s/o BFing: positive stories?

[windupbird]

May 15, 2012 9:24:16 GMT -5 Willis Jackson said:

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."

This is also very true, and offsets the pain!

[partiallysunny]

Breastfeeding never really hurt for me and I'm not a liar. I would only use the lanolin after a growth spurt where it seemed like LO was latched on all day. The small pain I felt when my boobs were full was about the same discomfort.

FWIW, my breasts weren't very sensitive before LO.

[housegeek]

I seemed to have what your husband thinks it is, bfing was really easy for me. Lanolin helped pretty much instantly if I started to feel sore at all. My girls even got teeth seemingly early, first cut around 2 months maybe? Anyway, it was a non issue. Some women have problems, but I think there are plenty out there who don't. Just read up, I used kellymom.com probably daily for a while just because I had no idea what to expect. There's a wealth of information there
Only semi related, if you plan on pumping, I used to use a Medela hand pump on one side while nursing on the other, since I always seemed to let down on both anyway. I'd alternated with that, but the girls nursed every hour/ 2 hours so I built up quite a stash while not messing with my production and it made it so I could go out for a movie or run to the store solo without stressing

[froggy76]

I haven't run into any major issues with DD. She latched well in the beginning and my supply has always been fine. I think the best thing we did was just nurse constantly in the beginning... every 2 hours for about an hour. I didn't pump or introduce a bottle until about 3 weeks, and for the first couple months, I always pumped if DH gave her a bottle.

It was painful at first, but not unbearable. Use lots of lanolin and buy some gel soothing pads.

[barefootcontessa]

The first baby it was hard, but I also had a very difficult delivery that end in an emergency c-s with complications. Not hard at all the second and third time, little challenging the fourth time. Our ped has been very supportive and never pushed me to supplement. The friends I know who have struggled ended up supplementing very early on and they never established a good supply.

[pamela]

May 15, 2012 9:10:25 GMT -5 ECB said:

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!

THIS! DS latched on well, I had milk almost immediately. The biggest thing my LC consultant friend showed me though was how much breast he should be taking in.

I did get some nipple pain, especially during growth spurts when he nursed a ton, but it didn't last too long.

[mmmomof2]

I found BF (at least with my first) mentally (as opposed to physically) challenging because it really is a leap of faith to understand that the baby is getting enough to eat. Especially when they are on the boob all the time! You start to wonder if you aren't producing enough, which is really scary with this teeny tiny human placed in your care. Plus DD1 was a petite little thing that gained slowly. In the first few weeks I went to the hospital lactation group a few times to measure output and make sure she was gaining. DD2 has been a lot easier since I've BTDT and she's growing fast! With either baby I haven't had to supplement and DD1 breastfed until she was 19 months old. DD2 is still nursing at 4months.

I would recommend finding a good lactation consultant before you give birth so you have them at the ready should you need it. Sometimes the ones at the hospital aren't very good.

Also, try not to be seduced by the pump/bottles in the beginning. The pump does not stimulate your supply like the baby can. Plus it makes it 10 times more difficult to keep the baby on the breast later.

[housegeek]

May 15, 2012 10:13:10 GMT -5 pamela said:

May 15, 2012 9:10:25 GMT -5 ECB said:

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!

THIS! DS latched on well, I had milk almost immediately. The biggest thing my LC consultant friend showed me though was how much breast he should be taking in.

I did get some nipple pain, especially during growth spurts when he nursed a ton, but it didn't last too long.

Oh this is a good point! Also, see if there is a LC at your hospital who can show you, I called on mine a couple times because they know just how to position the kid to get a perfect latch, it's magical haha.

[pierogigirl]

I have had pretty much only positive experiences bf. My hospital is very pro-bf. They offer free LC consults any time and have a bf support group 2x month. I knew bf could be hard and was quick to make an appointment with the LC when I had questions or concerns.

Except for being a poor responder to the pump, I find bf to be painless, convenient, and mm. I did take a year off for DS1 and am taking 9 mos off with DS2 to ebf.

[jenny1223]

I haven't shared my breastfeeding adventure here yet. I don't post this to scare you but I learned so much about breastfeeding and want to share!

