View Full Version : Breast is best, like it or not.
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 13:24
Right, I'm getting this out if it kills me.
I have been told to be quiet, stop talking about breastfeeding, accused of making others feel bad etc for too long. I am sick of pandering to the guilt of others!
Breastfeeding DOES matter. The way you feed your baby can and does impact on their long term health. To imply otherwise is bloody insulting. Why do we have to be quiet about that so that we don't upset others? We have endured the cracked and bleeding nipples. We have suffered through mastitis. We have tolerated engorgement and biting and pinched nipples. We allow our sleep to be broken, our bodies to be drained and we give up our time to feed our children the best possible way. We willingly deny ourselves alcohol and other things that may harm our babies. We have to watch our diets to make sure our children grow healthy and strong. And we do this because we know we are giving our children the BEST possible start. This is the sacrifice that parenthood is all about!
Why shouldn't we be proud? Why do we have to keep it to ourselves like some dirty little secret?
I have never deliberately ridiculed or insulted a bottlefeeding mum. I have offered support, advice and the knowledge that I have accumulated after breastfeeding for so many years. I have supported mums through their breastfeeding struggles and been rewarded with name calling, accusations and negative assumptions. But still, I refuse to be silent. Breast IS best and I will continue to sing it long, sing it loud.
I agree with EVERYTHING you said!!:yelclap:
biscotti
10-07-2007, 13:37
Applauds
:yelclap:
luckymama
10-07-2007, 13:37
me too, thats why i have decided i am going to breastfeed. There is NO alternative to me :no: Its going to happen no matter what, and i WILL NOT be giving up :no:
I agree what the Guv said :thumbsup:
(@y@)are best
cheezelkat
10-07-2007, 13:40
Agreed.
I've gone through everything a new mother has had to endure, I've cried in pain from attachment, bled from the nipples and deal with pinching and biting as well. I've had PND and told to wean. Just because I've gotten through the problems doesn't mean it was easy.
SuperMumma
10-07-2007, 13:42
HERE HERE!!!! :yelclap:
Guv don't let anyone else get you down! We all know you are right!!!! And love you for it!!!!! :hugs:
YAY FOR BOOBIES!!!!! :smiliedance:
me too, thats why i have decided i am going to breastfeed. There is NO alternative to me :no: Its going to happen no matter what, and i WILL NOT be giving up :no:
Thats an awesome attitude to have!!All the best in your breastfeeding journey.It WILL be hard the first few weeks,but you will get there!:hugs:
Thanks! I needed that :yes:
Sinse my nipples want to run and hide inside my body everytime DS gets his new teeth out :(
I needed the inspiration :thumbsup: (to replace the perspiration *breaks out into a sweat... OMG he's gonna bite! Is he? Isn't he? brace for impact AAAAARGGGGGHHHHHHHH!* ) :eek:
cheezelkat
10-07-2007, 13:44
nats, you'll be fine :yes: :D
L-man has 14 teeth and I'm still intact :party:
Grizabella
10-07-2007, 13:44
Even though I was a bottlefeeding Mum, I do agree with your statement.
However - unlike yourself - there are a few pro BFing Mums who DO make FF Mums feel inferior or guilty (IRL - and on some other forums I have been on - BubHub is very tolerant regarding these issues a reason I stay on here), which in turn gets the FF Mums defences up. It's a nasty cycle really, and very hard to achieve a balance where both sides can get along nicely.
In saying that I will be giving BF a harder go next time - situation allowing - and I hope that by being on bith sides of the fence will let me be more understanding and tolerant of other peope's choices/decisions.
luckymama
10-07-2007, 13:45
Thats an awesome attitude to have!!All the best in your breastfeeding journey.It WILL be hard the first few weeks,but you will get there!:hugs:
thanks Chels, its the same thoughts i am having about getting my unassisted homebirth too :D
bekkyboo
10-07-2007, 13:46
Agreed.
I've gone through everything a new mother has had to endure, I've cried in pain from attachment, bled from the nipples and deal with pinching and biting as well. I've had PND and told to wean. Just because I've gotten through the problems doesn't mean it was easy.
I was told to wean because of PND too... Which i think is a load of cr@p... Honestly - When you are struggling somedays to find a way to contect with your child, BF can be a literal lifesaver. It was for me. I truely miss feeding him. I really believe that our relationship would be better on those hard days with it, because it would forse us to take a time out, sit down and just be together, sharing that bond that only a mum and child can....
I applaude all BF mothers. It is a hard job, but a very worth while and rewarding one.
*sniff* - Forgot to say that G climbed up on my lap this morning, grabbed a booby and sucked for the first time in months.... Pity that leak is almost now dried up!
cheezelkat
10-07-2007, 13:49
oh yeah bekky...and I just want too say that you did a marvellous job. As did plenty of other mothers who really tried their hardest. I've read some of their stories here and I really applaud them!
Sadly, some doctors are not guided by the facts at all. My own doctor told me my milk was nutritionally worthless after 6 months and I should wean.
GraceUnhearing
10-07-2007, 13:50
WELL SAID GUV!
me too, thats why i have decided i am going to breastfeed. There is NO alternative to me :no: Its going to happen no matter what, and i WILL NOT be giving up :no:
good on you!
for me there was never anything else i was going to breast feed regardless how how much it hurt.
i've had mastitis 3 times crack and bleeding nipple. infected nipple , blocked milk ducts and numerous amounts of antibiotics!
GIVING UP IS TO EASY!
yes it hurts! yes its hard! but its made 100% for our babies
why right do i have t deny my son of what my body produces especially for him!
bekkyboo
10-07-2007, 13:51
:eek: It was my CHN that told me. She said that i needed to wean him as i needed to look after myself and go on meds... I said to her that my meds was feeding him. Because no matter my mood, he makes me melt when he feeds.
He 'self' weaned at 4 1/2months, because he went off his food i thought he went off me... first tooth popped through not long after..
luckymama
10-07-2007, 13:51
bring it on i say, all the "bad" stuff is just part of being a mum i say :yes: Im ready for it all :yes:
GraceUnhearing
10-07-2007, 13:52
I was told to wean because of PND too...
i was diagnosed with PND today and my dr said nothing about weaning DS he said taking meds is fine for breast feeding and keep doing it cause its the best for Rylan
I Agree...:yelclap:
Hilja25
mysonroger
10-07-2007, 14:04
The way you feed your baby can and does impact on their long term health. .
breast is best for sure. i agree. but as you know, i'm sure, some mothers aren't able to achieve it and go to pieces over it. so they would probably be reminded of what they couldn't achieve everytime they see a thread like this. maybe that's where some of the angst comes from. they don't like to be reminded of their failings.
all the children i know who have been bottle fed with formula are no different to my children who were breast fed. this includes DH's family - 5 kids all formula fed in the 60s and 70s, who went on to become sporting and academic champions - i'm talking representing ireland in golf for example, winning scholarships to schools and universities, and respected people within their communites.....well rounded gifted children. on top of that, they have good physical constitutions . so their long term health has been unaffected by a lack of breast milk.
i'm glad i got to breast feed and endured mastitis and intense pain and masses of medication for nipple thrush that lasted for months.....but i certainly won't feel guilty or bad if i am unable to breast feed my next child.
Tea Lady
10-07-2007, 14:08
breast is best for sure. i agree. but as you know, i'm sure, some mothers aren't able to achieve it and go to pieces over it. so they would probably be reminded of what they couldn't achieve everytime they see a thread like this. maybe that's where some of the angst comes from. they don't like to be reminded of their failings.
I completely agree :yes:
Much as I love breastfeeding and I want people to be enthusiastic about it I think it's important to do it sensitively and think about the feelings of people who might be wracked with guilt about not bf :)
Grizabella
10-07-2007, 14:08
breast is best for sure. i agree. but as you know, i'm sure, some mothers aren't able to achieve it and go to pieces over it. so they would probably be reminded of what they couldn't achieve everytime they see a thread like this. maybe that's where some of the angst comes from. they don't like to be reminded of their failings.
all the children i know who have been bottle fed with formula are no different to my children who were breast fed. this includes DH's family - 5 kids all formula fed in the 60s and 70s, who went on to become sporting and academic champions - i'm talking representing ireland in golf for example, winning scholarships to schools and universities, and respected people within their communites.....well rounded gifted children. on top of that, they have good physical constitutions . so their long term health has been unaffected by a lack of breast milk.
i'm glad i got to breast feed and endured mastitis and intense pain and masses of medication for nipple thrush that lasted for months.....but i certainly won't feel guilty or bad if i am unable to breast feed my next child.
