MY PROFILE
Welcome, Guest.
Please sign in or you can click here to register an account for free.
Did not receive activation email?
Email:
Password:

Refer-a-Friend and earn loyalty points!
FORUM NEWS + ANNOUNCEMENTS
[6 Sep] Get the BEST of BrillKids at a VERY SPECIAL price (for a limited time only!) (More...)

[05 Apr] BrillKids HQ is relocating: there may be minor shipping delays (More...)

[17 Jan] Looking for WINK TO LEARN coupons? New coupons now available for redemption! (More...)

[22 Jul] More SPEEKEE coupons available at the BrillKids Redemption Center! (More...)

[22 Mar] Important Announcement Regarding License Keys and Usage of BrillKids Products (More...)

[26 Feb] MORE Wink to Learn coupons available at the BrillKids Redemption Center! (More...)

[08 Jun] NEW: Vietnamese Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[15 May] Hello Pal Social Language Learning App Has Launched! (More...)

[3 Mar] Update: Hello Pal now Beta Testing! (What We've Been Up To) (More...)

[11 Feb] Sign up for our Little Reader Vietnamese Beta Testing Program! (Sign ups open until FEB. 15, 2015 ONLY!) (More...)

[26 Jan] More Wink to Learn coupons available at our Redemption Center! (More...)

[18 Nov] Get your Arabic Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[21 Oct] EEECF News: Get 30% Off from Hoffman Academy! (More...)

[22 Sep] The EEECF is now registered in the UN and we now accept donations! (More...)

[13 Aug] The Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) is now a registered charity on AMAZON SMILE! (More...)

[12 Aug] ALL-NEW Transportation & Traffic Category Pack for Little Reader!(More...)

[21 Jul] Get 10% off our NEW Actions and Motions Category Pack for Little Reader! (More...)

[14 Jul] Get 10% off BrillKids Books! IT'S THE BRILLKIDS SUMMER BOOK SALE! (More...)

[25 Jun] BrillKids store and website now available for viewing in Arabic! (More...)

[09 Jun] Get your Russian Curriculum for Little Reader! 10% off introductory price! (More...)

[09 May] Free Little Reader, Price Changes, and Promotional Discounts! (More...)

[28 Apr] Get BabyPlus Discount Coupons at the BrillKids Coupon Redemption Center (More...)

[13 Mar] Get your FREE Chinese Curriculum Update for Little Reader! (More...)

[20 Feb] FINALLY, introducing our Spanish Curriculum for Little Reader! (More...)

[24 Feb] We're looking for Content Checkers and Testers for our Arabic Curriculum! (More...)

[10 Feb] Volunteer with the Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) (More...)

[24 Jan] Check out our NEW Thai Curriculum Pack for Little Reader! (More...)

[20 Jan] Get Discounts from BrillKids Product Partners! (More...)

[10 Jan] Introducing our New Category Pack: Exotic & Wild Animals! (More...)

[27 Nov] Sign up for our LR Spanish Beta Testing Program (LIMITED SLOTS ONLY!) (More...)

[19 Dec] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! NOTE: BrillKids office closed on holidays (More...)

[16 Oct] Announcing the WINNERS of our BrillKids Summer Video Contest 2013! (More...)

[04 Oct] Get Little Reader Touch on your Android device! (More...)

[19 Jul] BrillKids products now available for purchase at our Russian Online Store! (More...)

[31 Jul] BrillKids Video Contest Summer 2013 - Deadline EXTENDED to August 31st! (More...)

[20 Jun] Join the BrillKids Video Contest Summer 2013! (More...)

[17 Jun] India Partners: BrillKids products now once again available in India! (More...)

[22 Apr] Little Reader Touch Version 2 Now Available (More...)

[21 Mar] French Curriculum available now for Little Reader! (More...)

[16 Apr] Spain Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Spain! (More...)

[07 Feb] Update to Little Math Version 2 now! (More...)

[07 Feb] Check out the *NEW* BrillKids Downloads Library! (More...)

[27 Feb] Singapore Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Singapore! (More...)

[20 Feb] Vietnam Partners: BrillKids products now Online in Vietnam! (More...)

[22 Jan] Important: About Sharing License Keys (More...)

[07 Nov] Update to Little Reader v3! (More...)

[19 Oct] We're Looking for Translators for our Little Reader Software (More...)

