Breastfeeding 😩

What is confusing you? Perhaps I can help

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I’m afraid she won’t latch or don’t have milk in my breast

You won't have milk when you first deliver. Milk comes in around 2-4 days after delivery. You will have colostrum which is more than enough to feed her, since her tummy is so small. I do recommend a boppy pillow, made it easier to feed in the beginning. Check with the hospital you are delivering, so once she is able to feed they can have the lactation consultant come see you and help you latch the baby. Some babies pick it up right away. Others it takes time. If she isn't latching, try and get some of the colostrum on your nipple on her lips so she can get an idea of where it's coming from.

I was so afraid to breastfeed for the same reasons; I was afraid of failing at it! But the nurses were really helpful in the hospital and encouraging, and once you get into a routine it’s so so SO rewarding. The feeling that this little baby still needs you to live is so special. I loved being the only one able to feed him (unless I pumped for him to have a bottle). The first two weeks or so hurt and are hard and I honestly thought about quitting, but just push through that first month and after that it gets so much easier. It’s so worth it 💗

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Thank you for your encouraging words I thought it was just me 🤞🏾

No shame when I say I only nursed for the first 3 days. As soon as we got home I immediately started pumping because I couldn’t handle how much it hurt. There’s no shame in pumping if you end up having to just go that route. I did have her latch on about 3 months in just to make sure she still did and we did end up nursing a bit once my nipples were a bit more “tough”. I stopped everything around 6 months (she’s now almost 8 months) and we still have 3 boxes of frozen milk.

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That’s good your baby end up latching but that’s what I fear the pain

It doesn't hurt for everyone. It never hurt me. I've been breastfeeding for about 5 months now. He was born 5 weeks early, fed in the NICU with a bottle for a week, but he latched first try. Everyone is different.

People make this such a bigger deal than it really is. I couldn't have breastfed if I wanted to because of a medication I take, and it has made no difference. Don't let anyone pressure you either way.

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Thank you for your encouraging words

My little boy is 4 weeks and has a combo of milk from nursing, pumped milk and formula. This is because he struggles to latch (won’t open is mouth wide enough). I use nipple shields and it is easier for him with them. He gained 7oz in 2 days during a growth spurt so I have no concerns and although breast milk is best for the baby there is nothing wrong with formula as they make it as close to breast milk as possible.

Check out kellymom.com for great information on breastfeeding. Often times you hear the extreme stories which are a lot more rare than we think. Its much rarer for women to not have enough milk than it seems as long as women nurse directly from the breast and on demand. Often the problems arise when ppl mess with their supply, or try to build a stash and start overproducing, then try to stop overproduction and end up losing the milk baby actually needs. If you latch baby in the first hour after birth, nurse (and comfort nurse) on demand and relax most women produce enough for their baby, and most babies can latch well after a couple tries. There is a little pain in the early days as you get used to it, or if baby is not latched well but you adjust and it gets better! By 8 weeks in I could sleep while nursing and feel nothing. 16 months in now and still going! It really is great for you baby to at least get that early breastmilk and colostrum if nothing else. Spend some time researching breastfeeding and the

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Thank you for your Advice 👍🏾

Benefits of breastfeeding and it should help you make your choice and hopefully set your worries aside. There are some really interesting studies right now about the impact the stem cells in breastmilk has on a nursed child even into adulthood, and the impact he the white blood cells in the milk have on the baby in the early days.

Definitely try to see a lactation consultant or if you have any family or friends, talk to them. My mom helped me the first two weeks with breastfeeding (she breastfed my sister and I until we were about 2/2.5). That was invaluable! I had no idea how frequently I had to nurse and my mom would like hold my son’s hands so I could help him latch- it was just so helpful I don’t think I could’ve done it successfully on my own.