Beautifully said! You phrased that much more eloquently then I could :)
Duchessa
10-07-2007, 14:08
Humanus lac lactis pro humanus parvulus!!!
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 14:12
breast is best for sure. i agree. but as you know, i'm sure, some mothers aren't able to achieve it and go to pieces over it. so they would probably be reminded of what they couldn't achieve everytime they see a thread like this. maybe that's where some of the angst comes from. they don't like to be reminded of their failings.
all the children i know who have been bottle fed with formula are no different to my children who were breast fed. this includes DH's family - 5 kids all formula fed in the 60s and 70s, who went on to become sporting and academic champions - i'm talking representing ireland in golf for example, winning scholarships to schools and universities, and respected people within their communites.....well rounded gifted children. on top of that, they have good physical constitutions . so their long term health has been unaffected by a lack of breast milk.
i'm glad i got to breast feed and endured mastitis and intense pain and masses of medication for nipple thrush that lasted for months.....but i certainly won't feel guilty or bad if i am unable to breast feed my next child.
I think you may have completely missed the entire point of the thread. I am deeply sorry to those that couldn't breastfeed. But you know what? This thread isn't about them. It's about us having to keep silent about our own achievements to avoid upsetting others.
Lots of formula fed kids grow up to be perfectly fine - I am one of them! But this thread is about giving credit where credit is due.
Ange&Seth
10-07-2007, 14:19
I am deeply sorry to those that couldn't breastfeed. But you know what? This thread isn't about them. It's about us having to keep silent about our own achievements to avoid upsetting others.
Lots of formula fed kids grow up to be perfectly fine - I am one of them! But this thread is about giving credit where credit is due.
I don't think anyone should have to keep quiet about breastfeeding. Breast IS best, there is no doubt about that at all and I think everyone who breastfeeds successfully should be proud of their achievements :yelclap:
I think the issue gets confused at times though. I love hearing that people are successful and love it. While I was bf'ing I loved it too. It was an amazing feeling of wonder and of being needed on a deep level. Unfortunately, I couldn't continue. I don't feel guilty about that fact, though I was a bit upset at the time.
What I don't like hearing is that I 'gave up' or that I am 'harming my child' because he didn't bf for long.
And THAT, I think is the issue at large. No one, or very few, dispute the fact that Breast IS best, but giving formula as a last resort ISN'T 'harming' a baby, is it?
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 14:19
Humanus lac lactis pro humanus parvulus!!!
Oh no, google couldn't even help me translate that one, I'll have to guess...Is it human milk for human babies?
bel_aiden
10-07-2007, 14:20
yay for (.)(.):smiliedance: its such a beautiful and rewarding thing we can do for/share with our children!!!!:smiliedance:
But this thread is about giving credit where credit is due.
I think I shall give myself a big pat on the back:D My boobies rock;)
nemosmum
10-07-2007, 14:22
Love love love love love love Breastfeeding
mysonroger
10-07-2007, 14:24
Breastfeeding DOES matter. The way you feed your baby can and does impact on their long term health. To imply otherwise is bloody insulting. .
oh sorry, maybe i did miss the point of that thread. but anyway, i did agree that breast is best. i was just pointing out that the above statement is not true for everyone. it would be very difficult i think, to pick out people in a population who have been exclusively formula fed. there's ideals and then there's reality.
but i encourage breast feeding on all levels....and have helped my friends to continue whenever i could, especially now i have that recipe for lactation boosting cookies, thanks to bubhub.
that's all.
When stuff like this comes up, I always think of the Eleanor Roosevelt quote "No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
Ange&Seth
10-07-2007, 14:33
When stuff like this comes up, I always think of the Eleanor Roosevelt quote "No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
That's been my fave quote since high school. But, along the lines of 'sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me', names do hurt sometimes.
:thumbsup:
great thread. i have a little issue with talking about breastfeeding as best, have you ever read 'watch your language'?
http://www.bobrow.net/kimberly/birth/BFLanguage.html
i do think that we need more recognition of breastfeeding as normal and to be able to discuss breastfeeding without it being perceived as an attack on any mothers personal situation.
making a comment on breastfeeding is just that, a comment on breastfeeding and nothing else.
breastfeeding is normal, and it is important.
http://www.wiessinger.baka.com/bfing/breastvbottle/scary.html
yes, it is confronting to talk about the risks of not breastfeeding and i apologise if this is way ot, but we are mothers and we need all the info to make these choices, so we need to continue to talk about breastfeeding and make sure that this info is out there for all mothers to use when they are weighing up their decisions and their personal situation.
Oh hallelujah for you Guv!
It needs to be said. Even if it falls on deaf ears it needs to be said!
i do think that we need more recognition of breastfeeding as normal and to be able to discuss breastfeeding without it being perceived as an attack on any mothers personal situation.
making a comment on breastfeeding is just that, a comment on breastfeeding and nothing else.
breastfeeding is normal, and it is important.
Thank you too Meme!
I have worked bloody hard to BF and now tandem feed my young uns. It is just a terrible thing that receognition and reward of BF is so often percieved as a FF attack.
Bless you Guv and Meme!
GOOD ON ( . )( . ) FEEDING MUMS!!
be PROUD of what u have been able to accomplish- dont hide it, dont feel bad! you guys have obviously been thru alot of pain and stress and to stick with it thats just awesome! i truely admire breast feeding mums!
i am not jealous that i couldnt do it i dont feel like u guys look down on me becoz im a bottle feeder- i did the best i could and i too am PROUD!
pookiesossige
10-07-2007, 14:49
I no longer breastfeed but I am patting myself on the back too! :yes: Breastfeeding totally on demand and in total accordance to Ariene's needs has contributed to what has been a beautiful first year of life for her and I. :smiliedance: Breast IS best. I am thankful that I could provide that to her for as long as I did.
melfunction
10-07-2007, 14:52
Guv, the information you gave me and the support was invaluable. Even when I told you I was back to bottle feeding for medication reasons - Thank you.
I really do/did appreciate your help.
nickalex
10-07-2007, 14:55
I am extremely proud of my ability to breastfeed 2 of my children especially after bottlefeeding my first. Yep it hasn't always been easy but I stuck it out and 2 of my kids got the very best nutrition possible as a result. My first son got what I was capable of giving him at the time. I did my best with what I had and the circumstances I found myself in.
I have found myself in situations where I have downplayed breastfeeding in order to be sensitive to bottlefeeding. I have played up the negatives of breastfeeding to make others feel better about their choices. Why can't people be proud of breastfeeding with out it being seen as an attack on bottlefeeding? On a personal level I don't really care how other people feed their children but at a community level I do care that the best education is available to help people go with the natural choice.
Something that irks me though is the term "bottlefeeding nazi", to me nazi implies that you are trying to dictate that bottlefeeding is superior. We all know it isn't. Maybe it should be "right to choose bottlefeeding nazi" lol.
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 15:02
Guv, the information you gave me and the support was invaluable. Even when I told you I was back to bottle feeding for medication reasons - Thank you.
I really do/did appreciate your help.
You are very welcome Mel. :hugs:
♥Heaven Sent♥
10-07-2007, 15:30
This is a great thread,i dont think that we have to be silent about bf and i wont be i am proud that i have worked hard to be where we are today and i know that my child(ren) is having the best start to life.
Breast IS best :)
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 16:20
This thread really isn't about those that have switched to formula for whatever reason, it's about those that have struggled and succeeded. We have plenty of other threads dedicated to supporting those that haven't succeeded and I just wanted this one sacred space to commend the women that have done such an amazing job to battle through adversity because breastfeeding was so important to them. It isn't a dig at anyone.
Mum&bubs
10-07-2007, 16:30
Yay!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! :D I'm sick of typing posts worrying if I am hurting people's feelings or not because I am celebrating what I have achieved. I'm not out to hurt people's feelings or put them down but I am damn proud of where I am today and what I've been through to get here.
So yay for (.)(.)'s :smiliedance:
This is a celebrate breastfeeding section so if you think you are going to get upset or offended please don't enter! :o
Breast is best! I don't care what others do but the best way to wake up is to breastfeed my 20 month in the morning. I feel like I am doing something just for him and even if I feel like a bad mum for the rest of the day that is something I appreciate. I can be important.
