Some moms have a great breastfeeding experience, others, a really trying experience. Fortunately for me, I was in the "relatively" easy boat. He latched right away, and we were off to a great start.
BUT, I'm not saying there were no bumps along the way. When your milk first comes in, IT HURTS! My boobs were swollen up to my collar bone, and into my arm pits. They almost looked "square shaped" because they were SO full, there was no where for the milk to go (Pre-preg I was not so well endowed lol). I was in so much pain for the first couple days (until my body regulated to how much Reiner needed). This is normal, and will pass (if you get a fever along with breast pain- call your Dr., it could be MASTITIS).
Breastfeeding itself shouldn't "hurt". Your nipples may feel a slight burning/pinchy sensation when baby first latches, but they should subside within a few seconds to a minute. Remember to put nipple cream on after every feed! It will save you from cracked nipples. I used the Aleva Naturals brand (it was very soothing). You'll only need to do this for a few weeks, you'll notice they aren't sore anymore. ALSO- make sure that your baby is getting all/as much of the areola in their mouth when feeding. Having a proper latch is key to a good breastfeeding experience, they can drain the milk ducts properly, and your nipples won't feel like they're being ripped off.
Sometimes, nipples can be tricky- and this is something I haven't experienced first hand. I have done a lot of reading though, and heard from friends, that inverted nipples can cause a lot of stress. Try nipple shields to help pull them out, and then let baby re-latch to you. My one side was just slightly inverted pre-preg, but isn't anymore. You can also try using a breast pump to pull out the inverted nipple, and then let baby latch on that way.
Be sure to check baby for a tongue tie if you're still having problems with latch. If they're tongue is tied too close to the front of the mouth, they don't have the same capabilities to latch on, as a baby without tongue tie. This will result in a shallow latch, and most likely, nipple pain.
Some ladies are worried that their baby is not getting enough to eat. As long as they are growing and gaining, they're fine. Your doctor will let you know if they aren't gaining fast enough. Remember not to put newborns on a feeding schedule. They are tiny, and their bellies are even tinier! They need to eat many times a day. Sometimes they will feed every hour! At times, Reiner would eat every couple of hours, and would suck off and on for the better part of an hour! Keep a book, or your favourite tv show, or cell phone nearby to pass the time.
If you're having trouble with the latch- keep trying! If you end up bottle feeding, and then go back to breast, your baby may get fussy. This is okay, just keep trying. It's takes a lot less effort to draw milk from a bottle than your body. Babies and get frustrated that it's not coming out fast enough. They will learn if you keep calm and patient, and keep putting them on.
Same goes with "upping" your supply. As your baby grows, your body may seem like it's not producing enough. You may have to have a "couch" day, just lay with your little one all day, and let them feed as often as they want. This will help to build up how much your body needs to produce. You're body reacts to BABY- so missing feeds, and supplementing with formula is not going to help your situation.
Remember that you can't be "empty", as your body is constantly making milk. Your milk will start slowing down after the original let-down, but is never OUT. Even after a half hour feed, you can squeeze your nipple, and more will come out. Sometimes babies will get frustrated by this, but your body will adapt to baby's needs. Drink lots of water throughout the day as well, I've noticed this also affects my supply.
*Side note: Remember to be as calm as possible while feeding. I've noticed that if I'm feeling stressed out, I don't let down as quickly- and Reiner will get frustrated. I just close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. I swear almost instantaneously, my milk lets down. It really works!
Be sure to ask your hospital who they recommend for Lactation Consultants, or check out local L.L.L. in your area. Hopefully, this post was helpful!
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