Any younger breastfeeding mums?

Nicole - posted on 12/14/2009

I am 19 and have a 3 month old son. Ibreast feed and its going great. I know quite a few young moms who don't and I don't get why. I feel wso much closer to my son, plus the baby weight goes away faster.

LaKisha - posted on 12/14/2009

Hey Brittany!

Allison gave you some excellent advice and to add on to that for ALL breastfeeding moms...BREASTFEEDING IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HURT!!! If it hurts, they aren't latched on properly...be sure to check the latch if you find that feeding is painful...it is not ok for baby to hurt mommy while breastfeeding...lol! Surrounding yourself with other breastfeeding mommies help too. See if there is a La Leche support group in your area. Also, oatmeal helps with milk production as well...take a DHA supplement or eat foods high in DHA. DHA helps with eye and brain development. Tuna, salmon, minute maid makes a pomegranate blueberry juice with DHA in it. Make sure you continue to take prenatal vitamins and iron supplements if you experienced anemia during pregnancy! Nursing teas are a godsend also...fenugreek supplements also can boost milk production. Drink plenty of water so baby can be highly hydrated and the more baby nurses the more milk your body will produce.

Erica - posted on 12/14/2009

I had my daughter at 19 and nursed her until she was 2 and 5 months. I was pregnant with her brother when she self weaned. I am now 21 and nursing #2. I think its great that you are nursing. Your setting a good example for ladies your age:)

Vanessa - posted on 12/12/2009

im 19 and i have been breastfeeding my daughter since she was born,

LaKisha - posted on 12/11/2009

Hi Buffin!!! I'm 24 and I breastfeed and like you I found that not alot of young women breastfeed...I joined the local La Lache League and felt better when I found that there really were young women who breastfed...then out the woodworks came families of women who down the generations breastfeed...lolol! Just surround yourself with like minded mommies...you're definitely not alone!!! How long do you plan on breastfeeding?

Kristen - posted on 12/10/2009

i am 22 and breastfeed my daughter. i have gotten a TON of praise for breastfeeding my daughter and not supplementing with formula from my mom's generation and up.

I know a lot of women consider non-breastfeeding moms to be lazy? i dont know about that but i feel like younger moms may not feel like they have the time to sit and breastfeed but it is all the same to me!

In the beginning it was amazing to breastfeed, it is still amazing but it helped with bonding. The physical affects on the breast from breastfeeding is nothing compared to the good it does your baby

Sarah - posted on 12/10/2009

I think I am very lucky I didn't have the pain from breastfeeding most have written about. Though I had colostrum leaking at about 25 weeks so I think my nipples got very firm and tough. There were some bad latches (that hurt) but nothing to bad. I would say the engorgement was the worst. I swear my boobs were around my back and up to my collar bones. I haven't had a problem with losing my milk either and my baby seems to be "filling out" nicely.

The only time I wanted to give up was because I just wanted to sleep. Thanks to my mom and mother in law's help we are now 10 weeks in. Took a lot of work. I pump now and give my baby daughter a bottle. Well actually the hubby gets to take care of her. All the moms I know who are young (early twenties like me) breast feed because it is cheaper. The ones who don't are the ones who are going back to work early. Keep with it. So worth it. Mostly for the bonding purposes.

Mary-Ann - posted on 12/10/2009

I think there are several reasons and I recon we could all name an experience where we have seen or had different circumstances. I am 25 and have 2 children and I breastfed both because I knew it was the best thing for my babies...I remember want to scream in agony with my first child because of the pain...the truth is we live in a society that kindo of encourages us to do what feels right for 'us' and provides convenient alternatives...the truth is people bottle feed because...they can!!! Financially I dont think My husband and I have any other choice...but even if we did I would still choose BF because I enjoy the one on one time with my gorgeous little girl!!

Princess - posted on 12/10/2009

Quoting Kristen:

I had my 1st at 18 and my family was not very supportive of my decision to breast feed they actually made me feel bad for doing it, my husband was the only one who stood by me and when I couldn't take it anymore and stopped he made me not feel like a horrible mom for it. That was 41/2 years ago and this time we said screw everyone, were doing what we know is best. Once we asserted ourselves it became no big deal. So that's why I didn't then did :)

Was there a particular reason they weren't supportive?

