Nursing Questions: Breast Pads & 2Nd Time Around

Hi B.!
It has been awhile since I was in your shoes, but I can remember vividly some of the problems. My best advice to you is to get as much rest as you can as that will up the milk supply. With another little one it is vital that you take a nap when they do. That way you will have enough energy for everyone else in your life. Also of course is being very attentive to your diet. Watch to see how it affects your milk supply and taste. Babies can be very picky about coffee, chocolate and other very strong odors and tastes.

Congrats on your wonderful sounding new family!

HI B..

I am an avid supporter of breastfeeding; after all- momma's milk is best. :) I EBF'd my daughter for a little over 2 years and though it wasn't always the easiest road, I would never trade it for the world. Good for you on being determined and for seeking help.

I think that you have received some good advice thus far. If I can add anything, I would suggest that you surround yourself with supportive people. People mean well but even when you are truly resound in your decision to exclusively breastfeed, tough times can make you susceptible to unsolicited advice that may be counter productive.
-Join an La Leche group in the area and be with other breastfeeding moms.
-Visit a lactation clinic anytime you have questions.
-Here's a great website: kellymom.com
It has invaluable advise for nursing moms.

If I could help you any way, please let me know.

PS
I liked disposable breast pads. Lanisoh was my brand of choice.

The gel nursing pads are called Lilly Padz. I didn't care for them that much. No matter how much I tried to get a good seal I always sprung a leak. I also tried the washable pads and also leaked through those. The disposable pads worked the best.

Good luck on Breast feeding, I had a hard time getting my daughter to breast feed and after my pump broke and a week of hand pumping I tearfully decided to stop trying. Look around at hospitals around you, some have free groups that meet weekly.

the lansinoh cream and breast pads saved me! the "washable" pads are okay until they get wet and then they caused me some major chaffing! i would listen to the advice of the lactation consultant!! she is in the "know"! keep trying and keep a positive attitude! breastfeeding is the best!

B.,

I have always used the disposable pads just because I didn't want to have to launder the others all the time.

I breastfed my son until he was 13 months and we had a hard time in the start. I had no idea what I was doing and was almost in tears because I couldn't get him to latch on and was so engorged. Finally, after about 2 weeks of frustration we got it down, but it was exhausting. Now I know I made the right decision not to quit. I only supplemented formula with him for the first week or so and then he was pretty much strictly breastfed.

I was so afraid that I would have the same issues with my daughter also. I wouldn't be too concerned with having problems the second time. My daughter latched on 15 minutes after being born and we have been successfully breasfeeding ever since. I never had any issues with nursing her. She is now 12 months and continues to nurse a few times a day. It is so easy the second time around.

The best thing to do in order not to supplement formula is to nurse very frequently at first. I had a hard time producing milk at first with my son, but it was because I was giving him formula the first week too. The more you nurse the more milk your body will produce.

Good luck and congrats on the upcoming baby!

L.

The reusable pads are called Lily Pads.

I had cracked and extremely sore nipples and one side was especially bad. i didn't know what else to do so I would pump on the side that was too sore and it finally healed and I gave it another try and it did the trick. So I think if you get too badly injured you do need to let it heal. also i tried lanolin on the cracks and I think it just kept the sores from being able to heal because once I stopped using it my nipples toughened and I was able to nurse with less pain. I also found that it really helps to change your breast pads often and not wear them if they are moist. You have to make sure the pads don't have plastic in them so that your nipples can breath, otherwise they will never be able to toughen if they stay wet and they'll hurt more. cut the pads open to see for sure if they have any type of thin plastic lining in them. it really made a difference for me.

lansinoh disposable breast pads are thin and very absorbant.

what were the problems you had with your daughter? how has it been so far? do you have any questions? have you noticed and skin breakdown? or just having tenderness?

M. B.
Certified Lacation Educator