfeeding we would be more than happy to help you out.
It isn't so much that it's hard to understand, but it takes a lot of committment. Especially if you are pumping while away from LO. There are problems that you can run into and it's helpful to know what to do if the situation should arise.
If you are serious about BFing, I suggest doing your research. Check out kellymom.com and contact a La Leche League consultant if you need help.
Most hospitals offer BFing courses as well, which may be helpful if you have no idea what you are doing.
While BFing is a "natural" thing, it doesn't always come naturally. Don't feel bad if you need assistance or have questions. If you don't ask, you will likely get frustrated and quit.
Hi there! Don't worry too much. Most of us are crabbing about individual situations and specific personal preferences.
That being said, if there's a breastfeeding class offered through your hospital, it's a good place to get some good advice and information (you should plan to go before baby is born).
They'll give you guidance in the hospital as well. In my hospital, everyone who wanted to breastfeed was observed for at least their first nursing session. And if you have problems or want extra help there, don't be afraid to ask, it's their job! My second morning, I paged the nursing station and asked to see the lactation consultant. They were really good about coming in to talk to me and help out!
I read the "official" American Academy of Pediatrics book "New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding" as well, but to be perfectly honest, although it gave all the information you'd want, it was extraordinarily dry reading and very redundant. There has to be a better book out there somewhere. Ladies?
I agree with PP's that BFing is a major committment. I work PT and pump at work once a day, and EBF all other times. I learned a lot as I went and I also had a lactation consultant help me. I researched when I needed on kellymom, thebump and LaLeche. I think by 6 weeks or so I had it down pretty good, but you will still be learning. It's ok to not know everything right away. If you're committed to it and take the time to make it work- you will be great! Even if you read everything there is to read, you can never guarantee that your experience will be like ours. Prepare to be flexible, it is much easier to understand once you start- it just takes time. HTH!
I came into being a mom knowing that I would BF, period. I didn't care if it was going to be hard, or if I was going to be sore, or tired...I wanted it to work for me. It took my milk almost 4 days to come in. In that time LO had lost more than a whole pound. The pedi kept urging me to just use formula, but because I trusted that my body would work I stuck to my guns and we have been EBF-ing for almost 5 months, we have not even introduced solids yet. Oliver was 14lbs 10oz at his 4 month appointment and is thriving. I also work 3 days a week in the office and 2 days a week at home, so pumping and continuing to BF are possible.
I would say that it is important to have a good support network. Try to find other women in your area that are dedicated to bf-ing (La Leche League is a great resource). Make sure your H is on board because there will be times when it would just be easier to quit, but you need the support.
As far as financially, if you want to be a SAHM BF-ing offers a great way to save money. Formula is expensive. Good luck!
ETA: I didn't mean to sound like a BF-ing crazy or anything...I learned most of what I know from my Bradley Birthing Classes Instructor who is also a La Leche League Leader. Definitely try reaching out to them. Its a place to get FREE advice and help with whatever you are struggling with. Its also a pretty judgement free zone.
Not too long for me to "get it," but I had sufficient milk and my LO latched really easily. It was, however, shocking how much she was attached to my boob at the start.
The most research and reading I did had to do with pumping while I was at work and how to store/give baby the right amount. I had three months to get to kno wher eating patterns while on leave, so I at least felt confidant with BFing when I went back to work, and then just a little stressed abou tpumping an dfeeding at daycare.
This! Although I'm only a week and a half into this, so its not like I'm an expert or anything. I read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding while I was pregnant to prep and I like kellymom too. I also agree with a PP attitude is everything. Go in with confidence and it will help. Sure when my alarm goes off at 3am to get up and feed, I may grumble but as soon as she starts eating, I feel better. Now that I've started breastfeeding, you couldn't get me to use formula. I love that special time with my DD.
The bolded part is horrible advice. Let you baby nurse/suck as long as they want, especially in the begining. Baby is telling your body how much milk to make, and setting up your supply. If you limit time at the breast, you risk baby not getting enough hind milk, which will lead to gassiness and poor weight gain, not to mention supply issues.
I read Dr. Jack Newman's book (picked it from the list of books doulas have to read for training.) I really recommend it, since it helps to put BFing against a lot of the common perceptions in society (like gain issues and so on.)
I was very determined as well, which was sort of an issue when we ran into problems. I had a lot of expectations and was thrown off a bit by some of the things that happened. At the same time when things went sour this board and Kellymom were great for troubleshooting, but until I knew what my specific issues were it was a lot to take in.
Also... since I was sooooo determined the LCs were not so concerned with helping us... like once they got DS in a successful latch for the first time (at 1 week, 1 day) they figured I would persevere to keep everything going. We did, and by 3 weeks he was latching all the time. I would have felt better with a bit more support though, since in the hospital the LC was a lot of talk about how closely we would be followed. (DS was born at 36 weeks)
Good luck! This board is great for any specific questions you have!
Whoever starts the adventure of breastfeeding thinking, it's natural, it'll come naturally, is in for a rude awakening. It can be confusing and frustrating as heck. the positive side is that most of the fears and concerns you have are not unique. There are resources out there that make things much easier, or at least help you sleep a little better. If you by some chance can't find information on this site, from other Moms, Kellymom is a great site, as is La leche League's Web site. I also picked up a two books that helped me; one was the "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" and "The Complete Book of Breastfeeding."
But yes, I'd say it took me at least a month to truly get the hang of everything and really understand what I needed to do, but I'm still learning things three months in. Honestly, it's an incredibly rewarding experience and I highly recommend sticking with it. Don't let yourself feel overwhelmed by the process. And keep in mind that you and the little one will both be learning together. I hope you find this and the previous responses helpful. Good luck.
Are you planning to pump? If not - ignore the pump posts!
I didn't find breastfeeding that intimidating, but I'm starting to get ready to pump and introduce bottles so I can go back to work and the pumping stuff seems SO overwhelming to me! So I know where you're coming from.
For just breastfeeding - browse the posts on here, get a book or two, read kellymom and I think you'll be set! Don't let all the issues overwhelm you until you have them. You may not have any trouble BFing and will have stressed about low supply, thrush, saving a stash, nipple confusion, etc. for nothing!
Also, find a nursing support group in your area. I thought it sounded super cheesy at first, but a friend invited me to a meeting earlier this week and it was really neat. There were about 15 other moms there (babies from 2 weeks to 8 mos) and two lactation consultants. The LC's helped each mom, the moms got to chit chat about baby stuff,etc. They also let you weigh your baby, then feed, then weigh again to see how much they ate! It was really encouraging to be around other mom's BFing too.
GL!
ETA: I'm currently reading The Nursing Mother's Companion (very easy read, I'm getting through it really quickly). Lots of good info and not too dry. I also bought The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, but haven't started it yet. For going back to work, I bought The Milk Memos and I'm looking forward to reading it.
DS born Dec 10, 2013