Share your experiences, please

[KStarr07]

I want as much info on breastfeeding as possible.. I don't want to be discouraged or give up, and I want to know how much of the pain is normal, like how long I should just keep telling myself the pain will last [like, if it hurts bad, to keep telling myself it should only last about __ weeks] or, what all the problems that I will likely experience and some ways to fix them.. What's normal, and what's not normal.. I really, really, feel strongly about trying to make this work and I've wanted to do it since the beginning... But I do not really feel ready.. The closer my due date gets, the less confident I am in knowing how to do it.. I need some help and/or advice from other women who have been there and are well experienced..
Thanks in advance!

-Kelsey

[chantal21]

Well my lil guy is only 4 weeks old...but I will tell you now...it is not easy! If I didn't have my mom...I would have given up. My milk came in a day and a half after he was born...i thought it wouldn't until 3-4 days after. I woke up engorged and in extreme pain. He wasn't nursing too well and I had to keep taking warm showers to let some of the milk flow out because he wasn't eating that much at the time. After about a week, and lots of pain and leaking, he finally was able to latch better and started to eat more and empty me better. Some babies latch right away, and for others it takes some time. Keep Lansinoh by your side and use it after each feeding as your nipples will get cracked and sore. I still get sore and it's still a little painful at times to feed him even now. I wish I had more advice...I am sure some more experienced women on here will! Don't give up though!! And I can't believe you are almost ready to "pop"!! =)

[mlb1234]

First of all, you don't really need to know what to do because your baby will know exactly what to do (usually).  And all the nurses in the hospital will help you out if there are any problems.  That is what happened to me.  They put my baby on me and she latched immedialtely and started nursing and I was like "Well at least someone knows what she is doing and it isn't me!!"
Whether or not you breastfeed a newborn needs to be fed frequently(every 2h or so) and that is part of the reason why having a newborn feels so hard and is so exhausting.  All's you have to do is keep trying and one day it will just be easier and you will forget how hard it was at first!!  Once the baby is about two months they will be very proficient at bfing and it won't take as long to feed either. (newborns take a long time mainly because they fall asleep so easily so you will have to tickle her cheek or pat her back to keep her awake during feedings).
Breastfeeding should not be painful except maybe sore nipples for a week at first (that didn't even happen to me).  If it is painful something is wrong and you should talk to a consultant.  Also I am never engorged like some people and I have never had leaking milk.  It just depends on the person.
I was very uneasy and unsure about breastfeeding at first but after that first latch I was hooked.  Your baby will look so beautiful when they are nursing and you can just hold them and stare at them and listen to their cute little sounds.  You will fall in love with it and with your baby!!!  Good luck!

[KStarr07]

Thank you both, and
I know Chantal, I cannot believe it's almost time, either!!!

[AndiJ78]

Have faith in your baby and have faith in yourself. With all three of my boys I had sore/bleeding/cracked nipple for a week and then it went away. They nurse very frequently, but that is a good thing. Breastmilk is easy to digest and therefore they eat what seems like all the time. But as others have said, it levels out as they get older.

Any time you have a question, feel free to post here. I usually check it daily. I have also written an health note on supply issues, which can help give you information during growth spurts.

Good luck!

[Tanker Chic]

My nipples got a little dry for a couple of days and that was it. Never any pain or discomfort.  

Breastfeeding was wonderful but very stressful in the beginning.  Your milk doesn't actually come in until several days after the baby is born. My son was born kinda skinny so he didn't have much weight to hold him until my milk came in. In the beginning there is a lot stress over whether or not they will latch on and are getting enough.  He also would only latch onto one side.  If you can get through the first couple of weeks then it gets really easy.  No messy bottles or formula to worry about.  The late night feeds are so much easier when you are breastfeeding.  

If you are going to have to go back to work, you don't want to wait too long to introduce him/her to a bottle.  Maybe around 4wks. If you wait much longer they can be very resistant to take it and that can be a real problem.  

good luck to you.  

[meiram]

Don't be afraid to try different positions if one doesn't seem to be working all that well.  When my daughter was a newborn, the only one that worked for us was the football hold.  Now she can practically hang on upside down if she needs too :)  Also, the nurses should be able to give you some help at the hospital.  I had really sore nipples until a lactation consultant helped me get a good latch.   Good luck

[tahariel]

Take advantage of lactation consultants and breastfeeeding classes! Breastfeeding is a learned art for both you and baby. A correct latch is key to success for both of you. Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt, but an incorrect latch can cause painful nursing. (search www.youtube.com for educational breastfeeding latch videos.)  Lansinoh lanolin cream works well to sooth and protect.

The first 3 weeks are usually the most challenging, however with patience and guidance, both you and baby will soon be pros. Breast milk is more easily digestible by babies because it is made especially for them, so breastfed babies may nurse more frequently until the grow a little older and bigger and become efficient at nursing.

Breastfeed your baby on their demand, and let baby nurse as often and for as long as baby wishes. That will help maintain your milk supply. Try not to supplement with formula because it can reduce your milk supply. Breastfeeding is great for making you slow down and just relax with your baby. Best wishes!!!