Get Good Advice About Breastfeeding

by Sharon
(Fridley, MN )

I'm not the most experienced Mom in the world, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. With my first, Gina, I was nervous and anxious to give this a try. I had heard all the stories. I guess the nurses thought I had it down before I left the hospital so I thought some things that were happening were all "normal."

Well it turned out after a week of a screaming baby that I did not realize that Gina was not sucking right and she was biting down instead. My poor baby. We had to switch to formula so that she could get back on track.

I tell you all that because with my second I was determined to do this the right way and ask as many questions as I could while in the hospital before leaving. So I did! I made sure the nurse was right there from the very beginning to make sure my son was latched on correctly, even if it meant buzzing the nurse at 2 am. I really wanted to do this. I'm so glad I did. Jack did amazingly well and I enjoyed breastfeeding so much. There was a definite bond there.

My third was only 4 lbs. when I brought her home and she struggled with breastfeeding because she was so weak. I worked with a nurse for awhile but we both decided that it was more important that she was getting some food.

So my perspective is that if you can breastfeed and enjoy the experience, then go for it. If your baby is struggling and it's making your first weeks a stressful time, then think of another option. As my doctor said to me as I was in tears about not being able to breastfeed Gina, "She'll still go to college!"