Rainbowbrite
10-07-2007, 16:36
I breastfed MJ for over 2 years. It was a mutual decision to stop. I was in a lot of pain (proibably due to being pg) & she was mucking around for alot of the feeds. BUT BF was the only thing that only I could do for MJ & I loved that. NO-one else could do it for me, so that made it more special (once we got the pain sorted). But as I say, I bf for 2 years, and there was pain on & off for the whole time.
BUT ANYWAY. Yes BF was bloody hard for me. I can remember being in so much pain I was hysterical during feeds. I was literally writhing in agony, but had a great support. Many times I contemplated stopping for various reasons, but I didn't. I knew it was best for MJ. That & to be honest, i'm to bloody lazy to make up bottles & to cheap to buy the formula. I freely admit that.
BUT in saying that, I was a ff bub, so were my sisters & brother. We have no illness, we are healthy. So I don't think that people are jeopardising the health of their children by ff them if bf doesn't work for them.
I'm not going to put people down for their decisions. DO I think that everyone should atleast give bf a decent attempt, yes I do, but I understand why people may not want to. I have never & will never put anyone down for ff their bub. Its none of my business.
I fully intend to do the same with this bub & BF for as long as he wants to. I wanted to tandem feed, and still may as MJ still feeds every few days. So YAY for me I guess.
BubbaNoogie
10-07-2007, 16:38
I agree with everything you said Guv':yelclap:
I b/fed my first daughter for 38mths and I am still b/feeding my 15mth old daughter.
I have endured cracked bleeding nipples, mastitis and most of all the broken sleep.
I have never said this because I dont want f/feeding mums to feel bad, but I am damn proud of myself for putting in the hard yards, and why shouldnt I be, I know I have/am giving them the best possible start.:smiliedance:
I love breastfeeding!:thumbsup:
SassyMummy
10-07-2007, 16:40
I hardly breastfed DD at all... but I think I'm a breastfeeder at heart (and it's something I want to do when I have another... for at least 2 years if I can!).
I think it IS important. There's a reason there's this section too - because it IS something to be celebrated.
Most of us have the ability to do it, but only some actually put in a such a magnificent effort... it deserves to be celebrated!
When women celebrate breastfeeding, they're celebrating something THEY have perservered with and put in the hards yards with. I bottlefed DD and I don't expect to be celebrated - I purchased a few formula tins and mixed it with water. Nothing difficult about it. I didn't have to deal with sore nipples (well I did, but not for very long), cracked nipples, babies biting my breasts, having people shake their heads at my exposed breasts... I just made up a bottle... something anyone can do.
So good on you breastfeeders! Hope I can be on team-breastfeed one day soon !
madreader
10-07-2007, 16:46
You go girl, you said everything that i been through and it is so true, we deserve to be heard, because what we are doing is for the health of our baby. Breastfeeding is the best(and yes i have bottlefed too). You Rock.:smiliedance: :yelclap:
Shanaynay
10-07-2007, 16:47
.
So good on you breastfeeders! Hope I can be on team-breastfeed one day soon !
Sassy you are an honorary member ;)
:yelclap: What an awesome post Sassy!!
RedPanda
10-07-2007, 16:57
Bubhub has some wonderful bf advocates, and I truly believe their support and encouragement has helped a lot of women (meme, Oscar's Mum, funkychicken, shed just to name a few!).
It's great to have such good, kind and nonjudgemental advice on hand at the touch of a keyboard!
ETA. The women I've named are the helpful advocates, not the women who have been helped by the way. I structured my sentence in a clumsy way, but you all know what I mean :o
miss ani
10-07-2007, 16:58
HOORAY FOR BOOBIES!!:smiliedance:
Ashleigh<3
10-07-2007, 17:12
I breastfed Chloe breastmilk only for 8 weeks but then It just got so hard and hard and yes I gave up after 12 weeks. It does make me feel bad it really does.
I am going to try harder next time because I want to, not because anyone has made me feel like a bad person. It's something I want to acheive.
allysophia
10-07-2007, 17:16
Go my boooooooobies!!
Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!
I know my pain, sacrafice, endurance, tireless commitment, endless attachment, never being away from him for more then 3-5hrs has given me the beautiful wonderful healthy baby I have.
I've given my son the best possible start to life!
I'm DAMN proud!! :D
allysophia
10-07-2007, 17:17
I breastfed Chloe breastmilk only for 8 weeks but then It just got so hard and hard and yes I gave up after 12 weeks. It does make me feel bad it really does.
I am going to try harder next time because I want to, not because anyone has made me feel like a bad person. It's something I want to acheive.
Stick round here dude, we're here for you.
Us ladies should support each other.
:D
SassyMummy
10-07-2007, 17:19
I breastfed Chloe breastmilk only for 8 weeks but then It just got so hard and hard and yes I gave up after 12 weeks. It does make me feel bad it really does.
I am going to try harder next time because I want to, not because anyone has made me feel like a bad person. It's something I want to acheive.
Thats me... except I gave up sooner. Started weaning from breast to bottle at 3 weeks because everyone kept questioning me (making me feel like I wasn't doing it right and COULDN'T do it right, no matter how hard I tried), and then at 9 weeks, I seemed to have no milk and DD didn't want my boobs much anymore.
I want to give it another go because I want to... nobody made me feel bad about bottlefeeding... I felt bad about it all on my own (because it was a pretty stupid decision...).
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 17:21
Thats me... except I gave up sooner. Started weaning from breast to bottle at 3 weeks because everyone kept questioning me (making me feel like I wasn't doing it right and COULDN'T do it right, no matter how hard I tried), and then at 9 weeks, I seemed to have no milk and DD didn't want my boobs much anymore.
I want to give it another go because I want to... nobody made me feel bad about bottlefeeding... I felt bad about it all on my own (because it was a pretty stupid decision...).
Aww Sassy, you are such a wise chicky for such a young'un! :hugs:
This section is wonderful. BF SHOULD be celebrated. Women who have been BF for short times, extended times, any time at all and are proud of that should be able to shout it from their rooftops! My son weaned himself at 10mths and I felt very sad and guilty and this section actually helped me realise I should celebrate the fact that I actually was able to BF for 10 wonderful mths.
So :smiliedance: for BF. :yelclap: for mother's milk. And :smiliedance: for being so proud of it!! I hope that I can BF again with this next baby - and hopefully longer then 10 mths!
I feel breastfeeding is one of the best gifts I could give to my children for their health and nutritional well being. I am proud:smiliedance:
Tam-I-Am
10-07-2007, 17:38
I'd like to share my story, if you'll all indulge me. I don't think I've ever shared it before - so bear with me, its long! :p
Claire was born and 3 days later I became so sick that I was RE-admitted back into hospital, and put on 3 different kinds of antibiotics PLUS morphine. I thought it was the end of my bfing relationship, but it turned out that it saved it -despite the pain of cracked bleeding nipples, being in there meant the middies came to see me at least twice a day to help me learn to attach properly, learn to express off the side I couldn't feed off because my nipple was so badly mangled, and learn to deal with the colic that the meds gave Claire.
At 18 weeks I had an operation under a general anaestetic - it changed the taste of my milk and Claire went through TWO WEEKS of agonising breast refusal at every.single.bloody.feed. She would scream and writhe and arch her back and cry as though I were trying to kill her. I persevered, and managed to get through.
The next 6 - 7 months were smooth sailing. We had teeth, and the occasional experimental nip, but nothing too bad - until one night she had impetigo on her face (school sores!) - and, of course, she bit my nipple (Murphy's law! :rolleyes:) I got impetigo ALL OVER my nipple. It hurt just to be, let alone to be sucked on - I couldn't wear clothes for two weeks, I walked around with a milk collection shell in my bra 24/7 to prevent it from rubbing on my nipple. I ended up in hospital overnight for IV antibiotics to try and clear it up. I was told just to wean, because she was nearly 12 months and it'd just be easier. I refused. I learned deep breathing techniques instead. 2 weeks later, on we went.
At age 18 months, I had a severe attack of gastritis (inflamation of the stomach lining), hospitalising me overnight. I was vomitting blood, on antibiotics and morphine. The doctors told me I'd have to wean because of the medication they intended to put me on. I told them to get stuffed, find me a medication I could take - i wasn't letting any doctor determine how long I would feed my baby for! They found me a more suitable medication. On we went
Until 2 months ago. Claire decided, at bedtime (her only remaining breastfeed of the day) to say goodnight without her usual breastfeed. She'd been toying with the idea of weaning for about 2 months previous to that - but that was the last night - it was happy and sad all at once.
