Eleanor’s wants and needs are pretty simple at this point. She likes nursing, being held and rocked, being sung to, and sleeping. She hates being put down, being awake for extended periods, and pooping. She’s not all that keen on stroller rides or baths either.
She has definitely been keeping us busy. I don’t know if she needs the warmth of being held or if she just likes hearing a heartbeat, but she never lets us put her down. I try to put her down in exactly the same position I had been holding her in, but she always wakes up within a few minutes. It’s easier to just hold her and let her sleep on us than to try and console her over and over as she becomes increasingly tired.
Adjusting to life with a baby has been fairly easy for me. She sleeps pretty well at night, waking to eat every few hours but falling back asleep right away. When she does wake for the day, she’s usually in a pretty good mood and I can set her in a bouncy seat while I take a shower, so we have a good little routine starting. And I haven’t experienced any of the ‘baby blues’ that I know are so common. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I’ve been so happy taking care of her.
The only difficulty I’ve had has been with breastfeeding. Nursing has definitely been a lot harder than I thought it would be and there have been days where I’ve almost wanted to quit. The latch-on is painful, causing me to cry along with Eleanor sometimes. I know that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, but for me it does. I’ve met with two lactation consultants (one in the hospital, one in my home), and both told me that I’m doing it correctly. The second LC did say that Eleanor has a high palate and that I may just have to wait for her to get a little bigger and “grow into her mouth”. I think the worst of the pain has passed, so I’m just going day by day and hoping things improve soon.
On a happier note, I want to start a little photo project with Eleanor. I want to take a picture of her each month either holding the same object or sitting in the same place (maybe the Eames rocker?). I think it will be great to look back at a collection of photos to see how she grows. :)
colasensei
May 20, 2009 at 9:51 amOh the cuteness!!
I vote Eames rocker for the photos. At least you won’t be hunting round the house for it every time you want to take a photo. Other things have a habit of going missing!
Congratulations!
puck
May 20, 2009 at 9:52 amI had a hard time with nursing my first son. Luckily the other 3 were easier. Emery had torticollis, so he had an unusually strong sucker. Good grief. It was horribly painful and I gave up trying after awhile. As long as Eleanor looks both ways, she doesn’t have torticollis, and hopefully she grows out of it!! Good luck!!!
Cristina
May 20, 2009 at 9:53 amI think the photo project is a great idea, especially in Eames chair. Just imagine! Before you know it she’ll be so big she’ll be sitting in it with her legs draped over the side! Hehe! :D
teresa
May 20, 2009 at 9:56 amShe’s just adorable!!!! Nursing IS painful. I haven’t met a mom that said otherwise. I quit after four weeks of trying and failing. It’s SO not easy.
The photo idea is awesome. Can’t wait to hear more about your experiences with her.
teresa
kathleen
May 20, 2009 at 9:57 amShe is lovely. I also vote for the Eames chair for your project.
Katie
May 20, 2009 at 9:59 amShe is so beautiful!! I love the your photo plan. We did that with my little girl (we used a stuffed giraffe). It fizzled out when she was about 9 months old and went on vacation, but was great while it lasted.
Martina
May 20, 2009 at 9:59 amA graphic designer friend of mine took a picture of her little girl on every month anniversary of her birthday, in the same chair with a big teddy bear. Every month she would print out a pretty paper sign with Anna’s current age, height and weight. Great for scrapbooks and photo albums! And it was fun to see how the teddy bear looked gigantic at the beginning and the same size as her around 1 year.
Kate
May 20, 2009 at 10:00 amI am de-lurking after a year of reading your blog to say your daughter is beautiful and I totally hear you on the nursing woes. My son is five months old, and when he was three weeks, as Eleanor is, I think I cried more than he did about it. As a first-time mom, I wish someone had told me then that things would not necessarily be awesome right away–even now that things are much better, just thinking about those first few weeks is hard. One lactation consultant that I met with said it best: “You’re new to this, they’re new to this. It isn’t fair to expect your first go at anything to be perfect or even pleasant. If it is, you’re just one of the lucky ones.” Wishing you luck and comfort and success…Take care.
vanessa joie
May 20, 2009 at 10:01 amShe’s darling! I’m so glad you’re enjoying mommy-hood.
Sarah
May 20, 2009 at 10:01 amShe’s so cute! I have taken pictures of both of my kids every month (on the same day as their birthday) and it’s so fun to see their growth. I displayed the pictures at their first birthday parties in little frames and passed them out as party favors – this was a big hit!
Nursing isn’t an easy job but it has amazing benefits. Congrats on sticking it out this long!
Laura
May 20, 2009 at 10:02 amNursing can be very painful, it was for the first six weeks for me, make sure you keep correcting her latch so she learns the “right (non painful)” way to nurse. Kellymom.com (I think that is the address) is a good site for getting breastfeeding info, also google Dr. Jack Newman, there is a lot of info on his site too. It is by far one of the hardest things I have ever done, but we are still going strong at five months after ups and downs. Keep at it, don’t give up, it will get better eventually. Good for you for keeping at it so far!!
bungalowbliss
May 20, 2009 at 10:02 amDefinitely in the Eames! You could do this until she’s an adult…not that you want to think that far ahead, of course. Miss Eleanor is such a doll…how is the pooch adjusting?
