I feel
very blessed in my breastfeeding journey. My son, James, came on his due
date. I had been monitored closely by the doctor due to James having a
one artery umbilical cord (should be two). Delivery was going well until
the doctor noticed James' heart rate dropping during each contraction. My
doctor is a very kind, reserved woman and always patient, but I could see the
concern and urgency on her face to deliver him quickly. Thus, I gave my all in
pushing him out. As he began to crown she reached both her hands to grab his
head (thank God for an epidural) and pulled him the rest of the way. He
was whisked to the side a couple minutes for examination and then, he was laid
on my chest, looking right at me, my mother was on one side and my husband on
the other. The moment was not what I expected, I had expected immediate
tears, joy, etc., but for me, I stared at this little person in awe, almost
disbelief, I made this person (husband helped a little....lol), and then slowly
the tears formed. Tears of relief, joy, the realization I am now a mother!
My
mother has been my hero, support and guide. I feel so blessed and grateful for
her! She raised eight babies (I am the oldest), so I have leaned on her wisdom
and experiences tremendously. My mother helped me in guiding James to
latch. He latched well on my left breast, however on my right breast the
nipple would not extend. Thankfully a lactation nurse came to visit and
was a huge help in guiding me how to latch James, and she gave me a nipple
shield for my right breast. After 3-4 days, I was able to start the feed
with my nipple shield, allowing the nipple to extend, and then remove it and
put my nipple in his mouth. After a week, I was not using the nipple shield at
all. My, oh my, breastfeeding was painful for the first 3 weeks or
so. So painful, I could understand why some mothers chose not to
breastfeed. During that time I almost was dreading breastfeeding.
However, here I am, 10 months later, and still going strong! Initially,
feeding him on both sides was too much. He would spit up almost all of the
second side, so the result being, I nursed him every hour for about the first 3
months. Night time was a longer stretch, but day feedings were every
hour. My only struggle since then has been pumping. The only way I have
been able to pump is if he is latched on one side while I pump the other, or I
begin pumping immediately.
While I
am not a shy person, I was very self-conscious about nursing in public, as I
did not want to offend anyone. To my relief and surprise, everyone has
been so supportive and put me at ease, including my husband, family and
in-laws. Originally, I used a nursing cover for privacy, however, it is
very hot, and my son is hot natured, leaving us both miserable.
Eventually, I stopped using it, and would either layer my shirts (tank top and
then shirt) allowing me to pull the tank top part down and the shirt would hide
me discreetly. Since nursing bras have been an absolute pain for me to use, and
my breast have shrunk since birth, I have bought soft padded bras, no wire,
which I can simply lift to nurse. Works great!
My
advice to first time Mom's would be to have a support system in place before
you start nursing (husband, family, and other moms). One of the best
things for me and my son was being introduced to a 'New Mom's' group that met
every week. I started going when James was 2 months, and we are now great
friends, even starting our own mom Facebook page to share stories, ask
questions, or vent! As our babies have grown we have begun venturing on
baby friendly activities, great fun. Adaptable, remember that word. That
is what I wish someone had told me as a first time mother, be adaptable. Be ready
for things to change in your life, your schedule, the baby’s schedule (or no
schedule). Like fixing dinner in the afternoon because that is when he is
happy.....and then when he is sleeping in his crib, finally fixing dinner when
he is asleep for the night. I could go on. But I have learned and am continuing
to learn to be adaptable. Most of all, I feel so very honored to be my
son's mother, feeling his little arms around my neck, holding on to my hair for
security, calling my name 'momma, momma'......precious. My life and heart
will never be the same....I am so in love with my child!
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