My first go around with the beauty of breastfeeding was a big fat horrible painful hot mess (literally hot, it was summer).
If fact, one week in, I was so frustrated I wrote an angry and embarrassing blog post about nipples. Luckily, I promptly took it down and hopefully no more than two people saw it (I am ashamed to this day that those 2 people were 2 of my 4 loyal readers: my dad and his best friend-ugh).
Mistakes/misunderstandings
1. Pump after every feeding so your milk supply stays up/make sure your breasts are empty after each feeding. Oh my, this a disaster. I had this not so subtle routine of meshing in the side of my boob and if it was still a little full after a feeding, I’d pump. This resulted in enough milk to feed an army. This also meant bambino #1 was getting a lot of foremilk, thus making her really fussy. Not to mention, I just looked like a freak of nature in the bust region. Gross. THIS article described us and helped us.
2. Let your hubs split night duty with you. If you are nursing exclusively, night-time is not a time for your husband to help. The ONE time we did this, I was full, uncomfortable, and awake anyway. I also ended up with mastitis. Nighttime is for us, mamas.
Misdiagnoses
1. Thrush Right after #1’s 3 month growth spurt, I had some SERIOUS nipple tenderness. Thinking it was normal, I slathered them with lanolin after every feeding…thereby creating a happy little environment for THRUSH to thrive. After 2 weeks (too late) I figured out I had a problem but by that point it was in my milk ducts and treating it took about 3 months. Some mamas (me I guess) are more prone to this nasty little breastfeeding treat, but if caught early, you won’t be sidelined for long. THIS FAQ article is awesome. Many home remedies are said to effectively treat thrush as well as some medicinal options. If you have the beginnings of symptoms, start treatment immediately and talk to your pediatrician, as your baby will need treatment as well.
2. Reflux I believe both of my girls had reflux. Neither spit up a lot, but both were uncomfortable nursing, fussy, and nursed for only seconds at a time before popping off and then for only 2-4 minutes tops. I thought #1 was just a grouchy baby but an efficient nurser, only needing 3 minutes. When I dried up completely at 10 months and she was losing weight I assumed she’d weaned herself. #2 began short and grouchy nursing sessions around 3 months but this time we began treating her with Zantac at 4 months. I leapt for joy when she nursed again for 10 minutes instead of 4. She nursed happily and successfully until weaning herself at 13 months. If you think your be experiencing reflux HERE is a great article which may help.
Although there is so much literature available for nursing moms, breastfeeding YOUR baby is personal and unique. Sometimes books and even doctors are not helpful, so talking with other moms and finding a great lactation consultant can turn a difficult nursing experience into a great one. I learned a lot through the infections, too much milk, and undiagnosed reflux:
1. Go with your gut. If something seems off, get to the bottom of it.
2. You aren’t a failure if you hate nursing or if you lose your milk supply.
3. La Leche League is your best friend.
4. Breastfeeding is a privilege not all women get to experience. Even when it’s difficult, it’s a blessing.
5. It’s worth it.
I love that you describe it as a privilege. I felt that way when I was unsuccessful with my first but was able to with my second. I felt lucky it worked the 2nd time around. Thanks for sharing the tips and encouragement!
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