Did you breastfeed? If so, for how long?

[ratmist]

So I'm settling a bit more into the idea of becoming a mother soon. I'm 18 weeks pregnant and I've started feeling a little fleshy butterfly in my centre moving around. It's definitely not gas, so I assume it's the baby.

One of the things I'm thinking about is breastfeeding. I'm curious if Specktra Mothers breastfed, and if so, what their experiences were. I've read a lot about how some women have a hard time with it.

My mother tried to breastfeed but found it was too painful. She is a nurse so it's not like she didn't know what she was doing, but she said she had to give it up because she wasn't producing enough milk for either my brother or me, and it hurt so badly. (Apparently I just wanted to bite her, no matter what she tried.)

 

[PrettyDolledUp]

Congratulations to you becoming a Mommy! Motherhood is undescribable! Anyway, I have 2 boys, my eldest is now 5 years old, and I did not breastfeed him, he just wouldn't latch on!

However, my younger son, whom is now 9 months old, latched on quick! I admit, it was tough in the beginning, but I knew that breastmilk was best for him, so I toughened myself up and dealt with whatever pain there was. We were basically both learning at the same time, so I was very patient. There was SOME pain, but not as bad as I had thought. There was also a time when I thought I was losing my milk supply, but I contacted a lactation specialist right away and her advice was to continue breastfeeding. She said to make sure after each feeding that the breasts were completely empty, because it lets your body know to produce more milk. So I continued feeding my baby every 2-3 hours and until this very day, I'm still breastfeeding him. But I'm definitely going to have to wean him off once he turns 1 year old...now that's going to be a challenge! hehehe..Hope this helped you out a little bit!

 

[xxManBeaterxx]

Congrats

When you start getting into week 30's you will want that child out of you!!!

I couldnt breast feed for a few weeks, my daughter never latched on and the pain was sooo immense i actually cried, your breasts feel so tender and sore and swollen. But after i accepted that i will probably never be able to breastfeed i tried one last time, it was still sore and i could only breastfeed about 2feedings a day and then gradutally work its way up. I was so releaved and happy. I stopped when she was 8 months old, good luck breast feeding is a challenge in itself

 

[panda0410]

Congrats mum-to-be!!!
I have had 4 babies with my hubby and breastfed all of them. My first son for 7 months, my second son for 7 months, my daughter for 5 months, and my last son for 3 months. I regrettably stopped feeding him after I went back to uni - the workload of my course and 3 hourly feeds were killing me physically and I wasnt coping with the fatigue

I would have gone longer if other circumstance prevailed, but this is the way it has to be.

Breastfeeding does not come naturally, its a skill and believe me it can be hard. Even with my 4 babies you'd think it would just come with successive babies, it just didnt - sometimes it was hard work! My daughter was over a month premmie and had other complications beside being small and latching was a huge issue for her. At 6 weeks I started expressing milk and bottle feeding her and did that for another 4 months because I wanted her to have the best start she could. My eldest son had problems too, he later died, but I did the same for him and expressed for almost the entire 7 months I fed him for. My second son was a dream - he latched immediately after birth and never looked back! He fed from me for 7 months until I removed him, he was swinging off me like a monkey...lol...I wast going to deal with that! And my last son was fussy - he would feed sometimes and then not at others, he would scream and wriggle, then suckle, then more screaming. You need patience and persistence but its all totally worth it in the end if you can. Having your baby at your breast for me I found very comforting, but dont beat yourself up if you cant or find it very hard - breastfeeding isnt for everyone. There are lots of options as well besides direct feeding, expressing can be tedious but often outweighs the disadvantages for some mothers, and lactation consultants are almost always on hand for help - use them when you need to and dont be afraid to ask for help

 

[Shimmer]

This is a great idea for a thread, and I'm glad it was posted, I just want to preemptively ask that, since breastfeeding/bottlefeeding/nature/nurture can cause such heated debate and passions, that the thread stay supportive in nature.

