Breastfeeding

[Artechim]

Prior to having my baby, everything I read about breastfeeding was about how hard it was. There are multiple stories of problems attaching, cracked and bleeding nipples etc but not many positive stories. So I thought I would share mine.

My baby was born 3.5 weeks ago. He was born after a 17 hour labor with fetal distress and an epidural, we had limited skin to skin contact (about 5-10 minutes) before he was taken to special care with breathing problems. Despite this, from the first day he attached no problem - there was no pain and my nipples have no sign of being cracked. It didn't hurt at all when my milk came in, just a bit tighter for a day or so.

So, to everyone worried about potential breastfeeding problems (as I did) remember that it is not hard for everyone and you might be one of the lucky ones.

[MamaPan]

great thread arte - i think it is important to share the good stories!!!
I have also found b/f a lot easier than i expected... I did the first feed after about 30-45 mins of skin to skin and there was no prob. Noah has fed well since then, I did have a cracked nipple for about 2 days as I was slack with checking his attachment and he was on one nipple a lot and not taking the areola in, but i fixed this v fast (and within a day the crack had gone and it was not painful anymore). Noah is nearly 3 weeks and all is going well so far.
B/feeding was important to me, and it was something i was expecting to be a lot harder than it was! I guess i am one of the lucky ones as well!

[*charmalea*]

you are very lucky indeed !!
you must be very happy !!

nixon had a sched cs and was very ill soon after with jaundice, he never fully latched on till 8wks of age .. i expressed every feed and more for just over 2 months ... he then when on to feed till 6 months till he decided to wean

but to another it may have looked hard, what i was going thru , but to me i had to do it for my son ... it was never a hassle and i was patient... ( he is almost 1 now and im no so patient :P )

precious memories were created when we finally got to feed right

[chickbabe61]

Thank you so much hun. I am only 11 weeks and i have heard such horrible stories about breast feeding and it has really scared me. I would really like to BF my bubba as long as possible but so many people keep saying to me "beware it hurts so much" thansk you for your post you have made me see that no everyone has a bad experience and i now look forward to breast feeding again

[Roryrory]

Arte, you did great I too had no probs but admitedly I had a pretty crusy start with a good birth. While not denying some have a real hard time I can second the idea that you can actually have a completly trouble-free BF experience. Absolutely no issues with attachment, mastitis, thrush, pain, supply or cracked nipples from me.....it was literally plain sailing all the way. That said I think it is very imporatnt to be as informed as possible about the process before you start.

[Ginger]

thank you artechim and pregpan!!! you guys rock!

[AnyDream]

What a great thread Arte! I'm sure a lot of ladies will be very encouraged by your experience.

I'm one of those mums who's had a few problems feeding for about the first week (both times) - but with a little bit of help I've been surprised how quickly we've gone from ouchy to ok, and then it's been plain sailing from there!

I agree that it's important to be informed as it will help with feeling confident that you can do it before you even begin!