Breastfeeding

[Flyingchimps]

It is my intention to breastfeed, we have done the NCT course complete with breastfeeding session, I have read a couple of books, have an idea of what is right and problem signs to look out for... my biggest worry is- everywhere seems to be highlighting how hard it can be. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand baby may need to have access to the breast a lot etc, but the pain, and just how hard it can be is all I keep reading about and it is terrifying me slightly!

How have others gotten on? Is it always that hard? Or am I being prepared for a worst case scenario?

I’m still breastfeeding my second child she’s just turned two. Only morning and night. I’m also breastfeeding my five month old DS2. DS1 was bf until 15 months

The first few days can be tricky, the initial settling down period is often overwhelming and you need to know where support is and get it if necessary

I wouldn’t change breastfeeding for the world. I love the closeness and the fact I have to do nothing else but look at and hold this little person that I grew and love so much. It’s brilliant!

No pain. No feeding problems. Really easy tbh and I love it.

I would have loved to breastfeed but my baby was a preemie. However from lots of people I've spoken to, it's hard at first until you both really get the hang of it. I think some people just take to it straight away. Good luck x

One thing I will say is that worrying about it and expecting it to be very, very difficult probably made it more so! I think it's important to recognise that yes, for many of us it's tricky to get going but when it works it just becomes so simple.

In my case (DS is 7 months) I never managed to BF successfully in hospital. DS was very jaundiced and couldn't latch. We were in hospital a week and couldn't leave until his weight reached a certain point. I expressed and topped up with formula but put him to the breast every time too, even if he was only on for a second. I was so stressed and unhappy but I kid you not, the day we got home he latched on and that was us. It was almost like being out of that pressured, uncomfortable environment helped us both.

You get the hang of it, find the positions that suit you, get used to feeding when out and about. For us, getting properly comfortable and confident happened quite gradually but now it's the easiest thing. And it's magic - the way it calms DS down, helps him back to sleep quickly, doesn't cost anything or require prep.

One more thing - if it's really not working for you (though I very much hope it does) and you feel that you'll be happier with bottles, do not beat yourself up or feel that you've failed in any way. I honestly think successfully BFing is part perseverance but an even bigger part luck and the circumstances for both you and your baby being right for it.

I think there has been a bit of a move recently for people to come put and be quite vocal about how hard it can be, as a lot of people I knew went into it expecting it to be straightforward and then found it wasn't, and obviously that can be very difficult and upsetting.

I was expecting some level of difficulty/pain etc - DS is 12 weeks today and we have had no issues at all. He's totally ebf, piled on the weight and I've had hardly any pain etc with it (the worst was my milk coming in - massive hard painful rocks for boobs, but that lasted less than a day!). I think there is less inclination to talk about it when it just goes well.

That being said, try to be realistic that it's a new skill for you and baby, especially in the beginning, and really make the most of the midwives in hospital to feedback on latch etc. It's worth checking out what breast feeding support is in your area too, even if it's just to meet other mums! Lansinoh cream and breast pads are definitely worth buying.

I am breast feeding my 6mo. It had it's challenges in the beginning. Ds struggled to latch to begin with as he was only small. I've had sore nipples but nothing major and they heal very quickly. Growth spurts can be tough but you can see them as an opportunity to sit in front of tv for ages while someone brings you food and drink (I have very fond memories of those days) then, you'll get to a point when it is so easy. Ds only has 5 feeds per day now. It's easy, and I absolutely love it. I'm so glad we persevered and got the hang of it together. It's amazing seeing this little thing grown only on your milk.

Oh and use all the support available to you. Our hv gave us a number to call if we struggled. We did called them and sat with a very sympathetic nurse with coffee while she helped us get the hang of it. That's when it really clicked.