I did not breastfeed. I hated it when I tried it, and it never got better. Feeding time should be a time of bonding and love, and when Mommy is ready to jump away from Baby, that can't happen. For me, it was a visceral response that I didn't want any part of it, so I didn't do it. I can't say my children suffered for it either, on any level.

 

[Evey]

CONGRATS TO YOU! I'm a new mommy and I tried to breastfeed while I was in the hospital. I was determined to breastfeed my baby and I did but apparently I wasn't doing it right because after 2 days, I had scabbed up boobs. A nurse came in and tried to help me pump instead since I was so scabbed but a small clot of blood came out and that was it. The nurse told me to let my breasts heal before I tried to breastfeed or pump again which I did but by the time I tried to pump again, my milk supply was gone. It made me pretty upset because I really wanted to breastfeed my baby but, she's doing good without and I'm fine with that. As long as she's eating. =)

 

[Caramel_QT]

Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn't always come naturally for mom or baby. The BEST thing you can do, is exactly what you're doing right now, which is to educate yourself on breastfeeding. Read everything you can get your hands on and try to attend a series of La Leche League meeting if you can.

I've breastfed all four of my children for varying amounts of time, but the longer you can do it the better. My first child nursed for 2 years, the second for only 8 months (I was pregnant again and wanted to wean), the thrid for 21 months, and number four is still going strong at 19 months with no sign of stopping, lol.

All the best to you!

 

[gracetre123]

oh...great thread!! thank you all for your comments and advise!!

I really want and will try to breastfeed my baby...but Im too scared for the pain and all that!! so we´ll see!!

 

[gracetre123]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxManBeaterxx When you start getting into week 30's you will want that child out of you!!!

THE TRUE

 

[ratmist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caramel_QT Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn't always come naturally for mom or baby. The BEST thing you can do, is exactly what you're doing right now, which is to educate yourself on breastfeeding. Read everything you can get your hands on and try to attend a series of La Leche League meeting if you can. I've breastfed all four of my children for varying amounts of time, but the longer you can do it the better. My first child nursed for 2 years, the second for only 8 months (I was pregnant again and wanted to wean), the thrid for 21 months, and number four is still going strong at 19 months with no sign of stopping, lol. All the best to you!

Can I just ask, were you working full-time when you were breastfeeding? If so, how did you handle that?

From the time my kid is about three months old, I'll be looking to return to work. I realise there's breast pumping and whatnot, but that will probably require that I have some privacy at work in order to pump. I also heard from some others that the breast pumps don't always work well, so if people have brand recommendations that'd be useful too.

 

[panda0410]

^^ Mini electric pumps are the best if you want to keep feeding while you are working - hand pumps are very hard at the best of times and really electric is the way. Make sure you try and get one that is quiet though, some of them can be a little noisy! Just talk to your boss about making time and privacy for you to pump during the day - you will also need access to a fridge to store your milk

The medela pumps are pretty good, just make sure if you plan to pump for a while do a REALLY thorough search on pump types - not all pumps are good OR comfortable for every woman, the fittings are different in some of them and you need to take good care of your nipples for the first few weeks of the process. Most places will let you have a look at the attatchments and some of them will let you try demo pieces for size - some of the funnels in the pumps are different sizes for women who have very small or very large nipples - you dont want the breast part pulled deep into the funnel!! Just start gently and after that it will be a whizz

I stopped with my last baby, but my study requires me to be up all hours of the night and the fatigue of coping with a very fussy baby, and other kids plus day study at uni and night study at home was really too much for me. There are some groups that support working breastfeeding mums in my area, so I'm guessing there might be something similar where you are - just ask your local mothers or breastfeeding group, they might be able to refer you to contacts for support in the workplace during your working/breastfeeding months

 

[Caramel_QT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratmist Can I just ask, were you working full-time when you were breastfeeding? If so, how did you handle that? From the time my kid is about three months old, I'll be looking to return to work. I realise there's breast pumping and whatnot, but that will probably require that I have some privacy at work in order to pump. I also heard from some others that the breast pumps don't always work well, so if people have brand recommendations that'd be useful too.

