* Breastfeeding *
- Beverly Quintal
- May 26, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 10, 2023
It’s A Beautiful Thing.
When I found out that I was pregnant I was really looking forward to breastfeeding. I did understand that it would take some work & excited as I was I still felt nervous. It is not as easy as one would hope. Practice makes perfect, for you and your little one. Being it was my first time I figured time would help but effort, passion & patience is what made it all possible.
I was breastfeeding for about 5 months. Actually I miss it a little & wish I was able to continue. It made me feel so much more close to my baby, I had a purpose. & besides it being super healthy I just felt happy knowing I was able to do this for my baby considering some woman are unable.
<h2>It took me about 2-3 weeks to get comfortable.</h2>
It was not easy. Sometimes I wanted to give up but I told myself from the start to stick to it, that I can do this. Though I did not have to deal cracked or bleeding nipples, thank Goodness. It can be very painful either way. It is a lot of work. I had to remember that both me and my son were learning & it would get better.Though, I couldn't produce as much as I wish I could have.. My right breast would only produce so much. Truthfully thinking back the one thing I probably should have done was start pumping right from the start. I'm sure it would have made that much more of a difference.<p>Admittedly I was giving K. Michael a bottle and boob at the same time. The reason being was I felt like he wasn't getting enough milk. So I do think that had something to do with my milk supply. He would fall asleep while drinking a little. It seemed like he needed more. But that was me just being a first time paranoid mother. </p>
<h2>* I felt like I was a pacifier most times *</h2>
This is part of the reason I had to stop. Besides the part where I couldn't produce as much with one & the other one could barely drip a drop. My son would get some milk I guess but then just fall asleep. I had to go to the lactation specialist at the hospital to show her how we were coming along & she basically said that most babies do this, they get comfortable and just use it to sooth themselves to sleep. So she even said I was technically being used as a pacifier. It just felt wrong & I knew I had to stop.. there was no point anymore. I know for next time how I can try to change the experience & make sure that I can produce more. You live & you learn, that's what they say. I know that not ever situation is going to be the same.. so I just hope next times goes well.. Though there will always be bumps in the road.. you just have to keep trying.
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/bce27-img_1260-1.jpg?w=150&h=150" alt="" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1260-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1260-1.jpg?resize=314%2C314&ssl=1 314w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1260-1.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1260-1.jpg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1260-1.jpg?zoom=3&resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 450w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />
He would have some boob then off to sleep he went. I loved that I was able to comfort him but I knew it could be easier if I stopped when I did rather then let it keep going on longer.
<figure>
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/e9d27-img_1614-copy.jpg?w=150&h=150" alt="" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1614-Copy.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1614-Copy.jpg?resize=314%2C314&ssl=1 314w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1614-Copy.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1614-Copy.jpg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IMG_1614-Copy.jpg?zoom=3&resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 450w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> <figcaption></figcaption>
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<h2>*Getting Out Of The Habit / No More Boob*</h2>
Though giving him bottle & boob helped some, I guess, when it came to getting him off the boob. It was still a bit difficult considering he was in the habit of getting boob to fall asleep. But because he was used to having a bottle also I basically just had to switched up our night time routine. The first few nights were the worst. He soon realized that he was not getting boob any more & it became a bit easier. I can only imagine if he did not take the bottle also, it could have been a way worse situation. So I am glad for the fact that it made that process was more simpler.
<h2>* You are not alone *</h2>
Looking for ways to bust your milk supply? I had asked for advice/help along the way & there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is easier if you have someone with experience to suggest how to make things more smooth and enjoyable for you and your little one.
<h2>My Advice</h2>
<h2>* Drink Water *</h2>
Well, overall, water is GREAT for you; water keeps us alive & going. Being & staying hydrated is very important.I would always try to keep a water bottle ready for me in the fridge. I would drink while breastfeeding quite a bit actually.. I would just feel so thirsty most right at those moments.I felt so much better. & it was as if I had more energy afterwards.
<figure>
<img width="300" height="300" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/fb36d-drinkwater.png?w=300&h=300" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=314%2C314&ssl=1 314w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=192%2C192&ssl=1 192w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DRINKWATER.png?w=398&ssl=1 398w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> <figcaption>This, I'm sure, will also help boost your milk supply. </figcaption>
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<img width="184" height="274" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/079c1-breastfeeding.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Breastfeeding.jpg?w=184&ssl=1 184w, https://i0.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Breastfeeding.jpg?resize=129%2C192&ssl=1 129w" sizes="(max-width: 184px) 100vw, 184px" />
<img width="450" height="450" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/b0815-102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-motheraee284a2s-day-sucklin.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?w=450&ssl=1 450w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=314%2C314&ssl=1 314w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=192%2C192&ssl=1 192w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/102167599-stock-vector-dark-skin-mother-pumping-her-left-and-right-breast-with-automatic-breast-pump-mother’s-day-sucklin.jpg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" />
<h2>* Feed / Pump Often *</h2>
Even though baby may not eat as much at first but they will get bigger & need more milk. So the more you feed & pump the more you will produce.
<h2>* Use A Nursing Pillow *</h2>
<p>Being comfortable is important, for you & baby. I thought this pillow helped so much. The pillow made it so much easier also, my son was a the perfect position for breast feeding. It was also helpful when he got bigger & could hold his bottle all on his own. I also used it for tummy time at times.</p>
<img width="250" height="250" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/c940c-nursing-pillow.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nursing-pillow.jpg?w=250&ssl=1 250w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nursing-pillow.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nursing-pillow.jpg?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nursing-pillow.jpg?resize=192%2C192&ssl=1 192w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nursing-pillow.jpg?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" />
<img width="298" height="300" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/535b8-hanginthere.png?w=298&h=300" alt="" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?resize=298%2C300&ssl=1 298w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?resize=191%2C192&ssl=1 191w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hanginthere.png?w=396&ssl=1 396w" sizes="(max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px" />
<h2>* Stay Positive *</h2>
<em>EVERYTHING </em> takes time. It is repetitive. It will take some practice & getting used to. I will get better you just have to keep in mind that this is a learning process for both of you, especially if this is your first child or first time actually breastfeeding. Tell yourself you are strong - take it one day at a time.
<h2>* Take Prenatal Vitamins *</h2>
Even after being pregnant & giving birth it is a great idea to keep taking your prenatals. It is very important to make sure that you & your baby are getting getting essential vitamins and minerals.
<img width="700" height="446" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/7aeed-week1_largevitamins.png" alt="" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Week1_Largevitamins.png?w=889&ssl=1 889w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Week1_Largevitamins.png?resize=300%2C191&ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Week1_Largevitamins.png?resize=768%2C490&ssl=1 768w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Week1_Largevitamins.png?resize=772%2C492&ssl=1 772w, https://i1.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Week1_Largevitamins.png?resize=301%2C192&ssl=1 301w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://behapppymom.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/a8468-healthy.png?w=150&h=150" alt="" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=314%2C314&ssl=1 314w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=96%2C96&ssl=1 96w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=192%2C192&ssl=1 192w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?resize=50%2C50&ssl=1 50w, https://i2.wp.com/behappymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/healthy.png?w=398&ssl=1 398w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />
<h2>* Eat Healthy *</h2>
Besides drinking water & taking your vitamins eating healthy is a great idea any day. Remember what you eat is what your baby is getting when breast feeding. So you need to try to eat healthy so your baby is getting everything that they need from your breast milk.
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