cheapgirl

So, I was completely weirded out by breastfeeding while I was pregnant. I didn’t think I could deal with a baby being that intimate with my girls. But, I wanted to try it because I understand it is best for baby, plus I saw the cost of formula. Outrageous!

I had the baby and I started nursing, or so I thought I was until the lactation nurse came to visit. She watched us do our thing and told me the baby wasn’t getting anything to eat. I was crushed. I felt like an absolute failure as a mother. Me - the girl who bragged to the nurses that I didn’t need parenting videos because I’m the oldest of 10 kids.

Don’t Give Up: Breastfeeding Can Work with Help and Patience

Well, the nurse was a big help. She reassured me that the problem was that the baby was jaundiced and taught us how to feed the baby with a syringe. We had to start with formula (hospital provided) because my milk had not come in completely. I learned how to use a breast pump. I was not a happy mommy leaving the hospital.

Fast forward a couple of days…I went to rent a hospital grade breast pump from a breastfeeding specialist. Even if my little one wouldn’t nurse, I was going to give her nature’s best food. I had to exclusively pump and feed her from a syringe and bottle for a week. I almost gave it up for formula because I missed my baby.

It’s very lonely pumping milk while someone else feeds her. But, I was determined not to give up. I consulted some message boards and online resources while pumping (lots of time to surf the web) and discovered a practice called “rebirthing.” Basically, you take a bath with your baby and let them find the breast on their own. Worked like a charm.  

Sometimes It Pays to See a Specialist

I had made an appointment with the breastfeeding specialist for the day I got my little one to breastfeed in the tub. I almost canceled, but I wanted someone to reassure me that I was doing the right things. Well, we went in and I just want to say this was worth the money. The lactation doctor was wonderful. She watched us try to nurse (which my little one didn’t, of course) and told me to keep working with her. She told me about the reasons behind why a jaundiced baby won’t nurse. Lack of coordination and a general drunk feeling.

That’s not something they tell you in the hospital. All the medical staff is worried about is getting the levels down. The lactation doctor also told me a jaundiced baby has a lower chance of leukemia in the future. Good to know.

The moral of this story is that it sometimes pays to spend a little money to save a little money. Peace of mind with breastfeeding is a huge incentive to continue trying. Breastfeeding is not easy the first few weeks.

Flash forward six weeks and my baby girl is healthy and happy. So am I…I get to sleep through the overnight feedings. You can’t do that with a bottle!

Pump Rental: A Great Investment for Breastfeeding

I had to start pumping since my daughter wouldn’t nurse at first. I’ve had a hard time weaning from it, so it’s important to have one around. Plus, I’m going back to work and will need it.

Rent a hospital grade pump. It’s the best value for your money and the most efficient. I bought a battery-operated pump for quick trips. That’s the worst $40 I’ve ever spent. It’s slow and loud and uncomfortable. I rent my Ameda pump for $45 a month. Compare that to the cost of $5 per can of liquid formula and you quickly see why it’s a cheaper option.

Ask your lactation nurse about rental locations and parts. My nurse gave me all the parts and pieces for the pump. We have a pumping room at work that is compatible with these pieces as well. Get a second set because some of the pieces do break after a while. The manufacturer’s website can help.

Good luck!

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