Breastfeeding Basics/Secrets

Hi Ladies,
It's coming down to the wire now, only a few weeks left.. I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row long before hand. Was wondering if there is any BF basics or secrets? Like.. I have heard you should keep something to drink with you while you breastfeed but is that WHILE you are breastfeeding, or just make sure you get plenty to drink period? And is there any foods you really shouldn't eat, or spices, or things like that? I know they say that you shouldn't eat onions, broccoli, cabbage, beans,... things like that because of the gas it produces.. but don't they just produce gas in mothers? I'm not sure I understand just how it passes into breast milk? Is there some things/ hints you can give to suggest a good supply of milk.. or a good breast feeding session, or should I just try to wing it? Also, what about a breast pump??.. I am a stay at home mom and will not have to work.. do I really need a breast pump? ACK.. there is so many things, It has been 10 1/2 years since I've had a baby and I never breastfed my other two.. I so hope I won't have any problems!!  I know that it just doesn't come natural because of all the problems women have.. ugh!

Thanks in Advance!!
Patty

[DollChina]

You will be so thirsty when you nurse.  I drank before and during.  If you don't get a good let down, I find warm liquid helps.  
Food wise, nothing bothered my lit'l man so I pretty much ate whatever I want.  
It's your choice to get a pump or not.  If you do, that will give you more freedom to have someone else feed the baby a bottle while you are out or wants to have a girls night.  To me, it's all worth it because after a while you will need some much need alone and adult time.  I have a Medela Pump in Style and it's worth every pennies because I had to go back to work full time and I pumped 2-3 times in the office so I can exclusively breastfeed for 7 months.  Also, if you can't nurse if you get sick, it'd be nice to have stocked up a backup stash in the freezer.

I highly suggest a good breast feeding book because I always went back to the book for reference.  

[pcarsey]

Thanks Dolly,

Is there any book that you would recommend? I have been looking at breast pumps, thinking.. okay.. this one says it's as good as Medela.. or this one is made by the same company.. Or is it the *Medela* that is the best? I don't really have a problem spending money on a really good one, but if one is just as good as the other only cheaper, then that would be more money I could spend on something else I may need?..  

I just want to do everything the best way that I can.. yanno..

Thanks again!

[AndiJ78]

My advice is simple: no bottles until after 6 weeks, nurse on demand (which is often hourly, seriously!) and just keep at it. Don't doubt your supply, while your breast may not always feel full, there is still milk being produced. Try different nursing positions to tap the milk, and keep hydrated but don't overdo it.

And pm me if you need help, I am always around ; -)

[mkseym]

I had the best book which my sister got for me and I even had it with me at the hospital.  It was a lifesaver.  The name is the American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding.  I read it before I had my baby and then again while I was breastfeeding and anytime I had a question.  As far as the food goes that is just something that you will have to experiment with.  Different babies, different aversions to foods and drinks.  If you will just be pumping a few times you could always just get the Medela handhelp pump.  It works really well and if you are only using on occasions it is cheaper than the motorized pumps.  I had both.  Good luck and remember to just relax.  It really is a wonderful experience.  Mine got cut short to only being able to do it for 1 month because of complications I had after my c-section but it was the most wonderful time with my daughter and I still miss it.  Don't get me wrong, it is not the easiest thing in the world, especially if you have a fussy nurser like my baby was, but it is worth it.  Good luck!

[DollChina]

Yeah, I understand.  I never used other ones so I can't tell you if others are just as good.  All I can tell you is I love my Medela pump...Also, depending on your milk flow, hand pump works well for some so it just depends......sorry not much help there.
Don't forget the Lanolin cream and disposable breast pads, you will need them.  My nipples never hurt but I am braless kind of gal so they have been toughten up over the years.  Maybe try braless for a few weeks so your nipples can get use to the new "environment".
I let e friend borrowed mine and I forgot the name......Go to Amazon.com to see some reviews.  Also there's a lot of online resources..

[DollChina]

Agreed with Andi, nurse on demand!  That's what I did with Gavin until I had to go back to work at 8 weeks but by then he did need to nurse as often.

[mkseym]

The nursing in demand is very important.  I spent all afternoon sometimes nursing my little one.  It was comforting for her and helped as she was a very fussy baby.  The lanolin is a must because it just depends on your nipples and areolas but they can get really sore and cracked.  Also invest in a good nursing bra and bring it with you to the hospital, you will want it.  Enjoy!

[pcarsey]

Sorry so many questions, just wanna make sure I know these things before-hand .... the Lanolin, I've already bought because I knew it was recommended by many, the question I have about it is.. do you have to wash it off before you feed the baby, or is it okay to leave it on, and when exactly do you put it on, after showering, after nursing, or just any ole time your breasts hurt?

[mkseym]

You do not need to wipe it off.  You can use it anytime, particularly after you feed.

