If only breastfeeding were as simple as it looks. Before having your baby you see all of those sweet pictures of Moms looking lovingly at their nursing babies; you see lots of mothers in restaurants and cafes casually nursing their little ones - ahhh... "how lovely" you think longingly.
For some women breastfeeding does come easily. For many of us, though, it is pure hell. I gave up breastfeeding Owen after 6 weeks of misery. With Alex it has been better - still a struggle, but we've managed to figure it out.
I found Dr. Jack Newman's website quite helpful this time around. It has some great videos where you can see good latches, watch how women position their babies, etc.
I also found a slightly different approach to get Alex to latch based on a video I saw from Australia “Follow Me Mum” The Key to Successful Breastfeeding. The video is pricey, but may be available at your library or community centre. There are also one-page instructional sheets on the website that you can download. My husband and I would pull those out for each feed at the beginning and try to walk through each step to get it right.
The best thing I did, however, (and my #1 piece of breastfeeding advice) is to hire a lactation consultant. They are well worth the money. Most will come to your house to observe a feed and help you get a proper latch. With Owen I waited too long before taking that step. With Alex I hired one in the first week - what a difference it made! She was wonderfully supportive and helped Alex and I figure out how to work together.
You can find a lactation consultant through the International Lactation Consultant Association. Many areas have their own associations as well, for example the British Columbia Lactation Consultant Association.
You don't have to struggle alone. If it hurts - get help!
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