BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

Was your experience better/worse the second time around? How far apart are your DC?

Sorry in advance for the TMI... With DS the first month was awful - he latched no problem and my supply was great but I had MAJOR chapping, cracking bleeding, PAIN PAIN and more pain - ended up with mastitis and then still more pain cracking bleeding. This contined until 6 wks post partum BAD - but by 8 wks all was fine. I ended up BF until 10 mos with no further problems.

However, with a toddler this time around I don't think I can go through that again for so long but, I really want to BF again. I'm just wondering if maybe it will be easier this time b/c my, um, nipps are used to it?

I'm only 10 wks but worrying about this already :(

TIA! and so sorry for the tmi!

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

I had major problems BF DS- he didn't latch, I had major pain when he did, I had terrible engorgement. So, I pumped until he was six weeks, engorgement got better, he latched and then (I think because engorgement was better) I had no pain.

DD came when he was 16 months. She latched but I had the terrible engorgement and pain again. I couldn't handle the painful nursing sessions while caring for DS. I also couldn't handle pumping.

So, I didn't nurse. However, I had PPD (with both) and with DD I knew I had to just get better ASAP to be a mom to both DC and nursing was not my priority.

I think that maybe speaking with an LC- a non militant one before hand to get advice to prepare- do your best and see how it goes.....

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

I had latching isues in the begining with my first- so I was using a nipple shield (which can cause a whole host of other issues). BFing was fine, but stressful with my first until I got her off the nipple shield- and then successfully nursed until 11 months.. She was 17 months old when DD#2 was born.

With my second, she latched like a champ. She had an incredibly strong suck reflex so I was much for sore second time around, but we got through it.

I had thought that BFing would be more difficult with my toddler needing attention, but it really was fine. The first few weeks, I would sit on the floor with the baby to BF (propped with lots of pillows) so #1 could snuggle up to me.

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

Well, I didn't really have trouble with the first, just the usual issues with learning how the breastfeed. But I will say that breastfeeding #2 was easy-peasy from day 1. So easy that I actually called the LC in at the hospital to make sure I was doing it right. So, I hope you, too have an easier time the second time areound.

ETA: I think it was easier because I was much more confident with positioning the baby -- I would take his head and cram it on there just right, where as with the first I was so worried about being gentle.

Message edited 6/22/2009 8:35:38 AM.

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

i had pain with both...but luckily no mastistis....with dd#2, I am now officially one week and one day into bfing and its so close to being comfortable...still a little tender but by wed, it should be okay....try not to stress...try it and if it can't work, then it can't....your baby will still be amazing and go on to do great things!

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

I had so many problems breastfeeding my first. I think I cried pretty much everyday for the first 6-8 weeks. We had latch issues, thrush, clogged ducts, cracked & bleeding nipples. Everytime she cried to be fed I would start crying too because it hurt so much I didn't want to do it. In the end, we made it over 2 years so it id work out eventually.

Even though I was confident in my ability to breastfeed, I was terrified through my whole pregnancy with my second too just thinking about the early months of nursing. Well, I nursed him for the first time when he was only a few minutes old. He latched right on & started sucking. I haven't had a problem since! I did have a bit of oversupply that led to a clogged duct & a forcefull letdown, but I knew what to do this time around to keep things from getting worse. I have not had a single ounce of nipple pain or any issues with latch. I am sometimes amazed at how easy it is now.

Don't worry yourself too much! I'm proof that the second time doesn't have to be a repeat of the first!

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

Thank you so much ladies...you are giving me hope. Some of your posts brought back those memories - I too remember the tears pouring down my face while BF the first few weeks it hurt so bad! God willing it won't be next time around! But, at least I know now there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Even though with DS it was a LONG tunnel

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

DS#1 was 2 years old when DS#2 was born but I felt that the action of breastfeeding was way easier. I didn't have as much time to think about it. I was much more comfortable and therefore DS#2 was more comfortable. The challenge was keeping DS#1 busy and away while BF'ing. After about a month he got it.

I'm due with baby #3 any day now and plan to EBF again. I know that DS#1 (now 3.5) will be fine but now, I have a 17 month old as well. Hopefully baby #3 will be a quick eater and then we won't have any issues. If it was a nightmare with DS#2 I would not even consider BF'ing again. I actually am looking forward to it.

Good luck and all should be fine:)

Re: BTDT moms of 2 or more that EBF and had a tough time in the beg BF #1...

I had a lot of pain (no problems really, besides getting the latch right) both times. I BF DD#1 for a year so I was convinced that I would be fine with my second. No such luck. I had pain for about 6 weeks with the first & 3 weeks with the second. I just think their little mouths are so tiny & they can't latch on properly and it caused so much pain for a little while. But I got through it both times.