I think we’ve established this week that breastfeeding is a Finer Thing. We’ve also acknowledged that (as always) every mama, baby, relationship, and situation is different. There are tips and tricks to make it easier, but some still have to overcome daunting obstacles to make it work. For others, it never does work out and that is okay! (Did you know that I’m a formula fed baby? I think I turned out *mostly* alright.) 
I’ve got some more posts to link to tomorrow, but for today I want to leave this week-long series on a positive note.
Enjoy the following guest post from Jessie. No one told her breastfeeding might actually be easy!
I could have written an essay in response to JessieLeigh’s post on breastfeeding. I don’t think I would have survived 11 months of nursing without the advice and encouragement of several sweet friends who let me know I could call them anytime. My mother and mother-in-law, although 20 years removed from the experience, also did their best to cheer me on.
I do wish I had had more advice before I was in the trenches of having an infant. I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but I was scared half to death. My closest friend had a baby 7 months before me and bemoaned cracked and bleeding nipples, a baby that wouldn’t latch, and henceforth a happy relationship with formula and bottles. The wife of a full-time student, I was more than horrified at the cost of formula AND diapers and decided that I wouldn’t be able to afford both. Nursing would just HAVE to work.
What I didn’t expect was for it to be easy.
After a few practice sessions in the hospital, my daughter latched beautifully, was hungry, gained weight quickly, and was an all-around perfect infant. She did have quite the penchant for sucking, and with pediatrician’s approval we introduced a pacifier when she was a week old and a bottle when she was about three weeks (as I knew I would be returning to work).
What really confused me was that I didn’t leak and didn’t feel let-down. In 11 months of nursing, I never did. I didn’t know nursing was a unique experience for everyone; we all have our different issues and surprises and body quirks.
Everything wasn’t perfect. We did have supply issues starting at 4 months (pumping is not my friend). I supplemented with formula. At 9 months my nursing angel decided she didn’t really like latching correctly anymore. I battled mastitis and thrush.
But what I wish more women knew is it isn’t always difficult at the beginning. Try not to stress too much, get your baby to that breast as soon as you can, and pray for a long and lovely nursing relationship. Most of your friends who have experience nursing will be willing to give you any and all advice they have–CALL THEM!
I treasure those months of breastfeeding my daughter more than words can speak, and I look forward to nursing a second baby in December!
Visit Jessie to learn more about her transition to stay-at-home mom and her love for all things grammar.
*** I’ve got a few more helpful, inspiring breastfeeding posts to link to tomorrow. If you want yours included, either email it to me or stick it in the comments here. ***
What Finer Things are you celebrating this week? Link up and let us know! I’ve actually been out of town with my hubby all week, soaking up some quiet time before baby arrives. That, my friends, has been super FINE!
I have really been enjoying all these posts on pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Whenever pumping, I have used the Lansinoh breast ointment– I put it on before I pump and it “greases” the cups and SAVED lots of needless friction on the nipples… It is safe for the baby and better for you! Also, whenever I found my supply dwindling after either pumping or breastfeeding (either less ounces in the bottle or a frustrated baby), I would pump extra sessions in between feedings– even right after breast feeding. I wouldn’t get much milk at all, but the point is to stimulate the body to make more milk. It works great!!
Great tips. Thank you!
I felt the same way; my birth was WAY harder than I expected, but breastfeeding was super easy. We never had any problems, except trying to get her to take a bottle!! She never did.
With the next go-’round, I’m planning on introducing a bottle (pumped) MUCH earlier, simply to allow us the freedom of going out on a date every now and then!
@Audrey,
I was really horrified my daughter might refuse the bottle since I had to go back to work. We used a Gerber NUK bottle and never had any trouble with nipple confusion (although, obviously, she was a sucking champ!). I am not working with this baby, but I still would like to use a bottle occasionally–I enjoyed being able to go to sleep and let my hubby handle the last feeding!
Jessie
I had my hubby give our 13-week-old a small bottle the night before I went back to work (part time) just to see how she’d do… while I cried in the other room.
We all survived. 
That’s what we tried – several times – and she simply screamed. Even when she was hungry.
Thanks for the tips; this time I’m hoping for better!
Poor baby!
I guess if I had to have it one way or the other, I’d rather them refuse the bottle than refuse the breast…
A week away with hubby sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the carnival.
I love this post. And can I just say how much I wish I’d had you for a friend six years ago when I was expecting my first baby? (And, yes, I realize you hadn’t been through the experience yet, but I think you get what I’m trying to say.
)
We should have been friends for life.
I’ve linked up to the post I used before, but I suppose that’s okay. I’ve so enjoyed your special breastfeeding week within this series you’re doing. Everything about my two boys is different, especially the way they want to eat. Jeremy refused breastfeeding, Jesse is all about it. It makes me feel so good to be able to nourish my baby naturally.
Nursing is definitely a finer thing! I loved it and hope to do it again someday with a 4th child!
You are invited to Of Such is the Kingdom’s first birthday party! We’re looking back at old posts and giving away daily prizes. Come on over for some fun!
suchakingdom.blogspot.com
I agree! A lady at church offered to watch me nurse b/c I wasn’t sure I was doing things correctly. We sat in a private room before church and it was sooo reassuring to hear her say everything looked fine. It’s nice to be able to call on a friend. I’m glad she offered her assistance.
How kind of her! Too many times I think experienced moms are afraid to help because they don’t want to “step on any toes” and sometimes new moms don’t want anyone to know they need help. Oh, how things could be better!
I had the same experience with nursing all 3 times. Everything went super well and I gave each a pacifier while I was still in the hospital without any problems. More people need to share the good stories instead of just the horror stories!!
Nursing has gone wonderfully smooth for me and my little guy, who will be eight weeks old tomorrow (my how time flies!). I expected to have all sorts of issues, but never did fortunately. I have so much respect and admiration who push through difficulties and keep breastfeeding/exclusively pumping.
I will add, too, that it’s nice to know I’m not the only woman who doesn’t feel let-downs. I never have, and I’m glad it doesn’t mean something is wrong with me!
You may still feel them eventually. It took me several weeks/a few months (if I’m remembering right!) with my first before I felt anything. If you *want* to try for the let down (I liked having it to know that the hind milk was there) you might try extended nursing on one side. Let baby nurse/snooze and nurse again all on one side. Won’t work for everyone, I’m sure, but that did it for me.
Thanks for the tip!