? on what breast feeding is like?

Jennifer - posted on 04/07/2011

I breastfed both of my boys, first on for 17 months, second for 24 months. While it is true that some women have painful experiences, that is not true for all women. I did not experience painful nipples, even with my first one. Perhaps mild irritation, but nothing more. Sometimes it was frustrating at the beginning to get the latch right, but by being a stickler for a good latch I was able to avoid sore nipples. Sure, you deal with some leaking at the beginning during letdown, but it is soooo much less work than formula feeding! I never really got into pumping my milk and never put it in a bottle. Those are great options, but don't worry too much about that. I also loved being able to just roll over and nurse my baby at night when he was hungry.
You were asking how it feels. When the baby is latched properly, they take your nipple far back into their mouths - to the start of their throat, so the don't really suck on the nipple part that much, more on the areola, so it does not feel like you might experience with a lover. Once your milk lets down, you get a bit of a feeling of relief because your body releases the hormone oxytocin which helps you feel more calm. The same hormone also helps your uterus contract after you give birth to stop the bleeding. Because of this, your uterus will shrink down faster if you nurse. You will also lose your pregnancy weight faster.
Oh, and the breathing and little noises your baby makes while they are nursing are the best!
Bonus: your babies dirty diapers will smell much better than from a formula bed baby! Go for it!!! ;D

Liz - posted on 04/06/2011

Thanks for the informative posts, Joyanne. Those are exactly the things my MIL told me when my son was born and I started breastfeeding him. "It's so thin, and you never know how much they're getting." She was encouraging me to supplement with formula, since her generation rarely breastfed. I'm glad I didn't listen to her!

I'm a breast cancer survivor and only have one breast that produces milk due to radiation therapy. I am able to produce plenty of milk for my baby (I guess it's just like women with twins). It's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

Katrina - posted on 04/06/2011

In response to Jovanne about the breastfeeding rumors:
I have breastfed both my girls (still am as my 2nd is 3 months) and I did not know about the caloric thing. It was very interesting to find out, as I was just wondering the other day how many ounces my babe was taking during each feeding!
I have considered giving her formula on the rare occasion that I would like to go out for awhile and am curious if anyone would know the proper amount at her age - especially as she is exclusively breastfed at this time - would it only be a few ounces?
I also would like to add that with my first daughter I found the first 6 weeks of nursing very difficult and painful, but after that it was easy, she also had a self imposed 3 hour schedule that made it easier for me to predict her feeding schedule. My second on the other hand is a "barracuda baby" and has the sucking action of a vacuum! She was easier ironically to get used to (2nd time around is easier maybe?), but she is all over the place as far as scheduling goes; sometimes waking every two hours thru the night. It's only the last 3 days she has slept thru the night. I am talking 9:30pm to 8am; but boy is she hungry when she wakes up!! :)
Lastly, I would like to add that Lansinoh is a breastfeeding mom's best friend!!

Laura - posted on 01/06/2009

Quoting Winter:

I breast fed both of my children, my son until he was over a year, and my daughter is almost 6 months and still nursing. It doesn't hurt at all, and if it does, baby probably isn't latched on correctly. you can pump as often as you need to, or more if you want to increase your supply. Yes you can freeze, it last about 3 months in a freezer, and about 2 days in the fridge. to thaw from freezer, either put it in fridge for a few hours, or submerge the stored milk( storing in a breast milk storage bag is easiest, I've found) in hot water until milk is warm enough to use. I would strongly suggest getting hold of your local LLL...La Leche League...your doctor probably can get you in contact with your local chapter. most hospitals have a lactation consultant on hand and will check in on you before you leave...ask your nurses! Best of luck, it's a wonderful and amazing thing to do for your baby! You can do it! (My son had a very strong suck and surprised the heck out of me the first time, but don't let that discourage you , you get used to it!!!

Great feedback!

