Just found out a few friends is expecting, so happy for them. They have been asking me a lot of questions since I have two little one under 3. Such as the pregnancy weight gain, ways to keep fit after the baby born, is breastfeed hurt and difficult?
I breastfed my first child until she was 11 months and still breastfeeding my little 9 months old baby now. I originally planned to nurse the older one until she turned 1 year old. But I was pregnant when she was 9 months old, tried my best and my body just couldn't stand it anymore. So I gave up to make sure my little one will have enough nutrient to grow in my belly.
I told my friends nursing don't hurt at all if you do it right.It takes a little time to get use to it, after all your nipples didn't use to all that sucking. My first few attempts wasn't very smooth but with the nurse assistance, my girl got what she needed.
It is very normal for new mom to have colostrum only in the first few days. A few drops of it is all your infant needed, don't worry about it may not be enough. Your smart little one will tell you by crying or at least fussing. Usually the milk supply comes in around 3-5 days. The breasts will engorge so much more than what you think was huge during pregnancy. Some mommies may experience leakage of colostrum or even before the baby is born. Try to buy some disposable or reusable nursing pads to avoid being embarrassed, it can soak your shirt all the way some time. This is totally normal and don't need to be alarmed, unless it comes along with pain or the color of liquid isn't a light transparent yellow or white. If that happened or anything concern you, contact your health care provider right away.
Please prepare yourself mentally and physically before breastfeed your baby. It takes patient and a healthy body to be successful on this important job.
1. Get yourself well educated about the pros and cons of nursing.
Pros like:
For Baby: Breast milk is the best food choice for baby, it is easy to digest and has all nutrients a baby needed.
For Mommy: it helps burn a lot of calories so you can slim down faster.
Also while the baby sucking the nipples, it simulate the uterus to contract and shrink back to its original size.
Cons like:
It can be very exhausted for the new mom since new born are known for frequent feeding and diapers changing. (Breastfeed baby need to be feed every 2-3 hours compare to formula feed every 3-4 hours.)
Attending a nursing and new born care class will help you and your partner a lot (should be easily find in your local hospitals provide birthing service). If you are not up for it, don't worry, the nurses assist you in the ward will be happy to guide you through. In my case, they marked that I was a new mom, so every time a nurse came and checked on me would ask me whether I have a question and how the nursing goes.
There are a lot of feeding positions to choose from, find one that fit you and your baby the most will help a lot. I personally like the cradle post the best, some people like the football post, some like lying down (seem like the baby will need to burp more throughly using this post according to my experience). To find more information, pictures or videos of the feeding positions, please check out http://www.breastfeeding.com/ .
2. Talk with your partner, family and friends about your decision
No matter you are going to breastfeed or formula feed your little one, make sure you communicate with your partner, the baby's grandparents, other family members and friends that are close to you.
I had a friend was so beat up and gave it up on day 3 because all the people listed above opposed to her decision of breastfeeding. So make sure you tell them loud and clear this is your choice for your and the baby, you would like their support and understanding. Some people believe the formula's commercials so much, the baby is smarter and healthier, they thought formula is better than breast milk. My solution to that is, bring them along to a doctor visit and have the doctor tell them which one is truly the best choice. (Make sure your doctor is on the same page ahead, some doctor worries the mom have too much pressure to breastfeed so they keep telling patients they are just the same and as good).
3. Stick with it but don't push yourself
I sure know you want to provide the best for your children. But don't beat yourself up if it is not working. Keep trying and ask for help when you needed. Don't be shy or feel embarrassed, we can't know it all and especially can use some extra help when we are new moms. Some moms or babies just can't do it, and if that is the case, feed your baby formula and enjoy the longer nap time you are going to get. (Formula are more filling than breast milk)
Remember, you just gave birth to a little baby which kind of like having a major surgery. Get all the rest and help you can get, take well care of yourself is the first thing you can do in order to provide the best caring to your little angel.
Congrats and take rest.
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