The Breastfeeding Diaries of a New Mom

Before we get to the diaries, an update on Brayden.
He's more adorable than ever. Nothing else to it :)
We'll start at the beginning:

His first tummy time - he didn't like it...

His first bath

Tank loves him :)

This is fun: This first one is Brayden in his carseat, the day we brought him home from the hospital. The second one is about a month old. He's growing so fast!

Roy put him in this box and he sat there content for almost 15 minutes :)

He's got a cute little smile he's started giving us more and more frequently.

This last one he's making a cooing sound that makes my heart melt.

Another size comparison: Teddy bear first week, teddy bear 1 1/2 months

The Breastfeeding Diaries of a New Mom

The point of this is to record my experience with breastfeeding and also to give other new moms hope because, trust me, it can get better. I have included some things that might be a little personal but I am trying to be completely honest. Hopefully what I write here will be of some help to other moms going through the same things that I have and it will also help me remember next time around.

Week 1

 Breastfeeding is the hardest and most painful thing I have ever experienced. The first problem to deal with was flat nipples. The nurses gave me a nipple shield but didn't tell me how to use it (I've since been told it wouldn't do any good anyway because colostrum can't get through a nipple shield). In addition to it being hard for him to latch on, when Brayden tried to latch, he would flick the nipple with his tongue. He was trying to push it out of his mouth and it took several very painful seconds for him to start going the right direction. This caused scabbing and a lot of pain every time he latched on - which was a lot. I called the lactation consultant and she was a huge help in the hospital. She was encouraging and helped us figure out what I needed to do to help him. It still hurt but at least I knew I was doing it right. My milk came on the third day and Brayden loves it. He eats really well, I just wish it didn't hurt so much. Some of the advice I've been given that has worked well is getting the prescription nipple cream at the hospital and using black tea after feeding to make them less sore. I also found some gel pads that you freeze and they are wonderful for sore nipples!

Week 2

It's gotten to the point where I want to cry every time he latches on. I went to the lactation consultant again and she was a big help. She showed me a better way to do the football hold so I can switch off with the cross-cradle . It helps give the nipple a break from different angles. She also noticed a little yellowing behind the scabs so she recommended soaking them in salt water and then putting on the prescription cream. It really seems to be working. It is already starting to to feel better. I have no time between feedings. By the time I have finished my routine (slat soak, black tea, air dry, iced gel packs) Brayden is ready to eat again. So much for sleeping when he sleeps. 

I have had a few clogged ducts but I managed to get them clear before it caused any major problems. Clogged ducts can lead to mastitis so it is important to take care. To clear it out, I would start with the clogged breast for every feeding and then massage the hard spot while he was eating. Depending on the size, it would take 2-3 feedings for it to really be gone.

We went to the doctor this week. Brayden has gained 2 pounds since we left the hospital, which is a full pound over what they were hoping for. This means that it is all worth it. He is growing so well and getting all of the nutrients he can. He is getting what he needs so I am happy to stick with it.

Week 3

I am finally feeling so much better! After making it through the first two weeks of pain and discomfort, I can finally say I am enjoying breastfeeding. I can finally understand when other women talk about the "bonding experience". I feel needed because I can do something for my son that no one else can. Now that I do not curl my toes in pain every time he needed to eat, I can enjoy the time together.

Week 7

Brayden and I have been nursing for seven weeks now and it is going very well. It no longer hurts when he latches on. We've even gotten to the point where he can latch on almost by himself. If needed, we can nurse anywhere and we've improved a lot at nursing under a blanket or nursing cover. A large part of this is because of his developing coordination. 

So I am going to include a list of my favorite items I found necessary for breastfeeding:

1. Newmans Compound ointment nipple cream (prescription from hospital)

2. black tea for sore nipples

3. frozen gel pads

4. Udder Cover (from uddercovers.com)

5. nursing pads (I personally hate Nuk brand, Johnson's and Lansinoh are okay-Avent is my favorite so far-I am going to try making some that are cloth and I'll report on that later)

6. Boppy pillow (best after about 2 weeks - just use lots of pillows until he's big enough)

7. Sleep bras (hold nursing pads in place all night)

8. Nursing bras (don't buy until after baby is born so you know what size you will be!)

So far, this is my experience with breastfeeding: it is hard, time consuming, and begins very painfully. However, IT IS WORTH IT. The pain goes away and your baby gets the nutrients they need. Breastfeeding is best for babies. If it is possible, stick with it for your babies sake. It is so rewarding to go to the doctor and hear that you have helped your baby stay healthy.