Janice Pottle and Ted Stuchberry
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09.04.2004 07:44pm - Breastfeeding Sucks

Comments (4)

Peyton is 2 weeks old today! She is doing really well - healthy and cute. But, her first 2 weeks have been fraught with breastfeeding issues. Who would have thought something so natural would be so hard? The good news is I think we are finally through the issues and getting the hang of it.

The first couple days we had trouble getting her to latch on, and especially she seemed to refuse one side, which was very frustrating. Then once we got past that, the next thing was extreme nipple soreness... YIKES! That was the worst and seriously made me consider quitting. After that started resolving, the next thing was engorgement - very tender. And then, when everything seemed to be going smoothly, I suddenly developed a plugged milk duct and was in bed in a feverish fog for about 3 days.

Now that those things are all resolved, hopefully we are on the road to pain-free and frustration-free nursing. Whew!

My Aunt Lorraine's visit has come and gone, and my sister left yesterday. My parents are going on Monday. It's been so great to have them here. Besides being fun, and so nice that they are sharing in the memories of this special time, they've been incredibly helpful. Ted and I (especially me) have spent all our time doing "baby stuff" basically - feeding, changing, etc. My family has totally looked after all the meals, housework, and even looking after the animals. I don't know how we would have done it without them!


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Comments

Posted by on 09.05.2004 09:49pm CST

Hey Janice,

You're doing great, sticking through the tricky first weeks. It will get easier and you'll be glad you did it. Good luck!

Jo


Posted by on 09.08.2004 05:23pm CST

Hi Ted and Janice. My last comment didn't get through, so will try again. Guess you'll be feeling the loss of family by now, with everyone gone home. Glad they were there to see you through your difficulties, and things go much smoother from here on. We keep you in our thoughts always; give Peyton a hug and kiss from Grandma and Grandpa, Nipper and Bugsy.


Posted by on 09.18.2004 11:34pm CST

Hang in there Janice...I know engorgement, and had mastitis (plugged milk ducts) 3 TIMES and I know it hurts...
But once you get the hang of it, it will be worth it. I know how hard this time is. It's been almost 2 years since I've done it and phew, can I remember. Once you can master nursing lying down, it is heavenly. (well, as heavenly as nursing can get...you're right..it SUCKS)But it does all get easier, and honestly by the time baby is 4-6 months old and you introduce foods, it is a piece of cake. What you are going through now is the absolute hardest.
Check with your midwife...do you overproduce on milk at all? I had that problem and it is quite common..this can lead to plugged milk ducts.
It really does get easier.
I nursed Eric until he was 21 months old..and it was just like you at the beginning for me...
all my best!!
Lori


Posted by on 09.23.2004 02:36pm CST

Thanks for the good wishes and encouragement everyone! I'm happy to report that things are going much better now. The little one is CERTAINLY getting enough to eat, that's for sure... she is getting a lot bigger so fast! Mastitis 3 times... that is unlucky Lori. I am hoping I don't run into it again.


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