What to Expect While Breastfeeding?

To Boob or Not to Boob? Part II 

Things that happen while you are breastfeeding. 

Now that you are breastfeeding many things will happen, things that one never really believed to be true. Let me explain. 

For some women breastmilk comes right after birth or it might take a few days. (Remember patience is key) Either way, putting your baby on you will let your body know that it is time to feed, and your hormones will link with your baby's hormones. Once your body is aware that it needs to produce milk to feed your baby, you will first let out some colostrum (the first liquid that comes out- PACKED WITH NUTIRENTS- LITERALLY LIQUID GOLD). Afterwards, your body will transition from colostrum to milk, and you might wake up from a nap with your boobs looking twice as big, and if your milk is not all pumped out, you might suffer engorgement. 

(Engorgement: when milk is not fully removed from breasts and boobs get hard.)

Engorgement is real and it hurts. One night your boobs will be normal and the next hour they will look as if you got them done. Unfortunately, this happened to me as I did not know any better and so I will share this in hopes it does not happen to you. After your colostrum comes, then you pump or put baby on you (Do not do both as you will overproduce and if you're not pumping every 2 HRS you might suffer from engorgement). Warm cloths are to help with letdown; if your boobs are already engorged, it will not really help. What helped me the most was massages and literally pumping every 2 hours or so. After a day or two of doing this, around the clock, the milk was out, and I was no longer in pain. Then, I was able to put babies on me and pump without pain. 

Now that your body is producing liquid gold, and your baby is receiving all the benefits that come with it, here are some things to know:  

• Your breasts begin to leak when it's close to a feed time or if baby starts crying. (It is real! Breast pads come in handy.)
• If you sleep more hours than usual without pumping, you can wake up to a puddle in your bed. (Oops!) Leaking is REAL! 
• Be comfortable- use maternity tops, bras; your nipples might be very sensitive and so you want to be comfortable, and you want it to be easy for when it's time to nurse or pump. 
• You will feel as if you are starving a lot of the time. That is normal as your body is literally producing milk to feed a little human. (Some say breastfeeding takes more energy than running 5 miles.) 
• Sometimes water is not enough to stay hydrated - listen to your body. 
• Engorgement is real and it hurts. The only way for it to go away is to pump and massage; get the milk out. 
• If you want to have a glass of any adult beverage- do it when you are ready and be sure to pump before. (I did not drink for a while as I hated the thought of pumping and dumping, since I knew my body was working so hard to produce this milk.) 
• You will most likely lose a lot of weight fast- hence why it's so important to continue eating good. 
• Nursing in public is totally fine, some of my friends used these covers, and it made them feel more comfortable. I was more of a shy mama to breastfeed in public, so I would pump and bring it with me. 

Fun Tip: If you were to get sick while you are breastfeeding, there is no reason to stop. You continue to breastfeed and while doing so you are passing antibodies to your baby. (This is not medical advice; one should always consult a healthcare professional if not sure.)

Wishing all mamas, a successful breastfeeding journey, where love, patience, and snuggles are always present. 

Blog by: MAMA Romms

Note that this is a blog, not medical advice.

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