Words of Wisdom From the Breastfeeding Trenches...

You all may remember that in June I held a giveaway for some Breastfeeding Mama Essentials.  In that post, I asked experienced mamas to give their best piece of advice to a new breastfeeding mama.  In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I would like to share with you their words of wisdom from the nursing trenches...

"My advice is not to beat yourself up or stress yourself out too much about it.  When I was learning and stressed about it is when I had the hardest time doing it." ~ The Mom Show


"The first few weeks are the hardest! After the third to fourth week, you will be glad you stuck with it." ~ Sonya


"...My advice is to battle through the first six weeks.  Those are the hardest weeks ever.  There were many times I was up at the crack of dawn crying because I couldn't figure out how to do the side-lying position, the CONSTANT nursing through the growth spurts and for comfort, etc.  If you can get through the first six weeks, you can do it! 
Also hot showers and lanolin are your best friends!..." ~ Kendall


"Try to relax and enjoy your baby.  Nurse on demand.  Drink water. Eat when you're hungry." ~ Charis's Mum


"My biggest issue was taking some time for myself...  A friend convinced me to just take 2 hours for myself and leave her with hubby.  I felt human again and recharged.  Don't forget yourself in all the new babyness." ~ JenJune


"My advice is to NOT GIVE UP! It's hard and gets harder as they get older and more independent.  But it's so essential for that special bonding time and the health of your baby and yourself.  It is so worth it!" ~ workingtexasmom

"...Trust your body to do what it was created to do.  Sometimes it's difficult, but you can do it and it's such a beautiful experience..." ~ mrs.reynolds


"My best advice is to trust your body, relax, and ignore other people's advice to give up when it gets tough.  I had an awful circus of a time for the first three months, and I would cry and cry because it was so awful, but I persevered.  
I got help from the birthing center at all hours of the night, and it was so worth it.  I had so many comments from people encouraging me to give up and that made it so much worse.  I found very little support.
I'm so proud I never gave up, and after the initial three months we got on great.  This time it's going swimmingly and I cherish every moment.  We actually bond during breastfeeding which I never thought would happen.  He holds my finger, and smiles at me with his cheeky grin whilst he dribbles milk everywhere, and it is adorable.  We snuggle into bed together at night and unlike with my first son, I wake up refreshed and ready.  Trust your instincts. :)" ~ Sara-Jayne

"My biggest tip is that it WILL hurt that first week of breastfeeding, and if you stick it out it gets so much easier after that first month." ~ Katrina


"The first few days are the hardest.  Stick with it and it will get easier.  Don't let the nurses bully you into bottles either.  Babies are supposed to lose weight the first few days! Oh, and the extra cuddle time is so worth it!!!" ~ Erin

"My biggest tip is to make sure you are in a comfortable position for those first few weeks until you and baby get the hang of it.  Also, don't slouch.  Your back will wear out fast and it makes it harder for baby to latch on correctly." ~ vintagegreen


"Relax and try, try again... That's the best advice I know to give." ~ Molly


"...It doesn't always start perfectly.  Be patient and you will learn as you go.  So will baby.  When you are both comfortable, you will be glad you didn't give up.  Ultimate bonding!" ~ Greener Mommy


And what is MY breastfeeding advice to the new mamas out there?

"Be gentle with yourself and baby.  Have patience.  It may take a few days, maybe even a few weeks, but you and baby can get this.  And never hesitate to ask for help if you need it- from a nurse, a lactation consultant, an experienced friend, an online community, anywhere you can get good advice and support.  And even if you have a rough start, just persevere." ~ Carrie

Please feel free to pass this post on to new breastfeeding mothers or mamas-to-be who plan to breastfeed their little ones.


And check out the other World Breastfeeding Week posts linked up with the Natural Parents Network this week!  (Just look down. ;) )
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I'm celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with Natural Parents Network!
You can, too — link up your breastfeeding posts from August 1-7 in the linky below, and enjoy reading, commenting on, and sharing the posts collected here and on Natural Parents Network.

(Visit NPN for the code to place on your blog.)