Last night Lizzy and I attended a "lactation education class (breastfeeding 101)". To begin with, as if a class on breasts and sucking wasn't awkward enough, the instructor decided to hold the class in the middle of the lobby where anyone who was headed to the labor and delivery area had to walk through to get there. So of course, while we and 16 other couples watched a video on proper technique to latching on, a few teenagers passed through uncomfortably on their way to the waiting area.
I must say, I learned a lot from the class. Probably a little too much as a matter of fact. Who knew there was such skill and technique to getting your baby to suck on a teet??? I thought it was simply point the baby's mouth in the direction and let it suck away. But no. The angle of the body, the position of the mouth, what area of the nipple and aureola the baby puts in its mouth all matter for a "positive" feeding experience.
Every day that passes and every class we attend, I gain more and more respect for the mother and what she goes through with a pregnancy. MEN...WE HAVE IT EASY. I mean, we can't or shouldn't even help with feeding until after two weeks! Which means all we do is wake up, pass the baby over, and pass out again! I can do that!
I'm glad we attended the class because I can be a great armchair QB by pointing out the small details that may be incorrect about how Wyatt is latching on. I am SURE Lizzy is going to appreciate every piece of advice I give in that regard... But in all seriousness, I do want Lizzy to be as comfortable as possible so she can relax, and so Wyatt can be well nourished with each feeding.
The next step...picking a breast pump! All recommendations are welcome! Medela seems to be in the lead at the moment. But do we need a hospital grade? or is the home version good enough? Double or single breast at a time?
Decisions decisions...
Dude. So much to talk about when it comes to breastfeeding. I think Todd felt the same way after taking those classes. And I'll tell you what -- even with the class, it's no cake walk. (You/Lizzy can read a lot about my struggles on my blog.) But you're great to be supportive and jumping in with both feet, because I don't know what I would have done without Todd!! And he actually was able to help me feed her in the first couple of weeks because my milk came in late, then I had a really low supply (and we needed to supplement), and then I needed to pump immediately after each feeding to try to increase my supply. He still helps me every night, but it's only once a night that Evie gets up now, which is nice.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. IBM gave a crazy-good discount on the Medela Pump-In-Style double pump (since they want us back at work ASAP), and it's one of the highest rated pumps. I'm happy with it. I'm glad it's the double, because otherwise, twice the time it takes! And I bought the "Simple Wishes" pumping bra so that I don't have to hold them to my boobs while I pump, and I can actually do stuff like check email and stuff. But at my lactation support group, a girl has the Medela Freestyle, which runs on batteries and is really small, which is nice for on-the-go, or if Lizzy wants to walk around or get other stuff done. Even if she has no problems with milk supply and breastfeeding, she'll probably want to build up a stockpile eventually, for when she's away from the house, or back to work, or whatever the case. Make sure she has some lanolin on hand for the first couple of weeks (or if she's like me, for the long haul). Breastfeeding and pumping are no fun on the nipples, at least until they're desensitized!! I shed plenty of tears the first couple of weeks.
So glad you're appreciating what Lizzy is and will be doing for little Wyatt!! I know you'll be a great dad! =)