13 things I wish I knew about breastfeeding before I had a baby

13.08.2018 21:43

woman breastfeeds beach iStock/JaneUk86

When I was pregnant, I had dreamy visions of breastfeeding my son on a lounge chair, holding him peacefully while looking out at the ocean and perhaps sipping a glass of lemonade.

In reality, breastfeeding has been the single biggest challenge I've faced as a new mom. I've been in constant pain, paid hundreds of dollars to work with a lactation consultant, and literally cried over spilt milk.

There have been some bright spots — I've gained a new appreciation for my body as it keeps another human being alive — but I wasn't prepared for those either.

Here are some of the things about breastfeeding that surprised me most once I started doing it.

You're supposed to start breastfeeding within the hour after you give birth.

Shutterstock

If you thought you'd get some time to rest up after labor, think again.

Newborns tend to be alert in the first hour after they're born, and as long as they're healthy, that's the prime window for initiating breastfeeding. Early initiation ensures that newborns get those first few drops of "pre-milk," or colostrum, and cues the body to start producing milk.

I was also surprised to find my newborn "rooting" — automatically moving his mouth towards my breast — almost as soon as he was put on my chest.

It takes a few days for milk production to kick into gear.

AP Photo/Pat Roque

Most mothers don't actually start producing breast milk until three or four days after they give birth.

Instead, they produce a "pre-milk" called colostrum, a liquid that's filled with antibodies and immunoglobulins that give your newborn immunity and help protect her fragile digestive system.

Colostrum is secreted in tiny quantities, but that's OK since a newborn's stomach starts out about the size of a marble, according to La Leche League International.

Breastfeeding can really hurt, especially in the beginning.

Reuters

I was surprised by how badly breastfeeding hurt for the first few weeks, to the point that I dreaded hearing my baby's "hungry" cry.

Part of the problem was that it took a while for him to learn to "latch," or get properly hooked on my breast, and there was a real learning curve for both of us.

Products like lanolin nipple cream and nipple shields can provide some relief, but in my experience, it took six or seven weeks to get to a place where I didn't wince each time my baby ate.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

See Also: