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May 2016 Moms
araecasey
member
A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
araecasey
member
Mommas, baby day is close! There's such a wide range of nursing mothers in our group, from just curious about breastfeeding to having taken classes to seasoned nursing mothers. Wherever you are in your breastfeeding journey, let's talk about how to have a strong start to nursing your newborn if you're choosing to nurse in some capacity.
I wanna open by saying that there's a lot of information and many, MANY opinions on breastfeeding best practice. It can get really overwhelming. If this discussion becomes too much, step away for a bit and reconnect with what's important to you. FTMs, you may not have a baby in your arms yet (most of you anyway!), but your mothering instinct is definitely there! My best advice for any mom, not just nursing moms, is to trust yourself; listen to your gut instinct over all the noise in motherhood.
Let's start by sharing where we are with breastfeeding.
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer?
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed?
I wanna open by saying that there's a lot of information and many, MANY opinions on breastfeeding best practice. It can get really overwhelming. If this discussion becomes too much, step away for a bit and reconnect with what's important to you. FTMs, you may not have a baby in your arms yet (most of you anyway!), but your mothering instinct is definitely there! My best advice for any mom, not just nursing moms, is to trust yourself; listen to your gut instinct over all the noise in motherhood.
Let's start by sharing where we are with breastfeeding.
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer?
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed?
Re: A Strong Start to Breastfeeding/BFing Q&A
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I'm still nursing my firstborn! I'm pursuing La Leche League Leadership. I regularly offer hands on help to new moms local to me.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I wonder how nursing my second will be the same/different from nursing my first.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? I clung to the Timeline of the Breastfed Baby to get a feel for what was "normal". I relied heavily on my La Leche League group, both in person and our facebook group, which you are all welcome to join even though you're not local. And the perennial favorite, Kellymom, which is basically the online breastfeeding bible, although be forewarned, it can be a lot of reading and wading through lots and lots of information. La Leche League's book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is the text equivalent to Kellymom.
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer?
First time!
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
There was a part of my prenatal class focusing on breastfeeding, and I've read a little too. Ordered 'The womanly art of breastfeeding' and should be getting it any day now.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
My boobs have grown very minimally if at all, and I haven't experienced any of those elusive colostrum leaks I've been reading about. I'm wondering whether my boobs are just saving it for when it's time, or whether that'll be associated with issues down the road. I'm really hoping BF works out well because I have severe endometriosis and the longer I go without a period, the better for me and our chances of conceiving a second baby without as much medical intervention. If BF doesn't work out, I have to get on the pill continuously until we're ready to try for #2, and I'd like to avoid that as much as possible.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
just made sure my old pump works just in case of latching/sleepy baby issues and set up my staff of breastmilk bags and cleaning supplies.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
none really... I already know that I'm likely to have a forceful letdown again but it's more of a wait and see how this baby will be right now.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed?
i did some basic research and class beforehand but had a lot of help figuring out things with the LC at the hospital. I have a larger chest so it took a while to figure out how to get the best latch (football hold for the win!!)
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer?
This is my first time
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
Honestly.....nothing. Besides read a couple articles a friend posted on facebook. Bad, bad, bad thornbird.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
I read an article about "natural breastfeeding positions" and am curious about that. Also (I know you said one question, sorry to break the rules!) I'm curious/worried how breastfeeding will affect our sex life. I've heard it can cause vaginal dryness & pain, and I'm really hoping that doesn't happen to me.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Bought a Boppy and recently ordered my breast pump online
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) How do I achieve some sense of normalcy when I will have to feed LO on demand for at least the first six weeks?