If it is something you want to do, try it. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t. Most babies will want to latch as soon as they are born. I was not successful with my first daughter, but my second nursed until she was just over 2! Feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns 😊

Breastfeeding is so rewarding. The first week or so it is very painful. But after that it’s amazing. A lot of women think they aren’t producing enough of that the baby isn’t getting enough, get discouraged and quit. Really there is no way of telling if your producing enough. Beside weight checks. The more you feed the more milk you’ll produce. The pediatrician will let you know if you need to supplement or not. Baby’s are fussy in the beginning because its new to them and you also. I would cheer my baby on. Tell them we have to work together to get latched. Be sure the baby is on the areola and not just sucking on the nipple. That will help a lot with the pain. I breast-fed my daughter for six months. The six months a formula fed her I spent well over $1000 on formula. I breast-fed my son for a year, it’s so much cheaper.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

The bond you develop when you breast-feed is absolutely amazing. I remember looking down and crying because I was never so proud to keep my child alive of my own body. I was dedicated from the beginning I knew the pain would go away. My husband was more than supportive. And that kept me going also. I wish you luck. It’s amazing to think that our bodies can do. I hope you hang in there.

If you have Facebook there is an amazing amazing group called “milky moms” i suggest you get in it. All the ladies who run it are LC.

My daughter is 7 months and we have been exclusively breastfeeding since day 1. I absolutely love it! I’ve never experienced pain while nursing but did have chapped nipples the first month. I plan to wean at a year but I’m not looking forward to it! I love our little moments of just us. I won’t lie though there are times that are hard in the beginning when your baby is eating every two hours but you would be awake giving a bottle anyway so imo its not different in that aspect. But do you, girl! Fed is best remember that.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I just feel like it can be stressful. At the beginning but once’s your milk start flowing everything will be fine. I’m 6 months in and glad I breastfeed. Just hate he want take a bottle

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See that’s the hard part how will you have time for yourself or work if he want take a bottle

Imma stay at home mom. But when i do leave him with family i can only stay gone for 4 hours. But i should had kept giving him a bottle at the beginning but i stopped when my milk started flowing good

All I can say is just give it a try! There should be lactation consultants to help explain things to you in the hospital. Do know the first couple weeks it’s painful for the first 5 seconds but then it’s fine. And when you get to look at your baby and know they are getting the best only because of you it’s a great feeling. I wouldn’t knock it till you try it.

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Absolutely. And there is so many unknowns as a new momma that there is no sense in getting worked up over the things outside of your control now. Just focus on having a healthy pregnancy right now and deal with feeding this baby once he or she is here! You will do great!

It worth the try right

What makes you not want to breastfeed? It’s the most beautiful thing ever I promise, I breastfed both my babies for 2.5 years each and I don’t regret it, if you have any questions I would love to answer, I would say do lots of research or take a breastfeeding class At your hospital, please don’t be discouraged by others negative experiences

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I agree with the most beautiful thing ever 🤱🏻

YOU DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!

If you are happy to give it a go then go with it. It’s brilliant that the dad is on board with it to. Do you have breastfeeding groups you can go to before baby arrives? When baby arrives make sure baby is checked for tongue tie as this can be tricky sometimes with breastfeeding. If you are having baby in hospital get all the support you need from your midwifes with breastfeeding before you leave. It’s very rewarding and the bond is amazing too. Oats are good to help with your milk supply. X

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Thanks for the advice ❤️

I breastfed for 2 years. There are highs and lows. To start with, my nipples bled. Like all the time! So much pain I was literally digging deep and crying through it. We got nipple shields and saw a consultant and it stopped being painful and actually became something I looked forward to. Just me and my baby snuggling! I miss it so much! I over produce. Like I produced nearly an ounce of colostrum in 20 minutes! Most people get maybe 5milliletres. I got more than 3x a decent pumping session! So I developed mastitis on a monthly basis because of clogged ducts and I had to constantly pump some off so my boobs didn’t explode but be careful not to pump too much because that would make me produce more... i learned to deal with it the benefits outweighed the discomfort. I continued through the biting and the pinching (at one point my entire chest was black with bruises from the pinching!) but when my kidwas scared or hurt boob would soothe in a way that bottle never could! So when we ended up in hospi

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Hospital for a suspected head injury, she was vomiting, getting jabbed with needles and surrounded by strangers the boob calmed her in a way nothing else could. I’d trade a million black chests to comfort her in that situation. It was worth it. And so many more. Every negative for me had a positive but remember this: it’s your body! Your other half may want you to bf, but it doesn’t matter. It’s your body. You can say no! You have to be comfortable and if bf makes you uncomfortable it is ok to say no. I wouldn’t change those two years for the world, but it doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

It is amazing! There are issues but mommas that formula feed have issues to with finding the right formula. Both ways are learning curves. I recommend trying it. You can always switch to formula but can’t go back to breastfeeding. Don’t give up during the early first few weeks. That’s when your nipples are getting used to the feedings. Try for a few months before making a choice. Lactation consultants are awesome and if you don’t agree with their advice you can find another one. Facebook has lots of support groups.

