[blparent] Breastfeeding Class

[Melissa Ann Riccobono]

Melissa and all,
I clearly remember feeling this way after taking different types of classes
during my pregnancy. Try not to worry! You can get help the first few times
getting Connor to latch on, and you will know what a good latch feels like.
You will also be able to hear him swallowing, and feel his jaws moving--both
of which are good signs that he's getting the fluid. Sharon's suggestion
about the index finger on the mouth is exactly what I did. People always
tell you to look to see if the baby's mouth is open. Of course, for me, that
meant touching the mouth, and guiding it to the nipple. Don't worry either
if, after the first few times you feel as if you are clumbsy at getting
Connor latched on. I clearly remember this with Austin. I felt as if I had
three hands, or maybe needed three hands, or something... It just didn't
seem as if the breast feeding was coming naturally. Three things really
helped me stick with it. First, my sister, who is also blind, nursed all
three of her boys, so I knew it could be done. Second, Austin actually,
probably accidentally, latched himself on during his second feeding. That
sort of gave me the feeling that if I could get that result once, I could do
it again. The third thing that kept me going was the fact that the more I
practiced, the easier it became.
	Remember that all babies are different as well. Connor might be one
of those kids who latches on perfectly right from the start. Wouldn't that
be a great surprise?! 
	Nursing is a very personal decision. If you try it, and it just
isn't working out, and you feel that formula is a better option for you,
then switch to formula and don't sweat it! A healthy baby who is getting
nutrition is the most important thing! Strangely, knowing I always had
formula to fall back on actually helped me relax a lot. And, relaxation is
truly the key as well. If you are stressed and tense, the baby will pick up
on that, and it can be a really bad cycle. 
	Again, try not to focus on the visual nature of the class. It amazes
me how much sighted people just can't get past visual cues, especially with
something such as breast feeding, which many women have done in the dark of
night for centuries without any difficulty. And, which certainly has a feel
to it, especially once your milk comes in and you have a "let down" reflex.
I think it's just that people don't think about the feelings, or just can't
describe them well. I am sure everything will work out just fine. And, since
I live close to you, I'm more than happy to answer any questions I can when
Connor arrives. I know others on this list feel the same way.
Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Melissa
Treaster
Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 10:52 PM
To: blparent at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blparent] Breastfeeding Class

Went to my Breastfeeding class today. In someways it's helpful but in others
it just made me more uneasy. The teacher did a good job with explaining
things non-visual but most of the her  what you need to look for was visual.
This made me feel uneasy about getting the latch needed for baby to be on
right. This is something I really want to do but worry that I am going to
mess it up or do something wrong. My hubby went with me that helped but I
feel more lost now then I did before I went. :-(  In a lot of ways blindness
changes how something is done. I know there are others that have no sight
and do fine. So I am not sure why I am so upset. 

Sent from my iPhone
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