Winter - posted on 01/06/2009

I breast fed both of my children, my son until he was over a year, and my daughter is almost 6 months and still nursing. It doesn't hurt at all, and if it does, baby probably isn't latched on correctly. you can pump as often as you need to, or more if you want to increase your supply. Yes you can freeze, it last about 3 months in a freezer, and about 2 days in the fridge. to thaw from freezer, either put it in fridge for a few hours, or submerge the stored milk( storing in a breast milk storage bag is easiest, I've found) in hot water until milk is warm enough to use. I would strongly suggest getting hold of your local LLL...La Leche League...your doctor probably can get you in contact with your local chapter. most hospitals have a lactation consultant on hand and will check in on you before you leave...ask your nurses! Best of luck, it's a wonderful and amazing thing to do for your baby! You can do it! (My son had a very strong suck and surprised the heck out of me the first time, but don't let that discourage you , you get used to it!!!

Jill - posted on 01/06/2009

I breastfeed my 1st child for 20 months & I am currently breastfeeding my 6 month.  I also watched a friends baby where I used the bottle so I have experience with both.  People say breastfeeding takes longer but I disagree....there is no mixing up a bottle, cleaning the bottle when you are finished, and the feeding time is shorter.  It took much longer for my friends baby to finish her bottle than it did for me to feed my kids.  I personally feel that breastfeeding also has more benefits...yes it can hurt but only when the baby is not latching on right, because of a yeast infection (thrush), or plugged milk (from what I have experienced)....if everything is OK then no, it does not hurt.  Once you get past 2 months it is easy.   The 1st two month your boobs will become full with milk and it does hurt some when they are full....just pump or feed the baby & it goes away.  Don't listen to people who say you have to feed every so many hours or they have to stay on for 5 minutes or more...whatever, the baby will eat when he/she wants...on demand is the best way to go....as long as your child is growing then everything is fine.  Don't worry if the baby does not eat much the 1st few days...it will change...it took my 1st child 1 day to figure it out & start eating but it took my 2nd child 4 days...every baby is different.  If you plan on breastfeeding, the best thing is not to stress about it.  Just relax & enjoy! :+)  Good luck with the birth of your new baby.  Also, when you buy a breast pump &/or milk storage bags...it will remind you how to store breastmilk & thaw it out.

Ann - posted on 01/06/2009

i responded earlier but wanted to add another subject.  if you are going to stay home awhile before returning to work it's a great way to supply extra milk in the freezer.  i would express after every feeding.  it's discouraging when you only express an ounce or two.  the more you feed and express the more you are demanding your body to produce more.  when your child starts slowing down it's feeding demand that when i would continue to express at those moments.  i have two freezer full and half deep freezer full of breast milk.  it's wonderful because it allows your husband to bottle feed so that you can get out of the house and enjoy time alone or with friends.  plus, if you have a glass of wine or two then you can use the good milk that is frozen.  if you have alcohol then that would require that you express the milk and dump it out in the sink, contaminated by the alcohol.  you will hear other mothers refer it as "pump and dump."  good luck and congrats on your new addition.  are you going to find out if it's a girl or boy?

Lorilynne - posted on 01/06/2009

I responded before but had a little more to add.  There are times when I love breastfeeding and times when I don't love it so much.  Those times would be when we are out grocery shopping or something or driving in the car and he gets hungry even though I just fed him before we left.  Those are the times I wish I could just pop a bottle in....However, the other times more than make up for it.  My son and I have just mastered feeding while laying down which to me is the best way to breastfeed because then I get to really relax.  Anyway, he wakes up for his morning feed about 7 am and I just bring him into bed with me, lay down and feed him.  He kind of absentmindedly rubs my belly while he's eating and his little hand is so soft, its the sweetest thing ever.  

Sandy - posted on 01/06/2009

My son was born premature (7 weeks) and I started pumping right away at the hospital since he wasn't going to be able to breastfeed. He was always given breastmilk though through his NG tube. I started breastfeeding as soon as the nurses said to try. What a unique experience! He is my first child and I will breastfeed in future as well. I started with a nipple shield and pumped every 3 hours with his feeds, freezing the pumped milk. When he started pulling the shield off on his own, I stopped using it. He was 6 weeks old. Oh, I have a freezer full of milk! I am using this to make his cereal as I am producing enough to have a happy, pudgy almost 5 month old baby. The lactation consultants at the hospital and with La Leche League were wonderful resources. The moms I've met have given some more personal insight that I am also thankful for. I understand that breastfeeding isn't for everyone, especially those that have to return to work right away. Thankfully, I have a year at home! Do invest in a good breastpump so your little one can still get all the benefits of breastmilk even if you can't or decide not to breastfeed.