Kristin
May 20, 2009 at 10:03 amLove your blog and your sweet little girl. Just wanted to encourage you by saying nursing is hard for lots of us, do it for as long as you can, but don’t you dare feel guilty if you stop.
Meggan
May 20, 2009 at 10:04 amOh, I just want to SNUGGLE HER. What an absolutely adorable baby! I’m so happy you’re having a great time with her.
Leah
May 20, 2009 at 10:09 amNursing both my sons was quite painful for many weeks. The only thing that saved me was the gel pads. Many companies make them. Pop one in the fridge until after you nurse and then put it over your nipple. The cold feels divine, and the gel helps heal any broken skin or soreness. I ALWAYS give them as baby shower gifts and always receive big thank yous a month or two later. Good luck!
Faith
May 20, 2009 at 10:14 amYour Eleanor is just as cute as can be! I love reading your blog. My son was the same way with being held, he’d fall asleep in my arms but as soon as we set him in his bassinet to sleep he’d wake right up. We finally tried the car seat & that is where he slept for entirely too long (six months), but he was sleeping. I tried breastfeeding for two weeks & saw three lactation consultants because he wanted to nurse for hours at a time, I ended up pumping for 11 months and that was much less stressful then the feeding sessions. It’s all trial and error; just find what works best for your family.
Love the photo project.
ashley morgan
May 20, 2009 at 10:15 amShe is absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad you’re having a pretty easy time and just enjoying her!
LindaS
May 20, 2009 at 10:17 amShe is just adorable! The chair is the perfect spot for photos! I suffered from awful pain when breastfeeding too. Ended up doing myself damage – can you imagine being in hospital to “rest” your nipples? True. Hilarious now – not so much at the time! It all settled in the end though – so if the pain is too much dont push yourself – day by day is the right thing.
NancyV908
May 20, 2009 at 10:17 amYour child is so lovely. It sounds like you are doing a great job. I wanted to add some encouragement about the nursing. I think many of us were shocked by how hard it is in the beginning–often for quite a while. I had a horrible time for nearly 6 weeks with my daughter (long story), but I stuck with it, & it worked out great in the end. It’s also interesting how different “nursing personalities” are. My son latched on right after birth & basically didn’t stop till age three! People thought it was b/c I was more experienced, since he was my second, but that wasn’t it. It just went better & easier, for whatever reason.
My son was also a baby who would not let me put him down. I am so grateful to have discovered babywearing with him. It made my life so much easier & was very good for him. I am not talking about Baby Bjorns & the like, but a whole variety of other, better carriers, most of which are not available at big-box stores (unless things have changed in the last few years). A wonderful resource is thebabywearer.com. It can guide you on different styles & if you post in the forums, you can get lots of help from other users. You can also buy a lot of carriers (which can be expensive) used through the site. And I think you’d love the carriers because they are often beautiful textiles. The site has has grown a lot, so it might be overwhelming, but I think it’s worth it! Sorry this is so long!
Ms. Greenbike
May 20, 2009 at 10:17 amMy son never wanted to be put down either. If you don’t have a sling, you might want to consider one. They are lifesavers!!! You can carry baby with you all day virtually hands free. I made one using the same Amy Butler fabric you have for your kitchen curtains (also made another one in the pink version). Plus you can nurse the baby while they’re in the sling. Takes some practice initially. Good luck with the breast feeding. It does hurt at first but so, so worth it if you can stick it out!
Mary
May 20, 2009 at 10:18 amShe’s adorable.
Stick with the breastfeeding, it is SO painful for the first bit, but SO worth it in the end. I used to kick my legs up and down when my son would latch because the pain was so unbearable, but 2 years later when he finally quit, I was happy that I didn’t give up when I wanted to in the beginning!
It doesn’t get any easier for subsequent children either, I just got over the painful period of nursing my new twin girls, but once again, I’m happy I stuck with it.
Love your blog, love your house, and your daughter is perfect!
Ann Flowers
May 20, 2009 at 10:20 amEleanor is such a beautiful baby!
Lori Danelle
May 20, 2009 at 10:20 amThe Eames rocker is a great idea. I started it with a stuffed animal with my first but that didn’t really work as she soon lost interest in that stuffed animal and it sort of disappeared. . .
With the rocker, it is definitely a permanent fixture and it will be cute to see not only how her size changes in ratio to it, but also how her interaction with it changes!! From just being placed in it, to sitting and if she becomes anything like my girls, standing in it! (just be careful as it can rock!! )
And, if the rocker happens to hang around long enough, it could even be passed down to her and her babies. You never know.
marilu
May 20, 2009 at 10:21 amNursing can be very tough and painful. We had the same problems you are describing until a LC finally told me about nipple shields. They are a last resort, and in our case, I was able to stop using them after several months when her latch had improved and nursed for well over a year. Good luck!
