Breastfeeding...

So I've been meaning to write this post for some time now and just couldn't get the words together to write it nor did I feel like I was quite experienced enough... But today since Asher is now 6 months old (and I hit one of my breastfeeding goals) I feel like I can finally express my feelings on breastfeeding. 

First off breastfeeding is unlike anything I imagined it would be. When I was in the hospital Asher would not latch on properly... My milk came in probably less than 24 hours after I delivered and I was so engorged that the poor kid couldn't latch very well. Prior to delivery a few friends of mine had told me that they had latching issues and used a little device called a nipple shield that did wonders. I packed some in my hospital bag for a just in case basis and also because the hospital did not provide them. After working and trying and working to get Asher to latch, I just wasn't having any luck and he was becoming very hungry at this point. I had told my nurse that I had packed them and she suggested that we give them a try... and voilà! Asher latched on like a pro and I used that shield until he was almost three months old. 

The downside to having to use a shield is that the device is clear and easy to lose. I can't tell you how many times I misplaced that stupid thing. The other bad thing about a shield is that you are forever washing and sanitizing it and it's a pain when you leave the house without it. The days I forgot my shield at the house were not fun days. When Asher was around three months old I finally decided it was time to break him of the shield... One day I just happen to try to nurse him without it and what-do-ya-know.... It was like he never needed to use it in the first place. Since then we have been shield free!
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One of the main reason I chose to breastfeed was because it is extremely affordable and 100% organic. I mean the only expenses you really have are a pump, bottles, milk bags (if you decided to pump), lanolin cream, nursings bras, and breast pads. One thing I realized that no one really warned me about was how much work breastfeeding really is. If I don't eat 1500+ calories a day or drink enough fluids, I notice a drop in my supply and sometimes Im so busy throughout the day I will completely forget a meal or forget to drink enough water. I had to make a schedule for myself so I could make sure I was getting the proper amount of food and fluids that I needed throughout the day. A breastfed baby usually wants to eat every 2-3 hours as well. When Asher was 4 months old he finally started stretching his feedings (4-5hours) so I am now able to do a little more throughout the day.

Photo by: Kristi James Photography 

Breastfeeding Tips:

• Breastfeeding is not for everyone, but I think any new mom should at least give it a shot.
• Every mama/baby is different. Try not to compare yourself or your baby to other mamas or babies.
• If you are comfortable with pumping, pump a bottle here and there to let your husband/significant other join in. 
• Just because you baby is breastfed doesn't mean they will be a chubby baby... People tell me all the time Asher is small for being a breastfed baby. Every baby is proportioned differently and as long as your baby is gaining the appropriate amount of weight, your baby is fine. 
• Don't be ashamed if you have to use a shield! I had to stop reading a few breastfeeding pages on Facebook because they made me feel terrible about having to use a shield. I never had a problem with them hurting my supply as well.
• Nursing bras are a MUST! 
• If you really want to breastfeed set goals for yourself! The first 3 months were the hardest for me, but after that it's really been a breeze! 

What are some tips you have for breastfeeding? Im still learning so I would love to hear them! My next goal is a year!

Hope everyone is having a Happy Thursday!