Don't give up till you've read this (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: Gretta

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	03/04/01 (440 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 12 LISTED BELOW, PLUS MANY MORE

Disadvantages: IT'S THE SORT OF THING THAT'S VERY HARD TO LEARN FROM A BOOK

First Time ~ Easy peasy, what's all the fuss about?
After my first son was born I was rushed to theatre to have my placenta removed manually, and my third degree tear stitched. As you can imagine this all took sometime. After two hours my midwife came in to ask if she could bottle feed Christian, as he was getting hungry. As I was worried he wouldn't breastfeed if he had his first feed from a bottle, I asked her to wait if at all possible.

Not long after I was wheeled up to the recovery room, still numb from the spinal they gave me to remove my placenta, and left by myself with a screaming hungry baby to try to feed. I flopped a numb boob towards his mouth, not expecting him to have a clue what to do with it, but fortunately he latched himself on and fed like anything. Wow, I thought, this is simple…and that was that.

During the early months he had a broken right shoulder, which meant he could only feed in some positions, but there was no stopping him, he fed contentedly, putting weight on like anything till he was 13 months old. Weaning was simple, I soon got the hang of feeding while in public, I expressed milk so we could go out, he took a bottle if there was no boob around, it was all so straightforward. No mastitis, cracked nipples, leaky boobs…simple.

Second time round ~ Well now I'm an expert.... aren't I?
After I stopped feeding my breasts returned to there pre-pregnancy cup size, Christian was a content, happy toddler, who never caught any of the bugs that were going round, I was basically totally happy with breastfeeding, and very pleased with how it had worked out.

When I got pregnant again I didn't even have to consider whether I would breastfeed again. When Emmanuel was born I put him to the boob straight away, but he was totally not interested, his mouth stayed firmly shut, so I decided he probably wasn't hungry yet. With the same retained placenta problem a
s last time, I was again rushed away to the operating theatre, only this time it all took even longer, as they were unable to get the spinal into my backbone straight away. So, three and a half hours after he was born I came out of theatre expecting to find a screaming hungry baby, demanding boob. But no, Emmanuel was sleeping contentedly in his Dad's arms. A few hours later, he woke, and I again put him to my boob. Still though, he showed very little interest, and after a few attempts, managed to latch on for a few sucks, then fell asleep.

As he was induced early I decided he must just be a very dopey, 'wish I was still inside mummy' sort of baby, so I persevered, and didn't worry too much. When he was 7days old, I developed mastitis in my right boob, with all the flue like symptoms that go with it, and felt absolutely awful. Too ill to bother to make my self food or drink, poor Emmanuel was having trouble getting any milk out of me at all because I was so dehydrated.

Fortunately it was gone within 48 hours, and I was back to my normal self. Emmanuel was getting the hang of feeding, and although he falls off more than his brother did, he basically knows what he's up to now, at six weeks old.

It was only when he was about three weeks old I sat down and thought to my self, what if Emmanuel had been my first child, I would probably have given up breastfeeding and decided it wasn't for me. Even though I was breastfed myself, know a lot of people who breastfeed, have a very supportive mum who breastfed us all, I would still have felt like I was somehow unable to do it, especially when I got ill and dehydrated. It was only because I had such a positive experience to look back on I persevered. I therefore decided to write this opinion, so that those of you thinking about breastfeeding, or going through a sticky period will have a go at carrying on.

