I knew I wanted to breastfeed (BF) before I was even pregnant. I had watched my sisters BF and heard all the benefits from them. And because they, and my sister-in-law, all BF'd, it didn't seem like such a big deal to me. I know some women are uncomfortable BFing in front of people, but thanks to them I felt it was the 'norm'. I also thought I would know what I was doing since I had experienced it vicariously through them. LOL ... not so much. Let's start from the beginning ...
After Ella was born I had her on my chest skin-to-skin for almost 2 hours. I had read that the longer you can do skin-to-skin after they're born, the better. And it was pretty awesome. I was her little incubator, keeping her warm. Ofcourse this magical moment was somewhat interrupted when she pooped all over me. That tarry, sticky first meconium poop. All. Over. Me. But I laughed then and I still laugh now. :::side tracked::: During those 2 hours we had our first nursing session. She latched on well and seemed to be a natch! I was so excited!!! Thinking maybe it wasn't going to be as hard as everyone said it was. Fast forward 24hours ...
As soon as I put her on my breast to feed she fell asleep. This kid would not stay awake!! And I was getting pressure from the nurses to feed her to help her jaundice. It was stressful. We went home less than 48hours later and I didn't feel like I had been coached well in the area of BFing. But I thought, 'We'll learn as we go'. That was Wednesday. By Thursday I was near a breaking point. My nipples felt as if they were going to fall off. Every time she latched it was as if she had knives in her mouth. So, so, so sore. As if a gift from God, the Public Health Nurse called that afternoon. She asked how I was doing. I started crying. She was at my house within the hour. I will forever be greatful for this.
During our session she coached me on our latch. But more importantly she made me feel like I was a good mom, even though I felt like I was starving my child and didn't know what I was do
ing. She then gave me a product that I totally believe is the reason why I'm still BFing today, almost 6 months later.
ing. She then gave me a product that I totally believe is the reason why I'm still BFing today, almost 6 months later.This is the Medela Nipple Shield. It helped my nipples heal, while Ella & I learned how to latch. Without this I don't know if I could have continued through the pain.
Some other must-haves ....
A nursing pillow. Saved my back.
Lanolin cream. Really helped soothe my sore nips. For cracked nipples I found expressing some breast milk, rubbing it on the area and letting it air-dry (important part), helped healing more than the cream.
And ofcourse, I did use breast pads in the early days because my supply was so unpredictable and I was worried I would leak. Now it's not much of a concern. I did use these pads because they were super thin and didn't stick to cracked nipples.
Another key thing to have is a nursing sleep bra. They are so comfy for nighttime, but also for days! They are less trouble when you're first getting the hang of nursing in public (versus one with clips). I also wore them during the day when I was getting plugged ducts. I found the underwire versions often contributed to my ducts getting blocked.
I am proud to have nursed for as long as I have. But to be honest, as hard as it was in the beginning, it is so much easier now then having to deal with bottles! No fuss, no muss. No prepping (or purchasing!!!) formula. No washing bottles. No warming bottles. I continue to breastfeed now because it's much easier!! And ofcourse the benefits are still there for my little girl.