[jenstam]

I used the lanolin and did not wash it off. Nurse on demand, like Andi says, keep hydrated. I don't go anywhere without my bottle of water! No bottles at first so baby gets a solid nursing skill. You will be at it every hour or less...in the first weeks that is literally ALL I did was nurse. It gets better though! I have recently read that you shouldn't eat peanut butter or nuts when nursing also. I did that until my baby was 6 months old and he hasn't seemed to have a problem now that I've eaten some almonds and peanut butter. The pump might help with engorgement early on and might also help you start a supply for times when you have a babysitter or want to get out to go grocery shopping without baby (after the first 6 weeks or so) and have milk for him to drink in your absence. Good luck! Once you get going, there are plenty of us you can turn to if you have questions. Oh, and FYI...I didn't nurse my daughters 16, 14, 10 and 8 years ago, either. This is my first experience with it. I only wish I had known how rewarding it is back then! I love it.

[mami1323]

Buy the pump.  My son wouldn't latch on properly so I had to bring my milk down for him.  I rented the Medela Double Pump, I believe it is called the "symphony".  Babies tend to have gas issues from tomato sauce, brocolli and cauliflower, stay away from dairy also.  They say you can leave the lanolin on, it's not harmful to the baby as long as you don't lather your nipple excessively.  You put it on whenever you need it.  Buy the nursing bras, make sure not to wear underwire bras.  You will want to purchase a night bra as well.  When you are nursing on one side the other side leaks.  My son was on my breast for what felt like an eternity ever hour or so.  It is hard work and takes a lot of patience.  Unfortunately, I could only breast feed a few times a day because it was just too much for me.  Don't feel bad if you have to give up, but try hard to stick with it.  I wish I did because by 2 months my son didn't even want the breast at all.  

[pcarsey]

mami- There is such thing as a night bra? I have a few nursing bras along with nursing pads..

[mami1323]

Yep, it is sort of like a sports bra.  It cris-crosses in the front.  They have it on www.motherhood.com, it's called a sleep bra.  It is more comfortable to wear to bed then the other nursing bras.  I still wear mine just so that my boobs aren't sagging to the floor at night...lol.

[mlb1234]

I am no expert by any means but here are my opinions...
1.  If you are staying at home you do not really need a breast pump.  You will find it easier just to nurse anyways - it's faster and cleaner than thawing milk and putting it in a bottle (unless you dh wants to help with feeding though which is our situation).  I did buy a used medela pump from a friend even tho they say never to do that.  Whatever- it works fine and was totally clean, plus I cleaned it again myself.  It works great.  It is the 2004 medela double pump in style advance.  I only paid $70 compared to the $250 in the store.
2.  I hardly ever wear a bra at home (I know youre not supposed to do that either!).  I like the nursing tanks the best but don't mind the nursing bras.  I just feel it is easier to just whip my shirt up than deal with a bra, etc.  (I am not that large breasted though so that could make a difference).  When the baby is crying I hate dealing with the extra steps!
3.  Since Isabelle was my first I was SO worried about her position, my arm, the boppy, where I fed her, how I fed her, etc, etc.  Now I have found that you don't need anything to feed well - just your relaxed self works best.  Not relying on a boppy etc has helped too and allowed me to just feed her wherever I am which is nice.  I still like the boppy's but I just don't "need" it to feed.  You won't have a boppy with you at the mall so it is best to get used to feeding without it!
4.  I still have not used ONE nursing pad yet!!!!!!!!!!!  I keep wondering when the heck am I supposed to use these things!    I talked to my OB last week and she had the same experience with her new daughter.  Some ladies just do not leak!!  The only time I may leak is when I am actually feeding her, the other breast may have a few drips.  (My sister on the other hand said her milk was constantly squirting out in all directions!!)
5.  I also say nurse on demand - not on a schedule.  I was so concerned with tracking everything at first, feedings, poops, pees, timing everything...I got to the point where it was just taking the fun out of having her so at the end of the second week I quit all that and just started feeding her when she was hungry.  I mean she is not going to starve!!!  It has worked great and I am more relaxed!
6.  I have not changed anything I eat or seen anything that makes Isabelle fussy.  I too cannot figure out how this works - I mean there is no direct route from your gut to your boob!!  The food all gets digested first so why people say it can affect your milk is beyond me.  The only thing I noticed was that Izzy spit up more after I ate some tomato sauce but it could have been a coincidence!
7.  I am more thirsty now that I am nursing but I don't have to drink to have a let down, etc.  Although sometimes I find I am very thirsty when I am nursing and wish I had a giant ice water next to me!
8.  Most importantly... throw out all your books on the topic and just go with your instincts!!  I really think mommy knows best and if you just do what you feel you should, you will be more relaxed, enjoy it more, and do a better job at it.  Also the first 2 weeks were hard with Isabelle being so small - she latched good but sometimes we had problems.  Keep with it - now she is a pro and there is NEVER a problem with latching.  It only took a couple weeks to work out the tweaks.

Best of luck Patty - I can't wait to hear good news from you and see the pictures!!!
Lisa

p.s. oh yeah and the best advice from the nurses at the hospital (and so true...)...if you are having problems latching the baby, try burping him, or just holding or stroking him to encourage a poop.  Almost every time Izzy had trouble latching, low and behold a big burp or poop would eventually come out.  Babies can only do one thing at once, and if they are trying to poop or burp they won't latch well!!  Don't force it, and stay relaxed - they will latch eventually!!

