Breastfeeding is a Learning Experience (How to Breastfeed)

by Roxie
(Indiana)

It's been 30 yrs ago, but first I would suggest that all mothers attend birthing classes and learn the Lamaze breathing method!!

I have used this breathing relaxation to have teeth pulled, endure physical therapy after knee surgery, and other painful times. The classes also help with breastfeeding information, though you really need someone experienced that you can just call on the phone at a moment’s notice.

Even though I had 2 healthy babies, I was only partially successful in my attempts to breastfeed, due to lack of education on the subject and no local support group I could turn to for help.

By lack of education I mean ways to help increase my milk production, how to address the issue of hot, hard, swollen breasts, how to successfully collect breast milk, and how to prepare my breasts for nursing (rubbing a rough towel over them doesn't help!)

I was only able to nurse my 1st child for 3 weeks, mostly due to lack of experience being a new mom, and the above-mentioned problems. However I made it to 1 1/2 months with my 2nd child, but I just couldn't produce enough milk.

I even asked my Amish neighbors for help as they seldom bottle feed. They suggested alfalfa tablets (cows eat it right?), a beer a day (I hate beer but drank it), extra fluids, fruits etc. Nothing helped and my doctor didn't seem to think my concerns important.

I was even past the sore, bleeding nipple stage and felt like a failure after having gotten so far this time. My mom wasn’t any help as she raised us on bottles, but she did suggest that maybe they weren’t getting enough milk from me, as they would cry for more soon after feeding.

However, I have memories of being able to go to a quiet place and snuggling my babies while they nursed. There's infinite satisfaction just knowing my body has done everything it was made to do!