Deciding to breastfeed your child is a commitment, more than I anticipated. Some days I couldn’t wait to wean my first and seriously considered it. However, once my daughter self weaned at 23 months, I realized that it was a very short time in the grand scheme of things. Since reaching my goal of 1 year with my second, I’ve been a little more relaxed about an end date to our relationship, again, knowing that it won’t be much longer and 2 years is really a drop in the bucket when I know I’m doing what’s best for her development by working with her on when she can and cannot nurse. Reflecting on some of the tips and advice I received when I was starting my breastfeeding journey, I decided to ask breastfeeding moms right here in Dayton, Ohio what advice they would give a new mom.
Most responses that boiled down to two simple messages.
- If breastfeeding is important to you, don’t give up when things are hard.
- Reach out to other mothers for support (or at least a sympathetic ear at 3:00 am).
Here are some of my favorite words of wisdom from moms on the front-lines on breastfeeding:
The beginning is the hardest. ~ Rachel
You grow up thinking its natural so it must be easy, but you might have to work really, really hard to make it work. But it’s all worth it, and it does eventually become “easy.” You might battle through a lot of issues and still make it to two years breastfeeding with a bond you’ll never regret fighting for with your child. ~ Julie
When in doubt offer the boob! ~ Bree
Gel pads really helped give me a bit of relief in the beginning! ~ Tiffany
Watch the baby, not the clock, and respond to baby’s cues to nurse. It may be more often than you expect, especially in the beginning and that’s okay! ~ Mary
Cluster feeding its totally normal in the first couple months ( maybe longer). Your baby might nurse for what seems like six or twelve hours straight. This is likely due to a growth spurt and is your baby’s way of increasing your milk supply. ~ Kristyn
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many great resources in our area for nursing moms. ~ Alexis
Breastfed babies aren’t always satisfied as long as bottle fed. It’s ok. He will let you know when he’s hungry. It takes a lot of dedication that I was not prepared for. But, once you get it down, it’s second nature. ~ Emily
Seek out other nursing moms! Hearing what a wide range of “normal” there is helps you to see that your baby’s habits aren’t a problem but just a part of your unique nursing relationship. ~ Amanda
Don’t give up if it is important to you. It can be really challenging for both of you to figure it out, but it’s worth it. Keep your chin up. ~ Emily
Celebrate!
One of the turning points in deciding to fight for my nursing relationship was attending a Big Latch On event. It was the first time I was in a space with 30+ other nursing mothers and realized if they could do it, I could too.
:: You are cordially invited to attend ::
LLLatch and Breastfeeding Celebration 2015
@ Old Yellow Cab Building | September 5, 2015, at 10:30 am.
Connect to local moms.
Visit these groups through Facebook to learn more about them.
Breastfeeding Community Playgroup of SW OH
Dayton Area LLL Discussion/playgroup
Wright-Patt Nature & Nurture Nursing Support Group
Do you have any advice from the front-lines?