[15 Oct] More Right Brain Kids coupons available at our Redemption Center! (More...)

[25 Sep] CONTEST: Get A Free Little Musician by helping EEECF reach your friends and colleagues! (More...)

[17 Sep] Give a child the gift of literacy this Christmas: 20,000 children need your help! (More...)

[29 Aug] Little Musician wins Dr. Toy Awards! (More...)

[29 Aug] VIDEOS: Perfect Pitch at 2.5y, and compilation of Little Musician toddlers! (More...)

[09 Aug] Get Soft Mozart Coupons from the Points Redemption Center! (More...)

[03 Aug] Welcome NEW FORUM MODERATORS: Mela Bala, Mandabplus3, Kerileanne99, and Kmum! (More...)

[03 Aug] Winners of the Little Reader Video Contest (Part 5)! (More...)

[25 Jul] Bianca's Story - What happens 10+ years after learning to read as a baby/toddler (More...)

[27 Jun] Updates on our Early Education for Every Child Foundation (EEECF) (More...)

[27 Jun] Join the Little Reader Video Contest (Part 5) (More...)

[04 Jun] Being a Successful Affiliate - Now easier than ever before! (More...)

[18 May] LITTLE MUSICIAN - NOW LAUNCHED! (More...)

[30 Apr] Winners of the Little Reader Video Contest! (More...)

[28 Apr] The Early Education for Every Child Foundation - Help Us Make a Difference (More...)

[20 Apr] Little Reader Curricula on your iPad or iPhone - now possible with iAccess! (More...)

[12 Apr] LITTLE MUSICIAN - now in OPEN BETA TESTING (with a complete curriculum) (More...)

[12 Mar] *NEW* Little Reader Content Packs now available! (More...)

[01 Feb] Join the March 2012 Homeschooling Contest: Create a Monthly Theme Unit! (More...)

[27 Jan] Join the BrillKids Foundation as a Volunteer! (More...)

[20 Jan] BrillKids Featured Parent: Tonya's Teaching Story (More...)

[17 Dec] Dr. Richard Gentry joins the BrillKids Blog Team! (Read Interview on Early Reading) (More...)

[08 Dec] Little Reader Touch promo EXTENDED + Lucky Draw winners (More...)

[01 Dec] Affiliate Success Story - How Elle Made $4,527 in Sales in just 30 days (More...)

[22 Nov] Little Reader Touch now available in the App Store! (More...)

[09 Nov] Winners of the September 2011 Video Contest (More...)

[01 Nov] Another free seminar and updates from Jones Geniuses (More...)

[16 Sep] SPEEKEE is now a BrillKids partner product! Get Speekee coupons at the Coupon Redemption Center! (More...)

[02 Sep] Little Reader Wins Another Two Awards! (Mom's Best Award & TNPC Seal of Approval) (More...)

[05 Aug] Little Reader Deluxe Wins the Tillywig Brain Child Award! (More...)

[28 Jul] LITTLE MUSICIAN beta-testing NOW OPEN! - Sign up here. (More...)

[14 Jul] Little Reader Wins Another Award! (PTPA Seal of Approval) (More...)

[13 Jul] Jones Geniuses FREE Seminars & news of Fall classes (More...)

[30 Jun] Little Reader Wins 2011 Creative Child Awards! (More...)

[11 May] The *NEW* Little Reader Deluxe - now available! (More...)

[06 May] Do you blog about early learning? - Join the BrillKids Blogger Team! (More...)

[21 Apr] Aesop's Fables vol. 2 - *NEW* Storybooks from BrillKids! (More...)

[15 Apr] BrillKids Foundation - Help Us Make a Difference (More...)

[08 Apr] Get READEEZ Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[06 Apr] The new Parents of Children with Special Needs board is now open! (More...)

[06 Apr] Join the Jones Geniuses online workshop for BrillKids members this April 21st! [FULLY BOOKED] (More...)

[04 Apr] Get TUNE TODDLERS Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[21 Mar] BrillKids Discount Coupons - Finally Here! (More...)

[21 Mar] BrillKids on Facebook... We've MOVED! (More...)

[15 Mar] Get KINDERBACH Discount Coupons at the Forum Shop! (More...)

[08 Mar] WINNERS OF THE VIDEO CONTEST: You, Your Baby and Little Reader Part 2! (More...)

