I didnt breastfeed Henry, and honestly I had no desire to. Furthermore with the issues he had it wouldnt have been for long anyway.
But assuming Charlie won't have those issues, I REALLY wanna breast feed him.
Reasons aside, it doesnt matter, but I am determined to for at least 8 weeks.
BUT, I have no idea where to start.
When I had Henry, a lactation consultant came to our room to try and help me, and I found it quite the opposite.
So I, like always, am turning to you, my faithful loyal blog readers.
You guys have never steered me wrong in the past, so help me out again.
First, I know there are breastfeeding classes and things like to help, so if its your opinion that those classes are all I need, then you can just say that.
If you think theres a lot more to it than a class teaches, help me out.
here are my biggest worries or concerns:
How do I know when he has had enough
when do I know to switch sides
how long does it take to thaw and warm up a frozen one(for Jason to feed at night)
does breastfeeding really make them not sleep as great
do you leak all the time
tips and tricks for teaching baby how to first latch(that was my problem with Henry)
boppy pillow, necessary?
I am sure I have more questions, those are just all I can think of right now.
:) Thanks, Ladies.
12 comments:
In my experience, I breast fed all 3 of mine for at least 3 months...they all slept thought the night at 4 weeks... personally, I think if you can see someone do it...like actually see it..then try on your own. My babies always spits out the nipple...he/she is done... I started at 10 minutes a side when I first had them, then switched to 20 minutes each as they got bigger...after each feeding I pumped until I no longer had milk coming out. It both increased the milk simply and then when baby was ready for more milk, I'd already have the supply established. I did a more form pillow than the boppy... I suggest being patient and making sure to try all kinds of techniquesIn my experience, I breast fed all 3 of mine for at least 3 months...they all slept thought the night at 4 weeks... personally, I think if you can see someone do it...like actually see it..then try on your own. My babies always spits out the nipple...he/she is done... I started at 10 minutes a side when I first had them, then switched to 20 minutes each as they got bigger...after each feeding I pumped until I no longer had milk coming out. It both increased the milk simply and then when baby was ready for more milk, I'd already have the supply established. I did a more form pillow than the boppy... I suggest being patient and making sure to try all kinds of techniques
The main advice I have for breastfeeding is just to hang in there! It seems tough and overwhelming at first, but you've just got to make it through that first week or so and then it gets MUCH easier. That being said, I would recommend getting a book, that was really helpful for me. Of course I didn't take any classes, so I don't know if the book would've been as useful if I had. I like having it though and I put little sticky notes on certain pages so I could reference them a lot when I need help after Quinn was born. I would take full advantage of the lactation consultant at the hospital though, don't hesitate to ask any questions, they can be so helpful! Anyway, to answer your specific questions (I'm just going to go in order and use numbers. lol) -
1.I had a hard time knowing when Quinn had enough, I think that's one of the biggest challenges with breastfeeding because you don't have a bottle with a specific measurement so you can know how much they have had. BUT, they pretty much stop when they're done. And if they're gaining weight appropriately and pooping enough then they're eating enough. Quinn was a really really fast eater, so I was always worried that she wasn't getting enough, but her doctor said she was good, she was just super efficient at sucking. lol.
2.With switching sides, I would only feed on one side each feeding, that's what the lactation consultant told me to do because then the baby gets all of the "good" milk that comes later into the feeding, instead of just the first wattery milk (that might be confusing, but the way I understand it is that there are different "levels" of milk, when you first start feeding the milk is sort of watery and has less nutrients, and it gets richer and healthier as the baby feeds longer". I didn't really get noticeably "uneven" except for in the morning when it was a long time since she fed last.
3. You can't heat breast milk in the microwave, so you've got to use a bottle warmer which takes longer. I don't really remember how long ours took, like 5 to 7 minutes I think. But I didn't use pumped milk until Quin was bigger and pretty much never at night.
