It’s Day #2 in 30 Days to Baby! I’m sensing that these last few pregnancy posts are going to fly by … just like the last 9 months. My oh my!
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion surrounding breastfeeding. I know alot of this comes from my OUT OF CONTROL pregnancy hormones, but still, you would think I could rationalize through it all?
I’ve done alot of preparation which could be why I am so overwhelmed by all the “what if’s”. I’ve read books, taken a class, researched my pump (for the transition back to work) and talked with my midwife. On one hand it seems so simple. Women have been breastfeeding forever. On the other, it seems like an abyss of potential problems. Latch. Mastitis. Supply. Those are some scary words.
Why all the anxiety? Well, it came out best in my fit of tears at my last midwife appointment. I want to be good at it. Yep, I obviously have a fear of failure in this category of motherhood. I want a good latch. I want to avoid mastitis (and other issues). I want to keep up my supply when I return to work. Will I melt into a puddle of self-loathing if breastfeeding doesn’t work out? Maybe. Will I have the good sense to know that my baby will still be fed and loved? Yes. But breastfeeding is still important to me. It’s something I want to be good at and it is something I am more than willing to sacrifice for. I don’t expect it to be easy, but I am praying for at least a little success.
I have received so much encouragement from my midwife, Dominic and blog moms who have breastfed. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the support. It sounds weird to say it, but I’m glad everyone is so involved in my boob issues. It’s like they aren’t my own anymore. They have a new purpose and I can ask questions about the process without it being weird. Seriously, motherhood has so many surprise …
Next breastfeeding dilemma: THE NURSING BRA. I welcome all recommendations as I will be going shopping soon. And please don’t say Target :) I’ve already looked and they don’t come close to carrying my … uh … pregnancy/post-pregnancy size of multiple letters far into the alphabet.
Hey Baby … I really REALLY need you to be good at nursing. I get that it is a team thing so I am going to do my best. Please do you best too. Thanks so much, Mama
Gretchen,I know that at the hospital I delivered at they reccommended the Bravado nursing bras, they come in ALL sizes, They come in cuter designs too not just plain :).
I've had great success with the nursing bras at Motherhood Maternity. They do sell them in the stores, but I've always ordered mine online and they've all been great. Be sure to also get a sleep bra (the one at Motherhood Maternity is the best–I've tried several). I'd get a couple–you'll definitely want them!
I recommend Bravado Body Silk or the Medela Comfort nursing bra. You can also stop by a Pea in the Pod or Motherhood store and have them help fit you with something they carry. Stay away from the Ell Macpherson's. They are super cute, expensive but really aren't built for us bigger chested ladies. Not comfy.
I think stress has something to do with the whole breastfeeding experience…so YOUR MOM will probably suggest getting a little glass of wine and RELAX:) Remember, your boobs will take care of a lot of this without any help from you:) You and baby will do just fine…
I have probably said this before, but just in case:Judy's intimate apparel on Pacific avenue was a great resource for me. They carry quite a few different brands and by far had the biggest selection of brands and styles of any store I found. The sales women are super helpful as well. If you find one you like but it doesn't fit perfectly they can alter it for a better fit. You can do it! I was no where near as educated as you. Me, my babies, and my boobies managed just fine :)
get fitted ad others said bravado are awesome. once you know your perfect size in that brand – you can get great deals online.Nursing tanks are AMAZING the first few weeks and at night. They are made to fit a broader range of sizes and are great to sleep in. You shouldn't wear underwires at first and they are better and more forgiving when your milk is coming in.An extender is a good way to make a too tight strap just right, or when you are a larger cup on a small frame – I took the bra to a alterations shop and had the hooks moved in to be tighter.It is worth it to invest in the proper fit. Hop it helps and need not worry. No matter what – you will do the best for you and your baby.
I've been researching nursing bras, pumps, and all kinds of accessories lately, too. I feel like my little man ALREADY is going to have it tough- by not being able to breastfeed right away. I hope he can eventually learn!
I've gotten all mine from Leading Lady bras online. Yeah. I know. But still they were excellent for the H's I became postpartum. and no worries, they went down to regular size when i stopped nursing. one thing is that I'd get a super comfy bra you can sleep in for the first few weeks – that way you can put breast pads in them and save your sheets from all the leaking that could happen. the other thing is that i'd just one other one now because you have no idea what size you'll need until your milk 1. comes in and 2. settles down.
Motherhood Maternity is were I got mine & I LOVE them!!
Listen to you mom!! The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be – seriously. And a glass of wine helps, in a lot of ways!!
Just give yourself time and space! Not every baby is good at it right away, it's PERFECTLY NORMAL to take time and a zillion and fourty questions to the boobie blogosphere or twitter to get it to work. It definitely did for us! I got my nursing bras at motherhood maternity but I hate them, they don't fit well. I prefer my regular victoria secret bra, i just pop it right out!