Princess - posted on 12/10/2009

I'm 25 and I have a 3 month old. He is my first and we've been pretty successful BF. I had a lot of pressure from relatives and future in-laws to formula feed b/c they wanted to handle/spend time with the baby. They never said that...instead they expressed concern about me "overdoing it and hurting myself" but I read between the lines. I wasn't overdoing it when they were sending me up and down stairs for a onsie, bib or blanket. I was encouraged to continue and coached on the right way to BF by an aunt-the youngest of 9 girls and mother to 1 at that! I think younger girls need support and to often people are too busy judging the young mothers to provide that support.

Franquell - posted on 12/09/2009

A lot of young girls don't breastfeed because it can be painful and fraustating at first, but they don't do it long enoght to relalize that, it's not that bad. Don't worry about if there are other young girls doing because it's good for your baby.

Julianne - posted on 12/08/2009

Hey Buffin... im 22 and i breastfeed my baby. it was really hard at first and i think alot of people get to discouraged or hear to many negative storys about breatsfeeding so they just dont do it.

Natalie - posted on 12/08/2009

I'm 25 and hoping to breastfeed my daughter for at lease a year. she was born the end of september. hope you found a get breastfeeding support group around you so they can help, that helped me alot.

Kristen - posted on 12/08/2009

I had my 1st at 18 and my family was not very supportive of my decision to breast feed they actually made me feel bad for doing it, my husband was the only one who stood by me and when I couldn't take it anymore and stopped he made me not feel like a horrible mom for it. That was 41/2 years ago and this time we said screw everyone, were doing what we know is best. Once we asserted ourselves it became no big deal. So that's why I didn't then did :)

Mandy - posted on 12/08/2009

i'm 23 and i am nursing my little guy but i also nursed one of his other brothers when i had him at 19, i have actually personally found that more of my younger friends at least tried rather than the older ones.

Sarah - posted on 12/08/2009

im 22 and breastfeeding my little girl. the first couple of weeks were a bit challenging learning how to do it properly but once u get past that stage its great i love it and knowing it is good for my daughter make it all worth while and the speacial bond u have as well.

Allison - posted on 12/08/2009

sarah

thats brutal! What were you doing going back to work??

ok that was a horrible question i know that some mms don't have choice but is thereno maternity leave where you come from? Or is it just privelaged women who get to take the time to be at home with their babies. . . laughable. I think i'm going to start a huge breastfeeding campagne and educate the world. It seems to be dying out. I feel for you.

Allison - posted on 12/08/2009

hey kendra,

you're a tough mama, but be careful. Make sure you heal yourself up or your problems could multiply. Don't wear any of those stupid breast pads and let your nipples get lots of air. breastfeeding should be a little more enjoyable that cracked and bleeding nipples. (been there done that got the scars and trauma) my first son was brutal, but the we started out on the wrong foot (ignorance isn't always bliss) however my third child is now 3 months old and we're still breastfeeding and it's going great.

Sarah - posted on 12/08/2009

i'm 23 my little boy is 12 wks i had 2 stop cause lost my milk at about 9 wks otherwise would still bfeeding my sis is 21 n got her second she is bfeeding n have n prob n it does hurt just got 2 keep on going i was bleeding at start n put nipple cream on helped so much n slowly started 2 stop i found that milk helped me produce a lot but what killed me was going back 2 work n not been able 2 exspess there so good luck n keep going i find bit harder 2 bottle feed have 2 make sure got everything n enough n have microwave handy or hot water so if can keep with it n it good for them

Allison - posted on 12/08/2009

P.S. Brittany.

