Is this the first child you've breastfed?
I have breastfed two children. I would love to be a spokesperson for breastfeeding because I am so inspired by it, and would love to be in someone's corner to help them along.
What did you enjoy most about breastfeeding?
I nursed my daughter for 7-1/2 months (she is now 4-1/2). I just absolutely loved it. If it wasn't for the support of one of my best friends, along with the Breastfeeding Support Group at Palos Hospital, I would have quit after a few days. They kept encouraging me EVERY DAY, and I am so glad they did. People say that breastfeeding is easy, but in actuality, it is so much harder (so to speak) then bottle-feeding. It is the most unnatural natural thing there is. I am so glad that my friend was so honest with me (telling me, 'Hey, it is going to hurt a little, or maybe even alot!') and all that stuff.
What was the hardest part of breastfeeding?
My baby had very slow weight gain in the beginning, but she still got to her birthweight by 3 weeks (versus 2 weeks like my pediatrician wanted her too). Well, my pediatrician insisted I supplement with formula, and I was so scared that my daughter wasn't thriving, so I did (which I wish I didn't) - I just wasn't as confident as I wish I was.
Like I said, it just took her alittle longer. By 3 months, she was in the 95th percentile, for her weight and height, and still is. Needless to say, I fired her, and got a different pediatrician that supported breastfeeding. I had 5 breast infections with my daughter, and although they were very painful, I am so glad that I worked through the pain, and continued to nurse her - it is so good for baby (and for Mommy too)!!! Then when I had my son (who is 8 months old now), I feel like I am so much more educated now. Well, I had the pain the first couple weeks (which I wanted to quit, but of course I didn't cuz' I knew it would pass). I learned alot from the first baby! Once again, my friend and the support group encouraged me on, and 8 months later, here I am!!! I am so proud of myself and of him - he is a much more efficient eater!!! Believe me, there have been issues, but I know they will pass, and I just trudge on!!!
I hear all the time that Moms try, but it didn't work out for them f
or one reason or another. I am sure that some of those stories can be true, but I really think if they had the encouragement from an avid breastfeeding Mom or from a group, they would have "worked out the pain" and continued, and then would have been glad they did. I know I am!!!
Tips and Tricks
- You really need to know alot of the truths, like "Yes, it is going to hurt"
- You need to know to drink tons of water
- You need to know that Lansinoh will be your best friend for awhile!!!
