1. It is all about the latch. It really is! With the first 2 kiddos I was so sore for the first few weeks. With number 3, I was NEVER sore. I mentioned this to my midwife and she said what I already knew, " it is all about the latch. If it is sore unlatch the babe and start again." The beauty was I never had the need with this baby.
2. There is no need to supplement. I did with the first 2and way more with my first. With this baby, I was determined not to supplement at all. It was not easy. She had her days and nights mixed up which resulted in nursing hours on end at night. I mean ALL night! But, the pay off was sweet! My milk came in a full 2days earlier and she was a different baby! And, I was never engorged.
3. Throw your schedule away. Babies do not operate on schedules. This article says it better than I can http://www.ivillage.com/should-you-schedule-babys-feeds/6-n-137351. No two days alike. Naturally, when kids are growing they eat more and some days they just aren't as hungry. We, as adults alter our schedule to fit our needs and wants, so do babies.
4. Breast feeding takes time. And, way more time in the beginning. I have learned to make my baby my priority for the first month or two. I sit my bottom in a chair and feed whenever my baby shows any sign of needing me. I feed hours on end. My housework lags and my social life dwindles but the bonding and feeding time is priceless. No regrets. Ever. I feed on demand until the breast feeding relationship is over but it is way less demanding as time goes on.
5. Immunity is past to your baby. You have the sniffles? Your breast milk is already passing the immunity to your baby! Wow! Our Creator thought of everything, didn't He?
6. Dont give up! Leche League and Kellymom.com are amazing resources. Kellymom.com has information on everything from latch to poop. Go to ilca.org and type I your zip code. Find a breastfeeding consultant. Don't give up! Most regret it!
7. Your baby usually is getting enough! If they aren't, you can usually correct the problem. I know there are times when I feel I am not making enough. Drinking more water and feeding more frequently are just 2 of the many ways to increase your supply. But, chances are, you are making more than you think.
8. Breastfeeding is way more than nutrition. It is also bonding! I have a 3 month old. She eats unlatches, smiles at me, eats, unlatches, and coos, eats, unlatches, smiles etcs. Does it take more time? Yes! And I heart EVERY moment.
9. Breastfeed in public! What!?!? Yep, I have learned how to breastfeed in public. People feed babies bottles in public, why can't I breastfeed my baby, too? I used to leave to feed or pump and bottle feed. I simply don't want the hassle. Babies 2&3 wouldn't take bottles anyway. I do use a cover or try to use one. This is not for my benefit, it is for the comfort of others.
10. Breast feeding prevents diseases and obesity later in life. It also has been linked to higher intelligence. Google it!
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