eat whatever you like. I do and i haven't noticed any problems with the baby. I'm talking curries and spicy stuff. My little Pennys had it all. They only get stomach pains from gas, bearing that in mind you have to try to envoke a burp or 2 after they feed and you're in the clear. . . without restricting your diet. do make sure that you get enough to drink, for yourself. . . babies are notoriously selfish and will take what they need leaving mama with little or nothing. just eat a balanced diet and you'll both thrive. and really if baby says he/she wants more to eat let him/her feed from you again, your milk production will go up. Think centuries back if you will, when there was no formula to be given right. . . what did those women do? they breastfed. . . same goes with food. You wouldn't tell a japanese woman to not eat raw fish, the key is to make sure its fresh. . . same with meat. (i love carpaccio) just make sure what you're getting is fresh and you're fine (even during pregnancy) ( i don't know about the cheeses though cause i don't like them anyway) that was never an issue for me. The thing is all advice is culturally biased. In france they drink wine, I've found that dark brown ale is good for milk production. and water, and then lots of nutrient rich foods so you pass on good stuff to your baby. . . not crap.

ok i'll shut up now

Allison - posted on 12/07/2009

Hi Brittany.

The more you let your little one feed, the more milk you'll produce. If h/she is now eating every 4 hours then let him/her eat evey 3 hours. You'll start producing more this way. Your baby regulates how much milk they get. if you want to make more then after every feeding *also* you should use a hand pump and make sure that you empty yourself out. As far as the milk goes you should be able to up your production. I live in holland and they call these regel days. .. where the baby seems to want to eat more and more, every hour or so this is because he/she is growing and they require more sustinance. I think the world is seriously lacking in information on this subject.

Lisa - posted on 12/07/2009

Hi Brittany,
There is probably not any foods that are a must not eat, but you should steer clear of such foods as those that we dont eat whilst pregnant, eg, raw fish, unpasteurised cheeses, aged cheeses, preprepared salads, salad bar items, things like that and the other things that I have found can sometimes cause problems whilst feedinf are foods like, onions, garlic, some other herbs, my daughter also has trouble with cooked tomatoes, beans of any kind in particular baked beans, and I am also off most italian sauces, with tomato in them at the moment as they give her tummy pain. My aunt was also off lots of vegies, in particular cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and foods like that, it is a bit of trial and error to see if certain foods give the baby pains in the tummy. Hope this helps, remember there is no steadfast rules and it is all trial and error! :)

Allison - posted on 12/07/2009

hmmm
I'm 30 and i'm doing it. Not so young Breastfeeding. Most younger people don't breastfeed because it's easier to get back to your social life when you only need to bring a bottle along. No really! I read an article. I just had my third baby on 6/9/09 and i want to breastfeed her for as long as i can. My other 2 didn't go so well. It's really difficult huh?! We got it all down now, positions latching on and what-not. I'm really happy feeding her this way we had a 3 week blip in the breastfeeding where we had thrush, when you could easily add three hours on to my day to include all the pumping feeding and sterilising i had to do, It sucks. . . bottle feeding is just so much work. Besides breasts arent just aesthetic.

Brittany - posted on 12/07/2009

Lisa, I was never told what foods to eat and not eat I was just told to eat lots of protein and get lots of fluids, I am also having to take fenugreek because my little one just doesn't get full feeding off of me... Could you please let me know if there are certain foods to avoid?! I may sound like an idiot but I really didn't know this! =]

Lisa - posted on 12/07/2009

Hey girls, i guess i am one of the older mums to speak on this subject, being the grand old age of 32, but i just wanted to say congratulations to you all, i too am currently breastfeeding my 10 week old daughter, i also have a 3 year old son, whom i only managed to feed for 8 weeks before adding formula as well. This time round we are much wiser, and we are both absolutely loving the experience and saving an absolute fortune. Yeah its a pain sometimes with watching what we eat, etc, but no sterelising, no formula to play around with and no making our bubs wait! It is so easy and wonderful!! Keep up the good work! And to those who cant feed, \i feel for you, and keep up the good work too!

Brittany - posted on 12/07/2009

I am 23 and I have breastfed all 3 of my babies! Well I have to pump the first month with my first he was a premie, the second I breastfed till I went back to work when she was 4 months old and now my 3rd is 2 months and still breastfeeding and have it worked out with the lactation lady on how I will continue to do it after I start back to work! It's an amazing thing to do and it really makes you feel good about yourself

Aubrey - posted on 12/07/2009

I'm 20 and breastfeeding my 2nd. He's been much harder as he spent almost 4 weeks in NICU. We didn't have the bonding time when he was really little so it's much harder now than it was with my first (a year ago, and yes, I know I'm crazy). I think its so good for my boys to have breastfead and it helps us save money too. :)

Jessica - posted on 12/04/2009

I'm 27 so I'm an older mom this time around, but with my ODD I was 20 (turned 21 shortly after having her) and breastfed her for 15 months. My YDD is breast fed the majority of the time getting about 4 bottles of formula a week. I plan to breastfeed her for at least the first year. We will see what her needs are after that. I don't know why more younger moms don't breastfeed. I love the bonding time and being able to provide for my baby like that. And best of all it's FREE!!