Im currently breastfeeding my 3 month old, since birth. It was hard to begin with, with sore nipples and latching issues. But within a few days of trying, and my milk coming through he latched on amazingly.You’ve just got to keep going and be relaxed. If you start stressing the baby will sense it and it’ll make it harder for feeding. But to be completely honest it was amazing the first time and it still is each and every time. The bond and connection you develop with your child it’s something you can’t really explain but that feeling makes each breastfeeding session something I now look forward too. Good luck! ❤️

Take a breastfeeding class! I’m so glad I did.

I loved it! Breastfed both my girls until they were 22 months. But it was really easy for me and I loved the connect it gave me with my babies. It's not for everyone. I think it's always worth giving it a shot. And extra bonus: I didn't get my period back until 14 &16 months postpartum!

Breastfeeding was the best thing ever. I had a traumatic birth and didn't see my little boy for more than a few minutes each day until he was four days old. It definitely helped me to bond with him, I think if I hadn't breastfed him then it would have taken longer to bond. Yes I did get mastitis once & my nipples were a bit sore at first but it is so worth it and it gets easier. It's worth trying even if you then decide it's not for you.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

Oh and I did have to give up after 3 and a half months because he was formula fed as well as breastfed and I wasn't producing enough milk. He's healthy!

Do whatever feels best for you but there will be a learning curve to all of it. There are upsides and downsides to both breastfeeding and formula feeding. You just have to be open to try and learn as challenges occur for either option. Every baby is different and as you get to know your baby you will figure out what works for you both. I currently both breastfeed and bottle feed expressed breastmilk. My husband loves to feed our baby with a bottle because it's his time to bond with baby. It also allows me to step away to run errands or have some me time. I have a friend that exclusively pumps her breastmilk and bottle feeds only because she likes knowing how much her baby is feeding. My sister in law formula fed only because she is a smoker and didn't want to give my niece breastmilk with possible traces of nicotine. My best friend exclusively breastfeeds because her daughter won't take a bottle. Point is there's lots of options for you. Just remember Fed Is Best, whatever you should decide. Good luck!!

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I think I am example of why some women are scared....haha. I got mastitis 6 times, son was tongue tied, constantly had pain and low supply. Despite that, I managed 11 months and would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Rockstar!!!

I just wanna say, GO GIRL!!

Do what feels right for you and for your baby, don’t be pressured into any particular way. You can change your mind if you breastfeed but less so if you don’t, bare that in mind. I found the sore nipples and bleeding, later the nipple biting soooo hard but ultimately I saw my friends trying to juggle bottle prepping and sterilising and thought that it was a whole load of additional jobs I just did not want!!! ;) swings and roundabouts, ultimately as long as baby fed your winning at being Mum. :D

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I loved it. Especially for night time feeds because I would just lie down with baby and pop my boob in my mouth and fall asleep. I miss the face my baby used to make when she was searching for the boob.

BUT in beginning was very painful for me. You hear that once baby is born your body starts to produce milk. Wasn't like that for me. My milk didn't start till about roughly a week after and my nipples were cracked and sore the first few times I tried. But afterwards was great :)

It took me a really long time (6 months) to get to this place of loving it. While I have medical issues affecting my prolactin, I still work day and night to nourish my son. I am so, so glad I stuck with it all. I encourage you to look into a support group before baby comes, so you can see active breastfeeding and become part of such a beautiful, supportive community. Look into La Leche League in your area. You can do it, Mama! Your breasts were literally made for this purpose, and the nourishment/antibodies/hormone reactions cannot be duplicated artificially. That said, being comfortable with it and WANTING to do it is crucial. It is your body. It is your body. Mama knows best.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

