Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers

[IrishEyes]

Diver - lol, no, I wasn''t a fighter pilot!

I was in the Army for 6 years as a semi-truck driver. I was in this war, Operation Iraqi Freedom (ha, what a joke!). I was in kuwait and Iraq from April 2003 to July of 2004. Felt like an eternity and now it seems like an eternity AGO! My job was to drive loads of supplies where they were needed, so we went everywhere from Kuwait City to Baghdad and Fallujah, Tikrit, Mosul, Al-Nasariah, etc. I have very - oh, how do you put it - opinionated views on our country and this war

I''m no longer in the Army, I served my time and recieved a medical discharge, but when I was discharged they came at me with an "offer" to re-sign (after I had my surgery - they thought I was going to be "fixed" and all better. They are pretty desperate these days) for $20,000 for another 6 year term. I told them to go to he**. I fully support our troops that continue to give their lives everyday, however I will no longer be one of them. Basically, you can''t pay me enough to be apart of a bureaucratic, ill-running organization that can''t even be bothered to pay for veteran''s after-care when they have returned to this country wounded.

ANYHOO..... I''m not crazy, I swear! I just go off on tangets. Some of you are probably like

. Sorry

Back to babies, babies, babies!!!! More pics!!! you all look so great! I''m so jealous - I looked like a pregnant oompa loompa

 

[TravelingGal]

I can be conservative about things, but one thing I am NOT conservative about is a woman''s right to choose....ANYTHING.

I think a lot of us were formula babies because in those days, they said formula might be better. I was one too, and I think I turned out just hunky dory.

Honestly, the reason I am interested in trying breastfeeding is because it will save me money! Hehehehe. Formula is darn expensive!

Diver, your pics are GORGEOUS...makes me think I''d love some done, but I just think I''d be too lazy to get around to it. If I feel the pregnancy "glow" maybe I''ll look into it.

njc, I think that''s great...I''ll be really interested in seeing how it works out for you. Years ago (probably 10 or more), I watched some dateline special on hypnosis in childbirth. I am not one to believe in that kind of stuff, but I was fascinated in how it seemed to work for most of the women who were featured in the special. They showed the labor and they seemed to be doing OK. I just have remembered all these years how calm those ladies were in childbirth and was always curious if something like that would actually work. Even though I am not a believer in hypnosis, I do believe strongly in mind over matter...as contradictory as it sounds. I guess I don''t believe that someone could hypnotize me if I didn''t want to be, but I could make my mind do things if I wanted it.

I just can''t imagine in this day and age that women can pass judgment on other women for doing what is best for them. Now, when they have their kid and don''t discipline them, allowing them to be a holy terror, that''s another story. But childbirth and breastfeeding? Instead of hugging trees, how ''bout hugging some of these women!

Even though I don''t think that having an elective Cesarian is the best thing for a woman, it''s every woman''s right to choose and they have to decide what works best for them.

Oh, and I have not taken the prenatal yet today and I feel great. We''ll see what happens in another couple hours when I usually feel my worst.

 

[divergrrl]

Irish, Ok, thanks for ''splainin''!!! So what does your AJP/GIA thingie mean after your name? What do you do now?

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Diver, your photos are SOOO beautiful! Seriously, so special (AND tasteful). I am not having anything like that done. Honestly I feel like such an ugly pregnancy girl (what''s that old saying about the baby stealing the mom''s beauty) that I don''t want to waste any time or money on professional pics. I look back at my wedding photos in shock and awe. What a transformation!

So the doctor''s office didn''t call with the results today

I guess I will call tomorrow. That is the one thing that REALLY bothers me about that practice. They are so bad about calling. I had to practically stalk them when they took blood for my hCG to even see if I was preggo. I NEVER got the results of our AFP test formally. I had an infection and it took them TWO weeks to call

(I know they had to send it off to the lab but still...) It is frusterating! I really like the docs and nurses so I don''t want to change practices (obviously I wouldn''t do anything until after the baby). Oh well. I guess no news is good news

njc, the stripes are cool. Still not 100% what we are going to do. DH promised he would have it done before he goes to vegas (11 days

) so it probably will just be painted light blue and I will pull patterns in with artwork and such. I did find this! which is VERY cool. We''ll see.

 

[divergrrl]

Tacori: My ob''s office only calls with the results of the GD test if results are bad. Maybe they do that too...

