I haven't had a Blog Contest in a few, so thought since these last few grey days have gotten me down, I'd try and spread a little cheer.
Please respond to this blog, and you will be entered to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate from my Bump.
1. What advice would you wish someone told you before you started breastfeeding?
Or alternatively,
2. What advice would you wish someone told you before you got pregnant?
Please provide your answers in the comment section of this blog. I'll enter your name and draw a winner February 5th. Just in time, as we'll be receiving our new spring inventory very soon! Stay Tuned.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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11 comments:
Hi Cheryl!
Great idea for a topic! Here's my top 10 things I wish someone had told me about breastfeeding:
1) At first, it will probably hurt! After all, this is a tender area getting a lot of abuse from a beginner! I wish I had known that it was normal or at least common to feel VERY sore at the outset. But this too shall pass.
2) Seek out help immediately if you need it. Call a lactation consultant, a midwife, a member of La Leche league or a friend who has successfully breastfed if you think you could use some support or tips. Call them early and call them often. A small adjustment and a kind word can make a world of difference and keep you breastfeeding when you might otherwise give up.
3). Take care of your girls! Smear on the lanolin after every feeding at the beginning, go bra-free once in a while (while sleeping, in the tub, etc) to give them a rest, pump if you are painfully engorged, invest in a few comfortable supportive properly-fitting nursing bras and perhaps a few of the softer crossover type bras for sleeping in and always put a dry pad or dry clothing next to your breast. Learn the symptoms of mastitis and watch for them very carefully. Your girls deserve TLC!
4). As one other mom put it to me: Breastfeeding is the most inconvenient thing a mother will do for the first two weeks and after that, it is the most convenient thing in the world. Always the right temperature, always with you, no sterilizing bottles, mixing formula, etc. and so good for mom and baby.
5). Essential equipment - a good chair, a breastfeeding pillow, an easily viewable clock, a good book, a nursing cover for outings, washable nursing pads and a good pump to give others a turn and get some rest. Oh, and lots of tummy-hiding, breastfeeding-friendly tops! (many of the above items available at My Bump, of course).
6). Just when you get used to a pattern, it changes. Feedings last 45 minutes, then they last 15. Baby feeds on one side at a time, then both, then back to one. Baby wants to feed all day long, baby is not very hungry at all. Go with the flow and trust your baby's cues.
7). Older teething babies can bite, I discovered first-hand! Ouch! However, this doesn't necessarily mean breastfeeding is impossible. End the feeding immediately and he or she will quickly get the idea that biting is not cool and drink gently again next time.
8). Don't try to lose the baby weight too quickly or your milk might disappear with it. My midwives warned me about this and I have heard several stories of women experiencing just this problem. As the midwives put it, it takes 9 months to slowly put it on, it should take about 9 months to slowly get it off.
9). The hunger! Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories so you need to eat well and stay hydrated. Bring a big glass of water with you every time you sit down to feed, or keep a sports bottle beside your table. After almost 9 months of breastfeeding, I still need that 3pm snack!
10). Don't judge your fellow mothers. Breastfeeding is wonderful, but not all mothers are able to do it or choose to continue for a wide variety of reasons. They already feel a lot of pressure and guilt placed on them from media and other sources, so be supportive of your fellow mommies, however they feed their babies.
Breastfeeding has its challenges, but it really is so rewarding. It's a great chance to slow down and enjoy your baby, have a cuddle, stroke their hair and see their happy grin from a full belly. Plus it is so satisfying to see a baby thrive and gain weight and know that you made all that good nutritious food for them! If you are expecting while reading this and plan to breastfeed, good luck to you and enjoy!
I wish somebody had told me before I started breastfeeding that you actually DO need a couple of good nursing tops (or dresses!). I got caught in a couple awkward moments trying to discreetly nurse a crying baby wearing my normal clothes... ended up getting kind of tangled up and having to hold my top so it wouldn't fall in baby's face while she ate. Strangely, it was the one thing I didn't know that I needed.
I wish somebody had told me before I started breastfeeding about engorgement. I mean, I had heard about it but had NO idea that it happens so often, so I didn't think it would happen. Yowch! I spent 2 days with my bra filled with ice, crying at each feeding.
Lauren thank you ever so much for all of your very informative thoughts. I agreed with all of them. I can't help but think I should publish this list up in the store or something.... would you mind?
Two things I wish I had known are:
1. Even though everything you read says it shouldn't hurt, it does at first. While you are getting used to breastfeeding, you are going to have some adjustment. After the first couple weeks you should be good, if you are still feeling pain you aren't paying attention to point # 2.
2. Latch is REALLY important. Figure out how to help your baby get a great latch. Read, watch videos, pay attention to what a good latch looks like.
As your baby gets bigger it is easier and easier, but that little mouth needs help.
Hello Everyone!
1. What advice would you wish someone told you before you started breastfeeding?
I wish I had been told how to properly hold a baby to breastfeed and that you cannot force the nipple into the baby's mouth, that has brought me too many bites! Ouch!
2. What advice would you wish someone told you before you got pregnant?
Before getting pregnant you get the classic advice about enjoying your life as a couple before having a baby, to travel, etc. but I really wish someone had told me to be aware of the size of clothes to buy, and to budget for these. Because of choosing the wrong sizes, I had to spent double the amount!
Good luck everyone!
gab
I have a friend who just had twins and the few things I told her were:
-Breastfeeding should NOT hurt.
-do NOT eat sage, thyme, peppermint, spearmint, and parsley as they will all lower BM production (she had been drinking a pep.tea in the afternoon and was making less milk then).
-do NOT pump to even out your production as it will just signal your baody to make more and make you more engorged.
Stacy de Berner
I wish somebody had told me that your nipples could really hurt once you start breastfeeding.
And that a nipple cream will relieve the pain. Available at the drugstores.
I wish someone had told me that you can't assume with your 2nd or 3rd or 4th or even 5th child that everything will be easy that time because you already had done it before. Your baby never has no matter how many times you have breastfed. Also, every baby is different and will react differently and have a whole new set of challenges
I wish someone had told me about all the leakage that accompanies breastfeeding at first. I was soaked through!
I finally found relief with some absorbent pads available at most drugstores, which I tucked inside my nursing tops and tanks (purchased at My Bump, of course).
No one tells you that you're going to be a Soggy Sally until your supply regulates.
So many great comments and tips! And Cheryl, I don't mind at all if you want to post my list in your dressing room or wherever. Happy to share!
Lauren Cruikshank
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