4.I don't know if it makes them sleep less, my first baby was 5 years before and I couldn't really compare his formula sleeping with Quinn after so long.
5. I leaked a bit at first, but it seemed to go away after a while. You're body "learns" how much milk to produce and the leaking becomes less.
6. I wish I had tips for latching, but I was really lucky with Quinn!
7. And a boppy is the best thing ever!
Hope that helps, sorry its so long! Good luck! I think its totally worth it, even though it can be a bit exhausting. It will save you tons of money, and its so good for the baby. And I'll be 100 percent honest with you, the best thing about breastfeeding for me was that it made me lose weight! I've heard that for lots of people and I don't know if it always happens though, but I ended up being about 5lbs lighter than my pe-pregnancy weight about 5 months after Quinn was born.
First thing I will tell you is to let all your modesty and shyness out the window when it comes to your boobs! LOL :) With Elle, I was sooooooooo uncomfortable with it all, that I literally pumped for almost 11 months. NIGHTMARE. I wouldn't suggest that. So for Gwyn, I was determined to get over it, and stop being stupid and timid (obviously I wasnt whipping out my boob in front of people, but you know what I mean). I totally used the lactation consultant at the hospital with both of my babies, and asked questions and let them say "ok, you're not doing it right" or "this is what you do" (like totally letting them take the boob and the baby's mouth and latch her on). I know... tmi. But it was SO helpful. And once I let go of being scared and shy about it all, it wasn't too bad. Also, with Elle, the first 2 weeks hurt like hell. After that it was ok. Then with Gwyn it only took a couple of days to get over the soreness and I was fine. As far as leaking goes, I didnt at all with Elle, but did ALL.THE.TIME. with Gwyn. I wore nursing pads up until the day she was weaned. I've heard that's uncommon, but whatever, it really wasn't a big deal. As for timing each side... at first it takes FOREVER (like 30 min. on each side, so they nurse for like an hour every 3 hours- so every 2 hours basically you are nursing). This lasted for me about a month or two. Around 2 months-ish they get fast and better at it, so both my babies got down to about 5-8 min. on each side (and by 4 or 5 months we were at 8 min. total, so like 4 min/side..so easy!). Its honestly something that just comes natural I think. They just let go at a natural stopping point, and then you can burp them, and then switch sides. Once they start doing less on the second side, you start going less time on the first side. Also, its a good idea to start with the opposite side each feeding, so that it all evens out and you aren't lopsided. I have a bracelet that I wear that I leave on the side I finished on, so that when the next feeding starts, I START on the bracelet side, and then switch the bracelet to the side I finish on, so I'm ready for the next feeding... make sense? Also, something that was a huge help when I nursed Gwyn was I kept a notebook by my bed for the first month or so, and wrote down what time I fed her and how long on each side. I was sooo nice to have, because at the time you're like "oh I'll remember I nursed at 8:30 for 20 min. on the left, and 25 min. on the right, so I should start nursing on the right at 11:30" but you wont. Your brain is fried. Anyway, warming up frozen milk isnt too bad, but I would suggest always having one bottle ready to go in the fridge so that you dont have to worry about all of that at 2 am. I use BPA free bottles, and sometimes microwave them for about 30 seconds.. I know I know.. not the best, but its a personal decision. Ok and one last thing.. there is this product called a latch assist (i think I just got mine at target in the nursing aisle) http://www.wayfair.com/Lansinoh-Latch-Assist-14135-LZH1013.html?refid=FR49-LZH1013 IT IS AWESOMMMMMMMMME. It basically (get ready for TMI) suctions out your nipple so that the baby can easily find it to latch on to. I use my for the first couple of weeks, and seriously, I love this stupid little gadget! And you can also use it to express a little milk out and rub it on your nipple (i am dying here with the tmi) and that way the baby can taste it and feel it and gets the idea of what to do. ANYWHOOOOOOOOOO. Hope I didn't scar ya for life! LOL :) You probably knew this stuff anyway. Oh and I like my boppy, but a pillow is fine. I use my boppy for the first month maybe and then its just nice to lay them on, and then later for tummy time. Ok, I'll stop. Information overload. Hope this helps!!
