Breastfeeding Worries!

Hi N.,

I am a new Mom and was worried about breastfeeding as well. Believe it or not, most babies are a natural. Good Samaritan hospital in San Jose has a great free breastfeeding support group on Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:30. To increase your supply, try pumping early. We did not feed my daughter a bottle until she was about 4 weeks old. It gave her a chance to get use to breastfeeding. She now takes 1 bottle a day (preparing for daycare, she is almost 8 weeks old) and let's Dad bond too. I think since I pumped early it helped with my supply so much that I have stored enough milk for her to go to daycare in a few weeks and stay on breast milk exclusively. If you get frustrated, just keep trying! It will get better. I also drink the Mother's Milk tea, not sure if it works but it tastes good and I thought it couldn't hurt. Try to feed or pump every 2-3 hours, even through the night for a few weeks. I still try to pump or feed my daughter during the day every 3 hours (or whenever she is hungry) but let her sleep through the night. I think feeding "on demand" worked for us opposed to sticking to a strick schedule. Good luck and congratulations!

Candy in San Jose

Hey N.! congrats on making it this far! Know matter what anyone tells you your experience is going to be different, I am a fist time mommy of an 9 month old boy and I was also looking forward to breastfeeding for at least 6 months but only made it 4. it was very hard for me because in the hospital when he was born his blood sugar was low and they gave him formula and didnt give him to me to try to nurse for hours afterward, so my advice here is get him to try as soon as possible! as for him sleeping while hes in the hospital, probably not, we found it harder to sleep in the hospital than when we got home because everytime one of us fell asleep the nurses suddenly needed something. if you and your partner work together on sleeping schedules (especially if you pump and your partner can feed the baby while you get some rest) you should be fine.

just remember not to be too hard on yourself if you cant nurse your baby formula is ok! if you set expectations for yourself to nurse for x amount of time and you cant it will be very hard, go with the flow and let you and your baby decide what is right for the two of you. I didnt realize that I had the "baby blues" until after I stopped nursing and was suddenly happy and back to myself.

best of luck to you!

N.,

Please don't be frightened about breastfeeding. I know that many women have had it hurt and ended up engorged or whatnot. I had none of these issues, and I too scared myself by reading all of the information. I was prepared for the worst and was pleasantly surprised when it was so easy. I was so prepared from reading everything I could find (sounds like you are too) that it really just went along without a hitch. Granted my daughter, who is now 14 months old, was also a natural and was going for the breast as soon as I held her after delivery.

Also, if it hurts, your baby is NOT latched on right! Just unlatch him, and try again. It is often a learned action by mom and baby. It SHOULD NOT hurt. You may have to relatch several times before you and your son learn how to do it properly.

We fed on demand, and yes, that usually equaled about every 2-3 hours. You do get used to it. I had gotten to the point that I hardly had to wake to feed her in the middle of the night (she was in a bassinet next to the bed). A routine just kind of naturally develops.

All of the information out there is great, but don't scare yourself with it. EVERY situation is different, so as long as you are prepared as to what *could* happen, you will be fine.

Congratulations and good luck!

~M.

I was induced and had my daughter a little bit earlier than my due date so my milk didn't come in until 5 days later. It is totally okay to supplement with formula and sugar water to get your baby through. I had to pump and since I didn't have enough milk at first she also got formula. It took about a month before I got her latched on correctly and I had enough milk for her. A wonderful teacher at the mommy and me classes told me that there is nothing wrong by giving the baby a bottle right before the last feeding and it will help them sleep longer and that you can try to have 4 hrs of sleep before the 3 am feeding. Do not fall for the all of nothing breastfeeding myth because the daughter nursed for 16 months and even went on strike once for a week. When you rent a breast pump get the one that the hospital use because they have more power it is faster to get your milk out. Good luck

First of all, congratulations on your baby boy!! Second of all, you are going to do fine. :-) You will figure it out. There is a lot of help and the other comments you have received here are all exactly what I would have said. Just relax, and enjoy. Keep in mind that the first few days in the hospital, the baby will be drinking the cholesterum (sp?) until you milk comes in. This is why they tend to drop a little in weight. But don't worry. You're milk will come and hopefully you'll have more than you'll know what to do with. How often you nurse your baby also depends on the baby. My first son nursed about every 4 hours. The second one had a little touch of jaundice so they wanted me to feed him about every 2 hours. So it just depends. I also have to admit that the second time around I thought I knew what I was doing but then quickly realized that both the baby and I needed some assistance. So don't be affraid to ask for help. The nurses also have a lot of knowledge to take advantage of until you can get time with the lactation consultant. Definitely take a class before hand. It's a bit of a science but not of the rocket variety. ;-) Good luck. You're going to do great!

