Words of encouragement for breastfeeding?

Question

I have a 3 yr old and tried to breastfeed with her and coudn't do it. It hurt sooo bad. My back, my stomach, my nipples, everything. Now I'm pregnant again and I really want to breastfeed to try to lose all the baby weight I've gained. Any words of advice? and does it really make you lose weight?

Answer 1

You should ask for a lactation specialist in the hospital. Mine did wonders. Breast feeding is good for a number of reasons.
1. Losing weight. ;)
2. Build the child immunity.
3. Convenient and cheap.
4. Helps your uterus contract and move back into place.
And many more
But it is not for everyone. And frankly, I didn't lose weight while breast feeding. They tell you it burns 500 calories a day. But every one is different. So if you can breast feed, great! But if not...don't get yourself down! Formula today is just as healthy!
Exercise and Diet are really the only way to go!!!

Answer 2

Most people find that they lost all of the weight although unfortunately that didn't happen for me. What I did find was an incredible bond that I never want to stop breastfeeding at all. I always suggest to expectant mothers to give it a try. If your back and stomach hurt you can try to breastfeed laying down. Once you get the hang of it, it can be very relaxing. If your nipples are sore that would mean the baby's latch is wrong. Try to contact LaLeche league or possibly nurse from your hospital who specializes in nursing to get some help with latching on and positions to feed the baby.

One thing no one mentions is how hard it is to get the baby to latch in the beginning and to get into the pattern to breastfeed. Everyone always talks about it as if its so easy and nice to do. It is...after a couple of weeks of very hard and at times frustrating/upsetting work. That being said...if you continue to breastfeed it does get easier and it becomes the most beautiful experience you will ever have. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

For the first six weeks with my first baby, it was a miserable experience. But after that, it got a lot easier and I really enjoyed it. I'm so glad I stuck it out. It was much easier from the beginning with my other three kids. My advice is to give it six weeks. There are creams you can put on your nipples to help keep them from getting sore that won't hurt the baby.
As far as losing weight.... I did lose the weight pretty quickly in the beginning while breastfeeding, more quickly than a friend that didn't breastfeed. But it tapered off.
Be patient with your baby and your boobs!
Good luck!

Answer 4

Well, you can do it. Just like your body was made for having babies, it was made for breastfeeding. Yes, it hurts for a few days, but that goes away once you and baby get a hang of things. Mine stopped hurting before my daughter was a week old. Now when I am breastfeeding, sometimes I don't even notice, I can talk on the phone, flip through a magazine, even type at the computer.

As for losing weight, I delivered 2 months ago and I am only 14 lbs from my prepregnancy weight (I gained 60).

As hard as it was at first, I am sooooo glad I didn't give it up, and pushed myself through those first rough weeks. Now it is like second nature, and I feel really proud of myself, because my little peanut is gaining weight so well, and is so healthy.

I know you can do it, you are already a mom, so the other stuff should be easier this time around. You'll have more confidence - confidence is key.

Good luck and congrats!!!

Answer 5

I can relate to you. I tried to nurse my first son who is now 4 and was in a lot of pain and just eventually gave up after a week of it. I now a very happy 6 month old son who is breastfed. During my most recent pregnancy I had so much anxiety. I wanted to breastfeed and was worried I wouldn't be able to. It was horribly painful for the first 2 weeks. The uterus contractions during nursing felt just like I was in labor again and made my back hurt very badly and my nipples were very sore for several weeks as well. You can do it though!! If you can carry that little baby inside you for 9 months and go through the pains of labor you can handle early nursing pains. I am so happy with my decision to stick with it this time around. The bonding you get from nursing can't be described! It's wonderful. I was also able to lose all 33lbs of pregnancy weight in 4 weeks just by nursing and cutting out most, not all, junk and processed foods. Whereas with my first pregnancy it took a year to lose the weight. Good luck with you pregnancy and nursing if you choose that route!!

Answer 6

Yes, it does really make you lose weight. You burn an extra 500 calories a day simply by breastfeeding. I would suggest taking a breastfeeding class and possibly even hiring your own personal lactation consultant. I know lots of hospitals have them on hand to help out while you're there but you might even want to go a step further and have someone come to your house to help you. She will watch you breastfeed, give you support, make sure your baby is PROPERLY latched on, and offer suggestions and tips for success. Her entire job consists of making sure you succeed at breastfeeding. If, after you've given it your best shot, it just doesn't work out for you, than what about pumping?? You can rent a hospital-grade double electric pump for only a few dollars a week and that way your baby (and you) could still enjoy many of the benefits of breastfeeding.

Answer 7

First it does help you loose baby weight quicker than without. Also it makes your uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy size faster.
It takes work. Your nipples will get sore. But if you keep at it, it will pay off.
Try a bobby pillow. It will help with comfort and baby placement. Also ask lots of questions at the hospital. Proper latch on rarely happens on its own and right away. If baby is on properly, there shouldn't be pain while he is eating. Also try to let your nipples air dry after they feed. This will help with chapping.
I have a 6 month old who I still breastfeed. It is very rewarding and I am so glad that I stuck with it.
Good luck to you and congrats on the new little one.
Try the web site below for more info and help

Answer 8

I think that breastfeeding really does help you lose weight. I gained 70 lbs while pregnant and have lost all but 20 lbs (my daughter is 4 months), and haven't exercised or dieted. Definitely take advantage of any lactation consultants who will help you get the baby latched on correctly. Once baby is on properly, your nipples won't blister or bleed. If you know another breastfeeding mom who isn't shy, ask if you can watch her nurse her baby so you can see how to do it. That helped me out a lot. Keep trying and good luck! It does get better.

Answer 9

Yeah, it will hurt a little at first if you let the baby suckle on one breast too long. Just let the baby do it a few minutes on each side at first. After awhile, the nipple hardens up a little, like a callus.

I don't know about the losing weight part. I think we sometimes gain too much weight in pregnancy because of the awful cravings for junk food. Just try to keep good food in the house - eliminate ice cream, chips, cookies, etc. and eat good stuff.

Answer 10

Try laying down on a bed to breastfeed. I found this position the most confortable. As far as the paid goes, I didn't experience much. It is important to make sure that your child is not just sucking on the nipple. Make sure he/she has a firm latch on the entire Areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). If your child latches on to the nipple only, gently put your finger in the side of their mouth to break the suction and reposition her right until she is taking in the whole Areola. I promise you, you will not feel pain this way. If worse comes to worse, Lasinoh cream is by far the very best. I understand it works on the very first application.