Amy - posted on 01/05/2009

ok you have gotten lots of information but I thought I would just put in a couple more things I learned well BF my two girls first and the one thing I will stress is DONT get stressed if you are stressed you will have a hard time letting down and producing and that makes things harder for you as long as baby is eating and wetting he/she is getting enough if you for some reason dont think they are getting enough Mothers Milk Tea is a great thing to have on hand it helps your body produce more and it is an all natural tea no harm to you or baby, YAY I also found that the cotton bra pads help you dry out more and faster than the disposable ones and it ends up being cheaper in the long run but they are hand wash only and air dry so I had enough for 6 days used 4 days washed and dried and repeated when was down too two days worth much cheaper dont give up it will be hard til you both get the hang of it and it will seem endless when growing but it is worth it and it does go back to what you remember after a growth sprit and get as much help as you can in the hospital I know other woman said it but most dont know about it or forget and if you have WIC in your area remember they have the scales that go down to the ounce if you ever are really worried about how much baby is taking you can call and go in and weight baby before and after feeding and it will give you an idea on how many ounces baby is taking in a feeding and ask your doctor if there is a Lactation Consultant in your area that might take you insurance alot of insurances will pay X amount for things like that look into it I hope you have the best of luck and dont be afraid to ask questions doctors nurses and other mothers like on here as you can see are more than willing to help

Jovanne - posted on 01/05/2009

Two more important breastfeeding rumors!

5) Breastfed babies are smaller, thinner, weaker babies. WRONG. You should see my daughter. She towers over the other baby’s her age. She is 30 inches long, 20 lbs. at 10 months old. Weight gain and stature are majorly due to genetics.

6) If a formula fed baby is fed 10 ounces of formula at a certain age, a breastfed baby needs 10 ounces of breastmilk. WRONG.  Breastmilk is much higher in calories than formula, therefore a breastfed baby needs a less amount of breastmilk to be satisfied.

**IMPORTANT GENERAL RULE OF AMOUNT TO FEED BABY: A formula fed baby that is 10 pounds needs approximately 5 ounces of formula per feeding (half the baby’s weight). A breastfed baby that is 10 pounds only needs 2 – 3 ounces of breastmilk per feeding.  My daughter at 10 months has about 5 ounces of breastmilk each serving. Babies’ appetites for milk are very high before you add solid foods. At 4 – 6 months old, they may eat 4 – 5 ounces of milk as well.  

Jovanne - posted on 01/05/2009

Breastfeeding RUMORS you hear ALL THE TIME:



1) Breastmilk is not satisfying and is "like water" to your baby. WRONG. Breastmilk is incredibly fulfilling to your baby because your body creates the milk perfect for your little one's tummy. The rich hindmilk (thicker milk as breast empties) is very satisfying and often settles the babies tummy (less likely to spit up if they completely empty breast).

2) Breastfed babies have diarrhea all the time. WRONG. Breastfed babies have thinner poopy diapers that looks similar to adult diarrhea, but is actually completely normal baby poo. Diarrhea is a sickness caused by a bacteria contracted commonly in bad food. Newborns can get diarrhea, but it is rare. Breastfed baby poo can be different colors, but does not have a bad smell. The poo gets stinkier as they begin to eat solid foods.

3) Breastmilk is not satisfying and you have to supplement with formula. WRONG. Women breastfeed exclusively all the time. Some breastfeeding mothers don't add solid foods until 6 - 9 months. When you are breastfeeding into the second and third months, the baby goes through a big growth spurt and sometimes acts hungry after feeding on both sides. This is when you want to increase your milk supply by having the baby feed on one side three times in a row, and then three times on the other side (each feeding no closer than 1 1/2 hrs). This is also when you need to start feeding the baby on the side that feels the LOWEST. This ensures that the breasts completely empty and produce more milk in result. **Many women start supplementing with formula when their baby acts hungry after breastfeeding, this greatly LOWERS your milk supply. Many women stop breastfeeding soon after they begin supplementing, because their milk supply slowly goes away.



**VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COLIC: When your baby just fed on both sides and is crying and desperately wanting to latch on (seems hungry still), SOMETIMES their stomach is hurting due to an immature digestive system (colic). They are desperately wanting to latch on because when their tummy hurts, they think they are hungry. Newborns have a natural born reflex to want to eat when their tummy hurts, even if the pain is caused by colic and not hunger. If your baby just fed on both sides, there is no way your baby is "starving" hungry. Colic is very common, BUT you should always check with your doctor if you have concerns. The only reason to suspect your baby is not getting enough breastmilk is if they are not gaining weight regularly and not having regular poo and pee diapers.



4) You have to "rough up" you nipples while you pregnant to prepare for breastfeeding. WRONG. As the baby learns to latch on in the beginning, there can be some pain. This is because they are learning to latch on properly. A correct latch-on is when both of the baby's lips are out of their mouth and their tongue is under the nipple. Pain is caused when a lip is tucked in the baby's mouth (commonly the bottom lip). So, "roughing up" the nipple area does nothing to prepare you, only the baby.



That's all I can remember now! But there is more rumors about breastfeeding I'm sure. Just take the time to research claims before you believe them!



**MUCH OF THIS INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED FROM A BREASTFEEDING COURSE I TOOK AT HERMANN MEMORIAL WOODLANDS TEXAS THAT WAS INSTRUCTED BY A LACTATION CONSULTANT.



Good luck!

Katie - posted on 01/05/2009

Wow you have recieved all kinds of advice. There was lots of talk about breastfeeding "hurting". This can be misleading. When your child is latched on properly you should feel gentle tugging, if it is painfully get her to release and try again. The nurses in the hospital are very knowledgable and can be very helpfull. Ask the Lots of questions. If your nipples to get a bit sore from improper latching or the entier breast is in pain from let down or engorge ment try a cool compress. I used cool wash clothes and my grandmother told me to use refrigerated cabbage leaves. (They are the right shape she said) My let down tingles just before the flow comes. This gives me time to get over a sink, to the baby or get a rag/towel up my shirt.

When I am home I go braless to air out the nipples. If they stay damp too long they will get sore just like if your toes are stuck in wet socks too long. Plus they can start to smell funky like wet socks too.

Remember to have fun with BFing. It is a gift from you to your baby and from your baby to you. It is very easy to get caught up in the rush of dailylife, BFing makes you stop everyfew hours and spend a little snuggle time with your little miracle. That is the most important part. Just enjoy the closeness.

Jennifer - posted on 01/05/2009

I agree with everything posted. The answers to all of your questions can be found in many books. I prefer the Sears books because they have a lot of personal tips from Martha Sears in there who is a lactation consultant AND nursed 8 children.
Personal experience - I never had any pain nursing my daughter. She had a VERY hard time latching on. I really had to teach her how to nurse. A lot of women would have given up but I was determined. Lactation consultants are KEY and encourage your husband to go to a class with you or to be around when a consultant might visit you in the hospital. My husband was key in our success as he would be the helper to encourage her in the beginning. I would have some kind of pump on hand to help with the engorgement process in the beginning.
It is rewarding and the absolute best thing you can give your child. I know some women don't like breastfeeding but I love it. My daughter is 7 months now and happily breastfeeding and drinks pumped milk out of a sippy cup with meals.

Best of luck!

Emily - posted on 01/05/2009

La Leche League... I breastfed my first for only 4 1/2 months. :( I found La Leche League when I was pregnant with my second and it was a lifesaver. Not only did I find the information I needed, I found some great mom friends. :)

Elizabeth - posted on 01/05/2009

I have a 4 month old who I have breastfed since birth. At first I couldn't get him to latch on in the hospital, and then when he got circumcised he wouldn't eat at all for like half a day. So I did have to give him formula for a little while until he learned how to latch. Since he wasn't getting it right at first it did hurt a lot, but I got a pump and pumped my milk, figuring at least getting breastmilk from a bottle was better than nothing. This helped me heal and my son learned to take either breast or bottle. This was extremly rewarding as my husband was able to take turns with me at night feeding so I could get more sleep. As for milk storage, the hospital gave me a wonderful pamphlet on breastmilk. You can keep breastmilk at room temperature for about 6-8 hours, in the fridge for up to 8 days, and frozen for up to 6 months. Just make sure that you don't re-freeze any milk that has thawed, and don't re-store any milk that your baby doesn't eat. Another plus is the weightloss you can get from breastfeeding. I gained about 40 lbs during my pregnancy, and since I have breastfed I have lost all that and more. I weigh 15lbs less than I did when I got pregnant, and I feel great! I hope this helps!