Obviously, breastfeeding is not for everyone, and
if it doesn't work for you, you shouldn't feel at all guilty, but when it does work it can be such an easy method both for you and your baby, so hopefully this will give you some helpful advice. I haven't compared with bottle feeding as I haven't tried it, so therefore don't feel qualified to. I'm sure it has many advantages, but I am writing this opinion with the intention of encouraging people who think they can't breastfeed, when really they can. I have tried to include a comprehensive guide to everything I have discovered and found helpful, as well as some links to useful websites, at the end.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES FOR MY BABY?
1) Breastmilk has antibodies in it from the mother that pass to the baby and help protect him against illness and allergies. Research in many parts of the world has shown that breastfeeding protects against a wide range of infections and illnesses, including gastro-enteritis, chest infections, urinary infections, ear infections and childhood diabetes. There is also a reduced risk of conditions such as asthma and eczema. Cognitive function - that is, intelligence - has also been shown to be higher in breastfed babies
2) Breastmilk is easily digested. You don't have to worry so much about your baby being constipated or thirsty, because babies get an adequate amount of water from breastmilk.
3) Sucking at the breast helps with good oral development. Breastfed babies have fewer speech impediments. Breastfed babies have good cheekbone development and jaw alignment. This means that there is less chance of needing orthodontal work.
4) Breast milk is at exactly the right temperature for your baby. You don't have to worry about heating a bottle when baby is ready to eat or about keeping breastmilk warm or cold when going out
5) Your baby will enjoy being close to you, my son used to laugh and giggle whenever he saw my boob, and he is always telling me to give 
9;baby brother boob mum, 'manuel boob please' because he remembers how much he used to enjoy our time feeding together. I am not implying babies don't enjoy bottle feeding, just mentioning how close breastfeeding can make you feel.

WHAT ADVANTAGES ARE THERE FOR ME?

1) It's easy. The milk is always available to the baby. You don't have to spend time or energy messing about with sterilising, measuring out little spoons of milk powder, heating bottles during cold winter nights etc. Also, you can feed baby laying down in bed at night, which means you can get rest more easily.
2) The baby's sucking at the breast causes uterine contractions right after birth. The contractions lead to less bleeding for the mother, and return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy shape much faster.
3) Breastfeeding burns calories during milk production; in fact, some of the weight gained during pregnancy is intended to be used during feeding. You lose much of your pregnancy weight faster than if you were bottle-feeding. If you're lucky like me and have a hungry baby you can eat like a pig, and still be back to pre-preagnancy size very quickly. I left hospital three days after birth both times, and both times I did so wearing size ten jeans, the only reason I can think for of for being so lucky is babies sucking off all the chub!
4) Recent research has shown that having breastfed decreases a woman's risk for developing premenopausal breast cancer by 20% and women who breastfeed have less risk of fractures from osteoporosis.
5) A hormone related to breastfeeding acts as a natural tranquilliser that can make you feel calm and have a sense of well being while feeding. I find it very hard to sleep during the day, but laying down feeding baby always lets me relax enough to nap.
6) It becomes such a convenient way to feed your baby, with a little practice you will find that they can breastfeed discreetly almost anywhere. Las
t week while shopping I stick tiny one on the boob while walking round Tesco's without anyone noticing, and I don't have any of the special'breastfeeding' clothes you can buy, with discreet flaps.
7) Breastfeeding is the least expensive way to feed a baby.

OK, so now you know some of the many benefits, I'll try to answer some of the questions you may have. I've laid these out in a sort of chronological order, starting with the things you may wonder when you first find out you're pregnant, and moving through to problems that may not occur till baby actually arrives.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED?
Almost definitely yes, virtually every mum makes enough milk for her baby. Even problems like inverted nipples don't rule out breastfeeding if you want to give it a go. At the end of this opinion are some links to websites, your Emma's diary or Bounty book will also have some helpful support numbers, as will you health visitor.

I SEEM TO HAVE MILK AND I'M ONLY A FEW WEEKS PREGNANT, IS THIS NORMAL?
Yes, a lot of women get milk very early on in their pregnancies. Equally don't worry if you don't have any yet, during my second pregnancy I didn't have any noticeable change in my breasts until he was born. If you are worried at all mention it to your midwife, she'll be able to set your mind at rest.

HOW CAN AVOID WAKING UP IN A PUDDLE OF COLD MILK?
Ummm, yeah, not pleasant is it, waking up all sticky and smelling like a baby. There are two main things you may want to use, depending how badly you're leaking. If it's just a little bit, perhaps just once a week, you could try Pampers Care Mats, which are supposed to be for changing your babies nappy when you're out and about, but are basically just cotton wool stuck on a waterproof backing.

