I always thought breastfeeding was a natural progression of motherhood. I
didn't read lots on the topic probably a mistake, but took a great class at
Yoga Garden. I watched friends do it and not once do I remember them complaining about it. Could it be that they had no problems or did I overlook the "potential issues" thinking it wouldn't apply to me? Maybe if I hadn't spent so much of my pregnancy worrying about labor and focused on the thereafter, it would be different.
Edward latched on right after delivery. He did well assuming it was just practice, no "liquid gold" just yet. Over the few days in the hospital, feeding seemed to be around the clock, a trend that continued for about 2 weeks. Although our experience at UCSF was amazing, we unfortunately didn't see a lactation nurse until the third day. (Between a full moon and a storm front, over 22 babies were born in 2 days!)
By then it was too late, my nipples cracked and aching, I cringed at the thought of feeding my little one. I felt guilty and was hard on myself. I wasn't sure if I had the babyblues or if I was being overly dramatic. It was about one week after his birth before I finally talked to my husband about getting help. We visited
Day One and were seeing a lactation nurse in no time. We were there every other day checking his weight but when he began losing ounces we finally gave in to supplementing with formula.
The first night, my little Edward gulped down 4 ounces of formula after breastfeeding! He didn't cry as much and seemed to sleep more comfortably through the night. At the recommendation of the lactation nurse I also rented a commercial pump to help increase my milk supply and began taking
Fenugreek and
Milk Plus. (although I've read that neither are proven to help, I find they have).
Then there's the process of breastfeeding. I just came imagine how anyone finds it comfortable. Each time, I find myself in some strange and awkward position and not because I don't have the props to get me situated but because my little prince tends to squirm to often.
What I tell moms is that for me, breastfeeding is an ego crusher. I was playing the numbers games, which is imposible to guess since you'll never know exactly how much you're baby is getting. And of course there's all the advice. This is probably some of the funniest:
- Wear a tight bra, it'll help with your supply
- Don't wear a bra, it'll help with your supply
- Don't use the cigarett hold
- Use the cigarett hold
- Eat more
- Drink more tea
- Increase your sugar intake
- You need more pillows
- Have more confidence
- It's gas, let him cry it out
I'm sure there are more, but in all seriousness, I think if I was more confident about breastfeeding it might have been a better experience but se la vie. He's almost 3 months, at times drinking 6 ounces and supplementing about 50%, breastfeeding may just take a backseat to motherhood. Not because I've thrown in the towel, but I have done a lot to last this long and if my supply hangs in there then by all means I'll continue.
For those moms out there who have no idea what I'm talking about, God Bless you!!
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
