Breastfeeding Tips: Helpful Hints from Experienced Moms

"Hi! I would just like to encourage all first time mothers to give breastfeeding a try. It is one of my best experiences as a mother so far. I ended up breastfeeding my daughter for 13 months. I will admit the first couple of weeks were challenging but I hung in there and it ended up being a wonderful bonding experience for both of us. And for those of you who have to return to work, it is possible to continue breastfeeding. I recommend investing in a dual breast pump. I was successful with breastfeeding and returning to work as a nurse. If I could continue breastfeeding working nights and rotating shifts, anyone can. Happy Breastfeeding!" ~ Kristi from SD

"Since you're supposed to start nursing on a different breast side (left or right) than the previous feeding, I would switch a ring on my hand to indicated which side I was supposed to start on for the next feeding. I could never remember on my own, but seeing the ring reminded me when I went to sit down to nurse." -- Patty R.

"From my lactation consultant- use sterile urine containers to store breast milk (the plastic bags keep the good antigens on the liner and the baby doesn't get them) - they are about 20 cents a piece and can be used over and over again. Medical supply stores in the hospital will sell them. They also hold 3 ounces- a perfect amount to leave with a sitter in case the baby doesn't want a bottle from a stranger. And they're easy enough to thaw if you need a second one. (one fits in a coffee mug to thaw or warm since you aren't supposed to microwave breast milk.)" -- Sarah P.

"I breastfed my 4 year old son. I really feel that we bonded better through breast feeding."

"I formula fed, but not by choice. Unfortunately my son wouldn't take to the breast... so he ended on formula...which ended up being soy formula. The only advice I would give a first-time mom is to go with your heart! Stand your ground after that baby is born, cause if you don't you might end up like me...with a baby unwilling."

"I breastfed. I enjoyed it very much (saved a lot of money, too!). My advice to a first-time mom would be...It is really rough at first, but give yourself at least 3 weeks before you throw in the towel. I gave this advice to my sister-in-law, she said she's so glad I did!"

"My advice for first-time moms is try breast feeding. If it doesn't work, don't let it bother you. My first child nursed for six months, and then he had had enough. It was easier for him to stop than it was for me, but that is what he needed to do. He still got six months and he did fine on formula. My daughter (who is two) would probably still be nursing if I let her. I quit at a year for her because I wanted to get pregnant again. This will be my last child, and I will nurse it at least one year."

"As a first time mom one year ago as of Jan. 4, 2000, I started out breastfeeding at the hospital. Thinking I was doing it correctly, I declined help from the lactation consultant. Big mistake! My son was not latched on correctly and I soon found this out because after a couple of days the pain became so unbearable that I dreaded feeding him so I started to supplement with formula. It got to a point where I was very depressed because I could no longer take the pain. I felt like a failure! Finally after 6 weeks of trying. I went to a lactation consultant and finally got it right, but by then it was too late, my son only wanted the bottle. My advice to you is take a breastfeeding class before you have the baby and after the baby is born have a lactation consultant help you until you get it right. Don't give up, but most of all don't feel like a failure if it doesn't work out. This is your practice baby as my son is perfectly healthy and happy even though I did not breastfeed and I have gotten over the guilt. My husband and I call him our practice baby. Maybe with the next baby I can get it right!" ~ Felicia

"I breastfed my first daughter for 2 months then I did not have enough supply for her eating habits. So we went to formula. I breastfed my second daughter for 1 month. But she did not like to eat so we had to force feed her a bottle. My third daughter was 10 weeks early. So I did not get to start breastfeeding her until she was a month old. I was pumping while she was in the hospital, but since she was away from home my mind thought there was no baby. So my supply dried up no matter how much I would pump. I would definitely recommend breastfeeding. It is a rewarding experience. But at the same time do not feel guilty if you cannot."

"Yes I am presently breastfeeding my four month old son and I would have to say that it is the greatest thing you will ever experience. You have a real bond with your child. Its so neat when you hold him and he knows you are carrying his suppers. I say if go for it you its the best thing you can give your new baby." ~ Tracy Linse

"I have two children, both of whom were fed both formula and breast milk. Breast milk is the PERFECT food. It is truly the best food for an infant. However, formula also provides very good nutrition and whatever you choose, don't feel guilty, because your baby will know it! My first son was born after 12 hours of fetal distress. He was unable to latch and at 9 lbs, he had to have food, so he was formula fed until my milk came in. He was still unable to latch so I pumped for him, then he was on formula. My daughter was breast fed until I returned to work. My advice is to try to breastfeed. You may find that you like it and even if you don't your baby will benefit from some colostrum and breast milk. But do not feel guilty for bottle feeding. It is excellent nutrition also."

"I breastfed and enjoyed every minute! Highly recommend it, good for baby and mom."

"I breastfed my first son for 6 months and would have longer if my milk would have held up to his needs. It was very difficult at first, but very worth it. I plan on breastfeeding as long as I can with my next one (due in May.)"

"I had decided to breastfeed my 1st baby and introduce a bottle so that Daddy could participate. Well, she decided she hated bottles and would not accept one - at all! Every time we tried a bottle, she would shriek and carry on so - we finally decided it wasn't worth it. So she was breastfed. When she started on solid food, we introduced a cup. First she just played with the cup. Then we would put in a tiny bit of water. Once she could handle that, we added a little more. We introduced some formula that way and at nine months, she decided she didn't want to nurse anymore and she went straight to a cup (no lid). My son enjoyed breastfeeding too, but he also liked a bottle. At about 5 months, he decided he wanted to nurse and watch tv at the same time (must be a boy thing). Hard to watch tv and breastfeed, so he went to a bottle completely at that time and he was happy with that. I think breastfeeding is wonderful if you are able to do it. Breast milk is definitely better for the baby and provides them with the antibodies needed to ward off illness. It is a special closeness between mother and child. It is convenient (except when you are in the middle of a mall) and cheap. It does definitely tie you down to your baby however - every feeding you have to be there. Formula is expensive and messy at times, but it sure is nice to have a little time away from baby. We are expecting another child. I will breastfeed him for as long as I can (I have to get back on some medication that I haven't been able to take during the pregnancy). I want to experience the closeness and to ensure that he gets a healthy start. Then he will be switched to a bottle, so I can take my medication again. Every mother is different and every baby is different and every situation is different. You have to look at your own situation and decide and do not feel bad one way or another. Do what is best for you and for your baby - only you can know what that is."

"I formula feed my first and then breastfeed my second and I love breastfeeding my far. It was not hard to get used to, and it is so much more convenient. We love it!"

"I have breastfed my son for 21 months. It has been a rewarding experience for both of us. Though sometimes it is hard at first-- hang in there!! Call for help if you need it!! Your local Le Leche League is a wonderful place to meet other nursing moms and babies."