Your input is needed- Breastfeeding the second time around…Interested in sharing your thoughts with me about breastfeeding the second time around? It seems as though we have been missed! Those of us who have had a challenging time of breastfeeding but really want to breastfeed the next baby have been forgotten. We have our own unique challenges when it comes to breastfeeding a new baby. Whether you have had another baby after having breastfeeding challenges with the first, or you are hoping for another baby some day and are already concerned about breastfeeding, read on… When I got pregnant with my second child, my very first thought after the initial “oh my goodness!” was “I wonder if I’ll be able to breastfeed this baby?”. Worrying about the fact that I had been induced at 31 weeks due to severe preeclampsia and the high risk of a reoccurence came a distant third or maybe even forth in terms of initial thoughts. Breastfeeding consumed me! Thankfully, I was able to have a very successful breastfeeding relationship with my daughter (who just weaned at 3 years and 2 months), but the worry and stress during pregnancy and over the first few months of her life was extreme. It was so important to me that it work this time around but the fear of it not working- and not knowing if I could EP again with another child in the house- was always hanging over me. So, I have been thinking about writing another book. A book that I have not come across, but one that needs to be available to mothers such as myself-and to you. A book that deals with breastfeeding after difficulty. A book that will talk not so much about the mechanics of breastfeeding- that’s already available in many forms- but a book that discusses the emotional side of breastfeeding, the grief and emotions felt when breastfeeding doesn’t work out, and the concerns that are felt when considering breastfeeding a new baby after a difficult experience. What do you think? Is this book needed? Would you like to share your own experiences? I would love to hear your thoughts on this potential project. Please consider emailing me or leave a comment below. Thanks! Stephanie 14 Responses to “Your input is needed- Breastfeeding the second time around…” Leave a Reply |
 
 
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I think that book is a great idea, Stephanie. I hope you write it. Opal…. IBCLC in NJ
October 10th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Hi, I breastfed second time around but with the same child! I think the technical term for this is relactation. Would this be of any interest to you or are you specifically looking for Mums who’ve subsequently had another child?
October 13th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
The book sounds like a great idea.
And yes, this book is definitely needed for moms who want to breastfeed but couldn’t. I tried breastfeeding my second daughter, but she refused to latch on like her big sister.
October 17th, 2009 at 8:02 am
i would love a book about this. i’m pregnant with my second (due in dec!) and my first baby would not nurse. she would scream at the breast. with the help of my awesome LC, I EP’d for almost ten months for her. through the use of sign language, we eventually got her back on the breast. she either weaned herself or my milk dried up a short 3 months later :/ I’m filled with anxiety about the second one. I try hard not to think about it though, positive energy and all
October 19th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I would also like someone to explore any potential reasons why some babies don’t latch to the breast. Both my children had extreme latch issues, my first born being the worst. And I could never come to terms with the unknown why. Why is this so hard for me and not others. Is there something wrong with the shape of my nipples, or is it something with my children genetically. My first born was actually diagnosed with an oral delay in the first few months and had to go to therapy for it. She is perfectly normal now. But my struggles with my second still remain a mystery. I know there are a variety of reasons why women find themselves EPing, but there are alot of us with children who couldn’t latch for an unknown reason.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Yes, this would be helpful. I often here BF’ing moms say it’s easier with the second child, but I doubt that includes me, since my son never really took to the breast. How do I overcome these challenges for my next child? What caused these problems, and what can I do differently? (Will doing anything differently help?) Even if a book can’t solve our problems, I would appreciate reading the thoughts and experiences of other moms like me.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
This sounds like a fantastic idea for a book. I think it is often overlooked in the breastfeeding world. I was not able to breastfeed my daughter beyond 5 months and it has left me feeling endless guilt…I still (even now that she is 2.5 years) have to hold back tears when I see other moms breastfeeding. I don’t think that I will have trouble breastfeeding a second time around because I now know where to go for support–and I know to ask a lot sooner. But I was not aware of the resources last time…
November 16th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
People dont seem to like talking about when breast feeding doesnt work…and most assume if it doesnt you lazy. I had a successful breast feeding baby, one who wouldnt who I was only able to EP(didnt have a good pump and didnt have good resourses) for 2 months. then 2 succsesful breast fed and now another who seems to not being able to breast feed. This time I am hoping a better pump as we try to EP as I really do think breast milk is the best.
I would love to see more information out there so moms dont feel alone there is so much stress on a new mom whether your first or your fifth.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Wow! You just summed up exactly what I have been feeling with this sentence, “…or you are hoping for another baby some day and are already concerned about breastfeeding,…”. I have been exclusively pumping with my first child for over 4 months and I really hope to be able to have the breastfeeding experience with my second child and I have so much anxiety not only over whether I will be able to but that we are only planning one more child and it would be my last chance.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I would be so thankful for a book about the topic. I was a complete failure with my first and in hindsight think I quit early out of frustration and fear that she was “starving.” With my second I read everything imaginable and got myself into a worked up mess. He was actually able to latch, unlike my first but had demands far above my production. Well, I only gave it 48 hours after being home and again feared my precious one was “starving.” Now, I am trying for a third and again fearful that the inevitable will happen and I will fail once again. Third time is a charm. I so hope it will be different this time and this baby will latch…and perhaps I’ve learned that he/she won’t starve in the first few days…maybe I can even find a lactation consultant to help me this time. But, I digress…a book would be amazing. A collection of narratives from women in the same situation cold be uplifting and insightful. Kudos to you!
January 12th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I had extremely hard time nursing my first son and so stressed about it that I landed in a psych hosp. for couple days. So determined to nurse the second babe, I educated myself, got all the nurs. pillows and tools and it wouldn’t work again. Pain, pain, and even more excruciating pain. Yeast infection now going on for 3+ months for me and the baby as well. I think that needs to be addressed for 2nd time around mom’s. Sometimes the body just doesn’t cooperate. Physical maladies are real. EPing now for almost 4 months and totally fine with it.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:13 am
I think this would be a wonderful resource. I am now exclusively pumping for the second time. Both my sons would not attach despite so many efforts. The second time round has been very emotional as I slowly come to accept this is happening again. I find it completely exhausting and yet know it is the best thing I can do for my beautiful son. I wish I had discovered this site earlier and sitting here tonight reading all this wonderful information has had me in tears. Best wishes
Emma
February 11th, 2010 at 8:32 am
yes, yes, yes! i have been ep’ing for the last 3 months and am finding it harder and harder to find the time the busier my little guy gets. it was such a hard decision for me to transition to ep’ing, i spent many nights weeping and truthfully changed my mind on a daily basis but i finally decided i was driving myself crazy and getting angry at a three week old. didn’t make sense. So I switched and couldn’t be happier. I am already thinking about my next babe and the idea of not being able to nurse breaks my heart just thinking about it. i was so relieved to find this site tat i would love to find a book about this!
February 19th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Great idea! I ended up EPing with my first baby due to latch problems. I made it 11 months before being told I had to give it up…I was in the hospital having emergency gallbladder surgery and also found out I was pregnant with baby #2!!! I was so disappointed not to make it to my year goal …but, a year later I now have a 2 year old and a 6 month old who I am also EPing for by choice.I struggled with the thought of breastfeeding, but found that pumping was actually easier since they are only 17 months apart! I WILL make it a year this time around!