s/o BFing: positive stories?

[Brie]

I feel like TN has scared the shiit out of me about BFing. I really want to do it, and DH and our families are very supportive of it, but I feel like all I read are the horror stories here where successful BFing requires an act of God (bloody chunks out of nipples, horrible latches, giving up twelve different food groups, etc). We are taking a BFing class this summer, and I'm going to start doing some reading soon. DH was really surprised when I told him how scared I was of it--he sort of has the opposite experience where he thinks that you put the baby to your breast and that's that, easy as pie.

I kind of feel like I'm experiencing with BFing what people always say is the problem with society's portrayal of childbirth--everything I'm hearing is that it's incredibly hard and painful, so I'm starting to think it will be, and I'm getting discouraged before I've even tried it.

Are there any people here who have had a positive, relatively uneventful experience with BFing? Care to share?

[drloretta]

Both of my SILs successfully BF'd with zero problems as far as I could tell. Their kids had good latches, they had good milk production, and discomfort/difficulty was minimal. One SIL continued to pump for a friend who had a newborn and a new cancer diagnosis.

[Willis Jackson]

BFing DD has been a breeze.

It hurt for 2 days or so at the beginning, but it's been smooth sailing ever since. She had thrush for several months and it didn't even bother her. I'm nursing her right now, in fact.

After the first few weeks, nursing DS was also easy. I BFed him until he was almost 2.

[Deleted]

I had a rough time with BFing at first, but it was overall positive after about 3 months. Thats when DD started latching again and I only had to pump at work to give her milk for DC. Night nursing is SO much easier than going to get a bottle of formula when you are half asleep. Its just great not having to prepare bottles when you are out and about. I also lost all the baby weight easily from nursing/pumping. Plus, I found out that DD had a milk and soy protein intolerance and if I had FF, I would have needed special formula and it would have been very expensive. So I saved a ton of money.

I think people who are prepared and know its not easy are actually the ones who succeed. If you think its going to be easy, you are more likely to quit when its not. I don't know anyone who thinks BFing is easy at first. BUT it becomes super easy later on.

I highly recommend attending a LLL meeting (in addition to the BFing class) before he is born, and continue going to LLL- they were a huge support to me.

[mrshandy]

I've been BF DS for 22 months. I too was terrified after all of the horror stories, but it was a lot smoother experience than I expected.

The first few weeks are exhausting and your nipples hurt, but DS latched pretty easily after the first few days.


Aside for a few ounces of formula in the first few days due to jaundice, I've never had to supplement, always had awesome supply, and he loves to nurse.

[Deleted]

I also want to say that while I think pumping at the hospital was great for my supply, it was a very bad idea to give bottles right away, even bottles of BM. I did because I was so sick after my c/s (after 34 hours of labor and a ton of drugs- not my ideal birth plan) and I didn't have the effort to get her to latch. So I pumped and gave her BM in a bottle. DD preferred the bottle and didn't latch on and it took 3 months of hard work to get her on the breast. There is a reason LLL recommends no bottles at all until BFing is well established.

[Deleted]

I had an easier time with my second. For some reason it hurt a lot less.

Just don't be surprised if it hurts in the beginning. I was like your H in that I thought that since that is what our bodies were designed to do, it would be easy as pie and there'd be no problems.

The good news is that you really can work through almost any early road block and establish a good nursing relationship. You just have to hang in there a bit in the beginning.

[Brie]

Thanks, guys. I mean, I obviously know it's going to be hard, and require work, but I sometimes feel like I ONLY hear about how terrible/painful it can be, you know?

[Willis Jackson]

May 15, 2012 9:00:19 GMT -5 @iheartcosmos said:

I think people who are prepared and know its not easy are actually the ones who succeed. If you think its going to be easy, you are more likely to quit when its not. I don't know anyone who thinks BFing is easy at first. BUT it becomes super easy later on.

I think this is very true. With my first, I didn't listen when people said it could be hard. My mom BFed 4 babies and made it sound like the easiest thing in the world so I thought it would be NBD.

[ECB]

One of my experiences.;.. I too took a class. Looking back, it was useless. I had a MAJOR issue w/ BFing and one of the problems was that I didn't really realize HOW MUCH of your boob is supposed to go into the baby's mouth!

Once I saw an LC and she showed me how to do it - I was like "OH?!?! REALLY? Thta much goes in?".

