What are your experiences of breastfeeding in the first few hours / days after birth?
Were you given help with breastfeeding in the labour ward immediately after birth?
Did you receive sufficient help on the post natal wards?
What are your experiences?
What tips would you have for new or expectant moms ??
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4 comments:
Hi
I breatfed after, I think 1 1/2 hours of my baby's birth (I had ceaserean). One of the lactation assistant, I think, brought the baby in and helped me with the feeding as per my birth plan. As I couldn't move much, she enlisted help from my hubby & mother-in-law as well. Well, I think my baby latched on pretty well compared to the experiences of my other friends. and well, that's the only help I received from the hospital. Fortunately, Christine visited me while I was breastfeeding and gave me extra tips. Would have better is the hospital had checked whether my baby was latching ok the next day. When I ask one of the lactation assistant to check on me later, she said i am doing fine since the baby is not fussing. I wasn't sure I was doing ok as a 1st time mom until Christine came. My baby was into cluster feeding on the 2nd nite and of course, I have forgotten about it, and one of the nursery nurse actually told my hubby that I may not be having enough of milk. Baby may be still hungry and we should consider giving him formula. I was quite furious and my hubby was very supportive and told the nurse no. I just wonder why these nurses are not taught about all this as the hospital I was in was suppose to be baby friendly! Anyway, support from husband & family is really important when it comes to successful breastfeeding. I am proud to say I have thus far breastfed my baby for 8 months now and hopefully, I have enough milk to sustain for at least another 4 months. Sometimes, work stress can really reduce milk supply. Good luck to all new/expectant mom in breastfeeding.
To be able to breastfeed, especially in the first few days after birth, I strongly feel that being equipped with info on BF is vital.
As my son was born on the 1st of Jan, I was only able to hold him for a little while and off he was whisked to face the many cameras. As I was sooo very tired from a very long labor, it did not occur to me until much later that, hey, he should've been put to my breast FIRST! *sigh!* This is most unfortunate - considering that the hospital that I delivered in was baby-friendly? Hmm.
But I am glad to say that the post-natal ward nurses were very helpful - and I had a lactation consultant come to see me on the 2nd day to see if everything was ok. Christine, your classes helped alot as the whole time I was thinking, "make sure he latches on properly," "the 1st few days is just colostrum and baby needs it in small doses," "feed on demand"... but the first time that I put my son to my breast was amazing.. it felt surreal though to have had a little being in my arms and now being able to provide for him, with God's will.
My son had to be kept under observation for jaundice and I had to express for him. This whole experience was quite stressful as I had to leave him in the hospital, I could only express 2 oz in over an hour! It was tiring, and I worried that what I had expressed would not be enough - it also didn't help that this particular lady in the nursery was very discouraging! But it all worked out well albeit the stress and baby was back home in 5 days since birth.
Tips would be to gather as much info as you can about breastfeeding as there will be so many people with their own ideas so its good to know your stuff! To have determination that you WANT to breastfeed and that you CAN is also essential.
So far, I would say that I am successfully breastfeeding my 3+ month old son, but like Christine said in her 'About Me' section, not without problems. Regardless of that, I am determined to breastfeed my son until he is 2 years old (highly recommended in Islam and stated in the Qur'an), God willing.
Christine, just as an undersupply of milk is a problem, so is an oversupply! Perhaps this could be another topic...
I had trouble breastfeeding both my children in the first month, though I successfully breastfed my second one..and am still doing so after 20 months. Both my babies had high jaundice coz of bloodtype. with The first I left her in the hospital and pumped, the consequence being she became really attached to the bottle very quickly and fussed a lot at the breast. I was not efficient in pumping leading to mastitis, abcess etc. and I didn't have anyone to guide me properly, as the so-called lactation specialists at the hospital suggested using nipple shield while baby fed which only led to cracked and bleeding nipples.
With second one, I chose to stay in the hospital while she underwent therapy for jaundice... I still had problems with latching and extreme pain. Only thing is I knew about Christine and consulted her 2 -3 times...persevered...and well, 20 months now, and I enjoy it tremendously. Of course husband and family support is extremely important too!
I have to say the 1st month was a total struggle and challenge. thank God I didn't give up.
Martha
I think the early breastfeeding is very important. You need to be very determined and you need to be wanting to succeed...
For the first month, it is really not easy but after that, it is a great pleasure.
For the first few weeks, force yourself to feed the baby every 3 hours at the minimum, even at night. Persevere even if the baby is not latching on properly, if you have cracks, etc. Try different positions and get help from experienced midwives like Christine.
The hospital proposed me to get visits at home from a midwife. Her visits at home really helped me with my problems. And it is also so good to have someone that is just there to support you and to whom you can release all your stress about breastfeeding...
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