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Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

"What's your general advice for new moms who will be breastfeeding?" -trishie7

Re: "What's your general advice for new moms who will be breastfeeding?" -trishie7

The Bump Expert

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. You may hit some hurdles along the way—and that’s totally normal. Feeling frustrated, clueless or just plain uncomfortable at times isn’t unusual, but don’t give up or assume that you can’t do it. Once you start talking to other moms, you’ll see you’re not alone. Check out our breastfeeding boards, talk to your friends or other mommies in your area. One thing you’ll find about moms who are breastfeeding is that they usually like to share their experiences—from a trick they’ve discovered along the way that makes things easier to crazy home remedies they’ve tried that really didn’t work.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this is your decision and you shouldn’t let anyone pressure you to breastfeed or not to breastfeed, or how long or how often to do it. Feel confident in the choices you’ve made.

The Bump Editors | June 19 , 2009 11:35 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Nursing covers make nursing when you're out and about a lot smoother. Nursingcovers.blogspot.com sells them at a great price. Good luck!

ashsmash1 | July 19 , 2009 12:05 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

It gets easier, I promise. We had a tough go of it at first but it did get much easier and become pain free. My son had thrush which is tricky to get rid of and makes breastfeeding more painful. For me, it took about six-eight weeks before I really was able to nurse without pain. Now I have a beautiful 7 month old and the time we spend together while he is nursing is precious. Buy a nursing cover that goes over your head. That way you can still see your baby, but he can't pull it off when he gets a little older. Babies r us has a good one. Be comfortable nursing in public. Just throw the cover on and don't give it a second thought. Most people smile at you and even look at you wistfully, that is if they even notice because most just think your baby is sleeping. I have never had any bad comments about nursing in public. If I did not nurse while I was out we would never be bale to leave the house. What you are doing is beautiful, natural and incredibly healthy for your baby, as well as for you. Stick with it, I promise you can do it!

becca&baby | July 29 , 2009 9:20 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Give it at least 3 weeks was something I read before I started nursing and I am glad that I did because the first 3 weeks were incredibly hard. But once I got past the first 3 weeks it became easier, less exhausting and the pain went away. I wavered and almost quit but then discovered that nursing is easier and quicker then fixing a bottle when the baby wakes at night and there are no dishes then too. Also, I didn't realize that I needed to eat a blander diet. I used to eat spicy and gassy foods and this upset my babies stomach causing way too much gas and pain for her. I started eating chicken, rice, fish and potatoes and I kept out onions, broccoli, salad, tomatoes, chocolate, juice and caffeine. I also limited my milk intake and this helps too. I have a nursing cover but if I am uncomfortable nursing in public I will supplement with formula, I started doing this around 3 weeks and I am glad that I did because my baby will take either breast or bottle. Although I try to give the breast 99% of the time because I enjoy the bond with my daughter. Now my 11 week old little girl is on track most days and seems to be less squirmy and gassy. Hang in there.

sarauen | August 02 , 2009 9:57 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding my baby is very important to me but a couple days after getting home from the hospital I was in so much pain I was in tears and couldn"t imagine my baby getting near my nipples! With encouragement and support from my husband, I stuck with it and I'm really glad I did--after A LOT of reading and patience, it has gotten sooooo much better and it hasn't even been 3 weeks yet. We still have a bad latch now and then but nursing doesn't hurt anymore. Talk to other moms, contact the La Leche League, or just read what you can about it--it's worth it!

marydmunoz | August 31 , 2009 7:40 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

You ladies should all try a Shower Hug for discomfort. It is so helpful for painful breasts. Especially in the beginning stages. I've been through the pain three time. I was always told the girls were doing great at nursing from the beginning, but the pain made me so miserable. I had the Shower Hug for #3 and what a difference it made.

tonelli44@verizon.net | September 28 , 2009 5:17 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

I am a new mom myself, first time doing the nursing thing, the tips mentioned abve are very helpful, though, I don't think I would be comfortable nursing in public. I haven't had to do it yet, and my baby is already 3 wks, coming close to 4 wks old. I hsve nursed in the privacy of the church office, and also the car once- on an emergency case. I just wanted to mention what I have found, the reason, why my nipples hurt was because my baby wasn't latching on properly, in which there were a couple of days in week 2 where my nipples hurt. After I switched what side I was nursing first, the not so sore one first and tesore one last, and making sure the baby was latching properly, my nipple that was sore evenually wasn't sore anymore. I believe it onlt took a couple of days, before they started feeling better. Anyway, I hope that that is helpful info, forsomeone out there, who is going thru the same thing I went thru.

Rachels_84 | September 29 , 2009 10:24 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

I was in pain for the 1st 6 weeks. It was difficult, I bleed, cracked, had blisters, had blocked ducts, and got matsis. I really wanted to quit, but then i would see my daughter getting bigger and she was so healthy I kept going. At week 5 I really wanted to throw in the towel and i got online and there were tons of women who went through more than i did. i felt better and not so alone, and no longer felt like something was wrong w/ my body. And I agree whatever you decide is your decision. You have to figure out what works for you and your child and don't let anyone talk you in to/out of anything and do not feel guilty about your choices. The happier you are the happier your baby will be:)

Sarah | October 23 , 2009 11:21 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

the first couple of weeks are terrible =) I was determined to breastfeed but had latching issues and gave up. I had decided that i was just going to exclusively pump. Last week, someone told me about nipple shields. What a difference they made! She latched on immediately and it was not painful. It has made breastfeeding so much different. i wish somene would have told me about them before i left the hospital!