To those of you who feel "unpretty" right now regarding maternity pictures.....GET IT DONE ANYWAY! I felt like a big pile of steamin'' dog poo and about as pretty as that before these photos were done. I see pics my dh takes or snapshots from things and I''m thinking NO WAY can I take a decent maternity photo. My thighs are swollen, my upper arms are HUGE, my face is twice its normal size....

but...a talented photographer knows how to capture the right angles & the black & whites she did are really good too. I didn''t get shots done when I was pg with Jake because I felt too ugly to photograph, and now I know better. Its all about the right lighting, angles, poses, camera equipment, and the talent of the person operating the camera.

I do not look that good in person. Truly. LOL.

 

[chrono]

Diver,
The pictures are awesome. You look like a pregnant Goddess! It''s great today that many women have a lot of choices with regards to their bodies, be it pregnancy, birthing and breastfeeding.

A word of encouragement to those who were not able to breastfeed the first time:
I "failed" with my first too. He had a bad latch and kept curling his tongue back. I had 3 IBCLCs helping me but we could not make it right. I cried for weeks and literally mourned the loss and kept pumping exclusively for 1.5 years. It was very difficult and I know if I had an older child, it would not be possible. Now though, I''ve learnt a few tricks. The pump parts DO NOT have to be washed after every use. Breastmilk stays good for a few days in the refridgerator, so just stick it in the fridge after pumping and wash it at the end of the day. This will save you HOURS.

As an encouragement to those who wish to try again, it is usually easier to breastfeed the second time. My 2nd baby nursed like a champ right in the hospital and is still going stong at 8 months.

 

[njc]

Irish – You are so right about formulas being so close to breast milk these days. I just got finished reading a book about breast feeding and at one point they were comparing the make up of BM and formula. The biggest thing was the lack of DHA, and I’m thinking to myself, how old is this book, cause they got that stuff now! The advancement of society through science and technology!

Diver – Oh wow… you are right… your hands are full already with Jake! HA! I am happy to hear your nursery isnt put together yet either. I had forgotten all about the baby not being in the room right away, so I guess there is a little more time, but I''d prefer to have everything as close to done as possible.

Tgal – I think that same Dateline report is floating out on the internet and I stumbled upon it. I don’t know that I believe in hypnosis either, but definitely agree with mind over matter and think that is more of what I’m going for with this. Thought training? Guess that is hypnosis though… I don’t know. One time in college I got picked to go up on stage and get hypnotized to do funny stuff… it was totally not what I thought it would be. I was really conscious, yet if the guy told us to clap our hands, I found myself clapping my hands without even thinking about it. If I hadn’t had that experience, I don’t know that I would try the HypnoBabies. Its really just a big positive spin on everything … relaxing, learning how to focus, not dwelling on pain and fear. You learn you have a “light switch” that you turn off (turning your muscles and nerves off) during “birthing waves” (contractions) and then turn back “on” once it is over so you can move, talk, etc. I’m interested to see how it works too! Funny thing, if you read back in this thread to where I first started posting, I was all about the epi!

I hope changing when you take your prenatal does the trick for you and m/s. Gah, so happy that is over with, although I recently have had my moments.

Tacori – ooOOOOoo!!! I like those fish, very cool! Those will look fantastic on a solid wall. Honestly, with us doing the 3 colors (2 blues and the chair rail/trim) I often thing we are crazy. My biggest fear… we go to sell in like 2 years and the RE tells us we need to paint one color or something like that… I may be pissed. Oh well! Guess 2 years is a decent amount of time. Hope your DH can get it done… mine has promised to culk/putty the nail holes and trim so I can touch up paint by Friday. If he doesn’t start tonight, I doubt it gets done. I never got a call about my GD test either… they usually don’t call about any test unless it has a bad result. I''m sure you are okay!

We had our first parenting class last night. Went over a lot of basic stuff I knew already about birth, when to call the doctor, what to do if x happens, so kinda boring. Next week is relaxation, and I’m not sure about the others, but we are covering the basics of everything… diapering, feeding (FF and BF), newborn care, etc. I think I may be bored a lot with this class, but at least DH is being exposed. He hasn’t had any experiences with a baby before. I made him hold a friends 4 month old a while back and he freaked out at first, but then got into it… it was cute!

