Breastfeeding my First Baby vs. Second Baby…in 5 courses

My breastfeeding experience with all three of my children reminds me of fine dining: awkward at first, but extremely rewarding. Much like a food critic details every aspect of their culinary adventure, I hope to provide a vivid assessment of my first journey with breastfeeding and my current venture with my third baby.Breastfeeding third baby

Amuse-bouche: The Beginning

First Born

Wait! Don’t leave! How do I do this? I’m certain the lactation consultant, or my garçon, was sick of me by the end of my hospital stay. I pressed that tiny red button on my remote to ask for her help every few seconds. I learned to hold my baby like the football player on top of the Heisman trophy, squeezed my breast like a cheeseburger (or more gently like a tea cup), needed way too many pillows, and asked over and over if he was getting enough milk. And I was never comfortable. It also didn’t help that my boobs were being manhandled by a stranger. The worst part: the soreness! I also learned that nipples can, indeed, be flat and I was a lucky proprietor of them. Thank goodness right?

Third Born

Thank you, but I’ve got it. This time when the lactation consultant asked me if I needed help, I, like an expert, responded back with my 2 years of experience and asked for a glass of their finest red…well, in reality, I just asked her to refill my water bottle because I was THIRSTY. My third born latched immediately after our sacred hour of skin-to-skin bonding and it was like meeting an old friend. I savored every second and was so glad to cradle this new little being…while maintaining that tea cup hold that I learned so many years ago.

“Cello lessons again? Just feed me!”

Soup: How Often I Breastfed

First Born
I read every single book on breastfeeding and they said to feed every 2-3 hours…it must be a law! I wrote down, to the minute, when he last fed and for how long. I should just create a spreadsheet. He needs every last drop!

Third Born
I need to wash dishes, throw the laundry into the washer, OH NO IT’S TIME FOR FIRST BORN’S CELLO LESSON, and now we need to leave! Oh. I need to feed the baby. Okay. But then we leave! … Wait, when did I feed him last? I could breastfeed while driving. (Note: I did not actually do this.)

Salad: How I Dressed

First Born
I needed a whole new wardrobe: nursing shirts, nursing camis, nursing dresses, nursing nightgowns, nursing hats, nursing gloves, nursing shoes…I was set! Baby, I can feed you anywhere! Excuse me, this costs how much?

Third Born

Is this stretchy? Perfect! It works for nursing! Bon Appétit!

Breastfeeding in Public
Ironically, it was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a…

Main Course: Breastfeeding in Public

First Born
I am NEVER leaving my house! How can I tote around my nursing pillow? Of course, there’s my worst fear: What if someone sees me? Will they throw me out? Should I attempt nursing in a bathroom?

Third Born
Baby cries. Boob comes out. If it’s not too hot out, then I’ll also bust out my cute 5-in-1 nursing scarf! (Thanks Amazon!)

 

 

Dessert: Enjoying Every Moment

First Born
I’ll savor every little tug on my shirt, the smell of their little baby head, and the softness of their baby hair…please stay a baby forever?

Third Born
I’ll savor every little tug on my shirt, the smell of their little baby head, and the softness of their baby hair…please stay a baby forever!

Neidy
Neidy (pronounced "nay-dee") is a native Georgia girl, but moved to Omaha in 2012 and hasn't looked back. She lives in East Council Bluffs with her husband Zach, her sons Charlie and Eddie, and her daughter Tegan. Neidy met her husband while in college and married him while he was still serving active duty in the Marine Corps. After a brief stint living in San Diego, they decided to move back to her husband's native home in Omaha. Neidy finished her degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, pursuing Film Studies, which has cemented her love of Omaha. She's now a homeschooling mom and works at her church as the children's ministry site manager. She also loves a great cup of coffee, exploring various locally-based restaurants, indie movies, experimenting with new recipes, finding new ways to teach her children, and cheering on the Huskers.

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