I went to a breast feeding class today. It was a one on one class with the lactation consultant. I found it be very informing and a little intense. Breast feeding Andrew is something I definitely want to do. I know there are numerous benefits and I feel it is one way I as a mother can give all the proper nutrients that my baby needs. In the same breath I am a little terrified of breast feeding. Mainly terrified of needing to feed my baby and having family over, being at our families house or when we are out in public. Any words of wisdom from my mommy friends about this part of breast feeding would be so appreciated :). I feel confident I can do it when we are home by ourselves. But what about in the hospital when friends and family are visiting...Do I feed baby Andrew when people are in the room? Do I ask people to leave? I have a cover, do I bring that and breast feed when people are visiting? This is the part that I have so many questions. I just don't know the right protocol. The lactation consultant did not give me a great answer. She basically said that when we are in public you will start to become familiar with the "good" places to go. Such as dressing rooms or in your car. She did suggest that we not have family come and see baby until we have our first breast feeding attempt. I thought that was good advice. Other than that I am a little clueless. I will be pumping b/c I have to go back to work. So that will give me some flexibility.
Again, any ideas or suggestions would be wonderful! Thanks.
5 comments:
So funny that the lactation consultant was "intense" -- I felt the same about the one I met with in the hospital. A little overwhelming : ) I just asked people to leave the room when I was breast feeding in the hospital. We had a pretty easy time - but it is still a new experience and it takes a few tries to become comfortable with it. At first, I fed him in the car , which I still do sometimes. The mall by our house also has a breast feeding area in the family bathroom. He isn't eating as frequently so this is less and less of an issue. I have gotten in the habit of sometimes stopping by the Babies R US near us if I am about and about and need to feed him. They have a nice mothers lounge which feels less isolating than the car, especially if there are other mothers there. Hopefully you can find a similar go to spot :) For the record, I am surprising myself by actually enjoying breast feeding. Initially, I did it because of the benefit to Luke (and the weight loss!) -- but it really is a sweet bonding experience.
You will get used to doing it around others and in public, as far as the car or breast feeding lounges. I am still a little nervous about breastfeeding just anywhere and this is my 3rd. The most important thing is for you to be comfortable, if you feel fine doing in front of some people, but not others, just let them know that it is time for Andrew to eat and either they can go to another room or come back and visit another time, you shouldn't have to leave the room, especially if it is usually where you breast feed. I do have a cover, the one Dara sent us the coupon for, and it is the first cover I have used that has made feel secure and comfortable enough to breastfeed in public. At home I just kind of whip it out so to speak no mater who is around, most people will look away or go in another room if they are uncomfortable. I even breastfed Kara walking aroud Target while she was in the sling, with a blanket over me too, that was a first, but you do what you have to do. You will figure it out, don't be intimidated by it, it really isn't that hard and it is very natural. If you need any other advice or want to talk about it, call me.
I'm so glad to see that you want this! It's the greatest feeling knowing that you are sustaining a life on the outside of you. It was kind of tough for us at first. Not as "natural" as everyone made it seem. But if you can get through the first 2-3 weeks, then you've got it! Just make your mind up to stick with it even though it can be tough. I used a blanket or cover around the house with visitors or would sit in the nursery to not make them feel uncomfortable...depending on who was visiting. I really didn't do alot of public feedings. I guess it was just easier to get home and nurse (since Greenville isn't that big). You're looking great and the nursery is too cute. The last stretch can be tough with all of the anticipation! Happy 8th month!
My first recommendation would be to find a GREAT lactation consultant. I LOVE mine!! I've seen her for all 3 boys. She's toally laid back and understanding about different circumstances and not pushing too hard. And, I fed all of mine moments after they were born. I think that's super important. Graham even ate for the entire hour we were in the recovery room. In the hospital I just had people leave the room bc at first it was kind of hard to latch them on and what not. Robert was a great help with getting them to latch and tickle their toes to keep them awake while eating, hopefully your husband will be, too. I think the first 6-8wks of nursing are the hardest. The baby and you are both new to it and they want to eat ALL the time! I introduced bottles in the first week with my first two and not until much later with my third. It backfired big time! My third NEVER took a bottle and just screamed until I was home to nurse. He is now almost 15mo old and still has to have is "mo-mo." I learned my lesson!! And, I've got to figure out how to ween him. I have the baby au lait wrap and LOVE it!! I got to where I could sit and nurse anywhere and most people had no clue what I was doing. Good luck to you!! Breastfeeding does get easier as they get a little older and I love the bonding experience (maybe that's why my almost 15mo old still nurses 5 times a day!) And, don't beat yourself up if it's hard or if you get frustrated. I think that's normal. There's also nothing wrong with formula! I always had to tell myself this b/c I felt guilty if I didn't nurse every feeding! Also, get some lily pads. They rock! So much better than normal nursing pads. Anyway, sorry to write a book!! Take care and if I can help you at all let me know. :)
Erin,
Whenever, where ever. If he's hungry, he's hungry.
It's natural - that's why I chose my holy card to be Our Lady nursing Jesus. Our Lord became food for us, but not before his mother was food for him.
Love ya!
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