Let's get back to the little "what you might not know/expect in real terms when you have a baby" mini series....
WARNING: THIS POST IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!!! Or if you're like my brother and you don't want to talk about how women make perfect food for babies from their precious bosom.
Next topic in our breastfeeding mini series: Boobs
No seriously, your breasts are amazing. They have the ability to create actual food, perfect food . Not only create it, but also deliver it in exactly the way your baby needs.
Here's the thing: as I said before, I am no expert. I only know my own experiences, and what I have read. There is soooo much to learn about your breasts and how they truly provide life for your lil one.
Actually the production of milk is way to difficult a topic for me to intelligently explain so I will simply reference one of the websites that has been super helpful for me: Kellymom. This page will give you a great description of how milk is made in your breasts.
The most impressive thing I have found about our breasts is that when you are nursing your baby your nipple actually sucks in some of the baby's saliva in order to create milk that is specifically designed for your baby. I mean if your baby is sick, their saliva goes into your nipple, your boob analyzes it, figures out what the baby needs, and makes milk to help heal your baby. WHAT?!
Speaking of nipples: your nips actually have several openings. I did not know this until I started nursing. They also have the ability to shoot out milk to great distances, or simply into your partner's eye as he sleeps so soundly next to you. Yep that actually happened.
When your milk first comes in, it comes like a flood. When in the hospital with Gideon I remember waking up the first morning soaked on my sides. Hello milk, how are you today?
I have been so blessed to have no issue with milk production. There was a time with Harper that I thought my milk was dwindling, but because our bodies are so incredible, it fixed itself! No joke, your body knows how much milk your baby needs. If you find your milk supply is lessening, there are many things you can do from shakes, to simply pumping/feeding more.
So what happens when your breasts fill up in the beginning? Engorgement. That's what happens. It's one of the least happy times in your life. First your boobies fill up with milk and it feels like hot lava flowing through your milk ducts. Burning fire!!! Then they become rock hard, and veiny. I mean my boobs went from a size B to D over night. They were enormous, hard, and so veiny they looked like they belonged on a body builder's chest. You know what I mean.
What to do if you become engorged:
First of all, stop crying. Next, if your baby is not ready to nurse, grab your pump. Pump that shit out. All of it. Trust me, you will make more when your baby is ready to eat. If you can't get it all out, get in the shower. Run that hot water on them. They should automatically release some of the milk, but if not push on the hard parts until you feel them release.
Most women will only suffer from engorgement at the beginning of their baby's life. For me, however, it continued for several months.
If this is you, you will definitely want to get some nursing pads pronto. Some women only need them for a tiny bit in the beginning, but I generally use them for several months. Leaking is a real thing.
Speaking of Pumping:
Pumping sucks. Bottom line. It's terrible. It's degrading, uncomfortable, loud. You might think you are just going to breast feed and not need a pump, but that is likely untrue. If only to relieve yourself from engorgement. If you are intending to go back to work and don't want to give your baby formula, you will have to pump. Again, I have been super blessed to not have an issue pumping enough for my babies. I mean you've seen the pictures of my freezer: 90% milk, 10% frozen veggies. But some women just can't.
Some things to try to pump more milk: pump longer, bring a onesie that your baby has worn recently- their smell can up your production, look at pictures or watch videos of your baby while pumping, just think about nursing your baby- I know it seems weird but it works for me, and lactation smoothies.
That last one is by far the best. Go search lactation smoothie and you will get sooooo many different recipes for smoothies to help with lactation. There are also cookies you can make! There are lots of things that you can eat to up your production.
So some women choose to exclusively pump because they have so much difficulty breastfeeding. Those women have my sympathy. You are doing a great deed by providing milk for your precious babe, but I do not envy you. It's so hard to do what you are doing, and I salute you.
Here are a couple other links to try if you need more info.:
https://www.babycenter.com/breastfeeding
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/default.aspx
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