Jenn
May 20, 2009 at 10:23 amShe is beautiful! And hang in there – there is no ‘right’ way to raise a child. Every mom & every baby are unique, and what works for some doesn’t for others. I’ve had friends for whom nursing was a semi-mystical bonding experience, but for me it was always uncomfortable and often painful. Lanolin helps a lot – I give it at every baby shower! Also black tea bags (applied after they cool.) Someone suggested cabbage leaves to me, but I don’t recommend them – they didn’t help, and after a while you start to smell like stewed cabbage. Eew! I nursed both my kids for 8 months because I’m stubborn, but it was such a relief when I hit my (entirely self-imposed) goal and could stop! And my sister’s kids, who got formula, are almost as cute & smart and just as healthy as my own. So go figure.
Jenn
May 20, 2009 at 10:25 amOh, and try a swing – my son hated to be put down, and the bouncy seat would only buy me five minutes or so, but he loved the swing!
kate d
May 20, 2009 at 10:30 amvery cute onesies for monthly pics:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5571754
and we photograph our babies next to a sock monkey that one of my husband’s students made for our oldest.
http://dyerfamilia.blogspot.com/2009/05/nealy-is-1-month-old.html
and don’t let anyone kid you – nursing can hurt for as long as you do it. take some tylenol and tough it out. you’re doing one of the best things you can do for your baby. hang in there! and your little one is beautiful :)
Nuit
May 20, 2009 at 10:32 amYour baby girl is precious!!! I can’t stop looking at her….. I did have a really hard time nursing as well, my skin cracked until it bled and it wasnt pretty. But I was told that happens because sometimes babies saliva is too harsh on our delicate skin (that area is always delicate) so I was told to just have some warm water and a little cloth at hand to clean up after the baby had had his meal, also works with a little bicarbonate of soda . It did make things much (MUCH) better for me. I healed pretty quickly and the pain slowly went away.
Can’t wait to see the picture project as Eleanor is certainly an adorable model baby ;)
stacey
May 20, 2009 at 10:33 amBeautiful baby! My nursing advice – keep meeting with the lactation specialists and get some of those silicone breast pads that you keep in the fridge and then slip into your bra between feedings. I found the lanolin to be too thick and sticky and it just hurt to put it on and then to wash it off before feedings. Nursing was painful for the entire 14 months with my first baby – blisters, cracking, bleeding, crying – it was a nightmare. With my other two, I was determined to have a better experience and met regularity with lactation specialists for the first six weeks of their lives. After about 6 weeks, it was no longer painful – hallelujah!
Jen
May 20, 2009 at 10:34 amIt hurts like a mo-fo for the first month but then it gets better. Stick with it cause it is WAYYYY worth it!
Me? A Mom?
May 20, 2009 at 10:36 amYou’ve gotten some great advice here – I skimmed it so forgive me if some of this is a repeat.
Both my girls loved to be held (who wouldn’t!?) and I found great relief using a ring sling. It can take some practice at first but it holds your child in such natural positions, as if you are holding her with your own arms. She could nap in it while you moved about even. Plus, there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that babies that are held are more independent and secure later in childhood and in life in general.
Nursing…I agree you might want to try a nipple shield. The other nugget of advice I have is to set achievable milestones for yourself. i.e. I’m going to nurse until this Friday and reevaluate things. When Friday comes, set a new milestone. Maybe it’s just “I’m going to nurse until this evening.” The key is giving yourself victories. Nursing is a marathon, not a sprint. And when pain is involved, it can be very difficult to see the rewards. Kudos to you for consulting with a LC. If you can, find a nursing moms support group in your area too.
You’re doing a GREAT job!!!
Deanna
May 20, 2009 at 10:40 amI LOVE her onesie that says “When two people love each other Very much!” I want one!!!
Kara @ KSS
May 20, 2009 at 10:42 amShe’s adorable. I love your photo project idea. I want to do the same when I have a baby. :)
Casey
May 20, 2009 at 10:43 amLove the photo project idea. That’s been a baby tradition in my family, and it’s fun to see all the photos side by side!
kasia
May 20, 2009 at 10:43 amI second those gel pads. After my daughter was born I also had two consultations with the lactation expert as you did, and she said the same thing your doing it right. I cried for a week every time I breast-fed I even wondered if my kid was born with teeth, I was not prepared for the pain that she inflicted on me from her little gums, and the bleeding from my nipples (ouch). But eventually it got better, much better and I became pretty good at it. They also sell this stuff by lanisoh that is a balm for your nipple use it in conjunction with the pads it makes them heal better. Have you looked into getting nipple shields, my lactation lady recommended them to me to help my daughter latch on deeper, and a couple of my girlfriends have also used them with success. Enjoy this time its the most wonderful bonding any mother can get, to gaze upon the wonderful content face as she is breastfeeding. The bottle doesnt compare to how you feel, plus it helps your uterus shrink, bonus.
patricia
May 20, 2009 at 10:49 amShe’s so adorable! I could pretty much have written the same thing when we had our first baby. The breastfeeding part was painful too. Enjoy every minute of her. They grow SO fast. The photo project is a really great one!
