the b-word

Disclaimer: I am not licensed or certified in any way to teach breastfeeding. If you are struggling, please don't wait to seek professional help!

Now then.

Thinking that I was going to have to go back to work I made it my goal to exclusively nurse for at least six months and then add in bottled pumped milk. After six months my son never found a bottle he liked and the amazing company I work for allowed me to transition to a work-from-home position. Here we are nearly fifteen months later and I am so proud to say that we are still breastfeeding.

I realize that not every woman has the opportunity to nurse for as long as I have due to financial position. Breastmilk is only free if a woman's time has no value (check out an awesome article on that topic here). I also won't pretend that we live in splendor. We cut our budget significantly and my husband sacrifices his spare time tutoring and working a second job on the weekends so I can be home with our son. We won't be taking a vacation any time soon, but if we do at least I won't have to wash any bottles!

Yes, I believe breast is best and I believe science backs that up. Yes, I believe that with proper education prior to giving birth and strong post-partum support every woman can breastfeed. My breastfeeding story isn't complicated... I gave birth and latched the baby on. I had a tremendous amount of support from my husband and my mother. But I also had a huge amount of will power and nothing was going to stop me from providing what I believe to be the best nutrition for my child.

Nursing is natural and wonderful and so fulfilling and I want every mother to have the opportunity to experience it, even if it's only for the short time she's on maternity leave. 

Here are just a few things I have learned along the way: 

It CAN be done without pain! 

If it hurts when baby latches, break the seal and try again. Make sure baby has a deep latch with almost all of your areola in his mouth. If you still have pain, see a specialist!

Wet and poopy diapers are the best way to tell if your baby is getting enough. 

Don't stress about how much baby is getting just because you can't see the ounces going in. There are plenty of apps that can help you keep track of diapers and feedings for the first few weeks, or you could just keep track on paper.

Watch women breastfeed. 

If you don't know a nursing mom you can find one on YouTube. Take note of how mom holds baby's head and body, how she brings her breast to baby's mouth, how open baby's jaw is and how it moves while she suckles. You can learn so much just from observation!

Learn your baby's cues.

If baby is moving his tongue in and out of his mouth, he's probably hungry. If baby is waving his arms around his face, he's probably hungry. If baby is crying, he's probably hungry. Learn how your baby signals hunger so you can get him latched BEFORE he starts crying!

Positions matter. 

Use multiple positions. Football works really well for newborns. As your baby grows she may begin to favor one position over another. Try holding her upright in your lap (hug-hold) or laying down with her.

Use a pump.

Even if you plan on nursing full time it's still a good idea to purchase a pump, especially to help with engorgement when your milk first comes in. Baby can't get a good latch if your breast is too full! I preferred using a hand pump at first, but was able to purchase an electric pump with the help of my insurance and Aeroflow.

Don't be afraid to nurse in public.

No one is staring at your boob and if they are they're just amazed that you have the courage to feed your baby whenever and wherever. That being said I wouldn't have made it without a few nursing tops that gave me easy access while remaining covered. There are so many options out there from scarves to ponchos to side-zippers and button-ups, be brave and nurse your baby whenever she's hungry!

Breastfed babies get gas too.

Babies who are exclusively breastfed can get gas, but it isn't from swallowing air. What you eat goes to your milk so foods like dairy, eggs, onions, broccoli, asparagus, caffeine, chocolate, etc, can cause baby to have a gassy tummy. Go ahead and get some natural gas drops before baby arrives, just in case!

EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Take classes, read books, talk to other moms... you need as much knowledge as you can get! It might feel weird but practice helps too. Grab a doll or stuffed animal and hold it in different positions before baby arrives.

EDUCATE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM.

If you want to breastfeed you will need help, especially if you don't know anyone that has nursed before. Make sure that you have a strong support system and that your people are just as knowledgeable as you. Your SO needs to watch breastfeeding and learn how to help you get baby latched because it's tough to hold your breast and the baby's head just right the first few times. Your SO needs to be as passionate about it as you are!

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Breastfeeding is a huge commitment, but it's the best choice you can make for your baby's health and your own, even if you're only able to nurse while on maternity leave. If something doesn't feel right, seek professional help and work through the problem. Do not let anyone tell you that you "just can't do it" or "not to bother" or "formula is easier". Prove them wrong.

If you've nursed before, what helped you the most? If you haven't nursed a baby or are hoping to nurse in the future, is there something specific you think you'll need help with? What are you most concerned about? Drop a comment below and let's help each other out!