MotherBreastFeeding.com

You know, this blog is for moms and about moms. I spoke to one of my friends about her breastfeeding experience and would like to share it with you.

Hi, Jane, please, tell some words about your family and your baby in particular. Was the delivery difficult? How were the first days after delivery?

Hi, Samantha, let’s start. We wanted to have a baby so much, so when I learnt I was pregnant - I had no fear of giving birth. The only thing I knew at that moment is that giving birth would hurt. My doctor was right - it really hurts. Still, as my medical card states, I had normal births no matter how painful they seemed to me. Birth weight was 4350 g, birth length was 57 cm, head circumference of the newborn was 38 cm. Our son had dark hair and looked like father. The most difficult thing was not about my baby, it was about me. I've lost much blood and could not stand up for 2 days. I could not hold the baby in my arms... My mother gave me Cyril to breastfeed. She took care both of me and my baby.

What was the most pleasant moment after delivery?

Wow, that was a miracle - I had my baby near me. That was incredible!

How did you prepare to become a mother? Where did you learn how to treat children?

Me and my husband visited our local school of motherhood, lactation consultant and psychologist. I've read a lot on the Internet. I cannot say I was interested much in breastfeeding specifically, but I've found a very good blog article on the net, read it and took it along to the maternity home.

What feelings did you have at first days of breastfeeding?

If you mean my physical senses, I felt as if I had high temperature in my breasts and I had a feeling of fullness when I started to produce milk. I did not have to increase lactation - the baby always got enough milk. If to speak of psychology, I felt a real bond between me and my baby - which I often read about in different sources.

Is breastfeeding ok for you and your baby? Are you producing enough milk?

I've always had enough breast milk, apart from lactation crisis of 3 weeks and 3 months. But that was a problem of one day, then the baby got enough milk. I believe breastfeeding is the most natural way of feeding which brings joy into mother's life. Breastfeeding is the best for my son.

Do you use formula feeding? If yes - when do you use it (constant formula feeding, formula feeding in case of emergency, formula feeding due to some specific reasons, etc.)?

I do not use formulas and I never tried - had no reason for that.

Do you keep to a breastfeeding diet? What do you avoid eating? Do you breastfeed at night?

I kept to a breastfeeding diet for first three months, as Cyril rolled over too much because of the gas. He had no allergy. Then I started to eat more varied food. I'd like to admit that in our ration there were no fried, fat and salty food, we ate no spices and sauces. Therefore, it was not difficult for me to keep to a diet. I got used to the diet food so much that I have no gastronomic preferences now.

I breastfeed at night for sure, but it depends rather on my baby's wish than on my own. When he wakes up at night, I give him a breast. I believe nursing at night is essential for producing milk.

How long are you going to breastfeed and why? Many mothers give up breastfeeding as they are afraid of having sagging breasts. What do you think of it? What is more important for you - your health of your beauty?

Hhhm, I haven't thought of weaning off yet. My son is 10 months old, I nurse him often. Sometimes he can eat only breast feeding all day long. I will breastfeed till my baby needs it. As for my breasts - I don't care about it now, as with proper breast care (frequent latches on, warm shower, multiple breastfeeding positions, breasts message, etc.), I believe, I won't have serious troubles. Moreover, breastfeeding for a long time is the best thing against breast cancer. Needless to say that breastfeeding is the guarantee of my baby's being healthy. What can be more important for me?

After a good start, when are you going to have another baby?

I'd like to have some break for 3 years, to have children with about 4 years difference. However, we are just planning it now ...

Some words of encouragement for new mummies?

You know, I wish all girls all the luck being mothers. Read more about parenting and breastfeeding instead of taking dozens of bottles going to maternity hospital!

And how would you answer my questions? Hope for your active participation in the discussion of the above issues.