Is this the first child you've breastfed?
Yes, This was my first pregnancy, I had an uncomplicated, natural birth in the hospital, thanks to the the help of my doula, my husband and my family. I stayed overnight in the hospital, and was ready to check out the following afternoon and start nursing my baby.
What did you enjoy most about breastfeeding?
It took 2-3 weeks of experimentation and determination, but we eventually figured out that my body was producing too much milk at first, and with the help of a breast pump, green cabbage, and lots of nursing, my daughter and I were able to form a solid breastfeeding team!
What was the hardest part of breastfeeding?
As I was leaving the hospital, my milk started coming in. By the time I got home, my normally A-B cup size had expanded to a D-E cup size, and I could no longer see my collar bones. I was in incredible pain, and could not imagine putting my newborn daughter anywhere near my breasts, let alone letting her suck on them! I had gotten a nipple shield from a harried lactation consultant in the hospital, who had not understood why a first-time mom would need a lactation consultant at all. When I called the doctor, I was told to take some ibuprofen, and that it was normal, that my milk was coming in. I was miserable and confused. The nipple shield complicated an already difficult process, and, I learned later, could have led to more engorgement and possible mastitis. Luckily, my next-door neighbor was the head of the Nursing Mothers' Council, a grass-roots organization of nursing mothers who provide breastfeeding support, and rent breast pumps at a reduced rate. Very helpful resources I found: my doula, the Nursing Mothers' Council, breast pumps, green cabbage applied to my breasts (which can reduce engorgement and milk supply), and hot showers and compresses prior to nursing. Not-so-Helpful resources: My doctors, hospital lactation consultants, and nipple shields.
Tips and Tricks
- I was surprised that such a natural process as breastfeeding was so difficult and complicated
- I would encourage any first-time moms to take a breastfeeding class and join a breastfeeding support group so that when or if you have problems with breastfeeding, you have a place to go to get your questions answered, and whatever support you need.