[07 Mar] Please welcome our NEW FORUM MODERATORS: Skylark, Tanikit, TmS, and TeachingMyToddlers! (More...)

[22 Feb] Do you BLOG? Join the BrillKids Blogger Team! (More...)

[11 Feb] Affiliate Program – Use BrillKids Banners to promote your affiliate link in your blogs and websites! (More...)

[31 Jan] Important: Please Upgrade to Little Reader v2.0 (More...)

[26 Jan] BrillKids Blog - Criticisms of Teaching Your Baby To Read (More...)

[21 Jan] Share your Little Reader Success Story! (More...)

[08 Jan] Little Reader available on the iPad today! (More...)

[17 Dec] Aesop's Fables vol. 1 - New storybooks from BrillKids! (More...)

[13 Dec] Infant Stimulation Cards - New at the BrillKids Store! (More...)

[08 Dec] Christmas Sale: Give the gift of learning with BrillKids! (More...)

[29 Nov] Upgrade to Little Reader 2.0 [BETA] Now! (More...)

[19 Nov] Get Discounts for products from JONES GENIUSES! (More...)

[17 Nov] Join the HOMESCHOOLING CONTEST: Create a Monthly Theme Unit! (More...)

[08 Nov] Piano Wizard Academy Offer - Exclusive to BrillKids Members! (More...)

[23 Oct] Should music be a birthright? Is music education for everyone? (More...)

[20 Oct] Introducing the BrillKids Presentation Binder Set! (More...)

[12 Oct]Get to Know Other BrillKids Parents in Your Area (More...)

[14 Sep] Teaching your kids about music - Why is it important? (More...)

[10 Sep] The new ENCYCLOPEDIC KNOWLEDGE Collaborations board is now open! (More...)

[10 Sep] Meet other BrillKids Members In Your Area! (More...)

[27 Aug] Traditional Chinese Curriculum Add-On Pack for Little Reader - Now Available! (More...)

[20 Aug] Little Reader Chinese Curriculum Add-on pack - Now Available! (More...)

[5 Aug] Take Advantage of our Special Affiliate Program Promotion! (More...)

[3 Aug] Encyclopedic Knowledge Categories for FREE, made by all of us! Please join in! (More...)

[16 Jul] WINNERS OF THE VIDEO CONTEST: You, your baby and Little Reader! (More...)

[24 Jun] Be a BrillKids Affiliate and Get Rewarded! (More...)

[24 Jun] Need help from Native Speakers of SPANISH, RUSSIAN and ARABIC for Little Reader curriculum!

[01 Jun] Deadline for Submission of Entries for the LR Video Contest - Extended Until June 30! (More...)

[19 May] Facebook "LIKE" buttons are now in BrillBaby! (More...)

[25 Mar] Introducing the all new Little Reader Deluxe Kit from BrillKids! (More...)

[18 Mar] More Signing Time Coupons available at our Forum Shop! (More...)

[11 Mar] BrillKids Discount Coupons - Coming Soon! (More...)

[09 Mar] Little Math 1.6 and Semester 2 are now available! (More...)

*

Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down
Author Topic: DOES BREAST FEEDING REALLY HURT?  (Read 68787 times)
Digg del.icio.us
gigglez
*
Posts: 0
Karma: 1
Baby: 1P
Latest: (Pg)614w 0d



View Profile
« on: December 27, 2012, 06:50:48 PM »

I'm having my first baby in April and at the beginning of my pregnancy I was so sure I wanted to just breast feed but as I get more and more closer to the due date I'm second guessing my self because a lot of people tell me that breast feeding hurts. Should I breast feed one day and feed him formula the next or just breast feed or just formula? I'm honestly not up for the pain!