Gemma - posted on 12/04/2009

hi im 20 i breast feed my son hes 2 months old he loves the boob.... he gets formula at night after his baths and he sleeps all night.....

Kylie - posted on 12/04/2009

Hey Im 24 and breastfeeding my 12 week old son. I also breastfed my daughter who is now 18 months. I LOVE breastfeeding, i think its a truely beautiful thing. SOOO agree that the first week or so is the hardest - sore possibly cracked and bleeding nipples, engorgment etc - I think thats why alot of people throw in the towel. It really is a shame because if you push past it a bit the pain sudsides and bfeeding can be a beautiful experience! Im planning to feed my son as long as I can. I have absoutley no aversion to formula and I totally respect any womans choice to feed her baby as she wishes but to ME it is very important and if I couldnt do it (for whatever reason) it would break my heart.

Alicia - posted on 12/03/2009

I'm so happy that so many young women BF! Good to see :) I'm 24 and am breastfeeding my 10 week old daughter, hopefully until she is 1, or around there at least.

Good job everyone!

Ruth - posted on 12/03/2009

lol i am 31 and out of all the other moms with babys born this year i only know one other mom who is breast feeding. i think its because so many work or find it too hard. but i am going to keep going. my son loves it and it is whats best for him.

Tara - posted on 12/03/2009

I'm 25 and I'm breastfeeding my second daughter, after some difficulty in the beginning but I am so happy that I persisted since it really does get easy over time. My first daughter I gave up after her first week, at the time I now realise is the peak of difficulty. Having done both I find breastfeeding more convenient (especailly in the wee hours of the morning) however I can see that there is alot of pressure on some parents to bottle feed especailly in public places. I found my partner and family were uncomfortable when I fed in public or in front of family. The second time I found my friends were more of a pressure to breastfeed and even my Mum came around to the idea after I explained the benefits to her. I don't blame my family though because they come from a time when bottle feeding was the norm.

Janel - posted on 12/03/2009

Hello I am 21 and breastfeeding my baby for 3 months now. I will use my pump when I return to work next week! BREAST is BEST. I want my baby to be healthy and I would do anything for him! I saw a lactation specialist three days after I had my boy, he had a hard time latching on but we got through it and now he does it like a pro.

Rachel - posted on 12/03/2009

hey im 23 and i breast feed have a friend that wont but its because shes to shy and got no confidence which is sad cause she had enough milk to feed an army of babys

Sarah - posted on 12/02/2009

Im 25 and brest feed my baby! I tryed really hard to brest feed my son when I was 19 but he just wouldnt lacth. I am so greatful I can brest feed my daughter this time around. :)

Samantha - posted on 12/02/2009

hey buffin! i just turned 20 and had my son on 9/14/09....i have been determined to breastfeed since before i found out i was pregnant. when my son was born he was born with a severly bruised face and fractured collar bone, so being pressed against me to breastfeed was painful and breastfeeding was difficult. it was just a trial and error for about two weeks and now we're doing great with it.

i kept trying cuz i knew that it was healthier and that the bonding experience would be irreplaceable...and im glad i stuck with it because having bradyn look up and smile at me whiile he is nursing is....well cant really put in into words...

Samantha - posted on 12/02/2009

im 24 and i breastfeed. a lot of my family and friends to my suprise discouraged it! thats crazy. it WAS hard at first with the skin tearing, and scabbing but once i got a lacation consulant's help, she latched on correctly and it was fine. you just have to stick to it. i was determined for my baby's health.

