by Shanna Jensrud

Created on: September 21, 2008

Breastfeeding your baby is an amazing experience. I breastfed my son for 18 months and easily could have continued, but I wanted to reclaim my body back. I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent while he was breastfeeding. I would like to share some tips that I discovered during those 18 months.

Invest in a breast pump. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure you have a breast pump before you leave the hospital. I got home from the hospital and was so engorged, that my son had a difficult time nursing. I had no idea my milk would come in so fast. I had spent my pregnancy worrying that I would not produce milk that I had not prepared for actually producing milk. A newborn that is learning to latch gets frustrated trying to latch onto breasts that are extremely hard due to engorgement.

Relax. The early days of breastfeeding can be very tiring. A newborn is most definitely not a quick nurser. It would feel like my son nursed for an eternity. After all of that nursing on the one side, I still had to switch to the other side for a repeat? That was frustrating. I came home very sleep deprived and my baby did not want to sleep. There were many nights that I wanted to sleep so badly that I considered having my husband give him formula. I stuck to my gut and did not give in and it was worth it.

Do not be afraid to give a newborn expressed breastmilk. This is where that pump comes in handy even if you are on maternity leave. I would pump when I was engorged so that I could have milk ready for my husband to have a turn with a feeding. If my husband gave the baby a bottle, I would pump so that my body didn't miss the feeding. My son easily transitioned between my breasts and the bottle and it was such a relief to be able to have a break.

There is some discomfort in the beginning. While nursing in the hospital, it felt anything but comfortable to me. Between my uterus contracting and my nipples being sore from the nursing, the early days were far from magical. My hospital has wonderful lactation consultants who will come in and make sure everything looks right with the baby's latch. It was a godsend to have someone say his latch was fine and some discomfort was normal. I never thought I would show a stranger my boob and let her touch it. What an experience!

Do not be afraid to ask for help. It's just that simple. If you are unsure of something or about to give up, find a local La Leche League or a lactation consultant to talk to. If neither are available, talk to someone you know who has breastfed successfully. They are sure to have some advice or words of encouragement for you. If you can't find any of the above, there are excellent resources on the internet as well.

Savor the moment. It won't be long until that tiny little bundle is a squirming baby who is easily distracted and difficult to nurse. It also won't be long until that baby is no longer a baby, but a toddler who doesn't want to give cuddles.

You will do great. Your body is designed to feed your baby. Women have been breastfeeding since the beginning of time. Find a position that works for you and for baby. You may have to adjust as your baby grows, but you will find a way to make it worse.

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