As I was preparing for breastfeeding, I read blogs, books, and talked to friends and co-workers. I read about all the benefits and knew that I wanted to give it my best try. I
also read about latching problems, low supply, infections, and pain. Enough to give me a good case of nerves wondering about how it will go!
In case other soon to be moms are having the same thoughts, I'm adding one more blog to read and hopefully give some insights and encouragement from my experience so far.
I had one friend in particular who told me about how she loved nursing and the bonding and just made it sound quite magical. (
Thank you, Marjie) I had no idea what she meant, but I wanted to experience that. My mom also told me that all the worrying was ridiculous. She told me that my siblings and I all did fine and nursed without problems. Holding on to their words, I plunged in and went for it.
Breastfeeding is
hard work! I found that out right away. I have heard many times that the first two weeks are the hardest. I had the goal going in that I would not quit until at least two weeks. They were right,the time it requires and the energy it takes is exhausting for the first few weeks and it did hurt. A lot.
But it gets better!
*I got through the first two weeks. Then I made it to his 1 month appointment, now my goal is to pump at work a few weeks and see how that goes. It has helped me to take it a few weeks at a time. If I have a rough day, I try again the next. Giving myself the "option" to stop if I need to keeps the long term pressure off and helps me focus on the now.
Essentials that made the process so much easier:
Support: I was clueless going in. I didn't take any classes, and I needed help. My mom, lactation specialists at the hospital, my cousin, my Dr., a friend from church, my coworkers.... They have all given me tips and encouragement. K more than anyone has been a huge help. Bringing me water, making food for us, and giving me an extra hand while Bean was learning to latch on. The little booger always had his hand by his mouth and I couldn't hold him, get a latch, and keep his hand back. So K was in charge of holding Bean's hand. Haha. Sounds small, but it is huge!
Boppy Pillow: I borrowed one from a friend (
Thank you,Star) and picked up some extra covers at a consignment store. I use it every night. Bean also likes to sit in it and watch me sing with hand motions. His favorite is the itsy bitsy spider. We put a blanket on it and used it for a prop for our at home newborn photos. Worked like a charm. Our sneaky furbaby likes it also.
Water: It's crazy how thirsty you get while nursing. I have a few insulated cups with straws that I have got as freebies at work and I use them constantly. I don't particularly like water, so I discovered that ice and those little squeeze flavorings (caffeine free) really help. A cute cup like
this zebra one would be a great gift for new moms.
A Good Double Pump: Again I was lucky and borrowed a pump from a friend (
Thank you, Lisa) {I see a trend here...get good friends!} I just bought all the parts and pieces and saved a ton of money. Check with insurance because nearly all insurances now let you rent a pump. We are still checking on ours. That will give me two so I can leave one at work and one at home. As I wrote in Bean's birth story, I had to pump at the hospital. Since then I have been able to nurse one side and pump the other. That has allowed me to stockpile quite a bit in our freezer. Good freezer bags made for breastmilk are a must if you are wanting to stockpile. As a working mom, I wanted to get a head start on pumping.
Nursing Pads: Leaking is inevitable and I wear these at night and during the day. I have used
Lansinoah Disposable Nursing Pads. They always have coupons for these. I just got some washable cotton ones to try also. I think the brand and type are personal preference so try a few and see what you like.
Lanolin Nipple Cream: This has been a must for me. I used it religiously after every feeding and it has kept the soreness at a minimum. It is safe for baby so you don't need to wipe it off before nursing. I tried coconut oil also which I read was good. It burned for me, so I went back to my Lanolin. Be sure to check for coupons.
Nursing App: There are ton of great feeding apps. It is awesome for helping me remember which side I nursed last and how long. I am usually surfing Pinterest or catching up on reading blogs while I nurse anyway, so it makes it very easy to track feedings. Some apps have options for bottle feedings, pumping, diaper changes, sleeping habits, etc. I prefer just the basics, but there are tons of neat extras out there.
Nursing Cover: I splurged on a cute nursing cover for myself. I use it when we have company and if I go in public. I have not used it in public a lot yet. It's still a little tricky maneuvering baby, your shirt, a cover, and burp cloth. I"m doing better though. If you want to nurse in public, practice at home with your cover first. Juggling all that in a restaurant with a crying baby is a little nerve wrecking at first.
*Extras:
I had read about not giving bottles and pacifiers until week 4. We had to do bottles at the hospital because of my postpartum problems. After we got home, I nursed exclusively until week 4 and had no problems with nursing or him taking a bottle at week 4. We also did a pacifier and I had no problems. I would say use caution, but don't stress too much about it. If it works for you, go for it.
At night, I get all of my supplies for pumping and nursing ready and right by our bed. I do not want to stumble around the house at night trying to look for my boppy pillow or a burp cloth. Have things ready and your night time feedings will be calm and you'll soon love the groggy snuggle time.
I am not sure how things will go when I'm going back to work, pumping, getting bottles ready for daycare, and getting into a whole new routine. But I will take it week by week. Starting over after bad days and nursing as long as things feel right for us!
