Monday, December 1, 2008

To nurse or not to nurse

I always thought I was going to breastfeed my babies - it's healthy for the baby & the mother, it helps prevent SIDS, it's free, it's a great way to bond with your child - I'm sure the list could go on. After having mastitis the first time, I was terrified to start nursing again. I didn't want to go through that horrible experience again. However, I thought it was important to continue nursing - I was determined to do whatever was best for my baby. When I got mastitis for the second time, I thought, "I'm done. I can't keep doing this." I felt so heartbroken though. Earlier that day, I was thinking of how wonderful it was to be past the painful part of nursing & to be able to enjoy that time with William, but it changed so suddenly.
Today, I had an appointment with my OB/GYN. When I told him I was done nursing, he told me I should keep trying. He said I was so close to being past the worst part & that if I could just nurse 2 weeks more without any complications, I should be fine. - - - My doctor is not one of those "do everything natural" type. When I told him I wanted to try natural childbirth, he said, "Why?" He told me there was nothing shameful about having an epidural, & there was no reason why I should put my body through the pain - there was nothing to prove. Because of this, I was surprised he didn't tell me to forego the possibility of mastitis again & to just give William formula. Rather, he encouraged me to breastfeed & told me how my body was adjusting really well to nursing (besides the infections I was getting from the baby, of course). He also told me he always figured me for the type of woman who would really want to breastfeed her child. When he said this, I was sold. He was absolutely right, and I wanted to keep trying. - - - SO - I've decided to give nursing another go. Hopefully everything goes well - at least I'm praying that it does;).

13 comments:

  1. I give you major props, Liz. I can say that once you get passed the rough part, you do get to a point where it is easy and you can enjoy it. At least, I did, but it took awhile. You go, girl!!

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  2. Oh, Liz. much props to you! I know exactly how you feel. I remember when Caylee wasn't latching on right and I didn't have no clue of how to nurse. I was cracked and bleeding and was soooooooooo ready to quit. I prayed that it would get better and things started coming together and I really enjoy nursing Caylee now. I hope this round will be more enjoyable. William is so handsome and he is definately a good combination of both of you. We miss you guys and love you guys so much! I hope you are getting a little more rest. I know that your first one is the hardest, but enjoy every moment; they grow so fast! I'm so sorry I haven't called you. I have been so busy with Caylee and being out of town by the time I have time for myself, it gets too late to call. I know... this is no excuse. I will call you soon! TAke care

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  3. Good for you Liz - Nursing was so hard for me for the first few months with Dawson and I was always getting clogged ducts and I was sooo sore I had to take a motrin every time I nursed - cracking, bleeding - pretty miserable. But, once we got past that 6-8 week mark - everything changed and I really loved it. It has been easier with my other kids - I think partially because I am more experienced. But, I really love nursing. It is so bonding and there is nothing better than feeling like you can do something for your baby that no one else can. For all it's negatives - I have still have an overall positive experience with nursing. I hope you can get past this point and have the same outlook. And if you give it another try and it just does not work for you - that is OK too. Good luck to you!

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  4. I totally think the Mama knows best... We (Ava and I) had a hard time with nursing and forced it for four long months, I didn't want to quit for a number of reasons, but finally realized it was up to me... I think anyone who can't see that it's an individual decision is a little wack. Good for you! Hope you don't have to go through the crap again! Love you guys!

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  5. Good for you for trying again. It made me sad when you told me you were quitting - flashbacks to when I couldn't nurse Sam anymore. Liahona told me that she used to get infections, so the moment she felt one coming on, she'd starting using warm compresses and get on antibiotics. Hopefully, it goes better from here on out. If not, Katy is absolutely right; it is your personal decision to make, and whatever you decide is OK - no guilt!

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  6. I have to agree with everything everyone else is saying. I nursed Ben, no problem. Then Ella came and after a few weeks of trying, it wasn't working... I was beating myself up over what others would think. Then with the twins, I pumped and pumped and pumped. After 4 months, I just couldn't do it anymore and I switched to formula. They turned out just fine. You will know what is right for your situation and DON'T feel guilty. I hope things start looking up for you all quickly. PS. Will is such a cute little guy!

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  7. I can't wait to see Will. I miss all of you.
    Love, Grandma

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  8. I am right there with you Liz. Nursing is great when it works, but it's really hard. Major props for trying again....I hope you have a great experience and no more complications!

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  9. Liz,
    Everyone has given you some great advice. I had a horrible first three weeks nursing! I had a horrible nurse my first 24 hours and it caused some serious damagel resulting in me getting a viscious bout of mastitis when Rockwell was 8 days old, and then got thrush as a result. I would bawl my eyes out everytime I nursed for the first three weeks and I was nursing every two hours (for the first 4 months). I was so miserable but I was really determined to nurse. Rockwell is 8 months old and I'm still nursing and it has been the best experience. My advice is if you can stick it out a little longer you might be so glad you did

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  10. He has gotten so big. I thought you had stopped breastfeeding, but I guess not. You are such a strong person for keep on doing it. But I hope you do take care of yourself. Give William a hug and kiss for me.

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  11. i had no idea all that happened when you were in the hospital...i'm so sorry, my mom did not know any of these details! i am proud of you for trying again- i'm sure it's scary trying again when you know how much pain it can cause you. you are a brave little mommy. it will all be worth it.

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  12. I'm so sorry for everything you've been going through Liz. I'm glad you decided to try one more time though. I really love nursing and I hope you have a good experience with it. Good for you for being patient. Hugs!

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  13. Try using a pump after feeding him. My babies never ate as much as I made. It helped a lot to get the "extra" out and feel a little lighter.
    He's very cute!

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