Breast Feeding

When I was younger I thought breast feeding was super strange and I decided I wasn't going to do it. When I finally became pregnant 15 or more years later I realized my view on breast feeding had completely changed. As an adult I learned and realized that breast feeding was more than just providing food for your baby, it was also about the bond between baby and mother that was created.

I knew from other's experiences that breast feeding wasn't always easy. Sometimes the baby needs a lot of help to latch correctly and to actually get enough milk. Other times your body and your milk doesn't cooperate, and your milk never lets down. I have found that a lot of problems I have heard about could have been mitigated with more breast feeding education, a visit with a lactation expert, and a really good pump.

Since I decided that I wanted breast feeding to work for me, I chose to educate and prepare myself as much as I could before my baby was born. The hospital network near me offers lots of classes, including a breastfeeding class. It was one night and husbands were encouraged to attend, because their support is helpful when things get tough. They also recommended having the lactation consultant at the hospital meet with you individually to make sure everything was working correctly. In the class we learned about proper placement of the baby's head and mouth, and effective ways of holding the baby during feedings. One very important thing we learned is that breast feeding should not hurt, if it hurts then the baby's latch was wrong. The baby should be sucking on the entire aeriola not just the nipple.

Choosing a glider, instead of a rocking chair

When I started nursing my baby I used a rocking chair my parents already had. It's a really nice looking wood rocking chair, which seems like it would be perfect for nursing. However, it's wood, so there isn't any padding, and rocking a rocking chair actually takes some effort. I asked around if any family members had a glider I could borrow, because they are so expensive, but no one did. I had to bite the bullet. I justified the expense since I was going to be spending hours in the chair nursing, and then even after nursing we would use it to read stories for nap and bed time.
My husband and I looked all over for a glider and were surprised at how few furniture stores sell them. Of course there are lots to choose from at Babies R Us, and now even at Buy Buy Baby, but I didn't like anything I saw or sat in. Some looked comfortable, but they were deceiving. I spent a lot of time looking at reviews on Target.com, Babiesrus.com and Amazon.com. We ultimately settled on the Dutailier brand because it received high reviews for function and comfort. I didn't know if I wanted to spend the extra money on a reclining option, but I'm glad my husband convinced me to! I love it and have reclined just about every time I'm in the chair!