Breastfeeding question?

Question

Ok breastfeeding is the best for the baby, easy to digest, full of germ fighting power, natures milk its natural and all that. Why is it so hard to breastfeed? Getting the baby to latch on, sucking correctly, and the fact that you have to do it more often than bottle feeding since it digest faster. Shouldn’t nature’s way and the best way be the easiest way to get a baby to feed?

Answer 1

Many of these folks have already responded with my answer, but I'll chime in anyway. Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed babies, yes. Sex is also a natural way to conceive babies. Menstruation is a natural way our bodies regulate fertility.

But how many people get sex right the first time? How long does it take a woman to "get used to" her cycle? Some folks don't ever get there, and that's just how it is.

It does sound like this is an early-stage kind of question - so I will say that it does take practice, especially if you're having those problems. It takes practice, patience and a lot of support. A sling helps, too.

But having had awful times with nursing, we managed it. After about eight weeks, we had it down. Oh, but those first eight weeks were probably the most frustrating weeks of my life.

Then again, the first time I had sex was AWFUL. So I'm kinda glad I kept trying.

Answer 2

Great question. But think about life back in the 1800s. There were no bottles or formula. Women from the dawn of time have been bearing their breast to feed their infants. Latch on shouldn't be that difficult, frustrating yes but not difficult. Try (sorry for lack of better term) playing with the nipple first, get it erect. Move it over the infants lips when baby latches on make sure the whole pink part is in the baby's mouth. Just tell mom to be patient and relax. Don't use a bottle too much or baby will be confused. If you choose to use breast milk but want baby on a bottle, try pumping. Wal*Mart sells this breast pump, its electric and works great, for like $40 and I think it is made by "Evenflo".

Answer 3

I'll never understand why breastfeeding is so natural for some, and so difficult for others. I couldn't nurse my first. We made it three weeks and I gave up. He is six and thriving even though he was "bottlefed". My next two were definitely easier, but you are right, it is hard work, but once you get settled and the baby gets in the grove, it is smooth sailing. And what a nice way to spend one on one time with your baby. Keep going if you can, but if you can't remember, there is NOTHING wrong with bottle feeding your child. I know some will disagree, but you must do what is comfortable for you! You aren't doing anyone any favors by continuing to nurse if it isn't what you want to do. Good luck and if you need more help, please contact the Le Leche League, or find a lactation consultant in your area.

Answer 4

Actually, breastfeeding is *easier* than bottle feeding...once you learn the basics. It used to be that you learned by watching your younger brothers and sisters being nursed...or by watching your older sisters or sisters-in-law nursing your nieces and nephews. Western culture had a break in the teaching when artificial feeding was introduced.

Even so, after the first 6-8 weeks, breastfeeding takes a lot less effort than bottle feeding (ever left the house and suddenly realize you forgot your breasts behind?!). It's just that the learning now has to take place later--when you have your own baby. At the worst possible time because you'd rather be *doing* than *learning*.

Answer 5

To all those who enjoy breastfeeding: I wish you all the best. But just because it's "natural" doesn't mean it's ideal.

The terms "nature" and "natural" are way too overrated.
Cyanide is natural (it's found in peach pits), and cancer can happen quite naturally. A lot of unideal and unpleasant things are "natural".
Just because something's "natural" doesn't automatically make it good or ideal.

Now let's take a look at breastfeeding: supposedly it is beneficial to mom and baby. However, if the mother finds it emotionally impossible for her, or physically difficult, both mom and baby will suffer. For example, I found breastfeeding to be painful and I felt like a milk-machine. I cried myself to sleep several times a night, I bled into my baby's mouth, and he never got enough food, so I quit after 6 days. In this situation, nobody benefits from the "wonders of nature".

I have friends who, unlike myself, did not suffer so much, and were able to overcome the problems. They enjoyed breastfeeding and lived happily ever after.
However, most of their kids have asthma and a variety of other problems, while my kids are very healthy -- in contradiction to the La Leche League propaganda about how breastfeeding protects your baby from diseases, while evil bottle-feeders are putting their babies at risk.

Something to think about.

Answer 6

I had trouble breastfeeding my daughter too. Some suggestions are to squeeze your breast like you would a hamburger. Sometimes the breast is to big for your baby to latch on to so you need to squish your breast so it will fit in your baby's mouth. Try the football position that might help. I enjoy the quality time I spend with my daughter while I breast feed her. Hope this will help. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Personally, I never had problems with breastfeeding. My daughter adapted to it very quickly, her first day. I would suggest trying to pump and then feed your baby out of a bottle if you have too much of a hassle.

Answer 8

breastfeeding is the best for the baby.if your having trouble with it all you have to do is relax. the baby will latch on and drink i always put a little milk around the nipple for the baby to smell and know that it was time to eat(may sound stupid but it worked.relaxing and stay calm the baby will latch on and enjoy. goodluck

Answer 9

I know, it is so hard! I had such a tough time nursing my babies because they latched on poorly, got thrush and we both cried many times over it. Eventually as they got a little older, it became so easy and I was glad to stick through it. If you plan to breastfeed, good for you. You are smart!

Answer 10

it is the easiest way once mom and baby get a handle on it. it takes time for both to learn how to do it, but once they get it! it is easy! there is no mixing formula, warming it up, washing bottles, blah blah blah. not to mention the cost effectiveness of breastfeeding. it is best for mom and baby's health. it is easy! just takes practice like all good things. :-)