Wednesday, July 14, 2010

totally worth it


Photo by: Rae Clevett

I remember thinking during my pregnancy that the nausea/indigestion/vomiting and other wonderful things that came with it was an ordeal. Then that was forgotten as soon as labour set in. And now even the labour has already become somewhat of a distant memory as well as the first few weeks of recovery postpartum. As I deal with yet another obstacle - mastitis (breast infection). The last two weeks has been an ordeal and brought a ton of tears. I didn't know I had such a strong opinion on breastfeeding. I absolutely believe that it's the mother's choice. But I didn't know that it would be mine. I went into this pregnancy with the thought that I would try to bf at least. I wanted to. But if it didn't work out, I wouldn't kick myself for it. No expectations (a Bikram yoga motto that I embraced) - I thought. Well let me tell you, bf is not as easy as it looks. This was my thought just a week or so ago. The reason why I developed the infection was most likely because of bad latches and not emptying the breasts completely due to poor latches. And all along I thought I was doing okay. It hurt here and there and I thought it was normal because I had it instilled in my head that it's supposed to hurt for the first month or so until my nipples "toughen up". I was really ready to give up this bond with my baby two weeks ago because I just did not think I could do it properly. Oh and because I kept thinking about the pain in my breast that I felt the first night of the infection - like someone was sawing off my breast every time baby sucked. Literature says best way to treat infection is to keep nursing and so I did (it did feel better the next feed because I started the antibiotic and took Tylenol/Advil). We've seen a bf consultant a few times already and things are improving (breasts are softer bc milk is more regulated now and nipples are also a bit softer which makes latching for me a lot easier - I think her mouth has grown a little bigger too:)).

I love watching her little face nestled up to my breast every time I nurse her and feel so proud that I'm the reason she's so plump! And grateful I'm too persistent to quit (even though my indecisiveness can get the better of me - in this case it helped bc I couldn't make up my mind in quiting or not). Eddie also pointed out that we feed Mylo a natural raw diet so it's the right thing (for us) to do for Myelle.

For you ladies who are planning on getting pregnant and plan on successfully bf'ing, please don't go in "winging it" like I did. Instead, check out Dr. Jack Newman's books and dvd. Even though I bought it a little late, it still helped.

15 comments:

Michelle said...

good luck to you both, feel better soon.

She has the most prescious little face....what an angel

Angela said...

Breastfeeding is definitely something that needs practice and time to get used to. Once you got it, it's the most wonderful experience with your baby. My best friend bf her baby until over one year old! I stopped bf my two boys as soon as I see teeth. Hang in there, Eve. Women had done it since the beginning of time. It's hilarious how men compare their offsprings with pets. It's good to hear from you. Myelle looks so adorable and healthy in the picture. Keep the picture coming.

Unknown said...

it's tough but, like you said, worth it (: my baby had problems latching on as well and I had really sore nipples but I kept going and trying to feed him. I ended up getting engorgement but after lots of patience and the awesome nipple guard, now (10 months later) I'm still breastfeeding my kid (: hope this is a little (more) encouragement ^^

Debbie said...

Oh, I'm so happy you're sticking with it and took the initiative to see a lactation consultant. It really does get so much easier with time. I agree with you, seeing your plump little one and realizing that YOU provided the nutrients that got her that way is priceless! My Jacob is almost 11 months old and is still exclusively breastfed. He is one chunky monkey. That mama's milk is good stuff!

Baby Myelle is absolutely precious.

Desiree said...

i know what your going through. mastitis is not fun. I got it three different times with my daughter - mine was caused from not wearing a proper nursing bra. This time around I am going to be on top of that! Good luck I hope that things go better for you.

Amber said...

I hope it continues to go well for you. I definitely want to breastfeed when the baby comes too.

I didn't know you fed Mylo a raw diet? I fed my two a raw diet for a few years up until the last few months because we are working on moving to Germany...selling our freezer, giving away extra meat, etc. I don't know what lies ahead for us in Germany but hopefully we can go back to a raw diet once we get settled.

Tara said...

Absolutely beautiful. Congratulations!
And no ... breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally. I never got the hang of it with my first, stuck with it and was successful with my second, and didn't have a speck of trouble with my third.
Keep at it. It makes everything so much easier in the long run and is so much better for the babe.

Amber said...

Oh your daughter is beautiful! You should feel so proud! I got mastitis when my dauhter was older, ouch! For me it was a lesson in slowing down (it can be stress related if you've been breastfeeding a while). I remeber those early days and having my husband pull my daughters lip down so we could get the latch going. But those times are so fuzzy now. One day you go to feed and she'll just pop on. I'm still nursing my 18 month old and it continues to be such a wonderful thing for us! Good luck and thanks for sharing, I'm sure you've helped others!

Mari said...

Какое чудо!!!
Поздравляю вашу семью с рождением такого славного малыша!
Здоровья вам всем огромного!!!

sugarnuggets said...

Hi Eva, sooo sweet!

I had lots of bouts (7) of mastitis with my first son but was determined to stick with it. I had none with my second. The difference...the bf specialist at the hospital recommended only nursing on one side per feeding so that it would be really empty.
Hang in there!

Kelli said...

My kids are older, and I had never heard of mastitis when I was nursing them. Now it seems everyone I know that has a baby and breast feeds gets it. I wonder if the difference is that 15-20 yrs. ago, new moms stayed for at least 3 days in the hospital. I remember having to go to the nursery at Grace and having to sit in the 'nursing' chair and have 2 nurses watch me nurse my son. I know so many moms that gave up right away because it wasn't working out and it was hard on them, the feelings of guilt. I think there needs to be more education.

Jocelyn Lord said...

Wow, I am so proud of you for sticking through the "ouchy" bit. I had loads of problems with breast feeding but managed to stick it out. My little girl is 16 months now and still LOVES nursing. It is such a blessing to see how much she enjoys it. She has learned to sign for it now and practically pounces on me when I say yes. We hope to continue till she is at least 2, or until we decides that she no longer wants it anymore.

Olivia said...

Good for you! I wrestled with breastfeeding for nearly 5 months - it was awful (I still had blisters even then). But I am SO happy that I stuck with it. My little boy has been so healthy and eats as good as a 1 yr. old will :) Now I miss those sweet moments with him. Hang in there! You're doing a GREAT job!

PS: Whatever decision you make will be the best for you and Myelle. Mother really does know best :)

Veronica Milan said...

I couldn't agree more. I love the bond my Noah and I share.

It's hard work though!

Hang in there! It really does get better. The breast milk helps heal the raw nipples. Who knew huh?

Claire said...

Myelle is so beautiful :) Make sure you get some breastfeeding shots, these are so precious to have later on. The layout I did of me breastfeeding my son at 3 weeks is now my fave layout of all I think (he's now 5).