Over the 2 years, I've had cracked nipples, bleeding nipples, torn nipples, bitten nipples, nipples so badly bleeding/infected/torn that they stuck to my breastpads and tore open everytime I fed, I've had mastitis, medication, I have a squirming 2 year old, I've had a 5 month old who refused to feed for 2 weeks - I've had THE LOT.
I DO NOT judge anybody who cannot breastfeed - or who is simply given poor information. I feel angry at care providers who give very bad information over and over and over again. But I also know - because I've DONE IT - that with the right help, in the right situation, with the right support, and with the right amount of determination - breastfeeding CAN and DOES work through the hurdles. THis is NOT a judgment - its merely the fact of my experiences.
The reason I'm passionate about breastfeeding is because - when she was 5.5 months old, and a chubby, happy, bubbly, healthy baby - I could look at her and KNOW that my body did that. I grew her. I sustained her. I nourished her. I DID that. Nothing has ever made me so proud in my life. I'm proud of me - I don't judge others. :)
Thanks for making it through my essay :p
Ashleigh<3
10-07-2007, 17:39
Stick round here dude, we're here for you.
Us ladies should support each other.
:D
Thanks and I agree. :)
luckymama
10-07-2007, 17:40
:yelclap: :yelclap: :yelclap: to you Tami, you are a legend, that is awesome you persevered even after all that. WELL DONE i say :D 2 years is a great achievement
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 17:58
Wow Tami, you are inspirational! Yay you! :smiliedance: :yelclap: :smiliedance: :yelclap:
Shanaynay
10-07-2007, 18:04
:eek:
Tami, your post made me shudder.
I think I feel a bit sick.
You poor thing.
I'd like to think I'd have kept going through that but I'm not sure :eek:
You rock :yelclap::yelclap:
I'd like to share my story, if you'll all indulge me. I don't think I've ever shared it before - so bear with me, its long! :p
Claire was born and 3 days later I became so sick that I was RE-admitted back into hospital, and put on 3 different kinds of antibiotics PLUS morphine. I thought it was the end of my bfing relationship, but it turned out that it saved it -despite the pain of cracked bleeding nipples, being in there meant the middies came to see me at least twice a day to help me learn to attach properly, learn to express off the side I couldn't feed off because my nipple was so badly mangled, and learn to deal with the colic that the meds gave Claire.
At 18 weeks I had an operation under a general anaestetic - it changed the taste of my milk and Claire went through TWO WEEKS of agonising breast refusal at every.single.bloody.feed. She would scream and writhe and arch her back and cry as though I were trying to kill her. I persevered, and managed to get through.
The next 6 - 7 months were smooth sailing. We had teeth, and the occasional experimental nip, but nothing too bad - until one night she had impetigo on her face (school sores!) - and, of course, she bit my nipple (Murphy's law! :rolleyes:) I got impetigo ALL OVER my nipple. It hurt just to be, let alone to be sucked on - I couldn't wear clothes for two weeks, I walked around with a milk collection shell in my bra 24/7 to prevent it from rubbing on my nipple. I ended up in hospital overnight for IV antibiotics to try and clear it up. I was told just to wean, because she was nearly 12 months and it'd just be easier. I refused. I learned deep breathing techniques instead. 2 weeks later, on we went.
At age 18 months, I had a severe attack of gastritis (inflamation of the stomach lining), hospitalising me overnight. I was vomitting blood, on antibiotics and morphine. The doctors told me I'd have to wean because of the medication they intended to put me on. I told them to get stuffed, find me a medication I could take - i wasn't letting any doctor determine how long I would feed my baby for! They found me a more suitable medication. On we went
Until 2 months ago. Claire decided, at bedtime (her only remaining breastfeed of the day) to say goodnight without her usual breastfeed. She'd been toying with the idea of weaning for about 2 months previous to that - but that was the last night - it was happy and sad all at once.
Over the 2 years, I've had cracked nipples, bleeding nipples, torn nipples, bitten nipples, nipples so badly bleeding/infected/torn that they stuck to my breastpads and tore open everytime I fed, I've had mastitis, medication, I have a squirming 2 year old, I've had a 5 month old who refused to feed for 2 weeks - I've had THE LOT.
I DO NOT judge anybody who cannot breastfeed - or who is simply given poor information. I feel angry at care providers who give very bad information over and over and over again. But I also know - because I've DONE IT - that with the right help, in the right situation, with the right support, and with the right amount of determination - breastfeeding CAN and DOES work through the hurdles. THis is NOT a judgment - its merely the fact of my experiences.
The reason I'm passionate about breastfeeding is because - when she was 5.5 months old, and a chubby, happy, bubbly, healthy baby - I could look at her and KNOW that my body did that. I grew her. I sustained her. I nourished her. I DID that. Nothing has ever made me so proud in my life. I'm proud of me - I don't judge others.
Thanks for making it through my essay :p
thats great that you have done so well good on you :wave:
What a cool thread, thanks and yay for boobies!
It's been hard at times... one thing I love though is "absence of periods", I haven't had one since September and I'm not pg so that's gotta be good!
One of the hardest times for me was a trip to Portugal when we all caught gastro. I was a first time mum with a 4 month old. We took her to hospital, we were so crook... the doctor gave us fluid replacements and she wouldn't have them. He told me to stop bf. I just couldn't do that, I wasn't ready, she wasn't ready... so I just kept feeding. Sometimes I felt like there was no milk left and she just kept chomping. I was dehydrated and puking myself... but, guess what... she got over it really quickly. I wonder if things would have turned round as quick if I'd stopped bf?
Well, my youngest is now 1. She looks older and now I'm copping negative comments. My bestie thinks I should stop now, despite me saying gently that we're doing fine. It hurts a bit that someone I respect so much thinks I'm a hippy for bf but we will continue and hopefully my bestie will get over it.
Guv: Couldn't of said it better myself ( ;) )
I hated breastfeeding in the beginning. Really really hated it. To then told at every turn that "formula is just as good" rankles. I went through that because formula wasn't just as good. To be told that actually belittles my struggles to maintain a healthy breastfeeding relationship with my boy.
By saying that I'm not belittling anyone else's struggles with breastfeeding. Your pain may have been greater, your milk may not have come in, you may have had a mastectomy: all of that (and more) is very sad and you have my sympathy. But breastfeeding to 10 months is a huge accomplishment for me ... for someone who was crying in pain and begging for the bottles at 10 days.
I have few things to be proud of to date but a vaginal birth (for someone who used to literally recoil in terror at the mere idea of a tampon being inserted) and breastfeeding (from someone who would dread every upcoming feed after the latest one was done) are two of them.
RedPanda
10-07-2007, 18:56
I have few things to be proud of to date but a vaginal birth (for someone who used to literally recoil in terror at the mere idea of a tampon being inserted) and breastfeeding (from someone who would dread every upcoming feed after the latest one was done) are two of them.
:yelclap: Good for you Beany. I know how you feel about one of the things on your list! I too marvel at having a VB. I didn't enjoy it at the time, and I didn't feel empowered or liberated. But I am ultra-pleased with the fact that I did it!
I hope to feel the same one day about bf. It's great to read stories such as Tam-I-Am's. It's motivational to know that some women are able to conquer all of those problems. Bravo to Tami - and Beany! I meant to include you both in my list of lovely supportive women!
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 18:58
Guv: Couldn't of said it better myself ( ;) )
I hated breastfeeding in the beginning. Really really hated it. To then told at every turn that "formula is just as good" rankles. I went through that because formula wasn't just as good. To be told that actually belittles my struggles to maintain a healthy breastfeeding relationship with my boy.
By saying that I'm not belittling anyone else's struggles with breastfeeding. Your pain may have been greater, your milk may not have come in, you may have had a mastectomy: all of that (and more) is very sad and you have my sympathy. But breastfeeding to 10 months is a huge accomplishment for me ... for someone who was crying in pain and begging for the bottles at 10 days.
I have few things to be proud of to date but a vaginal birth (for someone who used to literally recoil in terror at the mere idea of a tampon being inserted) and breastfeeding (from someone who would dread every upcoming feed after the latest one was done) are two of them.
Aww Beany, I luv you! :D
Becteria
10-07-2007, 19:16
Hoorah for boobies! And i dont mean it in a strip club, bloodhound gang way!
i have had it pretty easy compared to you guys - a few bouts of mastitisis, a couple of months of pumping so i could feed my dd when i went back to work, some stares... its all well worth it. i'm proud to be a mummy to boobie monsters!
Hoorah for boobies! And i dont mean it in a strip club, bloodhound gang way!
