Less than 12 weeks pregnant club! 2

pigpen

missymoo81 wrote: »

crikey good for you pigpen, do you think that it helps that you're still bf-ing?

I am still undecided on the whole bf-ing issue, to or not to.....

no I don't think it makes one jot of difference. apart from feeding is AGONY because the boobies are feeling all sensitive

I would say if you are undecided try it for a few days and see how you get on.. that way baby gets all the good stuff in the colostrum which forms a protective lining in the gut against infection and tummy bugs. It is easy to stop bf and switch to formula but very very hard to start bf even after just a few days.

missymoo81

Thanks for the advice pigpen that is what i was thinking I might do, I just worry what with OH away all the time, that when he is home, it would be nice to have a little break and hand the baby over for a little while but unlikely I'll be able to if baby is constantly latched on Think it is going to be pretty hard going with OH being away so much, I do worry about it I have to say.

pigpen

I have exclusively breastfed 8 of mine.. I've had thrush, mastitis, and been so sore I have picked scabs off before feeding! XH didn't take any time off work when I had mine so I was literally on my own, often with a toddler or 2 to contend with as well.

Feeds for the first few weeks were pretty much hourly during the day.. after about 4 weeks I forced them to wait at least 2 hours between feeds and gradually worked up to a minimum of 3 hours by 8-10 weeks. They aren't constantly latched on.. that just makes you sore. They go on and feed, when the sucking becomes the odd mouth movement they are taken off, though they usually take themselves off, and can go down for at least half an hour.. time for you to eat or shower or load the washer.. it really isn't as dramatic as some people make out.. and I honestly believe a lot of it is down to confidence and determination.. bottles were simply not an option, I am WAY too lazy. Mine were informed they could feed properly or starve.. from day one! Several of mine have been prem as well which made initiating feeding difficult so it hasn't all been plain sailing.

You do what is right for you and sod everyone else. Beside, with a new tiny baby to cuddle you won't WANT to put him down and do other stuff you will just want to sit and snuggle and watch him grow!!!

missymoo81

awww thank you pigpen, really insightful and helpful. I've been reading some threads on here with people not coping with new babies even with their OH's at home etc. and I guess it just worries me that I wont be able to cope and bf-ing will only make things harder eventhough in my opinion it is best for baby.... I guess I will jut have to see how things go. The fact I've managed to get to the age of 29 and only ever had to look after myself too, having a baby to snuggle and look after will come as a real shock! But saying that it is what I want most in the world right now.

pigpen

It is the minority that post though.. most people just get on and do it. There are very few who genuinely cannot breastfeed.. but it doesn't make anyoe who gives up a failure, they tried and it wasn't right for them noone has the right to judge. I am very much of the opinion you don't knock it until you tried it and so long as everyone is happy and healthy nothing else matters!

Breastfeeding is really so much simpler than bottles feeding.. no washing up/sterilising (not that I ever did)/making bottles/panicking if you are out a little longer than expected that you haven't any more milk with you/no temp. checking/no screaming hungry baby waiting for the milk to warm... once you both get the hang of it.. and don't be worried about askingfor help. just ask a breastfeeding supporter/counsellor NOT the midwife or health visitor neither of whom have any experience just a couple of hours training on how the breasts make milk, next to nothing on actual processes of feeding.

missymoo81

What you say makes complete sense pigpen, especially the ease factor. How do you cope when you're out though and baby needs feeding as unfortunately it can still be a bit taboo in public can't it?

pigpen

If my baby wants feeding they are fed.. I don't care where we are or who I am with.. it isn't illegal and it isn't exposing yourself it is simply feeding the baby and if others have an issue that is their issue not mine. It comes down to confidence and belief that you are doing what nature intended and providing nutrition for your baby.. and woe betide anyone who even suggests feeding inthe toilet.. would they eat their dinner in the toilet? There is a building regulation that there are to be 2 doors and any room where food is prepared or served.. that includes a baby's dinner as far as I am concerned! I am quite happy to challenge anyone and not afraid to voice my opinion.. loudly

I have NEVER had anyone say anything in 13 years of breastfeeding.. though during the service for DD1's baptism one of the church busy bodies asked if I would take her to the creche to feed her.. to which I rather loudly replied, 'no thank you I am happy sitting here feeding discretely and I doubt very much Jesus was bottle fed either so I don't have an issue with feeding my baby as God and nature intended!'

missymoo81

OMG you didn't!!!! bl00dy good on you. Well in that case then I guess I shouldn't worry quite so much!

pigpen

Apparently though I do sit there giving off 'eff off' vibes so if anyone wants to try it on it is at their own peril lol.

I am waiting for the MIL to start on about stopping feeding Squeak TBH.. she is of 'that' generation

missymoo81

lol I can just imagine.

My mum is of the you can't intefere or fuss enough generation, to the point when I said the only symptoms i've had are MS and my boobs have grown she proceeded to grab one of them to see?????!!!!! Seriously get the distinct impression she is going to end up doing my head in even more than normal!!!