Ten years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, I made the decision to breastfeed. It's natural and healthiest for the baby so it made sense and was a simple decision for me to make. So, I read a little about it in all the free pamphlets from my doctor and didn't worry about it - how hard could it be? It must come naturally right? Well, it didn't. When my son was born, he had a lot of trouble nursing. He wasn't latching on correctly and was not getting enough milk - he wasn't happy and neither was I. I felt like a failure. Why couldn't I breastfeed my baby? Wasn't this supposed to be easy and natural? I was not at all prepared.
Luckily, the hospital had wonderful lactation consultants to help me out. They provided an electric pump and a supplemental nursing system and showed me how to use them. They assured me that breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. After we were released from the hospital they provided home visits as well, until I was comfortable nursing and Connor showed signs that he was getting enough milk. It definitely wasn't easy at first. During those first two weeks, I had to pump milk with an electric pump and feed him with a small syringe or the supplemental nursing system (which is essentially a small tube attached to a container of breast milk). We went to the pediatricians office every other day to get Connor weighed and had him tested for jaundice. I was under pressure from other family members to just give up and bottle feed but I was determined and stuck with it. What finally helped me out the most was a product called a nipple shield. It is a small plastic nipple that fits over the breast. It is easier for the baby to latch on to, and gradually stop using it until eventually the baby is able to nurse successfully without it. I went on to nurse my son until he was 13 months old, and successfully nursed my next two children as well.
If you are pregnant and plan to breastfeed, do a little research. I would recommend visiting www.lalecheleague.org and www.medela.com . Both are excellent resources. Educating yourself now will make it easier to get through any difficulties you may have once the baby is born and you begin breastfeeding. There is a lot of support out there for you. Remember - stick with it! It is a wonderful way to bond with your child, and it is the healthiest choice. I am so glad I didn't give up!
