Am I worried about how much pain I'll endure during labor? Not really. Am I concerned about not getting enough sleep after the baby is born? No, I expect it.
Am I fearful of dropping the baby when walking down steps? A little.
Am I overwhelmed by the breastfeeding process? You betcha sweet ass I am!
I've always wanted to breastfeed. In fact, the only time I ever entertained the idea of not breastfeeding was when I was deciding whether or not to go through with the breast reduction. Luckily, the surgery was a success and all my milk-parts were left in-tact.
In sharing my hopes of breastfeeding with friends and family, and after recently attending a breastfeeding class, I've come to the conclusion that although nursing is a 'natural' feat, it isn't a sure-thing, nor is it guaranteed to happen naturally. Which, quite frankly, is scaring the shit out of me.
Here are just a couple remarks on nursing that I've heard lately:
- "I can remember my milk coming out looking like tomato soup because my cracked nipples were bleeding."
- "Breastfeeding felt like my nipples were being raked across a gravel road or sandpaper."
- "I can remember just crying because it hurt so badly."
And if those comments aren't enough to freak any newbie out, the lactation consultant at our nursing class asked us if we were doing anything to toughen up our nipples...like scrubbing with a loofah, a toothbrush or sandpaper. She quickly added those were things we DID NOT want to do, but either way, the visuals turned my stomach.
I know that if breastfeeding doesn't work out for the cub and I there are other alternatives. I can pump and feed him/her with a bottle or go straight to formula. I guess only time will tell.
In the meantime, I'd prefer to not hear any more horror stories on the subject. If anyone must tell me a story, make it a pleasant one, and lie if you have to. Lord know, these girls of mine have been through enough!
4 comments:
Funny sotry- I nursed Abby, but when she started sleeping longer, I would get so engourged & leak a bit. Occasionally I would be able to squirt Nate w/ teh breast milk. :) He woudl be sitting in bed watching TV & I would get ready to nurse Abby, but before she latched on... squirt, squirt in Nate's face.
Is that TMI?
Not TMI at all! It's hilarious! I can't help but think that if Nate had the powers to breastfeed, you'd be tormented by more than just an occasional squirt!
Love the cartoon!
I nursed my son through ear infections, he barely cried.
I nursed my son through an illness at 6 weeks old, he miraculously healed. While hospitalized I nursed him while a catheter was being put in and blood taken for tests, he hardly noticed.
I nursed my son to sleep on the worst nights and I nursed my son after he woke up from surgery. Nursing has it's issues, but I tell you despite everything, it is more of a help! It soothes them and comforts them more than anything. It might hurt at first - but I hardly had any issues. Pumping was worse than breastfeeding, and even those problems could be solved with lansino and a warm or cold compress. Good luck!
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