N. -

I've got two girls, 5 1/2 & 2 1/2 that I breast fed for quite a while. Which I never thought I'd do, 'cause I just didn't think I'd be that committed, but I had Boob girls, and it was just easy (nothing extra to carry, nothing to buy or heat up, etc. etc.).

As for him learning to breastfeed - they'll help you in the hospital. In fact, the nurse wouldn't let me move from Labor & Delivery into the maternity ward until we'd practiced. For some reason I fought the practice, but it was very valuable, because getting the little ones to latch on the right way is something to get the hang of. They need a big mouthful or it hurts like heck, so it's worth the practice.

If you struggle with this, ask the nurses at the hospital. Or go to their breast feeding center (most hospitals have one) and get some coaching. La Leche League can be a big help too. Also, if you want to pump from time to time (nice if Daddy can do some feeding and you can sleep)don't do a manual pump. I rented a serious breast pump from the hospital both times and found it the only way to go. If you buy one, look for recommendations, because the little cheap ones are not worth it. Most of my breast feeding challenges came from not asking for help and not having a good pump (until I rented one).

The first few days? Euphoric, exhausting, frustrating, fun...the lack of sleep is the hard part. Makes everything harder than it should be. Sleep every moment you can - take all the help you can get, and despite the fact that biologically you are programmed to never let that little one go - do it anyway. Let the in-laws & aunties & parents AND THE FATHER help. Don't tell them they're doing it wrong, they'll figure it out and it'll be fine (this may not make sense now, but these words will float back to you at some point, and you'll know what I'm talking about). And a crucial point: let Daddy become an expert in everything he tries. Breast feeding is hardest on the daddies. I swear it to be true. It's a huge bonding experience for mommy & baby, but doesn't leave much left for the dad. So let him be the swaddling expert, or the diapering expert or the head washer. The Mama control urge can really squeeze the father out, and we don't even realize we do it. Maybe you won't have that problem, but it happens pretty often.

And yes, you'll probably be up every two hours. This is where personal choice comes in - some mamas co-sleep with the little ones so they don't have to get up to feed them. Some prefer to get up so that the little one gets used to sleeping in the bassinet/crib. I did it both ways. My opinion is do what works for you - if Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy.

Somewhere around 5-6 months they start sleeping longer, which can be 5 hours at a time or more. Some start earlier. There is a school of thought which suggests that if newborns don't wake up every two hours to eat, you should wake them up to feed them. My second slept for about 3-4 hours right from the get go, and since her weight was fine, I didn't wake her up. We were all much happier that way.

Again, you'll get a feel for it and find your own routines. Think of the first couple of weeks as practice.

But mostly, have fun, don't stress. It all works out the way it's supposed to.

hello N..congratulations on your first baby.
every mother is different and these are my experiences as a mother:
i have 2 girls.with my first baby,my breasts engorged and it really hurted because i was developing milk so fast,and my daughter slept a lot during the first few days,so it was hard to get that milk out of my breasts.i didn't have my parents around so i had to learn everything on my own.i didn't use an electric breast pump,which i should've,that probably would've helped with the pain.after about a week or less,the pain went away.i did breastfeed every two hours during the day and about twice at night.she slept with us in our bed up to about 2 years old.for me it was easier to breastfeed in our bed and still get my zzzzz.with my second baby,i didn't have any problems with my breasts,no pain whatsoever,i also breastfeed and still breastfeeding,my daughter is now 2yo.i'm in the process of weaning her right now.
you may or may not experience what i've experience but at least you can be ready if it do happen.
take care

Hi Nicole!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! For most people breastfeeding can be a challenge, but not necessarily. As a La Leche League Leader and birthing educator, I tell people to allow a good two to three weeks learning curve. If it turns out to be easier, great!