They are though a bit pricey so alternatively try terry nappies or towels. I would recommend terry nappies;
you can get them for between 10 and 20 pounds, for about 20 nappies. They are ideal for mopping baby sick, putting over your shoulder when burping, changing nappies on, having under your sheet when near your due date in case your waters break while your in bed, protecting mattress if you bleed heavily after birth, potty training around potty to protect floor, as well as all manner of cleaning purposes once your kids have grown up. My Gran still has some she used in the fifties - they last forever. A bit like the muslin clothes magazines are forever recommending you to buy, just much more absorbent.

As well as all this, sleep in a good support bra with breast pads. See info on choosing both these things below. If you sleep without a good bra you may actually get strains from the weight of your boobs.

OK, SO WHAT MATERNITY BRA SHOULD I BUY THEN?
Well, personally I wouldn't bother. What's the point of buying a bra that will be redundant after a few months? You will though almost definitely change bra sizes, so you will need a new bra, and one with a lot of support (preferably scaffolding, your boobs are ok once your bumps big enough to rest them on, but before that they can have you walking like a hunch back!). That’s why I would recommend buying breastfeeding bras while you're pregnant. They cost as much as maternity bras, come in the same large sizes, but have the advantage of having the potential to last a lot longer. You may change bra sizes during pregnancy, and the first bra you buy may be too small when your milk is first coming in, a few days after birth. If you breastfeed for a while though, your boobs may well settle down a bit, especially after your baby starts weaning, and at this point you will be glad you have those slightly smaller breastfeeding bras from the start of pregnancy to wear.

Breastfeeding bras come with two main devices for releasing your boob for a feed. The first has a zip all th
e way round the bottom of the cup that you have to undo to get your breast out. There are two main problems I have had with this sort. Firstly you need tow hands to undo them, a bit awkward when you're holding a starving, screaming baby in one arm. Secondly, if you're not careful you can catch your breast in the zip when you are doing it up, the female equivalent of 'willy caught in your flies', not pleasant!

The second has a clip on the strap at the top of the cup, which allows you to open the cup by pulling it down. This style tends to be easier to undo and more discreet to feed in public with. The main problem I have had is making sure your boob is fully out of the cup, if it's not fully out then the milk may not be able to flow so easily, which, if you do it a lot, can lead to engorged ducts. This just means a bit of pain, it's not as scary as it sounds, but it can be inconvenient.

I would also try to go for a plain material, as anything lacy or embroidered may be a bit itchy when your boobs are feeling sensitive. Mothercare do a measuring service, so even if you don't intend to buy them from there, it is worth getting measured by someone used to measuring pregnant women. I have three bras, but ideally you may want about five. If you only have three you will probably have to handwash each night, unless you're more organised than I am.

WHAT OTHER EQUIPMENT TYPE STUFF DO I NEED?
One thing I have found makes life a whole lot easier is a breastfeeding cushion. Most specialised baby shops sell these for about £20 quid, which I feel is a bit of a rip off for a v shaped cushion in a pretty cover. I bought a v shaped cushion from Argos for under a fiver, which is basically the same thing as the more expensive ones, but without the cover. I think a cover is probably a bad idea any way, as anywhere a baby is, sick is likely to follow. I cover my pillow with a terry nappy, which I throw in the wash
each night. You can also use it to support your back/bump during pregnancy.

You will probably also want a breast pump for when you go out/to work/hubby wants a go etc. There are lots of reviews on dooyoo, give them all a good read, as you want one you'll get on with. You will still need a steriliser, for baby bowls, spoons, breast pump etc., but a cheap cold water one should do, as you probably won't need to use it too much. Boots do a good range of creams and lotions for sore boobs, I've never found I really needed these, I wouldn't buy them unless you feel you are starting to get sore, otherwise they may well sit in your cupboard going past their use by date.

You will probably need some breast pads, read the reviews on dooyoo. I found I used the more expensive Johnson's ones for when I was out for a while and my boobs got very full, but none at all, or cheap Boots ones, for if I was at home, or just out for a few hours. Tissue paper doesn't work I'm afraid, it turns to little soggy balls, I speak from experience, so always have two spares on you with your baby nappy changing stuff just in case! You can get plastic cup type shield things that are reusable, these catch a lot of milk but can feel a bit uncomfortable, and make nipples sore. You can also get cloth washable pads, but these are more expensive and require washing. They do work very well, although they are a bit fatter than most disposable ones, so are more likely to show in a tight top.