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? N/A
Second timer
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
I've gone over early notes I took about what I tried with DS when he had trouble latching and staying awake (just in case!). I made sure to prep freezer meals to and stock up on healthy grab and go snacks to ensure I'm eating well. I have a few water bottles ready to rotate too so that I get my water in each day. I'll know to check for a lip tie on DS2 right away this time too.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
If this LO has difficulties at first too, will the same thing that worked for DS work for him...and will I have time to do the breast/latch training-pumping-breast/latch training-feed pumped milk- clean pumping supplies routine with a toddler to care for too? Will I be able to bf him for as long as DS? I'd like to set a goal of at least 1 yr again, but if I can make it closer to or beyond 1.5yrs like with DS, that would be wonderful.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed?
Kellymom.com was a life saver along with The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. I also had a lot of help from one of the LCs at my hospital who continued to brainstorm and phone conference with me until DS latched well consistently and I could wean back off of the pump until going back to work (I switched then to pumping while away from DS, bf while with DS).
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I used a My Breast Friend per recommendations from the nurses when I delivered my first so I still have that. And I went ahead an ordered a bottle of the Motherlove More Milk supplements. I took those the first time and they did help with my supply. I need to dig out my pump and buy the replacement parts for that.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) How will the experience go this time around now that I have a 3 year old too? I worry I won't be relaxed enough.
@proudparent2b - That's a great question! Everyone is different and I admire the women who really took to breastfeeding and integrated it into their "normal" routine. But for me, it was difficult. I wasn't miserable, but I definitely struggled with everything from baby not gaining to mastitis
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? My lactation consultant! She made the rounds at the hospital, and then she worked out of my son's pediatrician's office. So when I went in with him the first few visits, I went to her office and she helped me. Also, lots of Netflix. You'll be parked on the couch a lot. But hey.. that's not the worst thing in the world.
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer? 1st timer
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Took a class through the hospital, read a few books, ordered a breast pump
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I have been told/read that it shouldn't hurt, but then many people say yes it does at first. I guess I expect it to feel weird/different or possibly uncomfortable. How will I know if the discomfort is normal or not?
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I took a BF class offered through the hospital and ordered a pump online
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I don't really have any questions yet. I know they will come, but it will be interesting to see what road blocks I hit.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Prior to my last two I did a lot of reading. My mother was a LLL leader throughout my childhood, so I also have a really incredible support network for questions and emotional support, in addition to having had BF normalized my whole life. This time around I haven't really done anything special aside from buying a new cover for my Boppy. I probably need to clean and prep my pump and make sure I have lanolin and milk freezer bags stashed.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I anticipate that this baby's feeding needs will be different from my last one, but I don't know how, so that's a source of vague anxiety. I tend toward oversupply, so I expect that to be an issue again in the first few weeks. I also have concerns about how my 5-year-old daughter will handle the baby getting so much unrestricted mama time, and I eventually want to introduce bottles occasionally and have a rough plan for getting that to work, since it worked really poorly for me the last time around.
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? Kellymom is amazing for quick reference (especially things like milk storage tips) and for troubleshooting specific issues. For general overviews I read a ton of books, although I no longer remember which ones exactly. I also want to say that reaching out to an actual person (a lactation consultant, knowledgeable nurse or pediatrician, LLL group, etc) is invaluable if you're struggling and especially if you're having trouble pinpointing why you're struggling. I'm a private person so I hate actually doing this, but a knowledgeable person can figure out a ton just from watching you feed your baby for a few minutes. Definitely reach out for in-person help before giving up, if BF is something important to you.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Nothing. Maybe we'll go over some of this in my birthing/labor class? This might be a bad route to take, but I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the baby prep stuff in general, so my attitude is to just hope that it comes easy to me and baby. If it doesn't (which I know is common), then I'll start worrying about it.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) If I have to pump at work and feed baby later, what do we do about the first couple times I'm gone and I haven't pumped yet? How/when do I build up that initial reserve of milk for bottles? Don't want to leave my baby at home hungry!
