In need of encouragement

[Pepe]

Hello to all of the breastfeeding goddesses!
I'm new to all this--my wee son will be 4 weeks on Tuesday--and I'm finding myself in need of some rallying on the nursing issue. I'm so proud to be doing it, and he's thriving, and I know all the reasons it's wonderful, but I have to admit--I find myself wondering when it will start to feel good, or at least a little better. I think my technique is okay as we had some great lactation consultants in the hospital, and I had a natural childbirth, so I'm not afraid of a little discomfort--but I still almost dread feedings, especially at night. Is this likely to get easier as I toughen up or as we both learn to do this more effectively? Maybe I should vary the positioning more than I have been doing?
I really need someone to tell me to hang in there, so if anyone could do that, I would love to hear from you! Thanks in advance.

[jorismom]

First off, congratulations on your new baby and on giving your child the best!

Hang in there!

I am not sure from reading your post if you are experiencing pain when nursing or discomfort, or what. From info that I have read, if you are still experiencing pain then you might have a latch problem? I know that for me, the first few weeks were brutal, not because of nipple pain, but because of the contractions of the uterus shrinking that are associated with nursing in the beginning.

I know you had help w/ LC in the beginning, but maybe it wouldn't hurt to get the latch checked out?...

Sorry, probably not very helpful, but just wanted to offer you some support.

[alegna]

It gets easier and easier.



-Angela

[Tine]

I considered myself pretty well-informed when I started breastfeeding DS, and everybody kept telling me there shouldn't be any nipple pain after the first couple weeks. I knew we had a good latch (saw a LC), DS was gaining well, etc. etc. It just took me longer than I expected to "toughen up," I guess. at about 6 weeks it started getting noticeably better, and at 8 weeks all pain/discomfort was gone.

Hang in there. You'll get there, too. And once you do, you'll be SOOOOO glad you stuck with it. You'll see!!!

[dukeswalker]

Hey Pepe-
You really shouldn't be "dreading" it - that falls outside of "uncomfortable" _ my suggestion, find your local La Leche League leader and give her a call - she can TOTALLY help you (for free) - and you should have HUGE improvements in days.... www.lalecheleague.org

[William's Mom]

You're being an awesome mama, and doing great!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hang in there!!!

It's sooo worth it!!!!!!

[3girls1boy]

Congratulations and hang in there! I think some moms do have some degree of discomfort no matter what, but it does get better over time as baby gets bigger and better at what he's doing.

That said, getting the baby latched on really well can help with discomfort quite a bit. The asymetrical latch is the current teaching these days. That is that the baby is not centered on the nipple, but gets a good mouthfull of nipple and breast from the bottom half of your breast. This works because the baby uses the lower jaw to get the milk. Your baby should approach your breast chin first, with the nipple slightly up from where your baby is coming toward you (nipple at the spot between the baby's nose and upper lip). When latched on the baby's chin should be touching the breast and the nose not touching and baby's head tipped back slightly. Another comparison I have heard is that your baby should be latching on the same way a grownup would get a really big burger into his mouth. First you squeeze it slightly, horizontal to your mouth (so with a baby and your breast, you want to use your thumb and fingers to squeeze your breast slightly into a "U" shape). The grownup aims the sandwich at his upper lip, tips his head back and tucks his lower jaw on the bottom of the bun and then rocks the rest of his burger under his upper jaw. Imagine yourself doing this and I think it will make sense.

I hope I've explained this so you can understand. I know there is a handout from Dr. Jack Newman on line (www.breastfeedingonline.com) called "When Latching" which explains this.

You will never regret sticking with this. Good luck.

Jeanne
mom to DDs 13, 10, 8, and DS 4

[jkg]

I swear it gets easier!!! I was like you--it was really hard for me at first. I made an appointment with a LC when DS was 6 weeks old, and that helped tremendously (he wasn't latching properly). When he was about 12 weeks old, things were so, so much better. Now DS is 7 months old and we both love nursing! Hang in there, you're doing great!

Jennifer

[Awaken]

Hey, you are doing a great job, so glad to hear your little one is thriving! I second the suggestion to get yourself to LLL asap, or call a leader for advice- this is exactly what they're there for! Or make an appt. with a LC just to check on things.

It WILL get easier- 4 weeks is still soooo early, in a few more weeks your hormones and milk supply will be more regulated, and both you and ds will be in more of a groove so it will be easier and more comfortable.

Keep up the good work! You will be so proud when he is 6 mos or a year (or more!) and still going strong!

[Boof]

It got easier as my DS's mouth got bigger ;-) Around 7 weeks for us actually.

Cheers!

Beth

[dlwdmw]

hang in there!
I'll admit that until about 8 weeks I didn't think it would ever get better. I was just grinning and bearing it, gritting my teeth through every nursing session. (and there were many!)
IT WILL GET BETTER!
If I hadn't known that I would have felt compelled to quit, but I promise it will pass and you'll barely remember it.
Congrats on your new baby!

[Ahappymel]

Hi Pepe,

You are doing it, Mama! One feeding at a time : )
It does get easier...
I'll bet you are tired, huh? Maybe feeding every hour or two at night? Maybe some breast discomfort? Maybe really wanting to have some more personal time to recover and sleep?
That's the way I felt at least. The first couple of months were challenging.
And again, it does get easier : ) The nursing relationship has it's difficult times but the rewards are so amazing when it is all said and done.

With love,
Mel.

[amyro]

I didn't have much nipple pain (though I did have pretty bad engorgement) and I don't even remember being terribly sleep deprived at the beginning, but I definitely remember thinking, "someone remind me what is so great about nursing ?" I just hated being tied to the chair so often and didn't feel like I was in a "nursing relationship." It just felt like I had a parasite or something!

Then around 6 weeks or so my daughter began to smile while nursing and we got into a rhythm and sometimes she took longer breaks or slept more at night. I felt more confidence in nursing and in mothering. I got out of the house a little more. I realized I could nurse and do other stuff at the same time. We traveled for the first time together. Etc. etc. etc. 14 months later I continue to treasure the experience of nursing.

Those early weeks of having a new baby are incredibly hard even in the best circumstances. Believe it or not, nursing makes life much much easier in the end!

Hang in there - it is so worth it!!!

[Pepe]

Hi everyone,
This is a really old post--just thought of it recently and wanted to thank you all.

I needed help when my son was a newborn, and you gave it to me. I wanted you to know that I nursed him past his 2.5-yo birthday. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

[jaxxy]

THat is awesome! THanks for the update!!!

[Tine]

Hooray!!

[krystyn33]

I was getting ready to write an encouraging reply, when I read your follow up & did a double take!

Great to hear that!!! At the start I was so worried we wouldn't make it through the first year, and I never thought it would get as good and wonderful as it has been (and will be for some time I'm sure).