Well you all certainly want to know more about breastfeeding. I received so many great questions that I will have to split this into two posts! Please remember all of the following answers are based off my own personal experiences. I’m not a professional except with my own body and my own children. Now that’s out of the way – let’s get to the questions. And for those not interested in the milk makers, scroll through for a fun announcement!

What were the best resources for you?
When pregnant with Makenzie I read a lot. I found the most comprehensive resource on breastfeeding related topics was the American Academy of Pediatrics book.

The book covered a lot of information and helped me have an idea on what types of things to expect. We also took a breastfeeding class through the hospital during my pregnancy with M. While both were certainly good resources, it didn’t truly prepare me. Personally, I couldn’t learn or grasp the information until I could practice with my own child. The consultants from the hospital were fabulous at helping answer questions. I certainly recommend learning as much as possible, but don’t let it overwhelm you before you actually get there.

How often do you do it?
In the first few weeks the frequency of feedings is much higher. Right now I feed Braedon every 2-3 hours during the day. Then, he typically goes 4 hours between feedings at night. The daytime feedings stretch to every 3-4 hours as they get older, and with time the night feedings gradually drop. With Makenzie, she was down to eating 5 times during the day (every 3 hours) with no feedings overnight by 4.5 months old.

How long is the average breastfeeding session? Do you switch boobs every few minutes or just alternate feeding sessions?

The average session for me is about 30 minutes of feeding time. I usually do an entire feeding on one side and then alternate each feeding to keep things balanced. I do have the more rare issue of oversupply and forceful letdown (aka my milk comes pouring out…aren’t you glad to know that?). For that reason, I have to feed on one side each feeding to get enough of the fattier milk into him. The longer he feeds on one side the richer the milk becomes. It is standard for many women without that issue to feed 15 minutes per breast each feeding. Once again, something to figure out what works best with your own experiences.

How significant is the pain/discomfort?
The first time around…very. I was actually pretty shocked at how much it hurt. The swelling during engorgement literally had me feeling I was about to split in two. My nipples cracked and that hurts as badly as it sounds. The “letdown” feeling of the baby getting milk burned like crazy and I would tear up with almost every feeding. BUT!!!! A huge but….it was very temporary. Someone told me give it 6 weeks, then it magically gets better. I wanted to quit so many times with M but stuck it out. Then, bam. Six weeks in and it became the easiest thing ever. No pain. With baby B, I experienced very little pain after the first week of readjusting to breastfeeding.

Do you pump and use bottles ever?

We haven’t started yet…but I did with M and plan to with B. I started pumping extra to get M used to taking a bottle on occasion at around 3 or 4 weeks post-partum. I would pump once extra in the evening after feeding to build up a supply for when I couldn’t feed. Then I would always pump at any feedings I missed. I also pumped extra after occasional morning feeds and night feeds when I felt my milk supply dropping at all. *Ahem ahem Fitbloggin roomies – that means I will be pumping all weekend with you. You still love me, right? :D*

Question of the Day – How would you spend your feeding time? I either read blogs and catch up on emails or listen to M read me books. Night feedings are all about the snuggles!

Fun Announcement! Braedon’s Newborn Gallery is up and running!

You will have to create an account to view them, but it’s quick and she will not have access to your email from it. Once you create an account, click “Access Gallery” and use the code “braedon” to enter. Click to enjoy! And thanks to Laura Brett Photography for her EXCELLENT work!

Before I get into this morning’s post, I want to say thank you for your comments and support of my Team 4All entry post last night. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I would appreciate it. I got all excited writing it – more so for the amazing things 2011 will bring than the possible opportunity in partnering up with a nice women’s fitness gear company for the year. I love my life and myself right now, where I’m at, but still look forward to the changes and growth ahead.

Although some changes and growth do stir up some fear in my gut. I think its suddenly hitting me how soon baby B will be here. Even if he goes the full 9.5 months of pregnancy, that’s only 5 weeks away. When I finished laundering up all his little baby items yesterday I sat there thinking – I will actually have one this size again before I know it.

You may think something that can fit into such adorable little things could not possibly do much harm. Oh ho ho. Okay, harm may not describe it correctly, but that little booger can ignite some worry. Here are my five biggest fears:

A rough, rough, rough, rough labor & delivery and not knowing what to expect. I had to be induced with Makenzie. My labor lasted only 5 hours. She popped out in less than 10 minutes of pushing. The labor and delivery can’t possibly go so smoothly twice. I foresee many, many hours of pain. Although I would rather go through that and a failed epidural if it meant I didn’t need to worry over the next two. Did I just jinx myself?

Breastfeeding. I adored breastfeeding Makenzie. I had only one problem feeding her – I had the more uncommon issue of producing too much with her. She always ate well and easily. Sure, it hurt and was a big adjustment for me, but we did it rather easily. I wonder if baby B will nurse as naturally. And I sure hope all the fun signs my tatas have given me means I won’t have issues with the production again.

Sleeping. Makenzie slept well from early on as well. The first month or so exhausted me with less sleep, but then she quickly got in a routine and slept 12 hours through the night by 4-5 months old. I don’t know how well I would handle a child up all night for months and months on end. Please sleep, baby B!

Post-partum depression. Depression and anxiety run in the family. I have dealt with my own in the past. Towards the end of pregnancy, the thought of facing PPD frightens me to no end. I know the desperation, yet emptiness, of depression. I know the hatred, yet lack of caring, that accompanies it. PPD is very real and can affect anyone. Will it be me this time?

There will be two! I like my routines. Makenzie & I have formed our own little routines. How will I manage to adapt mine and hers all together with baby B’s into one? How will M react to a sudden change? How will I have enough time for all things newborn and to care for and watch over a toddler? How will I not lose myself, and more likely face some form of PPD, in the process? Just, how?

Then, I just sit back and remember this scripture:

These things may be on my mind, but I can do nothing about them until the day comes. Then, I have to take each day and each moment one at a time. With each moment I will have to try to live it with love and simply do my best. I will have to trust that in God I have the power to handle whatever. I will cover the needs of my children, no matter what. I will also make certain to do things for myself (like workout and blog) to avoid losing myself and arriving in a negative place. I will cherish my relationship with my unbelievably supporting husband. I will love it all. And with love, everything will be okay.

• What is one of your special, personal things/interests that brings you joy and helps you feel like you? (Did that make any sense? LOL)