Logged
Tamsyn
*****
Posts: 553
Karma: 128
Baby: 5




View Profile
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2012, 07:21:42 PM »

I'll be honest:  Breastfeeding CAN hurt.  It doesn't always, and many people don't have any pain whatsoever when they breastfeed.  I'm a member of the LLL, and I recently brought up that breastfeeding did hurt for me at the beginning with each of my children, and it wasn't because of a bad latch or anything like that.  It really bothered me that their response was things like, "well it shouldn't", or "some women have a higher pain tolerance than others".  Hello, I just gave birth naturally for each of my kids, obviously I'm willing to tolerate pain for the greater good.  I did tolerate the pain for a bit.  But I will give you this good news:  IF it hurts at all, it doesn't last long.  If you can make it through the first couple of weeks, it almost never goes beyond that.  Your breasts just need a chance to adapt to the process, they'll toughen up/adapt, and then it doesn't hurt anymore.  Oh what a beautiful gift to give your baby!  It's worth it.  Yes, it did hurt me at first, but after that initial adaption period, I really enjoy breastfeeding my children.  There are so many nutritional benefits.  There are bonding benefits.  In "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" they pose the question:  Would you rather have your baby get the nutritional benefits of breastmilk from a bottle every 3 hours, or give your baby formula from your breasts and have the bonding experience of being able to respond to your baby's cues.  There is no right answer to that question, but I would choose the formula with the bonding experience, even if it came with the initial pain during the first couple of weeks- one week of pain adapting and one week recovering from soreness.  Seriously, I really do enjoy breastfeeding.
My advice is to try to make it two weeks.  I've never heard of it hurting past that unless there was some kind of complication.

Logged

MarthaT
****
Posts: 276
Karma: 25
Baby: 1




View Profile
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2012, 09:08:52 PM »

I may have been lucky, but it was never that painful, annoying and somewhat uncomfortable at times, yes. They will hopefully catch on pretty quick, and everything will go smoothly.

Logged

Korrale4kq
*****
Posts: 934
Karma: 134
Baby: 1




View Profile
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2012, 09:15:56 PM »

I nursed for almost 18 months and I can't remember pain but I know that i had it at times. Going back and forth between breast and formula will hurt more because your breasts will become engorged then not have enough then enforced again.
It will take a little bit of time for your nipples to toughen up but after a week or so they should adjust. I did have a few days of pain when my son cut each new tooth because his latch changed.
We did battle thrush (yeast infection) and that was quite painful but not a standard issue for most women.
If you do have pain you would be best consulting with a lactation consultant. There could be a latch issue or thrush or something else.

All in all I never once thought of quitting. I let my son self wean. And I will not hesitate to nurse again.

Logged



http://littlemanlogic.wordpress.com/

JJ: 5 years old.
Math:  CLE2, Singapore 2A, HOE, living math books.
Language Arts: CLE2
Reading: CLE2
Independent Reading: Half Magic, Boxcar Children, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.
Writing: NANOWRIMO.
Science: BFSU, Peter Weatherall, lots of science books.
Americana: Liberty\'s Kids, Complete Book of American History, Story of Us.
eva2084
*
Posts: 9
Karma: 7
Baby: 1




View Profile
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2012, 09:46:19 PM »

For me mostly the first 3 days hurt. Now it is much better, sometimes I have even very pleasant feelings during breastfeeding smile



Logged
Humbler9
**
Posts: 73
Karma: 17
Baby: 3



Our daughter \'Julie\' was born July 18, 2012


View Profile
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2012, 11:47:39 PM »

My wife and I breastfed, and I didn't feel any pain.  Sorry...  Just had to throw that in there from a man's perspective.  At the doctors office, we are asked if she is still breastfeeding, and I always respond...  "Yes, we are".

In all seriousness though.  The lactation nurses will tell you something like what Tamsyn just criticized other people about.  or at least they did for us. (Yes, still talking like I'm part of the team).

One thing that I do know though....  Buying one of those clear plastic shields really did help.  it lessened the pain significantly.  I'll let one of the mothers here debunk that idea if it's not always true.

Something my wife also did was buy a Medela breast pump  (the one that attached to the bra so you can walk around doing other things at the same time (multitasking))!  The pump we have has lasted thru twins and a baby girl, and it's still going strong.

At night, my wife pumps, and I feed the baby breastmilk from a bottle.  Of course, there were plenty of times when the baby did physically breastfeed.

The benefits of breastfeeding are enormous.  Every mother is different and ultimately it is up to you.  My wife and I would like to encourage you to breastfeed!   nowink

« Last Edit: December 28, 2012, 12:09:07 AM by Humbler9 » Logged
TeachingMyToddlers
*****
Posts: 1944
Karma: 327
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2012, 12:11:14 AM »

My wife and I breastfed, and I didn't feel any pain. 

