Advice on breastfeeding?

Question

I'm currently 10 weeks 4 days but I like to start my research early. I intend to breastfeed my baby and was wondering what it's like. Is it challenging? Is it stressful? Is pumping handy? Any advice would be great!

Answer

Breastfeeding is wonderful and the bond you will have is so special...but, it isn't for everyone and that is not to say that if you don't end up breastfeeding you wont have a special bond with your baby...because you still will. Some women or some babies have a medical reason they cannot breastfeed. And if that happens to you or if for some other reason breastfeeding doesn't work for you...please don't beat yourself up because I promise they will be just fine on formula. My first daughter was formula fed due to unforseen medical complications on my part. My son was breastfed for the first 4 months of his life but it was a struggle and honestly, looking back, it made both if us miserable. He had a tongue tie that my doctors failed to point out to me until he was 6 months old...he wouldn't latch most of the time and it was just horrible. I spent more time crying over the breastfeeding ordeal than I spent actually enjoying my baby. Please don't do that to yourself. To be 100% honest, my daughter who never got a drop of breast milk is healthier than my son who breastfed for 4 months then got pumped milk for another 2. All that being said, I absolutely do plan of trying to breastfeed this baby...BUT this time around I will know what questions to ask and I will also not beat myself up if I do end up having to formula feed. Good luck! It takes a lot of determination and will power...but it isn't the end of the world if you don't!

Answer

Breastfeeding is great and you will love the bond you have with your baby. The first week is hard as you and your baby are still figuring it out, but it gets easier. There will be times it's stressful because your baby will go through spurts of wanting more. But remember breast milk works like any normal supply and demand. I recommend pumping early to not only have milk stored away but it helps to increase your supply.

Answer

Breastfeeding it's the best things you could do for your baby and yourself as well. I'm one week postpartum and I love to breastfeed my baby I feel like  that's one of the best way to bond with her.

At first it was really different, and I know I'm not the only mom that struggle at first specially those first time mom. Since you feel like your breast are no producing anything.

Don't Give Up! In less than a week if you let your baby suck on your breast even though you think you're not giving him nothing. Don't stop because his stimulating you breast as hi/she suck and by him sucking your body will the baby it's asking for food.

Answer

Read "the womanly art of breastfeeding" it's great and it has ideas for both plans too.

Answer

It's really really difficult but worth it if you can stick with it. It takes lots of practice and time commitment! I pump for now at least, when I'm too engorged between feedings.

Answer

The first weeks are tricky because you and baby both have to learn how to breastfeed. It's kind of a myth that you'll both just automatically just know how it works. Plus, right after birth you're tired, emotional, hormonal, etc. That being said, if you're committed to doing it and have a supportive partner and have the ability to get help from a breastfeeding group or a lactation specialist if necessary, it should be fine. I personally think breastfeeding is far more convenient and less stressful than bottle feeding because baby's meal is always ready, no mixing bottles, buying formula, or sterilizing everything after. A couple books that are helpful: The Nursing Mother's Companion and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. (Read a few chapters before birth!)  If your hospital has a class, that would also be helpful. I loved nursing my first and can't wait to do so with my second.

Advice on breastfeeding?

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