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Concerns about breastfeeding...

Last post 10-21-2009 10:18 AM by Shannon1983. 2 replies.
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  • 10-19-2009 7:48 PM

    Concerns about breastfeeding...

    This is my second child but will be my first time trying to breastfeed. I wanted to do it with my first son but didnt because everyone was influencing me not to and I was very young. This time I'm on my own and have more support so I want to try it but I'm nervous. I watch the birthing shows and it seems harder than I thought. I will be taking breastfeeding classes and speaking with lactation specialists but I'm still afraid that it wont be enough. What do I need to know to overcome my fear and not give up?

  • 10-19-2009 10:31 PM In reply to

    Re: Concerns about breastfeeding...

    Don't worry so much! Stress can affect nursing a lot more often than physical problems affect nursing. In the case of a healthy mom, and a healthy full term baby, there is really nothing to worry about! Your baby will know just what to do! Most hospitals offer a lactation consultant after delivery, if you feel you need the help in finding positions that are comfortable for you and your baby, I used one when I had my son a year and a half ago, and while she helped me to find a position comfortable to nurse in, after my c-section, my little guy needed no help at all latching and feeding. It's instinct, and unless there's a medical issue at work, there should be no reason you can't nurse and have a wonderful experience with it! Also, don't give up! So many women feel their supply is "not enough" when it's often not true!!! The first few days will be colostrum only, so don't expect the rich fatty milk to come in until almost close to the end of the first week, it's okay, your body will produce exactly what your baby needs calorically. Also drink plenty of water, women get discouraged when they feel like they are "drying up" but chances are, it's because they're dehydrated, it takes a lot of water to make milk! Lanolin is also a good thing to have handy, my hospital sends all nursing moms home wth a little tube, but you can also pick it up at any drugstore, or baby supply store, it's useful if you should happen to get chapped. While I didn't have that problem at all, but my sister did, and loved the Lansinoh brand lanolin. Anyway, there is lots of support out there, from lactation conultants, la leche league websites, and even surprising sources, my mom, and aunts were great to ask advice from! I just weaned my son a month and a half ago, at 16 months old, and would have loved to nurse until 18 months or longer, but am expecting another baby in 2.5 months, and didn't want to cut it that close. It's an incredible joy that nobody but a nursing mom can understand or explain. Good luck, and be proud of the informed decision you've made!
  • 10-21-2009 10:18 AM In reply to

    Re: Concerns about breastfeeding...

    I would say the first thing you need to know is that yes, sometimes it is not as easy as 1-2-3, but if you stick it out it DOES work and it's a beautiful thing to experience with an older baby especially, when they start getting more affectionate and funny. I had my first two at 17 and 19. Completely ignorant on the topic and didn't even try with my first although he would have been a pro judging by the few times I did nurse him in the middle of the night. Second, she was brutal and I didn't get help so I gave up. My third I had at 21 and he was a pro from day one. It was just instinct for him, but I admit not all babies just "get it" like that.

    My fourth I had in December and it was a LITTLE challenging for the first 2 weeks or so because his latch wasn't completely perfect and we had to work on it, but he is going to be 10 months old in 2 days and is still going strong. He loves to watch me and "pet" me while nursing and usually ends up giggling when I watch him too, lol. The first 4 weeks are probably the most difficult for the babies that do not latch on instinctually, but they do get it if you persist. Supplementing a newborn is the beginning of the end of the breastfeeding 99% of the time so if you are determined to make it work, keep the formula samples out of the house. I wish something so natural hadn't become so rare because lack of knowledge accounts for most failure. Most times the advice pediatricians give you regarding breastfeeding is completely wrong. They are not taught about it and I believe they should be.

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