In fact, I was so obsessed with the breast that I refused to drink from a bottle the first 12 months of my life!
Do you know what that means? My mama had to feed me every...single...meal. No pumping. No nights away. No lunch dates. Meal after meal, day after day, month after month.
Therefore, when the news came that I would become a mama, I knew that I would be a breastfeeding mama.
But what I didn't know was how difficult, painful, awkward, and physically, and spiritually draining it would be. I thought, "How hard can it be?"
Step 1: Baby is hungry
Step 2: Mom brings out the milk makers
Step 3: Baby eats
It was somewhere between the tears, and the "lactation specialist" appointments, and the exhaustion, and the never ending fear/question of "Is my sweet little boy getting enough milk", that I found myselfpraying...no, begging to God for His help- help for me, and for my baby.
I am so thankful that God answered that prayer.
As a result, breastfeeding has been a part of my journey of motherhood. So if you are a mom-to-be considering breastfeeding, here are a few of the things I learned along the way (and will absolutely keep in mind for baby #2...I wonder if my husband, the Good Rev. reads this???):
{Tip #1}: Be Prepared
Step 1: Baby is hungry
Step 2: Mom brings out the milk makers
Step 3: Baby eats
It was somewhere between the tears, and the "lactation specialist" appointments, and the exhaustion, and the never ending fear/question of "Is my sweet little boy getting enough milk", that I found myself
I am so thankful that God answered that prayer.
As a result, breastfeeding has been a part of my journey of motherhood. So if you are a mom-to-be considering breastfeeding, here are a few of the things I learned along the way (and will absolutely keep in mind for baby #2...I wonder if my husband, the Good Rev. reads this???):
{Tip #1}: Be Prepared
The first month was DIFFICULT, with a capital D. It was difficult at the hospital. It was difficult at home. It was difficult at night. It was difficult in the afternoon.
It was difficult.
Two things stood out as really difficult for me: learning to nurse, and my new schedule. You and your baby have to learn how to nurse, and eat. Many hospitals will have a "lactation specialist" to help you and your baby in this process. However, my "lactation specialist" spent over an hour explaining to me EVERYTHING I was doing WRONG breastfeeding (All I could think was, "Lady: I just BIRTHED A CHILD...can't we find just a few positives??"). When you meet your "lactation specialist" remember: she is there to help; there are multiple different holds you can use; there is more than one way to breastfeed; and YOU are the MAMA. YOU have the connection with YOUR child- it's okay to trust your new motherly instincts.
But perhaps the most difficult was my new schedule. Most babies typically feed every 2 hours (from start time). It takes about 30+ minutes to nurse; then you burp them, and change their diaper. And then repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
For example:
2pm - Begin nursing baby
2:30-2:45pm - Finish nursing, burp, and diaper change
2:45-3:15pm- Play/love on/sit in awe of baby
3:15pm- {Maybe} baby naps
4pm- Time to feed baby again
To be honest... I felt like I had a leech attached to me every other hour. (I actually have 0 experience with leeches, but I'm going with this expression)
If you are going to breastfeed, Be Prepared. It is difficult, but not impossible.
{TIP #2} Stay Focused
Not only was I constantly feeding, which is exhausting, but I was bleeding, sore, and often in pain. There were many nights (and days) that I wanted to give up, and switch to formula. But, after all Harrison and I had gone through to learn to breastfeed, I didn't want to stop after only a few weeks. Therefore, I determined that I would not stop breastfeeding until six months. I had to stay focused. So, I set a "goal date"to reach before I would consider switching. Having a "goal date" allowed me to Stay Focused, and point all my energy on pushing through the difficulties. I would highly recommend you set a "goal date".
After I reached 6 months, I made a new "goal date". I set a new goal date because of the moments he looked up at me and smiled, as if to say thank you- they melt my heart. Because He won't always connect with me this way. Because I have a special bond with my baby that NO ONE else can have.
