What to expect when you're breastfeeding

An awesome post!  I read this on Jane's blog "Milk Station"  click here if you want to read it on her blog =)  it's really relevant and so true!  if you plan on breastfeeding, read this =)

One of the books I read over and over again when I was pregnant was "What To Expect When You're Expecting". Well, I wish somebody had written a "What To Expect When You're Breastfeeding". I'm sure it could save some trouble for a lot of moms. So, why not write it myself?

Based on my own experiences, and on the experiences of moms that I know and talk to, here's what (and not) to expect when you're nursing:

1. Expect breastfeeding to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But, it takes time and commitment, and a lot of practice and patience.

2. Don't expect milk to be flowing out of your breasts the moment your baby is born. During the first few days, they will be producing colostrum, which is a thick, yellowish substance full of antibodies. A few teaspoons per feeding is all your baby needs at this time. Mature milk usually comes in on the 3rd or 4th day. In my case, my milk came in on the 5th day.

3. Don't be disappointed if you can barely pump an ounce of milk. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, milk supply takes time to increase, too. As long as you're nursing frequently, your supply will build up over time.

4. Don't compare the amount that you can pump with other moms'. Just as breasts come in different sizes, storage capacity differs, too. Some moms may have more storage capacity, some may have less. But storage capacity has nothing to do with the amount of milk that you can produce. Moms with smaller storage may just need to nurse more frequently.

5. Breastfeeding can help you bond with your baby, but if you're expecting a gush of wonderful maternal feelings, so much so that you'll positively radiate with a warm glow, well, don't be surprised if instead you're up at 3 am, tired and frustrated at your baby's inability to latch, or seemingly insatiable appetite, etc., etc. Don't worry, just hang in there, and think, "This too shall pass". It will get better!

6. Expect your nipples to feel raw and tender for the first few weeks. As long as your latch and positioning are correct, the soreness will eventually disappear. In my case I think I had sore nipples for about a month.

7. When your milk comes in, expect to look like you just had a boob job. They will become a little smaller once your milk supply is established.

8. Expect your baby to be "hungry all the time". Unlike formula, breastmilk is digested easily, which is why it's the perfect first food for your baby. Of course, this means that breastfed babies need to be fed more frequently, every 2-3 hours, or by demand. However, don't always assume that if your baby is crying, then it means he's hungry. Babies cry for a whole lot of reasons. Sometimes you won't even find a reason. Well, that's what babies do. They cry. It's normal. No need to panic (and give formula).

9. Expect to be "hungry all the time" yourself. After all, you are still eating for two. Always have a snack and a glass of water ready.

10. Expect your baby to use your breast as a pacifier. While your first instinct might be to object to this, in my opinion, it's better to just surrender to it. It's good for your milk supply, anyway. Plus, it's better for your baby to get comfort from you than from plastic and silicone.

11. Don't be surprised if your baby often falls asleep at your breast. Don't be surprised if you find yourself nodding off, too. Breastfeeding releases hormones that relax both you and your baby.

12. Expect your baby's poop to change from black to green to yellow. It will be soft and mushy, and it's normal to have some stuff that look like seeds. Expect around four to six wet diapers a day, and at least two poops a day. Some breastfed babies poop after every feeding. That's normal.

13. Don't worry if you get stomach cramps, especially while you're nursing. Breastfeeding helps contract your uterus, bringing it back to its original size. That's what's causing the cramps.

14. Expect your baby to get better at latching as time goes on. It took my little S about a month before he learned how to latch. At 3 months, I didn't even have to guide him anymore. There were times when I'd be moving around, and look down in surprise to see him latched on already.

15. Expect your baby to get more efficient, too. Starting around 7 months, what used to take little S an hour (or two) now takes him under 10 minutes to finish.

16. As your baby grows older, expect him to get easily distracted. This started at 3 months for baby S. If you find this irritating, nurse in a dim, secluded area.

17. Expect your older baby to be able to nurse in positions that will amaze you. (And lift your shirt up himself, too!)

18. And the warm gush of maternal feelings? Yes, they will come, especially when your baby caresses you while nursing, or smiles at you after he's full. My little S likes to be tickled while (comfort) nursing. It's our way of bonding, and I'm sure you'll create your own special nursing ritual, too.

I hope this helps some first-time breastfeeding moms out there.

Happy breastfeeding!