I think this is part of the reason it's so painful- we put mainly just our nipple in and not a whole lot more, so an already sensitive part of our bodies are being REALLY taxed.

Due to latch issues, it took a ocuple more months, but once DS actually did nurse and I knew how to do it- there were no issues that time around!

[ijack]

BFing can be really hard and take a lot of work. But it can also be a breeze and you might not have any issues. I think the key is to be educated about it and realize that it might work and it might not and regardless it isn't a reflection of you.
With #1 I exclusively pumped until she was 4 months old and then was lucky enough to BF (that is a very hard transition). With #2 I didn't have a learning curve and it's been smooth sailing (aside from the fact that she's a crazy pincher).

[ohgillian]

BF DS was pretty easy, and moreover, I loved it. There was something very satisfying in watching him grow and thinking, "I did that!" Also, the convenience can't be beat: Baby crying? Yank up your shirt. Problem solved.

I will say that like with any new activity, there is a bit of a learning curve at first. I strongly recommend the book "The Nursing Mother's Companion."

[Deleted]

I had zero problems. DD latched on at the hospital and I don't remember any pain whatsoever. Never even knew what engorgement was. I even sent her to the nursery both nights at the hospital and they gave her formula and it didn't cause any problems or confusion at all. She weaned herself at 9 months and that was that. (Just so y'all don't hate me, she was a horrible sleeper.)

Most people only like to share stories that are horror stories.

[ijack]

Also people who tell you it doesn't hurt if you're doing it right are lying liars that lie. It hurts. Unless your husband sucks on your nipples 8hrs a day, they aren't used to what is about to happen.

[karinothing]

The majority of the world breastfeeds there kids. I mean look at it this way. Breastfeeding has been around for a billion times longer than formula feeding. We are somehow surviving as a species (and yes yes I realize wet nurses existed in the past, but not for the majority of the common folk).

Anyway, breastfeeding for me was easy peasy. DS latched on within one hour and never looked back. My milk came in at day 2 and he had gained over a 1lb by his 2 wk appointment. I wouldn't say it hurt in the beginning but my nipples were very sensitive. Kind of like how chafing feels I guess? That went away quickly (matter of days). Afterwards, my boobs were super sensitive (like they would tingle when I washed my hands with hot water). But that went away around 8 weeks. Now, at nearly 7 months it is a breeze. He finishes in under 10 minutes, I can nurse him wearing him in the Ergo (if we are out and about). He can latch on himself. And we have these amazing moments where he nurses and looks deep into my eyes, unlatches, laughs and then pops back on. I love it.

It does take a lot of time and I think a lot of people turn to formula because they think their baby nursing all the time means they aren't getting enough, when the truth is babies really do nurse all the time. I think another roadblock mom's hit is that they think they are doing a disservice to themselves/partner if they aren't up and about quickly. But to be honest, I think it is important to just take an easy for the first month and focus on breastfeeding, and if you have to stay in bed or on the couch all day with a baby on your breast that is 100% okay. I promise the grocery store or cleaning the house can wait (or DH can do it!).

Oh, one more thing. DS was itty bitty so sometimes in the beginning he would have issues opening his mouth wide enough. Since I was doing a nipple sandwich with one arm and cradling him with the other I would have DH pull his bottom lip down. Don't be afraid to have your husband help you out with positioning.

ETA: If you can take a one on one class (or small class) with a lactaction consultant I highly recommend it. We have a few in our area that offer personalized classes and I found it extremely helpful.

[Willis Jackson]

May 15, 2012 9:14:42 GMT -5 ijack said:

Also people who tell you it doesn't hurt if you're doing it right are lying liars that lie. It hurts. Unless your husband sucks on your nipples 8hrs a day, they aren't used to what is about to happen.

YES! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES!

[lishie]

I had an incredibly positive BFing experience with both my boys.

I wanted to try, but didn't know how it would go. With both, they latched and got it immediately. At the first pedi appointment two days after coming home, both boys were up over their birth weight by several ounces. At the one month appointment, both had gained 4 lbs, and by the 2 month appointment both had doubled in size.

I fed every three or so hours. The second was easier than the first, because he was great at nursing lying down, so I could nap while he nursed.

I was able to pump enough at work during the day that both boys were exclusively breastfed for one year, and both weaned on their own shortly after a year when they started walking, as they liked being able to "drink and run" with a sippy cup they can carry around with them.