 

[divergrrl]

Chrono: yeah, I know all that about 2nd time sometimes being easier...but I won''t have any help this time around, and with a toddler to care for there just isn''t any time. They sleep longer on formula, so I''d like to make DH do some of the night feedings so some days I''m rested. I just can''t imagine being tired from being up all night with a baby to have to entertain my toddler. Plus I just don''t want to nurse again. Once I put Jake on a bottle, life was so much easier. It literally takes 10 minutes to feed a baby...and I buy enough bottles to last 2 days so I don''t even have to hand wash them, I stick them in the dishwasher.

Plus, having had mastitis, I''m at an increased risk of getting it again. Like I said, that is more painful than labor, IMO, and laid me out flat for over a week. I could not even lift my head off a pillow--I thought I was going to die & the antibiotics took forever to work. Someone had to hand me Jake so I could nurse him. He was 6 weeks old & I missed a whole week of his wonderful newborn life.

It was just too awful & took all the joy out of being a new mom for me. I don''t even want to *risk* going through 5 minutes of that again. I''d rather give her a bottle from the get go and just enjoy her little face.

Besides, the bonding thing? I found that when Jake was on a bottle, he looked me in the eyes & "flirted" with me from behind the bottle. It was really more fun, and I could go anywhere, anytime & not worry about nursing...I could eat/drink anything. I dunno, maybe I''m just a selfish wench, but after being pregnant for 9 (10) months, nothing is better than getting MY body back to ME. I''m not afraid to admit that. Nursing just felt like jail & an extension of pregnancy. No thanks.


njc: yeah, but its FUN to get the nursery done before baby shows up...

I am thinking we won''t get Jake''s room done anytime soon, but that''s ok. If we wait until D gets here, I can actually help Dh. Besides, I don''t want to move the crib out of his room yet. You know how easy it is to plop him down & leave? He doesn''t climb out & it keeps him corralled at naptime & bedtime for now. This might be a good thing when baby gets here. I hear 3 is when you move them usually, he''ll be 3 at christmas...so we''ll see. But I''d like to get the nursery done just to get it done. I have no idea if she''ll sleep in my room as long as Jake did (5.5 mos)...I have a feeling mean ''ol DH will want her out sooner....we''ll see. I might just buy her a new crib if she''s a good sleeper & jake''s not ready to give his up. Being a 2nd time mom, I know that a $100 Jenny lind crib is as good as a $1400 Bratt Decor safety wise, so it won''t be a big deal. And.....Jake''s crib is a dark cherrywood, but Delaney''s furniture is antique white. Too bad you can''t use old cribs, my old crib is an antique white Jenny Lind. But I think the bars are too far apart on it for today''s safety standards.

Speaking of my son..I hear him upstairs singing "NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPIN'' ON THE BED!" LOL I guess he''s awake!!! (oh yea, put him down at 8pm, he wakes up at 8:30am....takes after momma as a baby---I only hope Delaney is a *little* like him)

 

[diamondfan]

I hate when women are pressured into things. Whether it be to use pain meds or not, to room in or not, to nurse or not, it should be up to the woman. No one should make you feel like you are less than a woman or not a good mom if make a choice. La Leche League does have an agenda so they want you to breast feed and can really pressure a new mom...

 

[njc]

Diver – I am sure it is fun to get it all done now, but we all seem to have the same common speed bump… DH! I’ve heard of lots of people using their old cribs, just adding in more slats. Of course that probably means waiting on DH again, but it’s a thought. That is great that Jake will stay in his crib and you are probably right about it being a good thing once Delany gets here. I am seriously in awe of 2nd time moms. I cant imagine going through m/s (I thought working was bad, but at least I could come home and crash), the whole pregnancy chasing baby #1 to only have to take care of a new born and a toddler. Wow. Really making me reconsider my “I want two” feeling. Of course give me 2 years and I will probably be ready again!

 

[ephemery1]

I know I don''t belong on this thread, but obviously I stalk it religiously... so just had to throw in my 2cents... apologies in advance!

But the thing that bugs me about people being judgmental about bottle-feeding, is that they''re not accounting at ALL for moms that physically CAN''T breastfeed. Our cousins adopted 2 gorgeous little girls and obviously raised them on formula, and it used to drive me CRAZY when people would make condescending remarks without knowing that background info. Plus there are moms with health issues, or that need to be on psychotropic meds, that choose not to breastfeed because they don''t want to risk passing the meds on to their child... which is obviously being MORE responsible.

