My Breast Feeding experience.

Breastfeeding was amazing... Once I got used to it. I, like a lot of women were disillusioned. I thought that the baby was going to be born, latch and that was the end. Boy was I wrong.

Baby's (or at least mine) have to learn how to latch. Can I just say that there is most definitely a wrong way for a baby to latch and if it happens, you'll know. Ouch!!!

Once I learned the different positions that baby can be held in and what a good latch was, I thought that was it. Nope! Wrong again! I know that you're given cream to help with the chaffing but I was so unprepared for how bad it could get. I was cracking and bleeding and it hurt so bad every time baby latched. I was ready to give up. This is where having a good lactation consultant is so beneficial. I called her and told her what was going on. She advised me to boil some tea bags (green tea was best but any would do) and apply them until they were cool. This was something that could be repeated as often as needed and was not harmful to the baby. I felt a little strange holding tea bags on my tata's but I was willing to do anything. I still to this day believe she was heaven sent. I only did it a few times and they cleared right up.

Although I had a rough, confusing and painful start, I am planning on doing it again with the new baby because once I got past the rough stuff, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

It was a beautiful experience in spite of the obstacles. Not to mention, it is what's best for baby. Now please don't think that I am putting anyone down who chooses to use formula but if I am ever asked for my opinion, I will always side with breast milk.

Please, ladies. Do not give up at the first sign of trouble. Make sure you have a good lactation consultant and that you educate yourselves as much as possible while you're pregnant. It can make all the difference.