Preparing for baby to get here I studied up a good bit about breastfeeding. So I knew about colostrum, mature milk, and I’d been told that it would hurt. I knew about the possibility of cracked and bleeding nipples. But there were still things that came as a surprise.
The First Days
For the first few days you will only be producing colostrum, this is pretty common knowledge. There isn’t much but it is highly nutritious and perfect for your baby. After about two to five days your milk will come in.
This was an odd sensation for me and I didn’t know that I would actually feel this happen. My breasts and chest were kind of tingly or prickly with a light burning sensation. I thought something was wrong but my mom said it was my milk. And sure enough she was right.
I produced so much all of a sudden that I was completely engorged and in pain at 3 am the next morning. I had to use warm compresses and pump to relieve the pain and engorgement.
“Let Down”
From what I’ve read not all women actually feel their milk “let down” so maybe that’s why I hadn’t heard much about it. But if you are like me and are able to feel it then it may come as a surprise as well.
For me “let down” ranges from feeling like pressure in my nipple, to pins and needles, to a full on muscle cramp. I think it depends on how much milk is in the breast during each feeding. This is a normal sensation, but should only last a moment at the beginning of the nursing session.
Also, the breast that you are not feeding baby on will also begin to express milk at the same time. Just a heads up here. I recommend having a towel or burp cloth available to soak up the milk from the other breast. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to change shirts because I forgot to do this.
Side Note: I recently purchased a Haakaa Pump. These nifty little silicone pumps just suction right onto the breast and are great for catching the milk expressed while nursing baby on the other side. Highly recommend one of these, especially if you are storing milk. Sometimes you can get an ounce or two that would have gone to waste.
The Pain
I knew that there was going to be pain involved, but I wasn’t aware of how much. You really have to be determined to breastfeed in order to continue, especially if you’re looking to exclusively breastfeed. Your nipples will be sore, they will crack, they will bleed. It will hurt to wear a bra or for water to hit them in the shower. Its just part of the gig, but it all passes I promise.
I would inwardly fight with myself whenever I had to go feed my baby. Anticipating the pain when she latched on and bearing through it. I won’t lie, the first month is really hard. There were countless times I dreamed of switching to bottle feeding. But once you make it past those first four weeks it is a wonderful, sweet experience (the majority of the time) and I am so glad that I stuck it out. I would gladly go through it all again knowing how good it is now and the bonding time you gain from nursing.
Remedies
For cracked and bleeding nipples, express a little breast milk ( I would pump some and keep in the fridge especially for this purpose, plus the cold was an added relief) and apply to the nipple right after nursing. Then apply some lanolin cream on top of the breast milk. Use a nipple guard to protect them from rubbing on clothes and getting irritated, this also keeps the lanolin from being wiped off or absorbed by clothing.
For engorged breasts, take a hot shower and massage the engorged breast, this will help to get milk flowing and help with the pain. Then pump or feed your baby. Sometimes if the breast is really swollen your baby can’t get a good latch (which can cause more pain) and it helps to pump to relieve pressure then nurse. If there is still pain after nursing apply a cold compress, I liked a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.
Prevention
- Make sure your breasts are being emptied regularly otherwise you can get plugged ducts or engorged which if handled incorrectly can result in mastitis.
- See a lactation consultant while you are in the hospital to make sure baby is getting a good latch from the beginning.
- Have your pump parts cleaned and ready and read up on how to use it before baby gets here. (I was sanitizing mine at three in the morning trying to find relief) This way you will be ready if you have an over supply when your milk comes in and need to pump.
PLEASE NOTE: Following and/or participating in my blog and any tips or advice is solely your decision. I recommend checking with your physician prior to following any of the advice that I share. I am not a health care professional, personal trainer, nutritionist, or counselor. I provide the advice, meals, tips, etc. that have worked for me based on my personal experiences.