do i need to take classes or read books on breastfeeding? will i just automatically know how to do it? my mom keeps telling me that breast feedings easy and they make things too complicated now-a-days. she says it just comes natural and to not worry about it. did you do anything to prepare for breast feeding? did you have trouble with it?
2007-09-12 17:41:55 · 24 answers · asked by omama 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My first child did not nurse very well. Neither one of us knew what to do. It was a very painful first few weeks, but I stuck with it. After numerous visits to the lactation consultant and reading several books about breastfeeding, we went on to nurse for 14 months.
My second child was a champion nurser from the beginning. 22 months later, she still is. I never suggest classes because hospitals usually give them. Hospitals are also visited by drug reps, who try to sabotage breastfeeding in order to make money for their company. There are good classes out there, but you'll have to decide if the class at your hospital is good or not.
There are some awesome books out there:
The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding pub by La Leche League
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Newman and Pitman
There are some not so awesome books out there:
What To Expect series
Babywise by Ezzo
Your preparation is finding sources of information and support. Your mom sounds like a wonderful resource for support. Your hospital probably has a few lactation consultants on staff to provide you with information and support. You can even get some support right here!
Gussie's answer made me laugh/cry a little. I cried a lot during feedings. I had so many emotions at once that I didn't know what else to do. I believe that breastfeeding helped me to take care of my babies during my depression.
Don't listen to all the "I didn't have enough milk" stories. When a mother truly doesn't have enough milk, she can easily increase the supply. So many women lose confidence in their supply. You would think that most babies in the non-formula world would die of starvation, but they don't!
2007-09-13 03:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have been breastfeeding for 6 weeks, and fortunately my baby and I took to it right away with no trouble. My advice is to RELAX and if things don't go well right away, keep trying. Kellymom.com has a lot of good info. Also, there are lactation consultants pretty much anywhere who can advise you if you run into problems. I have already had a painful bleb and worked it out thru info online. Sometimes it feels like such a pain with the bleb and the leaking and the engorgement that I feel like quitting, but then I remember how much I actually love the connection I feel with my daughter while nursing and it really is all worth it. I hope to nurse for at least a year, but we'll see how it goes.
Oh also, what eased my mind a bit was when I was about 8 months preg, I scratched at my areola a bit and I noticed some colostrom seep out, so I knew at least I had a supply. (in fact, in that breast I have an over-supply) - so you might want to see if something like that works to ease your mind as well.
I didn't need any classes or books - just go online and you will find most of the info you need. Just make sure you know, if you are anything like me, you will need your baby to drain your breasts as much (if not more) than your baby needs to feed - so you might want to invest in a pump to make sure you remain comfortable during those times of engorgement. I also use nursing pads like they're going out of style due to leaking.
good luck!
2007-09-12 20:05:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I TOTALLY thought it would come naturally. I mean, it's a natural act, it should be easy as 1-2-3. Well, for me it really wasn't and I didn't know what the heck I was doing. I was really lost and could have been another statistic, so to speak.
You don't have to take a class, though it probably wouldn't hurt. What I would recommend, though, is having the number of your local La Leche League leader(s) and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) on hand. That way, if for some reason you have trouble, you already know who to call.
Best of luck, congrats & don't stress - whether bf'ing starts rough or easy, it ends up being wonderful!
2007-09-13 13:49:33 · answer #3 · answered by Evin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Came easily to me, very easily. I didn't do anything to prepare for it specifically, but I did read every baby book I came across, and they all talked about breastfeeding. It was an automatic thing for me really, but you have to keep in mind that I come from a very long line of breastfeeders, and I've seen women breastfeeding my whole life. If a person comes from a history of not having seen breastfeeding done before, or not having been breastfed themselves, it can contribute to breastfeeding being more difficult.
It wont hurt you to take a few classes and educate yourself about it. Some women DO find it very difficult, especially the first few weeks, but after that it is as easy as pie usually.
2007-09-12 20:54:27 · answer #4 · answered by KooriGirl 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, once you know the basics, that's all that anybody is going to tell you again and again only using different words. It looks easy and sounds easy enough, but it is NOT as easy as it could be.
First of all, with each of my 3 boys, I had to relearn the secrets of getting the baby to latch properly. It's different for each baby, not all babies need to take in the entire aeriola (sp), and each respond to different stimuli to open their mouths. We all have different dificulties than the next lady.
With each of mine, I got very sore in the beginning no matter what I did to prepare or protect my breasts. Sometimes my nipples looked like they were ready to rip off and felt like it too. But all three times, I would get to the point where I just couldn't take it anymore and vowed to quit only to have it suddenly feel better. Once I got past this point, breastfeeding became easy and an enjoyable part of the bonding. It seemed like forever, but the bad part only lasted 2 to 3 weeks each time.
