Another BF update

I really hope that these updates will help one of the new moms to be with their own BF.
I read a lot and took the class but IMO hospitals should offer another class for new moms w/their babies. I am finding BF to be a full-time job. I didn't really understand just how much time and effort it would take since it is supposed to be this super natural thing. But, for me, at least, each morning I get up and have to make the decision to continue. My own stubborness is helping me to continue Since my birth experience with Molly was so unnatural and..well you all know how I feel about it I think BF has taken on an even more important significance for me.

I went back to the LC last week (before Christmas) because Molly decided that she liked the bottles better again. I continued to pump though. She has nipple confusion or rather she likes the plastic nipple that gives her milk quick and easy, even when she is sleepy. So the LC gave me a plastic nipple shield that I use to 'trick' Molly. She often still needs a few ounces after nursing since she is not an effective nurser at times. I am very proud that today is day 8 that we have not needed any formula. I now pump enough to give the baby expressed breast milk. And 3X in the last 2 days Molly has not needed a bottle after nursing so we are getting much better at it.

It was a challenge since I was at my MIL's for a few days but I just made sure that every 2-3 hours I went into our room and pumped. I even have to bring my pump to my parents. So I am basically attached to my pump.

Anyway, I hope that soon Molly will eat enough during nursing that I don't need to pump all the time.

congrats on your perservance! Its impressive and encouraging.

Love your updates - keep 'em coming!

Whoops, here I asked in another thread if you took the class beforehand and I didn't see this post. Sorry about that!!

I think that you should feel proud that you are trying so hard! I know that breastfeeding is difficult because I have 3 sisters who have and my mother breastfed all 7 of us. Luckily, I do know that when the time comes, I will have a lot of support behind me. I think that I remember you saying that you didn't really have anyone to fall back on...but I think that you should feel even more proud of the fact you haven't and refuse to give up!

I think in the Parenting magazine, I saw an article about a lady who I believe was a lactation consultant and started to breastfeed...she basically went in to the 'real' side of the story and how she never realized it would be so difficult. If I come across the article and you are interested, I will let you know.

I am glad to read your post...and that your stubborn side is not letting you give up. Good for YOU! it IS a hard job and you are attached either to the baby and/or to the pump at one time or another. It is a bit of adjustment to this fact that trips us up.
AS long as you have supportive people around you, it is easier to perservere.

BFing was great for us,..pumping at work was difficult for me..and in the end, Julianne gave ME up at around 9 months..(after our camping trip)...
it was a big downer...but she is doing great...almost one yar old..and almost reayd to go off of formula onto milk!

time flies- take one day at a time and do the best you can....

can i ask you guys a few questions?

1. is it easier to BF or to pump?

2. does pumping make you sore in anyway


TIA and congrats Michele!!!

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Posted by yabbobay

can i ask you guys a few questions?

1. is it easier to BF or to pump?

2. does pumping make you sore in anyway

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Erica - I will take a stab at your questions...

1> It is really not a question of which is easier (pumping or BFing), b/c both require a HUGE committment of time and patience. Often, you cannot do one exclusively without the other...pumping and getting baby to latch on go hand in hand with developing an adequate milk supply for your child. Also, while pumping might seem like it's not as much work, one major down side is that it's totally not the 'bonding' experience a new Mom hopes for when she makes the choice to BF.

2> From my own experience, I will say that I never got sore from pumping, since the cups you place over your nipples are designed to fit your body properly and create the type of suction that is not supposed to be painful. Getting the baby latched properly was definitely more painful than the pump! But, that is just my own experience.

thanks claud....the reason I wonder about this is because John and his family are all about BFing...but mine is not...and although it could change if I were PG...i am not totally comfortable with it...


I thought it might be a good compromise...this decision will tear me up for 9 months I am sure

congrats Michele, I love reading these. I am proud of you

Thanks for the support everyone. It means a lot to me.
To answer a few of the questions:
I owe a Pump in Style Advanced (buy a NEW one on eBay is A LOT cheaper then in BRU or BBB, but make sure it is NEW, SEALED!)
BUT the PIS or any other retail pump cannot build your milk supply, only a hospital grade one can. I rent a Medela Classic from my LC. My PIS could never have gotten my milk supply from almost nothing to 27oz+ per day. But when I go back to work I will use my PIS. The LC said by then my supply should be in good shape.

In the beginning it is much better for your supply and for the baby and you to learn to BF if you don't use bottles. The bottles have caused major problems for us, although I have heard that some women never have a nipple confusison problem. Every situation and baby is different.

IMO if you are not comfortable with BF then it will be even harder for you. There is nothing wrong with chosing not to bf. It is a personal decision.

Michelle ... so glad to hear that things are going better for you & Molly!! I know how strongly you felt about it. I'm also exclusively bfing Maria & we've had our ups & downs, but I'm determined also to stay with it.

It definitely is a huge commitment, but soooo rewarding ... such a huge payoff in the long run. There were days when I felt like I never moved from the couch from morning until night, but they are getting fewer now that she's getting a little older.

As far as easier .... I agree with Claud ... I wouldn't consider one easier than the other. It still requires the same time commitment. A good pump shouldn't make you sore, I've also found it to be a little easier than having Maria latch on, but in the long run ... you can't beat the bonding experience!

Good luck ... I just keep thinking how everyone's said how much easier it will get. I know that day will come & how happy that I'll be that I stuck with it. Keep us informed of how its going & fm me if you need a


Christine

Michele, be VERY proud of yourself for your committment to breastfeeding Molly.

There's no doubt about it, bfding IS a full time job, and we just don't know how it really is until we have a baby and do it. I am feeling a little less tied down, now that Lyla is eating solids, but I still nurse on demand wherever I am, so I know what you mean. I read your other post too and know exactly what you are going through with pumping around the clock, supplementing, and still trying to eliminate formula altogether. You will get there very soon.