The first couple weeks were HELL. I though I'd have no trouble BFing - it's what breasts were made to do, right? I had cracked, bleeding nipples with chunks of skin hanging off. I cried and screamed and swore whenever I was BFing. DS was a big baby and wanted to nurse all the time. I read all the books, watched videos, read websites, etc. We started supplementing with formula around two weeks because DS wasn't back up to birth weight.

Finally my midwife thought he might be tongue-tied and recommended that I meet with a lactation consultant and then a doc that specialized in BFing and treating tongue tie. The doc did a frenotomy (clipped the connective tissue under the tongue) and it was amazing how different it was. Breastfeeding is no problem at all now. Unfortunately we didn't get the frenotomy until 2 months and my supply had gone down. DS gets mostly formula but I still try to BF as much as I can.

Let me know if you have any questions about tongue tie. I learned a lot in this whole process. Apparently it goes undiagnosed quite a bit. A lot of women who have trouble BFing is due to tongue tie.

[jenny1223]

One more thing. Do NOT feel guilty whatever happens. Those first few weeks were so emotional for me and I would cry to DH that I wasn't a good mom and couldn't provide for DS. I felt soooo awful when we started using formula. Looking back now, I wish we had been able to get the tongue tie treated sooner and not need formula, but DS is happy and healthy and that's what's important.

[Ashley&Scott]

I've had a very positive experience. DS latched very well from the beginning. My milk came in about 48 hours after DS was born. My nipples were sore but not unbearable. Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter & Gel Soothies were awesome. I would highly recommend getting both & using after every.single.feeding for the first 1-2 weeks.

Feed on demand and watch the diaper output. I found it very helpful to use an app to track feedings, diapers, etc. We use Total Baby. I love it, $5 well spent in my opinion. Things get so hectic that you forget things, # of diapers, length of nursing sessions, etc. The pedi will ask you for this info, having the app to reference is great. We still use the app & DS is 4mo old.

A BF support group & good LC also make a world of difference. Make sure you ask to see the LC while you're at the hospital. They can give you tips on positioning, latching, etc. Even if you aren't having problems going to a support group can be very motivating & reassuring.

I also agree with Cosmos, if you educate yourself ahead of time you'll know what to expect & be less likely to give up. (If you haven't already check out kellymom.com, it's a great resource)

Kari also has a great point, newborns nurse round the clock. If you don't know & expect that it could be discouraging & lead you to think your baby isn't getting enough.

Good luck Brie!

[caramia17]

BFing was difficult and painful at first and she took FOREVER to eat at the beginning. I felt like I was being sucked on all.the.time. After 3 months, the payoff really started. She is snuggly and sweet and I love giving her breastmilk. Now, we really only BF 1-2x per day because of my working schedule and because I am little gun shy after she bit me hard one time when she had a cold and I think I ticked her off with suctioning her nose out prior to BFing. That was not a pretty nipple situation. I will still be said to give up our snuggly BFing time when she gets to 12mos, but I am really glad I was able to do this much, work FT, get up at 4:45AM and exercise, etc. Having 20 extra mins of sleep before my workout, and 35 extra mins at work will be a godsend.

[Deleted]

I BF my first DD for a year and my twin DDs for a year as well. For me BFing was easier than FF if you make it past the first 2 weeks. All 3 of my girls latched well and DD 1 was never a biter. DD 2 & 3 both bit a lot but you just unlatched and told them no and eventually we got past that. My nipples were sore in the begining but Lanolin applied often helped a lot. And like I said once we got past 2 weeks we never looked back. It was so convenient not having to take bottles anywhere. I could feed when they were hungry, etc. I also didn't have to watch a million bottles. I also went into it w/ no expectations. I figured I might as well give it a try, if it worked yay, if not oh well. Then I set small goals, 6 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, etc.

[trissie18]

I definitely recommend the breastfeeding class and finding a lactation consultant and/or La Leche League in your area. The nurses and lactation consultant at our hospital were awesome.

With DS#1 it took some getting used to but after the first two weeks it became second nature. They usually say if you can make it past the first two weeks then you should be good to go. With DS#2 it was much easier because I knew what I was doing.

