BreastFeeding?

Question

Im Wanting to Breast Feed my baby & Im just wondering what other ppls Experience was with it. I want the Honest Nitty Gritty Truth, Ive heard some tales that it is Horrible but, Im not going to let a little pain ruin me wanting to breastfeed my baby.
I would like to Know all the Pros & Cons of Breastfeeding in Experienced Mothers Opionions, and would you do it over again? And what about Pain & Breast Pumps??
Any Info about the Subject is Thourougly appreciated!! :)

Answer 1

Yeah it will hurt the first couple of days but once they get the full hang of it the pain goes away. use vaciline afterward to avoid getting chapped. But breast feeding is the greatest, i loved it i did both of my children and i would do it again and again. i also pumped which was okay expecially if the baby misses a feeding and you fill up or the babys not hungry then you can pump a little of and freeze it for later like when you and the husband go out for the night and the babysitter or grandma stays it comes in handy.

Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies

The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs

Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)

Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis

Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets

Reduced risk of childhood diabetes

Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),

Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease

Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.

Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits

Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)

Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.

Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12 points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18. (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development...there are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development))

Reduced risk of heart disease later in life

Increased bone density

Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babies

Breastfed babies enjoy a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers

Antibody response to vaccines are higher

Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of life

The colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from crossing into baby's blood

Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemia

Decreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, pyloric stenosis

There are factors in human milk that destroy E coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, pneumococcus....and many others

Less risk of childhood obesity


Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed

Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers

Reduced risk of anemia

Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life

Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation

Helps the mother's body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster - promotes weight loss...1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores... can burn from 500 - 1,500 calories per day.

Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies

Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child

Breastmilk is free- reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)

Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicine purchases, and hospitalizations

Moms miss less time off from work due to child related illnesses

Helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding

Other Benefits....


Breastfeeding makes you feel good, the hormones produced during nursing have an endorphin effect giving you a relaxed feeling.
You have a great excuse to sit down and relax.....
You can nurse while sleeping...nursing moms get more rest than formula feeding moms.
Breastfeeding saves moms about 7 hours a week off their feet.
No screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up.
It's the only time you can ever lose weight without dieting or exercise!
Breastfeeding is more convenient, when traveling, all you need is to take diapers, the milk is always available, sterile, and the right temperature.
During times of disaster, you don't have to worry about finding formula.
Breastfed babies smell great....spit ups don't stain, or smell, and poopie diapers are not offensive...(until solids are introduced)
Breastfed babies know their moms and will never confuse them with a sitter.
The strong bond developed with nursing is much more intense.
There is no feeling to describe the child suckling at your breast and letting go to give you a big smile; and knowing that the growth of your baby came from what your body produced! Wow! What a feeling!
The satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life!
Breastmilk taste great! Sweet tasting! Variations in taste according to foods moms eats. Have you ever tasted formula? Ugh!
Breastfeeding requires the use of only one arm....you can do other things while breastfeeding, (except cooking and driving)
Many, many more benefits, too numerous to list!!!

Hope is is helpful and remember babies were made to breastfeed and that the breast is the best for baby

Answer 2

Here's my personal experience:
My daughter was 6 weeks early, and didn't have a very strong suck, so my nipples never got sore. She also tended to fall asleep while nursing, and we had been told by the pediatrician that she couldn't go more than three hours between feedings. Since you time a feeding from the start of one feeding to the start of the next, and it took her over an hour to nurse, for the first week and a half I didn't sleep more than 1.5 hours at a time. I nursed her until she was about 22 months old, and she is now almost three. She has never had an ear infection, and we have never been to the doctor other than her regular well baby visits.

My son is almost 5 months old and has been nursing like a champ the whole time. It was so much easier the second time around-everything was broken in and I knew what to expect. Yes, there are some times when you feel like all you have done all day long is nurse, but that is usually because either the baby is going through a growth spurt and is increasing milk supply, or doesn't feel good and needs the comfort of mama milk.

For me, I can't think of any cons of breastfeeding-except maybe the looks and comments you occasionally get from people in public. It was so easy to travel when nursing, I have never had to ask for hot water at a restaurant to try and warm up a bottle, it's such an easy way to soothe after an owie, the baby feels less pain while getting shots, and I love the bonding!

I have only ever had a Medela manual pump, and I find it works fine. I have never had let down issues, and have never needed to pump both sides at one time. The most pain I ever had was when my milk came in the first time. It was about 3 days after my daughter was born, and the ride home was agony. Every bump hurt, and the seat belt was uncomfortable, but once that engorgement passed it was fine. I didn't even know when my milk came in the second time because my son is such a good nurser.

I highly recommend La Leche League for breastfeeding support.

Answer 3

Breastfeeding my baby is the best decision I have made so far!

In my experience, pain was not a factor in the actual feeding process. The first week your nipples may become sore, and within 7 days of giving birth your milk supply comes in and that can be painful. Other than that, not a lot of pain. In fact nursing causes the hormone oxcytocin to secrete, which is a pleasure hormone. The first few weeks I was drowsy or sedated when this hormone was released. It's really amazing how that can happen.

