You don't need to prepare your nipples or toughen them up. Some people should not be giving advice.
I was lucky and never had much pain. I did develop a scab on day two before we got the latch down. It was sore for a few days, but nothing unbearable. My body was so beat up from labor that the nip pain was hardly noticeable. Once we perfected the latch it was no big deal.
Keep a tube of lanolin always. If you're feeling a little sore or raw, the stuff works miracles. It's kind of daunting in the beginning. But totally worth it if it's something you truly want to do.
I'm not so sure about 'preparing your nipples'. I've been nursing for over 2.5 years nonstop and they will still get a little tender sometimes, depending on how DD is nursing. So don't put yourself through unnecessary pain.
Most importantly, I'm pretty sure every single BF'ing mom has been concerned with if the baby is getting enough milk or not at some point and worry about supplementing. Just keep in mind that he or she will let you know if they're hungry. My girls were both super fast nursers, like 10-15 minutes max. But my niece will take 45 minutes. Don't judge by how long or often the baby eats. You'll know if it's not enough. :-)
There is a lot to learn about Bfing. If you are serious about it pick up a few books like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and sign up for a class. Most hospitals offer them with childbirth classes. If you want to make it work you have to be dedicated to it because in the beginning it is really easy to give in and give formula which will hurt your supply and cause issues. FF isn't bad but if you really want to bf it requires preparation mentally.
Some people have pain, some have barely any. My BFing was fairly simple, I guess. My big problem was oversupply. My babies would have a hard time latching on, then the letdown would be so much that it would make them not want to eat for very long. But I pushed through it. Despite what some people say, it's not always painful. Yes, my nipples were tender for a while, but it wasn't unbearable. I just had to suck it up because I was committed to breast feeding.
There are a lot of people out there, like lactation consultants, who can help you in the beginning. My recommendation is that you see them before you need them. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I've BF both of my boys, DS1 for 18 months and DS2 is still going at 17. I think once you get past the initial adjustment period of 6 weeks or so, it gets a LOT easier.
I don't judge people who don't BF, but I side-eye those who stick with it for a week and then quit because it's "too hard." Yeah, so is having a baby. Get used to it. The health benefits and extremely low cost was enough incentive for me.
This is rubbing me the wrong way. Why should anyone care why someone stops breastfeeding or how long they do it? I had a lot of problems nursing DD. I am undecided if I am going to BF this baby, but if I do try it again, you better believe I'm not putting myself through all that stress again. If we do it for a week and it's not going well, I'm not forcing myself to continue. Breastfeeding IS hard, and if I want to stop to reduce stress where possible, I don't think I should be side- eyed for it.
PCOS with long, irregular cycles First round of Clomid in May 2012= BFP #1, DD born January 2013 BFP #2 in January 2014, DS born September 2014
I was not able to BF my first. She would latch and suck once and fall asleep. She ended up dehydrated and we had to stay longer in the hospital to monitor her. I was so upset that they were going to tell me that she had failure to thrive and not to get attached (PP hormones do some funny things) that I just started pumping and supplementing with formula. With DD2, I was able to nurse, although she usually ended up getting one bottle a day, either pumped milk or formula. It was painful at first, and baby wants to nurse constantly, so at the beginning it was a little rough. Between the 2 and 3 week mark, we turned a corner and it suddenly was not so troublesome anymore.
I ebf with my first for three years... But I'm not saying it's for every one... I personally think breast is best but it's OK it you can't or its not working out... I had bleeding nipples in the beginning only because he wasn't latching right and had to pump for the whole week but the lanolin really helped... If you want to try and bf don't stress about it... It could stop your flow and you won't be able to bf anyways... It's a natural thing that comes natural to some... Maybe not for others and some need help... I saw a specialist and they helped me do it right because no one in my family was ff and we don't do it so... For me there was no alternative but formula has come along way... But I think if you want to give it a shot go for it...
I am curently breastfeeding my almost 5 month old, and I don't have plans to stop soon. For me, BFing was painful during the first 3 weeks, like toe-curling pain. But it gets better, and it's so worth the pain in the beginning. It doesn't hurt at all for me now.
Still BFing my daughter once a day. I agree with what some of the PPs said the first 6 weeks aren't all easy, and it's quite demanding knowing you are the only source of food for your child, but the end result is awesome, beautiful, ridiculously easy, and free. I walked out of our house with just diapers and wipes whenever we left the house. Some women do have chapped nipples, and there is a possibility of bleeding as you are getting used to it all (but you are pretty much bleeding from everywhere that early PP). I barely noticed my daughter eating after that initial painful period. I also agree that you should speak with an LC early on and develop a relationship with them. They are free in a group setting at our hospital.
