I was totally surprised at how hard it can be to breastfeed. I had such problems getting my daughter to latch on properly, and just about everyone else I know had some sort of issue. Its compounded because you have a new baby, are totally stressed out, hormones are raging and it seems like one more thing designed to make you crazy. The statistics don’t lie about the benefits though and there is absolutely nothing as wonderful as nursing your baby so its worth it, just don’t expect it to be a cakewalk.
Anyway, all that to say – get help if you need it! In Washington DC, there is a GREAT resource – The Breastfeeding Center. They have classes when you are pregnant and for afterward, all free. For an hourly fee, you can get a 1 on 1 session either at the center or they’ll come to your house. Pat, the lactation consultant there, literally made it possible for me to nurse Zoe and I can’t tell you how thankful I am to her and the center.
Another great resource is the La Leche League. Anyone have personal experience with them? I’ve heard great things but haven’t been to a meeting.
Update: There are a lot of great books out there too. I used The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (yes, the title makes me cringe a bit, but it really is a great book). I also know a lot of moms who use the www.kellymom.com site as a resource and really love it. It was good for me to have a reference book around, even after the initial couple of months with my first because the process evolves and its nice to have something that confirms things for you.
I’d love to hear what anyone has to say about any of these or other breastfeeding resources.