Diaper free babies?

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by lauralaylin

I had mastitis twice too, and the first time I had to be admitted into the hospital for two days. I think I stuck with BF only because my FIL was really pressuring me to, and I was so hormonal and tired I couldn't stand up for myself. I'm glad I pushed through, but I completely understand why anyone wouldn't do it after that. Way too painful, no one tells you about that!

Sorry for the double post, but it's really unfortunate that your FIL (I assume that means Father In Law? -- I can't keep up with all of this internet shorthand) pressured you. That's where a husband should come in and support whatever decision you make since the mother is in a highly emotional time. It's your decision and nobody elses -- especially parents and inlaws.

As for the pain, not all women experience a lot of pain after the initial start. There are a lot of factors involved. If there's a problem, get some help. If the problem goes on, make your own decision on what to do.

Please understand that I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding, and almost all women can do it. The percentage of babys who can't thrive on mother's milk is extremely small (exceptions are often for alergies), but for some it really doesn't work.

[lauralaylin]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

Sorry for the double post, but it's really unfortunate that your FIL (I assume that means Father In Law? -- I can't keep up with all of this internet shorthand) pressured you. That's where a husband should come in and support whatever decision you make since the mother is in a highly emotional time. It's your decision and nobody elses -- especially parents and inlaws.

As for the pain, not all women experience a lot of pain after the initial start. There are a lot of factors involved. If there's a problem, get some help. If the problem goes on, make your own decision on what to do.

Please understand that I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding, and almost all women can do it. The percentage of babys who can't thrive on mother's milk is extremely small (exceptions are often for alergies), but for some it really doesn't work.

Yes that is Father in Law. I shouldn't have written that considering how annoyed people are lately about some mothers writing DD! My husband was great about it and would have been ok if I stopped, but I experienced a lot of PPD that was not expected, and we didn't realize it at first and didn't know how to treat it, etc. So basically our lives were a mess and it as easier to not bother with his father. And I do know his intentions were good.

I think a lot of the problem with breastfeeding is that it isn't easy for most women at first, no matter what many experts say. There's a huge learning curve, and a lot of it is learning as you go. My doctors gave me bad information which was why I developed mastitis the first time, and after having it twice, those milk ducts stopped working. But I was able to learn on my own how to prevent this from happening again, and although I came close twice more to getting sick, I was able to work around it. But much of what I read on the internet and was told was wrong, at least for me. Looking back, I wish the breastfeeding class I took actually taught me something instead of merely stressing the importance of breastfeeding. I'm not sure why I paid $75 to be convinced of something that I already knew I wanted to do.

I think it's best to be supportive of new mothers no matter what (assuming they aren't hurting their babies). Plenty of children grew up with formula and have done fine. I think there's plenty of other issues that are more important out there.

[nikki1920]

I was blessed to have a great nurse and lactation consultant who observed the first few times I nursed. It's mom's (and baby's) decision, so please don't force the issue when you dont know what is going on with them. It's not "natural" for every mom and baby. It's not pleasant (engorgement, mastitis, latching issues, PAIN) all the time.

Just support mom in whatever she decides to do. And offer to burp the baby.

I am a big supporter of breastfeeding, but I know my limitations. Formula, boob juice, whatever, so long as baby and mom are doing well is all that should matter to anyone involved.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by lauralaylin

I think a lot of the problem with breastfeeding is that it isn't easy for most women at first, no matter what many experts say. There's a huge learning curve, and a lot of it is learning as you go.

I found that I did better if I ignored all of the lactation consultant/doctor/unsolicited advice I got and just did what felt natural. So my baby wasn't positioned "just right" and (s)he didn't like switching/burping in the middle of feeding, etc...it worked for us.

[nikki1920]

True. The best judge of what works is your baby.

My greedy lil thing didnt want to let go until she was good and full.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by nikki1920

True. The best judge of what works is your baby.

My greedy lil thing didnt want to let go until she was good and full.

Likewise, my greedy little things never could get full. They were (and still are) both huge eaters, and I simply couldn't produce enough. The LLL ladies were nice, but they really didn't understand. The pediatrician actually told me that my children were "Failing to Thrive" (I hated that phrase) on my milk alone. Combine that with their subsequent allergy to all dairy products I consumed, and it didn't take me long to figure out that formula was the best option for us. I was bummed, but I got over it... until I had a hard time losing that baby weight! (It's simply AMAZING how many calories you burn when you BF.)