Right after giving birth they laid my sweet little boy on my chest and my world changed completely. I was so in love and can't believe after 2 inductions that he was finally here! After they had cleaned him, did skin-to-skin, and ran tests, they told me I needed to feed him immediately. Being a brand new mom I had no idea what I was doing when it came to breastfeeding or getting him to latch. So, I did what any mom would do and began breastfeeding him. Well, because the nurses didn't show me the correct way, he didn't latch properly and caused me to bruise and scab after a few feedings. I was in so much pain but I was determined to give my baby my milk and all the good that came with it. Slowly but surely, my nipples became worse. It was to the point that the scabs were ripping off with each feeding and it was bringing me to tears each time. After numerous meetings with a lactation consultant, she told me that I started out of the gate at a disadvantage from the staff not showing me properly. We tried numerous times, with every technique in the book, but she told me to be successful, my nipples needed to heal.
Once I got home all hell broke loose. Not only was I exhausted from 36 hours of labor, but we had a ton of family at the house, and trying to continue to breast feed was a nightmare. I had my mother-in-law (who was a labor and delivery nurse for 15 years) trying to help to get him to latch and we failed miserably. We even purchased nipple shields but he just wouldn't latch and he began to scream. I just started to cry. I didn't know what else to do. Finally, I thought that I will just pump and feed him through a bottle until my nipples heal. As much as a good idea I thought this was, I wasn't able to produce enough for him. Feeling like a failure, I had to supplement what I couldn't pump with formula. It was NOT what I had in mind.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Ladies, no matter what, if you've decided to breastfeed, make sure you either go to a breastfeeding class prior to your babys birth or make sure they send a lactation specialist in right away to show you the proper way to feed your little one. Everyone has different shaped nipples and that can greatly affect the way your baby will latch. Mine, are a little big and flat. This makes it very difficult for any baby to latch especially having the other problems I told you about. Otherwise, you'll end up like me. It's not easy trying to keep up with the baby and his laundry, feeding yourself, and trying to stay on top of pumping to make sure he has enough. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about breastfeeding or if you're having trouble getting your baby to latch. I've been through it!
In the end, my nipples have healed and I am continuing to pump as much as I can everyday to bring up my breast milk production. The goal: to get rid of supplementing with formula. If you have a similar experience I understand the frustration. Just stay positive and know that you are a great mom for doing everything in your power to get your baby the best. Just like my mom said to me; "there is a reason they make formula. It's to help mothers like you, and for other mothers/parents that decide not to breastfeed!" As much as I hated to hear it, she was right and I can't beat myself up for something I can't control.
In the end, my nipples have healed and I am continuing to pump as much as I can everyday to bring up my breast milk production. The goal: to get rid of supplementing with formula. If you have a similar experience I understand the frustration. Just stay positive and know that you are a great mom for doing everything in your power to get your baby the best. Just like my mom said to me; "there is a reason they make formula. It's to help mothers like you, and for other mothers/parents that decide not to breastfeed!" As much as I hated to hear it, she was right and I can't beat myself up for something I can't control.
xoxo,
Alex
No comments:
Post a Comment