Just like labor and delivery, it is different for every mom. But there are many things that will help. Here is some helpful words of encouragement from us to you!
I'm a pediatrician mom of a 3-year-old whom I breastfed for eight months. My son was extremely hard to start: Despite making our first attempts (unsuccessful) in the first hour, and knowing what to do, it took almost two days to get him latched on. In the interim, we finger-fed with an SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) and glucose water while I pumped to get my milk supply going. The SNS was a lifesaver. We finally hooked it to my breasts and were able to get him latched on by the third day.
I used Lansinoh lanolin ointment on my nipples faithfully morning and night, and never experienced any cracking or bleeding when I started nursing. My soreness was minimal, and the ointment soothed my skin when it was chafed. I have very fair, thin skin, so that was a wonderful tip for me! I even included a tube with my shower gift to a friend.
The best � and probably hardest � breastfeeding advice is to relax! Remember that you and your baby are learning.
When I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to breastfeed. Unfortunately, she didn't latch on right away, so I began supplementing with formula. Hospital staffers tried everything from round-the-clock attempts, pumping, and inserting feeding tubes in the baby's mouth while I tried every nursing position known. The baby knew how to suck, but she just wasn't getting the knack of it. Finally, we tried the plastic breast shield. My baby was able to suck the large plastic nipple and draw the milk rather than search for my small nipple.
I had visions of using the shield all the time, but luckily I lost it and was forced to teach the baby to take my own nipple. I had to use a syringe to "pull" the nipple larger, but in time, thanks to the baby's suckling, my nipples conformed. The rewards for not giving up have been great!
I have had a real problem with leaking breasts. The nursing pads never worked well enough for me, so I came up with my own solution � sanitary napkins! I buy the ultrathin kind and fold them in half. I can wear them all day and they never leak. It's cheaper, too.
Long before you nurse � and before you get pregnant � quit smoking. It's awful to smoke around your baby, and I've read that smoking flavors your milk and can make it taste off.
Invest in a huge supply of bottled water or add another filter pitcher to your supply. You will be very thirsty while breastfeeding and it is absolutely imperative that you drink your water!
The single most beneficial thing I did was to attend a La Leche League meeting while I was pregnant. I learned a tremendous amount and got to see other women nurse their babies, which I had never really seen before. After my baby was born, I continued to attend LLL meetings and have received a great deal of knowledge, support, and encouragement from the leaders and the other mothers. I also made some terrific friends.
Take all the help and support you can get. The lactation consultant got my husband involved in the learning process so that he would know how to help me get the baby latched on until I was able to do it by myself.
The best advice I got for dry and sore nipples came from my doctor. She said not to bother buying those expensive ointments but instead, after breastfeeding, express just enough milk to spread on the nipples. It really does work with the dryness and cracking.
During those early stages, I frequently got blocked milk ducts. When I could feel the full duct even after Doug had fed, I'd put on the warming bag (the kind that you heat in the microwave). I'd also take one ibuprofen tablet. The next time I fed him, I'd start with that breast and massage and "milk" the duct as he sucked. Sometimes I'd keep the warming bag on as he sucked. Usually after three or four feedings it would clear.
Avoid underwire nursing bras.You're more likely to get a breast infection like mastitis; plus, they're not nearly as comfortable as the racing-bra styles