So here's my breastfeeding advice - and hopefully I don't irk anyone.
Let me preface this with - I breastfed for 16 months. My friends were all taking bets on how long I would last. I was all for it - but honestly - it sucked royally.
My challenge is that my daughter struggled to get her latch right. I went through numerous lactation consultants. It often felt like a razor slicing through my nips and yes I cried through some feedings. That being said, when I found my last lactation consultant - I knew I had the right person.
The first thing she told me was not to feel guilty about supplementing formula. Sometimes you are simply in pain - and if it hurts too bad and you are getting bruised - it is much better to take a break for a day or two and heal - then to force things until they get really bad. Also - she was all for pumping so I wouldn't lose my supply. I went through the whole gamut: all kinds of positions, wearing my baby bare chested all day, nipple shields, lawd knows how much lanolin, etc.
It was really a while before it came right, but I realized that the harder I tried - the harder it got. For me, I took the approach of nursing when I could and supplementing when not. My daughter and I eventually fell into a rhythm and I didn't have to supplement anymore. I also stopped responding to my pump and had to return to a hospital grade pump. After about a month, I stopped responding to that too - so I just nursed whenever - and my daughter weaned on her own at 16 months.
Oh and about 5 months in we had a nursing strike where my daughter would screech any time I brought her near my breast. It took me going to a nursing consultant and her literally smacking my child's head onto my boob to get her to latch again - but she literally went 4 days before that without nursing!
My case wasn't normal as not everyone has the level of pain that I did. What's most important to me is - do not let anyone make you feel guilty during this process. It doesn't matter if you supplement. It doesn't matter how long you breastfeed. You simply do what you can and remember there's a reason we have modern medicine to give us other options. For some women breastfeeding is a loving warm experience - for me - it was like nursing a barracuda. The benefits of breastmilk were enough motivation for me to stick it out ( but I'm also stubborn like that) - however giving up crossed my mind many many MANY times ! Even my husband thought I was insane for sticking it out....
--------------
PCOS , incompetent cervix, gestational diabetes, IVF graduate, with one ovary!
1 angel baby due to a 20 week M/C thanks to IC
1 ovary due to a benign tumor that crushed my ovary
About 6 years of pointlessly POAS
Proud mommy of a 2.5 year old girl
Currently pregnant with baby #2 surprise BFP - Team Blue until proven otherwise
Honestly there's no way to prepeare. Every experience is different. I did a lot of pumping and bfing for 15 months. It's not easy but I found it very rewarding. I did attend some la Leche support groups and found them great. Good luck
I think the best way to prepare is to surround yourself with a support group. The first few weeks are the hardest, but after that, feedings space out a little and you get more comfortable with it.
My nipples got chapped and it did hurt the first 2-3 weeks, I wish I knew about lanolin before!!! I would start using lanolin after nursing from day 1, as soon as I started using it consistently, my pain went away.
I also had an oversupply in the beginning, so E was a 'fast' nurser compared to others. We had to supplement one night in the hospital, my 11+ lb baby was over colostrum!
Milk doesn't come in right away, but in the beginning, the colostrum is all they need in most cases. Nurse, nurse, nurse in those first few days. I felt like E was constantly nursing, but it set us up for a great supply and nursing until 14 months.
Have realistic expectations for the first few weeks. Sometimes it will seem like you just nursed and changed LO and they will be ready to nurse again. We lived on our netflix queue and watched so many great series together in those first few weeks.
By about four weeks I started pumping and replacing one nursing session with a bottle. It helped get DH involved in feeding and gave me a little break.
Unless LO has an allergy, there isn't a strict diet. I limited alcohol while nursing, or made sure to have pumped milk if I was going out and having more than a drink or two. I noticed E was more comfortable if I cut back dairy, but I'm not a huge dairy person to begin with. You may find something in your diet bothers them, so you just cut it out. I have huge respect for those breastfeeding moms to have to cut out all dairy (including hidden!) and even other foods due to allergies. That certainly complicates breastfeeding.
Don't be afraid if you don't get all these overwhelming feelings of joy with breastfeeding in the beginning. I almost quit around 3-4 weeks, but I'm so glad I stayed with it. By about 6 weeks it actually became an enjoyable bonding experience.