New Goal: 12 months
{TIP #3} Get the Gear
Months 1-4:
 |
| The shield is great because it helped Harrison "latch", and it shielded me from painful sores. It made breastfeeding so much easier for us. Increasingly, his feeding times spaced out to about every 3-4 hours, his latch got better, and we both became more comfortable with nursing. At about 4 months, we shed the shield, and were finally on our way to easy-breezy feeding (less effort, and shorter feed times). It was then I certain I could make it to 6 months. Now, Harrison is a pro at eating (just like dad...)! |
Months 4- Current
(currently on SALE at Target)
*plus talk to your insurance companies, you might be able to get $ towards one
 |
| Medela Pump in Style via Target This guy has allowed me to be away from Harrison, but still breastfeed. It also allows for Dad, grandparents, and other loved ones the opportunity to feed Harrison (and the opportunity for me to rest!). These run a little higher than some other brands, but they last! Consider it an investment. My first pump was actually a 15 year old Medela, from a friend who used it for her three kids! All that said, you are probably wondering WHY I or anyone else would breast feed? Well, I can only speak for me (because it isn't right for every mama, which is 100% wonderful...you have to do what is best for you and your baby), but I do it because... It's convenient: I don't have to do any prep when I'm on the go. It's cheap: formula is roughly $300/month. It's organic: Our bodies naturally produce milk. I am able to: my body responds- when some don't- and our family lifestyle allows for it- because not all do. Two things I am thankful for every day. Health: There are a crazy amount of health benefits to breast feeding. NO period: I haven't had one since I got pregnant. A workout: I burn an extra 500 calories/ day breastfeeding. Do you have a breastfeeding experience? I would love to hear about it. Do you have any questions that I could address in an additional post? |
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You are right about BF'ing being time consuming in the beginning--when "experts" talked about 2-3 hour feeding cycles, I just assumed that meant 2-3 of sleep IN BETWEEN feeding. I had no idea that time INCLUDED the 30-60minutes of BF'ing!! Oh well...it really does go so fast...all of a sudden you realize you're feeding just a few times a day for about ten minutes total. And then all of a sudden, you're done! Can you tell I get a little emotional about it? :)
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding is such a journey that is well worth taking. Thank you for this honest and informational post.
ReplyDeleteOh sister, what a nice post. As I like to say, breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart. Much like you, I struggled with my first born. It was agonizing, terrifying, and exhausting. I had to use a nipple shield for the first bit and the medela pump became my best friend as I returned to work just 3 short weeks after the little guy's arrival. But once the little man and I were in a rhythm it was such a sweet time. When Eli decided to when himself at 15 months, I was heartbroken. He simply told me "no" several days in a row when i tried to nurse. It was hard to believe that those sweet moments of holding my little guy so close were gone.To this day, Eli has been extraordinarily health and I attributed that to the good foundation he received through breastfeeding. I am back on the breastfeeding journey with the little girl now and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was definitely much easier getting started this time, although it was still very painful at first. But we got into a rhythm much more quickly. Adi likes nursing so much that she refuses to take a bottle...which makes it hard for this full time working mom to get all her work done. But again, i wouldn't trade this precious time for anything.
ReplyDeleteThis post is SO helpful. I am past the point now of desperately wanting to give-in and switch to formula, but your post will definitely help other women. I would have greatly appreciated someone being so honest in discussing how difficult breastfeeding really is. Everything I read told me I was the problem, and even though that is sort of true, I felt like I was the only one in the world incapable of getting the perfect latch. It was really discouraging and I praise God for my very supportive and sensitive husband. He is the only reason I didn't give in and start supplementing. I too, cried out begging God to help me and make it easier. I prayed for endurance and He answered. I would cry during feedings, but eventually it got easier. It still isn't perfect, however, we have made it to 6 weeks and there is no turning back now. :)
ReplyDeleteMy point is to say thank you for being real and honest and offering encouragement and a realistic point of view to breastfeeding women. You are doing great and that little boy is beyond blessed to have such wonderful, spiritually strong parents to love him and help him grow.