I’m in serious need of a pep talk. Looking back to my first week of breastfeeding with Kaydence, I now remember just how hard this is. I’m still not sure how I made it through that first month with her. This week has been filled with cracked, bleeding nipples, my breasts have swollen to the size of small watermelons and every feeding feels like razor blades to my chest. I know I shouldn’t complain, I’m giving her the best thing for her, but it still hurts like hell.
I know that in a few weeks, as her mouth gets bigger, the pain will subside and we’ll be able to enjoy months of closeness, but for now, I just want to cry. I shouldn’t even complain because she’s such a champ at feedings and my milk came in on day 2. I did get a little relief last night when I broke out the Medela Swing Breast pump. Using the pump helped relieve some of my engorgement and allowed my nipples to take a break from her Jaws of Life. I was actually a little surprised at how quickly the milk started flowing. I have had problems in the past with actually getting milk to come out with a breast pump. Either the shield was too small and would cause pain or I would never get more than an ounce out. Last night….I pumped 2 ounces from one breast!!! She got her feeding and I got a small break…win-win.
I did slip up the first night home and give in to a little bit formula, an ounce. I really beat myself up for that one but in my defense, I was exhausted. We didn’t get home until shortly after midnight and my lack of sleep won over my desire to feed her breast milk. I know I shouldn’t feel bad, it’s not like formula is poison or anything, but it did make me feel like I was weak. I guess we are our own worst enemy sometimes.
I guess I’m just looking forward to the day when it doesn’t hurt so much and I can relax while enjoying our time together.
Breastfeeding Struggles
February 28, 2009 | 9 Comments | 1,870 views
Congrats on little Emmaleigh. I remember asking my lactation consultant why something that is supposed to be so natural can be really hard. My milk didn’t come in until at least a week after my c-section. That was some real hard work. I supplemented in the beginning, pumped, and nursed when I could. I found that putting the formula in a place I didn’t see it as much helped me wean my little guy from it completely by the time he was a month old, but I don’t think it is the end of the world if every now and decide to give her formula. Lansinoh and Soothies-Gel pads were my breastfeeding lifesavers. Good luck!
Oh I so remember those days. Did you get your self some good Laniosh? I hope I spelled that right? I so recommended it. My milk also came in on day two and I remember almost giving up on it several times especially around the 4-8week mark. Sticking with it for me was a must. My little one didn’t want anything to do with a artificial nipple. The bonding experience, convenience, money saving and healthy benefits that breastfeeding offers your baby will be worth it for you to stick it out. Change those latching positions, get that cream and hang in there MAMA you can do it. HUGS>….going on almost a yr for us and I can’t tell you how proud that I managed to stick out with all the moments I almost gave up.
Hang in there! It is tough. I read your post last night and thought of you several times as my little guy (a week old) and my bigger guy (a year old) both wanted to nurse ALL night and I thought I might go insane — but then I thought … I can do this, for me, my babies and for all the women out there who are struggling to make it work. As I know that it get easier I struggled through the night and today is a new day.
I send you strength to make it through the tough days. HUGS!
I agree with Tricia about Laniosh cream. It does wonders especially in the beginning when your nipples are getting use to all the sucking. Don’t beat yourself up. Breastfeeding is harder on some mothers. I never enjoyed breastfeeding my first son. Luckily, this second time around is easier.
There is nothing wrong with the occasional feeding of formula. If you are really stressed and that one ounce of formula will give you some rest, then don’t feel guilty. Your baby feels your stress anyways.
Keep up the great work and remember it does get easier.
I congratulate you on breastfeeding your children. I also know that there is nothing wrong with supplementing with formula. I did, and my child grew up to be a healthy, intelligent man, now 32 years old. I know of Moms who fed their babies formula for nutrition purposes and supplemented that with breastfeeding. Again, no problems, no worries. If you have to endure pain while breastfeeding, it will hinder your bonding experience. Let your nipples heal. Use the pump if it doesn’t cause you any pain. As long as you are holding your baby in the nursing position, the bond will remain the same. Get those natural nipple bottle tops (I think Playtex carries them?), they’re suppose to feel just like real nipples. When I use to get engorged, I would get into a warm shower and squeeze my breast/nipple to ex-spell some milk. You can’t nurse if you’re engorged. Relax about the formula supplements-your child needs to get full. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad Mom, LOL! And, again, congratulations on your new arrival:)
maggie@mannwieler.com
CONGRATULATIONS! : )))
I so commend you on nursing your sweetie! I sooooo love nursing my dazzling son, Dylan Orion. And…..don’t laugh, but I call him my LUSCIOUSLY VORACIOUS MILKY MONSTER because he loves to nurse with wild abandon! Nursing is the most amazing communication I’ve ever experienced with another being before.
And please know…….. that in the beginning my nipples cracked and bled and were so dry, and it was so painful. But, I was determined to continue nursing Dylan. Then, on day 4 I discovered MOTHERLOVE’S NIPPLE CREAM. This amazing product is a lifesaver! It literally healed my nipples almost instantly and the great thing about the NIPPLE CREAM is that it is 100% natural so it is not harmful if your baby ingests it.
Here’s the website for MOTHERLOVE:
http://www.motherlove.com/product_nipple_cream.php
And, this is what they say about their NIPPLE CREAM:
“The only nipple cream certified USDA Organic:
Use on sore, cracked nursing nipples to quickly soften and heal skin, and relieve pain. This creamy salve goes on easily and also serves as an excellent diaper rash ointment. All ingredients are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to nursing. Does not contain lanolin, which contains several pesticides; or Vitamin E, which should not be ingested by infants.”
I bought my NIPPLE CREAM at WHOLE FOODS and THE PUMP STATION, but to find a store close to you go to:
http://www.motherlove.com/storelocator.php
I also love the LA LECHE LEAGUE for all the help they’ve given me, and I highly recommend calling them! If you haven’t checked them out already…here’s their website: http://www.llli.org/WebUS.html
Hope this helps! Please free to e~mail me at leahita(at)gmail(dot)com.
LOL (Lots Of Love),
Leah (BFing, BWing and AP MAMA to 17 month old Dylan Orion…..29 September 2007) : )))
Congrats ok breastfeeding. I am breastfeeding my 3rd child who is now ten months. I really love it. Just remember it not only gets easier it becomes enjoyable as well.
DON’T beat yourself up over it! The beginning is the worst! Your breasts hurt, they’re swollen, red, engorged, bleeding and so on. I feel your pain..well not really but damn I remember it! OUCH! And for really sore breasts raw cold cabbage works wonders! I know it sounds gross and weird but trust me it works! Just make sure to wash your breast before the next feeding; cabbage can give babies bad gas and belly aches!
If I can give you one small piece of advice?! ALWAYS remember to start with the breast that you finished with at the last feeding. I’m sure at some point in the hospital they told me this but between the new baby and no sleep I completely forgot about it. That is until I got mastitus about a gazillion times! The Medela breast pumps are the BEST!!! Good luck and remember it takes a while to get used to again. Formula is good for babies…don’t beat yourself up over it!
Cat that feeling will definitely go away about month 3/4. With Connor I never felt it but James OH BOY was it painful for a while. I hope the months ahead come with great joy of watching her nurse. I sure do miss it.
HUGS