Skyzi
May 20, 2009 at 10:49 amThe gel nipple pads were wonderful. After a bumpy first couple months of breast feeding I lasted 14 months and then was sad to stop (those teeth made it easier)!
robin
May 20, 2009 at 10:52 amMy daughter was born on June 12, 2005 so on the 12th of each month during her first year, I took a picture of her sitting in the rocking chair in her bedroom. After her 1st b’day, I continued to take these pictures on her birthday. With her 4th birthday coming up quickly, I can’t tell you how quickly time has passed. I highly recommend the photo project! I made the collection of photos from year one into a collage for her 1st b’day party invitation. I also used the collage as a party game. Our relatives had to organize the photos into the correct order from month 1 to month 12. Good times.
Keri
May 20, 2009 at 10:54 amAh, nursing. It’s awesome, except for the part where it HURTS!! :)
The three-week mark was where the pain subsided and we finally “figured it out.” The trick for me was to make sure her chin was pulled down before the latch on. The wider her mouth was, the less painful.
Good luck, and btw – she is GORGEOUS!
Kara
May 20, 2009 at 10:57 amShe is so beautiful and I am so happy for you!
Any chance you remember where you got that cute onesie?
Tracy
May 20, 2009 at 11:03 amSuch a sweet baby! Check out the book La Leche League – it’s all about breastfeeding, and it’s very helpful.
Tracy
May 20, 2009 at 11:04 amOops! The book is called La Leche League: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.
Jennifer
May 20, 2009 at 11:11 amCongratulations, she’s gorgeous! I hope the pup is adjusting to his little sister. You’ve heard it all already, but I heartily agree that the nursing is worth it if you can get through the initial pain. Then it becomes such a bonding experience for you and your baby – it’s incredible. Hang in there and, of course, do what you feel is right…trust your instincts – the mom always knows what’s best. :)
Anna @ D16
May 20, 2009 at 11:14 amGosh, she’s sweet. Usually I think dogs are way cuter than babies, but Eleanor is giving Murray a run for his money!! ;)
Definitely go with the rocker. It’s a classic piece that you’ll have forever (and maybe even pass down to little E someday), and its organic shape will complement her body as she grows and changes through the years. Keep up the photos, too! Imagine how great it’ll be for her to have something like that when she’s older.
meaghan
May 20, 2009 at 11:22 amI think the message we hear all the time that breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt at all isn’t completely truthful. The reality is that it probably WILL hurt when you first start, even if you’re doing everything right. Frankly, your breasts/nipples are being used in a way they never had before, and need time to toughen up and adjust. Of course, don’t ignore pain and horrible symptoms, but so many woman think if it hurts at all, they’ve failed. We just always see these beautiful images of mothers and newborns blissfully nursing as if it was effortless. Not the case. :)
jbhat
May 20, 2009 at 11:22 amWhat a sweetie she is. We did the same thing, photo-wise, each month on the date of our kiddo’s birthday, in the same chair each time.
Nursing: I agree. Do what you can, pump too, if that makes life easier, and don’t fret about it too much. The more relaxed you are about it, the better it will be for both of you.
I vote a hands free carrier too. I’m sure you will find a gorgeous one that you love.
Nikki
May 20, 2009 at 11:24 amShe’s breathtaking. How’s Murray doing with all this?
Chilled cabbage leaves do wonders for sore nipples – honest.
Holly
May 20, 2009 at 11:26 amShe is SO precious! You ought to check out my sister’s blog (www.bobbiebrown5.blogspot.com). She had her daughter last October and has a mini photo shoot every week on the same day. It’s so fun to look back and see how much she’s grown!! And it’s really cool because it’s almost like you can watch her develop her personality as she grows.
Melissa
May 20, 2009 at 11:27 amEleanor is a doll! The rocker pose is precious and in time you will be able to take pictures of her sitting in it and rocking.
As for breastfeeding…I tried with my first and it never worked. With my second, I knew a lot more about what NOT to do. He turned one last week and we are still nursing in the morning, before afternoon nap, and before bed.
Breastfeeding is painful. I thought the pain would be gone by two weeks and was convinced that I was doing something wrong. A couple of my good friends told me a secret no lactation consultant ever bother to share with me. It will take your body time to adjust, sometimes just a couple weeks, for others a couple months. By month four everything clicked for us and overnight there was no pain or discomfort. The only thing I felt when he latched on was a gentle tugging.
You know your body and your child best, so do what will work for you! Don’t get discouraged. It will take time.
Best of luck to you both!
Jamie
May 20, 2009 at 11:30 amCongrats on your beautiful baby!