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I took a BF class offered through the hospital, I've got a few friends lined up for support that have BF successfully, and upon the recommendation of a Douala/ LC I've given my electric pump a couple trys. I know not everyone is a fan of using your pump before LO arrives but I didn't try it out until I hit 38 weeks and it's taught me a lot. I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect with latching.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I don't have questions but I am anxious to see how well LO does with BFing. The friends I have who were not successful had a lot of trouble with getting their LO to latch. That makes me nervous. I'm also nervous about how much I'll produce but I guess that's all a "wait and see" thing.
DD: 05/14/16
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I did a lot of research last time but was unprepared for how sensitive I am and how painful and destructive a poor latch can be. This time I had someone check the latch at every feeding, met with the LC twice, and also have privately booked for a LC to come to our apartment tomorrow morning. The hospital LC was so encouraging yesterday it made me feel like I can do this!
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) I've always found the initial latching painful, so I'm trying to protect my nipples as much as possible so they're not as damaged this time. Is it ok to go 3-4 hours between feeds if baby is sleeping? He's not underweight, levels and output are all being met, but he's not up every 2 hours as per the hospital and he falls asleep even naked. Keeping him awake when he hasn't indicated he's hungry is tough especially with the latching and pain.
1st time and really want to BF
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding?
I took a breastfeeding class through my hospital as well as watched how-to get the best latch videos online
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion)
I've always been told it's harder to BF of you are larger chested, is this going to affect my let down/ nursing my new baby?
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? FTM
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
TheThornBird said: Re: natural breastfeeding positions... I'm fairly certain you're talking about Laid-Back Breastfeeding (also sometimes called Biological Nurturing), which is AWESOME, and I highly recommend all new mommas at least try it out. Babies have innate reflexes that they start using the moment they're born to help them find the breast. Using Laid Back Breastfeeding lets baby use those reflexes to latch themselves on without much help from mom, and that usually means a deeper, more comfortable latch and a more relaxed mom.
Laid Back Positioning requires very little "know how" from mom. Baby will let you know he's hungry by stirring in his sleep, maybe smacking his lips, maybe mouthing his hand a little bit. Simply get comfortable in a semi reclined position, lay baby tummy to tummy with you with baby's head between your breasts, bonus points if you and babe are skin to skin. No swaddle or scratch mittens. Then watch baby find the breast and latch! Offer baby help if you think he needs it. It can be helpful to point your nipple up towards the roof of baby's mouth while he's latching himself on. This is very likely how you'll be encouraged to initiate breastfeeding immediately following a vaginal birth, but it's really a great position to continue using beyond that first feeding. It may take baby a little bit of time to scootch over to your breast, but try to be patient. Relax and enjoy watching how wise your baby is!
As for the vaginal dryness... yeah. That's a thing. Lube! I like the Just Like Me lube from Pure Romance. Our sex life was definitely lacking for a while, but it's better now than it ever was before we had babies. The lull in great sex was a difficult part of our marriage, but difficult doesn't necessarily mean bad. A lot of growth came to our relationship through that time.
proudparent2b said: That's a tough one. And also really astute of you to recognize before baby arrives. I naively thought I'd feed my baby every three hours, and then she'd sleep and play between feedings with occasional fussing and crying. Some people have that experience, but I sure didn't. Nursing a newborn on demand can feel like a marathon. Feeling "normal" comes at different times for everyone.
DD's awake... I'll come back after bedtime to chat more.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Uhm...nothing. I'm bad. I figure I'll have LC's at the hospital help me, they have a help line to call and I have no shame in contacting my local LLL for help.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion): I think I'm most concerned about the pain that lasts for a couple weeks (or so I've heard)
4. Experienced nursing mamas, what resource(s) did you rely on most when learning how to breastfeed? ....paying attention for good advice....apparently I should order a couple of books. But I doubt I will read them. Maybe I will....