If you attempt to breastfeed, you might try everything in your power to make it work and it still might not. You've got to know where to draw the line to preserve your relationship with the new baby, your spouse and most importantly, your own sanity. If you choose to stop, then stop, own it and move forward.
I basically ruined my first 2, almost 3 months with my DD because of breastfeeding issues. I hated doing it, we were failing, DD was hungry, I was so depressed and anxious I couldn't even see straight. The day I stopped BF and switched to formula is a very happy day in my memory.
Im not even sure why I said I would try it. I can't see myself sitting around all day with s child attached to my boob. Doesn't seem so appealing. But once baby is here I might feel different, and I'll try and if I don't like it then ill pump or go to ff.
There is nothing you can do to "prepare your nipples", they will hurt....really bad! I bought the Medela Nipple Shield around week two, it was a life saver for me and I actually ended up using it most of the 12 months that I nursed. I know some lactation consultants are against them because for some women they can restrict milk production or flow. I didn't have any problems with it and it really helped with the agony of cracked nipples early on.
My nipples never bothered me except with pumping. I'll be completely honest BFing sucks in the beginning. your tired, engorged and sore and it can make for some strong cramping. Plus it takes a few weeks to get the perfect latch down to where you don't need to pull baby on and off especially at night when your a zombie. But once you get past those first few weeks and get a schedule down and able to catch up on sleep it is amazing. Best thing you can do to prepare is realize it is not going to be easy at first. I think knowing that makes it easier to cope on the hard days. Also if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up it's okay only thing that matters is baby is fed no matter if it's from you, a bottler, or formula in a bottle. Also it's okay to stop for your sanity. Happy mom makes for a happy baby. Good luck I hope it goes well for you and baby when time comes!
FWIW - I would rather BF than pump. Pumping made me want to bash someone's face in with my fists...no lie.
This is really stressing me out already, I used to have to pump first thing in the morning, three times at work and once before bed. My old job I had my own office so I just shut my door, this new job I'm at a cubicle. I don't know if I will be able to keep up.
FWIW - I would rather BF than pump. Pumping made me want to bash someone's face in with my fists...no lie.
This is really stressing me out already, I used to have to pump first thing in the morning, three times at work and once before bed. My old job I had my own office so I just shut my door, this new job I'm at a cubicle. I don't know if I will be able to keep up.
That depends on the state @bear1215. Here's some potentially useful information. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx I'm in Ohio and there isn't a law about pumping (but there is about breastfeeding). I'm fortunate enough to have my own office and can shut/lock my door.
First Son - born 2013
Second Son - born 2014 - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). First open heart surgery at 5 days old. He's had 3 open heart surgeries and several other procedures and is currently doing amazing. Third Son - due June 9, 2018
Well i think it should be the law in every state, cause it's just ridiculous that a mom has to "find" time to pump if she's working. Our America is so ass backwards when it comes to birthing and babies!
I recommend taking a BFing class at the hospital. It really helped me when the time came. It does hurt at first for the first week or two, but it's ok. You can start to lanolin your nipples maybe a month before the birth.
FWIW - I would rather BF than pump. Pumping made me want to bash someone's face in with my fists...no lie.
This is really stressing me out already, I used to have to pump first thing in the morning, three times at work and once before bed. My old job I had my own office so I just shut my door, this new job I'm at a cubicle. I don't know if I will be able to keep up.
Yes, but I will have to leave my desk every day to do it. When I had my own office, I continued to work while I was pumping so it wasn't as much of an inconvenience (to myself). I feel like this time around it's going to get really old really quick.
I have a question about this and don't think it's appropriate to start a new thread for it. Probably 6-8 months after this baby is born, I'm going to have to leave for 7-8.5 months for a military school. I really want to BF, and was planning on continuing to pump while I'm gone, freezing it, and overnighting to DH so that the kid still gets the nutrition even if it's horribly inconvenient. I have a friend who pumped so much with her daughter that she was still drinking it out of sippy cups at two years old. So, question is, has anyone tried this before? Pumping from afar? Or do you guys think I'm just setting us up for failure and we should prepare to switch to formula when I leave? I feel like at least continuing to get breast milk would make the transition easier for the baby and DH.
Some people have pain, some have barely any. My BFing was fairly simple, I guess. My big problem was oversupply. My babies would have a hard time latching on, then the letdown would be so much that it would make them not want to eat for very long. But I pushed through it. Despite what some people say, it's not always painful. Yes, my nipples were tender for a while, but it wasn't unbearable. I just had to suck it up because I was committed to breast feeding.