Breastfeeding is sooo hard in the beginning! The one thing that saved me: prescription cream. I wish I could remember the name of this wonder cream, but i know it was a concoction of various medicines. It was recommended to me by my lactation consultant (after I pulled a hamstring from clenching when my daughter latched-on).
The other item that saved me was the Moby Wrap. Once you get the hang of it, you can’t live without it! I wore my baby all day for 4 months straight.
Good luck and hang in there!!
Robin
May 20, 2009 at 11:31 amWhoever told you breastfeeding doesn’t/shouldn’t hurt will probably claim that all of the baby weight will just “melt away” with nursing, too. It hurts, I bled, I nearly gave up. Then, at 6 weeks (with all 3 kids, no “experienced mommy discount” on that one) voila! everything came together and it suddenly seemed easy.
She’s gorgeous. Your photo plans sound great.
Sara Rose
May 20, 2009 at 11:31 amMan, Eva and I had a REALLY hard time with nursing. I mean, really hard time. I ended up pumping a lot and giving her a bottle, but since she was still getting breast milk, I didn’t really mind at all. I plan on trying to nurse when Owen gets here but also keeping a pump very handy and ready to use. I’d like to store up on breast milk especially because I’ll have classes, etc, and won’t be able to nurse all the time.
Plus, it does make nighttime feedings a lot easier, then the hubbie and you can alternate feedings so that you both get longer periods of rest. So, this is not a suck up at all, but seriously, I have yet to see a baby as cute as Eleanor is at this age. SERIOUSLY. I think my daughter is pretty gorgeous and was a lovely, pretty baby, but she had to grow into that. The first few weeks, she was definitely covered in the fine, dark hair that some babies get, splotchy skin, and wrinkly. Eleanor is SO cute.
Amen, to the commentor who said gel pads. Those things are made by God, I swear. I did also use the Lasinoh nipple cream or aquaphor to sooth soreness/dryness/cracks.
Emily
May 20, 2009 at 11:32 amBreastfeeding is painful at first. That’s why I only nursed one breast per feeding. It gave a chance for the other to heal a few hours. We called it “toe curling pain” when they are that little and latch on. The pain only lasted about 10 seconds, so I counted to 10, took deep breaths and curled my toes. IT GETS EASIER! They get better at it, your body gets used to it, they feed less often… I urge you to keep it up. It won’t stay painful, I promise. And yes, I put cabbage leaves in my bra, too.
Melissa
May 20, 2009 at 11:35 amOh and I agree with the others who suggested lanolin! I had tubes of Lansinoh EVERYWHERE!!! I slathered it on after every feeding and then covered with Lansinoh breast pads. That is what saved me from the bleeding nipples I got with my first! Plus the lanolin is a great lip balm. :)
Brandi
May 20, 2009 at 11:39 amHi! I’m a new reader. Just wanted to tell you both of my babies have been FANTASTIC nursers from the start, but it was still really painful for me with my first. But only on ONE side. It was TERRIBLE for 7 WEEKS! I hung in there, and the pain just faded, and I nursed her for 15 months. My second baby also nursed great right away, and the same side started to get sore, but never got as bad as the first time. So there’s something to look forward to! I always hate when they say you’re doing it wrong if it hurts. That’s not necessarily true. My baby nursed the same way on both sides, and one side felt fine while the other was agonizing to nurse her on. But either way she was fat, healthy and happy! So keep it up! :)
Heather in Washington State, USA
May 20, 2009 at 11:45 amI did the photo in a chair thing and then made a layout of it. You can see it here:
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=161908
My suggestion is to take multiple monthly shots in different locations — in the end you’ll have more creative choices. For the final layout, I ended up cropping out most of the chair and focusing just on the baby. Have fun!
Mirjam
May 20, 2009 at 11:53 amThank you for posting pics of her – she’s so beautiful and I love reading posts like these :) Thanks again for sharing with us!!
Sara
May 20, 2009 at 11:54 amYou’re almost past the pain! Just keep at it. I promise you won’t be sorry. After a rough couple months (including cracks!!), I nursed my two girls for their first year. It really is worth the effort/pain in the beginning.
Eleanor is beautiful! Congrats!
Whitney
May 20, 2009 at 11:54 amI know how hard it is to get used to nursing. I had to have 4 kids before we got the hang of it! Please don’t give up! I wish I had not given up with my first two. I promise if you keep it up it WILL get easier. Hang in there, you are doing a great job!
Lane C
May 20, 2009 at 11:55 amI also second the nipple shield. LC’s will say bad idea but I would have quit with out it due to the very painful (yet correct latch) I used it until about 8 weeks with my son and just letting go of it now with my 2nd here at 7ish weeks. I am glad you love being a mom and are getting routine already at 3 weeks! Props to you and your family!