HAHAHAHA  laugh

To answer your question? YES!  BUT, I am a super weenie when it comes to pain apparently. I took natural childbirth classes for weeks, got special permission to bring a birthing tub to the (very conventional) hospital, was geeked up for natural childbirth and planned to breastfeed. In the end, those preparations were for nothing because I had an epidural as soon as humanly possible after arriving at the hospital. I was certain I was ready to deliver any moment when I got there....I was like 3 CM.  LOL Labored for 24 hours and it ended in a c-section. BUT enough about that!  tongue

Since I my birth plan didn't turn out the way I intended, I was DETERMINED to nurse. Nothing was going to stop me! I met with the lactation consultants in the hospital and then hired one a few weeks later. I read "if it hurts, you're doing something wrong" so I was certain I wasn't doing it right....B.S! I remember crying during every single feeding session (being hormonal didn't help either I'm sure) due to pain, a baby that couldn't get her stuff together either, and the frustration of it all. The thing that finally saved me was a nursing shield by Medela. I actually bought 1 or 2 extra b/c I couldn't nurse without it for a few months and they are clear, which makes it so easy to misplace them in plain sight. After a while, we just didn't need it anymore. It helped with the pain immensely in the beginning but using them has a learning curve of it's own, be forewarned. It was so worth it!

I did a combination of pumping and nursing, especially in the beginning, but I was and still am so PROUD that through the adversity, my kid didn't have any formula. It's not the end of the world if babies have it, but it was important to me that I was triumphant after such a lousy birth experience.  It wasn't until I got pg again and my milk dried up some (which is normal) that I had to supplement. But I ended up nursing #1 for nearly 2 years and #2 for about 8-9 months. He wasn't as into it and tandem nursing wore me out.

The short version. It hurt, it sucked big time, but we found our groove and it was totally worth it in the end!

Logged

Proud Momma to DD 11/28/08 & DS 12/29/09, exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day apart in age. Check out my youtube channel for BrillKids Discounts and to see my early learners in action! smile www.youtube.com/teachingmytoddlers
FomerlyMrsObedih_Now_BatmansMama
**
Posts: 64
Karma: 22



View Profile
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2012, 12:57:47 AM »

I am a long term breastfeeder, my son is 2 years and 2 months old and I don't really have any plans to stop until he's ready to himself. I exclusively breastfed for the first 5-6 months of his life and yeah it did hurt at first because I didn't know how to get him to latch on. Like TmT and Tamsyn, I had planned a natural homebirth, but ended up with an epidural and forceps in hospital, which apparently leaves baby too groggy to latch on as soon as born. That first instinct to latch is important if you can achieve it. Anyway I found getting help from a breastfeeding expert (provided free the NHS if you're in the UK) really helped me learn how to position him for a good latch. Soon I was breastfeeding discreetly while walking to around town with DS in a sling smile

Don't worry, relax, its a lot more of a natural instinct and process than bottle feeding. But be prepared to do what it takes to get through any tough bits, pretty soon you'll find out its the most beautiful bond (and behaviour management tool!) you've got with your LO smile

Logged
TeachingMyToddlers
*****
Posts: 1944
Karma: 327
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2012, 12:59:37 AM »

Oh boy, rereading my post sounds super discouraging. Surely the other Moms here are not nearly as dramatic about it as I am!  LOL  Really, don't be discouraged, I am so, so glad I did it with both kids. I wanted to come back and post this thing, the BEST nursing pillow! The boppy was nice to put the baby in (supervised) or just cuddle them with, but when trying to coordinate nursing and having the pillow slipping was so frustrating. The baby would slip in the "gap" as the pillow shifted. And when you finally get the baby latched and in position, you're like "Quick! Nobody move, we're dooooooooing this!!!"   big grin

So, like anything, for me isolating the tricky skills helped (focusing on working on latch) and NOT worrying about the stupid pillow! Here's the pillow I used, the "My Brest Friend Pillow (dumb name, great product). It clicks around your waist for a secure fit and it provides a semi firm surface to work on You can remove the cover for washing although it is a minor pain to get it zipped back in. The Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory sells them if you are in the states, it's been a few years, they may carry them at other retailers now, too.