With first I went back to school when she was around a year, so she would just nurse when I got home. With my second I got pregnant before my 1 year mat leave (we get a year off in Canada), and she was already weaned when I went back. With my third I was no longer working full time (part time and then only after a year) with my fourth, he is still nursing and I work through a temp agency here and there, but he's well over a year too, so I just nurse when I come home. Sometimes my breast are quite full, at the end of the day, having not nursed.

I have never done the pumping thing and I really got to give props to those women who do it. I honestly don't know if I could have. I guess I would have if I had to, but can't say for sure...I do know that there are hospital quality breastpumps that can be purchased. Actually a woman at my church decided to go back to work early (crazy woman, lol) and she pumps a few times per day in a spare office at work. I don't know how she does it, but it is important to her so she makes it work, I guess. She nurses the baby at the breast when they are together.

Anyhow, some brands/links to check out are Avent, Medela...

Quality Breast Supply :: Quality Breast Pumps & Accessories
Medela and Avent breast feeding pumps and accessories at Posh Mum's
SALE on Electric Breast Pumps & Accessories | Avent, Ameda, Medela and more at Breast Pumps Direct.

All the best to you and your impending birth!

 

[Evey]

I forgot to add....make sure to get ALL the help you can while you're in the hospital. Ask the nurses to help you learn how to breastfeed the baby or if they have a lactation consultant make sure you take advantage of that while you're there. That is one thing I regret not doing for being too damn shy. I didn't ask the nurses to help me until it was too late because I didn't want anyone looking at my boobs...

 

[TUPRNUT]

Congratulations! That is so exciting.

I have a 2 year old and I breastfed her for 9 months. I stopped immediately when she started using me as a teething toy.

Anyway, breastfeeding went pretty well for me. I took advantage of the lactation consultant from the hospital while I was there. They are extremely helpful and full of great advice! Our lactation consultants were also available after we left the hospital, so if you ever had a question, you could call them for advice.

Breastfeeding for me took patience and commitment. Especially at first, when my daughter wanted to eat all the time an sometimes for an hour or two at each session. I felt like a milking machine at first, but then I learned just to enjoy that quiet time with her.

I wish you all the best in your pregnancy and with your baby!

 

[lovely333]

As a mother baby nurse, postpartum and a mother of two I did breastfeed. It is not easy and takes work and patience. I worked 11-7 full time and pumped at work. I also had a breast reduction so it was harder for me. Be ready for your baby to loose weight and be fussy for the first couple of days. I get many mothers who have no idea where to start or what to expect. Please try to read something before hand. I love to help educate new mothers but its fusturating when they come in and have no idea what to do or expect. Also remember everthing doesn't have to be by the book. Many mothers supplement while in the hospital. Its ok as long as you nurse your baby before each feeding and the baby has a good latch. Also use a slow flow nipple when supplementing. Congrats and good luck.


Oh one more thing please remember to make sure your baby is satisfied before sending it to the nursery. I get upset when mothers send their baby to the nursery hungry and they scream and cry all night.

 

[panda0410]

quote "Oh one more thing please remember to make sure your baby is satisfied before sending it to the nursery. I get upset when mothers send their baby to the nursery hungry and they scream and cry all night."


^^ erm, pressure from a nurse.... not exactly what new mums need, especially immediately after birth and the following few days when hormones are running rampant - a helping hand is far more constructive. teary mums and upset babies often go hand in hand in this period of time and thats perfectly natural...

Not everyone chooses to supplement, some refuse to formula supplement at all and there are going to be times when baby isnt satisfied - and thats the mothers right to make that decision. It mightn't suit some nurses for babies to be crying all night, but its not their choice to make either.

