Today I am delighted to share our first breastfeeding mamas story with you all...
Kasia from Denmark is a mum of three... a 5 year old boy, 3 year old girl and another girl who is 9 weeks old. Thanks so much Kasia for sharing your breastfeeding story with us.
Kirsten
xx
I gave birth to my first child in the beginning of May, 2006. Olaf was born through a planned c-section, a healthy big boy, almost 3800g at 38w2d. It was obvious for me that I would like to breastfeed him as long as possible although there was no positive experience of breastfeeding in my family. My mom never succeeded in breastfeeding – knowing what I know now, I am sure that it was because she did not persist in trying and had no one to tell her what to do…
My attitude was clear – I wanted to do all I can to breastfeed my child and I believed that nature would help me. I am a vet, hence my trust in instinct is even bigger than ”average” – after all – we are mammals.
Whilst still at the surgery room, when the doctors were putting me ”together” after c-section, our boy went straight up to his topless dad ;-) who was with me all the time because we knew that early ”skin to skin contact” is very important for the baby.
Our first try in breastfeeding was actually right after we left the surgery room. Olaf was put to my breast and tried to suckle a bit but fall asleep very fast. Although I was happy that he was safely resting in my arms, it turned out to be our biggest problem throughout the first days.
My baby simply wanted to sleep… It looked as if he hadn’t been through enough labour stress. Some big hands took him from my belly, he was put into a warm snugly towel and decided to sleep on as usual. The problem was – I could not get my milk just from looking at him…
Together with nurses, we tried to put him to my breasts and encourage to suckle and although he seemed to be good at it, he always stopped after a moment and ”sailed away”. I was getting more and more worried, especially that I knew that my baby was not getting ANY food. After 48hours I was ready to beg nurses to give him a bottle but then my midwife came and said that she had a much better idea. She brought a big electric breast pump and showed me how to use it. I had to sit up and pump every 2-3 hours for at least 20-30 minutes, day and night.
Oh, it wasn’t funny…
My hormones were playing games with me, I was feeling tired, low and ugly and only the sight of my sleeping boy gave me strenght not to throw it all away..
My husband was with me most of the time as we could share a private room – just us two and the baby, but I asked for no other visits as I needed quietness, rest and focus. At first I was able to collect just a couple of drops, but the amount of milk was getting bigger with every time I used the pump..
All nurses were very helpful – they took clothes off my baby to make him more awake and all the collected milk was given to my him with a small plastic cup, no bottles. In the very beginning Olaf was also getting some artificial babymilk but only a few times untill my breasts ”understood their job”.
And thanks to the ”baby gymnastic” and getting just a little bit of milk in his stomach every 3rd hour, Olaf started to show interest in eating and was actualy more awake – asking for food.
God I was happy!
We were able to leave the hospital 5 days after c-section as Olaf started sucking on his own and there was ”plenty in store”.
Luckily, although my breasts were filled up with incredible amount of milk, I had no tendency of getting breast inflammation, however I got another problem. As I was breastfeeding about 14 hours a day, my nipples got incredibly sore.
It was worst at the very moment he was starting to suckle and maybe half a minute after that. I had tears in my eyes and was biting my tongue not to scream. My mom who was visiting at that time, two weeks after Olaf was born, started gently to ask me whether it was worth the pain and struggle but I heard from my midwife that this feeling will end and so… it did.
About 6 weeks after giving birth I was able to enjoy breastfeeding.
And when I say ENJOY – I mean it!
It was an incredible summer – long walks in town, plenty of sun and warmth and MANY hours of breastfeeding – as Olaf was not only hungry but often just thirsty because of the high temperature. I was never worried and not even once considered giving him extra liquids because I knew my milk was adjusting to the conditions, and as Olaf was growing gladly and all the nappies were wet – I knew he had all he needed as long as my breasts were ”on hand”
Now I am breastfeeding my third child. She was born 28th April 2011 – a day before 3rd birthday of her bigger sister and 5 days before Olaf's 5th b-day.
All my children were born through a planned c-cection but there was absolutely no ”milk problem” with my girls.
And because breastfeeding is like riding a bike – you cannot forget it – it’s surely less stressful the second and every other time.
With the first baby it takes some time and patience to learn to breastfeed right, so no one can feel disturbed seeing you doing it in the middle of the shopping center, but once you get the techniqe and the RIGHT clothes which are huge help, hiding that post pregnancy tummy and opening just enough – it goes smooth.
I have never heard any bad comments from strangers, but sometimes people stop and smile friendly, especially hearing baby swallowing vigorously :-)
If I should have any advice for the newbaked moms struggling to breastfeed during the first days and weeks of their motherhood – trust your instincts, give it a good try, be persistant and think positive. And once you succeed and the milk is flowing, satisfying your baby’s needs – buy some good nursing bras and good quality tops and enjoy your time with the little one no matter where you are.
Because there are no words that can express the feeling… And the joy of seeing your child growing on YOUR milk is incredible.. So I better enjoy it whilst I still can as I will not have any more children…