Dang, they make LOTS of cool stuff now!
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=524778&cm_ven=RKG_Pricegrabber&cm_cat=NA&cm_pla=NA&cm_ite=NA&orderType=6&utm_source=RKG_Pricegrabber&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=product&utm_term=Pricegrabber&zmam=15782718&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=13200%20%20%20%20%20MD

http://blogs.babycenter.com/products_and_prizes/a-diaper-bag-that-doubles-as-a-nursing-pillow-genius/

And I found some other ones with a belt, which I found to be one of the most important parts, in case you can't find that first one in your area.

http://mybabywarehouse.com.au/index.php/milkbar-nursing-pillow-twin-chocolate-sand.html
http://www.wayfair.com/Fertile-Mind-Cooeee-Nursing-Pillow-Double-422-423-424-FYK1007.html
http://www.sweetoasispillow.com/
http://leachco.stores.yahoo.net/easeback.html


« Last Edit: December 28, 2012, 01:24:23 AM by TeachingMyToddlers » Logged

Proud Momma to DD 11/28/08 & DS 12/29/09, exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day apart in age. Check out my youtube channel for BrillKids Discounts and to see my early learners in action! smile www.youtube.com/teachingmytoddlers
lois1
***
Posts: 158
Karma: 21



View Profile
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2012, 05:27:46 AM »

Well TmT looks like you're going to have to go back & have another one just to get to try out all the new equipement, ha ha.

I had a similar disappointing/ not according to my plan birth experience & I was also very determined to breast feed. Now I'll share my story but everyone is different - some people experience pain, others infection. But IMHO if you can give birth you can do anything.

It took my litle guy 11 days to figure out how to latch on, I'm in central America & it was just me & the internet trying to figure out what I was doing wrong (a plastic shield helped us too). I don't think we were doing anything wrong per se, just it took a while for my little boy to figure it out. Once he did learn it really really hurt, a few seconds of toe curling pain each time he latched on for the first maybe 2 days, I would want to tear him off but couldn't since I had just spent an hr of him (us) crying trying to get him latched on.  wacko I didn't supplement which for me would have been the beginning of the end. Once he did latch on, he was there for an hr & then very content for 2-3hrs, then an hr of frustration again.

(Embarrasingly....) Despite my medical background I didn't know how to dislatch him... you put your pinkie in btwn your breast & his mouth to break the suction. I just pulled him off till my Mum explained to me that there was a better way... Yes, that REALLY hurt.  LOL

From day 12 it was so easy & from day 14 no pain at all. So 11 hard days for 14 months of sweet time together, we sang, read, rocked... & I could closet myself away from the busyness of the world & it just be us.

Ultimately so so worth it, so very special. You need a good support system even if they are on the other side of the world, who understand that to mention formula to you is on pain of death.  smile  My husband was great, he understood how important it was to me & it was to him too. We were worried about things like dehydration living in the tropics but he was such a contented little thing, it probably helped that we didn't have a bunch of experts to hand! Most people I know (friends/ patients) who begin to supplement usually end up dropping breasfeeding all together & I always feel a little sad for them.

It is a little daunting at first then it just seems like the most natural thing in the world & what on earth were you worrying about in the first place? Take a day at a time & you'll do fine.

All the best,
Lois

P.S Lasinoh nipple cream, a breastfeeder's best friend smile

Logged
ShenLi
****
Posts: 376
Karma: 117
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2012, 05:44:42 AM »

I completely agree with Tamsyn, Humbler, and TMT. It does hurt at the start but I reckon that's because our nipples aren't used to the friction from our baby's tongue. It takes a while for the skin to toughen up and then it doesn't hurt any more. Like TMT, I also thought I was doing something wrong because it hurt. Luckily, I had a friend who went through it all before me and her encouragement was what kept me going. She said, and I quote, "Just tell yourself everyday: 'Just one more day'." Before you know it, you'll be breastfeeding like a pro.

If you find you can't tolerate the pain, I also recommend what Humbler said - use the nipple shield. It really helped me as well. The other thing I used was Bepanthen ointment. It can be used as a diaper cream or for applying to sore/cracked nipples. I would apply a little on after every feed. It's formulated for this purpose so you don't have to wipe it off before your baby nurses again.

I nursed my elder boy all the way through my second pregnancy so when I started nursing my second child, I didn't have any pain the second time around. My cousin who stopped, said she felt the pain again at the start but it goes away pretty quick after.