Oh man! There is so many factors that play into breastfeeding. I had no idea. The most important advice that I could give you is to just stick with it. It hurts like a mo fo at first, but if you just hang in there it will be totally worth it. The lactation consultants at the hospital were so helpful. I even went back to them a couple of times just to make sure I was doing it right because it still hurt. So make sure if you have any questions or concerns while in the hospital, ask them. Buy a bunch of lanolin. And a bunch of soothie pads to help with pain. As far as knowing when your baby is done feeding or how much hes getting or how long to feed on each side...it all depends. I'm a freaking milk cow and I can feed Grace on just one side each feeding. Which is kinda nice because then you dont have to bug your baby mid-feed just to switch to the other side. You just put your baby on and let them nurse to their hearts content. I heard that nursing babies eat more frequently too. So just be prepared to nurse every 1 1/2-ish. Also, buy a hospital grade pump. I know you can rent one from the hospital too. But buy a good one that wont rip your nips off. And buy storage bags that you can right now. That way you can put the date on the bag. It makes it a lot easier. Never microwave breast milk. Always put the baggie in warm water and let it thaw out to a luke warm temp. Oh! another thing. Don't be disappointed if he doesn't take you and a bottle. Grace doesn't take a bottle. Its bitter sweet. But just be prepared...Most babies will only take one or the other. Nipple confusion. Ya know? I promise you won't regret sticking it out! Its sweet bonding time.(weird, i know. I never thought I would be one of THOSE moms. I toootally am.) And you lose more weight! Hooray! lol! Good luck friend!!!!
I didn't take any classes so I am not sure if those help or not but I did breatfeeding for 13 months so I feel like I know a little bit. But with that in mind everyone and every baby is different when it comes to breastfeeding. First thing It takes a lot of patience at first A LOT! you have to be committed and really want to do it. Once I got through the first month it was second nature you just need to get your groove and know what the babies needs are. The nurses kept telling me they should be eating a 1/2 hour on each side. NOT true it depends on the baby some feed longer and in maddux case some feed a lot less time but get the same amount of milk. I used to freak out thinking he wasnt getting enough but he was always happy, satisfied, peeing, pooping and gaining weight so he WAS getting enough. I just have to get into it and see what your baby needs, how they feed and how fast or slow they are. Like i said Patience that first month is very important, then you dont even have to think about it. After that it was a breeze. Maddux had a hard time latching on at first I highly recommend the nipple shields if that is the case for you. They are awesome and Maddux was able to feed without it within a week and did just fine transitioning. The nurses say they get addicted to them but it is not true. The nipple shield was also nice cuz I never got sore nipples. AWESOME!!!! I think the boppy pillow is a necessity it wa sos nice and much more comfortable for baby and mommy especially during the night feedings when you are so tired. You will be able to feel when it is time to switch sides you will feel lopsided haha. Seriously though you will. Im sorry i am no help on the frozen milk thing I only did it a few times just cuz I was always home with him and breastfeed him at night too. But when I did do it you thaw it in hot water do not thaw it in the microwave it gets rid of some of the nutrients and can also burn it. It didn't take long though maybe five minutes. I might try to pump more this time since I will be busier with two kids but we will see. I am not sure if I will use it enough to be worth the money. In thirteen months I used mine maybe ten times. No breastfeed babies can sleep juts as good as bottle fed babies they still eat the same. Maddux slept through the night by six weeks and has never woke up in the middle of the night since if anything it made him feel more full and he slept better. I did leak all the time the first month because you body is trying to figure out how much you need to produce. I just used the breast pads and all was good I never leaked through those or had to change a shirt or anything. Then your body knows how much to produce and I hardly leaked at all. Also your boobs will probably hurt like a mother at first because they are so full but that goes away too. Also going in a hot shower helps them feel better. they also have these ice pack inserts you can put in your bra that help with sore nipples if you ever get those. If you have any other questions please ask!I really really loved it and cant wait to share that with my next baby. I hope it is a beautiful experience for you too!