OUCH, MY MILK IS COMING IN, WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT HURTING?
This has got to be one of the worst bits of breastfeeding; it can be sooo painful. Ok then, what to do. Firstly, try to remember that it really won't last long, and if you can get through it you are probably through the worst. Try to feed, even if it hurts a bit, the more you feed the more your body gets to grips with it. This time I only had sore boobs for one day, the first time it
was three, so it really doesn't last long.

Try to have as many baths a day as possible. If you stick some salt or lavender oil in the bath not only will the hot water help any excess milk flow away, you can help keep any stitches, tears or bruising clean and healing. I take the baby in the bath with me; he really enjoys it too. Savoy cabbage leaves are also said to help. You may want to keep your breast in the air, as being inside clothing can be painful when they're very tender.

OK, SO I'VE GOT THROUGH THE FIRST FEW DAYS, HOW DO I KNOW MY BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH MILK?
Firstly, babies are not stupid, if they're hungry, they let you know, so try not to worry. Secondly, talk to your health visitor, they won't think you're strange, they're used to people worrying about this sort of thing. Here is some advice from the lalecheleague to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, obviously if you're at all worried, ask your health visitor or phone a breastfeeding support helpline, they will be more than pleased to help.

'Typically during the first few days, while the baby is receiving mother’s thick, immunity-boosting colostrum, he will wet only one or two diapers per day. Once mother's milk comes in, usually on the third or fourth day, the baby should begin to have 6-8 wet cloth diapers (5-6 wet disposable diapers) per day. (An easy way to feel the weight of a wet disposable diaper is to pour 2-4 tablespoons of water in a dry diaper.) In addition, most young babies will have at least two to five bowel movements every 24 hours for the first several months, although some babies will switch to less frequent but large bowel movements at about 6 weeks. A baby that is sleeping rather than feeding every 2-3 hours or is generally lethargic may need to be assessed by a health care provider to make sure that he is adequately hydrated.These are additional important signs that indicate your baby
is receiving enough milk: The baby nurses frequently averaging at least 8-12 feedings per 24-hour period. The baby is allowed to determine the length of the feeding, which may be 10 to 20 minutes per breast or longer. Baby’s swallowing sounds are audible as he is breastfeeding. The baby should gain at least 4-7 ounces per week after the fourth day of life. The baby will be alert and active, appear healthy, have good colour, firm skin, and will be growing in length and head circumference. '

HOW DO I KNOW MY BABY IS LATCHED ON CORRECTLY?
I think the whole latching on and positioning thing is something you either have to be shown, or experience. Basically, if it hurts, there's something wrong, take the baby off by slipping your little finger in the corner of their mouth and try again.

There are so many other things I could write about, positioning, storing milk etc., but as I've rambled on for 5 A4 pages I really must stop now. The main message I'm trying to get across is keep asking if you have any problems, don't just give up, there may well be a simple solution. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and The Lalecheleague both have phone help line, support groups, and websites. These answer the basic, 'how do I actually do it' questions I didn't go into, as well as more specialist queries, like 'what creams can I use if I have eczema and I want to breastfeed'. The phonlines are staffed by trained volunteers, who can both advise you and put you in touch with a support group in your area.

Try to talk to people who have successfully breastfed, if any of the mums at your antenatal classes are planning to try to keep in touch so you can ask them about their experience. If you have any questions, feel free to email me (hallgretta@aol.com) and I will do my best to answer them or at least point you in the right direction. I'm not a doctor or health visitor, so obviously this is just op
inion, and if you have any worries make sure you get them checked out.

If it works for you, great, if it doesn't, you haven't lost anything for trying and your baby has gained a lot from every single drop. Good luck!

Oh, and I haven't said 'breast is best once'!

Well, not till then anyway....

http://www.lalecheleague.org/
http://www.nct-online.org/

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