I planned on exclusively breast feeding. I read a book, and honestly thought "how hard can this be?" Babies have been breast feeding forever, so it just didn't make sense that it could ever be THAT hard. I thought that people just made it out to be harder than it actually is. But...here is what I learned...not only did I have to learn how to breast feed, my daughter did to. It is not just a natural instinct. And it can be very frustrating, especially when you're tired and sore and you have a baby screaming at you. The way you choose to feed is a personal decision and DO NOT let anyone make you feel guilty or ashamed or pressured. I just want to share with you my personal experience and give you new or expecting moms a few tips that I found helpful. Everyone and every baby is different....so the more you know the better prepared you will be.
1. If you plan to breast feed, take a class ahead of time. I didn't do this, and I wish I had. I read a book, which helped a little...but if I had it to do again, I would take a class. Usually hospitals have programs that are low cost or even free.
2. Let the nurses help you as much as possible. They have done this a million times. Try the different techniques they offer and see what works best for you and your baby. Personally, the football hold worked best for us for the first couple of weeks....and other moms I know like this one too.
3. I did not use my Boppy pillow at all. My daughter was too small, so it didn't work right. Save your money and just use a couple pillows.
4. Have bottles and formula on had just in case. Once we got home, my baby decided she didn't want to wake up to eat. I was completely fried, flustered, tired, and sore...and in a panic because she wouldn't eat. Babies cannot go longer than 4 hours without eating because their blood sugar levels drop and they easily become dehydrated. The day after I took her home, I had an appointment scheduled to check up on her feeding. This was free and offered through my hospital. When I took her in, they noticed that she looked a little yellow. Sure enough, she had jaundice and her weight had dropped significantly. After spending a few hours in the ER, my pediatrician suggested that I supplement with formula if my baby wouldn't eat. I was afraid this would hinder her from wanting to breast feed, but it didn't. There are a few different things you can do...they have small ready made formula bottles and tiny tubes. You can slide the tube along your breast and into the baby's mouth so they think they are still breast feeding, but they get the instant gratification of food that they are searching for...remember, your baby gets frustrated too when they want to eat and have to work hard for it. My daughter was too smart for this technique though, she would just suck on the tube. Here's what I did...
a. bought Tommee Tippee bottles. They are shaped like a woman's nipple, have a vent in them for less gas, and don't spill. They also have a container that fits inside the bottle so you can pre-measure water and formula for travel or night feedings. They are a bit pricey, but totally worth not having a colicky baby. Plus you don't need that many bottles...I have 6 small ones and that works just fine. I have only seen them at Babies R Us... here is their web site
http://www.tommeetippee.us/ Whatever you decide, just make sure they are BPA free.
b. luckily, I had signed up for free formula samples with Similac and had it on hand. They sent two big containers of it to me. Plus $5 off coupons (which they still send). I use the sensitive kind (in the orange container). I wouldn't suggest stocking up until you know if your baby will like it. A friend of mine's baby refused to drink anything but the pre-made kind, and your baby might have allergies or sensitivities to certain kinds of formula. Once you do find out if your baby likes it, Costco has it so you can stock up. The largest container at Target is 1.45 lbs and sells for about $24. Costco has a 2.25 size for $28...and with the $5 off coupon, you end up paying less for more!
c. the breast pump....don't rush off and buy the super duper $300 one. Trust me! I bought one for $80 at Target and it worked just fine. Pump after you feed the baby. If you have extra breast milk in the fridge, you won't need to supplement with formula as much. Some friends recommended different teas you can get at Whole Foods that help you produce more milk...I did not try this so I can't really say if they work or not. You will probably feel like a cow being milked constantly. This was my complaint, and several of my friends said the same thing. I don't want to discourage anyone, just know the reality. It is work....baby feeds, then you pump for about 15 mins on each breast, then you have to wash and sterilize all the pumping equipment, and by the time you're done, baby is ready to feed again. So I gave up on pumping and just fed on demand. Pumping more will help you produce more milk (higher the demand, the more you produce). But for me, it was just too much.
d. if you go with powdered formula, you need baby water too. You can usually find it in the baby section of the store.
e. I never, not once, used a bottle warmer. Don't bother wasting money on one. Heat up water in the microwave in a bowl, then put the bottle in the hot water until it is warm. Or if using formula, just keep it at room temperature.
5. Have a support system... other moms you know who breast fed recently. Our moms are great, but usually they did it a long time ago and things change or they forget. I called my cousin and asked her for advice or tips. You can also call your hospital and their nursing staff should be able to offer advice too. There were times I was in tears and ready to give up. Having someone else to talk to about it really helps.
7. Stock up on nursing pads, wipes, nursing bras, and bag balm. I used the Lansinoh nursing pads and wipes...I tried other ones but I did not like them...they were either leaky or itchy or didn't stay put. And you will need to change them a lot. The wipes help soothe your nipples when they hurt. Bag balm helps keep them from getting chapped (but make sure you wash it off before you feed or pump). And you will need lots of nursing bras because regardless of how careful you are, you will end up with milk on them. And I also would get the kind you can sleep in too. Regular under wire nursing bras were too uncomfortable to sleep in, and you have to have something on at night to keep the nursing pads in place. Check for sales. I stocked up at Destination Maternity when they had a buy two get one free sale. They have tons to choose from, so you should find something comfortable for you. Don't buy them too early though, cause you will get bigger. I bought a couple when I was first pregnant because I had grown...but by the time I was breast feeding I was even bigger and those didn't fit anymore. I would say when you are about 7.5 to 8 months pregnant is a good time to get them, and get a little bigger size than what you are. I went from a 34 B to a 36 D and even putting in the nursing pads was tough!
6. Don't feel guilty if you decide not to breast feed. Breast milk is best...and I do recommend to at least try it, and give it a few weeks. The first couple of weeks are rough, but then you both get into the swing of things and it becomes second nature. But if its not for you...then don't feel bad. I breast fed for 6 weeks, then I found out my daughter had thrush and so did I. We kept passing it back and forth so I stopped. I could have kept pumping, but I hated pumping. I did feel really guilty and sometimes I still do. But its my decision ultimately.
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