tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post6745530146714349222..comments2023-09-15T03:03:17.605-07:00Comments on Bigger By The Belly: Breastfeeding from the world of a 2 week old mother....Babe_chillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641049845173425007noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-61081239038775583692010-04-22T15:26:13.040-07:002010-04-22T15:26:13.040-07:00I have the SAME exact feelings as you on breastfee...I have the SAME exact feelings as you on breastfeeding...it will be 6 months on the 26th and it has NOT been an easy road. And I had no supply issues, no nipple issues, no medical issues but it was so overwhelming and time consuming and frustrating and when you are exhausted beyond belief it is MISERABLE. NO ONE ever told me how hard breast feeding is...EVER. Not in the clasess i took, not the women I talked too..not even friends. I wish I would have known, maybe I wouldn't have felt like such a crazy lady for not loving every second of breastfeeding and not getting the bonding feeling everyone told me so much about. Hang in there it really does get soooo much easier (about 8 weeks for me) and your baby will soon not nurse around the clock and you can feel like you can breathe again!Breannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08468702412890481471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-43101526747214712082010-04-20T14:21:06.140-07:002010-04-20T14:21:06.140-07:00Oh, I so wish I could just send you all the posts ...Oh, I so wish I could just send you all the posts from right after I had Jules and then you could see the detailed accounts of me wallowing deep in the pits of despair and then being pulled back up again by my lovely friends.<br /><br />Remember how I said I was writing a love letter to you on my blog? Well, I really am. I'm not going to make you read through my old posts - instead, I'm giving you (and all new moms who read my post) the high lights so you can (hopefully) make a little sense of this madness.<br /><br />(and I know you don't want to hear this but it absolutely has to be said - cesareans make for a much rougher start to the breastfeeding relationship. We cannot remove the birth experience from the equation because so many mothers don't understand how their births will affect this process, and the fact that they should seriously seek EXTRA EXTRA help after a rough birth. Babies born 100% naturally can actually crawl to the mother's breast and self-latch, providing a very good start to lactation. Scheduled cesareans mean your body didn't get the message that the baby was coming, and therefore didn't make the hormones that kick start the process as well. It all goes together and we've gotta talk about that too - especially how to recover and repair that.)TheFeministBreederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10870473200937110378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-41051227546561801042010-04-20T12:44:56.636-07:002010-04-20T12:44:56.636-07:00I'm right there with you! Mine will be two we...I'm right there with you! Mine will be two weeks tomorrow, and let me tell you, nursing is WAY harder than my mother made it look. I did get lactation consultants in the hospital, too. The first one woke me at 3 a.m., when I'd delivered 4 hours before, to explain that the baby wouldn't likely eat till midmorning. Uh, thanks for the urgent update! The second tried to latch the baby on about twice, told me I had flat nipples (they don't look flat to me!) and gave me a nipple shield. The third told me the shield would decrease my supply, but now that the baby was used to it, I would have a very hard time weaning him off it. Ugh. I'm still stuck with this shield, which is inconvenient and also seems to make it more painful.<br /><br />I read your post to distract me from the OUCH OUCH HOLY CRAP KIDDO pain of latching on. He's doing it right, but it still hurts for the first minute or so. And that's now that we have the hang of it a bit better. The low point, I guess, was when he rooted and looked starving, then when I offered the breast, was all "NOOOO! Not the BREAST! Are you trying to POISON me, mother?" and tried to latch on my arm. Or would throw up his arms in front of his face and scratch my sore nipples.<br /><br />Then there were engorgement (Oh My Gosh I Look Like a Porn Star But This Hurts), blocked ducts everywhere (felt like I was carrying around bags of marbles), and letdown at all the most inconvenient times. They always both let down together, so I have to nurse with a burp cloth on the other side or else the milk drips down and soaks the baby's outfit.<br /><br />But things are already better -- the pain and the annoying shield are all that's left of my woes, pretty much -- and I hope they will continue to get better. They do say that the worst part is the first six weeks.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10853868724554947854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-45855947264115229212010-04-19T10:03:44.219-07:002010-04-19T10:03:44.219-07:00When I say I understand, I UNDERSTAND! No one told...When I say I understand, I UNDERSTAND! No one told me, you might not make as much milk and will have to supplement. As naive as it sounds, I was still under the impression that if you had big boobs, you could make more milk. Boy, was I wrong! Love your blog and will be coming back!Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01665698258816792060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-9207817904593920082010-04-17T08:04:51.457-07:002010-04-17T08:04:51.457-07:00Today is the first time I have ventured into your ...Today is the first time I have ventured into your blog land. Lovely Leah over at simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com sent me your way. Your blog is fantastic and I absolutely adore your sense of humour. All the best.<br />Chris<br />http://livesimplebalance.wordpress.