Boobie Rant
9:51 AM Edit This 7 Comments »
The breast-feeding class at the Baptist Breast Center was really good. It answered a lot of questions and concerns I had and was also helpful introducing Steve to the whole process. He is more prepared now and knows that I probably won't be able to do all I thought I was going to be able to do around the house, at least for the first 2 weeks.
Something that bothered me: Steve mentioned to someone today that he went to the breast-feeding class with me and was glad he attended. The person then responded, "We'll see how long THAT will last." Well thanks a lot. Jerk.
In the class, the consultants kept saying, surround yourself with supportive people. Some women get holed up in the hospital room with 5 or six people who say, 'Well it didn't work for me, I don't know why you're trying it' - 'Just bottle feed her, so dad can help out and you can rest' - 'Your boobs are going to sag if you breast-feed, don't you want your body back?' What a drag! Especially for women who might be on the fence about it. Making it so easy to give up and quit. During the class, I kept thinking that would never happen to me. People have to be supportive don't they? Because its your decision on how to nourish your child. But here it it two days later and the first comment already happened. Steve stood up for it though. Made me proud. Hopefully these people who might say unsupportive things, will get lost on the the way to the hospital.
Any thoughts or suggestions on how to make sure Steve feels a part of the team? I don't want him to feel left out with no attention. He was my first baby :-) I'm thinking he will be the better bather. Who knows. I'm ready to hold her.
7 comments:
You have my support! I breastfed both of ours and it was a great experience. Some tips: Take lanolin to the hospital with you. They say breastfeeding doesn't hurt. Well, it doesn't, but it does some at first - not because you or the baby is doing it wrong (a lactation consultant will help make sure you know what the signs of good latching on are) but because that part of your body is sensitive anyway and is not used to so much activity. I felt like the skin was a little raw, like a slight sunburn. Stick with it, the discomfort only lasts a few days (about 5) and then it becomes completely painless. Use the lanolin after every feeding at first and it won't be necessary much beyond that. I learned this after the first and the second time around didn't have as much initial discomfort. As far as making Steve feel involved, let him do the burrito swaddle (Tripp was the best at it), bring you the baby and burp her after she eats. Also, after you get the breastfeeding nicely established you can pump and let him give her bottles. If she will be going to daycare, start letting Steve introduce the bottle before she goes - neither of ours wanted to take a bottle from me at first b/c they had other expectations, but from Tripp they didn't fight it. I think you are making a great decision - don't let the jerks get to you. If you ever need support/tips/questions, I'm totally willing to offer from my experiences. It's rewarding and, you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to make a bottle - just open up and go - easier on all of you. -Anne Marie
You are going to do GREAT!!!
I love you!
You are gonna do just fine. I think Steve will be a good bath giver. Babies need to feel secure whale they are being bathed and Steve will have a good strong grip! You will learn to listen to other moms and then take what you think is right for you and Campbell and just forget the rest. You are gonna be a great Mom.
MT I think you know you have my FULL support in all areas... but especially this one. You are learning in class all the ABC's or should I say TIT's (hah) PLUS God gave us all a little thing called maternal instinct... you will just know. Also, Steve WILL be able to help feed a lot more after the first couple of weeks then you realize... PUMPING will free you up a little to allow him to bottlefeed bm to her! it's a WIN WIN situation! Also, selfishly, I might add, I was there the first time Celeste hooked up breastpump on and started pumping and was one of the hardest laughs I have ever had...can I be there for yours!? you saw your fair share of my pumping days!
I'm not down on any mom who chooses formula over breastfeeding, but have you noticed that some of the negative comments about the natural way sound just a little bit selfish -- "Don't you want YOUR body back?" "So YOU can rest..."? Since when is raising children about the parents? Since when is it not all about sacrifice and putting someone else's needs first? Putting our own needs/wants first is the root of so many family problems.
Mary Tyler,
Hi there, Emily Reneau Glasgow's big sister here--I'm all about the breastfeeding so I wanted to give you a virtual high-five for making the decision to nurse. Yep, everyone's going to have an opinion about it, and usually they don't have any problem sharing their thoughts. I've struggled with low supply since day one and have done a TON of reading and research on breastfeeding. If you need help down the line, just let me know!
Susan Reneau Rathmell
srathmell@gmail.com
You've got my support too. It's true that you need to surround yourself with supportive people, I can see how people give up easily. The first several days ARE NOT EASY, believe me. Once you get through the worrying that she isn't getting enough to eat and then your milk does come in it is sooooo much better. If you have any questions feel free to ask, my mom and my aunt were a huge help. Good luck!
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