Ann - posted on 01/05/2009

good for you asking these questions before your little one is born. the more educated you are the better off you will be. you have gotten alot of great advice. i have three children. i breastfeed for all three. the first child was my hardest. i was inexperienced, obviously :) my nipples cracked, bleed and were sore all the time. breastfeeding was not a bonding time for me. i hated it and i became resentful of my child. i continued to breastfeed due to financial reasons. there are fantastic benefits to breastfeeding for example, you loose the pregnancy fat so much quicker, your child's poop does not smell as bad as breastfeeding babies and the nutrients. i just wanted to let you know that side of the story so if you do have difficulties you are not the only one that may feel the negative of breastfeeding. by the time my second child came i was more prepared and it was better. and my third child it was so much better. the key is to make sure your child is latched on!!!!!!!!!

Sara - posted on 12/26/2008

Hi, you've gotten a lot of good advice already so I'll just add a few comments. I FF (formula fed) my first two kids and decided to try breastfeeding w/ my third. By far and away I preferred BF to FF. The first 2 weeks were HARD, it was so time-consuming, it hurt some, and even though I had the support of some BF friends and my hubby, the older generation in our families thought I was kooky for doing it (none of them did it.) I wanted to quit a few times during that first 2 weeks but I kept at it and boy, am I glad I did. No bottles to prepare, I could just take my son in bed and feed him at night. My son is now nearly 11 months and I'm still BFing twice a day, and feeling sad that the end is coming near. Good luck!!!:)

Laura - posted on 12/26/2008

Breastfeeding is WONDERFUL, and this is coming from a mom that had some MAJOR issues. I dealt with big latch issues (had to use something called a breastshield for the first 5 weeks of his life). He didn't have more than a few drops of colostrum for the first 28 hours, and that was FINE, so don't listen to any nurse who tells you to supplement. I also dealt with some big issues with soreness. I was sore for the first 5 months, which is incredibly abnormal, but the weird thing is, I wouldn't give those months up for the world, because I feel like my son and I have worked through all our problems together and it has created a wonderful bond. Now he happily nurses and it is a soothing, relaxing time for us together. (not to mention all the other awesome benefits) ... anyway, if you do decide to nurse, my biggest piece of advice for you is this: get a LOT of support and literature BEFORE the baby is born. This will help you tremendously, because if you do have problems like mine (which isn't very likely, but possible), you'll be able to get through it with lots of support. And of course, when your baby is born, feel free to post more questions, because a million other breastfeeding moms will be there to help you out right away!!!

Debbie - posted on 12/26/2008

here is another great web site

www.drjacknewman.com

Rachel - posted on 12/26/2008

I am currently breastfeeding my six month old, and since you have had tons of advise I am not going to repeat anything, but I just want to let you know that it is wonderful to breastfeed, I love it so much! But we had a difficult time with it at first. I wish someone would have explained this to me. Jake had a really hard time when my milk came in. I would go to nurse him and he would latch on and then immediately come off screaming and crying and then I would start crying. It was horrible! I would cry about how my baby didn't want to nurse from me and that he didn't like me, oh it was such a rough start. But it got better. What I did was for the first week that my milk came in, I would try to nurse, and if Jake wouldn't latch on I pumped and then gave it to him in a bottle, we did that for about a week. and then one day he latched on without any problems and we have been breastfeeding since. I talked to a lactation consultant about it and she said that sometimes when your milk comes in the baby has a hard time adjusting to how fast the milk comes out, so a bottle feed will help them get used to it. Good luck! Congratulations!

Sara - posted on 12/26/2008

I can't believe no one has pointed you to these amazing websites:

http://kellymom.com/

http://www.llli.org/



After you have your baby, my advise is to relax, and don't hesitate to break your baby's latch as many times as you need to encourage a good latch (keep those fingernails short!). Full term newborns have reserves to get them through the first days without need for much nutrition, which allows you time to learn to nurse together, without having to worry about whether or not your baby is eating enough (and no, you don't need to supplement with formula if you are struggling!). If you teach your baby how to get a good latch (open her mouth so she gets as much nipple and areola as she can), your nipples will be less painful as you get used to it. I liken it to the feeling of pressing on a bruise. Slightly uncomfortable, but oddly satisfying, if you know what I mean. If it's full out painful, something isn't right, and you should break her suction by inserting a finger into the side of her mouth, and trying again. If that's not working... definitely ask for some help from a lactation consultant, other moms, or go to a La Leche League meeting.



How often you want, or need, to pump depends upon your situation. Empty breasts produce more milk by design, and so it can be used for increasing your supply, or for providing for your infant when you're away from him. Breast milk has amazing qualities and can actually be stored fresh in the fridge for 8 days without growth of bacteria. Frozen milk, however, looses some of those anti-microbial types of properties, and once thawed, should be used within 24 hours. I have to admit, I didn't know this, and unknowingly sent my little one to daycare with some questionable milk once (however, it did not smell spoiled - I always smell it for some reason) but she seems to have had no ill effects. Whew!

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milks...



Also... your milk will separate in the fridge. This is normal. You are producing whole milk, so the cream rises to the top.



Good luck to you! It's a WONDERFUL experience, in addition to all the cost savings, immunity benefits, possible weight loss benefits (you may find you are REALLY hungry and thirst, much like you were during parts of your pregnancy - so eat and drink up! You're still feeding 2 people!), and possible family planning benefits.

Lauren - posted on 12/25/2008

I meant I had to return to work when he was only six WEEKS old! Lol. I wish I had six months!

Lauren - posted on 12/25/2008

Hooray for you! Breastfeeding is excellent. I nursed my son until he was 12 months old. I had to go back to work when he was only six-months old, so I had a breast pump attached to me at all times it seemed like. He only had formula maybe five times in his life.
The only time I experienced a little bit of pain was when I was still in the hospital with him and my nipples were just getting used to nursing. After they toughened up, I was fine. And face it, if you just went through labor and childbirth, you can definitely handle some soreness (if you can call it that) from nursing for the first time.
Otherwise, "let-down," the point where the milk starts flowing, was the best feeling! Just make sure you're nice and relaxed and it's peaceful when you nurse or pump.

You can pump as often as you want to. The more you nurse and/or pump the better your milk supply will be. It's supply and demand. If you stop doing either for any length of time, you may notice your supply lower a bit. My body was very sensitive to this, so I made sure to pump and/or nurse every two to three hours. I was using my pump at both breaks and my lunch.

You can definitely freeze your milk! Freeze away, especially if you're producing enough milk to do so! It helps a lot if and when other people are watching your baby, or if you want or need a night out, or dad wants his turn to feed the baby (you get to sleep! Yay!)
I was a huge fan of (and highly recommend) the milk freezer bags by Lansinoh. You get more of them for your money, in opposition to the Medela bags which a messier to use. I would pump into the bottles, then pour the bottles into the bags. You can also write on the bags when you pumped the milk. Other than the freezer bags, I love everything Medela makes, especially their milk storage kits. They're well worth having a few of.

Freshly pumped milk can sit out of the fridge for up to four hours, in a lunch cooler with ice packs up to three hours and in the fridge for up to a week. Fresh to Frozen milk can stay in a regular freezer for up to four months, a deep freezer for 6-12 months. Believe me I remember this! Lol!

My son's father would just run warm water over frozen milk bags, or place frozen bottles in our bottle warmer. But DON'T RE-FREEZE FROZEN MILK!

As far as putting some in the fridge, I would always try to have AT LEAST three bottles in the fridge, waiting, and then the rest in the freezer. If I was really productive I would have five in the fridge, the rest in the freezer.

