Let me start by saying I am 100% amazed at the effect breastfeeding my son has had on me. The first few weeks were rocky and painful and I could totally understand why so many women who intend on breastfeeding exclusively end up supplementing long term, or giving up completely. Your nipples are raw and painful, you’re confused at how much your baby is eating, you feel like you’re ALWAYS nursing, you’re doubting yourself and getting conflicting (unsolicited) advice… it’s a lot to deal with. Especially the first few weeks postpartum!
Ever since week 3 of breastfeeding, the pain has gone way down. There’s a tiny bit of discomfort right when he latches and begins, but it goes away in seconds. After this, it’s pain free, though I have read that for some people the “let down” of milk (the milk being released from the ducts) can be painful. For me it’s more of a pressure than a pain, and I love feeling it, because I know I’m making exactly what my baby boy needs. The actual sucking doesn’t hurt a bit.
I have had what my husband has labeled a “titty attack” a couple times. When my son sleeps longer than expected and I don’t pump between feedings, I get engorged quickly and my breasts become huge(r), hard and painful. There’s a point during the engorgement where it feels like letdown is occurring, but I don’t leak…i just…get warm and hurt. I’m pumping as needed to avoid the “titty attacks” now.
Outside of that, breastfeeding Rohan is awesome (in the real sense of the word). I’m in awe almost each time we snuggle together for me to feed him, that my body naturally knows to produce this magic liquid filled with all he needs, and that his body was born knowing how to get it out of my body and into his. It’s amazing. I love the bonding feelings of togetherness and joint purpose I get during nursing him. We just lock eyes as he takes in what he needs and it feels so special. It’s like he’s saying thank you.
Bonus: watching him turn into a sharkie and attack my boob is always amusing.
So I’m a 100% breastfeeding lover. I’m exclusively breastfeeding and my lil man is thriving from it, and I’m turning into a low-key breastfeeding advocate to all the new moms and moms to be that I’m friends with. It’s just awesome.
Did you love breastfeeding or dislike it or what? Did you do it just because you knew the milk was great for baby? Did you exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump or supplement?
Awww I’m glad its gotten easier and you love. I think it’s great when you know little man is thriving from
It. I love that picture!
M
I.am.LMBO.at. “titty attack”!! guys come up with some funny things
I loved breastfeeding Moo and am still going strong with JJ. It was a no brainer for me. It’s the best milk for babies. I wish all moms who can and are able to breastfeed would at least give it a try. They’d be surprised at how easy it gets and the bond it creates.
Not to mention, you save a ton on not having to buy formula. Plus, with pumps you can build up a supply if you plan on going back to work after delivery. I pumped sometimes with JJ if we were going on an outing minus the Mr. It’s hard breastfeeding in public with a toddler in tow.
Anyways, glad to hear that breastfeeding is going well! Keep being an advocate for your friends because nine times out ten that’s the only support they’ll probably get. I didn’t get much support and it sucked. So many people kept saying put them on formula but I stuck to my guns.
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I breastfed for several reasons. It was healthier for my daughter (and myself) and we saved on tons of money by not buying formula.
As they get older, and no longer really rely on it for food, it is a great way to comfort the little one while still bonding, especially through those moments where they start to gain some independence, but want to hold on.
KalleyC recently posted..Getting A Grip With Emotions
Seriously laughed out load reading this post. You and I are going through the same stages. I love it. I plan on bf-ing exclusively for 4 months and an extra two months as he transitions to solid food. I decided to do this for nutritional reasons and just because its good bonding for me and lil one. I’m with you on the boob attack. Avery does this immediate scaling down my body and starts bobbing around for a nipple. lol. I can’t help but crack up.
Kathy C. recently posted..Baby Product Review – Glass Bottles
I loved breast feeding. Once we got over the hump it was smooth sailing. I was very sad when baby girl weaned herself but now that we have decided to have another one I am very much looking forward to nursing a baby again
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