Casandra - posted on 12/02/2009

i'm 23 and nursing and the first weeks were painful, and it was my fault lol he was doing everything right according to the lactation consultants and I saw 5 of them. I wasn't alternating so it was alot of stress on one nipple. Now he's 10 weeks and its awesome. I haven't had any disapproving looks and stares just yet but i'm sure they'll come. so far everyone's been supportive and kind of proud even when i feed in public

Skye - posted on 11/29/2009

Hey I was 21 when i breastfed my first and now im 24 and breastfeeding my second.I know how you feel and had alot of odd looks and was met with alot of disapproval.But just remember that what you are doing is amazing and the health benefits for you and your son are endless.Well done for persevering and feel blessed you have been able to breastfeed.My friend had alot of trouble and was unable to even though she really wanted to.Congratulations!!!

Tiffany - posted on 11/27/2009

hello! im 22 years old and my daughter was born 9.21.09. I am the only one of my friends i know that breastfeeds! it is a huge responsibility so i think thats why not many young mothers do it. you have to watch what you eat, drink, etc. and it takes A LOT of time and patience in the beginning. i absolutely love it now, how is it going for you?

Danielle - posted on 11/27/2009

HEY im 19 and my lil girl lili took to my breast right away....all my friends think im crazy but you know what i say it take me two minutes to get ready to do what it takes formula moms to do in 5 minutes
!!

Alison - posted on 11/26/2009

Quoting Debra:

I am 27, but I had my first daughter at 25. I have breastfed them both. I love it and so do they. The most heart warming thing is first thing in the morning, after a long sleep and they are so hungry - that satisfied moan they give as they drink - almost like "Mmmm, that is good!". I have heard people say they wont breastfeed cause they don't want saggy boobs! News Flash, that is what they are made for!

Not to mention "saggy boobs" are pretty much always related to pregnancy itself.  And, y'know, there's always that pesky thing called gravity...

Debra - posted on 11/26/2009

I am 27, but I had my first daughter at 25. I have breastfed them both. I love it and so do they. The most heart warming thing is first thing in the morning, after a long sleep and they are so hungry - that satisfied moan they give as they drink - almost like "Mmmm, that is good!". I have heard people say they wont breastfeed cause they don't want saggy boobs! News Flash, that is what they are made for!

Alison - posted on 11/26/2009

I'm 25 and nursing. We had a lot of trouble at first-- he literally sucked chunks of my nipple off-- and I came really close to quitting. The best advice I got in the early days was "anytime you think about giving up, give it another week". Now that he's 2 months old, it's "give it another month". It is hard... but nothing worth doing is easy!

Ali - posted on 11/26/2009

I'm 23 and I'm breastfeeding my 11 week old daughter, I was incredibly lucky as she seemed to know exactly what she was doing and we got the hang of it really quickly. I never even thought about bottle feeding and am so glad I'm breastfeeding but I understand that some women and babies just can't do it and we should count ourselves lucky that it worked for us! I think maybe some younger women may feel funny and insecure about breastfeeding, like other girls their age that don't have children might judge them, but it's great to hear so many young mums having positive breastfeeding experiences!

Sarah - posted on 11/26/2009

Hey in 22, and i know its hard all my friends didn't even try to breastfeed their babies, it is hard the first week but i have hung in there. dont let anyone tell you any different that what you wanna do!!!!!!!!!!!

Kellie - posted on 11/25/2009

I'm 24 and bottle feed because I never felt comfortable doing it. I never even tried. It just seemed weird for me. I wish I could have because I know it's a little bit better and definitely would have saved us money but something about my baby sucking on me kind of weirded me out. Sadly, I prefer the bottle.

Courtney - posted on 11/25/2009

I'm not a young mum, but I just want to say good on you for sticking with breastfeeding, especially if your peers are all using bottles. Of course it's better for baby healthwise, but equally the financial benefits are huge! We live in a world where it seems everyone wants to make a profit from our love and concern for our children. Yet here's one of the best things you can do for your baby, and it's absolutely free...

Tracey - posted on 11/25/2009

Im 24 and just had my 3rd child :) I've breastfed all my children. I had my first child when i was 20 and i also found not many people my age were breastfeeding.....I think alot of people give up because it is so hard in the first week. Well done for keeping at it coz it is hard work and i think you have to be really determined. x