I haven't written in quite some time, but I'm really excited to discuss today's topic because I'm SO passionate about it.... BREASTFEEDING!!!
Breastfeeding creates such a beautiful bond between a momma and her baby, but that doesn't mean it isn't difficult. Just like anything in life, there are always challenges, but there's a solution to every problem! I am so pro-breastfeeding and am in awe that my body is able to produce food for my baby. I am basically the grocery store for my baby and I absolutely love that. Since I'm so passionate about it, I figured I'd share my breastfeeding journey with you and also some tips.....
Prior to having our son, my husband and I attended a breastfeeding class at our hospital. It is HIGHLY recommended for any of you brand new mommas out there. Our lactation consultant breastfed her twin girls, so I knew if she could do it with twins, I can do it with one child. The class was extremely informative about pumping, latching, breastfeeding diet, etc. When my son was born, I was lucky enough to breastfeed him 30 minutes after he was born and it was just so natural for us. But when we hit a few road blocks, I didn't know what to do. Of course, I forgot everything I learned in our breastfeeding class.......blame it on the pregnancy brain??? But thankfully my husband attended the class with me and he remembered way more than I did. (I highly recommend all hubbys to attend with their wife! Two brains are better than one!) Breastfeeding went really well for the first 3 weeks. I was overflowing with milk and had no choice but to pump all the time. I even considered selling my milk because I just had so much! I luckily decided to keep and freeze my milk and had about 20 bags from just the first couple weeks of giving birth. My milk supply seemed to slow down and adjust to just the amount that my son needed so I didn't have to pump as much.
Then I started noticing some problems..... My breast were burning after every feed or even in between feeds. My nipples were always hurting and breastfeeding was just extremely painful. One night I was up breastfeeding and just starting crying because I was in so much pain and felt helpless. All I could do is just pray. I wanted to give my son the very very best, but my very very best was causing me to be in extreme pain. Not too long after, I came down with what I thought was the flu. I had a fever over 100, body aches, head ache, and the chills. After some research, I discovered that I had mastitis (inflammation of breast due to infection). I was better the next day but my breast were still in pain. I wasn't too sure if I had a plugged duct or what was going on, but I knew I needed help. I reached our to a family friend from my church that used to have her own lactation practice. She was like an angel!!!! I knew I needed to talk to someone who knew exactly what I was going through and someone who could genuinely help me. (Again, I had my husband there because two is better than one). She introduced my son and I to different latching techniques and different positions. We tried the "football" hold which made the world of a difference.
After meeting with her, I felt so confident in breastfeeding. We were making so much progress and we finally got the hang of things. My breast were no longer in pain, and breastfeeding was a beautiful bonding experience which is what it should be!
But then again, I hit another bump in the road. I felt like my milk was not coming in as much as it should or maybe my son was just eating so much that I felt flat vs. full. I had another moment where I felt hopeless and just in so much pain. I've always been anti-bottle and breastfeeding at the same time cause I was scared my son wouldn't want me anymore (crazy, i know lol). But this night I felt desperate to try something different. I decided to give my son a bottle and he adapted quick! It was like he didn't even know the difference. (I do highly recommend finding a bottle with a bigger nipple that resembles your breast best! We use Avent!) My son till this day still takes a bottle and breast feeds. I breastfeed as much as a can, but whenever I need a break, I always use the bottle. I'm also really really busy, so it's helpful when I have to work and my husband is able to feed him the bottle, or when we are on the road. For any mommas that are nervous your child won't want you anymore, I know how you feel. But your baby lived inside of you for 9 months, they know you better than they know anyone else. They will always want to breastfeed because that is where they find comfort! No bottle will ever give them that much comfort!
If you're a new momma nervous about breastfeeding, my advice is to NEVER give up. I've heard of so many mommas that give up on breastfeeding due to supply, latching, too busy, painful, or too hard. (Low breast milk problem is uncommon, a bad latch is probably the reason). But breast milk provides the very very best for your baby. Never give up! It's definitely challenging but oh so worth it for your sweet baby! I was once told that if you can make it to 6 weeks of breastfeeding, you can make it an entire year. The first 6 weeks will be the hardest, but keep pushing!
Here are my top tips for new breastfeeding mommas:
1. PRAY - only God knows exactly what you need and sometimes we get to a point where we feel hopeless, have no idea what to do, and all we can do is pray.
2. Talk to someone - whether it be another nursing momma or a lactation consultation, it helps talking to someone else and to hear from their advice and experience. Especially if you're in pain, ask for help. I bought these hot and cold pads which helped with my pain: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070767DU/ ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3. Never give up - your body was designed for this!
How to increase your milk supply:
1. Lactation cookies - not only are they delicious, I found that they help me significantly. (link below)
2. Pump, pump, pump - pump right after a feed and freeze your milk. You never know when you'll need that emergency liquid gold.
3. Drink lots of water
Here are a few breastfeeding facts:
1. Breastmilk has over 300 more ingredients than formula
2. You can save $300-$500 a year by breastfeeding
3. Breastmilk is a living substance - antibodies, white cells, and digestive enzymes in colostrum and breast milk help develop and strengthen baby's immune and digestive systems.
4. Nursing burns 300-500 calories a day! Who doesn't love an easy way to loose weight?!?!?
5. Breastfeeding give you a natural high! It releases oxytocin, the love hormone, in both mom and baby which helps bonding, stress relief, and makes momma relaxed!
Lactation cookies:
I purchase this brand on amazon and they were DELICIOUS!!! (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070767DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Lots of Lovin'
Brooke