Breast Feeding!

Cassie - posted on 01/26/2010

Hello Christina. Many expecting mothers come thinking that breastfeeding is easy; but in reality it's not, at least for the first few weeks that is. There is a lot of information I wished I knew before giving birth to by little one, and I'm glad you're asking.

Here are a few things I learned along the way:
1. Babies can sense when you're stressed, so make an effort to relax. =]
2. If you "pinch" your your breast around the nipple with your thumb and pointer finger making a more pointed surface and lead it into your babies mouth it helps him latch on easier. At first it helps to hold it like that while they feed, and not to cover the babies nose so they can breath easier.
3. At first it will hurt, but it'll get better. I promise. If your nipple starts getting chapped, then the baby isn't latching on right, you can also tell by the type of pain you feel while he's nursing. You'll know the difference.
4. As for a good nursing diet: eggs, cheese, yogurt, avacado... anything with a "good" fat content will make for good milk. For extra energy try a home made energy drink.
1/2 cup milk. 1/2 cup vanilla/plain yogurt. Frozen fruit. A handfull of walnuts. 1 raw egg (optional)
5. If you find that your baby is really gassy, having an upset tummy... you should keep away from anything gassy or hot. (Anything you eat, your baby eats). Beans, cabbage...

Anyways here are somethings I can think of at the moment. If you have any spacifics just send a message.

Don't let the first few weeks discourage you... it gets better. It's a wonderful way to bond with your little one, and it's healthy for both you and him.

Christina - posted on 01/26/2010

Thanks! Your Advice Was Very Helpful I Appreciate It!! Thanks So Much!!

Hannah - posted on 01/23/2010

Christina, don't worry! You will do fine! I had really good experiences breastfeeding both of my children. I breastfeed them both for a full year. I loved it!
If its something that you really want to do, just keep it up even when it might seem hard. Marcy had a really good post. Have a support system too of moms (friends or your own mother) who can encourage you if you get discouraged. Its so worth it! Its good for the baby and for you!
Lanolin is good to use if your nipples get sore
They also make shields to help protect sore nipples
Make sure you drink lots and lots of water and get lots of sleep
Take your time, don't try to rush. Some babies latch on right away and others it takes a little. If you are still pregnant talk to a lactation nurse at the hospital you are going to deliver at and they can tell you things to do to get your nipples ready so they are easier to latch on to.
The more they nurse the better, because it stimulates more milk production. (Also an added perk is that you loose your baby weight faster when breastfeeding!)
You are going to do great!

Laura - posted on 01/23/2010

Just be determined! I had my heart set on BFing and even though I had many problems (her not knowing how to suck right and flat nipples) we worked thought it and we are going on 10 months. It is not always easy just be determined and let nature take it's course!

Heather - posted on 01/23/2010

Christina, I breast fed my daughter Ambria and it wasn't always perfect. I didn't get any drugs for labor because I wanted her to latch on right away. She still wouldn't eat 12 hours later. I had a hard time with my nipples, she couldn't latch on, but they have a wonderful thing called a nipple shield. If your baby won't latch on, ask for one of them. Actually you may want to just have one in case. She actually only latched on 1 time during the whole time I breast fed. Someone said something about pumping, it really does help A lot. With her not latching on to me, I would pump into bottles when we were going somewhere so i didn't have to feed with the shield. You are going to find what works for you and your baby. Don't give up, it really is worth it. Ambria has only been sick once in her life and hse is almost two. I really believe it is from breastfeeding.

Crystal - posted on 01/22/2010

Im a first time mom and didn't take any classes the lacktation nurse will sho u wut needs to be done and teach u a couple tricks @ the hospital. for me breastfeeding was so hard and painfull the first couple weeks I wanted to quite so many times. Make sure u keep cream on ur nipples because they will get raw and scabby but it is so worth it. Know that typically ur baby gets most the milk they need in the 1st 5min of feeding so if hes not laching on more then that dont get scared. As well if ur not producing enough milk it's good to cup the side and bottom of ur breast with ur hands and rub, hot tea, And or putting a hot cloth over them!!

