So Breastfeeding really is a challenge. For something that is so natural, you would think that it might be just a tad bit easier to get a hang of. Let me tell you the story of my little boy Thor. He was born with a super long Frenulum, which really put a damper on the early success of breastfeeding. However we have a very lovely pediatrician who called around all over town to help find us a doctor that would cut the frenulum to help release his tounge so he could nurse much more effectivly. Once we were over that hurdle, a whole new world opened up, and milk supply and pain became the number one on the list.
Jump to today, July 4th, even though I thought I had decent milk supply, the boy can nurse for two hours, and then take another 6 ounces from a bottle! This has both myself, and my husband rather confused, so I have begun my internet journey to help find some suggestions on getting even more milk.
I checked out the Mayo Clinic website, and they recommended making sure you eat, and drinking 3.1 liters of water every day! wholy crap batman... that's a lot of liquids! Sooo I filled a pitcher I have with 2 liters of water, and another nalgene with one liter, and that's where I am going to start drawing my water from, just to make sure I am drinking enough... whoa, this is going to be fun... next topic Cloth diapers and green baby solutions!
Yeah, I just found out about the 3 liters myself! Too bad it's so hard just feeding myself during the day home alone.. I can't even figure out when I'd be able to stop and drink that much water!
ReplyDeleteFor me, getting accustomed to drinking a lot of water was easiest if I made myself remember to drink *while* breastfeeding. Keeps the supply flowing regularly, much more comfy than the "empty then refill" kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteTo do this, I keep monster mason jars on end table, nightstands, (every place where I feed Lula during the day.) My goal is to drain at least a full mason jar during each feeding, which is totally do-able once baby latches on comfortably.
Another piece of advice a dear friend gave me: always turn the light on when you nurse at night! It's important to see what you're doing to avoid painful mishaps. I have a small tablelamp with a 40 watt bulb. drape a scarf over it and bam! instant effective nightlight.
As far as feeding myself goes.. well, that's a different challenge i've yet to conquer!
peace!
Laurie