So this week on the Breastfeeding blog hop it's all about Breastfeeding Tips! Check out the Breastfeeding blog hop at The Slacker Mom and check out the fabulous co-hosts: The Gnome’s Mom and Happiness Redefined!
Since we are out of the breastfeeding game at the it took me awhile to figure out what my tips would be to those mama's out there that might be needing them, so here goes.
1. Reach Out! that was one of the things that I did that I am so glad I did. Whenever I had a question I called my LC at the Ped's office, or I reached out to the Le Leche group, Kellymom or my friends that were nursing. All these things helped me so much. When I was first nursing I was having trouble with her and an over supply. She wasn't able to latch on when we first started and it was difficult. With the help of the LC I was able to get her to latch on, try a different hold and Gabby and I continued on our journey of nursing.
2. Don't be too hard on yourself. I think too often I kept feeling like I was doing something wrong or not a good mama because I was trying bottles. Whatever you do, however long you nurse it's what works for you. No one can tell you any different. If you need to supplement, supplement. If you need to use a nursing shield do so, if you need to co-sleep, then co-sleep. Do whatever you can do to make things work.
3. Nurse where you are comfortable. For me the first few months I had Gabby next to me in her pack n play, I didn't feel comfortable co-sleeping (it just wasn't for us), but I was able to reach out pick her up, nurse her and put her back down without having to get out of bed. It was the best thing ever. As she got older we moved her into her room and I nursed her in the glider - also comfortable! at least for me. Another thing I want to say is if you are comfortable nursing in public - do it, don't worry about others being uncomfortable, nurse wherever you feel like you can.
What are some of the tips you have for other nursing mama's?
Since we are out of the breastfeeding game at the it took me awhile to figure out what my tips would be to those mama's out there that might be needing them, so here goes.
1. Reach Out! that was one of the things that I did that I am so glad I did. Whenever I had a question I called my LC at the Ped's office, or I reached out to the Le Leche group, Kellymom or my friends that were nursing. All these things helped me so much. When I was first nursing I was having trouble with her and an over supply. She wasn't able to latch on when we first started and it was difficult. With the help of the LC I was able to get her to latch on, try a different hold and Gabby and I continued on our journey of nursing.
2. Don't be too hard on yourself. I think too often I kept feeling like I was doing something wrong or not a good mama because I was trying bottles. Whatever you do, however long you nurse it's what works for you. No one can tell you any different. If you need to supplement, supplement. If you need to use a nursing shield do so, if you need to co-sleep, then co-sleep. Do whatever you can do to make things work.
3. Nurse where you are comfortable. For me the first few months I had Gabby next to me in her pack n play, I didn't feel comfortable co-sleeping (it just wasn't for us), but I was able to reach out pick her up, nurse her and put her back down without having to get out of bed. It was the best thing ever. As she got older we moved her into her room and I nursed her in the glider - also comfortable! at least for me. Another thing I want to say is if you are comfortable nursing in public - do it, don't worry about others being uncomfortable, nurse wherever you feel like you can.
What are some of the tips you have for other nursing mama's?
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4 comments:
Keep in mind as with everything in life there will be lows and highs. Same with milk supply. If it dips a little just keep bfing and pumping (especially bfing), and also remember it ok to occasionally skip pumping if you have a high supply. Just don't make skipping an everyday thing otherwise your body will adjust accordingly. :)
I totally agree with point #2. You know my story, but I'll retell it for your other readers: my son was born 5 weeks early, and his suck/swallow reflex was not developed very well. I beat myself up for weeks because I had to pump and feed him from a bottle - which I did exclusively for 6 months, and then switched to formula. Looking back, I realized that he couldn't even keep a soother in his mouth, so no WONDER breastfeeding didn't work!
So, my advice is to do your best, and any amount of breast milk is great. If it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. You will still have an active, smart, fun child and you will still form a strong bond with them.
Myra - Great comment!! the more we stress out about our supply the more it effects our supply.
Alyssa - Thanks for posting your comment as well. I think too often we get caught up in the mommy wars about this, especially with Breastfeeding vs formula feeding and it's like does it really matter?? They are both good for the baby, so whatever you need to do as a mama you need to do. If that's nurse for 2 weeks or 2 years it doesn't matter. Thanks for reading & sharing!
All great tips Jess, especially the first one. It's so critical to get help in those first few weeks when being a first time mom feels overwhelming.
I would also add to take things one day/week/month at a time. I had a goal of 6-12 mos and here I am an extended nurser! Like Alyssa said, any amount of breastfeeding is wonderful for baby.
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