my breastfeeding struggles

Just got the word that I'm now a Medela Mom Maven! To see if you qualify, go here.

{Before I start, I want you to know that I realize all breastfeeding relationships are different. I am not saying that "my way" is the "right way." You do what works for you!}

Out of all three of my kids, The Baby is the only one I've successfully breastfed. I failed with the other two because I wasn't educated, and I listened to people who I THOUGHT were. FYI: Your doctor did not learn about breastfeeding in medical school, so it's possible he may not know what he's talking about!

With Otter, I was only 19, and I didn't try very hard. I said, "If breastfeeding works, great, if it doesn't, fine." I guarantee you if you go in with that attitude you won't be successful. Because breastfeeding takes work and dedication!

With Raven, I was determined to breastfeed. We got off to an awful start. By the time we came home from the hospital, I was bleeding. It was SO painful. I'm from a small town where there are no lactation consultants, just nurses who don't have training in breastfeeding. I started pumping since the pain of nursing was unbearable.

I had been exclusively breastfeeding and pumping for 2 weeks when my doctor said to start supplementing. This was the beginning of the end of our breastfeeding relationship. I know now that I did NOT need to supplement, because my milk production was fine.

Your baby will go through a growth spurt around 2 weeks. She/he will be fussy and want to eat all the time. It does NOT mean you're not producing enough! Just keep feeding and your production will level out.

Now there are some cases where milk production can be a problem, but it does not happen as often as people believe.

I rented a Medela hospital-grade pump and pumped until Raven was 2 months old. I decided to quit since she was getting way more formula anyway.

Here's another fact for you I didn't learn until just recently: Did you know that breastmilk intake does not change much from around 1-6 months? Formula amounts you have to increase, breastmilk you do not. Read more about it here.

While pregnant with The Baby, I spent a lot of time researching breastfeeding and overcoming obstacles. I ordered the Simply Breastfeeding DVD with Shari Criso. The biggest help for me was how she recommended limiting the time of feedings for the first few days to prevent sore nipples. This is what saved me!

Day 1: 5 minutes on each breast
Day 2: 7 minutes on each breast
Day 3. 10 minutes on each breast

Don't let people tell you that if breastfeeding hurts you're doing it wrong. That's not always the case. It just hurts at first!

I gave The Baby a pacifier right away to satisfy her sucking need. This did not create nipple confusion.

The Baby is now 3 months old and I am VERY proud of our exclusive breastfeeding relationship. I plan to nurse for a year and possibly let her self-wean. We'll see how it works out. I'm loving every minute of it.

I chose to breastfeed mainly because it's FREE and convenient! Ya, the health benefits of breastfeeding are great, but I don't go into that much because I had 2 formula babies that are healthy as well. {Okay sans the epilepsy but I do not believe that was caused by formula.}

I do NOT judge people for choosing not to breastfeed. It's your personal choice!

It makes me so sad to think I missed out on this awesome experience with my first two just because I didn't educate myself on breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is tough folks. It takes work and dedication. It's not just something that happens "naturally." Well it didn't for me anyway.

So most importantly, LEARN THE FACTS! Take a breastfeeding class if there's one in your area, buy a book, buy a DVD, join an online support group, see a lactation consultant. And don't always assume your doctor knows best!

What were your breastfeeding struggles?