Pfft, yeah right, I believe you.
Those poor girls from Hooters still wake up screaming some nights ... :no:
:p
Becteria
10-07-2007, 19:24
Ha ha ha Beany - my boosie are bigger than all of their cupcakes put together! Woo Hoo!!!!!
Tea Lady
10-07-2007, 19:36
Ok this thread is open again after a big clean out ...
Please keep your comments on topic, and remember that this is the celebrating breastfeeding section :)
Funkychicken
10-07-2007, 19:42
I have been trying to read this thread all day! Every time I get through a few posts, something happens and I have to leave the computer.
But I have now read through it and wanted to say, what a wonderful thread in a wonderful section on a wonderful forum. Thanks to everyone who has contributed here. :thumbsup:
Reading Tami's and Bessie's posts reminded me of when Hamish was about 8 or 9 months old and had an absolute ripper bout of gastro. He was just so sick and didn't show any interest in solid food for at least 5 days. As he lay next to me day and night, breastfeeding when he was up to it, it occurred to me that without breast milk he would have been hospitalized for fluid replacement. He was vomiting and squirting on and off for days and the only sustenance he was getting was my breast milk. A talk with the ABA reassured me that he would retain enough to stay hydrated and I watched him like a hawk for signs of dehydration, and he pulled through it with no problems! In all my years of BF my babies, this was the episode that made me think just how bl@@dy marvelous my boobies are!
:smiliedance::yelclap:
Thanks for making it through my essay :p
You are an amazing woman - thankyou for sharing that story.:yes:
Okay, its time for me to fess up.
I am in complete awe of some of you. I feel like a FRAUD. I don't belong here.
yeah yeah I do breastfeed - my kid hasn't had a drop of formula in his life, its not that,
but I have never had any problems.
I have never overcome anything. I had a little tiny grazey nipple when he was a couple of months old and I b!tched about it the whole time.
I have never had mastitis, we never had any attachment issues, no blood, no screaming.
Nuffing. :no:
Ole rubber nipples they call me. Tough as old boots.
I have no amazing story to tell. I just put him on and he started feeding, end of story.
Pathetic. :(
You guys are amazing.
Or plum crazy ;)
Guv- I am glad you had the courage to say it all out loud. ;) :yelclap:
Well done all of you on your fantastic achievements. You should be so proud (special mention- Tami you rock babe!).
One day I will join you in this club. Next time I will have all of you to lean on when the going gets tough and I WILL NOT give up. Nothing makes me sadder than knowing I gave up so easily and for so many selfish reasons, but mostly because I knew no better at the time. It sucks that there is a severe lack of information out there unless you know where to look for it (or even that you will need to look for it!).
Thank you girls for giving so many of us who weren't able to achieve this the hope and knowledge for next time. :hugs:
I WILL SUCCEED. :)
Hi everyone :wave:
Yep gotta love those boobies :smiliedance: !
I love bf and I don't really care how anyone else feeds there bubs! I do it my way you do it your way!
I love reading these threads cause I feel so empowered to continue bf even though I know ppl are going to expect me to wean DS by the time he is 1.
I haven't been through any major hassles so really admire those who have :thumbsup:
Cheers, Shaz
Pippi Longstocking
10-07-2007, 20:20
Ah Shed, you aren't a fraud, just lucky! :yes: :D
You must have boobies perfectly shaped for feeding and a little dude that just knew exactly what to do straight up. Cool!
~Kristin~
10-07-2007, 20:22
HERE HERE GUV!!!!:thumbsup:
Gone are the perky boozies,
Gone is the luxury of being able to eat or drink what I choose,
My nipples have been through a complete tear through the left side,
Mastitis,
Experimenting with new teeth,
AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD!!!!
Just having Isabella snuggle in and feed into dreamland, and fall off all smiles is worth ever minute of past night feeds and pain. :yelclap:
Rubber Nips: fraud or not, you are a fountain of knowledge :yes:
All 3 times my nipples got messed up before it got better, especially with my last who was tongue tied (no I didn't cut it).
I still think that I am lucky that my first baby went fairly smooth. So part luck and part patting myself on the back here.
:)
aardvark
10-07-2007, 20:39
Just having Isabella snuggle in and feed into dreamland, and fall off all smiles is worth ever minute of past night feeds and pain. :yelclap:
That's so nice, isn't it?
My favorite booby session of the day has to be the ones straight after work, either in the daycare centre, or sometimes back at the car. Bf'ing is such an important part of my life at present that even the pumping sessions in a small locked room at the office all seem quite utterly completely normal for me.
And the bottles of EBM lined up in the back of the office fridge are no longer considered an oddity......
There was no way I was going to wean him at 14 months just because I had to return to work.
So good on you breastfeeders! Hope I can be on team-breastfeed one day soon
i second it, i don't believe you have to have breastfed for x amount of time to be on team breastfeed, many husbands get on it without lactationg a drop!
you are already part of the team in my mind:hugs:
and Tami. i am crying my eyes out, (not so unusual for me this time of night but yanno) thankyou for sharing that journey:hugs: amazing and inspiring.
AvasMama
10-07-2007, 20:44
Breast is definately best - but it's hard work! Especially when you have to go back to work, (groan) Being honest here I can't say I enjoy the stress of trying to express enough milk for the working week. Then hiding at work in the sick room expressing more milk, it's exhausting! Sometimes I think it's just too hard I'm going to use formula. But when I look at DD and see how much she enjoys her mummy's milk I could never throw in the towel. I fed DD1 till she was 13 months so I know I can do it. It's just really hard sometimes :crying:
Tea Lady
10-07-2007, 20:54
:hugs: Natasha :hugs:
I think it's amazing that you're going through all that to keep bf :yes:
Well said Guv!
I bf DD for 14 months. It was my decision to wean her and at the time it was the best thing for us. No one will ever be able to make me feel guilty for deciding to wean (not that she protested it at all), and no one ever has.
I went from being a first time mother who was sooo positive that I'd hate bf'ing and somehow ended up being completely determined through cracked, bleeding nipples and one lot of thrush straight after the other (on top of the cracked, bleeding nipples) to extending my bf goal and feeding for 11 months longer than I ever intended to.
This time round I absolutely can not wait to bf my baby and am determined to beat any obstacle that comes my way. Why? All health benefits aside, I truly miss having that special bonding and cuddling time with DD. Even when she comes to me for a cuddle it's not the same. I look back at our bf'ing relationship with the fondest memories and even though it was my decision to wean, a part of me still mourns the loss of our special relationship.
I read stories of extended bfer's and mum's who tandem feed and I don't take offence, instead I silently think 'good on them.' They are doing something wonderful and deserve to be able to celebrate their acheivement!
shelle65
10-07-2007, 21:01
Well done to all of you BF Mums, you rightly deserve to be proud of what you have achieved!:thumbsup:
Although I wasn't ultimately successful, I am also proud of my breastfeeding efforts - endless feeds, painful cracked nipples, three days at the breastfeeding clinic, expressing 6 times a day, weeks and weeks of feeding/comping/expressing every two hours, criticism from the child health nurse, constant lectures from health professionals about attachment and the supply and demand principle... After ten weeks and three prescriptions for domperidone they wouldn't give me any more, and I had to accept that my breasts were never going to produce the precious milk that my DD deserved... but I did everything I possibly could to try to give it to her, and I am proud of that!
To this day I still put DD to sleep on the boob once or twice a day (not that she gets anything) and whip out the old breast pump whenever I get a moment in the vain hope that my boobs have suddenly figured out what they are for...
So although I can't be in the breastfeeding club, I hope you don't mind me celebrating breastfeeding and my journey with the rest of you! :o
mysonroger
10-07-2007, 21:07
can i say something about mastitis...maybe everyone knows this already, and maybe i was the last one to find out, but when you get mastitis or first see the tracking marks - , the first port of call should be a physiotherapist, as they have a piece of equipment, that looks a lot like a vibrator, that they put on the breast and it vibrates the blocked duct and all the milk pours out.
from what i've heard, this is not common knowledge...maybe that was just in perth???
does everyone already know this. just thought i'd put it in as so many people have complained about mastitis....and my visits to the physio really helped me.
aardvark
10-07-2007, 21:10
Breast is definately best - but it's hard work! Especially when you have to go back to work, (groan) Being honest here I can't say I enjoy the stress of trying to express enough milk for the working week. Then hiding at work in the sick room expressing more milk, it's exhausting!
How do you organise yourself?
This is the routine I used for #2, and I am using it again for #3 because it worked so well. #3 is 18 months old now.