There are things you can do to prepare for breastfeeding. First, take a good breastfeeding class. I recommend one outside the hospital as you get more consumer friendly, proactive information to support what *you* need (as opposed to what is convenient for the hospital to have you know). Second, know the resources in your area (which there are many). There is a monthly La Leche League meeting which happens at the Campbell Library. Bridget Owen, master herbalist and lactation consultant (and mother of two), hosts a breastfeeding group on Tuesday mronings at Harmony. And of course, the groups which meet at the hospital. There are lactation consultants and educators who will make housecalls- see www.bayareabirthinfo.org for a list. Also, know that most La Leche League Leaders DO NOT make housecalls. They are volunteers and it is at their discretion and most have too many other commitments with work and family to make housecalls.

Lastly, some basic things (which you can learn more about at La Leche League or in your breastfeeding class): get edcated to have have as little medical birth interventions as possible. Studies show that interventions can make breastfeeding more challenging. Do not give your baby any artificial nipples (bottle or pacifier) until s/he is at least three weeks old AND nursing well. If you have any pain while nursing, 99.9% of the time it is because baby is not latched on or positioned properly. Be vigilant about relatching the baby until you both get it right. The quicker the problem is fixed, the quicker the pain will go away. The aformentioned resources can help.

If you have any questions, or would like clarification on any of this, please shoot me off an email, I'd be happy to help.

Love, J.

Congrats on your upcoming due date. I wish you all the best in your experience!

As for breast feeding...I too was determined to solely breast feed for as long as possible. Because of some unpredictable complications, I was not able to do so despite every attempt. I had a very hard time producing enough milk even though I was pumping and pumping.

Make sure you utilize the lactation consultants and nurses while you're in the hospital. They are there to help you and are happy to do so. You can also follow up with them after you have been discharged from the hospital if you have questions or concerns.

The best advice I can give you is to relax and be prepared for anything. I am a first time mom of a 9 month old and I beat myself up so hard because I was ultimately not able to breast feed. It doesn't make me a bad mom! It is definietly not what I wanted and I will always try again with children down the line. You do the best you can with what you're given at the time and I know you'll do great!

Dear N.,
Don't worry they will not let you leave the hospital unless the baby is breastfeeding correctly. It will take some getting to know each other but you will be able to work it out. I have breastfeed three babies and it worked out all three times. Just have patience with yourself and remember that the babies stomuch is very small only the size of a walnut at first and they need just a small amount but often.
Mine all needed to eat 1 1/2 hours at first but after a few weeks the feedings got to be about every three hours.
Cam

Hey N..
I am a mother of three wonderful boys, 4, 2, and a 3 month old. I've breastfed the two for older ones for 18 months. In the begining, it was a little difficult because I was a first time mother. Just remember to tell the nurses in the hospital that you are going to breastfeed because some give a bottle right away and then it gets harder to breastfeed. My little guy right now wakes up every 4 to 5 hours at night and during the day feeds every 2-4 hours. I let him feed for as long as he wants. The fist two months is a little difficult because both baby and mother are still getting use it, but after that it's easy. As far as sleeping, when I had my first, I would sleep when my baby was sleeping. well, good luck and i am very excited for you. There's nothing more exciting then being a mother.

N., I am in South San Jose & breastfeeding twins for the past 6 mos. Breastfeeding is not without its challenges but you CAN DO IT! I have dealt with clugged ducts, milk blisters, biting, a baby in the NICU who had to work at latching & nursing after being gavaged & poorly bottle fed in the nursery. I highly recommend that you take a breastfeeding class beforehand & make your significant other attend with you! If it wasn't for my husbands involvement, knowledge & support from the class, I wouldn't have stuck with it. The class at Good Sam, Parenting & breastfeeeding services is great, as is a breastfeeding class through Harmony in Campbell, instructore is Jeanne Batacan. Jeanne had experience with twins, as a doula, so she came to our home for instruction. Email me with any questions, concerns or for support anytime. La Leche League meetings are also a great resource & help, get their book, The Art of Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the best thing you could do for your baby for the first 6 mos to year.

Pam Hoxsey

It does work, and has for millennia! So the first step is to relax, the two of you will figure things out.

Note; My information is a bit dated, my youngest is a tween. But I did breastfeed for a total of six years, so I do have some experience to draw on.

