Absolutely no one prepared me for the pain I would experience learning how to breastfeed/pump. Everyone talked about labor and the recovery, but throughout my pregnancy I never heard about pain associated with breastfeeding or even finding a lactation consultant. Those first two weeks were ROUGH. My nipples felt raw and no amount of cream seemed to help. I thought about throwing in the towel multiple times because on top of recovering from birth, what do you mean cracked, bleeding nipples are apart of the package deal too? Once I connected with a lactation consultant who showed me what to do and how to do it, got silicone flanges that actually fit correctly, and went through a few tubes of nipple cream, everything slowly started to ease up.
If you can survive those first two weeks, I promise it gets easier! I remember the first time my baby latched and my whole body relaxed because it didn’t hurt - felt like a miracle had taken place! I had to keep the mindset that this is just a season and it’s not permanent! Now, we’re pumping and doing bottles more since I’ve returned to work part time and we’ve found this is what works great for us, but still nursing as more of a comfort thing before a nap or before going to bed. Breastfeeding and pumping is truly a labor of love but the feeling of being able to provide for my baby this way is incredible!whathelpedme
I felt like a fish out of the water those first two weeks, everyone around me said things like “oh it was a little bit uncomfortable at first but nothing crazy” and all I could feel was toe curling pain. On day 7 one nipple simply started to bleed non stop, I felt completely defeated that day. I was able to find help and get through it, but those first two weeks are absolutely brutal! I’m happy things worked out for you too
Such an important reminder! Flange sizing and good support make all the difference. Glad it got so much easier for you! I love how happy you look in this picture
Oh my gosh I felt this so deeply! I would literally cry anytime my alarm went off to pump. I dreaded pumping but I wanted to keep going, I’m so glad I did and powered through it. Within the month I no longer had pain and would actually get excited for my next session- I loved seeing the output even if it was low, I was just so excited my body was making milk for my little one.
whathelpedme
I love how happy you look in this picture
. Glad things worked out for you too momma!
