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January 2012 Moms
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One week in and the hardest thing has been...

SoonToBeMsPSoonToBeMsP member
in January 2012 Moms

Breastfeeding. Hands down.

I have cried uncontrollably, discovered the nipple shield (which I am 99% sure is the only reason we are still able to BF), worried I am not feeding DD enough, freaked out with each dry diaper that I think should be wet and so much more.

I thought it would be easier than this. Not easy, but easier. DH has been amazing and been a huge support for me. He even went to BRU at 9pm one night to get me the shield since I was about ready to give up.

Last night she wanted to nurse every hour and did not want to be put down. It's definitely a lot go through, but it's been worth it. I just tell myself to make it through one more day. It's been working, so far...

DD 1.18.2012
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Re: One week in and the hardest thing has been...

  • FarmvilleLoverFarmvilleLover
    Hang in there hon. I understand. My son has a tongue tie which makes him have a shallow latch, and the nipple shield has helped with that.  BUT, I'm an underproducer so we supplement with formula and I pump. I think I'm done trying to put him to the breast.  I felt horribly at first but now am trying to get over that guilt. 
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  • talitha712talitha712 member
    I agree.  BFing was WAY harder than I thought.  We had so many issues (very low almost non-existent supply, mastitis twice, cracked and bleeding nipples, bad latch, lazy nurser...on and on) that I was finally told by a LC to give E formula.  I sobbed and it's been so hard to give that up.  But there was no milk and E was hungry all.the.time.  I pumped for a while but now there's nothing even when I pump so E is on formula only.  Great job sticking with it!  I hope things turn out differently with me for #2.

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  • Jess084Jess084 member

    I could have written this post. After doing everything "right" during my pregnancy and having a beautiful drug-free birth I thought breastfeeding would come so naturally and easy. Wrong!

     I have cried my eyes out time and time again and my little dude even lost weight between 2 and 12 days old (only 1 oz, but still). I felt like such a complete failure and that I was starving my baby. Luckily, thanks to a nipple shield (best $7 ever spent) LO is finally nursing effectively. Thank goodness for a wonderful midwife, lactation consultant, and birth center staff.


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  • Annya26Annya26 member

    It is SO hard, but it DOES get easier, I promise! Reach out to LC if you haven't already because as much as everyone says it hurts and that's normal, with a proper latch it actually should stop hurting once the nipples heal/get used to the abuse. I am only 3 weeks in but it is now almost completely pain free...

    Edited to add that I have found that my little guy needs to burp after nursing. I know a lot of people say that BF babies don't need to be burped, but he gets super fussy after eating even though I know he's gotten enough (my boobs are like super soakers, I'm an over producer) and once he burps he settles right away. 

    Oh also if you are worried about weight gain try feeding only 1 breast per session. The first part of the milk that comes from your breast is full of sugar that stabilizes the babies blood sugar and makes them calm down, the second half (which often gets missed if you are switching breasts) is where all the fat is which keeps them fuller and helps with weight gain. It also gives your nipples a break in between!

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  • SoonToBeMsPSoonToBeMsP member

    I am happy but also saddened to hear you're all having the same issues. Isn't it crazy that something natural can be so difficult? (I have to keep reminding myself that natural =/= easy)

    I do stick to one breast at a time, and that seems to satisfy her. Now I am starting to wonder if I should pump after feeding with the shield. I don't think I have an issue with supply (I pumped 2.5oz out of both breasts after a feeding last night), but I want to make sure my supply isn't impacted by the shield.

    Hang in there ladies and let go of the guilt if you can't get it to work. Motherhood is hard enough without making yourself feel worse!! 

    DD 1.18.2012
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  • PsyDr04PsyDr04 member
    Could not agree with you more!!
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  • mexicolombianamexicolombiana member
    yup this is my 2nd baby and I BF my 1st for almost year so I thought it would hurt "less" this time around.  NOPE.  I feel like it's easier for me to BF since I "know how" but damn it still hurts the same if not more!  And I've already gotten a nipple blister on one side and a red/brown mark like a cut on the other side.  But I know if I just push the pain for the next few weeks it will become SO much easier.  So good luck ladies!




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