Breastfeeding: The Reality
7 January 2010
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Breastfeeding has experienced a renaissance in the past decade. Moms are now demanding the very best for their babies and themselves; and that means everything from organics to cloth diapers to good old fashioned breast milk. But even though breast feeding is the most natural thing in the world, it isn’t something we automatically know how to do. Forming a connection with your baby and learning how to manage your newfound gift can be challenging and stressful. Many new moms seek help from lactation consultatants who help them learn to communicate with their newborn and create a rhythm between their body and yours.
I was 28 when I had my twins. They were my first children and I was determined to breast feed them. Luckily I didn’t have trouble getting them to latch on. They seemed pretty enthusiastic about it from the get-go. But what really surprised me was how uncomfortable it was in the beginning. All the new sensations and the repeated nursing were actually painful for the first couple weeks. After that I built up a resistence, my breasts became used to the prodding and pulling, and the Fenugreek I was taking started to work it’s magic. But I wondered why no one had bothered to tell me about it beforehand. Everyone just seemed to wax poetic about how great breast feeding is.
With that in mind I asked a bunch of real life moms today to tell me about their experiences breast feeding. I was lucky enough to get some honest responses about both the joys and pains of nursing
“Every parent wants to give their children the best things in life. The best begins with the BrEaST.” -Natalia a/k/a @morenita2ya26“Breastfeeding is a lazy mother’s dream. Instant nutrition, perfect, temperature, always at hand, plus passive immune resistance.” – Megan a/k/a @dirty_snowflake“Breastfeeding gave me blisters, infections, saggy boobs and more than my share of tears… and I loved (almost) each minute.” – Chelsea, a/k/a @Hippymom (www.hippymom.com / www.melialore.com)“Breastfeeding was so hard at first I thought I’d quit. Sticking with it was the best thing I did for me and my daughter.” – Lisa, a/k/a @LetsTalkBabies (www.letstalkbabies.com)“Bf’ing has been the most special part of bonding with my son. It has its challenges but it is all worth it!” Jennifer, a/k/a @Mami2Mommy (www.mami2mommy.com)“Breastfeeding is one the most intimate bonds that a mother a baby can share, it fosters health security & a loving relationship.” – Lani, a/k/a @Keonismama (www.kidsculinaryadventures.com)“Who knew that something my body was designed to do would be so challenging? Everyone says it’s natural, and it is, but it didn’t come so naturally for us. People ask why I breastfeed; I ask why not? My body was made to both grow and nourish a child; I wouldn’t choose to have someone else birth my child, why should I choose something else to feed him?” – Mo, a/k/a ScarletMae (Moments to Keep)
Do you have a thought about the joys and trials involved with breastfeeding your baby? Leave us a comment and let us (and all the expecting mothers out there) know!
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[...] the blog post I wrote. I only got Scarlet's in because I was in a hurry. Next time, Mel. Breastfeeding: The Reality – Upspring Baby ADQ __________________ HEY BLOGGERS! Want to be part of an elite group to help promote your [...]
Ditto what Lisa said. Those first few weeks were BRUTAL. I didn’t think I would be able to do it. I cried every time my daughter would latch on. If it weren’t for my very supportive partner and remembering what I’d learned in birth classes (that I needed to stick with it, that it would get better) I probably would have quit. I have loved the experience: the bonding, the knowledge I’m giving her the best…all from someone who thought she’d never ever breastfeed. Funny how things change!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Amy. I think a lot of moms go through the same thing but for some reason they feel ashamed about admitting that it wasn’t easy.
I should maybe say that my results don’t seem to be typical, but I had zero problems breastfeeding. She latched immediately after birth, and there have been zero problems. No mastitis, no supply issues. Initially my nipples were a *little* sore (I used the lanolin cream, and it cleared right up). I jut don’t understand why anyone would use bottles and formula unless they had too. Breastfeeding was super convenient for me as it’s: always available, perfect temperature, no work, less supplies to tote around, and builds a baby with less illnesses, and no digestion problems. If you can, you should breastfeed.
Well, I think a lot of moms are caught off guard by the challenges and aren’t sure how to overcome them.
Right after you have a baby you’re hormonal, tired, you may be in pain from a c-section or episiotomy, etc. You’re also under a lot of pressure (much of it from yourself) to do everything right. When your baby is crying for food and you can’t seem to make it work, it can be absolutely overwhelming.
I totally agree it is the best choice you can make for your baby, but I also think new moms need emotional support and the guidance of other experienced moms or professional LC’s to help them get into the groove.
I wasn’t able to do it. The neurological disorder my twins have that interferes with their expressive language also gave them oral-motor problems. They were very difficult feeders and were never able to latch on. We went to the LC every week for months, and she kept telling me they’d eventually develop the reflex that makes babies stick out their tongues for a proper latch. They never did. I EPed for them for a few months, but couldn’t keep up with that once grad school started. I had a very difficult time and am still sensitive emotionally about breastfeeding.
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