Crystalstevens | October 27 , 2009 3:08 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Something that has truly helped out for me was to get myself a breast shield from Medela. My breasts were sore in the beginning, but weren't able to heal, even with lanolin or packs because my daughter kept eating on them. So, I started using the shields. They are easy to use and gives your nipples a chance to heal and you are still able to breastfeed. :D

BrendaAD | November 19 , 2009 2:24 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

info. on breastfeeding and nursing covers at brightmama.com

ruthiebell | November 21 , 2009 7:49 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

ii actually have a question. ii was breastfeeding untill the 2nd week going on to the 3rd week but my baby stop sucking and got used to the bottle ii got a pump to pump my boobsz but ii started slacking he is currently 5 weeks old and ii have a lil bit of milk but not much is it worth it to keep going or should i stop and if so how can ii produce more milk he doesnt wanna get hooked on?!. nd last question is it true after you breastfeed and stop your boobs go down to a lower size?!.

MiszJennii_13 | November 21 , 2009 9:30 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Don't quit, it's sometimes difficult but you'll get over it. Plus it's so good for you and the baby Good luck

Triciaann | December 02 , 2009 3:38 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

My daugther is only 9 days old. I have been very enthusiastic about breast feeding adn I was extremly proud when she lauched on right after birth. It did not even hurt at that time. Then came the engourgement when I switched to produc milk in one day and I did not even know what to do. Then she started to spend more and more time on the breast and my nipples started to dry out. I have been very frustrated. I realised I either give up or I put some extra effort and I pump twice a day and I teach her not to hang on the breast but just feed and then even if giving a passifier at her age is not the best but it is better than me stopping breastfeeding her. Since I got pregnant I have realised that things are not happening as I planned and I just have to be very patient and try to make the best out what I have. My boobs are burning and stinging but I am still very very happy.

gravoide09 | December 03 , 2009 11:47 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

What is a shower hug? What do breast sheilds look like? What do both of these do? Where can you get them?

BabyBeamon | December 17 , 2009 7:57 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Let some milk dry on your nipples every time you feed for the 1st several weeks. The milk has natural moisturizing and healing properties. My nipples were still a little sore, but they never got dry, cracked, or bleeding.

p10babydoll | December 21 , 2009 2:30 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

practice, practice! It isn't easy and it can really hurt. but you have to remember that even through the hard parts it is the best thing you can do for your baby. Even if you can only do it for a month- its better than nothing.

Phay185 | December 28 , 2009 8:30 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

First, why would anyone be embarrassed to nurse in public? With my first I would use a receiving blanket to cover her, but I live in L.A and it's in the mid- to hi 70's most of the time and she would just pull it off. At first I was a little shy, but then it went away, very quickly. Breastfeeding is nothing to be ashamed of. Empower yourself, you are feeding your child in the healthiest, most economical, and environmentally friendly way possible!

negra.morada | January 08 , 2010 7:53 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

My baby girl is almost 3 weeks old and things are still really rough...more for me and my nipples :( than for her I think...Since she was born things are exponentially better but still a struggle. She had latch on issues to start causing her a lot of gas, then came engorgement which was difficult and painful. And of course there is the fact that she is kinda lazy at times, and even tho clearly hungry, will not really seem to do anything. At others, she will nurse straight thru and then be wide eyed for an hour plus at 3 in the morning! (It appears her daddy and I hard-wired her to be a night owl...) And my nipples still really hurt...a lot...They told me in the hospital that even with some concerns about not being able to nurse her, that I would be able to, and I have. We even visited with a lactation consultant about a week after she was born, to check in and make sure things were being done right, and to see if there was something I could do to protect/heal my nipples. Baby of course was a little show-off, nursing perfectly, for approx 15 min. on both sides. It was textbook perfect but when we got home it all went to hell...Despite the fact that this all sounds miserable ad awful, I am determined to make this work and am so proud of my girl for having gotten as good as she has! And last week at the pediatrician, when they were super impressed and encouraged that she'd gained almost a pound in a week, I was that much more determined! I hope it gets better, but since some other women appear to have needed 6-8 weeks...maybe more (God forbid) for it to do so...I will soldier on! Wish me luck!

merbear385 | January 11 , 2010 4:18 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Like everyone is saying, it is really hard at first. My baby boy wanted to eat every 1 and half to two hours. I cried a lot the first month. There were times when I would think, I can't do this. Somtimes it feels like you are nursing constantly, but it does get easier. Both you and the baby will get better! I promise! Also, if you do have to give baby a bottle with formula once in a while, don't worry, it's okay!!! Sometimes you just need a break!

karijocrabtree | January 22 , 2010 2:30 PM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

Stick with it! When the baby is done feeding on one side quickly squeeze extra milk out and rub it all over your nipple, then apply pad before putting nursing bra back on...it heals my nipples right up! Forget Lansinoh or any of those other ointments...your breast milk is the best!

alexaj23 | January 23 , 2010 9:53 AM

Q&A: Advice for new moms breastfeeding?

It can be tough at first, but after you and your baby get the hang of it, it is one of the greatest accomplishments in motherhood. My baby had trouble latching on at first and would get terribly frustrated and just cry which made me feel awful! Plus, my nipples were sooo sore at first that I wondered if something was wrong with me... But, after all that, it started to come easy to both of us and now my baby is still EBF at 4 months old. It makes feedings easier because there is no measuring and warming and mixing of formula or carrying around bottles etc. etc. Just make sure you have a good nursing pillow for home and nursing cover for while you are out. My favorite is the Udder Cover. It has a rigid neckline so you can stay covered up and still see your baby. It's wonderful! Good luck and don't give up!!

jjfoster252003 | January 31 , 2010 7:37 PM

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