Comments on: SUPPORT SYSTEM

By: Joslyn

Joslyn — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:46:21 +0000

It doesn’t have to hurt! Lanolin is a godsend. Get a tube and use it after nursing from day one. It made all the difference for me.

By: Tara

Tara — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 15:28:59 +0000

It’s different for everyone. I got lucky–I was sore & a bit crusty for the first few days, but after the first week or so, it didn’t hurt at all. It was pleasant, actually–there’s no relief quite like nursing a baby when your boob’s about to explode.

I found the breastpump more uncomfortable, but again, you get used to it.

At any rate, I wish you well. Since I’ve never commented here before (and only recently found you through Dooce), congrats on the pregnancy.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 15:15:52 +0000

Hey, delurking to say congratulations!!!
I have two babies (but they keep on growing so I guess they’re not babies anymore, I’ve tried not feeding them, doesn’t work {:o))
I breast fed my first for six weeks, by four weeks we were supplementing with formula and then I wanted my body back and it was uncomfortable so I quit. But with my second, I was older, more patient, more wise…haha. She loved it and I noticed by the six week mark it didn’t hurt at all, I really, really loved it, I breastfed my little baby face for six months. I wish someone had told me that it would hurt for a while and then it would be fine when I had my first, I might have done it longer. I too was told if I did it right it wouldn’t hurt. Thanks for the guilt dumb old nurse from the hospital. She’ll still “nurse” when she’s upset or tired she climbs into my lap and cuddles my boob and I stroke her little two year old face….then I start to sing her our song and my eyes get teary…then she gets up and says “no mama” and goes to play again…..hey, you don’t want to let me borrow your baby for a while do you?
It’s really great, and by the way, boob pain, vagina pain, is NOTHING compared to that first time you turn your back for ONE SECOND at the park to throw away your coffee cup and you can’t see your baby when you turn around again. Back me up here moms…but oh it’s great, enjoy every moment. When you’re hit with a horror story, look carefully, in every woman’s eye’s there’s the wistful look of someone who would do it all again, just there in the middle, by the love.

By: katie

katie — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:47:15 +0000

Oh, yeah, “Bestfeeding” is such a great book to help you out. It has really great illustrations on how a good latch should be.

By: katie

katie — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:43:17 +0000

Very worth it, and a thousand times easier down the road. (and the best thing ever if you fly a lot) I had troubles for the first month, but I ended up breastfeeding for over two years with my son. He weaned himself and it was a great experience. Bottle or breast, I think the most important thing is to be connected to your baby while they are feeding Good luck, it’s so exciting! (Just came to your blog recently by the way, I am a little behind I guess!)

By: Jaimers

Jaimers — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 13:14:21 +0000

Maggie…do what you need to do. You’ll be amazed at what feels right and what doesn’t feel right once that lil’ bundle of joy arrives. For me, breastfeeding was relatively easy. Not because of anything I was doing, but because my daughter was a natural at latching on…THAT IS KEY! If the kid doesn’t do it very well, teach him/her. Once you get past the latch, it gets better. And yes, it will hurt a bit, and yes you’ll leak at really inappropriate times, and yes you’ll want to buy lanolin/nursing shields/bra pads. Ya know…all the FUN stuff.
But..it really is worth it. It’s great bonding and great for the kid.
Just be prepared for some ups and downs and be happy with whatever decision you make (to nurse or not to nurse/when to wean/etc).
Currently, my daughter and I are at the 12 month mark and starting the weaning process. I can admit that I’m ready to be done with nursing, but will miss the special time together.
Best of luck with everything with BABY! Yeah!!!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 03:04:08 +0000

Er, I just drifted in here from dooce.com…

Anyway. I breastfed my 21 month old for the first nine months of her life.
And I am currently breastfeeding my two week old son.

I won’t lie: the first day or two, things are fine. It’s a bit of a different sensation to get used to, but no biggie. Then it’s like your nipples give up and suddenly start hurting – sharp stabbing like pains. But both times that subsided within the next day or two.

You’ll be fine – breastfeeding really isn’t painful, once you get over the start of it, and as long as baby has a good latch.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 02:12:23 +0000

Maggie, it’s all about the “free boobing.” something about letting the puppies air out after nursing toughened them right up. Made for uncomfortable conversations with the in-laws, but then again, they said they were only staying for 3 days and stayed for 6. Touche.

By: Blue

Blue — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 01:39:54 +0000

My nipples only hurt for 3 days. The C-section site was way more painful.
I put lanolin on my nipples before and after feeding my tiny girl, and by the time I left the hospital, all was well.
Now, when my milk came in, I suddenly had HUGE breasts (a completly new thing for me), and I breastfed for 2 years without complication.
Its been 8 months since she stopped, and I’ve STILL got milk.
Hmm. I sound like a dairy advertisment.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 01:38:57 +0000

I don’t know you, Maggie, but you seem like a person who not only has a good head on her shoulders, but also knows what’s best for herself. You’ll figure all this stuff out on your own. So long as you’re happy, your baby will be, too.

Me? I loved breastfeeding, mostly because — like some of the previous posters — I’m totally lazy. I can’t be bothered with bottles (especially in the middle of the night, ack!) and packing around a lot of gear. And breastfeeding while lying down is a great way to buy yourself a half-hour of extra dozing. Not to mention the aforementioned endorphins that breastfeeding releases. Good times!