I really loved nursing my son, it helped with bonding so much, especially since I had to return to work so soon after he was born. I also plan to nurse when I have more children.

Some awesome breastfeeding websites are:
Medela.com, La Leche League.org, and Lansinoh.com

Also, we all know breast pumps are expensive. I was fortunate enough to get one for a shower gift, but I know that the county that I live in has a program for nursing moms or potentially nursing moms that will provide you with a pump, if it applies.

Good for you, and please ask away! We obviously all have something to say on the subject! Lol!

*gets off soapbox*

Lorilynne - posted on 12/24/2008

Your questions were pretty much answered but I'll say this on freezing milk, if you freeze it in bags, lay them flat to freeze and you will have a much easier time thawing them :) I got lots of my breast feeding info from a consultant at WIC and she was very, very helpful. The nurses in the hospital were not so much. Make sure that the hospital knows you are planning on breastfeeding and that you don't want any formula because with both of my babies, all the nurses kept trying to get me to supplement. It did hurt me for about the first two weeks as my nipples got used to the new sensation but if your latch is correct, it shouldn't hurt after that. Good luck! Breastfeeding is so great once you and baby get the hang of it :)

Michaela - posted on 12/24/2008

I also wanted to let you know that with My current son, who is a month old, My nipples were really sore from him not latching on right so I just pumped all his bottles for a week to let them heal. Since then I haven't had any problem with them hurting. And The Playtex petite pump is excellent! Also if your breast are too full it is hard for the baby to latch on, sometimes you might need to pump a little first so he can latch on right. And it one nipple is more sore than the other it is better to start on the less sore nipple because they suck harder when they first latch on. Again, Good Luck!

Erin - posted on 12/24/2008

Moms Cafe...open 24-7. No prep needed! I'm breast feeding my 3rd. I have to tell you though your nipples do need to get use to the sucking. And that can be painful at times. But the more you nurse the better it gets, and if the baby is latching on right the less pain you have. You will in the hospital have a lactation consultant. Do not be afraid to ask her anything!
Ok answers for your questions...
You can pump as often as you want, the more you pump or nurse the more you body will make milk.
You can freeze your milk, just make sur to use up the oldest milk first. I putt he frozen milk in a bag, then put it in a glass of hot water. Replace the hot water as needed.
You can put your milk in the fridge too, but use it up with in 24 hours.
Sign up for breast feeding classes if you can.
Odd things that will happen...
At times you could be nursing on one side and the other breast could leak or squirt.
You may hear a crying baby and find that your leaking milk.
You may have your breast fill up if the baby sleeps through a feeding, they will be full and much harder to the touch.
This is how I help remember what side I feed on last. You want to start with the last breast the baby ate from.
Get proper support for the baby while your feeding as well. Like a boppy or a bunch of pillows. Your going to find when the baby does spit up its not a nasty of smell formula, and surely doenst stain like formula does!
It will hurt, but it doenst last and in the end you save SO much money!
Good luck!!

Safa - posted on 12/24/2008

Hi Nicki! You've had such wonderful advice already, but I just wanted to plug Dr. Jack Newman's book again. I read the first bit while I was pregnant and it really helped me to get started. I didn't have any pain. Some discomfort with figuring out the latch, but I pulled her off EVERY time it was an improper latch so that she'd figure out how to get it right.

Lactation consultants are also invaluable. Because I had an emergency Csection after a prolonged labour my milk production was quite low. If this happens to you don't give up! I saw an LC (well, a few, really over the first 6 weeks) and started pumping right away (rented the hospital-grade electric pump) to increase milk supply. The LC/ physician also put me on a very small dose of motilitum (3 pills/day. apparently 8 pills/day is often where they start off it you're having real troubles) and my milk kicked in about 4-5 days later, then i was off it by my next appointment.

The most valuable advice I can offer you is try to relax, and know that most people find it challenging at the beginning. You and your little wee person are learning a new skill. Its okay that it takes a bit of time. It took us about 4 weeks to gain confidence, and by 6 weeks breastfeeding was established.