Sigh.

That said, I''m with TG... when my time comes, I''m giving BFing my best shot simply because I''m too cheap to pay for formula!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

njc, I have the same speed bump (but my due date is after both of you so I guess I have more time on my side). Did you see the other stuff they had? They also just had circles which would be cool to go around the windows. Who knows if I will really get them but I knew you would like the idea/site. I agree about the classes being good for DH. DH has DONE NOTHING to prepare for this baby. No reading, research, curiousity, nothing.

I think I will call the doc anyways (just to ease my mind). I still haven''t believe I am going to the doc every 2 weeks now! The second half of my pregnancy is going by SOOO much faster than the first half.

I am going to try to BF. My doctor did ask me during my first visit but besides that I haven''t felt any pressure. If I can''t do it (for medical reasons or major discomfort) we will switch to formula. I think it IS a personal decision and people need to stop preaching and judging. I have a friend who it was too painful and she felt really guilty about it. I think that is bull! She shouldn''t have to feel bad IMHO. Like everyone said formula babies are just as happy and healthy. DH was a formula baby and he turned out fine (for the most part

haha!)

 

[NYCsparkle]

HI mommies! Bf''ing is a personal decision and if you aren''t involved you should butt out of others business. i decided in my 3rd trimester that i wanted to bf. i tried it and it worked out for my ds and i. if it hadn''t i would have fed him formula and not have felt guilty about that choice. i also pumped which helped me stay with it as long as i did. after 8 1/2 months i stopped bf''ing and pumping and switched to formula. i had family members pissed that i chose to bf because they wanted to feed him his bottle. i was annoyed at the lack of support at first, but then i realized it was because no one else in my fam. or my dh had bf. they came around and are now telling others how great it was that i bf. lol decide whats right for you and tell everyone else where to go...lol

 

[njc]

Tacori – When I typed that we, I had you in mind as well! Havent the DHs figured out not to piss the preggos off?! I saw the circles too, that would be cool to do around a window, fish over the crib? I think you need to get them, of course I didn’t pay attention to the price. I was thinking the squares were cool and trying to decide if DH would go for those in our room.

I haven’t felt much pressure either, but then again I think the trend is BFing as the others were mentioning. If anyone asks, I always say I am going to try, just like the whole NCB bit. There are just no guarantees to any of this whole pregnancy/birth/child care thing! There is nothing definite. Like my whole thing now is do we circumcise our little guy? We have no religious reason to do it and there is no truly convincing pro or con to it, so its purely a personal thing.

 

[E B]

diver, those pictures are stunning! What a gorgeous family you are.

After seeing yours, I'm absolutely booking a photographer for when I'm pregnant. I think capturing those last months before the baby comes is a fabulous idea. They're priceless.

 

[ellaila]

As for BF, I figure I''ll try it and see how it goes. If it doesn''t work out -- or if I feel like a 24/7 milking cow, which is not really how I want to spend the first year of my babies'' lives! -- then I''ll stop. As of right now, I can''t really see why I''d feel any guilt over stopping, but I guess I''ll know more when the time comes! I did email a lactation consultant to see if she''s got experience with moms of twins and about the success rate of it. I know there is a whole forum on it in the twins forum, but I''m kinda scared to read about postpregnancy-life-with-baby issues

Yes, I''m a baby, I know, I know.

njc, good point on the circumcision decision -- I''m going to have to deal with that one too. I''m Jewish, so I''m sure my parents would expect a bris, but eeeek! I was raised Jewish but I''m not religious whatsoever and I just can''t see doing something like that in front of a crowd if people if we''re going to do it all. If we do it, it would be in the hospital. But I''m going to have to do a little research as to the pros and cons of doing it versus not doing it.

And I love those fish for the walls!!! Just perfect! We''re going to have to go register soon -- kinda looking forward to it, kinda terrified of it! Registering for the wedding was fun, but then again we weren''t putting anyone''s life at risk by registering for the "wrong" product then, you know? If we got a bad waffle iron, then big whoop. If we get bad car seats, then there are obviously bigger consequences.

 

[icekid]

I''ve been lurking on this thread for a bit now since a couple of our friends are pregnant, but there will be no babies around here for quite a while until I finish my loooong medical training.

