Is it really that hard??

Amanda - posted on 04/29/2009

I breastfed both of my children. The first for a very very short time, we only 'made it' 14 weeks. I had a couple problems, but nothing that couldn't have been worked out with the proper support or a good lactation consultant. I had thrush, that even with treatment was painful to nurse. I wasn't having a milk let down, so I was pumping for my son. I pumped and fed him my milk for just over a month before my pumping supply wasn't sufficient. I called the only IBCLC in the town we lived in and she was VERY unhelpful. If I had thought about it, I probably would have driven home to see someone else.

With my second child I had a much easier time, but I also had an AMAZING support network. She was born at home, so I had my midwife, my doula, who was also a very good friend. An entire circle of nursing mothers both in real life and through the internet. She and I nursed until she was 22 months. I would have gone longer, but we were both very happy with how the nursing relationship ended. It was a no tears kind of thing, and we still cuddle lots when we'd have been nursing.

I recommend Lansinoh, plenty of water, good foods, and rest. It's not easy to rest with kids, but you can find ways :)

Christie - posted on 04/29/2009

I remember before I started breatfeeding that it was all about determination. I was told to give it a try for at least 6 weeks. And it took me and my son those six weeks to figure out how to do it. Then it got a bit easier. I will admit, I didn't like breatfeeding, but I'm pregnant with our second, and I will do it again in a heartbeat. I believe it is all worth it, what ever is best for the baby. Good luck!

Christy - posted on 04/29/2009

Oh, and one thing I found invaluable is that everywhere you may be breastfeeding, keep a bottle of water handy - I always became thirsty when breastfeeding and to save having to get up and get a drink, to have a bottle of water right there was great!

Christy - posted on 04/29/2009

Breastfeeding can be very hard, particularly if there are other contributing factors (in my case my daughter was born with torticollis which made feeding difficult, and my milk supply diminished rapidly to the point where I had to supplement feeding from 3 weeks and my milk ran dry by 5 weeks).

The health nurses will do basically anything they can to help you with the breastfeeding - I was given DVDs, books, pamphlets, and support numbers too which were all very informative (unfortunately not helpful in my particular situation). All you need to do is ask and there is sooooo much help out there.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is also apparently very helpful, and most hospitals do run classes/courses in breastfeeding on a regular basis.

I'm expecting again in a few months time and am going to give it another try - every pregnancy is different and I'm hoping that every breastfeeding experience is different too and that this time it may actually work for me and my baby. Can only wait and see!!

Good luck :)

Kirsten - posted on 04/29/2009

I think determination is the key. I was very lucky and didn't have too much trouble with breastfeeding. But I, like you, was determined to breastfeed so I didn't even let formula be an option for us. My best advice is to find a really comfy place to do it and have everything you need waiting for you there. We got a glider rocker and it was a Godsend. I also got some books on tape so I would have something to listen while he ate because at the beginning it will feel like you are breastfeeding nonstop. Good luck!

Lauren - posted on 04/29/2009

oh by the way..i think the mom's that just put their babies on formula are just afraid to breastfeed or just feel that it's easier not to breastfeed. they are right, it is much easier to just make a bottle. but it's a fact that breast milk is always better. both are fine for the baby but i think breastfeeding is worth it. there is help for people who have trouble with it too. i sometimes go to a breastfeeding class at the hospital where i delivered.

Lauren - posted on 04/29/2009

i have a low milk supply but i think i lost my milk from not drinking enough water and not having him latched on the right way. it's hard but once the baby gets use to latching on it gets better. im not going to lie, it does hurt the first couple of weeks. get nipple ointment definitely, and if you have any horrible pain or cracking or bleeding(happened to me but it healed fast) they have prescription nipple ointment wich helped a lot. when your milk comes in double up on the breast pads. make sure you eat fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.