Tonight I took a breastfeeding class and now I have way more questions than I did before taking it. I'm hoping to get advice & info on the do's/don'ts from any experienced moms.
I had no idea before tonight about so many things and I'm feeling nervous I won't do things right... I know a lot depends on the baby & both of us have to do our part equally, but I'm wondering how long it took before you got into a good rhythm with your babies? For those who went back to work after, how did you manage things at that point - when did you begin to use a pump/how often etc.? Did you get help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group...would you recommend going that route? Is lanolin cream (or any other product) something I should buy ahead of time? Any other tips or techniques you've found to help?
If any other FTM's also have questions about breastfeeding please jump in too! (I don't think we've had a previous thread on this but if there's one out there already maybe it can be bumped up?)
Re: Breastfeeding Q&A
My personal story: didn't take a single class-we figured it out at the hospital together with lactation consultant if we had any questions. My birth center/hospital had the LC available for appointments or weekly at a mom group for any questions and optional weigh ins (if you were anxious about baby getting enough) I went twice to the breastfeeding group-helpful but also just nice to get to meet other moms. took a few days to get the general hang of things, a month to not be uncomfortable, and lots of KellyMom.com research with random questions through the entire year we nursed. It's a changing living process as your baby grows and things change (spacing of feedings, introducing food, night feedings ) Try not to stress mama! You really will figure it out just fine!
1.) Certainly use lanolin at the hospital and PLEASE use the lactation ladies. It is such a big help in getting a correct latch. Also call them if you need to after you are home. And yes, on the just being topless alot!
2.) It took about two weeks I would say before the pain lessen when she latched and I felt comfortable feeding her outside the house, in public.
3.) And the advice I give everyone, is give it atleast 3-4 weeks and never quit on a bad day. You'll do great and while it can be tough...its the nest bonding experience ever.
4.) Oh and I started pumping around a week post.....I started have DH giving one bottle a day at 4 weeks to get her used to it before returning to work. Then I nursed when I was with her and pumped 3-4 times each day at work. Pumping can be a bitch.....but worth it.
You'll do awesome!!
For those who went back to work after, how did you manage things at that point - when did you begin to use a pump/how often etc.? I actually made the mistake of pumping too early and creating a massive oversupply. I had to pump from the start since my son went to the NICU and not one person told me that when my milk came in that I could stop pumping. In hindsight it was pretty obvious, but as an overwhelmed FTM, I had no clue what I was doing and continued to both pump and nurse. I would pump 12 oz in one session, so it was like I was feeding twins! This time around I'll probably start pumping about a month before I go back to work (after I find a job since we're moving). I'll also pump periodically before going back to work to have a few bottles in case I go somewhere and husband/whoever needs to feed them. Normally, when you go back to work, you'll want to pump about every 3 hours to keep your supply regulated. When baby starts getting older and bigger, you can determine how often you need to pump based off of how often you're breastfeeding them.
Did you get help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group...would you recommend going that route? Yes, this is crucial to successful breastfeeding. I will say though that while I was in the hospital, those particular LCs weren't that helpful for me because I felt like they were always in a rush. They would literally be in the room for a few minutes and then leave. It was frustrating to say the least. The most helpful person was a nurse that we saw the day after discharge when we went in and did a weighted feed. That appointment was soooo helpful because I got reassurance that baby was getting enough to eat. My advice to you is that if you feel like you're still struggling before you're discharged, make sure the LCs thoroughly go over whatever you need. Also as I said above, there should be a local Le Leche League and they typically have Facebook groups with info on when and where they meet. I never went to those, but it was always an option in case I needed it. I know other women who've utilized those groups and not only was it helpful for them to get answers to questions, but also a great way to meet other moms.
Is lanolin cream (or any other product) something I should buy ahead of time? Any other tips or techniques you've found to help? You'll definitely want some type of nipple cream. Your nipples will feel like they've been through the shredder, so a cream and also letting breast milk dry on your nipple can provide relief.
I was thankfully able to breastfeed for 2 years, but the beginning was hard as hell. Please do not get discouraged in the beginning. I would see other women breastfeed their kids and they made it look so easy, so I would feel frustrated and feel like it wouldn't happen for us. Like I said above, it took a solid 3 weeks before I felt like we were in a groove and everything got much easier. However, as I've stated in other posts about breastfeeding, it's majorly important to know that if you've been struggling for a few months and you're ready to rip your hair out and you're suffering, by all means stop and give formula. You'll probably feel major guilt over this, but I can't tell you the amount of stories I've read from other women who legit went crazy trying to unsuccessfully breastfeed and they felt pressure to continue at the detriment of their health. Fed is best. Remember that. Yes, there are assholes out there that might try to shame you for giving formula, but you HAVE to do what's best for you as well for your sanity. I can't stress that enough.
