Breastfeeding Flashbacks

Well, the "girls" have already grown from a B cup to a D cup, and I am only halfway through this second pregnancy. Clearly the "jugs" remember their earlier stint as the milk truck. I believe they are gearing up to do another stellar job - making on time deliveries, keeping up with supply-and-demand, maintaining flavor and delicious product, ... just as all good milk trucks should!

All this thinking about my future, second round of breastfeeding also got me thinking back to my first time as a nursing mommy.

1. The engorgement part of having my milk "come in" (about three days after Natalie was born) was more painful than labor and delivery. I know, I know. That sounds crazy, but for me that's the honest truth. My breasts were so sore, so tender, so inflamed, so rock-hard, I was begging for contractions in place of that pain. I read everything. Called every friend. Tried every suggestion. Even sent Chad to Target as soon as they opened to buy a hand pump. As a last resort, the doctor prescribed Vicodine - I was hesitant to take it, but it helped almost immediately, allowed me to relax, and put us back on track with nursing.
2. The lactation specialist at the hospital suggested that Natalie use a nipple guard. I never really understood why, and once I stopped using it, she actually ate better and more efficiently. I would be very hesitant to "interfere" with the nature process and use a nipple guard again. A nipple guard looks like a tiny clear sombrero - at least it did my sleep deprived mind - so I would sing to Natalie, "It's time for a fiesta, no time for a siesta," if she tried to snooze while feeding. I remember thinking that was so funny and clever :)
3. It wasn't until about 6 weeks that I read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and had a major breastfeeding break-through. Up until that point, I had been nursing for about 10 minutes on each side and calling it a feeding. What I came to realize is that Natalie wasn't getting my hind milk, the good fatty stuff. I then switched to feeding on one side until she was done and then offering the other as a top-off. Her feedings spread out, and she started packing on the ounces more quickly. I love that book for so many reasons, but mainly that one!
4. I absolutely adored my Hooter Hider. I don't know what I would've done without it. I used it all the time - for the first 5 or 6 months. After that, Natalie found it hilarious to play peek-a-boo from underneath it, a game which often left me exposed and was so distracting she rarely got a good feeding that way. (If you are considering the purchase of a Hooter Hider, just be aware that its longevity may disappoint. This would be a great item to borrow if you can.)
5. I also spent a lot of time sitting in the backseat of the car to nurse when we were out-and-about. It just seemed more calm and less public. Within about a week of doing this, I discovered the delightfulness of a few magazines tucked in the pockets of the seats. I got a lot of reading done this way :)
6. Speaking of multi-tasking - what being a new mom and nursing is all about - I also have fond memories of eating cups of yogurt and HoneyMaid bite-size graham crackers. That was my favorite middle of the night snack. Of course, Natalie ended up with yogurt splatters and crumbs on her head more than once!
7. I really disliked the Boppy pillow for feeding. It just didn't fit right. Mine was kind of heavy and awkward. Instead, used a throw pillow from the guestroom. It fit nicely in my lap and elevated Natalie just the right amount. I am considering the BreastFriend for this second-time around.
8. At a friend's suggestion, I did take a few photos of myself breastfeeding Natalie. In fact, I just went back and looked at them. It's not something I want posted on the Internet, but I am glad to have them.
9. I manual pumped - only occasionally - until Natalie was 6 months old, at which time a good friend loaned me her electric pump. That noisy machine changed my life. I was finally able to pump enough milk to leave her for a few hours at a time. It was so liberating. With the manual, I would have to pump two or three times to have enough to leave for one bottle. With the electric, as long as I pumped in the morning, I could get enough for a bottle in one pumping session. I finally had milk in the freezer and it felt good!
10. Natalie was pretty much finished with nursing by the time she was 10 months old. It was a gradual process, and it felt very natural for both of us. Although I continued to hold on to the night-time feeding for another six weeks because I couldn't stand the thought of losing that special experience!

Okay, that's 10, and that seems like a good place to stop. I can only hope that breastfeeding will go as smoothly with BGV 2.0. And if I could skip that whole engorgement thing, that'd be even better!

Please share your own breastfeeding flashback, tip, lesson learned, ...