All first-time moms have preconceived notions about what breastfeeding will be and what it won’t be. You’ve probably been dreaming your entire pregnancy of intimate moments with your beloved baby. Maybe you work to support your family and plan to pump at work. Breastfeeding may surprise you! All these views on breastfeeding are very good, and in today’s world we can appreciate and celebrate that all mothers who feed their children – regardless of how they feed them – are doing very well.
All that to say, there are a lot of weird and funny things that come along with breastfeeding (or pumping). Since our bodies were designed to provide nutritious food for our babies, our bodies are always very important, and producing milk is a crazy process that can lead to incredible emotions. Remember, if you think you are suffering from a disease such as mastitis or thrush, or you are just having something related to nursing, remember that this is normal, and consult a lactation consultant.
Here are some things to expect, especially in the weeks after your baby is born, and if you continue to breastfeed. If you are planning to breastfeed, remember that the most difficult time to have a good, consistent milk supply is the first week of life.
Rock solid bombs
What? I remember taking my first walk in our community after my daughter was born. My husband sat with her to give me a few minutes alone. I tried to pull on my sports bra, and I had a hard time dealing with the ladies! They felt full and solid – it was amazing; I didn’t like it. Milk-filled sores made my hooves allergic and inflamed; they produced amazing things. When I fed my daughter, she was empty and soft. Sweet rest!
Wow! My breasts look like they’re falling apart!
Welcome to the club! They probably are. This is perfect! A little bleeding is normal, too.
Will I be able to wear a normal bra again?
Yes, if you want! Underwires can be very difficult when breastfeeding. For now, enjoy this time to let mom rest, if you want. If you are well-endowed and need the shoulder and neck support that only a good bra can provide, try this tip: wearing your favorite sports bra, mark the outside of the bra where your breasts naturally are. Next, remove the bra, and cut two small “x” marks where you wrote. You can use it as your new favorite bra with all of your favorite Latched Mama styles! This tip is especially useful if you’re pumping – it makes it very hands-free.
Tips to ease the pain of cracked or bleeding breasts?
Epsom salt! This is one of the best tips my lactation consultant gave me. When trying this tip, it’s important to use unscented epsom salts. DO NOT use lavender, peppermint, or lavender. mint peppermint mint makes a great epsom salt infusion. In a small cup with a smaller circumference than the front of your breast, mix epsom salt and warm water. Lean over to tilt your breast into the cup, and then “suck” the cup onto the areola – your spot. Relax and let the soothing and healing properties of epsom salts work for five minutes on each side, repeating several times a day, if needed.
I am very tired during dinner. How do I stay awake?
There are many things you can do. The best way is to drink very cold water. It won’t just help you wake up and stay awake, it will actually help your milk production. Keep a bottle of water next to your nursing chair so that when you get up to feed, it’s there and ready for you and you don’t have to think about it. Without the side effects associated with sugary drinks, soda or caffeine, you can sleep better as soon as you feed. Just remember to try to use the bathroom before bed!
I have heard that I will lose a lot of weight while breastfeeding.
This may be true for you, and it is for many women, but remember that many women gain weight during nursing. Do not despair if this happens to you. It’s because your body is working overtime to deliver your baby. One of the telltale signs of a breastfeeding mom is that you’ll probably be wild! There was no amount of food that I could not eat while breastfeeding. I was always hungry. I gained weight, and after nursing, I wanted to continue to be healthy in my new body. For me, that meant trying to be fat. Give yourself more time, and more grace. Your body is doing wonders, no matter how much you weigh!
Make Forever Memories
Do you have moments in your life where you find a camera? These are often some of the things we tend to remember. Catch them! I had my husband take a picture of me holding our two week old baby as he was about to nurse. I didn’t know my shirt was leaking! I’m glad they caught it on camera because I laugh when I see this picture. The best way to take care of your health during this difficult time is to embrace breastfeeding in its sad, lonely, painful, precious and most joyful time of bonding with your baby.
By the way, I managed to breastfeed my daughter for seven months. It was not two years, or two weeks; it was right for him and me. Take heart; you are doing well mom.
*If you have any concerns about breastfeeding, make sure you make it a priority to consult with a qualified and experienced lactation consultant.