Cindy
May 20, 2009 at 11:59 amOh, she is a beautiful little girl. Absolutely lovely! I nursed all 4 of my kids, who are all just about grown now, and didn’t have any troubles at all until the 3rd one. Oh, my gosh, it hurt to nurse him! I was lucky, though, since I knew that breastfeeding was convenient and good for the babies, and that I didn’t have problems with the first two. It took time, but my son and I got into a rhythm and nursing him no longer hurt at all.
People have suggested a swing, and I heartily agree. All of mine were babies who wanted to be held constantly. I’d swaddle them in blankets, put them in the swing and I’d have 15-30 minutes where I could lie down or catch up on a chore. A sling is a good idea, too.
Good luck! One day you’ll look back at these pictures, you’ll stare at your teen daughter, and wonder where the years went.
Cindy
Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com
May 20, 2009 at 11:59 amHi! I think that, after time, breastfeeding isn’t supposed to hurt, but you’re in the early stages, and it’s just going to. There’s such a misconception that because it’s natural, it should be easy. It’s hard! Also, remember that feeding, however you do it, is your decision :)
Also, have you considered a sling or wrap? I highly recommend the Moby Wrap or Sleepy Wrap for babies that just don’t want to be put down. They’re dad-friendly, too! I don’t have any experience with slings, but I just bought a Peanut Shell sling carrier for my next baby (due in July), and I’m excited to try it for those first few months.
Tessa
May 20, 2009 at 11:59 amShe’s gorgeous! I’m glad everything has been a pretty easy transition for you :) Good luck with the breastfeeding! I’m sure it will get easier.
Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com
May 20, 2009 at 12:00 pmOh, and your baby is absolutely beautiful! Sorry I forgot to mention that in my last comment :)
Grace
May 20, 2009 at 12:13 pmYour baby is beautiful. :) And that onesie is adorable!!! (“when two people…”)Where did you get it?
Moire
May 20, 2009 at 12:17 pmRegarding the breastfeeding, I agree with Jamie. Get a perscription for APNO cream. That is what mine was called (I live in the Boston area). We could only get it at certain pharmacies and they each have their own recipe. It is MUCH better than lanolin. It has medications in it to help soothe and toughen up your nipple at the same time. Don’t wait. Call your lactation consultant or OB/GYN nurse right now! It made my toe curling pain go away after a week or two. Good luck!
Tracey
May 20, 2009 at 12:24 pmI see you have so much great advice already. Let me echo the sling idea – they’re so helpful! Lansinoh is great for the nipples, and it WILL get better. And a pre-emptive warning – at around 4 months old your milk will NOT dry up and go away. That’s when things really settle down and your breasts just won’t feel as full anymore but there’s plenty of milk still there. I just hear so many stories of women who quit at 4 months that I feel the need to head people off at the pass now. :) Oh, and she is GORGEOUS. Such a pretty, pretty girl!
kat
May 20, 2009 at 12:30 pmshe’s so beautiful!!!
Also, I know a bunch of people have said this but I’ve NEVER heard someone say breastfeeding doesn’t hurt. I’ve heard it’s a bonding experience, but incredibly painful.
Joy
May 20, 2009 at 12:31 pmBreastfeeding was very difficult and painful for me as well; I too cried during latch-on at times. My lactation consultant said that I was doing everything right, and everything I had read said it shouldn’t hurt. Well, I found that for me, and some other moms, it does hurt in the beginning. I noticed the pain was less after one month, and went away completely after five weeks. I continued nursing until 15 months, and the last fourteen months were the joyful experience I wanted them to be.
Hang in there; it will get easier.
Your little one is lovely.
Lindsey
May 20, 2009 at 12:33 pmI have a friend that says…”if breastfeeding is suppose to be so easy…why do they have classes & consultants?” Good luck & hang in there, as a bizillion people have already told you – it gets easier!!
Jasmine @ Experiment in Poverty Blogspot
May 20, 2009 at 12:37 pmawww! she’s so cute! i’m glad you’ve been so happy taking care of her these past three weeks. reading that made me smile. i’ve known A LOT of women who say that breastfeeding was hard and painful, and they’ve given up. so don’t feel inadequate at all! you’re doing a great job, and it sounds like you’re a wonderful mother. :)
Desiree
May 20, 2009 at 12:45 pmEverything you described sounds normal compared to what I went through with my daughter so hang in there. The breastfeeding does get easier and less painful by the day. I did the same photo thing with my daughter for the first twelve months. We used a Gund Blankie Teddy Bear in every picture and I made a little scrapbook with a description that I wrote for that month of our lives. I am glad I did it too! Have fun :-)
-Desiree
Veronica
May 20, 2009 at 12:52 pmDreamy-looking baby girl. Absolutely adorable.
I vote the Eames chair as well.
Kelly
May 20, 2009 at 1:01 pmShe is beautiful!
Make sure you/she don’t have thrush. I had it while nursing my first daughter and we had it for 3 months before we realized what was going on. So, so painful. She never showed any signs though.
christy
May 20, 2009 at 1:22 pmShe is just beautiful! I love the picture idea, a friend of mine did this with her son & a stuffed animal. I wish I would have stuck to it for mine!
