A Most Important Topic - Breastfeeding

Today begins the second week of our Baby Shower Bash and I am excited. This week's topic is about something that is near and dear to my heart. I think it was one of the most important decisions you will make in regards to your newborn's health but also one of the toughest. It is probably the most talked about subject but the least explained.

This topic is breastfeeding. When I first had my daughter, I was very thankful for my mom. She was comfortable enough to show me what to do and the nurses also were a big help. The first few days of breastfeeding my daughter went okay and then I got sore and it began to be painful. My daughter didn't eat enough and only two days after being home, we were back in the hospital with her in a little crib covered with lights. She had jaundice.

We knew she was sick when she stopped crying and all she did was sleep. She would drink an ounce at a time. What we didn't realize was that because she was born a preemie her ability to eat was not fully developed and so her ability to nurse was not that same as a normal newborns. I didn't know this - all I knew was intense guilt. She didn't eat enough so she had a severe case of jaundice. Should we switch to formula, do I pump, what do I do? All these thoughts and more ran through my head.

We decided to pump. I had a Medela Pump In Style and there in the hospital I began my journey into pumping. After leaving I tried breastfeeding again without the pump. Gracie still didn't have the proper latch and I ended up sore and bleeding. Then began that wonderful time of cluster feeding! By the time a few hours were done, I was exhausted and in tears. My husband so graciously offered to go get formula.

I am a stubborn person and if someone says I am failing, I am more than likely to press on and prove them wrong. Not always the best trait but in this area, it was what kept me going. The pain lasted for months and I hated breastfeeding but I kept going because of the support of my husband and my mother. I also pumped like a crazy woman but that is what worked for me.

By 6 months, I loved nursing and I didn't stop until my daughter was 14 months old and I was 5 months pregnant with our second child. While pregnant with my son, I began to research all I could about breastfeeding. I learned so much and was prepared for a much better experience. And we have had it so far. I love this time with my son and am thankful I can do this for his health.

I have decided to dedicate an entire week of my Baby Shower Bash to help support other moms or moms to be out there who are struggling with breastfeeding or just want to know more. Maybe you struggled in the past and want to try again. Maybe you are in the middle of that struggle. Maybe you are still deciding if it is worth or if you even want to try. Stay tuned this week for some great tips, particular products, and help.

Let me know your thoughts. Are you an experienced breastfeeding mom? Share your story. Do you have a question that maybe I or one of the many ladies that I consulted for this week can answer for you? Feel free to leave a comment and if you want to remain anonymous - don't worry, we don't need to know who you are.