World Breastfeeding Week - Get Your Early Nursing Relationship Going Well

Posted by Commander Mommy

August 1, 2007 |

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding ym sons has been one of the best experiences in my life, and one of the things I am the proudest of. There were difficulties, pain, clogged ducts, thrush, bites, day long nursing marathons, and a few comments from others who seemed to want breastfeeding mothers to fail. But despite it all I fought hard and pass the one year mark with both sons. My oldest until 15 months, and my youngest still going strong at almsot 13 months with no plans to wean before the 2 year mark.

Some women plan to breastfeed but find themselves faced with speed bumps that can throw them off course. Especially in the first few weeks. My advice is to stick with it. Psychologists say that any action can become habit after 3 months, and breastfeeding falls into the same pattern. The first 3 months can be a battle. Bad latch, growth spurts, sleepless nights, and fear that your baby isn’t getting enough can stop a new mother in her tracks. But once you make it past those first 3 months the next 3 are so much easier, and the next 3 get even easier, and the next 3 even easier.

Relax, remember that this is but a short blip on the timeline of your child’s life, even in their life as an infant. Your breasts will stop feeling engorged and settle into a normal pattern. The perfect latch and position for you both will be figured out. Your child will begin sleeping more at night. And the growth spurts will lessen. Your body was designed to make milk, and your baby was designed to eat just milk. It is very rare (less than 5%) for a woman to be physically unable to produce milk. Don’t worry if you no longer feel full, that means your breasts are evening out and only making what your child needs. Don’t worry if your child cries or seems hungry afterwards, that could be a hundred things from gas to teething to just wanting to suckle.

If you want to prepare for a great breastfeeding relationship you can check out:

How to Get Your Breastfeeding Relationship Off to a Good Start.

Life With A Baby: Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Advice from Dr. Sears

Also check out the rest of the great parenting advice posted at Rocks In My Dryer.

Comments

5 Comments so far

Amanda on August 1, 2007 10:23 am
Great advice! So many moms give up at the six week or two-month growth spurts — just before it GETS SO MUCH EASIER!!
The Estrogen Files on August 1, 2007 10:58 am
Great advice! La Leche League has some great things on their website, too: llli.org.
Rhen on August 1, 2007 12:52 pm
I have breastfed all 6 of my children and it was the best thing I ever did for them. My youngest is 5 months so I am still breastfeeding. Hang in there if you are breastfeeding. It is great for you and baby and your baby will have positive lasting effects for their entire lives!!! How great is that!
All for His glory, ~Rhen
Jamie on August 1, 2007 1:19 pm
Thank you for sharing!!! I breastfed my babies and they are now 10 and 12. I think they are smarter and have a better relationship with me because of this.
Karen Lynch-Live the Power on August 1, 2007 4:59 pm
I breastfed all 4 of my children and the fact is if you commit to it and you get past the first month (about) it’s easy and effortless and joyful and wonderful! Of course, you know that but often young moms don’t commit up front and it doesn’t work out. I think they miss out on something amazing and wonderful! babies miss out too!