My Breast Friends

Breast-feeding was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The first time, I was in so much pain, I was finally told to keep my baby “off the breast” for 72 hours, which meant I had to pump every hour (a mistake) and my hubby and I had to feed her what little came out with a bottle. Because my milk supply was so low, I couldn’t pump in advance, so the hubby had to hold a screaming baby in the middle of the night while I pumped. It was torture.

To get her back on, I had to fill a syringe with milk, put her on the breast and squirt milk from the syringe. And it still HURT. Just when I had enough and was going to reach for the formula, I got a message on my answering machine (this was over five years ago) from Breezy Mama Maya and her mom – both of whom I’ve known my whole life – saying, “You can do it! We know you can!” Because Maya had breastfed three babies and her mom breastfed FIVE, I felt inspired and broke down crying, thinking to myself: I can do it!

Mind you, I’d read the books; I took the class; The teacher from my class was the hospital lactation consultant and I had her visit me 2-3 times during my hospital stay; I visited the lactation station THREE times with my newborn. No luck.

Finally, our pediatrician sent me to the Pump Station in Santa Monica, California and I was told, first of all, that trying to feed every hour was the wrong thing to do – my body didn’t have enough time to build back up my milk supply, not to mention I was exhausting myself. And my personalized instructor made sure I got the perfect latch. It took a lot of patience and several tries.

After six weeks of torture for 45 minutes a day, eight times a day, SUDDENLY, the pain stopped and the bonding began. Hands down what was once pure agony turned into the most relaxing and rewarding experience of a lifetime.

Think I had it down for baby number two? Nope. I got cocky and forgot that breastfeeding a new baby was starting from scratch. OUCH. By the THIRD baby, I had grabbed every person, nurse – you name it and made sure to take every precaution to avoid doing it wrong and I finally learned some VERY valuable tips to get off to a great start. In addition, I have my favorite products that helped me through it all. Again, I can go on about the pain, but I can also never say enough for the rewarding bonding experience. And back in 2004, I NEVER thought I’d say this, but I do miss it! Below are my must-have products and tips either for new moms (pass this link on), your next go around or for great shower gifts.

The Latch
Trying to get the baby to take to the breast to begin with is an effort all of its own. My BIGGEST mistake was being so eager to teach them just to get on, that I didn’t make sure they were on correctly. For the best tips, read this article from my go-to savior, The Pump Station – click here.
If you make mistakes though or are just feeling the pain in general, gel pads (click here to purchase) relieved me. Also click here to check out Lansinoh soothing cream (click here) that I applied after every feeding. And when it really got bad, I used the Medela Therashells Breastshells (click here) to keep EVERYTHING completely from touching my boobs in between feedings, allowing time for them to heal.

Timing
As I mentioned above, I was told for my own sanity and for my body’s sake, to make sure the time between when the last feeding started until the next feeding begins should be at least two hours. An exhausted mind isn’t exactly a reliable clock, so for my third baby I was given a Milk Bands Nursing Bracelet (click here) that I wore for about three months. I would switch wrists according to the side that I last fed on and, with the dial that I adjusted, I knew exactly the start time of the last feeding to make sure that enough time passed between feedings. A mistake loving parents can make is to assume the baby is hungry when sometimes they just need to be soothed (I’m a big fan of Dr. Karp’s 5 S’s –click here – for this process). Of course it doesn’t help that when a friend or relative holds the baby and their unfamiliar smell makes the baby cry, they shout: He’s hungry! So, to ensure it really is time, rely on this convenient bracelet.

Breezy Tip: Breezy Mama Victoria had originally recommended this bracelet to me, but my hospital gave it to me for free! Find out if yours offers it for free before purchasing. Or get a couple — they’re only $4.99 and come in pink, blue or yellow.

Positioning
Here’s another MAJOR culprit for me the first two times. I had the Brest Friend (I completely prefer it over The Boppy – not a fan), and I still recommend it, BUT make sure to put pillows underneath the Brest Friend, too, so that Baby’s head is at the same height as your breast. OTHERWISE, they pull down on your breast – which leads to great pain – versus being comfortably positioned at the breast. Correct positioning also helps with a better latch. Click here to purchase.

Breezy Tip: This pillow comes with a velcro option — DO NOT get the velcro option! It wakes the baby when you undo it.

Relax
This is an oxymoron. How can you relax with the intensity of trying to figure out how to take care of a newborn either for the first time, or finding the time for a sibling, too? However, without a deep breath or two, your milk may not come in. So, do whatever it takes – quiet room with low lights, trashy tabloid to enjoy solo while feeding — whatever. Along those lines, I found it hard to relax without privacy. Breezy Mama Laura and I would go on walks with our first babies, stop on the beach to breast-feed and were surprised that some of the surfers strolling by were trying to catch a peek until a male friend of hers told her, “Hey, a boob’s a boob.“ By baby number two, my saving grace was born, too – the Hooter Hider (click here). Blankets always just fell and were uncomfortable and this was the first cover-up that actually worked comfortably for the babies and me. Having the convenient privacy took the pressure off of having to breast-feed in the least private of places.

Pump it UP
I never anticipated having problems breast-feeding. The only reason I took a class to begin with was because Breezy Mama Natalie recommended I do so. I mean – it’s natural right? The baby and I of course will know what to do… or not. So, it was fantastic having a pump (click here) handy in the middle of the night. Also, it’s great for storing milk so you can get a break – either a little alone time to shop (even if it’s just groceries) or have your spouse do a middle of the night feeding – you get sleep, he gets the privilege of bonding. AND for moms returning to work, it’s definitely a must-have!

Whether it’s your first time or more, good luck on your journey. Remember, YOU CAN DO IT!

Now that you know the gear for breast-feeding, enter to win the gear to help your baby sleep — subscribe to Breezy Mama to enter. It’s free! Click here.

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