BF seems like such an easy natural thing, but it can be difficult! Hang in there either way you will work out what is best for you.
Lindsay
May 20, 2009 at 1:24 pmwhoever said breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful has never breastfed! hang in there. it took me up until 6 weeks to even feel like we were doing it right – and yes – check for thrush! ouch! try taking an ibuprofren a bit before you know you’ll be feeding that helps a bit, too.
she’s lovely and you’re doing a great job. once it stops hurting you’ll be so thankful you stuck it out…
much mama love, lindsay
bianca
May 20, 2009 at 1:25 pmHow about a nipple shield for nursing? It saved my life!
dawn
May 20, 2009 at 1:27 pmyou’re a lucky lady to have such a beautiful girl. i don’t know anything about caring for a baby, but i wish you all the best.
Kathleen
May 20, 2009 at 1:31 pmCutest.baby.ever. I LOVE the idea of taking a picture of her in the same chair – I can even imagine it going into teenage years. I love it. It not only tracks growth but also shows the timelessness of great design.
Lisa
May 20, 2009 at 1:31 pmKudos to you and your efforts with nursing. I don’t have any kids yet but I have heard it can be very painful at times. I’m sure it will get better for you. What a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It’s amazing to see how quickly a routine can develop, glad to hear you are adjusting well. I love the idea of the one month pictures. I think it will be neat to see when she grows from lying in the chair to sitting in it.
Take care,
Lisa
Urbanfarmwife
May 20, 2009 at 1:32 pmPrecious baby girl!! Love and cuddle her as long as you can! My little girl is 16 weeks now…and I have been taking a picture of her every Sunday (the day she was born) in the same chair. Its amazing how quickly they change. 16 weeks of pictures already shows crazy change! I’ve only forgotten to take the picture 1 time…but took it the next day…so I don’t think it will matter!
Sophie
May 20, 2009 at 1:48 pmI feel your pain with the breastfeeding. I have a five month old daughter, and I breastfed for only five weeks, then switched to pumping, which I did for four months. It was terribly difficult to give it up but it felt so much better in the end. And knowing that I truly gave it my all, and that my baby would still be getting the best nutrition through formula, was comforting. I think breastfeeding is the one part of having a baby that everyone underestimates. I think it’s terrible for every person at one point or another. And the best thing is – I hear it doesn’t get easier with subsequent children! Good luck! Eleanor is a doll!
joanna rose
May 20, 2009 at 1:52 pmyou are in need of soothies gel pads for your pain. They were a life saver for me and if you haven’t gone to a lactation group yet they are great. It is so nice to just talk to other mom’s and hear about all the boob issues people have out there in the world of breast feeding. Good luck and if one day you decided that breast feeding is taking away from the shear joy of new motherhood don’t worry about throwing in the towel. I also loved the Dr. Sears breast feeding book for both great advice and some totally impractical and hysterical breast feeding scenarios. best wishes and your baby is precious.
Julie Anne
May 20, 2009 at 1:52 pmAnother vote for the Eames chair – can you see a shot of her on her 16th birthday, all long limbs and hair, sitting sideways in the chair holding that first photo of herself?
So many people have already weighed in on the tender nipples and ther pitfalls of early breastfeeding that I won’t repeat their good advice, except to say that there wouldn’t have been such a need for wet nurses in antiquity if breastfeeding had ever been universally easy or foolproof. Hopefully, it will gradually get less painful, but if not and you have to give it up and pump to bottle feed instead, don’t beat yourself up. It happens.
As to the sleeping only in arms, my oldest niece was like that, and we found that she would sleep in the baby carrier (the one that fits in the car seat), as another poster previously suggested. She seemed to like the squishy sides up surrounding her and the harness holding her in. Take her out, and she was instantly awake. She slept in the baby carrier during the day when she was sleepy until she was about nine months (and awake and active much more during the day) and the carrier worked well for our family.
Dewi
May 20, 2009 at 1:55 pmShe is a lovely baby.
I did that those types of photographs and we treasure them.
You’re in Chicago the home of La Leche League, go to a meeting for some breastfeeing suppport!
jo
May 20, 2009 at 2:02 pmsuch cute pictures! you’re definitely not alone on the nursing thing. i remember having trouble with both of my babies, but especially the second one. it hurt for a long, long time, and i was constantly worried about him eating enough, how much it hurt me, how he refused to eat sometimes. little babies are such a mystery! it does get easier though.
sometimes, especially with your first baby, it’s easy to think, “we’re never going to get through this phase!” or “this is always going to hurt!” but of course the time will go by quickly, she’ll be eating solids and sleeping completely through the night before you know it. of course then there will be other delightful and difficult challenges to get through…
you can do it!
Emily@remodelingthislife
May 20, 2009 at 2:02 pmShe’s beautiful and it sounds like you are adjusting nicely. I cried every time my daughter latched on for 3 months. I worked through it and then it was much better and I nursed her happily until she was 19 months old. Nursing does hurt, it’s not all sunshine and roses, but it does get better. Hugs!
