Comments on: Breastfeeding And Life Lessons

By: Alissa

Alissa — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:05:18 +0000

Hi there,

I need to comment on this! For both of my kids, it seemed like 2 weeks was the magic time when breastfeeding stopped hurting. Think about it – our nipples are very sensitive areas! So it takes time for a callous to build up to the point where it doesn’t hurt any more. I had several people ask me if I was keeping formula on hand “just in case”. Just in case of what?? I was breastfeeding, and that was all there was to it. Formula was not an option. I totally agree with you, that to “try” basically means you’ve already planned to fail. If you make a commitment to DO something, you will succeed. This applies to everything in life! I am still nursing my 18-month old, and loving it. I love knowing that I am giving him the nourishment he needs to make him as healthy as he can be. So yes, it hurts. But like giving birth, the rewards are immeasurable.

By: scantee

scantee — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:08:42 +0000

I hear ya on this one. Breastfeeding my now seven month old was excruciatingly painful the first two months.To address the problem, I saw different lactation consultants and read, read, read, everything available and it just didn’t get better, and I despaired it never would. It was only my absolute determination that kept me going through that period. I’m glad I did, because now it’s so easy and wonderful.

I try to warn my friends who are trying for kids about how difficult breastfeeding is without turning them off to the idea altogether. My experience made me understand why so many women quit. If you don’t have a good support system, the challenges of breastfeeding seem completely overwhelming.

By: April

April — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:58:35 +0000

Ugh. I so didn’t want to know this! I mean, it’s good to know for “one day,” but not something I’m looking forward to. I had never heard about it being painful.

By: ScrapperMom

ScrapperMom — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:52:03 +0000

I think that is a great point. It is hard at first, but there is nothing like determination. If you are not committed you will give up. The best advice I got prior to my baby being born was, don’t give up until at least 4 weeks and get all the help you can in the beginning. It makes a huge difference. And like all things that are worthwhile, it’s tough work at first and then it becomes second nature. (Just like saving and keeping a budget!)

By: FrugalBabe

FrugalBabe — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:55:47 +0000

Thanks Rachel and Kelly! It’s funny… now when I talk with other women about how much breastfeeding hurt in the beginning, they nod and agree that they had a tough time too. But I hadn’t heard anyone talk about it before I had my baby! Maybe they just didn’t want to freak me out

By: Kelly from My Small Cents

Kelly from My Small Cents — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:49:33 +0000

Very nicely said! Even with my third breastfeeding hurt a lot in the beginning. And then one day, it just didn’t, and became the wonderful experience that you’re talking about instead.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:02:53 +0000

I remember to those first couple weeks with both of my children, crying each time they wanted to eat. I was in such pain and discomfort and I even developed mastitis with my second one. However, with much perserverance, everything settled down and became a wonderful experience. I nurse my first until she weaned herself at 14 mos and I am still nursing my 7 month old. You are doing a good thing for your little one. Congratulations on your sweet boy!