Breast Feeding Battles

The Kitchen Diva

Breast Feeding Battles Posted by Kate Flower 21 November, 2008 - 10:51 AM

Breast Feeding Battles

Australia has a good percentage of mothers who are choosing to and successfully breast feeding their infants. At around 88% it is one of the best statistics in the developing world. Breast feeding is strongly advocated by our parents, midwives, the health system, media and fellow mothers. So what happens when it just isn't coming together and breast feeding feels like a constant battle?

Being a mother of twins I always knew that breast feeding was going to present its challenges but as it turns out I had no idea! Now at 33 and right in the middle of the baby boom I am hearing more and more about the struggles women have with breast feeding. Why did we never hear about this before? I honestly thought it would be a completely natural, easy and wonderful bonding experience with my children. Instead it was, at times, painful, exhausting, frustrating and mysterious. My son did not attach well or drink for long. My daughter was better but then I was always a bit worried that she wasn't getting enough milk. In the end I abandoned breast feeding Finn and put him on formula (you can imagine the guilt) and continued with not a huge amount of success to feed Lily. After four and a half months my body gave in and stopped producing any milk. After a good cry I just got on with it. There was still a bit of explaining to be done when I pulled out the bottles.

BUT WHY DID I FEEL GUILTY? WHY DID I FEEL LIKE THE ONLY PERSON WHO WASN'T TOUGH ENOUGH TO BREAST FEED?

My message to all the girls out there who are about to embark on a similar mission is just do the best you can, be patient and ask for help. Breast is best, no one is arguing with that but you are not alone if you are struggling to pick up this new skill. If it does not fall into place overnight don't panic. I think most of us mums find it takes a little getting used to. There is support available from local lactation consultants, your health nurse and breast feeding classes at your maternity hospital so take advantage of it. The Breast Feeding Association web site is also great for a wide range of information.

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

I really struggled with Mastitis and got sick of professionals telling me to massage my breast in the shower so here are some things I found helpful when combating the situation.

1. Keep feeding. Even if no milk is flowing just keep trying every couple of hours. It is the best way to rectify the painful situation. Eventually the duct will clear and there is no harm done to baby.

2. A trip to the Physio to get ultra sound on the site of the blocked duct really got things moving. I recommend trying it should you be unlucky enough to get mastitis.

3. Warm pack on the site before feeding followed by a cold pack afterwards.

4. Nurophen. As an anti inflamitory and pain killer I found this worked well to stave off pain and possibly help with my swollen milk ducts.

5. Always have a tin of formula on hand in case you get sick. There is nothing worse than a trip to the chemist with screaming hungry baby in the middle of the night. It just gives you a little breathing space

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM NEW MUMS OR EXPERIENCED ONES ON THEIR BREAST FEEDING ADVENTURES.

Comments

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Murf says
I don't know why but as a bloke I still feel uncomfortable around women breast feeding. It's weird, you want to look (not in a pervy way) just to see whats going on. But you know you mustn't, so you spend the next half an hour staring at blank walls or at their shoes or right in their face as if to say 'look see I'm not looking at your boobs and nor do I want to'. I can't be alone here surely.
Posted Friday 21 November, 2008 11:38 AM
Kelly says
I am pregnant with my first baby & when I breast feed I will do it as privately as possible. I am not worried about what people think I just feel it is a bonding experience between mother & baby. I feel it is extremely private, time for just the two of you. I understand you might be in the middle of a day of shopping etc but isn't that what parent rooms are for??? For the privacy of you and your little child. It's not for the world to see. If I am in a situation where I have no choice there is always a little baby blanket near by so why not use it???
Posted Friday 21 November, 2008 1:06 PM
Mark says
Murf, I kinda agree with you on the "don't want to look like a perv" feeling, but the simplest way for guys to get past it - is not to avoid the woman, but to look her in the eyes (as you suggest) when you're talking to her (as you would at any other time). ie. her breast feeding is normal, so act 'normal' with her.
Posted Friday 21 November, 2008 1:07 PM
Tahlia says
I'm a mum to a 10 month old, am still breastfeeding and i want you to know that it was by far the hardest thing i have ever done in my life.

I struggled with 4 bouts of double mastitius, cracked and infected nipples, milke supply issues and a baby would not attach!

Breastfeeding is something that needs to be learnt/taught- it makes it so hard when you are glared at, judged and on some occasions i have been abused for doing so in public.

I wish it was easier for people to accept how natural it is, but unfortunately it is the society we live in :(

After going to hospitals emergency with these infections, i was told by two midwives on different occasions- i was too young to be a mum and my body can't handle feeding my baby (i was 21). This kind of attitude and lack of support did not make it easy. In the end i had a loving midwife who had time for me and helped in a huge way.
Posted Friday 21 November, 2008 1:43 PM
laurak says
I have breast fed all 3 of our boys. I was the first in our group to breast feed, and alot of our male friends were interested (like murf-not in a pervey way). I showed them, its natural my baby is feeding and the only way the stigma is to be removed is to remove the mystery about it. Once they saw them no more awkward staring at feet, walls or deep into my eyes ;-))
Posted Saturday 22 November, 2008 8:38 AM
crystal.. says
I have had 5 children and i'm only 30 years old. I breast feed ALL my children, some being really easy and times really hard. If you have the right support it helps. My sister a mother of 6 couldn't breast feed. if you can make it enjoy (no matter what people say) but if you can't dont beat yourself up your not on your own!!!
Posted Saturday 22 November, 2008 8:51 AM
marli nichols says
hi i just wanted to say i breast feed my daughter for two and a half years and was still breast feeding when my son was born..its the best start a baby can have and if you can breast feed do it for as long as you can....
people use to stare at me when i would be doing it i didnt care its natural...

thanks marli
Posted Saturday 22 November, 2008 11:57 AM
Nicole says
I have breastfed my three boys and am currently still breastfeeding my 21 month old. I disagree with hiding away to breastfeed. I would spend most of my life sitting in a cubicle one square metre wide staring at walls!! The only way to change the way society views breastfeeding is to get out there and do it anywhere and everywhere you can! I am lucky that I have never had negative comments whilst breastfeeding in public but I definately won't let it stop me from doing the most natural thing for my baby and toddler whenever and where ever he wants. It is not illegal to breastfeed anywhere in Australia.
Posted Saturday 22 November, 2008 8:23 PM
ev says
Hi just wanted to say breastfeeding or not if your beautiful baby is happy and you are then thats what matters.Raising four boys one year apart for each,and breast feeding two of them I know the emotional turmoil it can cause when you cant physically have that bond with breastfeeding but if you and your child are healthy and stress free the world is yours for the taking and as a mother YOU know whats best for you both not anyone else .My advice is dont take in to much advice and listen to your own feelings on the matter.if you cant you cant, if you can u can,its your baby,your right descion.
Posted Sunday 23 November, 2008 12:26 AM
Tryphena says
I have four children of which I had problems with three of them breastfeeding in the beginning all of which had a different issue but I persevered with all of them sourcing as much help and information as I could and in the end breastfed all of my kids whiched I loved. My advice is that there are so many different problems with breastfeeding and if you get it right without any help be really greatful because having problems with breastfeeding can be extremely stressful but as all the experts told me most will correct themselves by the time your baby is 3-4 months old and its true mostly it will happen soomer but it is worth persisting and is so liberating and rewarding knowing you persisted and succeeded and did the most amazing thing for you and your baby.
Posted Monday 24 November, 2008 8:13 AM