Welcome to the Breastfeeding Community

[AndiJ78]

On behalf of my co-CL (TiredButHappy) and myself, we would like to welcome you to the Breastfeeding Community. We both look forward to helping this community grow and helping our members succeed in their decision and commitment to nurse their wee ones.

Between Tired and I, we have a unique blend of breast feeding experience. Tired faced an equally daunting task, she had a great supply, but a baby that was just not able to nurse directly. She dug deep and managed to pump and feed her baby exclusively expressed milk for a very long time. She has picked up a ton of valuable knowledge along the way and has been such a fountain of knowledge for so many members who have needed to pump to continue breastfeeding. She is in the process of putting together some health pages with a wealth of helpful tips and advice for pumping moms. Hopefully those will be available soon, but in the meantime you can access that information through her profile.

I was faced with only being able to nurse on one breast as due to a mass in my right breast, I was unable to use it for nursing. I went on to nurse 3 big boys exclusively. Each nursed beyond their 1st birthday, Jonathan nursed for 14 mos, Tristan for 15 mos, and CJ weaned at 19 mos. Altogether for a total of 48 months! My poor one breast worked double time, often nursing hourly day and night to keep those moose babies full and happy. In the end, nursing was one of those things that I am most proud of in my life. I have been on here for years helping nursing mothers with their problems, questions, and offering support the best way I know how and still continue to do so today.

The success of this community depends on its members. We hope this forum becomes a source of support for all aspects of breastfeeding. We also hope that when that day comes that you wean your last child that you still come around and share those tips and tricks that saw you through.

Congratulations to you for making the decision to breastfeed your little one(s). It is not an easy undertaking, but hopefully with the support of your friends here, we can help you turn this into an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.

[tiredbuthappy]

well said. Thanks Andi! :)

[Diane1003]

I'd love to see any advice on pumping.  I have just returned to work after about 3 months and am trying to figure out pumping at work.  So far it's going well but I'd love to see/hear from others on how to make the best of pumping!

I had my first baby on June 24 and have been nursing exclusively.  I am blessed to be able to nurse and be successful at it.  I've enjoyed being a part of this community and look forward more sharing and learning.

[tiredbuthappy]

Woo Hoo! Look at how many different people have been posting questions and responses! Thanks ladies!

[tiredbuthappy]

as for pumping at work-
do you have a place and time to do it?

I had to go back to work at 4 months pp so my supply was well established. Yours should be pretty established as well. At this point it's not hormonally driven but based on supply/demand. So, your body should adapt to a new schedule as long as you're consistant.

at first i lugged my pump in style advanced to work. with hands-free going on, it worked out well. i was able to eat while i pumped. but i got tired of lugging it, so i actually ended up getting a Medela Harmony. This tiny little hand pump actually emptied me faster than the big electric. But, since it only does one boob at a time, the total time spent pumping was actually the same. (i wouldn't use the Harmony if you struggle with supply, because less pump time= less stimulation. i was making oodles of milk, so i was ok just pumping to empty). The Harmony is also good to keep on hand in case you ever get uncomfortable and need to quickly pop into a bathroom or a closet to pump off a little.

As for the milk- my milk was good at room temp for a long time, so many days i would just toss the bottle in a bag and feed it to dd when i got home. otherwise i really like the Playtex Fridge-to-go freezer pack/bag. i got it at target. the bag holds 2 big bottles, and has it's freezer pack built in. you just throw the whole thing in the freezer the night before and it keeps the milk cool for many hours.

if you have any specific questions about pumping at work, let us know. you may want to start it as a new thread to get more responses :)

[whitlack]

Hello, I am new here and am excited about this community.  It is nice to be able to discuss BF issues with others.  I have a 2 year old who I BF for  6 mons which he got formula too, but now I have a 3 week old and have decided to exclusively BF which has been going great.  I love giving that gift of breast milk to my daughter.  I am very passionate about breastfeeding and am so glad to be doing it again!

[grateful4all]

Hi there!

Just happened to notice the BF forum while researching on another site!  I just responded to the mom of twins, and wanted to let you know that I'm so grateful for people like you that take the time and effort to encourage and facilitate the breastfeeding relationship.  

I hope to keep up with all the posts I'm sure you'll get- maybe I can offer some assistance.  I'm a CLC and run the WIC Clinic in my town, so perhaps I'll be able to help with product referrals, etc.

Thanks again; good luck with it!

Laura

[tiredbuthappy]

I'm so excited to see a CLC on here! I had such an amazing experience with my LC- she's the reason why i was able to pump as long as i did.

[net78]

it's nice to see such support i am breast feeding my second child he is now 17months such a wonderful experience