Adventures in Breastfeeding

Nothing intimidated me more during this pregnancy than attempting breastfeeding again. I had a very difficult time the first time around. Of course there were many obstacles right off the bat that made it challenging. I was 5 years younger and like many first time moms thought it was going to come natural. For some lucky first timers it does but, for many others it doesn't. In the states it can feel like the ultimate defeat as a mother. There are many folks who are so gung ho on the idea of nursing that many mothers that can not or choose not to are given unsolicited advice, presented with malice comments and harsh opinions. This was an experience I had the first time around. Many women have been known to say things like, 'Your just not trying hard enough', or ' You know giving your baby formula is like poisoning them'. These comments are inconsiderate enough but to a sleep deprived, stressed out, self conscious new mother they can be devastating. Especially when these comments come from fellow mothers. The very same women we'd like to provide us with positive support during such a trying time.

Anyway, enough said on my opinions of breast feeding Nazis. Suffice to say that I was nervous about the second time around. I do have to say that it's going well though. So far. I am taking it one day at a time. There are many things that have made it easier this time around though. I've had a ton of help, Samuel was a full term baby, when I had him I was able to experience "skin to skin" meaning that right when he came out they plopped him on me with a blanket and let him stay there for a while and did I mention, I've had a lot of help? I'd like to think I have a different attitude about things as well and I kinda spent 9 months preparing for what I (sort of) knew was coming.

The labor went well and the hospital stay was nice in fact, I'm a big advocate of giving women more time at the hospital after delivery! 2 nights just isn't enough.

Since 3 weeks ago, Samuel has become much more alert and he's using his hands much more. He thinks for some reason that flailing his hands in his mouth when he's about to latch, helps his frantic search for food. When in reality it just delays the milk coma. He does tend to use me as a pacifier from time to time and it has become irritating. He's no fool for the "binky". He's taken it several times but for some reason I think he's on to us. He has his cranky time every day. It usually starts around 4:00-5:00 at night and continues until around 8:00-9:00. Many folks call it "The Witching Hours" Right now it's about 5:30 and he's spent an hour and a half on me nursing. I passed him off to Daddy for a little break. As soon as Dad takes him, he starts crying. It's as if Mike started pinching him or something. It's given Mike a chance to try all different kinds of holds on him though. He must have found something that's working because I don't hear anything. I have been pumping. My good friend Nathalie gave me her pump. Knowing how much I've used it this time around, I have to say I would have put down good money for one of my own. Even renting one from the hospital is a good thing. If anything, I think it helps with my milk supply. I absolutely love the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags. They make cleaning the pump parts and bottles so easy. I also really love Lily Padz re-usable nursing pads. They are so much better than the disposables in that they don't show at all under clothing. I sent some to my sister-in-law who just had a baby. I hope she doesn't think I'm too weird. Oh yes, and a nursing cover. I like to call them hooter hiders. They used to go by that name but now that brand is known as Bebe au Lait. All though their covers are very cute, nursing moms can get just as cute covers on Etsy for a fraction of the cost. Although these covers are handy to have in public, I've hated using them. They are hot and cumbersome, especially when I'm still learning good technique.

Our journey home should be a little simpler due to the fact that I won't have to take any bottles or formula on a 11 hour flight back home. I do have to say though that the idea of being able to go 6 hours without feeding (with formula) to the breast fed 3 hours (which a lot of times turns into every hour) does seem tempting at times!

Breastfeeding is an adventure but this time around it's been a positive one.