If it does hurt to feed, that means the baby isn't latched on right. The babies mouth should be wide open to get a good suckle.

Obviously I am a fan, and will do it again in a heartbeat. As far a pumps, I have the Medula pump everyone raves about. It's expensive, but has really helped me relieve myself, and helped for times when I don't want to feed in public. They don't hurt either, bc you can adjust the level of suction.

Great question!

Answer 4

I had a lot of difficulty in the beginning of nursing my son. He was latching on incorrectly, and my milk wasn't coming in. Now, I encourage all the expecting mothers I know to see a lactation consultant - they have them on staff in almost all hospitals now - the first time you start nursing. As a result of my baby latching on wrong, my nipples got bruised and scabbed, and I'm not going to lie - breastfeeding was excruciating for me, in the beginning. But if you have someone helping right from the beginning to make sure they are on right and everything is going smoothly, it will be much better for you. It will probably hurt a bit still, but you won't want to cry when it's time to nurse! After about 2 weeks, you'll be used to it and it won't hurt at all! Also, I tried all the breast creams and found the best thing for sore nipples was actually to rub a little bit of breast milk on them - it healed me overnight! (Of course, you can't do that till your milk comes in.)

As far as breast pumps go, Medela is by far the best brand. It depends on what your needs are - if you are pumping frequently, you should definitely invest in an electric double pump - like the Pump In Style. I only pumped occasionally, and had a hand pump - the Medela harmony. (I loved it, even more than the electric one the hospital had, plus it's WAY less expensive. If you think you will only be pumping once in a while, check it out, and if you decide you hate it, you can always get the electric.)

Good luck to you! Hope this helps.

Answer 5

There are no cons. Really. I nursed my first until 14 months (I was pregnant, lost my milk, she lost interest) and my second is still going at 16 months. I have watched my sister make up bottles, clean up spit-up, take little ones to the hospital, and have to cut short outings because they didn't pack enough formula. My babies were totally portable, which was handy in the airport, while my sister had to figure something else out when she got stranded. My babies don't get sick, and I love the cuddling time. It was very hard to get started the first time, but I visited a lactation consultant (they are angels) and the pain subsided. The cluster feedings were very hard for me, but I really believe that cluster feedings are nature's way of making sure we sit down. I hated going back to work, so pumping made me feel more connected to my baby during the day. Mine came from WIC, and I love it. It's the Ameda Purely Yours. I also have a Medela hand pump (from a hospital kit). Just remember that you DO have enough milk, and if you don't, baby knows what to do. Don't let anyone pressure you into giving formula, especially physicians, who attend infant feeding seminars sponsored by . . . formula companies! You can do it!

Answer 6

For great prices on pumps, check out www.lactationcare.com I just bought a Medela PIS Advanced for $228 and free shipping! Sounds like a lot, but it's $100 less than the store price, AND much cheaper than at least $25 a week on formula.

As for pain, yeah, until your nipples "toughen up" you will be a little sore. But it's not that bad, honestly. Get some good breast cream, like Gerber Breast Therapy Balm (it looks like a glue stick, isn't as sticky as other brands, and you don't have to wipe it off before you feed baby).

My daughter is only 9 weeks old, but I have heard from other moms who have older children that their children are hardly sick, have less allergies and other illnesses.

Also, it's a great bonding experience!

If you want a LOT more information, I would look into a breastfeeding class at the hospital you're delivering at. I was unsure of breastfeeding, but then I took the class at my hospital, for only $30, and I was completely sold. We were taught positions, shown tons of brands of breast pumps, and given all kinds of helpful information!

Good luck and congrats on breastfeeding!

Answer 7

My baby is 8 days old today....I have been breastfeeding since he was born but having latching issues...I have been using a nipple shield, but now I am trying to get him weaned off of it. It is tough and not all babies want to latch properly. This is my first and I am having some problems so I pump on occasion, like when I went to the doctor. I am not good at the whole feding thing yet! I haven't had any pains yet because I have been using the shield and lanolin pretty regularly. I plan on talking to someone SOON and getting some help on latching and some tips. It is the best for my baby and it is CHEAP! I have a Playtex pump and it is really good...it is manual but it gets the job done quick and it fits in my diaper bag! When it gets tough get some help, it is worth it. I love breastfeeding and hopefully when I get better at it I can love it even more.

Answer 8

I'm not sure about the pain as I haven't started breastfeeding yet (but I plan to as soon as my baby gets here... she's 6 days overdue!)

But I was talking to my sister about breastfeeding because she breastfed for about 10 months with her son, and she said the main thing is not to give up. A lot of women give up in the first few days because your milk hasn't come in yet. She said that all she did was feed and feed for the first few days (she said it was like he was permanantly attached to her boob!)

She said that she didnt experience any pain, but it's different with every woman. Just feed often, and if you are going to be away from the baby, make sure you pump at around the same intervals of time that your baby would be eating.

