BreastFeeding???

Question

I am really worried. I'm in my 9th week. EARLY, yes I know. But In my 6th week I had dreams of not being able to breastfeed. It upset me. Because I want to bond with my child, in that way. I know that is not the only way to bond. But I heard it's a great experience not to mention great for the babys health. My mother told me a week later after that dream. She couldn't breastfeed any of her children, complications. She doesn't know why. Or she won't tell me. In your opinon do you think I will be able to breastfeed?? Thank you.

Answer 1

I would not put a lot of stock in your dream. Honestly, pregnant women dream ALL of the time over things that never end up occuring. I can't even tell you how many scary and similar dreams I have had. It's just natural to dream about things that concern you.

Breastfeeding is wonderful. If for some reason you experience problems with it from the start, don't give up. Consult a lactation specialist. They can generally help anyone.

I think you should be fine. Please don't worry too much. :) But that being said, you are normal for doing so. :)

Answer 2

I was determined to breastfeed my daughter. DETERMINED. I was a breastfed baby, and so was my husband. I knew about the health and financial benefits, and I was a woman on a mission!

My daughter had other ideas...

After three and a half months of crying, begging, frustration, and pumping, I had HAD IT. The lactation consultant had seen me several times, and finally said she had no idea why my daughter was such a lousy nurser. She threw up her hands, and said I had more patience than anyone she'd met in a long time. So I finally gave in, and now we're a bottle-feeding dynamic duo. :)

My point is, no matter how much you want to breastfeed, you need to know that it's not the easiest, most naturally occurring thing in the world. Seems like it should be, but it doesn't always work out that way.

I think that my little girl was just stubborn, and that, if you stick with it, you should be able to breastfeed your baby. Just get lots of support and Lansinoh. :) Contact your local La Leche League, ensure that your public health office has a lactation consultant that can come and see you (preferably before you leave the hospital), and that you are prepared to have a baby on your breast nearly all the time (at least at first!). If you go in to it knowing it's going to be work, and you don't have unrealistic expectations, you should be just fine.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Each case is different, isn't it? I am guessing your Mom and mine were around the same generation - and I know that my Mom was not encouraged to breast feed. It is not 100% natural - Mom and baby both need to be taught!

Patience can be the key! I was not able to breastfeed my son, but I blame that on a horrible experience with the nurse the second time they brought him to me. The first time I fed him, it was beautiful - a feeling I can't even describe. I looked down at him, nursing from my breast, and thought: "So this is love"... After that, it kind of fell apart - although I tried for a while longer, it just didn't work out. I think that if I had sought more support (perhaps from LaLeche League), I would have been more successful.

When I had my daughter 8 years later (my husband had cancer between the two children) it was a whole different ballgame. I was DETERMINED to be successful that time. I had a boppy (easier to hold the baby), a ready supply of water bottles (I would feel like I hadn't had a drink in months as soon as she latched on) and a comfortable chair with foot stool right in her room. I also had a radio, a clock so I could time each side and some books. It was such a relaxing, easy, enjoyable time the second time around!

I guess what I am trying to say is that you should be able to nurse your baby if you want to - or at least give it a try! I hope that it works out for you, but if for some reason it does not, do not dwell on it or think that you are a failure! As long as you do what you feel is best, you'll be a champion!

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy, labor and delivery. I hope you have a healthy baby and enjoy every minute!

Answer 4

Yes you probably will be able to. Its very rare to be completely unable to breastfeed. A lot of women give up because it is painful and tiring the first couple of weeks. Plus they send home those handy formula samples from the hospital. I had an injury to one of my breasts and was still able to breastfeed for 5 months.
Just remember when you ARE trying to breastfeed, its important to relax. The more you tense up and worry about not being able to do it the less likely it is you will let down milk. I know it sounds weird if you've never experienced before, but breastfeeding is mental as much as physical. Just keep in mind women have been doing it for many thousands of years. So can you.

Answer 5

Oh hun.. don't stress yourself about this now. There are so many other things that can stress you out. Unfortunately some babies don't bf. My first did not. My second we nursed until he self-weaned at 15 months. I am due with #3 and am worried also but I know that there is lots of help (that I used to with baby #2) to ensure a happy, healthy breastfeeding experience. I am not sure how old you are but many of our mothers were not encouraged to b/f and the help was not there for them. Most places are nursing friendly and that helps also.
When the time comes and you sense there is trouble, make sure you get help right away, don't put it off thinking it will correct itself if breastfeeding is something you really want to do. (I say this as some women don't want to nurse when the time comes).
Congrats on your pregnancy and good luck!
You can do this!

Answer 6

If you really want too, and you don't have medical issues, you will be able to breastfeed. Don't worry, and relax. My mother was not able to breastfeed my siblings or me but I breastfed my son 13 months. I would also suggest you find a friend or another woman who has breastfed to talk to and support you. Also see if the hospital you are going to has a lactation consultant on staff... They are a lot of help...a little eccentric...but helpful none the less.

Answer 7

Your dream may be caused by your anxiety about not being able to breast feed.
When I was pregnant with my first child I repeatedly dreamt about forgetting to feed him - it's natural anxiety coming to the surface.
It's actually quite rare for women to truly be unable to breastfeed. With the right midwife/breastfeeding educator you will be able to find the best way to feed your baby and ensure that you can breastfeed.
If you have difficulty at first, keep trying and seek help from your local Breastfeeding Association. You will be able to do it :)

Answer 8

Don't worry...Every women is diffrent....Talk to a doctor...I am sure that there are diffrent things to do in order to help procduce the flow of breast milk...When your baby does come...It's normal for them to not latch on right away...Remember their brand new, if he does not latch on it's not you....If you get frusterated the baby will feel that and wont feed...Just stay calm enjoy watching your baby try to learn how to feed from you...It's pretty amazing...

Answer 9

you'll have to wait and see after the baby is born. It's best not to stress about it. You can think about it after the baby is born and if you can't because of complications remember its not you fault. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 10

some women aren't able to. time will only tell for you though. i breastfed my 3rd baby and it was truly wonderful. i never thought in my wildest dreams it would be such a wonderful thing. good luck