Or more specifically, let's talk about my boobs.
I've never given a whole lot of thought to my boobs before. They were never what someone would notice about me, probably not even in the top 5 things you might see first. They were large A's, maybe a B on a fat day, and they never gave me much trouble. They fit into clothing well, took to a bra or not, and generally behaved. I liked them, they liked me, and we didn't go much beyond that.
Well, now things have changed. The boobs have suddenly become the stars of the show. First off, they are huge. Well...huge to me. Maybe a C cup now? Wow, I have cleavage for the first time in my life. But aesthetics aside, they have big responsibilities now. They are solely responsible for feeding the critter. And so far, they have risen to the challenge and done a great job. My supply seems ample, and the critter is eating and growing and pooping and peeing. All good things.
But the boobs, they are sore. No, they are SORE in all caps. They get so hard and engorged, it hurts. They leak all over themselves and anything else unlucky enough to be in the way. They often toe-curling hurt when the critter latches. And honestly, I'm not sure if I'm doing right by my boobs with how I'm approaching breastfeeding.
So I've called in help. I have a lactation consultant coming tomorrow morning to help my sad boobs. I'm very excited to meet with this woman, to ask all sorts of boob questions that I never even considered before about a week ago. I want to learn some mad new boob juice skillz.
My boobs are excited too.
And in critter news, she is doing great! We have her 2 week peds appointment this afternoon, so fingers crossed all is well there. She is sleeping better, after that fussy night, and I've been feeling more rested and human. My body is clearly adjusting to less sleep, and now 6 scattered hours of sleep feels like a full night. Well, almost. Just don't ask me to do anything intelligent, like math or to remember something for more than 20 seconds. Then the cracks show. But hey - I showered AND brushed my teeth today, all before noon! Small victories.
Repeat: Cold Peace
1 day ago
I promise you the soreness will go away. Your nipple skin will adjust and become more stretchy. The baby will learn how to latch better. So glad you are seeing a lactation consultant!!! Hang in there mama, sounds like you're doing great. It also sounds like your consistent nursing/pumping paid off in supply. The engorgement/leaking will also go away after your body has had time to calibrate.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the consultant! One of my close friends is a breast feeding counselor and she has helped so many women and totally loves her job. Wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteLol, love this post. So glad that the critter is doing well...and wishing you luck with the boobs! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you and to know that you all are doing well! Well, I guess except for your suffering boobs. But what troopers they are! Best of luck with the lactation consultant. I just signed up to attend my first Le Leche League meeting in a couple of weeks, to get an idea of how this is supposed to work (hopefully) before lil M shows up. I'll let you know if it looks helpful. I'm a little adverse to too much crunchiness, but thought it might well be worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the Critter Girl is doing so well. My sister put cabbage leaves on her boobs and it helped.
ReplyDeleteHi Pie! Congrats! My Laney is now 5 wks and I know exactly what you mean!!! My boobs are settling into their new role...the only time they hurt is first thing in the morning, when they're engorged from 4 or 5 hours of not feeding. Sometimes the pain drives me out of bed to pump for relief! And you know how exhausted we are at this stage, so that's saying a lot. And I'm finally figuring out how to not leak all over everything. My gosh...what a weird thing, huh?!? Glad to hear your story...nice to know it's normal! Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteYay for the boobs rising to the challenge. I'm glad you are consulting someone about bf. I'm sure she can put your mind at ease and let you know that you are doing a good job. Good luck at the appointment today!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for your LC appointment tomorrow! I will be curious to hear what they say, if you feel like blogging about it. Congrats on your awesome cleavage! : )
ReplyDeleteI had some luck with the Gerber Nuk breast balm - it comes in what kind of looks like a big chapstick tube. It is really easy to put on and isn't sticky or gooey like some lanolin stuff. I put it on before and after each feeding to stop cracking. While it sounds like things are painful, I'm glad to hear that breastfeeding generally is going well for you.
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