Ive probably scared you more, but if it's any consultation that was rare! And I plan to BF my third. I love breast feeding.
One thing i wish wish I had known that no one told me about was the cramping that comes along with each feed for the first month. This is normal and good even though it can be uncomfortable! It's your uterus shrinking and contracting down back to normal size. It's such a miracle what our bodies do to heal themselves!
Get your lanolin and you only only need one little tube.
I wouldnt pump until maybe 4 weeks at the earliest because like others have mentioned, you'll signal your boobs to make more milk and believe me, you don't want that at first!
I would definitely call and keep in touch with as many LCs as you need! And if you don't like one or didn't get the help you need..keep looking! I went through SEVERAL. I love "lactationlink", she's great and has online classes!
Everyones BF journey is different so DONT COMPARE you and LO to others.
Its such a great experience and precious thing that only you two will share so try not to worry too much and be patient with yourself and lo.
For those who went back to work after, how did you manage things at that point - when did you begin to use a pump/how often etc.? I started pumping almost right away, small amounts at first so you don't overproduce as pp mentioned. Best time to start pumping is after the first feed of the day since you'll have lots of milk from the night.
Made me feel more prepared for work when I had a stash in the freezer, which ended up being necessary since my supply dropped when I went back to work (eventually you can get it back up, but the stress and not having your baby around may make you produce less - I used to watch videos of my daughter while pumping and then my milk would let down).
Did you get help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group...would you recommend going that route? I had help only in the hospital from the LC. And actually it was a NICU nurse (my daughter spent 24 hours there) who ended up being the most helpful in getting DD to latch. If there are resources available to you I would take advantage if you need them!
Is lanolin cream (or any other product) something I should buy ahead of time? Any other tips or techniques you've found to help? Yes, that and the pads to prevent leaking.
https://www.amazon.com/Protective-Food-Grade-Silicone-Portable-Emergency/dp/B01IL8D5HW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483648367&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=silicone+manual+pump&psc=1
As everyone said there are resources to tap / reach out to if you're still struggling. Plus I'm sure there will still be moms here or on FB that will be more than willing to answer questions that you have
Bought a baby scale (about $40) so I could do my weighed feedings at home anytime - did wonders for my peace of mind. SCALE
Having a trusted network of mom friends to talk to, ask questions and just feel "understood"
La Leche League - website and local meeting was huge for me.
And the most important thing... the more time you have baby at the breast, the better your chances of success. Nothing establishes supply like baby on the nip. If that means you're topless the first few weeks, if that means you can't have a lot of visitors early on, so be it - you'll fall into a routine and it'll be second nature.
ETA: I started pumping in the hospital. I wanted a big freezer stash and wasn't trying to avoid an oversupply. Went back to work around 6 months, pumped twice a day at work.
I went back back to work at 12 weeks and pretty much exclusively pumped after that. That ended up working fine, but I wish we would have had more success breastfeeding. It's hard! Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go as smoothly as you imagined.
Me: 26 Hubs: 28
Married: 6/6/15
Baby Girl: 3/22/2017
Fed is best so if I have to pump and bottle feed in the meantime so be it.
My boobs never got rock hard and I had oversupply so that my kiddos poop looked lol green algae and I had to start blockfeeding , lol.
I think Your post is great though became it shows how everyone's experience really is different. It can be hard. So much of breastfeeding at first is just troubleshooting until you get it right. And going back to work really does add extra levels of difficulty.
Good for you for exclusively pumping though! It is twice as hard as just nursing and takes real commitment. People don't know untiltheyve had to do it how much work it really is.
Hopefully it will be easier this time,but if not at least I'll be prepared.
DD also never had formula and I traveled a ton for work and was so obsessed with pumping and making sure I he enough and pumping while away. sending home with dry ice, etc. It was pretty stressful, and in retrospect it wouldn't have been a big deal for her to have formula here and there when I was away.
In the hospital, one of my nurses was a lactation consultant. I valued only her opinion and just did my best with the other nurses who manhandled my boobs.
It took probably 2 months for it to be completely normal. My milk came in about the 3rd day. My son was slightly jaundice and nursing was his remedy. ... I felt like we were getting the hang of it and then one nipple just started hurting terribly, healed, and then the other had issues. I watched YouTube videos for strategies on the right angle for him to latch at.
... Ultimately, I loved nursing my son. I began weaning after he turned a year and transitioned for about 3 months and ended when he was 15 months.
1 Samuel 1:27
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There are LCs at most pediatrician offices. I was able to schedule appointments with ours. They're billed as a non-well-visit to insurance, so I had a copay and had to pay some percentage out of pocket, based on my insurance policy.
DH: 33
Furbaby: Walther, 4 year old Rottweiler/Coonhound mix
EDD: 3/7/17<img
DH: 37
DD: 03/17/17
DS: 12/06/19