I had no issues with mastitis. I had a clogged duct once with each boy, but massaging while nursing got rid of those, and that was as bad as it got for me.

[satama]

I think it is good if you are prepared for challenges too. If you know it may take some work then you are better prepared for what you are signing on for. Remember you and the baby are both learning how to do this so it can take a little while until you both get the hang of it. I had some issues at the beginning but really had and easy time bfing. Ds1 and was able to go to 15 months. Ds2 was in the NICU and had a bottle because nursing was too hard for him at first. I was able to overcome a latch issue with him and he was on bm straight from the tap only by about one week. He now switches from pumped milk in a bottle back to the boon with no problems and is seven weeks.

Honestly, after the first couple of weeks I found breast feeding really easy both times.

[DorkFish]

I didn't have any trouble BFing Liam in the beginning. The only reason we had to quit was because I kept ending up sick and couldn't keep my supply up. I had a periods where he got formula and BM while I was sick and then I'd get him back to all BM. The last straw was when I got the stomach flu and just couldn't get my supply to recover after it. I plan on BFing baby #2 and hope to make it longer than 5.5 months.

[ryry]

BFing has been really easy for us. I took a BFing class before DD was born and read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding." I thought they were helpful but kind of over my head--I couldn't really picture the logistics of BFing without having a baby in my hand, if that makes sense. When she born and the nurse gave her to me to BF, I couldn't remember anything I had learned and had to ask how I should hold her...but once the nurse helped me position her for the first time it all clicked. The lactation consultant at the hospital mentioned that I must have studied up before she was born because it came 'naturally' to us. I really think DD just made it easy...she was born ready to BF and we never had any latch or supply issues.
It does hurt. You have to expect that, despite what all the books say. It's like having hoover vacuum stuck to your nipple...that's going to hurt no matter what! After about 2 weeks though my nipples adjusted and I didn't have to wince in pain every time she latched.
I love BFing, but I know I may have felt differently if I had issues. I went into it expecting that I would BF and never even considering formula an option, and it worked for us.
Good luck!

[vanillacourage]

My personal view has always been that formula is not bad, but breastmilk is best and the more I can give him, the better. We're at about 50/50 with BM and formula - DS has always eaten more than I could produce and for a variety of reasons NIPing was out, so formula has been a good supplement. I pump a couple times/day to give him bottled BM and he nurses a lot of the night - he's completely healthy, I'm happy (and pain-free) and there's no drama in our "BFing relationship". You have to do what works for you and your family.

[Willis Jackson]

I also wanted to add that your body releases oxytocin while you're nursing so you feel all lovey. DH makes fun of me because I go on and on while I'm nursing, "Honey, I looooove this baby. Look at her! She's perfection. She's my treasure. I love her so much I could die. Are you dying? I might die. She's the most wonderful baby in the history of the universe."

[partiallysunny]

I breastfeed with zero problems. If I got a little sore, I put some lanolin on and was fine.

[cvillern]

May 15, 2012 9:17:55 GMT -5 Willis Jackson said:

May 15, 2012 9:14:42 GMT -5 ijack said:

Also people who tell you it doesn't hurt if you're doing it right are lying liars that lie. It hurts. Unless your husband sucks on your nipples 8hrs a day, they aren't used to what is about to happen.

YES! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES!

This!! It hurt like hell for about a week with both kiddos. Like tears springing to my eyes every time he latched hurt. But the pain magically goes away. You just have to remember that!

Also I have nursed both kids in public (DS1 till 2.5 :/) And I never got so much as a sideways glance from strangers. I think new moms worry about nursing in public a lot. Its really no big deal.

[MamaMaui24]

I've had a great BF experience!

I wanted it to work out so badly so I read "So That's What They're There For" and attended a BF class at the hospital. It helped me be prepared for some of the "booby traps" that I may encounter.

Luckily, things went very smoothly. DS latched pretty well from the beginning. We saw the LC at least once/day while in the hospital. I used lanolin after every feeding at the beginning.

I'm not going to lie, my nipples hurt very badly once we got home. I'd get tears in my eyes and do some deep breathing when he latched. But that only lasted maybe the first week (if that). No blood, no scabs, no cracks, etc. Milk came in on day 3.

