Tommy latched on not too long after he was born and went to town. It was like he was starving after his journey earth-side. And while it wasn't exactly hard... it didn't exactly feel easy either and my nipples started to really hurt more and more each time we went to feed. This was a sign to me that something wasn't right with his latch and I was worried about doing more damage to myself that would make breastfeeding even harder later.
After that first night of gritting my teeth through each feeding session and maybe a few tears I demanded to see a lactation consultant as soon as possible the next day. She came in and agreed that his latch was a bit shallow and that while his suck was really strong she didn't think he was getting as much as he could be which was probably why it felt like he was gnawing on my boobs. She tried to get him to have a deeper latch but my nipples were already so sore and painful that we agreed it would be best to give them a rest for a little bit. She showed me how to hand express and then helped T.J. and I spoon feed him the colostrum. Then later in the day she brought in a hospital pump to use and we filled tiny syringes with the pumped colostrum to feed him drop by drop. So during our second night there I pumped, then T.J. would slowly feed him the syringes of milk, then we'd all try to sleep and then start over again. It was a lot of work but at least we knew exactly how much he was getting to eat and he was having plenty of wet and dirty diapers which was a good sign. But it was still really overwhelming for me and I got nervous about going home and having to manage all of it on our own. I was discouraged and disappointed that I couldn't just feed him straight from the source.
Luckily after a night of rest and a bit more syringe feeding in the morning, I was feeling less pain and decided to try to breastfeed him again the next day. And it was...better. Not great but getting there. They discharged me that day with some extra syringes just in case and while I did pump some that first night at home to have on hand we've been successfully breastfeeding ever since! It took a couple more days for it to be pain free but praise the Lord it is such a relief to have it all worked out! Especially because I know so many women who struggle long after they leave the hospital and not everyone's breastfeeding journey has the same happy ending. But these are a few things that have made breastfeeding easier for me and have become crucial to our routine.

Medela Soft Shells- These are a game changer. The lactation consultant gave me these in the hospital and they go inside your bra to keep your clothes from sticking to your sore nipples. They let them breathe and give them a rest between feedings. They are also great during feeds for catching milk that leaks from the side you're not feeding from. I am always amazed how much comes out and am so glad it's not all over my clothes. They are discreet and I totally wear them out and about with no shame!

You're doing great Mama xo
ReplyDeleteYou must look up the Ollie Gray nursing and pumping bra immediately.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, you are doing amazing! Very similarly, I just expected nursing to be easy and come naturally because it is...natural and my nipples were bleeding by the time I left the hospital. I wasn't fortunate to have a good lactation experience while I was in the hospital and I was actually surprised they still let me leave with my daughter but the lactation consultant I saw after was incredible. I loved her so much that I actually felt sad when I didn't need to see her anymore. Nursing is one of the most amazing things ever. I'm so glad to hear you guys are doing well and off to a great start!
Interesting information. No experience here but I'm so happy it is all going well for you both now. Ditto your mom's comment!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for giving yourself grace and doing what was needed for your body and your son to learn how to feed him. I can only imagine how disappointing that was when it was something you looked forward to for so long. I'll have to keep this post in mind as my pregnant friends have their babies.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful tips! I haven't had kids yet, so I feel overwhelmed when it comes to this.
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