[Mrs.Syntax]

May 15, 2012 9:04:51 GMT -5 @lcap said:

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

Oh my lord. Do you know how happy I am to hear you say that?

I had a very rough time with DD, but I think I was an exception to the rule. I only know one other person IRL, besides myself, that was in excruciating pain. Most of my friends BF'd with no problem. I think everyone experiences some pain in the beginning... that's a given. Once you get past that hump, it's very very convenient to just whip out a boob ;D

[jr009j]

Breast feeding was easy for us. It was frustrating early on because DD wouldn't stay awake but now she latches easy. My nipples hurt the first week but haven't at all since. I would highly recommend having an assortment of nursing pads. The leaking is the worse part.

And use the lactation consultants at the hospital. I had them check the latch multiple times even though I thought it was right just so I was more confident.

[hannamarin]

Bf sounds hard, but ff is a pain in the ass. Middle of the night, crying baby and you have to get up, make/heat a bottle. She drinks one ounce and then falls asleep so you have to toss the rest. Washing bottles, trying to be sterile, boiling nipples never mind $$$. Pros and cons. It is nice there are options.

[h]

May 15, 2012 12:35:25 GMT -5 Mrs.Syntax said:

May 15, 2012 9:04:51 GMT -5 @lcap said:

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

Oh my lord. Do you know how happy I am to hear you say that?

I had a very rough time with DD, but I think I was an exception to the rule. I only know one other person IRL, besides myself, that was in excruciating pain. Most of my friends BF'd with no problem. I think everyone experiences some pain in the beginning... that's a given. Once you get past that hump, it's very very convenient to just whip out a boob ;D

I did not have a terrible time with my first, but it hurt a lot when he latched on for the first couple of weeks. When my second was born and I was getting ready to try to get him latched on for the first time, I braced myself to feel that same sizzling pain and there was nothing. It didn't hurt at all! I mentioned it to the lactation consultant and she was like "um, you have already nursed a kid for 2 years. It is never going to hurt again." So nice!

[Jem]

From moment one, BFing was easy for us. DS latched no problem and it just went smoothly and he gained weight like a champ.

Cracked nipples happen and I had mastitis twice, but I still would say that BFing was easy. Also, I had to drop dairy when DS was a month old because of a suspected allergy (he does have the allergy) and while that sucked (I REALLY love dairy), I again would say BFing was easy.

Another benefit - it gave me a reason around the holidays to sneak away from the ILs to sit quietly in a room alone and nurse DS. I definitely made sure those sessions took extra long.

[smilelari]

BFing was pretty hard in the beginning with both kids. With DS, I ended up EPing and then pumping plus formula feeding. With DD I'm BFing at home and pumping bottles for daycare. So, I've done all 3. BFing, pumping and formula feeding. BFing is the hardest in the beginning but the easiest in the end. You just have to make it through that first month or so when you're both learning and then it's all down hill.

[keh2oblue]

BFing class is good, but finding a lactation consultant IMMEDIATELY after deliver is best. It's nice to have an expert there with you in the hospital for support.

You do have to give it a few weeks, but ultimately the work outweighs the negatives.

[darnkatz]

I nursed my DD for sixteen months (she self-weaned at that point). I had no huge issues - no mastitis, no blocked ducts. I was sad when she weaned herself and was willing to go until two and a half.

I had a hard time pumping, but to be fair, I didn't really give it a shot.

[Deleted]

Definitely try to go to some LLL meetings pregnant. I had a bit of pain upon latching for the first three weeks, but no nipple damage. A year later, no thrush, no mastitis, no clogged ducts. Pretty much a year of smooth sailing.

I do think knowing what is normal and what is not is HUGE to having a good experience. LLL and their book ("The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding), as well as a local support group, kept me positive. When you know things are going as they're supposed to, it's less of a shock when baby wants to eat all day / poop patterns change / baby gets distractable / etc.

[Deleted]

I successfully BFd for 15 months. It was hard at first and I wound up having to use a nipple shield the whole time, but it worked out well for all of us.

