To soothe some of my anxiety, I decided to go to a Breast-feeding class to shed some light on the subject. It was funny to see all the semi-clueless, young-ish moms-to-be huddled around the presenter begging her to show us how to work our own bodies. (Because, honestly, apparently it isn't always that easy.)
The first blow was that the lactation consultant that was suppose to teach the class had an emergency and didn't show up. Bummer. So we watched a video of moms enjoying the true bliss that is breast-feeding. Seriously, these ladies were smiling and laughing and crying happy tears about the joy of breast-feeding . . . which might be true sometimes, but I want someone to keep it real! I want to hear about what to do if my baby won't latch on, and what to do for sore nipples and what I should do if I start crying tears of pain, instead of joy. What then?? Luckily, after the video was over, we did have a good presenter, that although she wasn't a lactation consultant, did have some good information for us that was a little more "real".
At the end we had question and answer time, which at first was slow to get started. However, we did have a spicy mother-to-be in the back row that got the ball rolling with some candid questions - then we were able to wrap everything up quite nicely, with all our questions answered (except the questions we don't know we have until we have a newborn baby in our arms).
Afterwards, I went up to the woman who really got the questions going: "Thanks for starting the Q&A back there. You know, sometimes it's hard to be the first to ask the questions."
"Oh yeah, I mean, I just want to know what to do! All I'm saying is that this sh** better work!"
Although I was slightly surprised by her word choice when referring to breast-feeding a baby, I have to agree: This shiz better work.
9 comments:
All I can say is that breasfeeding is hard, but once you got it down you will be like those mothers on the tv that cry and love it. Sounds weird, but it is true. All moms are different too. Some get it within the first couple days, others like me, well, it took about a week and half. If for some reason the baby isn't lacthing on, they make these really cool nipple quards that helps the baby to latch on. Plus it is good because then if you want to bottle feed some feedings they wont get nipple confusion. I'm pretty sure they sell them at Target.
Wow, long comment. But just remember, it will take a little but the end result is the best reward.
I love it when you describe people as "spicy". It paints the perfect picture.
I'm going to steal it. Just so you know.
hahahaha. That's hilarious. I hope someday someone says that to me about her own boobs. I'm so excited for that baby to come!!!!
My lactation consultant in the hospital was very unhelpful. After telling me I had "great equipment" she asked: "Do you mind if I grab your boob?"
Oh, and I hated breastfeeding. The entire year I did it. Never cried because I loved it. Never felt "so connected" - I wanted my boobs back and I didn't like being a cow. FYI. But it was doable and I did it for a year. Yeesh. Not sure how I did that. Anyway... good luck.
Oh Sarah I should really e-mail you about my experience. Its been 4.5 weeks and for me it has been tough. Reece almost ripped me to bits in the hospital. She was not the best at nursing but i kept going and soon found out that i dont produce enough milk so i have to suplement anyway. So at this point i am pumping and giving formula. Nursing is tough so dont stress (like i did). Just do your best and dont feel bad if you have to suplement you want to make sure your baby is getting what he needs and is healthy. Nursing is not easy for everyone. Good Luck and i cant wait to see this little guy!!
Seriously - I appreciate all the comments - both for entertainment and educational purposes! It's really nice to have "mom" friends. I think I will be asking a lot of advice. This will be an adventure!
and PS - Kathy, I relinquish all rights to "spicy", go for it . . . and Nat, I hope that someone tells you that about your boobs, too - hmmm, would that be a good wedding present?
Ok, first of all, I know nothing about this. I do know that my sister-in-law went through unbearable pain every time she breastfed and was soooo much happier just switching to the bottle. Some people think it's so bad to not breastfeed, but frankly, it isn't their boobs that are cracking and bleeding. And also, I am a creep because I was looking at this random blog of random fun tips for life (I got stuck in blog world, being linked around to different blogs until I didn't know where I started) and came across this: http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2009/06/great-nipple-rub-great-breastfeeding.html
If that's not useful, then at least it's good for a laugh. I swear I wasn't scouring the internet for anything to prepare Sarah's nipples. It just happened. So there you go.
Ok, first of all, I know nothing about this. I do know that my sister-in-law went through unbearable pain every time she breastfed and was soooo much happier just switching to the bottle. Some people think it's so bad to not breastfeed, but frankly, it isn't their boobs that are cracking and bleeding. And also, I am a creep because I was looking at this random blog of random fun tips for life (I got stuck in blog world, being linked around to different blogs until I didn't know where I started) and came across this: http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2009/06/great-nipple-rub-great-breastfeeding.html
If that's not useful, then at least it's good for a laugh. I swear I wasn't scouring the internet for anything to prepare Sarah's nipples. It just happened. So there you go.
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