-Whit
You know because they are gaining weight and aren't screaming all the time.
For the first while you just time it on both sides. You will be able to hear him swallowing. With Oliver I did about 20 minutes on both sides, but he was a monster (almost 10 pounds) when he was born and needed more milk than most. With Henry I started out trying 15 minutes a side, but was cut back to 5 minutes a side because of the reflux.
It doesn't take long to thaw breastmilk. You do it with warm water. I usually do continually running water because it goes faster that way. (but I don't feed in the middle of the night).
My babies sleep great and through the night right away. With Oliver I fed him for the first two weeks in the middle of the night. With Henry they told me if I made sure to get in 8 good feedings during the day then I didn't have to. (I produce really fattening milk. Henry even with 5 minutes a side every 3 hours was gaining 12 oz a week) I am a firm believer in giving the baby a schedule and sticking to it. In order to have the no feeding them at night work out you HAVE to wake them up during the day to eat whether they are asleep or not.
I use nursing pads the whole time I nurse so I never leak usually, but at first there are a lot of fluids going on. Maybe get a waterproof sheet. Your milk will regulate according to their needs. You won't be crazy milk lady for long.
I have a difficult latching issue. So, I have to use a nursing shield at first, and take it away when they get the hang of it. (I don't ness. recommend these because they can cause nipple confusion and can diminish over time) You just need to make sure they are on there really good. make sure both their lips are out (not tucked in at all) if they are tucked it flip them out. Or roll up a hand towel and put it under your breast. That can create a better angle for them
I always use a boppy. Mostly, because hold the kid up for that long by yourself can hurt your back. But some people don't like them. I think it's better just to use it to see if you like it or not. For me it's just more easy to be hands free that way.
As for what you might not learn in the classes. Mastitis can happen without a clogged duct. I got it 3 times without one. I don't feel pain with infections. So, how I know is my breast gets bright red, and I get a fever. So, if that happens just call your doc or go in and they will know what to do.
But everyone is different you mostly just need to go with your gut and feel what is right for you and your little one. Usually mother's instinct is they way to go.
I nursed Oliver for 12 months and am still nursing Henry who is almost 8 months. You can totally do it! :)
I didn't read the comments, so maybe people already said this.
Yes, you will leak for a few months. Get some disposable nursing pads.
Boppy is not necessary, just grab any old pillow.
He will stop nursing when he's done, but Sarah would nurse for 2 hours AT A TIME. When I talked to the pediatrician, they said let her nurse for 10 minutes per side, and then that's it. They'll figure out in about 2 days to get done and get out.
I don't know about frozen milk because my kids wouldn't take bottles.
To teach them to latch, lay down on your side to feed them for the first while. It will help because you'll have to bring the baby to your breast instead of hunching over.
My mom tutored me for a week. It was really hard to figure it out with Sarah, but Andrea was tons easier. Don't wear a bra unless you're going out of the house, I didn't even wear a shirt for a week because I leaked so much. I am more than happy to come over and help you figure it out if you need some one-on-one.
Also, if you get engorged, it's harder to get them to latch. Like, impossible. So if they're having trouble latching on and your boobs are killing you, pump out a few ounces first and then try again.
So I will try to keep this short but I just want to say you deserve MAJOR brownie points for wanting to try to nurse Charlie, especially since you understand the convenience and ease of giving a bottle. I say this because I have a baby that is mostly bottle fed and partially nursed. I had lots of complications with nursing and spent hours and hours with probably over 5 lactation consultant during the first two weeks of Daphne's life. I don't say that to discourage you by any means, I say that because of how much it influences my perspective of nursing.