The thing is to make sure you have a proper latch (you can get the lactation consultant to check) so you know it isn't hurting because of incorrect attachment. After that, it's just a matter of time before the pain goes away. Hang in there. It's really really worth it. I find it easier to bf because I don't have to get up at night to fiddle with milk bottles and making sure the temperature is right. I even fall asleep while I'm nursing (we co-sleep). Sometimes it's so automatic, I'll wake up to find my son suckling and I don't remember waking up to nurse him.

I also do NOT recommend alternating - as in one day bf and one day formula. The way breastfeeding works is that the milk is produced on demand. If your baby doesn't suckle, your body makes less milk. This is the biggest mistake of a lot of mothers here - they think they do not have enough milk and then they supplement with formula thinking that it just takes time for their breastmilk to come in but they don't realise that they are sabotaging their milk supply in the process.

What I also recommend is having a strong support - people who fully support your decision to breastfeed. It's a tough time, especially the first time around. You don't need people criticising you or telling you why you should formula feed. Tell your hubby to deal with these people (get rid of them) and surround yourself only with those who support you. The hardest part I experienced was having an overbearing relative breathing down my neck and making unhelpful comments like, "Oh, he's so angry because he can't get any milk." And this is all while I'm struggling to get my baby to latch on properly. Also make sure your hubby is fully on board. With all the naysayers around us, even my hubby was a bit uncertain at times.

So hang in there. It really, really is worth it.

Logged

TeachingMyToddlers
*****
Posts: 1944
Karma: 327
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2012, 06:20:31 AM »

Something else I wanted to add- They gave us formula in the hospital as a sample in the standard giveaway diaper bag full of coupons, etc. I got rid of it immediately, either sent it back or threw it away, I can't remember. I got an unsolicited sample in the mail at home as well, I also got rid of it immediately. If you don't keep it in the house, it takes a LOT more effort to get up and go to the store in a moment of desperation versus just reaching in the pantry and pull it out. If it had been in the house, things might have ended poorly for us.

Once we got the hang of it, I did keep a single use already prepped bottle or two in the trunk for the times DH took DD out by himself (rarely). I always sent him with expressed BM but my motherly instinct had me worried he would spill it or something and leave my sweet baby starving, or maybe he would  stay out longer than intended or run into another emergency situation. Yes, he could have bought some, but well, I know my hubby and know that I have to make it as easy as possible on him and God forbid he get stranded on the side of the road or something with a hungry baby.

If you find yourself giving pumped bottles from the fridge, never microwave them! Breast milk is "alive" and the microwave kills a lot of the properties that make it so amazing, including being antibacterial. Just heat it enough to take the edge off in a pan of water or under the hot running tap while it sits in a cup or bowl. Lastly, Shen Li is so right! When it comes to nursing, "the more you take, the more you make." In the beginning, I suffered from oversupply, particularly at night and would get so uncomfortable. So after nursing DD, I would pump one or both sides. Sure, I had a fridge full of milk on hand if I needed it but I didn't realize at the time that I was training my body to keep making that much milk at night! Once I educated myself, I slowly discontinued the nighttime pumping and dealt with the discomfort. My supply was able to regulate within a week or so if I remember correctly and I didn't have to deal with that anymore! If you let yourself get too engorged, it can be difficult for baby to latch on and sometimes it helps to take a little off the top so to speak and hand express into a bottle or towel. Same goes for if you have a super strong initial flow.

Also wanted to add- check with your dr/lactation consultant, but one of the most common herbs to help boost your milk supply is Fenugreek. Be forwarned, you'll smell like maple syrup  laugh  but I found it to be effective.



« Last Edit: December 28, 2012, 06:27:37 AM by TeachingMyToddlers » Logged

Proud Momma to DD 11/28/08 & DS 12/29/09, exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day apart in age. Check out my youtube channel for BrillKids Discounts and to see my early learners in action! smile www.youtube.com/teachingmytoddlers
TeachingMyToddlers
*****
Posts: 1944
Karma: 327
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2012, 06:32:30 AM »

One of my favorite articles on this subject- yet another reason why BF'ing rocks!

http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-22/world/china.breastfeed_1_feed-babies-breast-feeds-breast-milk?_s=PM:WORLD

Logged

Proud Momma to DD 11/28/08 & DS 12/29/09, exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day apart in age. Check out my youtube channel for BrillKids Discounts and to see my early learners in action! smile www.youtube.com/teachingmytoddlers
IrisGranstedt
**
Posts: 76
Karma: 15




View Profile
« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2012, 01:33:20 PM »

My son is 22 months and I am still breastfeeding. It never really hurt for me apart from a bit sore from the growth spurts (my son feed non stop during growth spurts). I exclusively breasfeed for the first 6-7 months and he still feeding a lot. I don't have any plans to stop until my son wants to. I am definitely seeing the benefit of breastfeeding as he's hardly ever ill and is growing tall and strong ( 97th percentile on all measures) and we are very close.