There are a lot of people out there, like lactation consultants, who can help you in the beginning. My recommendation is that you see them before you need them. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I've BF both of my boys, DS1 for 18 months and DS2 is still going at 17. I think once you get past the initial adjustment period of 6 weeks or so, it gets a LOT easier.
I don't judge people who don't BF, but I side-eye those who stick with it for a week and then quit because it's "too hard." Yeah, so is having a baby. Get used to it. The health benefits and extremely low cost was enough incentive for me.
This is rubbing me the wrong way. Why should anyone care why someone stops breastfeeding or how long they do it? I had a lot of problems nursing DD. I am undecided if I am going to BF this baby, but if I do try it again, you better believe I'm not putting myself through all that stress again. If we do it for a week and it's not going well, I'm not forcing myself to continue. Breastfeeding IS hard, and if I want to stop to reduce stress where possible, I don't think I should be side- eyed for it.
I think some people claim they're so dedicated to BFing but give up the second it gets hard. I don't know what you went through, so I can't say this is your case. Even if it were, I'm not going to call anyone out and say they're a bad mom for stopping breastfeeding. I absolutely don't think that. I just believe that some things are worth putting effort into. I cried a lot that first month over breastfeeding, but I'm so glad I stuck it out.
@kleigh926 I'm in the same boat you are. That comment rubbed me the wrong way too, because there is no defintion of what "hard" is. Hard because you don't like it and would rather just FF? Hard because you're baby is failure to thrive and you are riddled with PPA or PPD because of it? There is a wide spectrum here. I wouldn't side-eye anyone for stopping BF for any reason. I feel like that's kind of kicking someone when they are down, IMO.
I'm going to try to BF again, but I'll stop if it starts interfering with my ability to bond with my baby, like it did with DD. I remember at 6 weeks in when things got so so much worse BFing my daughter, rather than better like everyone promised it would thinking I was an utter failure. Luckily, I didn't have people surrounding me, telling me to just "buck up and try harder." I had people supporting me and helping me decide what was best for me...
Some people have pain, some have barely any. My BFing was fairly simple, I guess. My big problem was oversupply. My babies would have a hard time latching on, then the letdown would be so much that it would make them not want to eat for very long. But I pushed through it. Despite what some people say, it's not always painful. Yes, my nipples were tender for a while, but it wasn't unbearable. I just had to suck it up because I was committed to breast feeding.
There are a lot of people out there, like lactation consultants, who can help you in the beginning. My recommendation is that you see them before you need them. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I've BF both of my boys, DS1 for 18 months and DS2 is still going at 17. I think once you get past the initial adjustment period of 6 weeks or so, it gets a LOT easier.
I don't judge people who don't BF, but I side-eye those who stick with it for a week and then quit because it's "too hard." Yeah, so is having a baby. Get used to it. The health benefits and extremely low cost was enough incentive for me.
This is rubbing me the wrong way. Why should anyone care why someone stops breastfeeding or how long they do it? I had a lot of problems nursing DD. I am undecided if I am going to BF this baby, but if I do try it again, you better believe I'm not putting myself through all that stress again. If we do it for a week and it's not going well, I'm not forcing myself to continue. Breastfeeding IS hard, and if I want to stop to reduce stress where possible, I don't think I should be side- eyed for it.
I think some people claim they're so dedicated to BFing but give up the second it gets hard. I don't know what you went through, so I can't say this is your case. Even if it were, I'm not going to call anyone out and say they're a bad mom for stopping breastfeeding. I absolutely don't think that. I just believe that some things are worth putting effort into. I cried a lot that first month over breastfeeding, but I'm so glad I stuck it out.
@kleigh926 I'm in the same boat you are. That comment rubbed me the wrong way too, because there is no defintion of what "hard" is. Hard because you don't like it and would rather just FF? Hard because you're baby is failure to thrive and you are riddled with PPA or PPD because of it? There is a wide spectrum here. I wouldn't side-eye anyone for stopping BF for any reason. I feel like that's kind of kicking someone when they are down, IMO.
I'm going to try to BF again, but I'll stop if it starts interfering with my ability to bond with my baby, like it did with DD. I remember at 6 weeks in when things got so so much worse BFing my daughter, rather than better like everyone promised it would thinking I was an utter failure. Luckily, I didn't have people surrounding me, telling me to just "buck up and try harder." I had people supporting me and helping me decide what was best for me...
what bothers me are those who don't even try because they think it is taboo. No lie, I had someone say they didn't even try because they thought it was weird for her son to suck on her nipple.