I did make it a priority for us. We met with LC's in the hospital and also went to see them for about 3-4 weeks (1-2x a week) at the beginning to make sure DS was gaining weight and to try to get off the shield. I had an oversupply which turned out to be a blessing because DS was early and tiny and so didn't have the right muscles to suck. He really didn't need to work hard at it.

I loved nursing. Once you get past the super hard first 6-8 weeks, it is great.

[doctorsbaby]

I can honestly say that I love breastfeeding! Love it, my DD loves and my DH is hugely supportive and loves that I do that for DD. I am still nursing and plan to continue until DD turns 2, at least

We did have a few issues early on, my DD had a minor tongue tie but my MW caught it immediately. Originally, her plan was to leave it alone unless it was causing problems. She clipped it at 4 days old b/c it was an issue. As soon as she was able to latch properly, it was a breeze. I did spend the majority of my waking hours with DD attached to my boob for the first 2 months though.

The best advice I can give you is to find an IBCLC or LC before you have the baby so you have help immediately. It is super important that you actually like the LC, b/c she will be right up in your face/body/personal space to help you. If you don't like her, she gives you the creeps, what have you, it won't be helpful to you in the long run. You need to feel comfortable calling her whenever you need to and never feel like a question isn't that important and can wait.

I know some hospitals will provide an LC but I think it is better to have someone you know & are comfortable with and that you can get help from ASAP instead of when they have time. I should disclose that I had a home-birth.

My LC was my MWs assistant and I adored her. She was also part of a larger group that I meshed well with so I could always get support when I needed it. I still occasionally ask questions and they are happy to help.

If you are committed to trying to BFing when you LO is born, give away any formula that you receive in the mail/hospital gift bag/mysteriously makes it way into your house. I have heard from a lot of ladies at a support group that I went to for BFing that having the formula in the house made it so much easier to say "just give the baby formula, no biggie". Especially if you are having a rough day. Much harder if you have to leave the house, spend the money, etc.

I was very committed to breastfeeding, as in I decided before DD was born that she would only get BM, FF was NOT an option for me. This was my DH preference as well so he was fully supportive. On the days that I did have problems, since FF wasn't an option in my mind, I would just work on fixing the issue and move on. Being determined that DD would not get formula helped me mentally overcome issues b/c she had to eat and the only thing she could eat was breast milk.

Sorry for the novel...

[Mushe]

I feel like I had a relatively easy time of it, although the first few weeks were rough going through them, mostly because of hormones. It was just trial and error, figuring out how to get things going. I never had the kind of pain you're describing, and I think it's not as common as the BMBs would lead you to believe.

I had some supply issues, but I had a c-section, which I think can delay your milk from coming in. DS also had a hard time latching on one side for the first week or so, which delayed my milk coming in on that side. He had a little bit of formula the first few weeks until I got the hang of things - maybe 20% of his daily intake was formula.

I never had any issues with my nipples. I just put lanolin on after each feeding for the first few weeks, but haven't used it since.

Now I take Fenugreek and eat oatmeal, and everything's good! Now that I'm back at work and pumping I even have extra, and am trying to donate it to a milk bank.

[beachdweller]

I just wanted to add that in my experience, it is important to be flexible. My DD was a 9+ pound chunk and had extremely low blood sugar -- after her BS continued to drop, the pedi AND LC suggested she get a couple of formula bottles. So, I'd nurse, then give her an ounce or two of formula. My milk did not come in until day 7 (after a C/S), so I had to keep doing some formula until then based on my docs recommendation. I cried and cried because I was sure that meant exclusively breast-feeding was a lost cause. However, after my milk came in we were good to go and I did not have to use formula again. So, certainly plan for the best, but know that even if you have a few minor complications, you can still successfully breastfeed.

[rootbeerfloat]

I had good experiences BFing both kids. With DS, there was pain and frustration in the beginning, but things were smooth after the first month or so. With DD, there was almost no pain. I'm fortunate to be rather cow-like in my milk production, so they both gained weight well, and I managed to continuing pumping at work for a first year both times.

[theintended]

There was discomfort the first few weeks and working on her latch took a lot of persistence, but we didn't hit any major roadblocks. She nursed until 18ish months. The biggest adjustment was fully committing to the lack of sleep that comes with needing to nurse or pump around the clock without escape.