How did you aide in having a positive breast feeding experience? Any advice?

Question

More holistic approaches are welcomed. I know it can be hard and tiring, that part is always told. But I also know about the amazing benefits of breast feeding and how some mother adore it. It’s all a mindset. What was your experience?

Answer

I watched my mom do it many times growing up, and it was something she talked about a lot, so I knew going in a lot of the ins and outs of breastfeeding. It was normal and familiar to me, and I think that is the biggest reason breastfeeding has always been easy for me. I knew the baby would want to eat constantly, and that was normal. I knew the baby would need and want me all the time, and that was normal too. I knew I would get stuck on the couch for hours cluster-feeding. I knew it wouldn’t last forever, but that first 6 months to 1 year is all baby all the time. I also knew I couldn’t neglect myself, and that life must go on. If I had to pee, I went pee. If I was hungry, I got food. If I needed a shower, I took a shower. I keep the baby next to my bed for the first year in a side-car sleeper for easy and quick nighttime feedings. I wear baby carriers a lot, to keep baby close and happy, and to breastfeed on the go. 
I don’t get a lot of free time to myself in that first year. I know that, and I accept that, and I don’t fight it. They are only babies for a short amount of time, and when it is over it is over. Once they start crawling, it gets easier. Once they start walking, it gets easier. Once they are night-weaned it gets tons easier. And then, before you know it, they are weaned.  All of my kids are still small, and I know I will miss when these times are gone. Until then, i take it a day at a time, a milestone at a time, a half hour watching Netflix with my husband without a child climbing on me, at a time.

Answer

Remember it's a learning kerb for you and baby. Be patient, have a good support system telling you 'you can do it' and touch base with a lactating consultant if you need a little extra help. 
I had friends and a midwife physically help in placing baby and moving my boob into position. I used a nipple shield for the first 3weeks to assist with latching and I had a good pillow to support me. Drink plenty of water and eat enough calories.

Answer

Reading Ina May’s Guide to breastfeeding was really helpful, as was watching Dr. Jack Newman’s Visual Guide to Breastfeeding on YouTube for learning how to get a good latch.

Answer

With my first, if I hadn't had the help of an outpatient lactation consultant I would not have been successful. If you can't find one (my hospital closed down the outpatient clinic) a breastfeeding support group is super helpful!
Breastfeeding is incredible but can also be really challenging. I thought because it's a natural process it would be an easy thing but it wasn't for me. Luckily, I got the help I needed and ended up breastfeeding both my first two kids til about 16 months each. Literally one of the things I'm most proud of! Hoping it goes that way for this third baby too ☺️ Good luck Mama, you can do it!!

Answer

I just nursed? I didn't have help, per se. I mean, I asked a question or two of my friends who had successfully nursed her four kids. But otherwise it was trial and error.

How did you aide in having a positive breast feeding experience? Any advice?

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