I hope that helps a little!

Answer 9

Okies, lets see. My milk didn't come in as soon as I was hoping, and I had to supplement my daughter for about 2 weeks until it finally came in. But when it came in......wowzers! I seemed to have milk coming out my ears! I also had some problems with latching and boy was THAT painful until my daughter got it down! Plus, my nipples had always been sensitive, but after I started breastfeeding, the slightest movement of a shirt over my (super-covered) bra and breast pads would even prompt my let down.

Oh, and you hear those "joking" stories of mothers with so much milk that they could shoot it across a room? Yeah, I thought they were joking too. Every time I nursed, I had to attempt both sides AND tightly hold the one that WASN'T being used, or else I'd have to change my bra, breast pad, and shirt. My mom actually thought it was funny (she had four and breastfed all of us and NEVER had that problem!), and had she been in the same state, I probably would have been there every weekend kicking her *grin*.

I had the same thing with breast pumps, and I actually had a point where I would nurse my daughter on one side on a boppy pillow (get one! they're lifesavers!), and pump on the other side, and I would get so much milk out that it was good for at least TWO feedings sometimes!

But.....I would definitely do it all over again. The bonding that came, was awesome. Of course, to be truthful, sometimes I got all touch-creepy and had to have an hour of "don't touch me" time, and it KILLED my husband and I's love life for a while (excitement caused let-down of milk...boy was THAT a surprise! *giggle*), but it got better. And my daughter was not sick, she was in the highest percentile in weight (they thought I was still supplementing her! right.....) for a while, and now she's a perfectly normal 2 year old who likes to run around with the dog chasing after her (and his pet toy that she likes to steal and hide hehe).

Definitely do it. And do it wherever you feel comfortable. I was always more comfortable with a bit of cover over my breast, and I never got any bad looks or anything from it - in fact I had an older man come up to me and THANK me in a restaurant once!

Answer 10

I have a 6 mo. old and I've only BF him he has never had any formula at all. I didn't have any problems with sore nipples with him but with my 1st daughter it hurt pretty bad that my nipples actually bled. But with him I've had only minor issues like latch issues in the hospital but they had a great lactation team there and we were doing fine within a few days and it's been great since then. With my 1st I was kinda silly and she was slightly jaundice when she was born but not enough to go under lights or anytihng but my ped. told me to give her formula that would help it go away...so i did...w/o looking into it at all I just trused him and did what I was told I then lost my supply for the most part and had to supplement with formula b./c I never got my full supply back. She had 14 ear infection her 1st year of life...we put tubes in but thats not the issue. She caught cold much easier and was over all more of a sick baby then my son. He is 6 mos old an dhasen't had a problem yet. It's uch a great bonding experience that you shouldn't miss out on. Plus all of the health advantages that you'll be give your baby. It 1st 6 weeks cn be hard b/c of engorgement and sore nipples but after that is a breeze and to me Bf babies are much easier to go plaves with b/c you don't have to worr about being enough formula an dbottles with you you don't have to worry about warming water and stuff it's great. Pumps they can very in priceif you plan on going back to work get a double electric pump b/c they are the most effiecnt and do it in the fastes amount of time. If your not going back to work you could preb. get away with a hand held if you plan on just giving your little on a bottle every once in awhile while your out. Good Luck

Answer 11

I love breastfeeding. I breastfed my first for around 19-20 months, she self weaned and I was prego with no.2. Second one I breasfeed for 2 and a half years.
It was a great experiance for me and for my kids. It's just so convenient and easy. Night feeding are a bit awkward for the first few weeks, as you get used to feeding while your half asleep and making sure baby is latched properly. But once you get the hang of feeding and sleeping, your set. Makes for happy Mummy and happy baby.
I think everyone has pretty much covered everything.
I neer needed a pump. I did try one once but wasnt able to get much milk. I did better hand expressing. But then it hurt to much and you feel like a cow. I always had plenty of milk just didnt get much on the pump. I leaked for about the first 12 months. It was shocking even with breastpads I still leaked through them in a few minutes. I ended up just clutching my breasts when I felt the let down, this helped.
Oh and I also had let down if I heard any other baby cry as well. So its a bit freaky but my body just responded to any baby that was hungry.
Always make sure for the first few weeks (until you get used to it) that you are in a comfy spot, have pillows to rest baby on or nursing pillows are great. Have a drink close as feeding makes you thirsty. And relax and let nature do its thing.

Oh its great for comforting them when they are older (little falls, immunisations) and to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need when they go through their fussy eating stage as toddlers.
I'm sure you will do great and remember even if it is a bit rough in the beginning it does get better and is well worth it.

Oh another benefit is that it contracts your uterus faster and will help you lose those baby kilo's. Not everyone's bodies work the same so it may be a slow process or really quick. My body was back to normal in two weeks with number 1 and 4 weeks with number 2.
So just relax and take it easy, if you are relaxed so is baby, hence more chance of things going easily.