Feed before leaving for work.
10:30-11:00 Express (usually about 250ml)
2 lactation cookies for morning tea
2:00-2:30 Express (usually about 125ml)
4:30 leave work
5:00 Collect from daycare and breastfeed. Drop milk off. I never take the EBM home, they have a frozen stockpile at the centre.
I work M/Tu/W. I never have to worry about having EBM for Monday, as the milk from Wednesday is frozen at the centre, along with some extra. I use a double electric pump. Using two manual pumps is just as effective, I tried it.
aardvark
10-07-2007, 21:12
can i say something about mastitis...maybe everyone knows this already, and maybe i was the last one to find out, but when you get mastitis or first see the tracking marks - , the first port of call should be a physiotherapist, as they have a piece of equipment, that looks a lot like a vibrator, that they put on the breast and it vibrates the blocked duct and all the milk pours out.
from what i've heard, this is not common knowledge...maybe that was just in perth???
does everyone already know this. just thought i'd put it in as so many people have complained about mastitis....and my visits to the physio really helped me.
Desperate times, desperate measures.....
An actual vibrator or an electric razor can be used, to.
mysonroger
10-07-2007, 21:16
oh yeah, i have heard of the vibrator story, the electric toothbrush and anything like it, but with this piece of equipment that the physio used , i think it did some ultrasonic work, it was really really effective immediately. the milk was pouring out of me.
i should find out the name of it.
ok ok, now i feel stupid.
AvasMama
10-07-2007, 21:19
Wow ! After reading that I am so totally unorganised.
I usually feed before going to work, express around 12ish (200mls)and then race to kindy to feed DD2 again around 4. Kindy also has a few spare frozen packs but I spend most of my weekend, sterilising my good old manual pump, expressing, sterilsing, expressing.
Lil X-men
10-07-2007, 21:22
Wow I will keep that in mind, I was a mastitis mummy with my DS and I gave up BF at 12weeks after it all got too much. A trip to the physio may be in order!!A
Although I am hoping not to need one this time as I have this fantastic site to help me out with and BF issues and also I will be hiring a LC the second I have any hint of trouble BF this time.
I am scared Sh!tless about trying again TBH after last time, but I am sure I can do it successfully this time around. wish me luck girls only two weeks till bubs is on the outside asking to be fed!!
Good on you girls for being proud BF'ers. I can't believe what some of you have endured and still not given up BF'ing:eek:
This thread is fantastic!!
I too am so very very tired of being told that my pride in breastfeeding will make others feel bad.
(It's like being proud of anything, really.. it's so hard to be proud of your child's milestones as you'll make other people 'feel bad' *sigh*)
What a wonderful thread, full of wonderful things and wonderful people.
Keep up the lactation! :p
oh yeah, i have heard of the vibrator story, the electric toothbrush and anything like it, but with this piece of equipment that the physio used , i think it did some ultrasonic work, it was really really effective immediately. the milk was pouring out of me.
i should find out the name of it.
ok ok, now i feel stupid.
Don't feel stupid! I didn't know that and it's very handy to know! I managed to hand express out blocked ducts so they never went to mastitis but it's a very useful piece of info and one I'll be remembering for next time! Mastitis scares me!
...I had to accept that my breasts were never going to produce the precious milk that my DD deserved... but I did everything I possibly could to try to give it to her, and I am proud of that!
To this day I still put DD to sleep on the boob once or twice a day (not that she gets anything) and whip out the old breast pump whenever I get a moment in the vain hope that my boobs have suddenly figured out what they are for...
So although I can't be in the breastfeeding club, I hope you don't mind me celebrating breastfeeding and my journey with the rest of you! :o
Thank you for sharing your journey and celebrating with us. You should be proud of yourself! Well done on all your wonderful efforts. :thumbsup:
I think it's lovely that your bub still finds comfort from your breasts, and that you are still persistent in producing milk. You are an inspiration :yes:
aardvark
10-07-2007, 21:41
Wow ! After reading that I am so totally unorganised.
I usually feed before going to work, express around 12ish (200mls)and then race to kindy to feed DD2 again around 4. Kindy also has a few spare frozen packs but I spend most of my weekend, sterilising my good old manual pump, expressing, sterilsing, expressing.
I figured if I expressed till empty during the day while at work a couple of times, then it should be enough for while I'm gone during the day. He gets 4 days straight to regulate my supply, and I rarely pump on weekends or non work days. But then I'm pumping for a toddler, not a baby.
So what do you do with the EBM from the last work day? Do you freeze it, bottle feed it, mix with cereal? If you freeze it for Monday, you might need to spend less time pumping on the weekend.
Funkychicken
10-07-2007, 22:27
Okay, its time for me to fess up.
I am in complete awe of some of you. I feel like a FRAUD. I don't belong here.
yeah yeah I do breastfeed - my kid hasn't had a drop of formula in his life, its not that,
but I have never had any problems.
I have never overcome anything. I had a little tiny grazey nipple when he was a couple of months old and I b!tched about it the whole time.
I have never had mastitis, we never had any attachment issues, no blood, no screaming.
Nuffing. :no:
Ole rubber nipples they call me. Tough as old boots.
I have no amazing story to tell. I just put him on and he started feeding, end of story.
Pathetic. :(
You guys are amazing.
Or plum crazy ;)
I'll see your rubber nipples and raise you two more! :laughing:
I, too, have been one of these women, Shed. I did have a blocked duct that was pretty ordinary for a while, but no nipple issues at all. Unless you count the big bite Hamish took on the day he sprouted his first tooth. Owww.......
Oh Shed and Funky, I envy your rubber nipples. I had terrible cracking for about 4 weeks, and a really painful letdown for 5 weeks. Every time DS attached I felt like someone was slashing me with a razor, and I had to kick my legs up in the air and bite my lip to cope. I'd birthed a nearly 10 pound baby without drugs and I swear the feeding pain was worse, because I had to do it several times a day for several weeks in a row. I seriously considered expressing full time, but I researched, read, learned, asked and persevered. Now it's great.
We've even been through a patch of breast refusal the last week or so, but I've continued to persevere, determined not to make the issue worse. DS appears to be over that problem now (he had a cold, poor love, so probably couldn't breathe properly while feeding) and we're full steam ahead.
Funkychicken
10-07-2007, 22:47
Oh Shed and Funky, I envy your rubber nipples. I had terrible cracking for about 4 weeks, and a really painful letdown for 5 weeks. Every time DS attached I felt like someone was slashing me with a razor, and I had to kick my legs up in the air and bite my lip to cope. I'd birthed a nearly 10 pound baby without drugs and I swear the feeding pain was worse, because I had to do it several times a day for several weeks in a row. I seriously considered expressing full time, but I researched, read, learned, asked and persevered. Now it's great.
We've even been through a patch of breast refusal the last week or so, but I've continued to persevere, determined not to make the issue worse. DS appears to be over that problem now (he had a cold, poor love, so probably couldn't breathe properly while feeding) and we're full steam ahead.
Bron, you are doing such a fantastic job with that little man of yours. :yelclap:
Snuffling through a cold is really hard when they are so little. It sounds as though he will live up to his name and be a hearty, strong boy who thrives on his mumma's milk!
Booby Juice Rocks!!!:thumbsup: My two sons will testify to it!!
I too didn't have too much drama either. my milk was a little late (c-sect) and I had sore nipples to start aaaaaaaand felt like a bit of a Jersey Cow on the couch the first 6 weeks. Those two boys happily breastfed until just after their 2nd Birthdays.
With DS2 no problems at all although he was a hungry bugger and I had to top him up with stored up EBM or formula occasionally.
our little treasures
10-07-2007, 22:59
What a great thread:yes:
I have been through hell with breast feeding for both of my babies but because I believe they deserve nothing less than the best and thats why I did it!!
I am the one who feeds them every 2 hours on demand day and night for most of their time feeding. I never expressed so i was the only one to feed my 2 and I never went anywhere for the first year of their lifes without them.
I do feel that because I BF them for 14mnths and 16mnths people have thought it was easy for me, infact I was told by a family member that I got it easy. WRONG it wasn't it was hard I cried many a times. I was SLEEP DEPRIVED but it was all worth it. I just wouldn't give up!
I can't wait to feed this bubba and I know it is going to be painful and I will be on demand etc but I LOVE every minute of the time I have with them and the knowledge that I am giving them the best start to life.