The paediatrician in the hospital told me that every time the baby feeds, regardless of how long the feed is, its more practice time for mom and baby. The colostrum (yellowy fluid before the milk comes in, the first day or two ) is so high in nutrients that baby will nutritionally get what he/she needs.

'Hope that helps. If you have the opportunity to read up or take a class during pregnancy that'll be a great start. You can always look up your local LLL as well (La Leche League. They offer ongoing support and education, during pregnancy and beyond)

Good luck!

Michaela - posted on 12/24/2008

Wow These women were very helpful. I completely agree that breastfeeding is so rewarding and more than worth everything you have to go through the first month. It does get overwhelming the first month. I had a lot of pain with both of my boys the first month. I'm pretty sure I was having a problem getting them latched on correctly. That is the key to making it work. It was hard fro me because you have the lactation consultant to help you when you are at the hospital but you feel like you are on your own when you get home. Do not hesitate to call the lactaion consultant, that's what they are there for and they are usually very nice! Another complication I had was right after my milk finally came in. You might think you have breastfeeding down in the hospital but your milk hasn't even come in yet. Feeding is completely different once you start producing milk. That's why is it good that you are able to call and even go in and vistit with the consultant. Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond and is very good for your baby, but it is a very big commitment. But it is worth it! It saves a lot of money too! Good Luck with everything, My little one is needing fed now :)

Jovanne - posted on 12/23/2008

Breastfeeding only was a little painful for the first two weeks while you get used to it. They eat every two hours when a newborn. My 10 month old daughter eats every 3 - 4 hours now. It takes a lot of time, but has incredible benefits to you and your baby. You pump when you want to increase you milk supply. So, if you think you are low on milk, you will want to pump for 5 - 10 minutes after the baby feeds (when breasts are empty). If you have to go back to work when the baby is little (6 wks.), you may pump both sides about 3 times. The major rules of breastmilk are never microwave it and never refreeze it. When you freshly pump milk, you chill it in a cooloer or refridgerator until you get to a freezer (Don't freeze milk at work because you will have to transport it home and refreeze it). Once breastmilk is frozen, if you ever think it has thawed even a little, you should not refreeze it. All you do to thaw milk to feed to the baby, is run the hot water in the sink, place baggie of milk in a cup, and run the hot water to get it thawed and warm. I buy Lasinoh breastmilk storage bags to pump the milk into. NEVER place milk in boiling water. You can heat water to boiling, but remove the pot from the stove and let sit for a minute or two before placing milk in it. I don't recommend putting breastmilk in the fridge (unless to be transferred to a freezer ASAP), because you want to freeze all the nutrients immediately, so it will as close to fresh as possible when thawed. When place in the refridgerator, the milk slowly separates (into hindmilk and foremilk). Hindmilk is thicker milk the baby eats as the breast it emptying. Foremilk is thinner milk that is spit up often because it is not as satifying. The trick to keeping you milk supply up is to constantly have the baby EMPTY the breast each time they feed. In the beginning, you are engorged with too much milk, so you have to pump off excess, so the baby can get the nutritious hindmilk. The first two months, you think you are running out of milk and you think the baby is not getting enough. If the baby is having regular poo and pee diapers and is gaining weight, they are just fine.

I know I wrote a lot, but I really think breastfeeding is great and always want to help!



**Sign up for a breastfeeding class (there are also good labor and delivery classes) at your hospital and ask a lot of questions. Lactation consultants will help you get started.

Emily - posted on 12/23/2008

There is a wonderful book by Dr. Jack Newman that will answer all of the these questions and more. I don't know where you live but in the US it's called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers and in Canada it's called Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is also invaluable - you can find one in your area at http://www.ilca.org/falc.html
It doesn't hurt as long as you have a good latch - the beginning can be a little rough but once you get going its very easy. You are going to be great, just make sure you have lots of support lined up before the baby comes!

Erin - posted on 12/23/2008

Get the Breastfeeding book by Dr. Sears - It answers all your questions and more, but is small and easy to read.

User - posted on 12/23/2008

Speak with a lactation consultant at your local hospital. In the beginning you feel pretty engorged, but from what I hear it is NOTHING compared to how you feel if you do not bf (breastfeed). I pumped whenever I felt engorged and the baby was not in the mood to eat...