Highly recommended.

 yes

Logged
ShenLi
****
Posts: 376
Karma: 117
Baby: 2




View Profile
« Reply #14 on: December 28, 2012, 04:18:22 PM »

Oh yes, I had the same problem initially as TMT, too - oversupply. I also made the same mistake of pumping to relieve the pressure. Felt like I had rocks in there. I was told you can place a cabbage leaf over your breast (http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/engorgement/).

We were lucky over here with formula samples. The hospital I was at had a breastfeeding policy so they weren't allowed to give out samples or even feed our babies formula unless we'd signed a form to show that we OK'd it. The Ministry of Health here promotes breastfeeding so even the formula promoters at the supermarkets have to leave me alone if I tell them I breastfeed. They're not allowed to push their products to breastfeeding mothers.

I did have overbearing relatives who said I should keep a tin of formula on hand "just in case". I was so scared that they would sabotage me and feed my baby formula while I was sleeping that I forbade the hubby from buying a tin. I got rid of all the bottles we were given, too, just to make it that much harder. Yes, I was very determined to breastfeed and very paranoid about sabotage (because it happened to a number of other mothers I knew).

Also, KellyMom was my main "goto" site for information on breastfeeding. Anything I wasn't sure about (e.g. what meds are okay to take, problems with mastitis, etc.) It's awesome! Check it out here:

http://kellymom.com/

Logged

Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up
 
Jump to:  

Recent Threads

by newassignmentau, September 29, 2023, 09:52:09 AM
by jasminfernandes, August 18, 2023, 05:42:02 AM
by Annasprachzentrum, August 02, 2023, 08:27:26 PM
by Brileydavis, February 07, 2023, 07:31:40 AM
by justin robinson, January 18, 2023, 12:01:12 PM
by justin robinson, January 18, 2023, 11:26:28 AM
by justin robinson, January 18, 2023, 11:17:08 AM
by justin robinson, January 18, 2023, 11:02:35 AM
by justin robinson, January 18, 2023, 09:45:06 AM
by Thepharmacity, January 04, 2023, 06:12:34 AM
by Sara Sebastian, December 20, 2022, 02:04:21 PM
by Kays1s, December 05, 2022, 02:02:24 AM
by ashokrawat1256, November 11, 2022, 04:54:21 AM
by farnanwilliam, October 22, 2022, 04:12:41 AM
by berryjohnson, February 05, 2020, 12:41:49 PM
Page: 1/4  

Recently Added Files

tamil - months by BhavaniJothi, Dec. 05, 2019
More Shapes - More shapes not originally included in L... by Kballent, Oct. 23, 2019
test1 - test by SSbei, Sep. 08, 2019
Purple Foods - I made some lessons with colored food f... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
Green Foods - I made some lessons with colored food f... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
Yellow Foods - I made some lessons with colored food f... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
Orange - I made some lessons with colored food f... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
Red Food - I made some lessons with colored food f... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
White Foods - As part of Color Themes I made some less... by Kballent, Aug. 07, 2019
Fruits & veggies mascots - This is Polish \"must have\" mascots :) ... by Agnole, Feb. 24, 2018
Page: 1/3  

Members
  • Total Members: 214667
  • Latest: sejal01
Stats
  • Total Posts: 110526
  • Total Topics: 19136
  • Online Today: 165
  • Online Ever: 826
  • (January 22, 2020, 12:09:49 AM)
Users Online
  • Users: 0
  • Guests: 133
  • Total: 133

TinyPortal v1.0.5 beta 1© Bloc

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.19 | SMF © 2013, Simple Machines

Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS! Dilber MC Theme by HarzeM
Home | File Downloads | Search | Members | BrillBaby | BrillKids | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2024 BrillKids Inc. All rights reserved.