Breastfeeding 101 (Warning: I talk a lot about boobs...)

A near and dear friend of mine is about to have a baby (any day now!) and has been the source of multiple conversations about breastfeeding, as she herself is about to undertake this wonderful journey. So today when I was talking about blog post ideas she suggested that instead of just mentioning breastfeeding I should do a post dedicated to it, because she knew people who were also starting out and wondering what the heck was going on with it. So I decided I would. :)

The first thing that I always say when people ask me why I decided to breastfeed my girls is this: It is cheap. It is practically free. 

The second thing I say is how I read that nutritionally it is better. BUT, I feel that no woman should be persecuted for her choice on whether to use bottle or breast. Nothing is worse as a mother than to be shamed for you decisions, and I will not do it. I simply made the choice of what was best for me, and everyone should remember: If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

The point of me saying that is this. Breastfeeding is not always easy. Between sore nipples, letdown, leaking, establishing supply, and just the pure act of being solely responsible for your child's feeding habits is EXHAUSTING. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Do not force yourself to breastfeed just because someone told you it's better for your baby. Because your baby knows when you are frustrated and having difficulty and in turn THEY will be frustrated. 

Anyway. So the first thing I remember about the first time I ever fed Monster1 was this. She turned blue. Yes, I said blue. I was laying there in the hospital, and this little champ clamped on and sucked away. But while she knew how to suck, she didn't know how to swallow. As soon as I said  to the lactation consultant, "Is she supposed to be turning blue" she popped her finger in Monster's mouth and I had my first lesson in how it feels when they don't want to let go of your nipple. It sucks.

Quickly remedied however, I pushed Monster right back where she belonged and let her eat. And eat, and eat, and eat. She sat there for thirty minutes sucking away and I couldn't tell you how much she got. 

That was my second lesson. You never actually know how much your baby is eating when you are a nursing mom. With formula and a bottle you know if they had 2, 6, or 10 oz. With nursing you know you sat there for an hour and switched sides once.

My third lesson was this. You have to switch sides. Otherwise you look lopsided. If your baby eats on the right side at 2 am, and then wants to eat again at 3 am (which is normal for breastfeeding babies) you should switch to your left side. Not only does this keep you evened out, it helps to establish supply of your milk. Breastfeeding is like shopping. It is all about supply and demand. If your baby isn't eating you aren't making as much milk. If your baby eats non-stop, you are going to have a let down every thirty minutes to an hour. If you are worried about whether or not you are producing enough milk, an easy way to remedy that is to pump and nurse at the same time. When I wanted to freeze milk the first couple of months I would pump and nurse simultaneously. While Monster ate on the left side, I pumped the right. When she ate on the right side, I pumped the left. This keeps both breasts producing milk on the same schedule. But be warned! A Pump Is Never As Good As Your Baby. Your pump will get 8 oz, while your child will probably get 12. Simply because nature determines that your baby is doing what he/she is supposed to: Eat the milk you make. So Naturally, he/she is going to be able to best utilize his/her feeding tools. That's right, your breasts are a machine, tools made for you baby to use. 

My fourth lesson was this. You might have problems. Your baby might not latch on right. For this, I won't even begin to act like I know what I am talking about. I didn't have that problem. But I remember my sister in law crying to me when she did. It is emotional, you may feel like you are doing something wrong. It hurts when they can't latch on properly. My sister in law was determined, and she eventually found a way of holding her baby that he latched perfect every time. So for this section, I will post this link (There are visual accompaniments for this article and you will see some boobs. If this is too much for you DO NOT click on the link. You have been warned) : Breastfeeding Holds so that the information I cannot supply is still accessible for you. I found that the Football Hold and the Cross Over hold worked best for me, alongside the aide of my beloved Boppy Pillow!

My fifth lesson. Mastitis. My sister in law was hospitalized for this more than once. Again, I didn't have first hand experience so I will direct you here: Mastitis

My sixth lesson. You can lose weight while breastfeeding IF you continue to maintain a healthy diet like you would have had while you were pregnant. I lost weight very quickly after having my first, and though not as fast, still fairly well after my second. Breastfeeding causes your uterus to contract, making those muscles work themselves back into place a little faster. Some women say they experienced cramps. I never did but I can see how it's possible. I also have read that women who have c-sections are more likely to experience them because their body heals differently. Do not be discouraged if you aren't losing weight after you have your baby. Rule of thumb is "It takes nine months to put it on, it takes AT LEAST that to get it back off".

My seventh lesson. Your boobs will never be the same again. They will droop, they will sag, they will get stretch marks if they didn't when you were pregnant. Nature has taken it's course ladies, nothing can change that. They will also increase dramatically in size in the first few weeks after having your baby. I mean huge. I mean you shirt will look like the buttons are going to pop. Even when you don't have buttons!!

After these stages you will find whether or not you are comfortable with breastfeeding. Some women use both breastmilk and formula. Find your niche. Do what feels Right To You. Never let anyone make you feel like less of a mother because you do or do not breastfeed. Your baby is special and important and cherished no matter how you choose to feed him/her. 

Please feel free to comment or send me a message if you have questions.

Oh and my eighth lesson. You will cry when you stop nursing whether it's after one month or one year. It's ok mama, let those hormones out.