Breastfeeding Blues
desigirl | September 24, 2008“Breastmilk is the best!”, chanted the ad for a popular formula milk as I was busy washing out the baby bottles in soapy water. Was it mocking me? “How apt!”, piped in the hubby, unhelpfully.
Breastfeeding was not going off well. Granted, I had a rocky time of it last time too but this time, day 2 seems to have got me down on my knees. By the time night rolled in on day 2, I was begging for some pain relief, in the form of formula, to give my aching tits a break. Was that the end of it? Hell, no! Having two bottles and a two days old infant meant, instead of being up all night feeding the baby, I was up washing and sterilizing the blessed things. Sleep deprived, tired and feeling wooly-headed meant I wasn’t a happy bunny.
Day 3 brought in more woes, along with the milk, which resulted in some extremely engorged boobies. I now knew what the likes of Jordon and Jodie Marsh possessed and it wasn’t a happy feeling. This brought in a catch-22 type situation with it. Too full for the baby to be suckle but unless she does, situation will not improve. Deep joy. To top it all, I was absolutely sure we were falling at the first fence - latching on.
Asking for help from assorted midwifes and nurses didn’t help things much as they were all more or less dispensing the same advise via phone and it was all getting me nowhere fast.
Day 5 brought in some relief in the form of a midwife bathed in divine glow. She not only talked to me and
answered my questions patiently, she saw where I was going wrong and showed me how to get the baby to latch on properly, how to see if she was full and how to keep at it. Bless you, Midwife Sally! Thanks to her, I slept for a massive 3 hour stretch that night!
I so badly wanted to throw in the towel, especially when during the first two days, the breastfeeding brought on afterpains with a vengeance. The only thing that kept me going was the feeling of guilt that stayed with me long after I weaned P. Not because I didn’t have enough milk but because he was such an impatient baby and I an inexperienced ninny, who didn’t realise what a fantastic thing it was to breastfeed your baby. sigh. I want to go the distance this time - let’s hope I can.
ouch! that's a scary post... I though second time around
apu | September 24, 2008 | 8:24 amouch! that’s a scary post… I though second time around was supposed to be all easy-peasy…
*hysterical wild laughter* you poor chile!
It hurts like hell for a while, till mother and
dipali | September 24, 2008 | 10:59 amIt hurts like hell for a while, till mother and child both get their groove!
Baby gums are really sharp edged, and they hurt.
But once it settles into a rhythm life is so much better than dealing with bottles and formula all the time.
Hope it gets better soon, DG. Big Hug, new mommy.
Thankoo, doosi nani. Keep ‘em hugs coming!
Awww. I know how hard it is. It was sheer
Tharini | September 24, 2008 | 11:50 amAwww. I know how hard it is. It was sheer torture the way I remember it and I winced everytime he latched on. Give it one week from your side and see if it dones’t improve things. After that, its just a breeze….hang in there ok?
Wishing it were easier,
-T!
Aww, thanks, T. I keep telling self I ain’t gonna give up. But after 4 hours of crying and getting my tits chewed off, I gave myself a break and mixed up some formula. Got me 3 hours of shut-eye!! Sigh. Things we do for these kids, eh?
Awww god yea I know what u mean and this
Random Vignettes | September 24, 2008 | 1:53 pmAwww god yea I know what u mean and this is my first one! But but but…u are doing good..keep trying Deej and ul get there..and when u do..can u give me a hand up as well!?!
No but seriously its worth the effort huh..
Ever try the football hold? It helped me when Baby Nutty REFUSED to latch on..
*hugs* in the meanwhile..
Football hold? I call it the death grip!!
But what’s with the waking every hour? I mean, does that suck or what? No pun intended!!
Just read the news - congratulations!!!!! Thank you, PH!
Planethalder | September 24, 2008 | 8:08 pmJust read the news - congratulations!!!!!
Thank you, PH!
Brings back mammaries memories. First of, hello and congratulations. Smart move
Null Pointer | September 25, 2008 | 2:43 amBrings back
mammariesmemories.First of, hello and congratulations.
Smart move getting help with the latch instead of screaming bloody murder for 3 months like I did. Might I also suggest perfecting a powerful postpartum punch for anyone who muses, “But breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, so doesn’t it come naturally to all babies? Must be your supply”.
I do hope you and your babe get your breastfeeding groove on shortly and enjoy some beautiful days (and sleep-filled nights) together.
LOL-ed at your comment and thank you!! I have issued warnings all around that whoever comes up with a bright quip re feeding issues is going to get it in the kidneys.
That does not sound like fun! *Hugs* Cheering for you
Rohini | October 1, 2008 | 9:41 amThat does not sound like fun! *Hugs* Cheering for you - whichever way it goes!