My breastfeeding experience (which may help you)

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.

Photo: Creative Commons Flickr via  Daquella manera