Breast-feeding is way cheaper, more convenient, and most especially – better for your baby. You never have to clean a bottle, plus you don’t also have to get up and find one and make one in the middle of the night. It can be a little rough the first couple of days, but once your milk comes in then it’s fine and there shouldn’t be pain. (And for me, the first couple of days before my milk came in were pretty uncomfortable but they weren’t really painful). And my kid only tried to bite my nipple twice when she was an older baby – and when I told her no one took it away she got the message pretty quickly that she better not do that.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

If anyone tells you it hurts it doesn’t if you do it right, don’t be afraid to ask for help x

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I am currently breastfeeding my almost 18 months old as I type. She's a lover of boobs, rejected bottle feeding from the get-go. It was painful for me for the first couple of weeks and after that its been normal. The bond we have is beyond and I am thankful and grateful I was(i am) able to breastfeed.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

Talk to your doctor about it. There are horror stories for everything. If you want to try the nurses and lactation consultant will help you after you deliver the baby. The majority of hospitals offer such help during skin to skin since it is shown to be so much healthier for baby. If you do end up being a minority and having difficulties you can always switch to formula.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I was very blessed to be able to breast feed! The first 3 weeks suck as your boobs adjust and little one learns how to eat correctly. I breast fed/ pumped for 10 months (5 months working). I was always just thankful for anything and not hard on myself when it became too much. Always had formula on hand just in case I couldn't do it! It'll be up to you and baby but I highly suggest giving it a shot!

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

I would say try it out, it doesn’t work out for every mom for different reasons but you might end up enjoying it. It’s wonderful snuggle time when it goes well!

Definitely use the education and support you can get! There are classes, groups, lactation specialists, all sorts of helpful people. I definitely recommend trying it. I never pictured myself breastfeeding but it has made our bond especially strong and a lot of times it has just made life a lot easier. Especially at night. I’ve been back to work since she was 6 weeks, she’s 8 months now, and being able to breastfeed gives us special cuddle time at night and helps her feel closer to me during the day when she’s getting the pumped milk. Also has not been sick a single day.

All you can do is try it out and see if it works for u its definitely not for everyone I am one of those who were unsuccessful it stressed me out more than anything I didnt get the science down at all and it was frustrating becus its painful and it gets real bad before getting good

What on earth are you hearing to make you not want to nurse other than the teething at 6 months (isnt as bad as it sounds my 3rd is teething/nursing on me as i type now)

Do whatever works for you. After all, you’ll be the one having to do it. We were so lucky that breastfeeding came easily to us both. Pros: Recently traveled out of the country and loved the convenience of it! No supplies to clean. Saves you money. Cons: I overproduce and in the beginning wasn’t pumping out the extra which caused me to have mastitis twice. Super ouch! Give it a try before you make a decision. Everyone’s experience is different and you may end up loving it.

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Thanks for your Advice 🥰

It is different for every mother and child. If you want to do it, then do it! The benefits last a life time for you and baby. On the other side, you both will be happy and healthy if you don’t choose to do so. I am still breast feeding my almost two year old. There have been tears of both happiness and sadness. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve done. I hope you can experience the beauty of it😌

I have been breastfeeding my daughter for the last 7 months and it has been the best experience. I definitely feel like I bonded with my baby being pregnant but breastfeeding definitely made me feel more close to her. I told myself I was only going to do it for 3 months... but here I am 7 months in and don’t think I’ll stop until she’s a year. I won’t lie and say that it’s not hard because it is but it’s beyond worth it. Not to mention that it’s the best thing for your baby bc it’s a milk made special for them. Also, I have been since once this year and breastfed through it and my daughter didn’t get sick and hasn’t been sick the 7 months she’s been in this world! So give it a try! If it doesn’t work out that’s fine but at least you could say you tried! GOOD LUCK 🥰🥰

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Thanks for your Advice 🥰

Breast milk is the best thing you can feed your baby. But breastfeeding is HARD. It requires a lot of commitment and usually those first 6 weeks make you want to quit. But if you surround yourself with people to continue to encourage you and you aren’t afraid to reach out to a lactation consultant when you’re having difficulty you can be successful and it will be rewarding. I went into breastfeeding my baby telling myself formula was not an option. my husband would listen to me those first few weeks when I was crying and exhausted and my boobs were chapped and bleeding, he would tell me I’m amazing and how proud of me he was that I was doing something so hard for our little girl. That is what got me through. If I didn’t have his amazing support I wouldn’t have been successful and I wouldn’t be able to look back a year later and triumphantly say I made it a year and it’s so much easier now and so rewarding knowing I’ve given her the best start and that I have that special bond with my daughter.