Date: 8/8/2007 3:31:41 PM
Author: njc

Like my whole thing now is do we circumcise our little guy? We have no religious reason to do it and there is no truly convincing pro or con to it, so its purely a personal thing.

But I thought I would chime in on a couple issues anyway

RE: circumcision. The pediatricians I have worked with believe that there is going to be a big push for circumcision coming down the pike, as we''re realizing that circumcised males have a greatly reduced transmission of HIV! Just something else to think about..

 

[chrono]

Date: 8/8/2007 4:44:28 PM
Author: icekid
RE: circumcision. The pediatricians I have worked with believe that there is going to be a big push for circumcision coming down the pike, as we''re realizing that circumcised males have a greatly reduced transmission of HIV! Just something else to think about..

True, but I think it''s better to use a proven protection like a condom instead of relying on circumcision for HIV protection.

I would feel bad to cut "parts" that my boys were born with.

 

[icekid]

Date: 8/8/2007 5:02:18 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 8/8/2007 4:44:28 PM
Author: icekid
RE: circumcision. The pediatricians I have worked with believe that there is going to be a big push for circumcision coming down the pike, as we''re realizing that circumcised males have a greatly reduced transmission of HIV! Just something else to think about..

True, but I think it''s better to use a proven protection like a condom instead of relying on circumcision for HIV protection.

I would feel bad to cut ''parts'' that my boys were born with.

Of course a condom is always a good idea, and I certainly was not recommending that people should rely solely on circumcision. But people obviously do not always execute good judgment.

 

[icekid]

Date: 8/8/2007 1:22:53 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring


I am going to try to BF. My doctor did ask me during my first visit but besides that I haven''t felt any pressure. If I can''t do it (for medical reasons or major discomfort) we will switch to formula. I think it IS a personal decision and people need to stop preaching and judging. I have a friend who it was too painful and she felt really guilty about it. I think that is bull! She shouldn''t have to feel bad IMHO. Like everyone said formula babies are just as happy and healthy. DH was a formula baby and he turned out fine (for the most part

haha!)

annnnnd the ever controversial breastfeeding. I would definitely not go so far as to say that formula babies are AS healthy as those who are breastfed. We know that is just not true. Which is not to say that formula babies are sickly by any stretch either. but there truly are both acute and lifetime benefits to breastfeeding.

Obviously, each woman needs to make her own well-informed choice. But I do believe it is in each child''s best interest to give breastfeeding a good effort. I understand that there are plenty of reasons that people will choose not to breastfeed and plenty of them are extremely valid. Also, fyi, breastfeeding should not hurt when done properly (mastitis is a separate thing completely, of course!). Formulas today are better now than they ever have been, but the milk made especially for the baby will always be better. I wish all of you and your little ones the best, regardless

And for the record, I was breastfed and am very nearly a physician

 

[Kaleigh]

Hey icekid,

Are you in your 4th year?? My that seems to have flown by. Easy for me to say, I know. You gave great advice!! What will be your specialty?? I''m excited for you, being in that home stretch must be a great feeling, as well as a huge accomplishment!!

 

[divergrrl]

Date: 8/8/2007 5:18:26 PM
Author: icekid

Date: 8/8/2007 1:22:53 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring


I am going to try to BF. My doctor did ask me during my first visit but besides that I haven''t felt any pressure. If I can''t do it (for medical reasons or major discomfort) we will switch to formula. I think it IS a personal decision and people need to stop preaching and judging. I have a friend who it was too painful and she felt really guilty about it. I think that is bull! She shouldn''t have to feel bad IMHO. Like everyone said formula babies are just as happy and healthy. DH was a formula baby and he turned out fine (for the most part

haha!)

annnnnd the ever controversial breastfeeding. I would definitely not go so far as to say that formula babies are AS healthy as those who are breastfed. We know that is just not true. Which is not to say that formula babies are sickly by any stretch either. but there truly are both acute and lifetime benefits to breastfeeding.

