Breastfeeding the real deal

[junebugjules81]

Alright let me start this by saying that I am a Mom of two boys one whom was born last week;-) I have also breastfeed both boys.

I know the books, blogs, and people will tell you that breastfeeding is natural, magical, and best for baby which I agree 100% it is.

However, what no one tells you is that it ******* *****!! Yeah I said it.. I am saying it while my adorable 1 week old newborn suckles away at my breast.

What they dont tell you is Breastfeeding is all consuming and only you can do it. The 1 month or so is challenging as you try to establish a milk supply and feeding schedule. Your boobs get engorged and they hurt like hell.

You will leak everywhere, and only sleep in 2-3 hour shifts(if you are lucky). You will feel like you body does not belong to you or at least your boobies don't.

Everything you eat may or may not have an affect on your baby. Be warned you will be starved as you burn a ton of calories, but your baby will want to nurse the moment you sit down to eat.

Invest in lanolin it will be your best friend. My nipples are still recovering from that 1st week! Avoid having water from the shower hit your nipples it feels like 1000 pins hitting you at once (ouch).

You may even feel trapped by breastfeeding I know I did and I had to pump and get away for a few. And that's OK you need to be apart of a world where your breast can be breasts.

Do I enjoy breastfeeding? Absolutely and I recommend every Mother at least try it. It is a pain in the butt at first, but there is nothing more satisfying then knowing you are providing the best nutrition for your baby. The bond you build is amazing, and nothing beats the face of a "milk drunk baby".  

I only want to bestow my knowledge on the subject and let you know its normal to think " what the hell was I thinking... I can't so this " but don't give up it does get better;-)

[amb2rose]

Kcb keep trying dont get discouraged. I havnt had my baby yet but my boss had 3 kids all breastmilk fed and my sister breastfed my niece in the beginning as long as she could, she was jaundiced too, but breastmilk is supposed to be better for jaundice babies than formula. There is a mothers milk organic tea supppsed to help with milk production, and ive heard eating oatmeal is supposed to be really good for milk production.  Try to speak with a lactation consultant from the hospital or your pediatricians office if either of them have one.

[kelley5107]

My son is a week and 2 days old today he came out and the first feeding he latched on perfectly with no problems. He always falls asleep while eating i love his milk drunk look lol the only problem im having is having too much milk i have to pump in between every feeding because i get so full of milk i swear i have a huge supply in my freezer already!! I hope it evens out so i dont have to keep pumping so much! I agree with the other moms bf is a wonderful thing for the baby as frustrating as it can be for us mommys it is worth it!!!

[Chaawk5]

My daughter was slightly tongue tied and jaundice too. At her first doctors appointment our family doctor clipped her tongue. She didn't even cry! It helped me with soreness and established my milk supply. The lactation consultant discovered it luckily bc it can cause speech problems later. Do you have a lactation consultant available in your area?  We have a support group I can attend each week and weigh my daughter before and after I feed her. She will be 1 month tomorrow and she's only eating 2-2 1/2 Oz at a time. You're doing great!  Plus as long as the baby is gaining weight your supplying enough!!  I should mention this is baby #3 for me :) hope this helps!  

[KCB1905]

Thanks ladies. I'm trying to hang in there. This definitely is not a piece of cake.

[jen0221]

I agree bf is not rainbows and butterflies. It straight up is toe curling painful the first couple weeks. I am about to have my third any day and I am more afraid of that than the actual labor... And I've done two drug-free births! I agree also to not give up. There are a lot of helpful sources online. Also talk to your hubby about your desire to continue and ask for his support instead of his discouraging comments. Let him know how much it means to you; he may not realize it. Also know that if it doesn't work out, it doesn't make you a bad mom. There are so many good moms out there who cannot bf. Best of luck to everyone!

[jahawr89]

Kcb1905 try not to give up! My little girl was jaundiced to and it was so hard to keep her awake!! Keep pumping everyone your little one eats. It'll help build up a supply. My mum used ovalteen and said it helped to build her supply. Something I never heard of before. I know there's tea and other herbal remedies you could try as well. But if in the end you do need to use formula try not to feel like you've failed. I know it's hard, but remember you're doing the best to provide for your LOs needs :)

[KCB1905]

I've been having such a hard time. My son was born last week and it has been rough. He is my first. He was having a hard time latching on right from the start and the nurses were telling me I was doing everything right and that it was just him. Come to find out after seeing his pediatrician two days after being discharged he was severely tongue tied. Aside from that he was slightly jaundice when we were discharged and his levels were still going up. His pediatrician said that with both of those things along with my milk supply not being established that I needed to supplement. So... I have been supplementing and pretty much forced to strictly pump. This has been going decent until the last day or so. It seems I can't keep up with his needs. I'm lucky to get an ounce at each pumping. I feel like I'm failing and have no clue what to do. To add to my discouragement, my husband has been getting frustrated and keeps telling me that I'm not producing enough and need to switch to straight formula. I'm so bummed right now.

[no3ontheway]

I just had my third and a nipple shield saved my life. It make those first few week much more tolerable. This time I discovered the wonderful benefits of a heating pad. I put it on my engorged chest and wait about ten minutes and I am able to pump what my little one can't eat with far less pain or without having to take five showers a day.

[jahawr89]

Leaking...today my girl threw up because my let down was hard and ended up shooting milk across the room! I can't even wear bras because it makes it even worse! Hoping she also outgrows the milk intolerance/allergy soon...
but yes, it is so worth it!