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Absolutely talk to a lactation consultant. And if you feel like what she says isn't working find another one. I talked to two in the hospital and didn't feel like either really listened to what I was saying. Today I saw the one at my pedi office, and she really heard what I was saying and helped with my issues. It made a world of difference.

I breastfed my son for 15 months. Not going to lie, it was a tough journey. All the milk blisters, the milk clots, and the teeth marks but I still enjoyed it. I pumped the first few weeks of his life because he had trouble latching but as he got older, latching became easier. If you really want to try it, give it a go.

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Thank you for your Advice 🤞🏾

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, it's very healthy for your baby and very beneficial for you in so many ways. On top of that you don't have to worry about spending money on formula and you don't have to worry about heating the bottle ect. It's also a beautiful thing, you bond with your baby and it feels amazing. Try it out, don't be scared

Don’t knock what you haven’t tried. You wouldn’t say you don’t like a food without trying it right?! If it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work But you at least say you tried. I personally didn’t have a hard time with it..my nipples obvi got sore at one point because you are doing it so often at the beginning but like everyone said, use the resources and support available and you should be good.

Honestly it's not his choice. It's your body, not his. I used formula with both my babies and regret nothing. They're happy and healthy and you'd never know they were raised on the bottle instead of the boob.

All the real stories scared me but I actually had no issues nursing. There are so many stories of women who call it a “journey” and say it’s “hard” and why I can see all of that for some people I wish I had heard from others for whom it wasn’t the worst. I basically assumed I was going to have a horrible experience and I registered for loads of nipple cream but Baby was on breast (and pumped milk) for a full 6 months and at 10 months still going strong. It only got painful for a day or two when my period restarted up around 8 months pp. My baby uses me as a full on pacifier/ and pumping at work can get annoying and it’s easy for her dad to give her to me and just say she’s hungry but overall I know she finds comfort in it so I’ll go until she’s ready to stop.

I loooooved breastfeeding! And I can’t wait to do it again! Every mother’s experience is different so just go for it- work with a lactation consultant or go to La Leche League International (https://www.llli.org/ ) website on breastfeeding (best information out there!) knowledge is your BEST FRIEND while breastfeeding! It sucks being clueless! It pinches a bit the first couple times but I began to look forward to seeing my daughter after work to nurse her. I truly loved those moments with her.

My milk dried up after breastfeeding my daughter for 3 months and I had to switch to formula. I was devastated but it also had some perks. I breastfed my son for a year and 1 month. My daughter gets sick more than my son does and she also has more separation anxiety etc. my son is very mellow and happy all the time. My daughter is whiny and clingy. They are only 3 years apart. 2 kids her age that she plays with do not have near as many issues (they too were breastfed for about a year) I honestly whole heartedly believe I failed as a mother not nursing her till she was a year old. I’ve just excepted that my milk dried up and I couldn’t control that. But if I could’ve breastfed her longer I would in a heartbeat! It’s the best thing you can ever do for your kids! And it creates a deeper bond with them for life.

Just try to understand that it is going to have its ups and downs. But it will take a whole lot of patients. Keep a good support system. Talk to a lactation person. Be prepared for sore nipples and getting things to help your baby latch on better.

It’s difficult at the beginning but it’s get better. I’m currently breastfeeding my 3 month old and I breastfed my 3 for a year and 8months. With my first my milk didn’t come till the 3 day I even got a fever I gave him the little bottles of similac and would give him the breast for a bit before the formula. I did that for 2 days so he would gain weight and then when my milk came I stopped. With my second baby I got my right breast with cracked nipple and it hurts i started crying and thought of giving up BUT I DIDNT I pumped from that breast and the solution for cracked nipples is squeezing breast milk and air dry! Use the landinoh breast pads theyy are the best and the solution for a breastfeeding is the latch go on YouTube there’s a bunch of videos on it