When my pregnancy progressed into the 9th month i began to worry about breastfeeding. It was something very important to me and i was determined to make sure my child was breastfed. I just assumed that nature would take over once baby was born and i would simply pop on baby and everything would work out perfectly. I had heard horror stories but i figured my experience would be a positive one and my problems would be minimal. I have never been so wrong in all my life.
My labor experience was less than perfect and after 7 hours of laboring the doctors thought it best to induce me with Oxytocin. I was pumped full of synthetic drugs, antibiotics and IV saline for 9 hours without pain meds. Finally after 16 hours and screams ricocheting in every nook and cranny of the foothills maternity ward i was given 5 mg of morphine. It was useless, like taking a Tylenol for an amputation. Needless to say it wasn't good it was the worst and best day of my life. Once Phineas arrived a whole gamit of issues developed the major one being breastfeeding.
My Doula, (http://www.swellmama.com/en/doula) had mentioned that breastfeeding may be more challenging if a woman's labor is difficult. In my case it couldn't have been more true. Phin wasn't able to latch properly, my milk didn't come in and everything went down hill from that point on.
For 8-10 weeks breastfeeding was a nightmare. I saw almost every lactation consultant in the city on a weekly basis with little to know improvement. I fought secondary nipple infections, thrush for over 2 months, Reynaud's syndrome, mastitis...the list goes on. Many people would look back at my story and wonder why i even bothered continuing but the truth is for ME there was no other option. I wanted what was best for my baby and to me that was breast milk. It didn't matter how many times people tried to convince me formula was just as good, i had it in my mind to breastfeed so i did everything i could to make it happen. I became insanely jealous of women i would see at the mall who were breastfeeding with ease and i would watch videos where it all looked so simple but for me it was a real sore spot. After a couple months of being on Domperidone (drug for low milk supply) and a list of other meds i was on the verge of depression when i finally saw Dr. Woolgar at the Alex breastfeeding clinic. To be completely honest she is a miracle worker and she saved us. In 10 minutes she figured out our latch issues and in a couple weeks i was off all medications and breastfeeding was a breeze. Phin no longer needed supplements and i finally felt whole again. The ideal image of mother and baby breastfeeding was finally a reality for me and looking back i am so glad i didnt give up on either of us. Now, i must make it clear that i do not judge women who end up using formula when breastfeeding just isn't working. The most important thing is that babies are fed, loved and nurtured and as mothers you do what you have to do. I am writing this post for those who may be struggling themselves and looking for support or have a friend who might be. I am writing this for the woman who is expecting, who may not know all the challenges that can arise when it comes to breastfeeding. I found the process really isolating and depressing to go through when your already overwhelmed and exhausted with the many other issues that arise when baby is born.I hope my experience can shed light on the difficulties of breastfeeding and encourage new moms who are struggling to stick with it. My son is almost a year old and breastfeeding has been enjoyable and successful for the past several months.
Below are some tips and solutions for problems i encountered along the way:
Firstly, join a La Leche League and attend a meeting in your final trimester or immediately after baby is born if you are experiencing issues. This woman to woman support group will help you with so many things. The leaders are excellent and can often help you with issues over the phone, by email or in person. I found comfort hearing accounts from other women who were experiencing the same issues as me.
http://www.lllc.ca/
Latch issues: Videos definitely helped me and Dr. Sears has plenty. His website offers parenting advice on all kinds of topics bookmark it!
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding
Another great go to website for all kinds of breastfeeding tips and parenting tips is Kelly Mom again please bookmark it.
http://kellymom.com/
Remedies:
Milk Supply: If your milk doesn't come in see a breastfeeding Dr. right away to see if you can help the issue with a better latch, position or herbal remedy before starting prescription meds. I used Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle (both available at health food stores) and within 48-72 hours my supply had nearly doubled. Oatmeal is rumored to help with supply as well however i didn't find it particularly beneficial.
http://www.lowmilksupply.org/
Thrush: below is a link that tells you all about it along with a list of symptoms. Thrush was excruciating and felt like razor blades cutting your breasts. It is incredibly difficult to get rid of because you need to treat yourself and baby. Often if you get it in one breast it spreads to the other through baby and is a huge hassle. See your doctor right away if you experience burning after feeds or feel razor sharp pain during and after feeds. I was given a prescription that did help after a couple days however it came back with a vengeance. It wasn't until a friend i met at a La Leche League told me about GSE. Grapefruit seed extract is a homeopathic remedy that works for all yeasts in the body. I would make a tonic out of it mixing it with a splash of grapefruit juice or soda. It is incredibly bitter but i would drink it about twice a day until the symptoms decreased. You can also treat baby by dipping a cotton swab with it and sweeping the inside of their cheeks and tongue. Within 24 hours my symptoms were nearly gone. I swear by this product.I also recommend taking a probiotic and health food stores sell them for infants as well.
http://www.thewomens.org.au/breastandnipplethrush
Mastitis: This is an infection in the breast and again incredibly painful. It usually starts with a fever along with pain and swelling. I experienced a terrible aching pain in my armpit and shoulder. If you start to feel any of these symptoms see a Dr. immediately as it moves very fast and in just a few hours can worsen dramatically. The quicker you get it diagnosed and on antibiotics the better. Once antibiotics are prescribed you can try cabbage leaves as they cool the breast tissue relieving the pain and they apparently draw out infection. Rest lots! As painful as it is continue to feed baby on the infected breast or breasts it helps with the swelling and gets the infection out without harming baby. If you can't stand the pain from feeding baby then pump to drain the breast.
http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BD-M
Nipple infections/cracking: This goes without saying-PAINFUL! Most new moms will get cracking and pain when they first start breastfeeding. However there are degrees of cracking and if left untreated it can progress to infection.I was prescribed a cream with fucidin and IBuprofen which worked immediately and took away the acute pain and swelling. The cream doesn't hurt baby and works well for a variety of issues, ask your doctor about it if you have extreme cracking and pain from latching issues.
Reynauds Syndrome: This is when the blood vessels in your nipples get damaged. Fortunately i didn't need to take medication as Dr. Woolgar was able to fix this issue with a proper latch. It too is very painful and other than keeping your breasts warm and away from the open air i have no advice- it will heal in time.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/4/e360.full
Finally, hang in there! Breastfeeding can be a horrible experience but with the right support and help you can get through anything. Don't beat yourself up if things aren't working follow your instincts and don't feel guilty if breastfeeding isn't working for you. Relax and remember your doing an excellent job as a new mom weather you breastfeed or not!
Please comment! If you have tips or want to share your own experience please don't hesitate.
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