I wish I had a wonderful success story for breastfeeding Turner, but I don't. Breastfeeding, like anything related to children, takes time, dedication and a little know how. I left the hospital after having Turner without a clue on breastfeeding. I wasn't aware of the benefits, how to breastfeed or how to troubleshoot when things went wrong. After a couple of days of attempting to breastfeed Turner, I gave up. For a couple of months, I pumped day in and day out and fed him with a bottle. My milk slowly dried up.
During my pregnancy with Ainsley I was completely dedicated to breastfeeding her. Just like I researched my natural birth, I researched breastfeeding.I wanted to know everything about the topic to give myself a better chance at success. Being in nursing school, I had the great opportunity to do my maternal child rotation while being pregnant, which helped immensely. I was like a human sponge, absorbing every ounce of material that came my way. All of the information being presented to me was going to be put to use! I thought breastfeeding would be a somewhat straightforward experience. Not exactly the case. It has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding endeavors I have embarked on. The first two weeks of breastfeeding were literally Hell. Ainsley wouldn't wake to feed, which resulted in a loss of a significant amount of weight, landing us an extra day at the hospital. The lactation consultant helped, but our time together was limited. My nurses would watch me breastfeed and said I was doing a great job, but I didn't have the confidence I needed. After my discharge from the hospital, all hell broke loose...I was on my own. With Ainsley's weight loss, I was in a constant state of worry, always concerned she wasn't getting enough milk. My latch wasn't correct, which resulted in pain. Our feedings seemed like they lasted an eternity, it seemed like shortly after I would get done feeding her, it was time to turn around and feed her again. None the less, most of our feeding ended in tears. I was close to giving up. But for anyone who knows me at all, after I have made my mind up and committed to something, I do not give up...no matter what.
3 1/2 months later, Ainsley and I are breastfeeding champions!!
I know many women who are in the process of trying to get pregnant, pregnant, close to delivering and new mommies. So I thought I would write about breastfeeding to give some tips that I wish I would have known when I started breastfeeding!
1. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you AND your infant. Your newborn is born with primary reflexes, other than that he or she will need to be taught how to master the art of breastfeeding. Without doubt, your little should should be able to suck, make sure the nipple is placed correctly...this is your job! Go online, there are a ton of resources available to help you learn the process of breastfeeding.
2. Breastfeeding should not hurt. Not in any way shape or form. If it hurts, the latch it wrong. It's important to listen for your baby swallowing milk, which can happen with an incorrect latch. So if there's pain and you are hearing your baby swallow, the latch is still wrong!! I spent many sessions with Ainsley biting my lip, listening to her gulp, thinking to myself, this is what breastfeeding consist of? Remember you are BOTH learning the ropes of breastfeeding, your infant needs to be taught. Once again, go online, there are plenty of websites dedicated to breastfeeding. You tube helped me with watching the latch and how your infant should be positioned while latching on.
3. STOP WATCHING THE CLOCK!
I was told a good feeding was 10-15 min on each breast. So this was my set standard. If Ainsley would nurse for shorter than that or just on one breast, I would instantly being to worry that she wasn't getting enough. I would keep trying to latch her on, when she was finished. Instead of watching the clock, I watched my daughter nurse. She did a great job giving me cues she was full! I felt like after I quit timing our feedings, my stress about her getting enough milk melted away. This is when I really started to enjoy nursing her. Some of the best advice I've ever gotten regarding breastfeeding.
4. Dedicate this time to your infant
Yes, I know infants are demanding. But breastfeeding should be a time for you to kick your feet up, relax and bond with your new bundle of joy. TURN OFF THE TV, PUT AWAY THE COMPUTER, SHUT OFF THE RADIO. Dedicate this time entirely to your little one. If you're a parent already, you know time fly's by. Enjoy them while they are babies and depend on you....it goes by much to fast. Before you know it, they will be pushing you away. There have been so many times where I would be gazing at Ainsley and start crying in awe of how perfect she was....I will always cherish that time I spend with her.
5. Find a breastfeeding station
I found that my favorite spot to breastfeed was in the rocking chair in Ainsley's room. I would have a tall glass of water on the dresser always ready to go, a dim night light at night so I didn't have to turn on a bright light and burp rags within reach. Keep things that you might need during breastfeeding handy. It's a perfect time to run a emery board across their little fingernails or to brush their delicate hair.
Breastfeeding is hard, and a lot of work. But in the end it was the most rewarding experience you can share with your newborn. It gets easier, feeding by feeding....day by day. Have confidence in yourself and trust the you will learn how to do it! Lactation consultants are available at each hospital , free of charge. Use them, boobies are their job, they know what they are talking about and a great resource!
No comments:
Post a Comment