Kristi
May 20, 2009 at 2:06 pmI think that the LC’s all tell us it SHOULDN’T hurt to nurse so they don’t want to scare new breastfeeding moms away from even trying. But EVERY single mom I’ve ever met agrees with me. It HURTS for AT LEAST the first few weeks. Mine lasted 6 weeks. It didn’t hurt after the initial latch on but man I sucked in my breath every time my son latched on!!
It gets better and after my first 6 weeks the whole bonding during nursing thing REALLY took off!! He’s 21 months and still nurses before going to bed and it is the sweetest moment of my day!
Enjoy your precious bundle!
Mikaela
May 20, 2009 at 2:09 pmYes, nursing’s painful at first, but give it just a couple more weeks. After a year, you don’t even remember the pain.
On the point of taking a photo…please do it!! For my son, I took a picture of him every “month” birthday with a teddy bear he received on the day he was born. I put it all together in a collage for his first birthday. It was amazing to see the transformation. I highly recommend doing this!!!
Beth
May 20, 2009 at 2:12 pmHi Nicole,
I don’t know if my two cents worth will matter after so many comments, but I’m going to offer it anyway, because when I nursed my first son I was in the same boat you are. The pain was absolutely excruciating. I had a friend tell me to give it three months, and it was almost exactly three months when it stopped hurting. When my second came along I knew enough to know that I wasn’t supposed to be in that much pain, so I too met with a LC. What she told me helped within days. She told me to touch his lips with my finger until he stuck his tongue out, and then attach him. Evidently that was what was needed. You may want to give it a try.
Vicki
May 20, 2009 at 2:31 pmFair skin + breast feeding = six weeks of pain. You’re halfway through!
Beautiful pics :)
sonrie
May 20, 2009 at 2:34 pmYes – every month in the Eames chair! What a great way to document!
shaina
May 20, 2009 at 2:36 pmi totally love the month by month photo idea. and that chair is perfect!! <3
meta
May 20, 2009 at 2:36 pmStick to the breastfeeding, please! Eleanor deserves it. As long as it doesn’t make you crazy, please nurse at least 6 months. My nipple cracked and bled for 6 weeks (I had to pump to keep up the milk supply) and I had many other problems (milk blisters, too much milk, too little milk, leaking nipples, blocked ducts, painful let down, painful areola, etc) but I kept going, knowing how much benefits my baby would get. Funnily, while painful, I just love to be able to nurse her. Finally at 4 months(!) all the problems were gone and it became really easy! I’m still breastfeeding now at 8 months (plan to do it for 1 year). Good luck!
katie
May 20, 2009 at 2:36 pmnursing DOES hurt. it did with all three of my kids. don’t give up. it gets easier.
Nichole
May 20, 2009 at 2:41 pmYour daughter is adorable!
I just want to say I know how you feel with breastfeeding hurting. My daughter is now 16 months old but the first month or so, it was definitely painful. The LC’s told me I was doing everything right so that made me feel much better. I bit down and delt with the pain. I’d cry a lot of the time because it hurt so bad, but I thought about how much healthier it was for her so I think that’s what kept me going.
Anyway, that’s my story, I hope the best for you!
haus
May 20, 2009 at 2:45 pmhope the nursing smooths out fast – nursing baby #1 was really painful for me, too, but got better as he got older
she’s beautiful and I’m so glad you’re enjoying her! great idea for the photos!
jessica
May 20, 2009 at 2:47 pmI’m not reading all the comments as I’m bouncing a 4 month old, and it’s probably already been said, but the people who say nursing shouldn’t hurt are LIARS. I wish they’d stop saying that and instead say: Nursing hurts like a BANSHEE for the first few weeks. And after that? It’s FABULOUS.
I’m nursing my fourth child, Nicole and every single time it hurt like hell for the first few weeks. But if your latch is correct it WILL get better. I highly recommend ditching Lansinoh if that’s what you’re using and get Nipple Butter from Earth Mama Angel Baby to soothe your chomped on nips until things start feeling better.
Try to hang in there, it does get better, painless, and wonderful.
xo
Melissa Mae
May 20, 2009 at 2:47 pmLooks like everyone is giving nursing advice. My nipples were incredibly cracked and bled a lot when I first started nursing. And it was so painful. None of the creams worked, but I found that the best healing medicine for my nips was the breast milk itself. I just rubbed a little on after I was done feeding Mae or whenever I needed it. TMI, I know, but it really really helped!
leslie
May 20, 2009 at 2:48 pmHI Nicole!
Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that you’re not alone with the breastfeeding difficulty. I had a horribly difficult time with all three kids (and I felt so guilty that something so “natural” was so painful for me). I ended up pumping (and then bottle feeding my milk).
Sounds like things are getting better for you but I wanted you to know that I had trouble too!
Leslie