My husband and I are trying for our first baby soon.
I am really hoping to breasfeed when I have my baby, but a lot of my friends said it was too hard and they quit.
How does a new mother learn to breastfeed?
-From reading internet information?
-From a nurse after giving birth?
-From books?
I feel discouraged already and I am not even pregnant. My mother breasfed 4 children and said it was so easy, but none of my friends "could do it."
Any advice?
2006-09-14 06:40:23 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
(((HUGS)))
I am sorry you are feeling discouraged! Cheer up, you CAN do this!
My mother breastfed all 4 of her children too, and I am currently breastfeeding number 5!
It is easy, once you get the hang of it. I'd say the first 6-8 weeks are the hardest, but if you get past that, breastfeeding is SO much easier than bottles. Just stay strong until 8 weeks, make that a goal, and see how it goes from there.
Read all you can on the subject. Read webpages. Check out library books. See if you can find a La Leche League group near you to meet mommas who are breastfeeding.
How is your relationship with your mom? Would you feel comfortable having her come visit you in the hospital after the baby comes and helping you?
My mom helped me and my sisters. It was great, because well, she's my mom so I was more relaxed with her than with the nurses I'd never met before. I knew she had experience nursing, so I trusted her to give good information. (And she did! Stuff she told me still comes in handy years later!)
Another thing that helps is attitude. I *really* wanted to breastfeed. I was determined that short of an act of God making it impossible I was darn well GOING to breastfeed. If anyone told me I probably would end up not being able to breastfeed it made me want to do it MORE just to prove I could! That stubborn determination got me through sore nipples, a sleepy newborn who was hard to keep latched on, and a painful case of mastitis. In the end, it was 100% worth it.
I wish you all the best! You will do just fine.
2006-09-14 09:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by Kathryn A 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Main thing is to be patient, it's something you and the baby will to learn, nothing can really prepare you. It's a new skill that will take a little time and work to master, a task that you or the baby has never done before. It may come easier for some than others, but be patient and remind yourself why you want to breastfeed, you'll be less tempted to give up. And I will not lie, it has it's challenges, and it can be frustrating, it all depends on how you will deal with that frustration. It was nothing that I could have expected, and you will learn by doing it. There is some reading material that will help you understand or answer some of your questions and I'm sure there are some breastfeeding clinics you can attend, even maybe attend one before the baby is born, so you can see how other mother's are breastfeeding (I'd never seen anyone breastfeed before) It sounds like your mom will be a great tool and will help in that department (as many others too) Just remind her too that she will need to be patient and understanding to you, because teaching something to someone who doesn't know how to can also be frustrating for some. Please remember to be patient and as long as you do your best, and ask for help when you need it, you'll be fine ! (Get some Lansinoh nipple cream to help with some discomfort, especially at first, it's a God send ! If the baby latches on and it hurts, take the baby off and try again to avoid even more pain)
2006-09-14 08:31:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never had any problems with it. I think the key is to not get discouraged because the baby has to learn how to do it right (with guidance from you), and that may take some time. I had a book and most of the pregnancy books have a chapter at the end that give some good starter guidelines. Start there. Then at the hospital the nurse will guide you on you first try or 2, and most hospitals have a lactation consultant that will want to see you before you check out. But I really think the key is believing that for thousands of years women have been doing this and you can also...with confidence. Good luck.
Also, if it hurts there is a really good chance that you aren't doing it right or you havn't gotten the latch right. So, don't just suffer thru the pain...figure out the problem so you can fix it.
2006-09-14 06:49:38 · answer #3 · answered by JordanB 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your friends may not have had the information and support available that they needed. The fact that your mom nursed 4 kids is in your favor. You will have her to turn to with questions!
Get to some La Leche League meetings once you are pregnant. You will meet your local Leader and build a support system of other nursing moms. You'll learn a lot about breastfeeding and parenting from the mothers in the group. The Leader will be available for you to call with questions and may even be available to come for a home visit after your baby is born if you have problems.
Some hospitals do offer a breastfeeding class that you can take while you are still PG. I ended up never taking one as I was scheduled to go on the same day my son was born! LOL!
Be sure to see the Lactation Consultant in the hospital when your baby is born. Have her check your latch before you go home.
Read some good books:
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
So THAT'S What They're For by Janet Tamaro
Good website links are below.
