[blparent] Experience in the Hospital

[Alex]

Angelina, I breast fed my son for 9.5 months and thought it was great
because it took no sight.  Having said that, it took about 6 weeks for
us to get the hang of it.  The first two weeks were horrible.  I
contacted La Leeche in my community and got a lot of sympathy from the
contact, which is what I needed at the time.  I then made an
appointment with the Lactation Dept, which was also helpful.  When my
milk came in I was so engorged that my son could not latch, so I had
to pump, which meant we switched from and to breast and bottle often.
The nurse also recommended a breast shield, which I used for a few
weeks.  The breast shield really helped in my case and had I not had
one, I would not have continued to try to breast feed.  The most
comfortable position for us was lying on a bed.  I understand that
this is not the most healthy way to breast feed for the baby's
teeth/gums, but sometimes we must do what works.  I also used a boppy
or pillow under him to help support him.  I needed my hands and
fingers to look to see where his mouth was and how he was latching and
sucking.  After we got to know each other, it worked fine.  My mother
too did not breast feed and was not always supportive but I think that
was more of a mom watching her daughter struggle and not be able to
help.  Hang in there and please don't hesitate to e-mail me off list.
I would be happy to give you my phone number and talk with you if it
would help.  Good luck!  Lucy