Breastfeeding it is such a great bonding experince and brings u so much closer together! The health benifits are amazing higher IQ, stronger immune system. less shity dippers then formula fed babies because the breast milk is so good for them thier bodys absorbs all the nutriants so it doesnt create any wast!! It's only natural to worry just remember ur instincts will kick in it;s only natural we were made for this. U will be just fine enjoy it while it lasts.Congrats!!1

Jessica - posted on 01/22/2010

Hey Christina, I was a young mum 18 when my son was born. I had same worries as you do I was rather nervous but breast feeding is something I really wanted to do. I breastfed him for 6 months and regetted switching to bottles. Sometimes it does have it's hard days but it's worth it in the end. Try to relax it's easier to latch baby on if your not stressed. Eat well and drink lots of water it helps keep you milk up. The more baby drinks the more milk you make. I used to express some milk after each feed in the first few weeks to increase my milk supply. It was suggested by my midwife as I had a hungry baby.

I am sure you will do fine. Try not to worry. All the best

Joanne - posted on 01/22/2010

Hi,

I am breastfeeding my son ( now 4 months).

I had problems with latching on as i have flat nipples. that combined with midwifes that told me loads of different ways to do it but never really worked on 1 position to help me get it sorted, meant i had big problems. Luckily 1 MW suggested nipple shields to give him something to latch onto and he fed!!!!!! after days of struggling and tears i was feeding on my own. This method is not recommended as it can cause nipple confusion but without it my son might not have ever fed. Now he will go on bare part way through the feed once my nipple has pulled out more and his impatience has passed but is happy to feed entirely through the sheild ( in fact prefers it). he also had bottles of expressed for a while to suplement his feeding as he was very weak and jaundiced from not eating in the first few days.

It works for us and he has gained weight brilliantly. Once i had him doing it i relaxed more which made it easier for both of us. If you are stessed you will tense up and this makes it harder to feed and baby will pick up on the stress. My advice is relax and just keep trying, alone, in peace, with no pressure and it will come. It is an amazing feeling but if it doesn't work for you don't feel guilty, you tried.

Jess - posted on 01/22/2010

I am breastfeeding my 7mth old daughter and the advice I can give you is to relax. Use a lanolin cream on your nipples if they get sore. I used one and it was a life saver. try get one that you don't have to wash off at feed time. Just keep going at it and before you know it, it will be second nature. Alot of people give up around the 6 week time as bubs usually ahs a growth spurt. My daughter wanted to be feed every hour on the hour for two weeks and I was soooo tired that I broke down but kept at it (just think how much money you save to spend on cute as outfits for bubs and you!!) I have found Breastfeeding your baby is the most rewarding thing you can do as you get such an awesome bond with them. If you need someone to talk to call your local Breastfeeding association if you have one ( I know we do in Austalia). Best of Luck!!!!!

Marcy - posted on 01/21/2010

I'm breastfeeding my 7mo twins! Two words of advice that helped me succeed:
1.Never quit on your hardest day (it should not be an emotional decision, but a rational one!)
2. It gets MUCH easier after the 7-8 week! It seems like forever but before you know it, you will be over the hump and the frequent growth spurts will be over!!!!

Also, don't mistake a growth spurt for lack of milk. Sometimes your baby will want to nurse often (even every 10 minutes at times!!!) this will help you produce MORE milk and they do it because they are growing!!!
The ONLY way to know if your baby is or is not getting enough is by weighing your baby!!!! If he/she is growing- they are doing fine!!!!!

Louise - posted on 01/21/2010

Hi Christina, I breastfed my 21/2 yr old for only 1 month because I wasn't eating and drinking enough to make sufficient milk and I was also trying to push feeds in the first 4 - 6 weeks when milk is establishing. With my 6 month old I have been a lot more successful with breastfeeding. I made sure I ate and drank well and I fed at least every 2 hours in the first 6 weeks (although this is taxing, it is worth it in the long run). Expressing in between feeds is also good to promote milk and also give you a break so someone else can take over a feed. Try to stay relaxed and persevere. If it doesn't work for you and your baby at least you gave it a go. Also think about attending a breastfeeding class for advice. You will know your baby is getting enough if he is thriving and putting on weight. I hope this helps and good luck.