Real Mom Talk: Nitty Gritty on Nursing

Today in Real Mom Talk, we move north to talk about our two best girl friends. Nothing can truly prepare you for what it feels like to nurse a baby. Maybe you used that breast pump on your shelf to try to induce labor at week 40, so you think you have an idea of what it will be like, but not even that compares to a real, live, hungry baby. Sure, it's a wonderful, natural thing women have done for centuries, but that doesn't mean it is always easy or feels nice.

For some moms, breastfeeding is easy, completely pain free and they never give it a second thought. For others, it isn't quite that simple. A poll here in our office found exactly one mom who never experienced any pain during the early days of breastfeeding. If you're having trouble with breastfeeding, always seek the assistance of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Calling your doula, midwife, obstetrician, birthing center or the post-partum department at the hospital will help you connect with the right resource.

Anecdotally speaking, these are some of the things that our staff has found helpful during the early days of nursing a baby:

• Nursing bras and cloth nursing pads are helpful in giving you the support and security you need in those early days.
• Gel breast soothers and lanolin can be very helpful to have ready to go, should you begin to get irritated as you find your nursing groove.
• Feeling like you are about to burst? Sometimes it can be helpful to relieve some of the pressure when things are feeling most uncomfortable. The most beneficial milk is the hindmilk, so expressing a bit of foremilk shouldn't adversely affect your baby. You can either manually express breastmilk or use a breastpump to relieve a bit of pressure.
• If your breast pump doesn't fit quite right, your IBCLC may recommend Medela PersonalFit Breastshields for a better fit.
• If your pediatrician recommends supplementing, ask if Medela's Supplemental Nursing System is right for you and your baby.

It's also important to remember that each mom, baby and situation are different. Sometimes despite great effort, nursing is just not an option and that's okay. Don't mentally beat yourself up over other people's experiences or judgements, they haven't walked in your shoes. Remember no matter your situation, no matter your choice, you are a good mom because you are doing the best you possibly can for your baby.
Did you breastfeed or bottle feed? Did you overcome obstacles or struggles to feed your child? Tell us about your infant feeding journey.