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| Name: mamal | Date: May 2nd, 2007 10:54 AM |
| Whittni ~ I want to let you in on my breastfeeding experience so that you know who’s talking to you. I was NOT the woman that had her baby crawl to her breast and suckle immediately after birth. I would love to find out who that ONE person was. I did always know I wanted to breastfeed, I didn’t carry these honking things around for x amount of years not to use them, and never really thought it would be so difficult. I took the breastfeeding class that the hospital offered so I had some clue as to what to do. Well, I ended up in the hospital an extra day so that he would latch on. I would try and try and try some more. I had lactation consultants there in and out throughout the 3 days for hours at a time trying to get him to latch. It was far from easy! I would set time limits for myself, at first I said ok make it 3 months. When I made it 3 months I figured I was strong enough to make it this far so I can do it, just another 3 months and than I can stop. Once 6 months came we were doing so well that I figured I could make it another 6 months. I did! Than I figured he had never had a bottle so I would hang on until sippy cup time. He self weaned at 14 months. Now during this time I also went through some pretty crappy problems, 1 of which is still not fixed (we’re working on it), I was allergic to lanolin (oh joy), my nipples looked so bad both the breastfeeding center and the drs literally gasped and winced when they looked at them, one actually said OMG. I have to get someone else to take a look, be right back. Thanks!, also DS had thrush in the beginning. I was also never able to pump because of the pain I experienced, so unfortunately I didn’t have that option. Now that you know who I am and where I am coming from let’s focus on you and Cadence. Breastfeeding definitely takes a lot of time & sleep away from mama. I only got to sleep for at most 2 hrs at a time for almost 3 months. I have some real beautiful pictures from that time. I found the best way to handle all of the things that you have to do while breastfeeding is to have an area ready. DS was on a semi regular schedule every 1 ½ from when he stopped so I kind of knew when to prepare. I had a special spot that was comfy. I made sure to have a cup of water with a straw (I am not very coordinated LOL), my boppy (or pillows), remotes, phone, burp towel, later on crosswords or and a book. This way when I sat down I was all set for the long haul, everything was in reaching distance. You would want to include that washcloth in with the mix. If DH/SO is around this is also where he needs to get involved. It is time for him to wait on you hand and foot, his need will lessen with your experience. When you go to bed set all of this stuff next to the bed so you don’t even have to think about it. And as I have said to others, sleep is for children and those without! Sleep will be a distant memory for awhile, I am sorry! With the latching problem maybe a nipple shield may help. Did the lactation consultant talk to you about that? With her being able to latch well on one side she will definitely be able to get that other side too. You are really in a promising situation. Is your nipple on that one side a little different? Did she try you with the football hold? Also is your hand placement correct to get the latch correctly (maybe you are holding too close to the areola or putting more of the top of the areola instead of the bottom)? I wonder because my left hand was not as cooperative as my right. Yes I am that uncoordinated! I wrote this for another woman worrying about breastfeeding with big boobs. This is my explanation of getting baby to latch with the football hold. Regarding the big boobs. It will work. I have 40H boobs and it eventually makes it easier to do. You should see the picture I have of DS's first latch on. The boob is bigger than he is. LOL! The best way to start out is with the football hold it makes it much easier with the big boobs. Once you get that down than try the cradle or cross cradle hold. Start out with placing a pillow on whatever side you feel comfortable. Get DH / SO to help by holding the baby while you situate, get comfy, you may need more than one pillow to get the right height. Place the baby so her head is even with you nipple. At the beginning you may need to hold her head so that you can bring her to your breast. With your other hand make a C and hold your breast, close to the nipple so the four fingers are holding the bottom of the breast and the thumb wraps around the top. Hold the breast up with the one hand with the other bring babies head close. Press your thumb down and this will raise the nipple. Tease her mouth with the nipple first by rubbing it on her lips. This will stimulate her and will also stimulate your milk. At this point she will open her mouth, bring baby to the nipple, take your nipple and push her lip down and insert nipple. The whole areola does not and probably can’t at this point make it all the way in her mouth so don’t worry about that (aim for more bottom of areola than top). This motion is kind of like rolling your nipple into her mouth. I have a link to some great pictures and instructions on latching: http://www.medela.com/ NewFiles/faq/latchon.html Also so info on sore nipples: http://www.kellymom.com/n ewman/03a-sore_nipples.html Info on nipple shields and how to use them and then wean baby from them: http://www.medela.com/ne wfiles/faq/nipshield.html No w about the pumping. If that is how you wish to feed the baby than good for you! There is no shame at all in pumping. This is one thing I was never able to do so it amazes me all that you have done already. I think what the lactation consultant was trying to tell you, but no so effectively, is that you have to pump every time you feed baby that way you keep up the milk that she needs. A lot of people think that you don’t have to pump as much as you have to feed and that is not the case. Pumping is not easier regarding time, it actually takes more time. That is one of the other reasons I didn’t push pumping because I literally would have been on the pump or baby all day long. But it doesn’t seem like you are disillusioned in the time it takes to pump & yes you will have to pump in the middle of the night (very important), it is because you are in pain and I hear you there. There are numerous people out there that exclusively pump that is a very noble thing. This is the info I found: “Pump at least 8 times in 24 hours, or a minimum of 100 minutes per day. Many exclusively pumping mothers find it helps their milk supply if their baby is allowed to spend time skin-to-skin at the breast, even if the baby only nuzzles the nipple.” Don’t feel like you haven’t tried hard enough! You are trying so hard and should be commended please do not feel otherwise! I am trying to give you info to help you keep going but that is because you sound like you truly want to conquer this. If you feel as tho this is not working for you both than that is ok too (of course just like you I would love to see you continue) but only you know what is best for the 2 of you. You have taken so much time and consideration into whatever your decision. You are a great mom and breastfeeding does not make or break you as a mom. No matter what your decision your concern for your precious baby girl shows through and that is what a good mom is and that is definitely you! Anything you need help with please let me know I will do my best! ↑ |
| Name: Angelcecilia2 | Date: May 2nd, 2007 12:19 PM |
| I had similar trouble with Sarah -- she would latch on the right, but not on the left. It turned out there is just enough difference between the shape of my nipples that it was easier for her to get the hang of latching on the right. For now, keep trying to get cadence to latch on the one she doesn't do well with (I think you said right?) but if she gets too upset, let her start on the left, and then once her hunger is not as severe, she may be more willing to try to latch on the right side. This is what the lactation consultants told me to try -- also at least for now, it's just important that she's getting something to eat....but if she still won't latch on the right, you'll be setting yourself up for engorgement and potentially worse problems. The lactation consultant also mentioned a nipple shield to me, but we managed to get Sarah to latch before it got to that point. It sounds like you really have been trying hard enough, and only you know what's best for the two of you...I just wanted to offer what little advice i have, because it looks like you really want to make it work. ↑ |
| Name: jeanette | Date: May 8th, 2007 11:12 PM |
| Hi Whittni What a horrible consultant you have come across. They are not all like that. My opinion is if you feel that things are not working try another method. In the long run a happier and more relaxed mother results in a happier child. It is not the end of the world. Forgive yourself and move onto the next challenge. Jeanette ↑ |
