Breastfeeding is best when you know what you're doing (Breastfeeding in General)

Member Name: apuskiduski

Product:	Breastfeeding in General
Date:	20/02/09 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free, easy, quick, healthy, right temperature

Disadvantages: Mastitis, supply meeting demand, no one can do it for you

I had three daughters under the age of four and breast fed all of them until they were over 8 months old, the youngest probably til she was about 12 months. I returned to work when each child was about seven months and this tied into weaning them off breast milk onto solids.

I was never the maternal type, insisting that my career was going to take centre stage. At 26 I told my mum she needn't keep asking about grandkids but by the time I was 30 I'd produced three of them.

I was one of the lucky ones as breastfeeding my babies came fairly naturally, well by the third one at least! My first child needed a dummy to be honest, not me. As soon as I worked that one out I had a bit more freedom. Until that point I had been a slave to the cause. I knew that it was cheaper, perfect temperature, better for her health, more convenient - it always being on tap and all, as well as instantly silencing my screaming bundle of joy. But it took a lot of persuading that she only needed feeding every two to three hours not minutes.

In doing this I made the mistake of letting her take in lots of air while she was apparently 'feeding' and in turn, this gave her colic which was a nightmare every evening for about a month. We had to enlist the 'cavalry' in the form of my parents to give us a break. I'm sure bottled milk would have saved us all that, but I was not going to be beaten by something weighing less than a sack of spuds!

I persevered and enjoyed some of the breastfeeding quest but was secretly relieved when she no longer needed me and a fruit shoot was more appealing to her.

Second baby arrives and the whole process couldn't have been more different. Where the first one never slept, the second would sleep for the length of a BIble. I had to literally slap her awake. She fed well and I'd feel more comfortable for about an hour but then the milk supply outran demand and I could have supplied a dairy. I was convinced that I smelt of cheese permanently, not a great thought. Mastitis became my problem this time around. I was swollen, tender and a total ogress to live with. Several rounds of antibiotics later and seven months down the line the breastfeeding mission was accomplished and I could breathe a major sigh of
relief. I still hadn't spent a penny on formula milk.

Things were not as relaxed as they appeared however. I returned to work feeling strangely sick and rather lightheaded. I lost weight and noticed that my periods had not returned. This is usual for someone who has only just finished breastfeeding I hear you say. Wrong! Pregnant again, with another delightful period of breastfeeding to look forward to. But, surely this time it would be perfect.

Thankfully, it was. I had a 'surprise' package who must have known what a rough time I'd had of it twice before and she instantly knew what to do. Supply met demand and everything was wonderful. A happy ending on the breastfeeding front. Now all I've got to worry about are Uni and wedding bills!

Summary: Breast, best in the end