tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post4294897796329806122..comments2023-10-25T06:27:48.096-03:00Comments on Mother Am I: A lot Learned from Bad AdviceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-69072989789170557272007-03-13T18:27:00.000-03:002007-03-13T18:27:00.000-03:00I identified a lot with your story which also brou...I identified a lot with your story which also brought tears to my eyes. My eldest son was born in England. I was determined to breastfeed but had no idea how hard it would be for us. I received no support and a lot of negative comments about my breasts being small and the nipples poorly shaped for feeding. My son was a poor feeder and required care in the NICU as he was also a little premature. He was fully formula fed by 5 weeks (I thank goodness for the breastmilk he did receive). I too experienced relief when he thrived on formula however, the sadness at my perceived failure and our loss still haunts me. I returned to New Zealand and my daughter was born here in a system much better suited to me. I had my own midwife and was able to stay in the hospital for three days learning to breastfeed her. It was not easy, it was painful in the early weeks probably due to my inexperience and very full breasts. But my midwife kept encouraging me and prescribed me 8 paracetamol a day for the pain. I could not believe it sometimes that my body was nourishing this beautiful baby all it by itself but my baby's good health kept me motivated. My greatest achievement that year was to exclusively breastfeed my daughter, she never has had a bottle and is still feeding now at 2 years 2 months. We managed to keep feeding through my third pregnancy and I am now tandem feeding her and my baby son who is 3 months old. This may not suit everyone but I am determined to do it my way and it is testament to the power of the female body. <BR/>Best wishes to you for next time round,<BR/>AmandaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-77429334168527659202007-03-12T18:26:00.000-03:002007-03-12T18:26:00.000-03:00I nearly cried reading your story. I knew you had...I nearly cried reading your story. I knew you had struggles, and it was really hard, but I had no idea all that you went through. Thanks for sharing. Perhaps next time (should there be one), knowing what you know now, you can ignore the bad advice and have more success. The important thing is you tried. You did everything in your power, and it was not possible right then. The manner of feeding is not as important as the fact that she has been growing, and you two a great relationship now. Most moms have a hard time starting out, whether it includes BFing or not. Being a new mom is hard, and no amount of good advice can adequately prepare you. You just have to learn as you go. Fortunately most of us don't do anything so bad in the learning process that harms our child, and neither did you. I think that's why God doesn't let babies have memories for the first couple years, it's His grace to parents!Denahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08167408007484325161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10985964.post-68085975924844092112007-03-12T14:11:00.000-03:002007-03-12T14:11:00.000-03:00That's really good Steph! I think many people cou...That's really good Steph! I think many people could benifit from your point of view! BFing was not easy for me starting off... I think my motivation to keep at it was my mom.... she was always pushing me everyday to put Gabby to the boob or pump..... Once she was 1 month old, she did it... without my mom, I probley would have given up.Richards'https://www.blogger.com/profile/14656610033206571621noreply@blogger.com