Obviously, each woman needs to make her own well-informed choice. But I do believe it is in each child''s best interest to give breastfeeding a good effort. I understand that there are plenty of reasons that people will choose not to breastfeed and plenty of them are extremely valid. Also, fyi, breastfeeding should not hurt when done properly (mastitis is a separate thing completely, of course!). Formulas today are better now than they ever have been, but the milk made especially for the baby will always be better. I wish all of you and your little ones the best, regardless

And for the record, I was breastfed and am very nearly a physician

Icekid, see its comments like this that make my blood boil. I appreciate what you are trying to say, I know its meant to helpful but I have to say: THATS NOT NECCESARILY TRUE.

Take my bout of mastitis out of it (which quite frankly, nursing/pumping was such a relief, it helped alleviate the pain...what hurt most was the whole body pain) and I''ll tell you what is a reality for every woman I''ve known including myself.

Nursing hurts. A ton. Its not a discomfort, its agonizing if things aren''t right. You should re-word your statement to say "breastfeeding should not hurt when it magically goes right".

Take me for instance..went into bfing with all the enthusiasm in the world. Didn''t have bottles or formula on hand because I was so well prepared & excited about it. Took my classes on it & had my husband''s full support. He was as jazzed about it as I was after our classes.

Day 1...kid is sucking weird, ouch...that feels like someone just slit my nipple open with a hot poker. Nurses & LC''s try to fix his latch, to no avail...we work and work and work at it.

I get home from the hospital, my son is turning this color

and he''s losing weight...my hospital has a really nice lactation clinic, everything you need for support....LC''s, pumps, supplies, etc. I go every other day for the first 3 weeks for help. I sob at every visit, my son''s latch KILLS my nipples. Every mother I''m friends with says to hang in there, at 6 weeks, the pain goes away, but yes it is HORRIBLE for the first 6 weeks. (horrible...not discomfort...sheer agony is a better description). The LC''s fit me for nipple shields so that i can be protected from his incorrect latch, but they are all scratching their heads as to why we can''t train him to get his lip out. I''m doing EVERYTHING humanly possible to make things better...it takes up 100% of my day -- every day. I''m exhausted, I''m tired, my poor dh is tired, he''s been my right hand man waiting on me hand & foot & helping me with latch etc...but after a month, he has to go back to work.

despite constant feedings, pumping after every nursing session, & taking herbs (oh and I was eating well/drinking tons of fluids & had no other health complications--nice delivery--no issues there) to stimulate milk production, I MAYBE produced about an ounce.

So before you say that bfing is this easy natural thing that is SOOOOO much better for babies, consider the feelings of us mothers who have fought hard at the battle and wanted to die we felt like such failures.

So to hear a medical professional (or a LLL member or any other Pro-breastfeeding individual) make such a cavalier statement really saddens me. I''ve known some women for whom breastfeeding went really well...babies latched right on & milk flowed freely & bravo for them...but I have to say, they are few and far between & I live in hippie-ville where our bfing rates are higher than anywhere else in the country & even the mom''s I know who have battled through are so surprised because they were fed the line you stated that I highlighted...they all wound up saying something along the lines of "If I had known how painful & hard it would be......."

So until you''ve experienced "properly" breast feeding a child, know that while it is natural, it does not always come naturally. And there are some of us who would damn near kill ourselves to get it right, and still spend months fighting an uphill battle, and then suffer for years with the guilt (my son is 2.5).

So do your patients a favor...rethink that stance if you will...at least be open to the fact that maybe its not as easy as you have been led to believe.

Respectfully yours,

Diver

 

[VegasAngel]

Diver I dont think Icekid is saying that breastfeeding is a snap or that comes naturally etc.. BF is a lot of work & when it doesnt go according to plan it causes a lot of stress & makes women feel like failures (I cried a lot the first few days). It took my daughter 5 days after birth to nurse. We also had a heck of a time with nursing strikes because of her GERD.

I do agree though (From my experience with BF) that if the baby is latched properly & there are no underlying medical issues BF should not be painful. In the beginning my nipples were tender but that was to be expected. Other than that, the only time I ever have pain is if my daughter does not have her mouth all the way open on my breast or if she bites me. If a womans nipples are bleeding, or they are experiencing excruciating pain there is something going on.

Curly, I saw the story regarding formula/ NY Hospitals on the news. Dont worry, the chances of that happening are slim to none & rightly so. They have no business determining how/what women feed their children. If a woman is planning to formula feed, most likely she isnt going to change her mind-She will go buy formula & that''s that-It''s pointless to force breastfeeding.