[peekawho]

They've done some new research that shows that dietary restrictions aren't really necessary, and too many restrictions dissuade new mothers from breastfeeding.  

Find a store that sells "Soothies" or similar cool gel pads you can put in your nursing bra to soothe tender or cracked nipples.  They are worth their weight in gold.  (they cost almost as much, too!)

[pcarsey]

Thanks Lisa! That made me feel a whole lot better! I was kind of scared of all the to do's and the not to do's of it all.. but I will keep in mind what you have said! I can't wait for him to get here already! I feel really great other then the scare I had the other day with the fall and contractions, but so glad they got them to stop. Now my tail bone hurts just a little, other then that, I couldn't say I have much to complain about! =).. So glad you and Isabelle are doing well!! She is so Precious!! I will keep you all updated!

Thanks Peek- I just don't think I will be able to stop eating my steamed veggies, which include all that you are *not* supposed to eat. I will look for the soothies too.. Thanks!!

[Tanker Chic]

oh yeah, get the night bra.  I didn't know I needed one either until the lady at the store told me.  So far I use that more than anything else.  

[AndiJ78]

They actually just came out in one of the parenting mags and said some babies are more sensitive to mom's diet than others. Bub and T were really sensitive to what I ate, CJ not so much. Dairy was the only consistent thing between all the boys that caused tummy troubles. With my youngest I can eat anything. He may toot, but it doesn't seem to bug him.

I do disagree a little on the boppy pillow, I didn't see a point with one with my first, but bought one for my second and cannot imagine how I did without it and still use it with my third. It helped me so much. I'd buy a cheaper version, no need to spend a bucket of money on one. But it was a back/neck/shoulder saver for me personally.

[pcarsey]

Guess I will just have to experiment with food. But do think I will stay away from peanut butter for a little while. I wonder what it is in the Milk/Dairy that you should stay away from? Man I absolutely love Skim milk every morning with some toast! grr.. lol. Would Silk Milk be recommended to stay away from too? It's just soy beans.

Thanks Ladies, I am learning a lot. Guess it pays to ask some questions.

[mum2beagain]

It's funny how we are all different isn't it??!!
I couldn't nurse with the boppy. I'm so short in the torso and so big in the boobs that if I put the boppy around me and then Sam on the boppy he was pretty much level with my neck!! I don't think sucking on my earlobe would have got him much milk!!!
I did use just a regular V shapped pillow for a little support, with the pillow once he got a bit bigger I was able to latch him on and keep my hands free, I often talked to my mom on the phone whilst nursing, my mom (who lives miles away) loved to hear the sucking, slurping and contented sounds coming from her grandbaby, made her feel closer to us when we were so far away.

[mlb1234]

Right before I had Isabelle, the American Association of Pediatricians came out with new data that said you do not have to avoid foods containing peanuts during pregnancy and nursing UNLESS you have a history of allergies.  That was good news to me since I LOVE peanutbutter!!  I guess they felt there is not enough evidence that it will cause allergies unless they run in the family.  I also drink tons of milk - guess I never heard to avoid it.  I just know you are not supposed to give the baby cows milk directly until one year.  Who knows - maybe I am doing everything wrong but it seems to be working with Izzy!!

[AndiJ78]

I switched to Lactaid while nursing my older two boys. Still could have a variety of types: whole, 2%, skim, etc.

And the peanut stuff didn't come out until I had plowed through 10 bags of trail mix and 10 mos of nursing my oldest. We don't have a family hx of peanut allergies. I continued eating them, it is such a great source of protein and nutrition. So easy to make a PB&J.

Your baby may not have any issues with what you eat. If you notice a reaction from your little one, start eliminating things and see if it improves. Milk is the first one, then gassy foods or spicy foods. As I mentioned, i can eat just about anything with CJ. But that boy came out of the womb able to toot like a grown man, my other boys didn't have the ability to move the gas on their own in the beginning and it was painful for them.

Oh, the nursing sounds. So sweet. CJ nurses and signs "milk" and says milk, comes out "glk" while he is eating. I will miss that!

[mlb1234]

The little nursing sounds are the best!!  The little gulps and mmm's are so darn cute!  I have to say I had no idea what I would think about breastfeeding or if I would be able to do it(or even like it) but I fell in love the first time we tried it!  It really is so amazing, wonderful, and comforting, and you can just sit there holding your baby and stare at them!!  They are so beautiful and they look so beautiful when they nurse.  You will love it!!!

[jenstam]

It is so, so beautiful...I smile just reading about the gulps and caressing and staring at your baby. I've done it now for 8 mos and I feel sad thinking of it ever coming to an end! It's just so pure and natural...

Good luck! I hope you have a positive experience with it. Those first weeks I was ready every day to give up tomorrow, but then tomorrow would come and I would swear to one more day...then it just worked and I didn't even think about it any longer! I can't imagine doing it any other way now!

I highly recommend a boppy. They come in really handy! Oh, and at night I just wear a regular ol' sports bra. It has worked out great. I wear a nursing bra during the day.