First off, I would definitely recommend a class or at least reading a book on it. I wish I had. So many people told me that nursing was simple and that there was no need for a class. Maybe for them it was, but for me it wasn't. I would have like to have felt more prepared and not as lost. Also, if you get a lactation consultant at the hospital that doesn't seem helpful ask for another. I saw so many different ones and each one was helpful in a different way. There was one that I LOVED and there were several who seemed more of a burden than a help.
Most importantly I would just say to do what makes you happy! You are awesome for being willing to give it a try. Any breast milk you can give Charlie will be good for him but as you know babies that have formula too do SURVIVE! If having someone else feed Charlie on occasion, such as Jason giving him a bottle in the middle of the night or your mom giving him a bottle so you can get a few hours to yourself, then do it! It's more important to be a happy mom than anything. And babies who nurse can take a bottle. Mine does! My mom works in the NICU at McKay and babies there can only be nursed a couple times a day and have to take a bottle the rest of the time. They don't get confused...they might not like it at first but if they are hungry enough they will take the bottle, even if it isn't from you but someone else. Lol, I love how I think I am an expert or something after just 2 months but this is the one subject that I feel like I have spent the last 2 months of my life completely focused on.
Also, as far as warming up bottles. The way I have found the quickest is to warm up a cup of water in the microwave so it's hot and boiling and then put the bottle in it. It will warm it up WAY quicker than trying to run warm water from the sink over it.
Anyways, I hope some of this was helpful and made sense. Sorry I got long even though I said I wouldn't. I just feel like I am often judged when people see my baby drinking a bottle but don't understand the full story and hope to help others who may encounter similar situations that whatever nursing you can do is great but don't feel bad if you can't completely handle it 24/7, whether because of physical or sanity issues.
I felt the same way! I guess I didn't realize you didn't nurse before, I thought you just wanted to get a pump this time around! A few things that I am sure people have mentioned:
1- Don't leave the hospital until you feel compfortable and he is latching on correctly. Let them grab your boob and really do it for you. You'll be glad you did!
2- After about 2 weeks or so it won't hurt nearly as bad, cuz trust me it is going to kill for the first week, at least. Get lanolin to rub on after each feeding. It is the best stuff ever! The brand I used is medela, but there are others.
3-Don't switch sides during one feeding MUCH easier, I haven't got lopsided or anything.
4-When they are really little they may stay on as long as you let them. But I think I heard after about 25 minutes they stop eating and use you as a pacifier...you'll know. When they get a little older (3 months or so) when you prop them up to burp you will know if they are done or not. (mine will start to be a little fussy like "hey hey I want more")
Things I wish I knew before now!
1-They get better and faster! I was nursing for 20-25 ALL 12 times a day! Then after a couple months it was only 8 times a day, it seems like it is still 8 times a day (nearly 6 months) but shorter time and longer stretches.
2-Nursing pads are great. I figured I am nursing, so I wear them, but just a month ago my friend said "oh I stopped wearing those after about 2 months" what?! sure enough I stopped wearing them about a month ago and haven't leaked or anything. But yes you do leak for the first couple of months.
3- They learn to latch on their own! Now that was awesome! They do have these little nipple things that make it easier to latch. My baby was pretty good, but I did use them for about a week.
I had never heard of anything like this out west, but here they have a breast feeding support group. I know it sounds lame, but I totally love it! It's once a month and it's put on by two nurses that are the lactation specialists at the local hospital. There are usually about 12 or so girls there with their babies and we just chat about breast feeding and everything about being a mom, it's great to get input from everyone and see what's "normal" and get tips. Maybe they have something there? I think you'd like it!
P.S. I am such a breastfeeding snob...to be honest I didn't think I would like it this much! My diet has had a huge sacrifice, but it's totally worth it!
Agree, agree, agree! :)
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