Breastfeeding from the beginning

Alert:(If you do not want to read about Breastfeeding, please skip this post)

To start, I need to point out that I was determined to breastfeed and my son started with a good latch. Some Mum's are not as lucky. But that said, it is a lot of hard work and trial and error. The error ends up being sore nipples or hungry baby, neither are pleasant.

For me breastfeeding was a must. My husband has severe crohn's disease and breast milk is said to help protect the babies intestines. That was the first and most important reason for breastfeeding. Free, healthy, convenient and bonding time, were all up there on the list of important, too.

From the beginning:

I nursed the second my little guy was in my arms, that first moment was hard to remember as I was so tired and had no idea what I was doing. The nurse said he had a good latch and that I would get the hang of it.

I thought that once I started breastfeeding I would remember every word I had read about the topic. I thought, I was an expert and that I could recite the "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding". I had forgotten almost everything. While in the hospital every nurse that came by checked on us and gave advise on breastfeeding. I took what advise worked for me. (I will have another post with the advise I picked up along the way).

Remember breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. I sometimes forgot that, as emotions run high and exhaustion sets in. The process of learning to breast feed has many joys and can also have moments of toe curling pain. The fulfillment of knowing that I was nourishing and filling my babies needs kept me going.

The moment of truth: Breastfeeding is hard in the first 6 weeks and you will need support, nipple cream, hot showers and determination. I know you can!!! (my mantra).