 

[Miranda]

Ahhhh!!! I had a long post and lost it! I hate it when that happens. I usually take it as a sign that I was saying something that I shouldn''t have so I''ll modify what and how I say this

...

I breastfed all three of my kids and luckily it came very easily to me and to the babies. The first few days after each was born it felt like someone was sticking hot pokers through my nipples!!! YOUCH!!! It wasn''t contraction bad, but, really uncomfortable nonetheless!!! I just want to make it clear that I was nursing correctly and it still hurt for a few minutes at the beginning of every nursing session during latch on and let down. Now, was it worth all 30 months of it (total for all three kids- not one child for 30 months)? Of course...FOR ME it was. Every woman needs to make up her own mind. A happy mommy is a happy baby (unless the babe has reflux - according to my neighbor with the fussy baby)!

DH''s cousin decided to nurse her baby. She read books, she went to classes. She felt ready. Then the baby was born and refused to nurse. She called La Leche to come to her home and help. They convinced her that it would be a form of abuse

to feed her child formula. They suggested she try all sorts of things from pumping in between feedings to running a small tube down the side of her breast with expressed breast milk while nursing. None of them worked and the baby was still losing weight. She was 6 lbs. when she was born. She dropped a pound during the first week. She didn''t regain that pound for 6 weeks

!!!!!! All during that 6 weeks La Leche told her that she was doing everything correctly and that the baby would learn to nurse. They remained adamant that there was no need for supplementation despite what DH''s cousin''s Dr. said. This child is 9 years old now and has severe learning disabilities. Is it because she was starved during the first few weeks of life? Maybe? Probably? My point here is not to throw La Leche under the bus. Simply to illustrate a point. DH''s cousin should have had the sense to know that things were just not right. She should have listened to her Dr.! But, during a time in her life when she felt out of control and helpless she turned to a well known organization for support. Mothers should not be made to feel guilty because they decide not to nurse...BY ANYONE!!! And ladies, IMHO, stick to the lactation consultants at the hospital for support. My sister had trouble nursing both of her babies and they were a great source of help to her.

OK, rant over!

 

[Demelza]

I haven't been around much, but just saw this latest batch of posts about breastfeeding and felt compelled to respond.

I also had a really difficult time in the beginning and shed many tears over what I thought would be a failed breastfeeding relationship. My daughter wouldn't take the breast for the first 6 weeks, so I pumped every 3 hours day and night in order to establish and maintain my supply. In addition, I suffered through TWO bouts of mastitis and one very stubborn case of thrush. I was on the verge of quitting completely (and feeling HORRIBLE about it) when my daughter surprised me by starting to feed directly from the breast. She's now 9 months old and we're still going strong. For a long time, though, I had to take it one painful feed at a time. I absolutely hated breastfeeding in the beginning and couldn't understand how something so natural could be so damn hard. It is probably the hardest thing I've ever done and also one of my greatest accomplishments. I have great empathy for those who have struggled with breastfeeding, whatever the outcome, and feel like any amount of breastmilk is a true gift. And, of course, I think that each woman needs to make whatever decision is right for her. There is so much guilt associated with choosing not to breastfeed and that's really a shame. No woman should be made to feel less than for making a choice that preserves her mental health and sense of well-being.

Having said that, I do think it's important that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals encourage and support women to at least give breastfeeding a try. This doesn't mean that mothers who are either unable or unwilling to breastfeed should be berated or judged, but the fact of the matter is that breastmilk is simply better for babies than formula. There are many valid reasons not to breastfeed (and no woman should have to justify herself to anyone!), but the erroneous claim that formula is just as good as breastmilk just isn't one of them. I'm sure most of us are too young to remember a time when women who chose to breastfeed were made to feel ashamed or disgusting. Formula companies touted their products as being better than nature and women were made to feel that science could do for their babies what their own bodies could not. It's only been in the last couple of decades that breastfeeding is not only accepted but seen as preferable. And, even now, breastfeeding rates are somewhat low, especially after the 6 month mark.

Personally, I do not think formula companies should be allowed to undermine women's attempts at breastfeeding by marketing their products in hospitals. I think women who want to breastfeed should be given as much support as they need and those who choose not to should be provided with formula, but I do not want any company trying to influence a decision that personal in a hospital setting, or anywhere else for that matter.