It hurts but whatever you do DON'T prepare your nipples, it makes absolutely no difference. Latch is everything and as long as your LO doesn't have a tongue-tie or frenulum issue you should not have pain for longer than 2 weeks as long as you make sure their latch is good. Meet with an LC and watch YouTube for latching help. It's crucial.
I don't have much advice because I wasn't successful at BFing. DD was born at 32 weeks and couldn't suck/swallow/breathe at first, so she was tube-fed formula til I had enough of a pumped supply to feed her that way. Then we worked through 4 different lactation consultants trying to get her to latch, to no avail, til complications after a breast biopsy forced me to dry up so I could heal.
That being said, I definitely recommend taking a class. I was signed up to take one, but had her before I could go and then just didn't have the time. I would also recommend finding a good lactation consultant ahead of time (maybe start researching now so you have time to identify someone good), so you can go to them when you need help. The fourth lactation consultant I found was really good, but by that point I couldn't ignore the breast lump I had developed, and we couldn't overcome my post-biopsy issues. But I think she would have gotten us where we needed to be.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks Cooking #2 Due 9/18/2014
I probably sound like a broken record but I can't recommend Kellymom.com enough. Such an amazing bf resource.
I also really recommend giving yourself goals. I set 6 weeks as a goal because I had heard it gets easier then. At 6 weeks I still hated it, but I set another goal of 2 more weeks. Now I'm still bfing my 19 month old!
I also agree with those ladies who are saying that bfing is not worth your sanity, mental health, or relationship with your baby. As long as baby gets fed you are an awesome mama!!
I probably sound like a broken record but I can't recommend Kellymom.com enough. Such an amazing bf resource.
I also really recommend giving yourself goals. I set 6 weeks as a goal because I had heard it gets easier then. At 6 weeks I still hated it, but I set another goal of 2 more weeks. Now I'm still bfing my 19 month old!
I also agree with those ladies who are saying that bfing is not worth your sanity, mental health, or relationship with your baby. As long as baby gets fed you are an awesome mama!!
Gotta echo this. I felt like shit about quitting BFing (pumping), but now that I have some distance I realize I really went above and beyond what was necessary. And all of that struggling just took an emotional toll on me that was unnecessary - and DD really didn't care whether she was getting breastmilk in a bottle or formula, as long as she was being fed.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks Cooking #2 Due 9/18/2014
You can try breastfeeding and successfully do it for years; you can do it for 2 weeks, you can do it for 2 days... you can start with formula 100% or you can supplement or you can switch after a while.
You just have to decide what works for you and your family. The important thing is that the baby gets FED, and that mom is happy and healthy (happy mom = happy baby, in my book!).
If you want to BF, I would definitely suggest reading a little bit or taking a class or meeting with an LC -- there will most likely be one at the hospital when you deliver, but you could also try to meet with one beforehand for some pointers.
Sometimes BF'ing can be a little uncomfortable until you get it down, but I wouldn't call it PAINFul. And what happens to one mom won't necessarily happen to another.
Whatever you choose to do, don't let anybody make you feel bad about your choices. Just love your baby, pay attention to to your own needs, and do whatever works for your family!
(Just in case you were curious, I EBF for 4 months, then weaned him slowly before going back to work. i intended to BF longer, but i had a wrist injury that made it very difficult by the end, and I also needed to take something off my plate - switching formula meant no pumping and no prepping bottles for daycare, washing bottles, etc. So it worked great for us -- but with this baby, I hope to go longer. I have friends who went straight to formula, and friends who breastfed for 2 years... all our kids are happy and healthy! There are plenty of great reasons to breastfeed, but also remember that we live in a country with clean water and great medical care, so it doesn't have quite the same reasons as if you were living in an impoverished country).
People really underestimate 2 things how time consuming nursing is, it is very, especially the first time you do it in the beginning and if you can't make peace with it breastfeeding probably isn't going to last long. I really mean this,its an amazing thing,but it takes every couple of hours an hour at a time sometimes 24 hours a day. I find when coaching people this is one of the biggest obstacles. Once established its the easiest, cheapest, healthiest and in my opinion laziest way to feed a baby. " I can lay here like a little cow and sleep...no dishes, no boiling, no mixing..." My its wonderful!
