Breastfeeding 101
[[how to prepare for it, what it's like, what to expect, + products i'd recommend]]
Being a first-time mom comes with a mile-long list of unknowns. We have no idea what to expect, but we try to be as prepared as possible. Everyone has different experiences, but I wanted to share my experience and everything that I wish I knew about breastfeeding, both prior to and during.
In this post, I dip into how to prepare for it, what it was like (especially in the beginning), what to expect, products I’d recommend for it, and so on.
HOW TO PREPARE :
First, and what I can’t express enough, is that it will be hard, but it will also be so rewarding. In my opinion, preparing to breastfeed is more mental than physical. Your body has the actual process covered, it knows what to do and will be making the milk for you and baby.
Mentally prepare
This can be hard. Before having Bodhi, I had no idea what to expect with breastfeeding and the thought of it made me a little anxious. Would I be able to? What if my supply didn’t last? What if he didn’t latch on right? All of these questions ran through my head, but ultimately, I just had to remind myself that everything would be fine and would happen the way it was supposed to. Again, try not to worry. Even considering breastfeeding your baby is a selfless act, but if you end up not wanting to or being able to for whatever reasons, that is perfectly okay too!
Do your research
But don’t get hung up on it. If you’re super anxious or having millions of questions, there are a lot of good articles and books out there that can help ease your mind. There are also classes you can take that focus solely on breastfeeding. Frankly, I didn’t too much of either, and I didn’t take a breastfeeding course. I did google things here and there if I had a burning question, but I didn’t take everything to heart as everyone’s experience is different. If you have family or friends, it can also be helpful to ask them about their experiences, but again, keep in mind that no journey is the same.
Purchase necessary items
You don’t want to be scrambling to buy certain things once your sweet babe is already here. Prepare ahead of time. I get to the items that I use(d) later on in the post. They are the products and items that I would definitely recommend and say are must-haves while breastfeeding.
WHAT IT’S LIKE :
In the beginning, I will say breastfeeding is very exhausting. Even now, Bodhi is 4 months old, and it still can get overwhelming. A lot of this, especially in the beginning, has to do with getting little sleep, especially in the first few days when your baby wants to cluster feed. Baby is up wanting to eat = you are up feeding him/her. Now, if you have an angel baby that decides he/she wants to sleep through the night from the start or even after a few weeks, then consider yourself lucky as you probably won’t be as exhausted as the rest of us sleepless mamas.
Again, try to remember: It can be very hard, but it is oh so rewarding. If you ever think about giving up, one piece of advice that I can give is this:
Keep going + take one day at a time.
It will get easier. The beginning is the toughest part. There were plenty of times when I wanted to give up, but I’m so glad I haven’t. I can honestly say it has gotten so much easier. I look forward to the bonding time and moments when I get to nurse Bodhi. There really is nothing like it.
WHAT TO EXPECT :
Cluster feeding
Lots and lots of cluster feeding. This is when baby feeds in clusters (obviously, given by the name). For example, they feed for 20 minutes, fall back asleep or stop feeding for 10 minutes, then want to eat again for 10-20 minutes. And repeat. Except the amount of times may vary slightly, but the point is, it comes in clusters and it comes a lot. At times it will feel like you’re constantly feeding your baby. And this is when it can become tiring, overwhelming and often frustrating at times. This is also when sleep feels very scarce which only adds on to the already heightened emotions. But like everything else, this will not last forever as it is just a phase. It tends to slowly get better once your milk supply comes in.
Delayed milk supply
This doesn’t happen with everyone, but typically, especially if it’s your first baby, it can take around 3-5 days before your true milk supply comes in. For me, it was Day 6 when mine came. The days before this, and the first few days after baby is born will be the colostrum, aka liquid gold. Don’t worry, your baby will be fine and is getting enough to eat. At this point, their tiny bellies are only about the size of a cherry.
Sore nipples
This is bound to happen as your little one will be attached to your nipples a lot. Our nipples aren’t used to this (unless you got somethin’ else going on… no judgement) so they’re bound to be sore. This does get better though as they will “toughen up” and you’ll get used to it. I think it took me a few weeks to get used to with Bodhi, and it no longer bothers me.
