Being Pregnant
I Want To Breastfeed Like A Champ
Jackson's 3rd hospitalization at 5 months old for NG tube.
Like I mentioned a little while ago, I’m geeking out with some serious birthing literature lately and really REALLY enjoying it. My nightstand is typically covered in books anyways, but to have it covered with baby books, baby naming books, birthing books, and now breast feeding books, is something that totally tickles me.
I had an unbelievably difficult time breastfeeding Jackson after he was born. In fact, it was in the midst of hospital stays and visits with geneticists and GI specialists, that I decided to take my blog public. Starving (in a very different way from my son) for information and connecting with people who dealt with pediatric feeding disorders, I turned to the Internet and can honestly say that the blogging community saved my sanity.
So, here I am, blogging through another pregnancy, and wanting desperately to be able to successfully breast feed this next child of mine.
Before I was pregnant with this little one, I thought often about whether or not I would even want to attempt breastfeeding if we were to be blessed with another child. My experience feeding Jackson was so traumatic for the both of us that I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about instantly going to the bottle with a new baby.
After much discussion with my husband, we are both convinced that I should and will give breastfeeding another shot. We know what signs to watch for, and we also know that if my body is unable to do it, it’s ok. Both the baby and I will be fine whether I am able to breast feed or not.
Even still, I want to give it my all. I plan on enrolling myself in a local breastfeeding class that has come highly recommended by trusted friends. And, as you already know, I am reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
Every mother needs support… whether you are a breastfeeding or bottle feeding mother… or somewhere in between with an NG tube, like I was with Jackson.
Who supported you when it came to feeding your baby? What materials, websites, books, circles of people, helped you stay encouraged? What advice do you have for me?
Go Back To Being Pregnant
11 Comments
PrincessJenn commented on Nov 03 11 at 12:47 pmI would also look into if there’s any lactation consultants that can come to your house and help you right after he’s born. We did that with V and, even though it didn’t work out for us in the long run, it was a tremendous help and support.
PrincessJenn commented on Nov 03 11 at 12:48 pmI just said after ‘he’s born’. Or she. You know. Equal opportunity breast feeding. lol
Delora commented on Nov 03 11 at 12:53 pmYou could also drop in on a few Le Leche League meetings while still pregnant and see if there’s anyone who struggled the first time around and was ultimately successful breastfeeding later children. Plus, if you do need help/advice, you’ve already connected with a leader that you can call.
mybottlesup commented on Nov 03 11 at 1:02 pm@PRINCESSJENN- great advice! thank you. i will definitely look in to having a consultant come to the house. i can only imagine how much help that would be, especially being back in your own domain.
@DELORA- thank you. there is a very strong le leche league chapter here that i am looking forward to getting to know. great call on seeing if there were others who struggled with their first child too.
Nadia commented on Nov 03 11 at 1:14 pmSee if your hospital has a lactation consultant! You can probably meet with them before you give birth. They can be a wonderful resource!
http://www.fitandpreggers.com
Katy E commented on Nov 03 11 at 2:25 pmBreastfeeding Made simple was what I read and it was amazing! No matter what the nurses tell you when you have your baby, put your baby to breast every time he/she opens his/her mouth. It’s what builds a strong supply. My nurse told me “Don’t let him use you as a pacifier. That type of suckling doesn’t build supply” but this is incredibly false. Let your baby use you as a pacifier the first 2 weeks and you’ll be fine!
Rachel B commented on Nov 03 11 at 3:47 pmI applaud you for your decision to make a go of it. While it is “natural”, that does not equal easy as I for one found out. You can only make your best effort and nature will handle the rest. Fingers crossed for you, momma.
mybottlesup commented on Nov 03 11 at 7:04 pmthank you all so much for your advice and encouragement. it is more appreciated than you know.
Tricia commented on Nov 03 11 at 7:39 pmIf you’re anything like me, you could probably pass the lactation consultant certification exam with all the books and research you’ve done. I have no advice because you’re an amazing mama with amazing instincts. Every baby is different, and I’m praying this breastfeeding experience is easy and wonderful for you. You can call on me ANY TIME and I’ll hop in my car and come help you…and four hours later, I’ll be there!
Danielle commented on Nov 04 11 at 6:34 amI found it very helpful to keep a few recently successful breastfeeding moms (that also were close friends) on speed dial. Sometimes being told to hang in there and listening to someone who has also been through it is enough motivation to keep you going. Give it four weeks to get the hang of it. Stay positive and I always joke that one day, in a few weeks you’ll be nursing AND doing 8 other things at the same time, you’ll know you’ve got it down!
mybottlesup commented on Nov 04 11 at 12:22 pm@TRICIA- you’re such a doll. thank you! know that i will be looking to you for some boob support, most definitely. xoxox
@DANIELLE- i’m going to keep the image of nursing and doing 8 other things at the same time in my head as “the finish line,” when i know that i will have accomplished my goal of being a bf-ing champ. :)
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