breastfeeding?

Question

i had my baby on the 23 i started breastfeeding her in the hospital then i stopped cause it was to painful with my c-section pain now i feel ok and i want to start again is it to late i still have a huge milk supply i just don't know what to eat and what not to eat some one help please i feel lost lol

Answer 1

It is never too late. Even adoptive parents who have never had children or lactated can induce lactation to breastfeed a child. You stated that you still have a huge milk supply, so there should be no trouble at all with your ability to provide your baby with enough milk. Your baby's stomach is tiny right now and you probably have more than enough for her.

You might have a little bit of trouble weaning her from the bottle, because bottle nipples work differently from human nipples and there may be some "nipple confusion". You should contact a lactation consultant or La Leche League (knowledgeable and FREE) for help with this issue. They might even be willing to come to your house to help you!

I think it's fantastic that you want to try breastfeeding again. I know what it's like to have pain from a c-section; I had two children via c-section and breastfed them both within less than an hour of giving birth. If you are still having pain (and I had pain for 6-8 weeks afterwards), there are prescription medications that are safe while breastfeeding (hydrocodone comes to mind). Also, pillows (or a boppy pillow) can be very helpful when breastfeeding -- they will bring the baby up to the right level and cushion your incision so that the baby doesn't kick or bump into it.

Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any more questions!

Answer 2

Good for you! It's not too late if you have milk. Go for it! Your hospital may have a lactation consultant (free) that you can talk to for suggestions. Also, call the 1-800 number for the LaLeche League for help 24 hrs a day I believe. They are wonderful and can give you all kinds of suggestions and help. Your baby will be much better off in the short and long run. And it's CHEAPER and easier than bottle feeding. I would recommend getting a good electric pump too. You can sell it when you are done with it and get at least half back. Then you can pump what you need while you're out for a missed feeding in about 8 min. In fact, it may help you with the transition from bottle to breast as well. Try pumping an ounce or so out of your breasts and then put that in the bottle. Once the baby gets the taste of the milk, try switching the bottle for your breast.

Eat what you would have eaten when pregnant. Continue with a pre-natal vitamin if you can. No drugs or alcohol, obviously. Although a glass of wine is probably fine here and there. Avoid gassy foods (like cabbage, garlic, peppers) and you may want to avoid dairy products at first since this is the number one allergy as gas producing food. Both my boys were sensitive to it.

They say breastfeeding doesn't hurt at all or shouldn't hurt. . . that's what they say. Maybe there's something I don't know, but I'm telling you that from my experience it was uncomfortable for about 3 weeks until my nipples adjusted. Keep at it though, since this is temporary. You can do it!!!

Answer 3

Go for it! just get in 500 extra calories per day and try to eat healthy foods....but you can pretty much eat whatever you want. Also, keep taking prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. Drink lots of water. Some foods may affect the taste of the breastmilk, like garlic and onions or spicy foods...but it will not harm your baby. He may have a nasty diaper or two, but no harm done.
Be patient with the breastfeeding, it takes a little practice to get into your own routine and as long as you are taking care of yourself you will be happy you did it!
Good luck and Congrats!

Answer 4

Waaaay better for the baby if you can breastfeed and the baby will take the milk. If I were you, I'd give it a try, often, offering every two to three hours and also whenever the baby acts like he/she may be hungry. In addition to doing that immediately, call the hospital where you delivered and make an appointment to see their lactation consultant. Usually this is free and you can take the baby and go (sometimes they'll even go to your house) and discuss this and even get a lesson / guided help! So valuable. Good for you in considering doing this for your little one...it really is ideal if you're able to do it. ;-)

Answer 5

So long as you still have a milk supply it's not too late. She may have a bit of an adjustment period going from bottle to breast but just be patient. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. I wouldn't say you have to eat anything special. Just healthy and add extra calories to your daily intake. I would avoid cabbage and other items that make one gassy.

Congrats on the arrival of your little one!

Answer 6

it's certainly not to late just dive in i'd stop giving bottles if you don't want your supply to be affected anymore. YOu don't need to eat anything special just a normal healthy diet make sure you drink when thirsty and try to take in about 500 extra calories a day to supply your milk. Good luck

Answer 7

Yes, you can go back to nursing. It will probably take some adjustment time for your baby to get back to nursing skillfully, but if you are patient it will work itself out soon enough. Eat a well balanced diet, take your prenatal pills, and be careful about taking medicines, because even OTC's like benadryl shouldn't be taken by a nursing mom. Call the pediatrician if you want to take a medicine. Good luck and good for you for wanting to try to go back to nursing.

Answer 8

A regular diet is fine. I suggest you avoid caffeine and tobacco.

Many maternity units have lactation consultants to help you with these issues. Or, perhaps you have a local chapter of LaLeche League.Then there's your doctor or local clinic. Pick up the phone and give one or the other a call. Feeling lost is common. Lots of people want to help you find your way.

Answer 9

As long as your baby will take the milk, it's not too late. Just eat healthy and you will be fine.

Answer 10

I think it's terrific you want to nurse your baby. If she can latch on well and you're comfortable, it's never too late. As far as eating, if you follow the Canadian Food Guidelines you'll be well on your way. I nursed and bottle fed my children, and there is nothing better than nursing. Best of luck!!!