 

[glassy girl]

No i didn't breastfeed my son tryed for about 2 days and it just wasn't working. Beside when i was to tired or busy i could just give my husband a bottle and let him feed him they say u bond with ur child more when u breastfeed i beg to differ i bonded with him just fine and my husband did as well and it took the pressure off of me to whip my boob out every time and every where when my little angel was hungry. I give major kudos 4 breast feeding moms its hard work and they do it with such ease..Good luck

 

[SkylarV217]

I did not breast feed b/c no one wanted me to my mother kept talking about how I wouldn't do that b/c she couldn't do it and went out and bought a ton of high priced bottles and formulas. My DH just didn't want me to b/c he was not informed about it and everyone else had their own opinions. I was pressured not to. In the end its something that I completely regretted. I know it may not have even worked with my son b/c he was a big baby and needed a LOT to eat. But in the end don't worry about anything else that you have heard or the situation with your mother breast feeding. What matters is what is right for you and your son. If you want to try to breast feed. If it doesn't work out , you tired. If it does you and your son will have an amazing bonding experience. As for the amount of time that you breast feed that is up to you , personally I don't think I could much after teething. But every woman and baby is different and Believe it or not The Mommy thing comes Natural to most women. You will find that while it is scary now, You will be an amazing mother and decisions such as this will come naturally. In the end do what you feel is right for you and your baby. In the end in this those are the only two people that matter

 

[nikki]

I breastfed both of my kids. My son for 4 months and daughter for 5 months. I went back to work fulltime after only 6 weeks. I was able to bring a pump with me and had a private area to do it in. I had a Medela pump and it was great! I would definitely recommend an electric pump over the other anyday!!

 

[Caramel_QT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovely333 Oh one more thing please remember to make sure your baby is satisfied before sending it to the nursery. I get upset when mothers send their baby to the nursery hungry and they scream and cry all night.

Or better yet, keep your baby safe and sound in your room. Much more conducive to sucessful breastfeeding.

Do they still have hospital nurseries? I mean, for healthy, full-term babies? But you are right, mums can't expect to nurse their newborns and then send them off to the nursery and stay full till morning...not gonna happen, lol. Newborns have very tiny tummies and need to be fed (breast OR bottle) every 1-2 hours.

Some info on the nursery thing for new mums who want to try breastfeeding...


The mother and baby should room in together. [FONT=Garamond,Garamond]There is [/FONT][FONT=Garamond,Garamond]absolutely no medical reason [/FONT][FONT=Garamond,Garamond]for healthy mothers and babies to be separated from each other, even for short periods [/FONT]

• Health facilities that have routine separations of mothers and babies after birth are years behind the times, and the reasons for the separation often have to do with letting parents know who is in control (the hospital) and who is not (the parents). Often, bogus reasons are given for separations. One example is that the baby passed meconium before birth. A baby who passes meconium and is fine a few minutes after birth will be fine and does not need to be in an incubator for several hours’ "observation".

• There is no evidence that mothers who are separated from their babies are better rested. On the contrary, they are more rested and less stressed when they are with their babies. Mothers and babies learn how to sleep in the same rhythm. Thus, when the baby starts waking for a feed, the mother is also starting to wake up naturally. This is not as tiring for the mother as being awakened from deep sleep, as she often is if the baby is elsewhere when he wakes up. If the mother is shown how to feed the baby while both are lying down side by side are better rested.

• The baby shows long before he starts crying that he is ready to feed. His breathing may change, for example. Or he may start to stretch. The mother, being in light sleep, will awaken, her milk will start to flow and the calm baby will be content to nurse. A baby who has been crying for some time before being tried on the breast may refuse to take the breast even if he is ravenous. Mothers and babies should be encouraged to sleep side by side in hospital. This is a great way for mothers to rest while the baby nurses. Breastfeeding should be relaxing, [FONT=Garamond,Garamond]not [/FONT]tiring.

Taken from http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/1pdf.pdf