I didn't give a pacifier or bottle until 3 weeks old. I wanted to establish my milk supply, so I didn't mind "being his pacifier." We were very fortunate that he took the first bottle we gave him w/o problems (Dr. Brown). He occasionally takes a pacifier, but he can't hold it in his mouth by himself, so it's a PITA.

I pump almost double what DS drinks at home while I'm gone, so my supply has been great.

Pumping isn't THAT bad. Just the cleaning, prep and lugging all the gear around is annoying. But it's worth it.

My advice - take any extra frozen ice pack pads (for your crotch) home with you and if you don't need them for your underwear, put them in your bra to soothe your sore nipples.

[matildasun]

My only difficulties came from a lack of support in the very beginning. My daughter was in the NICU, but I was able to start feeding her within 12 hrs of her birth. The lactation consultant did not get up to me for two days. The NICU nurses were supportive of the idea of breast feeding, and were great with advice about pumping, but didn't seem to really know how to support actual breastfeeding.

Once I figured out how to do it, and got my sleepy girl to stay awake long enought to eat it went well. Sure I was sore, but for the most part I didn't mind it.

I weaned her a week after her second birthday, mostly because I was 14 weeks pregnant and was always hungry and exhausted and just couldn't do it anymore.

[windupbird]

Hi there--I'm a lurked who followed y'all here, and hope you don't mind if I join in.

I'm on mat leave with my second, and have had two very different but overall positive experiences bfing. My first was a completely unexpected preemie (no complications before sudden delivery), and was in the NICU for a month before coming home. He couldn't bf for weeks so I pumped and he was first tube fed, then bottle fed. He did eventually bf directly but always got both bottle and breast and had to have supplemental formula for weight gain. I ended up weaning at 3.5 months, right before returning to work, because my supply was never great (likely due to the fact that he wasn't put to breast early, plus the stress if the situation), and I really could not keep up with the growth spurts. That said, I did enjoy it while it lasted and greatly preferred bfing to the incessant pumping I had to do initially.

My second is now 3 weeks old, and the experience has been blissful by comparison. DD was full term and I began bfing right away. Supply was established early, and aside from sore nipples z(no bleeding!), it's been very smooth. She is now 5 oz above her birth weight. I haven't pumped yet or given bottles, but I do use nipple shields (inverted nipples), which i know some lactation consultants frown upon, but I find to be a godsend. I hope to be able to bf longer this time but no firm goals. I am on leave for 15 weeks so we have some time to figure it out, thankfully.
Basically, both times I went into bfing with an open mind and no expectations, as no one in my family had bf. And I glad I took that approach, as especially with #1, the situation was completely unpredictable. The last thing I needed to do to myself with a preemie was to beat myself up about bfing. This time having that outlook helped me to relax, and I am really enjoying going with the flow. And no pump parts or bottles to wash is awesome!

CONGRATS Brie, I remember your ttc journey and am very happy for you (as much as a stranger can be, lol).

[eddy]

It was nbd for us. Sure my nipples hurt at first and there is a bit of an art to learning how to do it. But he latched right on and we never looked back.
I did wean at 4 months but that is because I selfishly needed my body back. We were doing fine but I just couldn't handle being the food source anymore. He had no issues with the transition as we had also introduced bottles and formula early on.
I did enjoy how excited he would get when we came home after daycare. He would get this really bright excited look on his face and start to kick his legs the minute we walked in the door. He was like "yayayayyay it is that lady with the boobs. I haven't seen her all day." It was sweet and one of my fondest memories. I also enjoyed snuggly Saturday mornings when I would bring him into bed and he would nurse and we would all snuggle and fall back asleep. I enjoyed it while I did it and didn't regret it when we weaned.

[h]

Nursing was painful for the first couple of weeks with my first child but it was not unbearable, and after those first couple of weeks I went on to nurse him for two years without any issues. My second child is 25 months old, and we are in the process of weaning now. I have never had any pain or issues when nursing him, from his very first latch on.

I have found breastfeeding to be convenient, easy, and painless. It provides a nice excuse for a new mom to relax and sit down. (Though I can totally nurse a baby while doing the dishes, vacuuming, etc. if need be.)

[minzy]

I too was expecting it to be so difficult based on everything I had read.

At least for me with this kid, breastfeeding was not (and is not) hard at all. Rather, the whole process has actually been incredibly easy since about a half hour after she was born.