I also could never use a pump, manual or electric! It hurt me sooo baaad! But I had a friend who never got past the feeding pain, but could pump with no problems! We're all different. Some things come natural to some mamas and some things come harder for others. Don't worry about it, you'll be fine, even if there are problems. It all turns out in the end.
Congratulations, enjoy your little one, and don't sweat the small stuff.
2007-09-12 17:58:54 · answer #5 · answered by Barefoot Chick 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
No. It was really easy. Of course it hurts in maybe the first two weeks, but after that it was and is a breeze. :) I didn't take classes or anything. It was so incredibly natural and so wonderful. I love nursing my daughter!!! It is such a wonderful experience! I cried for maybe the first four months whenever we'd have nursing sessions (not all of the time, but a lot lol) because of how wonderful and special it is.
I did let the Lactation Consultant help me out those first days when I was in the hospital with her. She helped me get a great latch. I think that really made the difference!!! :) Let your LC help you out in the hospital. The rest comes naturally. :) You've got to remember that books, websites, and classes are a modern invention and babies and children have been nursed for centuries. :) Whatever you do, do not worry about it or start out nursing with the possibility of failure in mind. I didn't even have bottles or formula in my house. Now that's a no-fail environment! I started knowing it would hurt a bit for a while then it would get better. And it did! It has been a blessing ever since!!!
((I wanted to add that it takes on average 4-7 days for your milk to come in. Until that time you have colostrum that nourishes your baby. Don't let the fact that your milk doesn't come in later to change your mind or dissuade you. My milk didn't come in until 4 days. Before that time women produce a substance called colostrum.... about a tablespoon's worth. It's enough to feed a newborn whose hunger is very minimal. Now at 9 months 3 weeks my daughter is healthy and very chubby. She weighs about 22 pounds and her meals are mainly breast milk. Also, it does take time for it to feel completely natural. It took me a few feedings for it to feel natural to me.))
2007-09-12 18:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I dont think taking classes or reading books can prepare you for the real thing. Breastfeeding for me started off a little painful but it was all worth it. Please don't give up because you feel a little discomfort. TRUST ME, it doesn't last! After a day or two of consistantly nursing you won't even feel it anymore. But make sure you pump or feed the baby often so you don't become engorged, because that IS painful.
2007-09-12 18:00:17 · answer #7 · answered by khartfan111 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I would love to tell you how easy and joyous it is, but that does not happen automatically. I have breastfed two babies (one currently), and it was very hard. I even took a class for two weeks and still needed help from a lactation consultant about 5x after my baby was born. I have many close friends who have also had babies and I would say 9/10 of them needed help with breastfeeding. It is something you and your baby have to learn together.
Take a class at your hospital, at the minimum. Then get the name of a good lactation consultant who you can talk to if you do have problems after you have your baby. If you expect it to be easy as your mom says, and then it is hard and you have not prepared yourself, you most likely will give up.
It does become a joy, but it takes some time!!!
2007-09-12 17:51:45 · answer #8 · answered by Autumn_Rains 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you and I have the same mom!
I took a class, but I found the book The Nursing Mother's Companion Guide the most helpful. I wish I'd read it before I had the baby so that I was prepared.
It was hard for me at first because I was given bad advice. My baby had a touch of jaundice and the stupid doctor on call told me to give him an ounce of formula at the end of each feeding. That cut my milk supply and gave baby nipple confusion. He wasn't at his birth weight by his next appointment, so I had to go see the consultants. I went to see the lactation consultants and they helped us fix the latch and gave me some concrete advice. I spent the next few weeks trying to recover. It was HARD, but I did it.
I know why women quit, I sobbed and cried, my husband begged me to stop, but I just refused. I'm glad I stuck with it. By 6 weeks we were smooth sailing. We went on to nurse until he weaned himself at 2 years.
I wish I'd listened more to my mom, she gave me the best advice. She warned me about the doctor's advice and she was right. She told me to "just sit down and nurse the baby." It sounds simple, and it was.
I'm now nursing my second and it was a piece of cake! A little oversupply problem, but that was easy to diagnose with the Companion Guide.
To prepare:
A Boppy nursing pillow was invaluable
Lansinoh breast pads
Lansinoh cream
2007-09-12 19:56:15 · answer #9 · answered by maegs33 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There isn't anything wrong with reading about breast feeding.
It doesn't always come natural at first...that is why there are post partum nurses to help you. Also, you can connect with La Leche League to help you with any issues you might have.
Don't waste time in worry. Look forward to the birth and then if there are concerns- take care of them as they happen.
Motherhood is an amazing thing.
2007-09-12 18:04:00 · answer #10 · answered by clcalifornia 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