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-68024793507619476702010-04-15T20:54:27.846-07:002010-04-15T20:54:27.846-07:00Hi! This is the first time I have read your blog, ...Hi! This is the first time I have read your blog, and I can sooo relate. My girl is 10 months old now and at the start, bfing SUCKED. I would have rather gone through labour again. She ate all.the.time. and slept while she did it. But after 4 weeks things got better. And better. And she still bf's now. And it is wonderful.<br /><br />I did have to feed her formula for 2 days -- or rather the hubs did (I was in the hospital). And it was ok. She didn't really love it. But she went right back to bfing as soon as I was back. So what I am saying is that if things get really bad and you truly just need a break, use the Enfamil if you need to (of course if it is right for you).<br /><br />Good luck, things will get better. I'm off to read your archives!<br /><br />TillyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-10039023924015243242010-04-15T17:20:21.606-07:002010-04-15T17:20:21.606-07:00i could not agree more that breastfeeding activist...i could not agree more that breastfeeding activists exaggerate the good points and supposed ease of nursing! speaking as someone who also had a VERY rough start to breastfeeding (and wound up exclusively pumping for 8 months because my kid kept trying to bite my nipples off) i can honestly say that SO MUCH of what i read & was told regarding breastfeeding made it sound far, far easier than it really is.<br /><br />the attitude seems to be, that if you're willing to do it, you CAN breastfeed. also that if you're doing it "right" it won't hurt. well, you, myself, mandy and the MANY readers who've commented on that post would beg to differ. in fact Poppy bit me so much and so frequently, i had chronic pain in both nipples the ENTIRE eight months i breastfed. the ONLY thing that made it better was weaning! did i do something "wrong"? no! i carefully followed the same advice as any other new mom. i just happened to have a kid with a snap-jaw reflex. and how can that be helped?<br /><br />eh, i know this is a ramble. but it's just my way of saying i SO feel for you! you were led NOT to anticipate problems and here you are facing so many difficulties at every turn. i'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. i really do feel for you - and i for one NEVER underestimate how terribly hard nursing can be.<br /><br />thinking of you! hang in there, mama! xoxoxo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-87231085324996147022010-04-12T12:07:22.014-07:002010-04-12T12:07:22.014-07:00Well said! I totally can relate. My baby (now 10...Well said! I totally can relate. My baby (now 10 weeks) was a CONSTANT NURSER in the beginning. I'm talking about regular feedings that lasted over an hour. I didn't know if I could take it. So I took it one hour at a time. Now it works. Occasionally she'll get frustrated and I see glimpses of the beginning, the soreness, but they are few and far between. <br /><br />BTW I had my husband hide the cans of formula so "generously" mailed to us. I'll donate them at some point, but for now they remain in an unknown place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-12542091102366073802010-04-12T11:20:52.402-07:002010-04-12T11:20:52.402-07:00Mama, it is hard at times. This time around I'...Mama, it is hard at times. This time around I'm just LAZY. After almost 7 months with Hudson,I figured even with twins it was a no-brainer. I hope it gets better and it will. I'll be on twitter at 3 AM for support when you need it.Emmie Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13532824142071065803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-751195668348856912010-04-12T10:52:50.913-07:002010-04-12T10:52:50.913-07:00Oh hun, I'm with ya 100%, nobody tells you the...Oh hun, I'm with ya 100%, nobody tells you the truth about it, all you hear is how wonderful and great for bebe it is.<br /><br />http://annette-nettycakes.blogspot.com/Netty Cakeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16527600621416481633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-10240670944660559392010-04-11T23:29:56.875-07:002010-04-11T23:29:56.875-07:00Found you on Mandy's blog whom I found on the ...Found you on Mandy's blog whom I found on the UBP =) Loved this post, just feed them!! Stop by and see me at Bitsy Baby. ~~RitaBitsy Baby Photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05498228612136299603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-12138951547884795542010-04-11T21:41:51.917-07:002010-04-11T21:41:51.917-07:00I can almost hear myself in this post. I had the h...I can almost hear myself in this post. I had the hardest time getting started too, but once everything is worked out, it truly gets easier. I have been able to successfully breastfeed my daughter for a year. <br /><br />It's amazing how much stuff everyone forgets to tell you when you're going to have a baby. I think the myth of "all babies do is eat, sleep, and poop" ranks right up there with "breastfeeding is easy"! Total lies!!! haha<br /><br />Hang in there... you can do this!!dinslagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06999113489610555302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-9437462294222714042010-04-11T07:12:21.722-07:002010-04-11T07:12:21.722-07:00When the nurses tell you, "if they are latche...When the nurses tell you, "if they are latched properly it shouldn't hurt"... BULLLL SHITTTTT. My baby latched properly from the start. (Yea, I was lucky).. and I wanted to pluck my eyes out every single time I fed him, because it hurt so bad. I'd be awake at 3 am just crying as I fed him, praying for the moment he let go and my nipple would be free. It took until he was about 4 weeks old for my nipples to "toughen" and now it doesn't hurt at all. <br /><br />And, as your milk matures, and your baby gets a little older, she wont be on you for as long, my son is 6 weeks and it only takes about 10 minutes to feed him now, where as before, he was on each side for about 20-30 minutes at a time, EACH boob. ugh. <br /><br />Hang in there..Michelle Jeanettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04611671471910930386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-9447591832957051662010-04-10T22:57:51.421-07:002010-04-10T22:57:51.421-07:00Just came across your blog from a friend.