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
2. What have I done to prep? Virtually nothing- I had been operating on the assumption that I'd most likely go til 41 or 42 weeks like I did with my son, but because of complications it looks like I'll be induced at 38 or 39 weeks, so I am super underprepared in all areas. I got my bottles back from a friend last night because we ended up needing to bottle feed my son pumped milk for his first two weeks. I plan on digging out my pump, nursing bras, etc this weekend. Somewhere on my hard drive I also have pictures from early visits with the lactation consultant for my son where she was showing me different holds, and I'd like to dig those up as a resource too.
3. Number one burning question? Probably the same for many second time mamas- how will it differ from nursing my son? He had a sublingual cyst that resulted in a terrible latch, with bleeding nipples and temporary nerve damage for me. Fortunately we got it all worked out, but it was a really steep road to feeling comfortable, and it took a lot of time, resources, visits to lactation consultant and other specialists, and I just don't know how i would get through all that with a 2.5 year old this time. Hoping things are easier with his baby!
4. What resources did you rely on with breastfeeding #2? We had an absolutely amazing lactation consultant. She was very straight forward, no bullshit, and she always made me feel like a) I could overcome whatever obstacles we had and b) what we were facing was nothing compared to what some women overcome to nurse successfully. I also just relied on chatting with my other nursing friends about their experiences and it was helpful to hear that it is difficult in the beginning for many people.
@TheThornBird Not everybody has this issue, but my libido absolutely tanked while I nursed. And for whatever reason, my husband wasn't super interested in sex for that time either- not sure if it was in response to my lack of desire, or the intimacy of the nursing relationship affecting how he viewed me, or purely hormonal. I still committed myself to making sure we had sex 1-2/ month, using lots of good lube, but things really didn't get back to normal until I weaned at 15 months. We survived it though, and I know we can do it again this time.
@proudparent2b I really hate being cooped up in the house, so this worried me too with my first. I got really good at nursing while walking with my son in the carrier! I intentionally would practice at home until I felt comfortable with it, then started taking short walks to see how he would do with it. It really helped me feel like I could still be flexible, have a social life, etc. In fact, when my son was 6 weeks old I went with some girlfriends to Disneyland and had a great time- even nursed him on the Haunted Mansion ride! Of course it meant some drawbacks like dealing with spit-up/ blow outs in the carrier at times, but it was totally worth it for the feeling of relative normalcy.
ETA just saw that @araecasey already answered all these questions, sorry for the redundancy!!
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I have a Boppy, Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple balm, a pump, bags for storage, and a microwave sterilizing bag. Breastfeeding has been part of my childbirth class as well as every book I've read on pregnancy/baby care. I've also looked at a lot on Kellymom and I've joined some LLL and breastfeeding support groups on Facebook.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) When will my supply come in? How long until I need to worry? I'm almost to my due date and I haven't seen colostrum, so I worry that nothing will happen.... It just seems crazy to me that it will just happen. I know it's supposed to, but it makes me nervous. I have zero plans to FF.
@lalala2004 - two weeks before I went back to work I started added a pumping session in right after the first morning feeding to build up a stash. You could also pump one boob while feeding on the other. This will increase your supply but that's not a bad thing considering it typical for supply to decrease when you start
pumping most of the time. A baby is a lot better about getting milk out than any pump out there.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Took a basics class with DH, I think he learned a lot, for me it was repeat what I've seen in my books. Talking to others moms who EBF
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) Same as @EErin86 some say it shouldn't hurt if you have a good latch, others say it's going to hurt a few weeks. Is this just down to differences in peoples tolerance/anatomy? I expect there will be some adjustment period of new feelings. I don't want to get overwhelmed and give up. Will the meeting with the LC in the hospital be sufficient to set me up for success?
And I agree with the above to get yourself a carrier! If you're in a major city, look for Babywearing International meetings to go to. They have huge carrier collections and are so knowledgeable about babywearing, they can help you find a carrier that's comfortable for you and baby, and the best part is it's free! I have a ring sling this time because the gals at Babywearing International showed me how I could easily nurse my newborn in it while having one hand free to do other things.