2006-09-14 06:57:22 · answer #4 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your doctor about this, and make sure he's supportive. If he's not, find a mid-wife or a La Leche League group in your area. Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby, but it's not always the easiest - you can read every book and watch every video and go into it with the best intentions, but remember - your baby hasn't done all this studying! It should come naturally, suckling is one of a baby's most basic instincts, but sometimes they need help in learning how to latch on properly. I nursed both of my kids, never once used a bottle, and I'd do it again in a heart beat - neither one of my kids were ever sick as babies, never had an ear infection til they were about 5 years old, it was definitely worth it! You can do this, how do you think women fed babies before someone came along and decided they could make some money selling an inferior substiture?
2006-09-14 08:21:51 · answer #5 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're friends (I'm sorry to say are wienies)
It can be a challenge, but there are lactation consultants in every hospital, there is the Leleche League and a host of other support networks out there. Rarely do babies know how to nurse when first born, you & your baby will need help no doubt. If you are committed to nursing, don't listen to anyone else!! Its best for your baby, it is easiest too!!! The bennifits of nursing far outweigh everyones opinion.
My sis-in-law had the worst time with her son! It was awful but she was committed and she stuck it out and nursed him for a year once they got past the hard part. With my kids it was a different challenge with each baby but within a few weeks we were good to go!!
One tip that my midwives gave me that was invaluable is this; If you want your baby to take a bottle (with breast milk or formula) You have a window at 3 weeks to introduce a bottle. If you offer a bottle before that your milk supply is not fully estabished & its not a good idea. But, at 3 weeks of age have your husband give the baby a bottle and then once/twice a week have him do that. Then, if you want to go to the movies, take a college course, go back to work part time or full time - your baby will easily go between your breast & a bottle. There are some great hand held breast pumps availalbe for $35.00 or so.
You will do well as a mommy! An early congrats to you & your husband!!
2006-09-14 06:58:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is like birth. It is natural but sometimes difficult. It can take patience the first few weeks as you and baby get the hang of it. My advice is to contact your Local La Leche League chapter. They are absolutely amazing.
Many women feel they can't do it. But they truly can. I did not breastfeed my first son as I felt I "couldn't." But if I had proper support, someone to hear my concerns when I was discouraged, I could have done it. Formula is just so easy and so people quit.
Many nurses are not lactation consultants. Some are amazing and others are not that helpful. Just like in any profession. I would speak to a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant before birth, read all the info you can find and start attending La Leche meetings well before birth.
2006-09-14 06:51:19 · answer #7 · answered by Love Birth 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They will help you out while you are in the hospital. The nurses are there to answer any questions you have about taking care of a newborn.
Some hospitals even offer a class for mothers before they are discharged.
You can also address your doctor with these types of questions.
It is true, some women have a hard time breastfeeding or aren't able, but...everyone is different so give it a try. And don't be disappointed or down on yourself, if you can't it's nothing you have done or can change.
GOOD LUCK!
Being a mom is amazing!
2006-09-14 06:45:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went with my husband to a class at our hospital. It was a lot of the same information as a book I read. But it really gave both of us a lot of confidence, and he could help too. I was lucky, becasue my son really took to it from the hospital, we started during the first hour (which the class recomened). Our hospital also had lactation consultants who came in to help. The hardest was the first 2 weeks at home. I got engorged and confused and my guy got all frustrated. i called the L. consultatns and they were so helpful. BUT the BEST thing I did was join the breastfeading new moms group at the hospital. They were all so helpful an encouraging, and I am still learing great new tips every time. If your hospital doesn't have one, contact the LaLeche leage, they have them too. A freind found great support from LaLeche. Don't get discouraged, most of my friends found it super easy after the 2 week hump. And if it is hard, you can suppliment with formula in the beginning.
2006-09-14 07:43:35 · answer #9 · answered by max's mamma 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the people that "cant do it" dont want to do it!! Its your choice. God made babies to nurse from their mothers. You could have some difficulties starting out but most babies latch right on. And yes, the nurse can help you. And there should be a lactation consultant at the pediatricians office also, they are GREAT!!
Sounds like youve got some real winners as friends! I wouldnt deal with all that negative talk.Having a baby is the greatest thing in the world. I think women use the excuse "I cant do it" because its more convenient to hand off the baby and let someone else bottle feed them.
2006-09-14 06:49:45 · answer #10 · answered by rock 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