I should feel proud!:yelclap: :smiliedance:
Tam-I-Am
11-07-2007, 00:03
Thank you all for your congratulations, and lovely PMs - I don't consider myself to be any sort of hero or inspiration though - just really really stubborn, and thankfully in possession of a really really stubborn husband and a really fantastic support network.
Still and all - I'm proud of myself :) And so should ever breastfeeding mamma be :D
Pippi Longstocking
11-07-2007, 05:39
can i say something about mastitis...maybe everyone knows this already, and maybe i was the last one to find out, but when you get mastitis or first see the tracking marks - , the first port of call should be a physiotherapist, as they have a piece of equipment, that looks a lot like a vibrator, that they put on the breast and it vibrates the blocked duct and all the milk pours out.
me.
Wow, I never knew that! I've had masitits a few times and have spent many an unsuccessful hour sitting in the bath with a hot washer on my boob while hand-expressing stubborn lumps out. I've also advised others to do the same! :o Right, next baby, I am buying me a vibrator from Melfunction's MIL :D *deletes own crass joke for fear of offending people's delicate sensibilities too early in the morning* :p
Oh Shed and Funky, I envy your rubber nipples. Me toooo! I want rubber nipples, scabby bleedy owie nipples aren't much fun at all.
Thank you all for your congratulations, and lovely PMs - I don't consider myself to be any sort of hero or inspiration though - just really really stubborn, and thankfully in possession of a really really stubborn husband and a really fantastic support network.
Still and all - I'm proud of myself And so should ever breastfeeding mamma be
Whether you consider yourself to be or not, you are definitely an inspiration! I am in awe of your stubborn determination to keep going despite the pain you must have endured. Even me the ol' Boob Nazi may not have persevered under those circumstances! :o You rock Sista!
RedPanda
11-07-2007, 05:47
Me toooo! I want rubber nipples, scabby bleedy owie nipples aren't much fun at all.
Yes, why didn't mother nature make nipples out of rubber? It'd be a heck of a lot easier for women! Let's get a petition together to campaign for rubber nipples :p
ETA: Geez I'm tired, if you couldn't guess!
Yes, why didn't mother nature make nipples out of rubber? It'd be a heck of a lot easier for women! Let's get a petition together to campaign for rubber nipples :p
Ooh but when you get the snap back that could take someone's eye out lol:p
bronny-jane
11-07-2007, 07:09
im going to bf this baby... but i think for me the key to being successful is knowledge and support...
so iam celebrating it.... ;) well i hope i will be when the time comes.... so long as i dont get mastitis again:p
Pippi Longstocking
11-07-2007, 07:13
im going to bf this baby... but i think for me the key to being successful is knowledge and support...
so iam celebrating it.... well i hope i will be when the time comes.... so long as i dont get mastitis again:p
There is a wealth of knowledge and support kicking around, that's for sure. Yay you for boobying the next bub, we are all here to make sure you succeed. :yes: And if you do get mastitis, remember the worst thing you can do is wean! I almost want to get mastitis just so I can try mysonroger's trick! :laughing:
Becteria
11-07-2007, 07:26
Careful what you wish for Guv!! Hee hee
EskimoMumma
11-07-2007, 07:48
I honestly havent seen or read about anything regarding breastfeeding mothers to stay quiet and silent about the joys and love of it all.
Because the topic of feeding our children is so personal we are emotionally and passionately driven to defend our actions, know why?
Well, its because we all do what is best for OUR! families. Regardless. And TBH, every mother on this forum knows breast is best.
I, as a bottlefeeder, am sorry any of you ladies were made to feel sorry/guilty/kept quiet about the topic of breast/bottle.
(that said ive always stayed out of these discussions)
I knew nothing about breastfeeding when I was pregnant. I didnt even do any research. The only things I knew were those I saw on TV or was told about in my ante-natal classes. No one in my family had really breastfed. My mum tried with my brother but very bad mastitis had her stopping at about 3 weeks.
My thoughts have always been something is better then nothing. So I figured Id do it as long as I could at least for that good start. Fast forward to the birth. . well . .the emergency c-section. Being back in my room and ask if I wanted to feed her, I shook my head, feeling like death, and said just give her a bottle. They shoved a form in my face to sign. I tried to give it to her, no go, mum tried, no go. Looking back now, she knew what she wanted!! :laughing:
The midwives helped me get her on the first 2 times. She was a trooper though. She knew what she was doing. Her only drama was constantly sleeping. It would take so long for her to feed. Id feel like she'd finish and then I had to go again on the next feed. It was crazy! The midwives would come in and poke and prod at both of us. Making sure she was latched on properly. It didnt hurt (not that Ive ever had much sensitivity there) and she was drinking so I figured all was good. I was right. So Id tell the midwives, who requested I showed them how I fed her, after Id fed her. ;) I didnt want them anywhere near me. They made it so much worse. They made me feel like 2nd guessing and that I couldnt do it most of the time.
When I got home, I spent weeks feeding on the couch as I healed. Fast forward to 15mths later. Still breastfeeding. She loves it. I dont think she'd give it up til she is ready and thats the plan. In those 15mths, the only drama Ive had is a cracked nipple twice on the left, a shield and a l;ot of grimacing and toe curling got me thru them, they were big ones. The odd blocked duct and bite from a young lady with teeth. They get sore from overuse when she feeds over night too. I kinda feel sorry for them!!
Ive been lucky in my journey. And it will continue as long as I can. I always said I wanted to go for at least 6 mths if I could. Now its for at least 2 years. Despite being told. .(suggested my bum) to wean her as its not doing anything ..Im still going .. no stopping us. . girl power rocks! :smiliedance:
mumof2angels
11-07-2007, 08:48
All you ladies are doing a fantastic job feeding ur bubs and enduring the pain that goes with it eg cracked nips, mastitis etc.
I BF my DD1 for 9 mths when she woke up one day and would have no more :crying: I was devastated but continued to express for her till she was 1, which im proud of doing. I had cracked nips, numerous bouts of mastitis and blocked ducts but pushed through it.
With DD2 from the time she was born she was an expert at BF latched straight on and knew what she was doing, so I had no issues of pain with her which was awesome, had alot less milk with her and didnt know what I do now after reading on here so at least i know where to come with this one if theres issues. I stared comp feeding her at night early on and did so for a month or so and it affected my supply so much she was screaming all day in hunger, so I ditched the comp feed and tried to in crease my supply and did eventually and went on to feed her till she was 2:smiliedance: ! And now we even joke and say do you want some bitty? and she looks at my boobs and laughs, one day she said yes so I got it out and she looks and laughs and goes nnooooo!!
Anyway cant wait till bubs 3 arrives in Nov so I can BF again cause i do miss it and the closeness. :fingerscrossed: this one will be a good sucker too.
SassyDiva
11-07-2007, 08:53
BF is such a wonderful, beautiful thing. The bond between mother and child alone is worth the struggle and effort it takes at the start not to even metion all the nutritional aspects.
When I was BF I always made sure my diet and lifestyle choices allowed my body to produce the best for my baby and I think all mummies that have a healthy lifestyle and are BF are doing a fantastic job :thumbsup:
i agree that breast is best too. i did give both my boys a great start by breastfeeding and i wish i could have continued for a lot longer but as my body would have it that wasn't going to happen.
I totally give everyone who tries to breastfeed as well as those who continue to breastfeed a huge pat on the back because i can understand how hard it can be on the mothers to be a milk bar 24/7
Funkychicken
11-07-2007, 09:51
Ooh but when you get the snap back that could take someone's eye out lol
:laughing: This cracked me up! DH and I were listening to a comedian on the radio the other day and he did a whole skit on "You'll have your eye out with that!"
I was in hysterics, and you have just just given me an image of someone taking their eye out with a rubber nipple! :laughing::laughing::p
shell1985
11-07-2007, 09:59
Oh I am so glad you posted this!!
I breastfed my baby girl, and endured the whole lot. Cracked, bleeding nipples, engorgment the works, just like most breastfedding mums. And I have a sister inlaw that decided to bottlefeed just out of her not wanting to even try breastfeeding. This use to eat away at me coz as we know we cant tell another mother how to look after her child, but I could talk about it to her and what I do with Aimee etc and I would get negative remarks. BUT i am so proud of what i did and what I went through just to give aimee the best possible start. Breast IS BEST, formula is nothing compared to it. I do feel for mothers who cant breastfeed but this is the truth- Perserverance is the key. A lot of mums i know gave up because of the pain etc. I would not rest before knowing my baby was fed by ME. :thumbsup:
chameleon
11-07-2007, 12:08
Yay Guv!!:yelclap:
I'm not a breastfeeder unfortunately:no: I really wasn't well educated and didn't have much support, as well as the fact DD was tube-fed for the first few weeks of her life. I gave up far too quickly.