EErin86 said:And @mrstmoose
Some women feel completely comfortable straight out the gate, others have more sensitive nipples. "Normal" discomfort usually lasts for the first 30 or so seconds while the nipple is slowly drawing out, but then you should feel comfortable the rest of the feeding, with no cracks, sores, bleeding, etc. Latch-on discomfort can be pretty intense those first few weeks. I advise moms to close your eyes, take a nice, slow deep breath, drop your shoulders, relax your jaw and hands. Then take another deep breath, and latch baby while you exhale very slowly. Latch-on discomfort should resolve around 6ish weeks, give or take, when baby's mouth is larger and can take more breast into his mouth and you both are just generally more experienced by that point. You'll know there's an issue if pain is excruciating; if pain lasts before, during, and after feeding; if nursing produces cracks, sores, bleeding, bruising, any kind of visible trauma; if your nipple is oddly shaped, creased, or white in color after unlatching. I see a lot less of these issues when new moms use Laid Back Breastfeeding...
Bltbear82 said:
If baby is back up to birth weight, then yes you can let baby sleep and just nurse on demand. If baby's not back to birth weight, it's best to try initiating more frequently. You might cuddle with him skin to skin, bra off, and see if he'll nurse in his sleep a little bit! Or if it's warm where you are and you have a spot outside your home you'd feel comfortable nursing, you could undress him to his diaper and take him outside to nurse. Sometimes a nice breeze and the sound of the outdoors will perk a baby up enough to feed a little bit.
Did your care team at the hospital provide you with All Purpose Nipple Ointment? It's super helpful for soothing and healing up damaged nips, I highly recommend you ask your OB/MW or the LC coming tomorrow for a script for it if they haven't offered it yet!
Maybaby0519 said: No way, Jose! Large boobs can be a little more unruly to handle, but cup size has very, very little bearing on your ability to have a letdown or make milk. Laid back breastfeeding and football hold are great positions for moms with large breasts.
If you have a vaginal birth, you can expect your milk to come in between days 2 and 5. If you have a c section, it may take a day or two longer than if you'd delivered vaginally. If baby's wetting diapers, passing meconium, nursing lots, isn't excessively jaundiced, and keeps weight loss 10% or less, you don't need to worry while you wait for your milk to come in. If it's taking some extra time for your milk to come in for whatever reason, don't panic, lean on the lactation consultants at your hospital! That's exactly why they're there.
I will say, if you have IV fluids during labor, whether vaginally or cesarean, weight loss needs to be calculated against baby's 24 hour weight, NOT birth weight. IV fluids make us puff up and retain water, and the same thing happens to our babies. All too often babies are cited as "losing too much weight," when they've really dropped several ounces of fluid they acquired from a birth with IV fluids.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? I have bought a breast pump. That's it. I'm kind of hoping that my body will know what to do and that baby also knows. At my hospital, they do help you - so I'm hoping that I learn from them.
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn?
I am hoping to also pump so that DH can help with feedings (bonding for the two of them). My breast pump works with my bottles, can I store my milk in them? Do I need bags? Also - how do I store milk? (Sorry that's a lot of questions, but related).
1. First time breastfeeder? Second+ timer? First timer.
2. What, if anything, have you done so far to prep for breastfeeding? Not much. Have bought some supplies (pump, pillow, pads, etc.)
3. What's your number one burning question about breastfeeding your newborn? (Let's leave questions beyond the newborn era for another discussion) Not really a question, but I have flat nipples so a bit concerned about that. And, not sure if these things are genetic but my mom always had supply issues so hoping that won't be an problem with me.
@Bellodomani and @PYLWhammy Be aware that flat nipples can get even flatter with IV fluids during labor and when your milk comes in. Both of these things add fluid to the breast, which expands your areolas and nipples. Here's a great video demonstrating a technique called Reverse Pressure Softening, which can make latching a little easier for mommas with flat or inverted nipples. I'd encourage you gals to take a look at it before babe comes.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)