Most hospitals have a lactation consultant, she can give you the latest information. Once home, I found the Nursing Mothers Council a great help. I could call up with questions and get good answers, and someone could make a house call if I needed it.

Others have gotten help with La Leche League, but they were not quite my style.

Hi N.,

Like any new skill, it just takes a little determination and practice. I would not describe breast feeding as difficult. I breast fed both of my children for a year without any real problems.

At El Camino hospital where I delivered my children, the nurses will show you how to breast feed and you'll have a few chances to try before you go home. Ask about this at the hospital you deliver at. You may not have much milk the first few days, but the baby usually takes comfort in suckling and you do have colostrum which is good for them.

If you have any trouble nursing after you leave the hospital, there are a couple nursing support groups e.g., La Leche. I didn't need it, but I hear from friends that they can be helpful. Also, if you have friends who have breastfed, they may be able to help or advise you if you have any difficulties.

There are a number of good books on breastfeeding. Read through one of them just to be aware of what to look for. I think I had a copy of "The Nursing Mother's Companion". Relax, you'll get there. It's natural and very good for both you and the baby.

Good luck,

G.

The best suggestion I can give you is this - while in the hospital after the baby is born, go to the lactation class that they hold everyday (sometimes a few times a day) in the maternity ward. There will be breastfeeding specialists and lactation consultants on hand, as well as all the other new mothers with their babies. They will help you step by step on an individual level and teach/tell you everything you need to know about breastfeeding, including all the problems you might possibly encounter. Take advantage of the expertise of the nurses and staff on hand at the hospital, as they are they best resource for a new breastfeeding mother! After you get home from the hospital, if you are continuing to have problems breastfeeding, you can have a lactation consultant from your local la Leche league visit your home and address your issues in that environment.
Some babies are really good at nursing from the moment they are born, and some babies have to learn how to breastfeed. It can be very frustrating, and be aware, it WILL hurt in the beginning. Your nipples will be sore and may crack and bleed (which is very normal for first time mothers) - the letdown reflex can sting quite a bit, and you will find yourself super engorged after your milk comes in. Buy a breastpump before your baby is born (I suggest medela pump in style) so that you can be ready if your child doesnt take to the breast, you can still pump and give the baby breastmilk from a bottle.

I live in Campbell too, and stay at home. If you every need ANY help, please send me an email or give me a call - Im all for meeting new moms in the area and creating friendships! Please email me at ____@____.com!

Hi N.,

Breastfeeding can be difficult - but there's a lot of support out there! I definitely recommend the (free) drop-in breastfeeding support group at Good Sam - Pat (the lactation consultant) is absolutely wonderful! The website is http://www.parentingandbreastfeeding.com/breastfeedingser...
(You could even drop by before having the baby to ask whatever questions you have).

Harmony Birth in downtown Campbell also has a lactation consultant and a drop-in group - http://www.harmonybirth.com/newfamilies/bfgroup.html

You definitely will be up every 2-3 hours to feed the little guy for a bit (sometimes you will even have to wake him up to feed him - hard to do, but sometimes necessary). But it definitely does get better!

Best of luck,
N.

Hi Nicole,
Congradulation on your baby. I breastfed my two sons for a year. My second one is 13 months now. My advice to you is that get as much as help you need in the hospital. . The problem with breastfeeding is proper latching which hospital counselors can definitely show. It's true that they need to be fed every two hours for the first month. if you're not gonna have help and you feel very tired you can try formula once a day before bedtime. It will keep her or him full longer so you can rest.

Good luck

Nicole,
Breastfeeding is like any other parenting issue. Educate yourself on the basics and surround yourself with positive people who support it. A few recommendations:

Don't leave the hospital until a Lactation Consultant has seen you and assured you that the baby is latched on correctly. It's mainly incorrect latching on that causes pain in the beginning.

The baby will eat on his own schedule. That's often about every hour and a half for the first week or so, then it increases. So yes...sleep when the baby sleeps.

Purchase the book Nursing Mother's Companion. It's the bible in breastfeeding.

Keep the Lactation Consultant's number handly and call her anytime you need support - that's what she's there for.

Good luck!

S. in Campbell (breastfed for two years and a former lactation educator)