Reading about breastfeeding doesn't make me feel guilty... it makes me more determined to try harder next time!:yes:
I think all you breastfeeders are doing a wonderful job and hopefully I can join you all one day!:hugs:
Toffee apple
11-07-2007, 12:24
I breastfed for 13 month & never liked it ,never felt it made my bond closer with DD ,never enjoyed those quiet times ,couldnt stand breast feeding in front of people, I had lots of troubles in the begining & bad experiences with a few midwifes in hospital, could of been the cause , i just couldnt wait to stop.
Will i breastfeed this little bubs when they come along ?....yes,I will give a red hot go & i truly hope that i enjoy it this time around.
our little treasures
11-07-2007, 13:03
Mummytoa princess
I hope that your next experience is a positive one!!
Breastfeeding is an amazing journey. I would have another baby just to experience feeding again - the closeness, the quite and the lovely hormones that make you feel sleepy and content.
Sitting here preparing to do the lactation consultant exam in July just reinforces to me the truley wonderful food we can provide our babies / children.
Support from your partner, friends and health professionals is the key to successfull breastfeeding.
May you enjoy your journey
Pickles
DD 02/03
DS 03/05
grass is always greener
11-07-2007, 15:30
:yelclap: I am all for breastfeeding as well. I would have loved to have continued further than i did. I suffered from severe mastitis(sp) and PND and my milk wasnt enough for my monster.
I started supplement feeding and found that he was more content with the bottle and my boobie juice dried up.:crying:
If you can, breastfeed until the cows come home!!!:smiliedance:
our little treasures
11-07-2007, 15:50
Breastfeeding is an amazing journey. I would have another baby just to experience feeding again - the closeness, the quite and the lovely hormones that make you feel sleepy and content.
Sitting here preparing to do the lactation consultant exam in July just reinforces to me the truley wonderful food we can provide our babies / children.
Support from your partner, friends and health professionals is the key to successfull breastfeeding.
May you enjoy your journey
Pickles
DD 02/03
DS 03/05
I agree I have a great support partner in my hubby!:kiss:
bambikins
11-07-2007, 19:22
I'm still breast feeding and I couldn't be happier even though people keep on asking me when I'm going to start feeding her water and that I should stop BF when her teeth come in.
I was prepared for a tough battle when I begun BF as I had an elective caesar, flat nipples and the use of one arm as my other is completely paralysed from a birth injury.
But nothing was going to stop me from my dream to breast feed even though I was as clumsy as all hell because the only way I can BF is if I have my legs crossed with Elektra's head resting on my knee............yes I got mastitis, engorgement blah, blah, blah and one boob is definately hanging lower than the other because she prefers the way I hold her on one side than the other.
But what an amazing reward it has been for me as it has made me stronger than ever and more comfortable in my own body as I have been able to finally BF in public without caring how people would view my awkward way of feeding.
What I have realised in my BF journey is that there is no 'right' way to breast feed..........as everyone has their own methods.
Thank you so much for sharing your bf story Amber... it was very touching :D
What a great thread! I too am a booby juice mummy and i feel very privelidged and lucky to be able to breastfeed my beutiful baby girl, nothing makes me prouder than getting my boobies out in gloria jeans!! ( all be it that im sober these days when they do come out!! he he!)
Some people have suggested to me that perhaps i should supplement with formula at night to make her sleep longer than 3 hours, but im not!! i dont want to put formula down her throat, she can get up every hour if she wishes! im just happy that i am able to feed her!:yelclap:
chameleon
11-07-2007, 20:22
Mummytoa princess
I hope that your next experience is a positive one!!
Thanks so much!:hugs:
jojojonsey
13-07-2007, 03:48
To then told at every turn that "formula is just as good" rankles. I went through that because formula wasn't just as good. To be told that actually belittles my struggles to maintain a healthy breastfeeding relationship with my boy.
Yep i would have to say that this rang really true for me particulary with my very non supportive bottlefeeding family.
Breast is definately best - but it's hard work! Especially when you have to go back to work, (groan) Being honest here I can't say I enjoy the stress of trying to express enough milk for the working week. Then hiding at work in the sick room expressing more milk, it's exhausting! Sometimes I think it's just too hard I'm going to use formula. But when I look at DD and see how much she enjoys her mummy's milk I could never throw in the towel. I fed DD1 till she was 13 months so I know I can do it. It's just really hard sometimes :crying:
I can completely relate to this post and got teary reading it because some little part of me was just so glad that I wasn't the only person out there struggling with this. I am also a working mum and express at work and it has to be the hardest thing I have ever done and I force myself to do it everyday. EDIT: I am not glad you are finding it difficult but only that I am not the only one who isn't blissed out by this part of my breastfeeding journey IYKWIM :)
But I have to say that I love breastfeeding. I now love the fact that I feel like a superhero somedays that my boobies can sooth my crying baby. I love that my DP is soo proud of what I have done for our children! I love that my eldest kids see breastfeeding as completely normal!
I tend to hold back on my love of breastfeeding around other people or put 'disclaimers' into my words for fear of hurting someone else's feelings when sometimes all I want to do is shout about the benefits.
I tend to hold back on my love of breastfeeding around other people or put 'disclaimers' into my words for fear of hurting someone else's feelings when sometimes all I want to do is shout about the benefits.
Yeah, I do the disclaimer thing sometimes too. Sometimes its because people deserve it, but sometimes, yanno, they DON'T.
sanbertina
07-09-2007, 20:37
I've been called "breastfeeding Nazi" from my family members! And I'm sure they all say alot more when I'm not around now that I'm 5 months pregnant with no. 4 and still feeding no. 3!
Yes, I went through cracked nipples, mastitis, battled with attaching my first and it felt like a bull-dog clip was on me for the first 4/5 weeks with all my kids but you persevere for their good health.
So - No I don't keep quite either - New and expectant mums need to hear of the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding....even if bottlefeeders are present!!!
Bless Ya,
Sarah
(Mother of 2 here, 1 on the way and 1 in heaven)
Funkychicken
07-09-2007, 20:43
So - No I don't keep quite either - New and expectant mums need to hear of the wonderful benefits of breastfeeding....even if bottlefeeders are present!!!
Bless Ya,
Sarah
(Mother of 2 here, 1 on the way and 1 in heaven)
Good on you, Sarah. You are right, if we don't get the message to new and expectant mums, how will they know?
We live in a world where extended families no longer really exist and young women are not exposed to BF as they were many years ago, so to keep the message 'out there' it is up to those of us who feel passionate about BF and passionate about getting the message out.
:yelclap:
Thank-you for such an inspiring thread! :yelclap:
To all you breastfeeding mums, who have endured so much from shaming to pain, and everything in between, you truly are :angel:
I cannot wait for the honour of being in your company when my baby arrives.
http://www.looneyballoon.com/acatalog/16988P_youre-appreciated.jpeg
(click on the link for an apt summary of my feelings :thumbsup:)
Lollie86
08-09-2007, 01:49
Aw wow, such an inspiring thread!
I sometimes feel that i should watch what i say regarding breastfeeding and 'breast being best' bc i dont want to offend any bottlefeeding mama's, but i just realised IRL that most of the bottlefeeding mamas i know dont care what they say about bf or bottlefeeding in front of me!
I soo agree! Why should we keep quiet?! I am proud to be breastfeeding my little girl and hope to continue to do so until she doesnt want anymore!!! :thumbsup: Try and keep me quiet now!
emilysmumma
08-09-2007, 02:40
After 19 months of breastfeeding I shall throw them over my shoulders and get them to pat me on the back. :thumbsup:
Mummabear
08-09-2007, 03:19
After 19 months of breastfeeding I shall throw them over my shoulders and get them to pat me on the back. :thumbsup:
Hilarious!
As a bottle feeding Mum to both my boys I just wanted to say that I 100% agree with this thread (I haven't had time to read it all though). Breast is undeniabily the very best that there is and I'm no longer offended by that statement. Will I endure the physical and emotional pain, the threats of having my baby taken from me due to "neglectful" weight loss and the emotional rollercoaster that is breastfeeding with my next baby? Absolutely. I will always give it the very best go that I possibly can with each and every child - perhaps one day my boobs will work, who knows!
Well done to all you bf mummas. I WILL join you one day.
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