Awesome...Just came across your blog from a friend. <br />Awesome post. <br />I am a soon to be mother (come september) and I plan on breastfeeding, I have been told it is tricky, but I did not know half of the things you have posted about, and I am quite worried now.<br /><br />Sounds like your doing a great job hanging in there. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-74223115270411005392010-04-10T18:31:53.523-07:002010-04-10T18:31:53.523-07:00Holla! Breastfeeding IS hard. I wrote a post about...Holla! Breastfeeding IS hard. I wrote a post about it too but mine wasn't as good as any of those you listed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-49721891285179015372010-04-10T17:47:59.847-07:002010-04-10T17:47:59.847-07:00I too was committed to 6 months and counted down e...I too was committed to 6 months and counted down every.single.second of it for the first 3 of them. It took us that long to FINALLY get the hang of breastfeeding (plus clear up a case of thrush I suffered through for two weeks before I realized what it was). And then I had the mysterious bleeding from my boobs that caused 2 emergency room visits because I thought the BABY was bleeding internally. <br /><br />But now, at 12 full months, I am a testament to the fact that it can be done. Not only are we still nursing, but my baby has only take 1 bottle (still breastmilk) ever in his life. It helps that I learned to nurse in public, it helps that I have a whole network other nursing mamas, it helps that my baby is a fast and efficient eater, but mostly I just had to take it one day at a time. Which is just what you're doing. Stay strong mama! You're amazing!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13620157740574376837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-17329138954253329852010-04-10T16:56:31.250-07:002010-04-10T16:56:31.250-07:00Wow - I so could have written this three yrs ago. ...Wow - I so could have written this three yrs ago. I still recall the frustration when my son would turn his head the wrong flippin' way (away from the nipple) when trying to latch. Funny at 1pm - not so much at 1am. You are dead on about the education issue. You're doing an awesome job Brandee.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04648283904073127681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-2654198521305084272010-04-10T14:56:49.859-07:002010-04-10T14:56:49.859-07:00Follow your heart. It gets easier. I am breast fee...Follow your heart. It gets easier. I am breast feeding my soon to be 7month old daughter. It's going great. I stoped nursing my first daughter when she was 5-6months and i always wished I would have breastfed her longer. <br />It is HARD in the begining when you both have to learn how to do it. But once you, your baby and your body all get it together it will all work out for you.<br />Sending you a hug! Keep going, you are doing great mama!Linahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05175576484394177436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-37555647670931463062010-04-10T14:49:08.105-07:002010-04-10T14:49:08.105-07:00I remember thinking THE SAME THINGS. Have you trie...I remember thinking THE SAME THINGS. Have you tried pumping and bottle feeding breastmilk? It will help make your boobies feel better (relieve some of the amount you have lol) and allow you to pass off a feeding a day to your hubs or something :) maybe a night time feeding? Ya know? <br /><br />That's what I did and it worked :) You could also pump off and mix a bottle of half breastmilk and half formula. There are TONS of options for ya hun! <br /><br />You're doing an amazing job, and whatever you do you do! I'm for feeding babies too. Nolan went on formula at four months (long story) so I've done it both ways :)Sarcasticahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09007723597942950030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-19648807336904540582010-04-10T14:35:14.289-07:002010-04-10T14:35:14.289-07:00Beautiful post! I formula fed my older 2 children ...Beautiful post! I formula fed my older 2 children for different reasons with full intent to bf - but couldnt. My third is now 14 months old and we are still breastfeeding. Your post resonates with me so much because I know exactly how that feels. Bfing is hard! <br /><br />What I feel is worst is what you talked about - the education is just not there - there is no REAL talk about what actually happens, what can happen and that it can get better. <br /><br />We should never feel guilty for what we have chosen for our kids either - you will get hate from the ppl who think formula is evil if that is your route for feeding or you will get hate from the ppl who think bfing is gross. All you can do is surround yourself with real people who will support what you are doing and to believe in yourself. <br /><br />Sending you big virtual hugs - i understand!!<br /><br />Devan @ Accustomed Chaos<br />http://accustomedchaos.blogspot.comDevan @ Accustomed Chaoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14542655336185397634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9114796771891780245.post-8582689165426538932010-04-10T14:29:14.137-07:002010-04-10T14:29:14.137-07:00It IS hard and it does hurt like hell at first. Ha...It IS hard and it does hurt like hell at first. Hang in there, though. If you can get through this first part, it DOES become easier. Just not from the start.Shellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06811697675090627618noreply@blogger.com