2 how much pumping sucks! By and large nursing is way better than pumping ever.
baby #3 arrived in September 2014...cannot get ticker to work no matter what I try!
what bothers me are those who don't even try because they think it is taboo. No lie, I had someone say they didn't even try because they thought it was weird for her son to suck on her nipple.
well sorry to say but part of me does think it's weird for a child to be sucking on my nipple like a cow with her calf even though knowing how beneficial it can be to baby. but then again so is formula. with my first i did FF and he's completely happy and healthy.
but i do want to try to see how/if we (me and baby) will like bfing. if not i will pump or FF.
thanks for all the advice ladies. i'll look into researching more.
I think if you're planning to breastfeed you should definitely take a class beforehand. I felt like I got no help in the hospital (maybe because I didn't ask/looked like I knew what I was doing?). I didn't really have too many issues with it but I think we got lucky with a good latch right from the start. One good tip: squeeze out some colostrum/milk after the baby has nursed and spread it over your nipple. It's supposed to help keep them protected. I did this and I didn't have any cracking or bleeding. Good luck!
Hey, I'm all for BF, but you can't spend your entire life having a part of the body being sexualized and then, at the drop of a hat, change that view to a food source. Maybe some can, good for them, but for many people it takes some time. So, yeah, the idea of it is kinda creepy right now, but that's what an adjustment period is for.
Re: talk to me about BFing
I'm not so sure about 'preparing your nipples'. I've been nursing for over 2.5 years nonstop and they will still get a little tender sometimes, depending on how DD is nursing. So don't put yourself through unnecessary pain.
Most importantly, I'm pretty sure every single BF'ing mom has been concerned with if the baby is getting enough milk or not at some point and worry about supplementing. Just keep in mind that he or she will let you know if they're hungry. My girls were both super fast nursers, like 10-15 minutes max. But my niece will take 45 minutes. Don't judge by how long or often the baby eats. You'll know if it's not enough. :-)
First round of Clomid in May 2012= BFP #1, DD born January 2013
BFP #2 in January 2014, DS born September 2014
I also am going to try to bf this one. I pumped with the twins for a month, then switched to formula.
Baby #3 due September 12, 2014!
If you attempt to breastfeed, you might try everything in your power to make it work and it still might not. You've got to know where to draw the line to preserve your relationship with the new baby, your spouse and most importantly, your own sanity. If you choose to stop, then stop, own it and move forward.
I basically ruined my first 2, almost 3 months with my DD because of breastfeeding issues. I hated doing it, we were failing, DD was hungry, I was so depressed and anxious I couldn't even see straight. The day I stopped BF and switched to formula is a very happy day in my memory.
Katherine Quinn | 9.16.2012 | 38w4d
Ryan Lanman | 9.12.2014 | 40w
2 Losses | 10/2010 @ 5w | 9/2013 @ 10w4d
Little Sprout Blog
Thanks for all the advice.
Katherine Quinn | 9.16.2012 | 38w4d
Ryan Lanman | 9.12.2014 | 40w
2 Losses | 10/2010 @ 5w | 9/2013 @ 10w4d
Little Sprout Blog
First Son - born 2013
Third Son - due June 9, 2018
I'm going to try to BF again, but I'll stop if it starts interfering with my ability to bond with my baby, like it did with DD. I remember at 6 weeks in when things got so so much worse BFing my daughter, rather than better like everyone promised it would thinking I was an utter failure. Luckily, I didn't have people surrounding me, telling me to just "buck up and try harder." I had people supporting me and helping me decide what was best for me...
Katherine Quinn | 9.16.2012 | 38w4d
Ryan Lanman | 9.12.2014 | 40w
2 Losses | 10/2010 @ 5w | 9/2013 @ 10w4d
Little Sprout Blog
That being said, I definitely recommend taking a class. I was signed up to take one, but had her before I could go and then just didn't have the time. I would also recommend finding a good lactation consultant ahead of time (maybe start researching now so you have time to identify someone good), so you can go to them when you need help. The fourth lactation consultant I found was really good, but by that point I couldn't ignore the breast lump I had developed, and we couldn't overcome my post-biopsy issues. But I think she would have gotten us where we needed to be.
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks
Cooking #2
I also really recommend giving yourself goals. I set 6 weeks as a goal because I had heard it gets easier then. At 6 weeks I still hated it, but I set another goal of 2 more weeks. Now I'm still bfing my 19 month old!
I also agree with those ladies who are saying that bfing is not worth your sanity, mental health, or relationship with your baby. As long as baby gets fed you are an awesome mama!!
DD1, born 4/10/11 at 32 weeks
Cooking #2
2 how much pumping sucks! By and large nursing is way better than pumping ever.
baby #3 arrived in September 2014...cannot get ticker to work no matter what I try!