My post from a few years ago on 5 rookie mistakes that could have ruined Cora and I’s breastfeeding relationship is by far my most popular post ever. It’s repinned on a daily basis on Pinterest, and I receive a steady stream of comments from women who tell me they found my story helpful. That makes me feel like a million bucks, and makes it seem as if this whole blog is actually doing some good in the old world wide web. With Issa, my experience has been significantly different already, so though you might think I’m an expert by now, I beg to differ. Pros and cons have arisen with baby number two that I didn’t expect, but once again I’m willing to share them if it might help someone else with their first, second, or tenth breastfeeding experience. Ok, maybe not tenth, SURELY that’s a mom who knows how to feed her baby, right? 🙂
1) Breast shells
You guys, HOW did I not discover these things with Cora? In the initial few weeks of breastfeeding, your ta-tas are so incredibly sensitive to the touch, even the softest of t-shirts or bras can feel like sandpaper against that delicate skin. You always have the option to go topless, but especially with baby #2 you have to get back to real life (where a shirt is usually appreciated) so much faster. I’ve been using Avent breast shells to solve this dilemma, and you can find them on Amazon here
The biggest downside is if they get too full they can easily spill over onto your shirt which creates some awkward moments in public. Empty them frequently enough though, and it’s not too bad. Plus you’re a mom, a little breastmilk stain on your shirt is the LEAST of your worries.
2) It’s still going to hurt
I guess I assumed after breastfeeding Cora for two years all the nerves in that region were basically shot. Nope, turns out I still have to deal with that initial discomfort, cracked nipples, and since I have slightly inverted nipples I have to go through the horror of letting Issa pull them out all over again. Ouch doesn’t even begin to describe it. But a little Polysporin and cleaning with soap and water has gone a long way to ease the pain and get me back to fully “desensitized” the way I was with Cora by the end. Just please take my advice and DO NOT stop your pain management/healing routine until you are fully healed. That will come back to haunt you and your recovery will take as long as it needs.
3) Avoid the full blown melt down
I think since Cora and I had such difficulty in the beginning, I dreaded the idea of her initial latch and would put it off until she was actually crying and I “knew” she was hungry for sure. This time around, as soon as I hear Issa begin to grunt, root, twitch her mouth in just the right way, she’s going on the boob for a snack. It’s helped build my supply, and better yet if she doesn’t get to hysterics she’s easier to latch and a calmer baby throughout the day. She knows she’s going to get fed, she doesn’t have to immediately jump to screaming her head off. And that makes life easier on everyone.
4) Choose a doula who doubles as a lactation consultant
Again, Tina for the win! My doula was amazing during labor, but I also loved her postpartum visits to make sure mom and baby were doing well. And since she’s a certified lactation consultant, I could also ask her for breastfeeding tips on Issa’s latch, our nursing routine, and I even text her while we were out of town, my pain wasn’t getting better, and my healing routine had slipped (see point #2). Even though this was my second and I felt pretty sure of myself, there are still questions that come up in the middle of the night where you’ll either be playing Dr. Google and traumatize yourself, or you can reach out to a trusted source like Tina and get the reassurance you need. If you’re hiring a doula, make sure you ask if she provides breastfeeding support. If you’re not hiring a doula but still need the advice of a lactation consultant, don’t feel that just because it’s your second baby you shouldn’t need their help. That’s exactly what they’re there for.
5) Be prepared for curiosity from your older child
Even though it had been a little over a year since I breastfed Cora, I was still a little nervous she would be jealous and/or want to nurse again when she saw baby sister having a grand old time. As it turns out, she hasn’t wanted to nurse, but she has been extremely curious with everything that’s happening there. She even tells me, “Mama, Issa needs chi-chis! She needs that side, feed her on that side!” Is that weird? Maybe from the outside looking in, but I think it’s a) adorable and b) a great chance for her to see what breasts are for, and how amazing the human body is. I would also recommend if you use a nursing cover to try it out in front of your older child(ren) BEFORE using it in public for the first time. Cora was extremely insistent that she wanted to see what was going on under that sheet while we were at a restaurant, so it was a good thing mine has a wire rim at the top so she could peek in to check it out. I felt a little bit like the Wizard of Oz: “Pay no attention to the baby behind that curtain!” 🙂 Save yourself the trouble and get your toddler used to the nursing cover beforehand.
What do you think? Any other advice for mamas the second go around? If you have three or more, what did you learn in your subsequent nursing relationships?
XO,
A
