My first few days of breastfeeding didn't go so well.
I remember lying in the hospital bed, feeling the strong tug of my daughter's suck for the first time, and I thought it would always be that easy. The nurses had helped maneuver her into position and helped me wrap my arms around her, amidst the IV lines and blood pressure cuff. It was bliss. It was the second time that day I fell in love with my little girl.
But then the moment was over and the next time it was harder
"Then why don't you continue to do that?" she asked me
I then started protesting about a bad latch and football holds, and she interrupted me.
"She knows what to do. She has a strong suck. Babies have been doing this for millennia. Just let her do what she wants to do."
It seemed way too easy. But after reassuring me that my baby had a little mouth and that her latch was fine as long as she displayed the "duck lips," I ditched the awkward positions and let my baby lead.
It completely changed my outlook on breastfeeding
I positioned her how I felt most comfortable (the cradle hold, as it turned out) and let her face-plant happily, gently fixing her lips and relatching if I felt a lot of pain. Maybe it took a few tries. But my breastfeeding relationship with my baby changed from dread to feelings of confidence.
I continue to work with the lactation nurses, even four months later. I plowed on with pumping issues, clogged ducts and concerns here and there. I'm so appreciative of that nurse's advice. It's continued into other aspects of baby care, as well.
For the most part, I let my daughter lead, and don't focus on schedules, routines or sleep training. I feed her when she wants it, and bring her into bed with me in the early morning hours. She's thriving, and I'm surviving in the best way I know how.