And, for whatever it's worth, I don't think Icekid was saying that breastfeeding is easy or painless. I think she was just making the point that a proper latch should not hurt.

Sorry for going on so long. Clearly, this is a very emotional issue for many of us. I think I was surprised by how many feelings I had about it once my baby was born.

Good luck to all the pregnant PSers!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

yay! I passed my GD test!!!! I don''t know why I was so scared (maybe because I LOVE carbs and would be very said to say goodbye, or limit them) also SOOOO many women on my preggo site have GD so it seemed so common (which it is not). My red blood cells were a little low but I talked to my dad and he said the number was fine. I am going to try to eat a little more iron to be on the safe side (maybe that is why I have been SOOOO tired lately!)

Baby has been moving like crazy (usually my baby is kind of lazy. I am hoping that means (s)he is laid back. Wishful thinking I am sure). I often feel the butt/head bumping against my belly. Makes me happy

I am just so thankful to be past the 28 week mark! I feel like I can relax now.

njc, DH didn''t really like the fish

I think he is CRAZY and they are so cool. I guess I can always add them later. They seem easy to paint and attach. I think the squares would be very cool in your room! Why should babies have all the cool stuff?

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/8/2007 11:14:54 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring

yay! I passed my GD test!!!! I don''t know why I was so scared (maybe because I LOVE carbs and would be very said to say goodbye, or limit them) also SOOOO many women on my preggo site have GD so it seemed so common (which it is not). My red blood cells were a little low but I talked to my dad and he said the number was fine. I am going to try to eat a little more iron to be on the safe side (maybe that is why I have been SOOOO tired lately!)

Baby has been moving like crazy (usually my baby is kind of lazy. I am hoping that means (s)he is laid back. Wishful thinking I am sure). I often feel the butt/head bumping against my belly. Makes me happy

I am just so thankful to be past the 28 week mark! I feel like I can relax now.

njc, DH didn''t really like the fish

I think he is CRAZY and they are so cool. I guess I can always add them later. They seem easy to paint and attach. I think the squares would be very cool in your room! Why should babies have all the cool stuff?

Great news Tacori!! So glad you passed the GD test. You''re in the home stretch now!!! How fun!!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Thanks Lisa! October will be here before I know it!

 

[divergrrl]

My big problem with IceKid''s post was the phrase "when done properly" like I''m (or anyone who''s struggled for that matter) some sort of half-wit who can''t figure out how to "properly" feed their baby. So I did it "improperly" for all those months of struggle? I hardly think so. Sometimes its just not *that* easy. And even with a good latch, it can still hurt for a few weeks....that''s the biggest lie about breastfeeding....there''s just no way to tell until the mom + baby get together & see how the process works...some women have an easier time than others, just like some women have easier labors, or some kids sleep through the night at an early age, you have no idea how things are going to come out in the wash, so its best to have an open-minded, and mother-focused attitude that keeps mothers feeling GOOD about their efforts instead of defensive (like me right now? oh yeah).

Whatever. I know she meant well, but its that exact attitude that is more harmful than helpful.

Off my rant now.

Tacori: YAY! Good job on passing your GD! Atkins got nuthin'' on you! Carb away dear! LOL.

I have a DA tomorrow...going to ask when I can get my internal ultrasound to check on that fibroid. I want to mentally prepare myself either way...if I have to have a C, I just want to know & get my head in the game. If not, I''m really leaning towards a birth that will be free of most of the interventions unlike my last time...(induction, artificial rupture of membranes, vacuum assist). Still want my epidural, but am leaning towards a "walking" one that I just found out my hospital offers, so I can at least change positions to some extent--hopefully.

Well wish me luck that I haven''t gained a ton! LOL.

 

[ellaila]

Congrats Tacori! I can''t even imagine life without carbs, so I''m right there with ya, sister!

Probably a good idea to increase your iron uptake, too. My dr. recommended I take an iron pill later in the pregnancy. I can''t remember the name of it, but it was over the counter.

Good luck with your appt, Diver!

Funny timing, I was looking through the August issue of Babytalk last night and there was an article on breastfeeding, which I definitely took more interest in after all the posts here on it! Now I''m wondering what I would do if one baby took to it but the other didn''t ... hmmm. Lots to think about. Hopefully, my multiples class will have some advice/answers.

EDD: 1.2.08 (twins!)