Since it is World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I would take a post to share a little more about my experience breastfeeding Vera.
Note: I know that not all women choose to breastfeed, and I know that not every woman who desires to breastfeed is able to, so please know that I write this post with that in mind!
I shared some of my struggles with breastfeeding in this post last fall, but I wanted to share the rest of my story.
Vera and I have had a great breastfeeding relationship, and I am happy to say that she has nursed 100% of the time for the past (almost) year. I have only on a few occasions even given her a bottle of pumped breastmilk, so we have definitely spent a lot of time together! It is a big commitment to breastfeed exclusively, and it does require sacrifice (i.e., not being able to be away from your baby for long periods of time, limitations on your wardrobe, etc.). But I wouldn’t trade this privilege for anything, especially since I know that not everyone is able to nurse their babies.
Aside from the clogged ducts, sore nipples, and one bout of mastitis (all within the first three months), I have had very little trouble nursing. I learned a few “tricks” along the way that definitely helped my experience!
Combating Soreness
One word: lanolin! I used Medela lanolin ointment LOTS early on and it is awesome! It provides relief from sore nipples and is safe for the baby. Also, make sure your baby’s latch is good. Nothing causes sore nipples faster than a bad latch!
Dealing with Clogged Ducts
When I felt a clogged duct coming on (after the first few times when I learned my lesson), I started drinking more water, getting more rest (if possible), massaging the area, nursing on the affected side first, and placing warm, moist compresses on the area. I think clogged ducts are par for the course when you have a great supply like I did, but all of these things helped me get rid of them quickly. Also, once I switched from disposable nursing pads to Bamboobies I noticed that I got significantly fewer clogged ducts (I may not have gotten any after that point). Seriously, Bamboobies are awesome. Oh, and p.s. I just saw that you can get a free pair this week only just for paying shipping costs (under $5) sorry no longer available.
Mastitis
The best way to not get mastitis is to quickly get rid of clogged ducts! The one time I got mastitis it was because of clogged ducts. Again, use warm, moist compresses and massage the area. Rest, drink water, and don’t stop nursing!
Clothing
Like I said before, breastfeeding does limit your wardrobe, but I have found a few essentials have helped me be able to nurse in public without exposing myself. First, I love a good nursing tank, like the ones from Glamourmom or even Target. These are great for wearing around the house, at night, or under another shirt when going out. A good nursing bra is a must. Around January (so after 5 months of breastfeeding) I finally found a nursing bra I loved. I bought two (they were from Target and not that expensive)! A few nice nursing tops or dresses are fun to have (like ones from Motherwear or Peek-a-boo). I also love my Undercover Mama, which cleverly allows you to wear any top as a nursing top.
Covers
While I loved using my two Udder Covers at the beginning, I soon found that an apron-style nursing cover is no match for an active and flailing baby. The best nursing cover I have found is the Boob*Toob! If you sew, you could make one easily (I have made several to give as gifts).
I think that’s about all I have to say about breastfeeding right now. Except for this advice: at the beginning, nurse early and often! Nurse, nurse, nurse so your milk comes in and you get a good supply! If you have any questions about breastfeeding, feel free to ask, though I do not consider myself to be an expert! For some really expert advice, check out the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog.
One more FAQ in light of yesterday’s post…
Are you going to keep nursing Vera since you are pregnant? Are you weaning soon?
Yes, I am still going to nurse Vera as long as possible. No, I am not actively trying to wean her, but if she self-weans after a year, that is fine. I will try to nurse her as long as my supply lasts!
I was not paid by any of these companies to provide links to their products. I have, however, received many of these products as review items for SIMPLE or She {hearts} It in the past.
thank you thank you THANK YOU for this post!!!! It is truly SO helpful! Although I have done a ton of research on breastfeeding in hopes of making it work for me and my daughter, it is always so helpful to hear what products really make the difference! And I have been terrified of mastitis so hearing how you dealt with it is so helpful and reassuring to me! Also, what a blessing you are still able to nurse Vera while being pregnant-I would love to depending on the Lord’s timing with baby #2 🙂 Thanks again!!
WHAT a great, informative post!! You have learned so much and are now generously sharing that knowledge with others!! Even YOUNG women can be Titus 2 women!! I would “Amen!” the part about nursing A LOT in the first few days—you did even when you were exhausted and it paid off with an early and abundant milk supply! You also persevered through those pesky clogged ducts early on. It has been gratifying for me to watch you care for Vera so lovingly and sacrificially! She is so blessed!
Also, do you happen to know of a tutorial or maybe you have instructions of your own for the boobtoob? I have heard and seen that as babies get older it’s hard to keep them covered so that sounds like a great solution! I just started sewing recently so I don’t know if it would be a do-able project for me yet or not!
I’ve never seen the boob toob. Thanks for sharing. I have an udder cover, but my baby is much too active for that now. Good luck continuing to nurse. I have three kiddos all born 18 months apart, so I was always nursing when I got pregnant. I nursed them until a year and at that point they were done and my milk was just about gone so it made weaning easy and painless.
I’m glad you mentioned the BoobToob nursing cover because I had never heard of or seen that before. What a great idea that is! I, too, have struggled with keeping active babies covered with other styles of nursing covers. If I ever get the privilege of nursing a baby again, I think I’ll try to get my hands on one of those! 😉