So when Wikipedia went down for their protest this week, it gave me an opportunity to look through all of the information my ob/gyn gave me when I went to see him 2 weeks ago. Most of the stuff was normal…do this, don’t do that….here’s when to schedule your classes and how much they are (really? Tuition??)….just the general information that I needed to go through but just hadn’t gotten around to yet.
And then I opened the booklet on breastfeeding and it scared the bee Jesus out of me! Blocked ducts? Ummm…..that sounds horribly painful. Football hold? I’m not coordinated enough for that! And I’m sorry but I’ve heard that when your milk comes in it’s excruciating, not “mildly uncomfortable, some women don’t even notice.” That, my friends, sounds like bullshit all dressed up. I want to try it, b/c I know the first few days are crucial for the nutrients and stuff. And honestly, it’s cheaper. But it seems like the most dreadful thing after reading that booklet. So I need to know, those of you who have, are or decided not to breastfeed. Pros…cons….give me it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. I have a feeling I won’t be making my decision until it’s time, but I would like some practical advice from my favorite moms!
For me, Ryan had trouble latching, so for the first two days of his life he screamed, finally I pumped, put the breast milk in a bottle and fed him, he was a different kid. He never got the hang of latching, so I pumped for the first 4 months. Then he developed a whey allergy so we ended up going with a special formula. Do what's best for you and the babies, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for whatever you decide to do!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't change a thing... and neither of mine ever had formula. That being said, it is a personal decision... my only reccomendation is to at least try it (the first few feedings are the most important). Your milk will "come in" either way... while it isn't comfortable for a day or so... you might as well take advantage of it being there. If you do decide to breastfeed, it gets a lot easier after a week or two. Good luck in your decision... you'll be great mommy no matter what your choice is!
ReplyDeleteWith both of my kids I went in with the mind set of "I will try it, but if it doesn't work I am OK with Formula". With my son (first baby) I nursed him for about 3 days before I cried for my husband to go buy formula. He had a lot of trouble latching on, and it was painful to try nursing him, I got upset and decided I would rather be happpy, him be happy and life was great. He also ate a LOT so I had a tough time imagining how I would have even kept up enough supply, I know its suppose to be a supply and demand thing but kid would have been attached ALL DAY!!! With my Daugher (second baby) nursing her came SOOOO naturally. She latched right on, and I was very comfortable keeping up with feeding her with out ever feeling overwhelmed. Even the nurses said in the hospital that she would have nursed off the wall if given the chance, she was just a natural at it. I nursed her for about 8 or 9 months before moving her on to formula full time. She did get formula when I went back to work at 2 months just to supplement what I was not able to pump. There are pros and cons to both. My daughter would not take a bottle from anyone if I was around she wouldn't even take a bottle of breast milk if I was near. It was nice with my son to be able to share the feedings with my husband or other people. I would not change the way I did it for either of them, and would approach another baby the same way, if it works, it works, if not ITS OK!!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll know when the time comes if it's for you or not. I had always planned to but actually breastfeeding them just wasn't in the cards -- the logistics were too difficult (though they did learn to and did nurse well when given the chance). With that said, I opted to pump for them and was able to do so for 11 months and I would not change a thing. For me, it made sense adn that way I always knew how much they were getting (essential with preemies which I hope you do not have). I feel so good that I was able to do it for them and it really was not painful at all. When the milk comes in, yes, it's uncomfortable but not as bad as I expected and it lasted all of about a day. Do what feels right to you and don't let anyone make you feel guilty either way!
ReplyDeleteAlison, I was just catching up. I had some mild discomfort and my pump was a life saver the first day as far as relieving over engorgement. I managed to build up a little stash prior to going back and pumped after a 3 month leave and had Isaac exclusively breast fed until about 6 months. Still pumped until about 11 months, but used formula for supplementation at daycare. He still chose to nurse on demand/ for comfort until he was over 2, but I was pretty much done with it! The nurses at the hospital were very helpful! It is much easier to nurse in the middle of the night then prepare a bottle esp during the early days.
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