Engorged breasts
Lord this can be uncomfortable. For me it felt like my boobs were going to pop if I didn’t relieve them by pumping, and it looked like I had breast implants lol. And they would get rock-hard. This happens because your body doesn’t yet know how much milk your baby needs. So in the beginning it is producing more than your baby is consuming, causing them to get very full, fairly often. Be sure to relieve them or nurse as necessary otherwise you may increase the risk of getting a clogged duct and/or mastitis (two breastfeeding complications that I’ve heard are completely miserable).
Let-downs
This is a reflex that happens when your milk is ready to flow. For me, it felt like a tingling yet electric current coming down my boobs. It wasn’t the most pleasant feeling, but it also wasn’t exactly painful, and it doesn’t last very long either. I now feel them every few hours when it’s time to nurse Bodhi. Some women, myself included, will also have a let-down if they hear a crying baby. This is another example of how amazing the body is – instinctively thinking your baby is crying out of hunger, therefore getting your milk ready for consumption.
I would like to point out, and I find this very important to say :
Even with knowing all of this, no one is fully prepared for breastfeeding. It’s a different experience for every woman, and I can confidently say that at one point or another, it will be very, very hard. Breastfeeding does not comes naturally to most. It does not come naturally to the babies either — yes they are born with the sucking and rooting reflexes and they understand the concept of feeding, however it is still a learned skill and they need help figuring it out. Pair all of that with a new-mom and it can be a helluva lot harder than some make it out to be. Just remember, that no matter how long you breastfeed for, whether it be 1 day, 1 month or 1 year, any amount is a huge success! Don’t ever compare your journey with anyone else’s.
MUST-HAVES :
Manuel Breast Pump
I loooove the Medela manual hand pump that I have. I also have an electric one, but it has yet to come out of its box. I mainly used the hand pump when my boobs were engorged and I needed to relieve them. Now that my milk supply has regulated, I haven’t needed to do this as often. Some women also pump more often to keep their milk supply up, but I haven’t needed to at this point. Do what works for you.
Supportive Bras
I have yet to get an actual maternity wire bra, but I do have numerous sports bras and padded wireless bras which are more comfortable for me. I also wear my Baobei bralette that I wore during pregnancy. It’s great for breastfeeding as well. If I go out for a special occasion, I still wear my pre-pregnancy wire bras, although they are a tad small lol, but they do their job. I’m sure I will invest in a maternity/nursing one soon though.
Haaka
This thing is amazing. Especially in the beginning weeks and months. I don’t use it nearly as much now that my supply has regulated, but it was a huge help. It’s a hands-free silicone ‘device’ that when nursing or pumping from one boob, you place it on the other, and it easily catches the extra milk (typically from a let-down) so you don’t waste any. It also helps to slightly relieve you without having to fully pump if your breasts are engorged. I would get anywhere from 1-3 ounces! And the best part is, you literally don’t have to do anything except keep it suctioned to your boob.
Storage bags
To store your milk. Duh. I use the Medela brand. They are perfect for freezing extra milk as well as traveling, taking to daycare, going on vacations, etc.
Coconut Oil
For the days when your nipples are sore, raw, chapped, cracked, dry, etc. Or if you just need a good moisturizer. I felt very comfortable using coconut oil as it is safe for baby, meaning you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding, and it’s a simple, one-ingredient solution. I know exactly what I’m using and putting on my body!
MY FINAL THOUGHTS:
With all of this said, here’s my last two cents — whether you choose to breastfeed or maybe you tried and it didn’t work out. Or maybe you use formula. It doesn’t make you any less of a mom. You’re nurturing your baby and that’s what matters. Some days I want to throw in the breastfeeding towel, and eventually that day will come, whether it’s tomorrow, in one month or one year from now. And whenever it comes will be the right time for me + my son.
You have to do what’s best for you and your baby, and only you can determine that.
Don’t listen to society or the thousands of strangers that want to throw their opinions in your face. They don’t matter. You’re doing great, mama. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing an amazing job!
Xoxo, Alyssa