While we're on the subject ... Another word on BF'ing

After reading Michelle's post, I thought I would fill you in on how its going here with Maria & I.

Basically, very well! I can't say that I ever really expected it to, but we've got 8 week under our belt, and some of the hardest times are just about behind us!!

I can't say that I was SOOO determined during my pregnancy & I found that many of my friends had had mixed experiences & offered conflicting advice. I became more & more convinced that we would do this & by the time I'd had Maria I was dead set on bf'ing exclusively! I would like to offer a few words to anyone considering this for themselves.

1. Read everything you can get your hands on. I found the Dr. Sears book on bf'ing to be a tremendous resource!! Its not judgemental in any way & offers practical advice & helpful solutions to common problems that you will encounter. This book also tackles different situations that mom's today are coping with. ie ... working mom's, pumping, bottle feeding, etc.

2. I think that the most impt thing that I've learned through this experience is that BFing is not a natural instinct. Your baby does not know how to do this automatically. They do know how to suck, but the rest is up to you both. You must teach them how to latch on properly which brings me to the next point ...

3. GET SUPPORT!! Like I said, so many of my friends had mixed experiences & they could at times be negative about it. And then there are the DR'S. But I'll save that one till next. Maria & I attend a support group at North Shore University Hospital @ Plainview where I gave birth. It's a wonderful group, very diverse. The women in the group have helped answer questions & helped us stay determined to keep going. Our LC is so terrific & anyone is welcome to attend!! A group may not be for everyone, but successful mom's anywhere who can reaffirm your desire to bf will help you through the tough times.

4. Dr.'s are not always supportive of bf'ing. I've already changed ped's b/c of his attitude. His idea immediately was that I should be supplementing with formula. Then he sent me home from the office with a sample of it! I threw it away in the parking lot!!!! I found a dr who would support our decision & things have been going well since.

So while I was not a firm believer when I got pregnant ... I wouldn't give this up, now for anything!!

Please feel free to fm me with ANY questions ...

AWE, Christine it was SOO NICE to read your post. You sound so determined and excited about BFing.

Great job, mommy and keep up the great work!!

Its so terrible that Dr's can be like that. My sisters OB had told her that BFing wasnt for her when her first child was born. She threw facts and figures at him contradicting what he'd said to her, and she has BFd all three of her kids from 18-24m each...

All the best to you

HOW COULD A DOCTOR NOT SUPPORT B_FEDING????

There a e such great health benefits for the baby! My gyno has an article on the wall in hyer office about how the number of b-feeding moms bets smaller and smaller and how alarming it is in tearm of children's health!

I am glad your new baby and you are doing so great!

here is a link to the dr. sears website with a TON of info & books to read. I also found the birth book & now Baby book to be invaluable!

Dr. Sears info & books on bf'ing

Thanks Niha ... I'm convinced that you cannot do this alone. I'm sure that if we didn't have the group, we'd have given up a long time ago.

Anna ... good for your sis!! Its amazing that any dr would oppose bf'ing & make a woman feel like she wouldn't be able to.

I've heard so many negative comments ... here's the best one ...

'Breast milk is mostly water ... so you HAVE to supplement in order to give your baby what he/she needs. '

I'm so glad I'd been reading on my own when I heard that one!

Christine, it is so wonderful to hear an update from you! I'm so glad BFing is going well for you, too! Keep us in the loop on how you and Maria are doing....and pls, post pictures if you have a chance!!!

Christine, you sound so strong and positive and 'a natural' about it.

Mostly water ??? Breastmilk is liquid gold, baby!

Some facts that I found so interesting were the three different types of breastmilk our bodies create:

Some facts for the new mommies:

Colostrum is the yellowish breastmilk that is produced in the first few days after baby's birth and before normal lactation begins. Colostrum is especially rich in nutrients and antibodies, and is the perfect food for a newborn baby. Even if you have decided to use formula rather than breastmilk, you may wish to breastfeed your newborn for at least a few days after birth, so that he or she can receive the antibody protection and nutritional benefits offered by colostrum.

Foremilk is the milk which is first drawn during a feeding. It is generally thin and lower in fat content, satisfying the baby's thirst and liquid needs.

Hindmilk is the milk which follows foremilk during a feeding. It is richer in fat content and is high in calories. The high fat and calorie content of this milk is important for your baby's health and continuing growth. Make sure to let your baby drain one breast before moving on to the other, to ensure that she receives all the benefits of both foremilk and hindmilk.


Its amazing what our bodies do for our babies.

God Bless Women

You said it, Anna!

Claud ... sorry to be away for so long .... but I'm finally hooked up at home!!!

I made vinnie buy an all in one printer WITH a scanner, so pic's are on the way! I'm just trying to figure it all out now.

It's good to be back!

Michele ... I know that you'll continue doing great! I've found our group so helpful & they're online also .... It's a great group for bf'ing moms. I'm sure that we've gotten this far with their help!
if you'd like the info ... fm me!

christine....what a great update...you even grabbed my ear a bit...if and when I am PG...I will pick up that book...based on my favorite word on this subject...'non-judgmental'!!!!


thanks a bunch.,...keep us updated....and hug Maria!!

Hi Christine!!!
Thanks for the update, I am glad you and Maria are doing well.

Hi Christine ... good to hear from you!!! I'm so glad things are going well for you and Maria. I'm also glad to see that you are hooked up and will be back on LIW!!!