Guest post by Sarah Oneal
What I’ve learned about breastfeeding has made my experience with my youngest easy.
So easy that he still won’t stop at 18 months!
Would you like to know what I learned?
As I sit and remember my breastfeeding beginnings with my first-born, who is now 3, I recall it to be rocky, though, it only lasted one month.
Of course, first time mothers have it pretty hard. They have to learn how to be a mommy in the first place, on top of learning how to breastfeed.
And the latter can be difficult when done without help.
Now, with my second child, I made the decision to breastfeed him before he was born. There was no “I’ll try,” as it was “I will!”
I started to research more into the subject of breastfeeding and gleaned as much information as I could from many sources.
You see, while breastfeeding is very natural, it is not something we just know how to do once the baby is out.
Also I realized, the baby has to learn how to nurse too — which was something I did not know when I “tried” with my first-born.
With my second I became aware that I should learn and invite the help of those who know what they are doing. So when I had issues with latching, I asked help from others.
Thankfully I was in a hospital that was very supportive of breastfeeding. Once the latch was fixed, it was smooth sailing.
So, what were the things I learned?
1. Latching
I want you to realize the latch is SO very important!
And while it may look like you have a great latch, if there is pain, there HAS to be a reason for it. It should not hurt to breastfeed.
Once it’s established, things get easier with each nursing moment.
2. Nursing positions
Nursing positions matter, but there is no best one for everyone. Go with the age of your child and what’s comfortable for both of you.
As an example, in Sherrie Criso’s Simply Brest Feeding DVD she showed one that does not have you laying in bed nursing a newborn, and yet I did this. The lesson is don’t be afraid to try different things, especially if they end up working for you.
3. How much to nurse
With my first-born I kept a strict 2 to 3 hour feeding schedule. With my second, I did it whenever he wanted.
The result? Stress-free breastfeeding. Sure I may have nursed him only 30 minutes to an hour but that’s because we humans don’t eat like clockwork, as we nibble here and there.
Again, go with what is comfortable for you and your baby.
4. Night feedings
Bed nursing was a life saver! I had a bassinet that was connected to our bed, and would get Noah, my second, nurse him, and put him back. Very easy compared to having to go to another room for feeding.
Remember that while one child may like to nurse laying down early on, another may not. One child may nurse more, and another less. One may sleep longer, while the other one won’t.
Each situation is different so the key is to find out what works through trial and error.
Before I go, a book I recommend is Dr. Sear’s The Breast Feeding Book. I always had this by me when I was breastfeeding and was my reading material for the first few months of breastfeeding.
Author bio:
Sarah Oneal is a wife, mother, and homemaker. She has 2 very adorable little boys, Noah (1) and Jeremiah (3 ), who make up most of her activities and life. Catch more of her on Sarah: Simply Me.
Great article! You make some excellent points. It is a very rare case where a mother physically cannot breastfeed her child, but society has made it appear to be something difficult and unnatural, and it is easy for a new mom to get frustrated and switch to formula. With guidance and determination, however, breastfeeding CAN be a success, and the benefits for both mom and baby are definitely worth the effort! I tell new moms that if they will at least give it a month they will see it becomes much easier, less painful, and a very enjoyable bonding experience.
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It is sad how society has made it to feel completely unnatural. With all the helps to get free formula and support with formula, I can so understand why most women go that route. It’s sad! We need more support for breastfeeding. So glad you encourage new mothers. It’s always nice to see that!
Jello Cake
I hope be breastfeeding all the way for my next baby. If and
when there is a 2nd baby. Hehe.
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Breastfeeding, as I’ve read from a very good spanish author, is a learned skill though a very natural one. We learn this by seeing other women breastfeed. Over time, women lose this natural ability because we became less and less exposed to this natural ability to nurse. Long, long time ago, every single mom nurse their babies and nursing in public is as common as seeing cars in our present time. So for a new mom to start breatfeeding back then, comes in very naturally and easily. Sadly, that is not the case now in our modern age. There is even a great debate about breastfeeding in public. So now, moms need a lot of support on kind of “re-learning” this natural ability. I am just glad that there are more and more support groups now for moms who really want to breastfeed. Kudos to all moms like you!
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That is very interesting! Makes complete sense. If breastfeeding were common and seen more, it would be the excepted norm. And learned more easily.
I am thankful for the support groups too. One thing I have learned though, you have to seek them out. They are there, but sometimes not so obvious.
Jello Cake
With my first, I was unable to bc I had flat nipples, and he couldn’t latch. Now, 8 years later and 33 wks preg with a girl, and smarter about breastfeeding, I am planning on breastfeeding her. So much so, I am not even looking at bottles or anything of the like (I am a stay at home mom). I have noticed my breasts reacting differently to this pregnancy, signs that maybe they want to work properly this go around. And I’ve even found out about Nipple Shields – to help flat nipples! I am going to do everything I can. Even if it requires pumping – i want to breastfeed!
Thanks for the article
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Twitter: jennifertyree
While I didn’t have flat nipples, I had a bad latch with my first. Also shot myself in the foot too by feeding him formula along with breast milk.
Determination is one BIG factor to breastfeeding. I commend you for having it. I think that alone is what helped me succeed with my second.
Good luck with the birth and breastfeeding!
And please, if you have ANY questions shoot me an email(contact form on my blog). 
While I am no expert, I grabbed all the support I could with my second born. We breast-feeders need all the support we can get! 
Jello Cake
It just felt so natural, the first time I breasted my newborn. We had no latching problems. I also liked how convenient it was to feed her in the middle of the night. I’d just give her my breast without having to get up from bed. Breastfeeding is definitely something I’d do all over again.
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Ahh, how nice! I hope it’s like that for my third child(due in March 2013)
I totally love night feeding too. Having fed my first formula, then my second nursing. I got MUCH more rested sleep while nursing then I ever did while formula feeding. I find that amazing. Something I never thought was true before.
Jello Cake
Oh thank you for sharing with us your thoughts about breastfeeding. Me too, I have learned a lot of things from breastfeeding.
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You are welcome! Welcome to Green Eggs & Moms, and hope to see you around!
I only tried with my second one, a preemie and it was a nightmare for me. I ended up pumping for a month, then quit. I am almost ashamed to say that I actually celebrated the day I quit. As natural as it is, I don’t think it’s for everyone and my son clearly had problems with it.
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Twitter: dianereiter1
I know nothing about having a preemie, I imagine that was very hard! I commend you for trying with him.
Jello Cake