breastfeeding.?

[karebear427]

are there any ladies who had children and breast fed.? I'm thinking about it but I would not be comfortable having the baby on my breasts I rather pump, can I pump once the baby is born or should I have him on my breasts at for the first few days just until I produce enough.? what if I don't know if I'm produsing enough while he's on my breasts.?

[GeekMom1213]

I nursed my first for two years and it was the most amazing experience. I went back to work at 6 weeks postpartum so I had to pump too but it was only a couple of times a day. Having that skin-to-skin connection is absolutely best for milk production and helps your body (somehow) know just exactly what baby needs to eat - higher or lower fat content, antibodies to boost baby's immune system depending on what they've been exposed to, night milk even contains the amazing sleep chemical tryptophan - but a pump can't give your body the same information that your baby can, as incredible as that sounds.
At first it felt awkward as I learned how to uncover myself and latch him and hold him properly so he was comfortable and so was I. I used a blanket to cover us both until I got the hang of it, then nursed uncovered at home and in public, showing less cleavage than any of the young ladies at the beach that summer.
I was crazy proud of my accomplishment and how much I learned about myself by nursing him so long. You never know how selfless you can be until you're a mommy of a kiddo who hasn't slept well in three days because he's teething and feverish and cranky... and you've been awake even longer and just take a deep breath and nurse again and again because it's the only thing that will calm him as he seems perpetually hungry. You feel helpless but so strong at the same time. You know you're the only person who can do for that baby what you're doing. It's pretty strong stuff.

[karebear427]

thank you ladies this helps a lot! i was just worried about breast feeding instead of pumping because I wouldn't know if I was producing enough and if I pumped I could see how much I was producing, my sisters New baby couldn't latch so she had to pump and so far its still doing great for her and its been 3 months so hopefully I can do it too!

[Evercheer1]

I breastfed my daughter for a year...only pumping when we were away from eachother. I think my milk started to decrease for two reasons...1. Not drinking enough water. 2. I should have used a hospital grade pump. There is something to be saidfor being able to fulfill your childs needs and seeing the look up at you like you two are in perfect harmony. Not that it is the end of the world if breast feeding isnt for you...it is a commitment...but the benefits are too many to count. All the best!!!!

[abbb01]

I fed infront of my hubs didnt want to infront of my mom but she kinda shoved her way in but I got over it. Otherwise any other visitors we had or someones house I excused myself and went to a bedroom and fed my son for about 10mins then done. U can stil pump soo others can be involved in feeding baby I just wouldn't make it everytime thing by far cuz its very likely to hurt ur supply plus its just more work for dishes and warming

[kirstenthecat]

Its natural land beautiful! Be proud of what ur body does! Your breats not only provide nutrients but they also regulate the babys temperature and help u bond with them.

[karebear427]

thank you ladies and i think I would get over being uncomfortable once I decided and made my mind up, but the big reason is because this is my first pregnancy and I'm a little nervous when it comes t.  Deciding witch to go with, I rather pump only because that way the dad or family could feed him if I was at work or sick or something, Idunno it sounds weird that I'm uncomfortable, I know its what I should do but I kinda rather pump but I was just curious!

[abbb01]

I agree with raven. Is it weird for u cuz uve just never nursed? Its kinda sad how society makes them seem like a sexual object only when this is why mammals have breasts/mammamry glands. I felt kinda awkward at first but quickly got over it it felt like such a pure moment to me being able to feed my child I ended up doing it for a yr and it was sooooo worth it! Theres lots of benefits to bfing not just because its made specifically for ur baby! Whatever u choose thats exactly it its ur choice but do ur research beforehand and remember if u dry up thats it u cant switch back...

[babygirl2681]

I have 4 kids. My oldest 3 I breast fed from my breasts. My youngest was extreamly premie so I could only pump. I was fine pumping the first few days while I was in the hospital. When I went home I continued to try n pump but I noticed my milk slowly diminished. I guess I would suggest trying to put baby to breast n then decide what u want to do.

[ravenamaru]

Some Women Do Not Produce Enough Milk If They Are Only Pumping. Some Make Plenty. I Nursed My Son Until Five Months Then Went To Bottle.It Goes By So FAst! After The Five, I Pumped And Slowly The Milk Began To Decrease....TalkTo Your Doctor About All The OptionsAnd How Long You Want To Bf For. Plus You Can See Lactation Nurses After Birth To Help With Any Question You Have. Why Exactly DoYou Not Want To Nurse On Breast?

[Kayla_kiernan1]

I feel the same way as you...im thinking about breast feeding buf id be wayyy more comfortable with just pumping. But im still unsure what i want to do...im freaking 32+5 and still figuring this out. I keep goimg back and forth. Lol