On Nursing Baby #2

******************

For my other nursing posts, be sure to check out:

Breastfeeding Essentials / What I Learned in Breastfeeding Class / Nursing Favorites {7 Months Later} / Nursing Update – On Weaning at One / On Stopping Nursing

******************

I feel like with Brooks I talked about nursing on the blog all.the.time. It was probably because I had a pretty difficult time with it, especially at the beginning. It was seriously rough goings for a while {months!} but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did.

When I was pregnant with Graham, I have to tell you that I was seriously dreading nursing again. Knowing the constant work and effort it takes, having just done it for 14 months. I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it again, especially with the amount of pain I was in with Brooks and just the fact that it would be so much harder to do with a toddler running around at the same time!

But from the first latch, this second time around has been all sorts of different. And so much easier – physically and mentally {not so much logistically with Brooks, but you can’t win them all!}

I’m not sure if my body was just more prepared for it, having gone through it not too long ago, but this time has been so much less painful. With Brooks, I was using all purpose nipple ointment constantly, this time I’ve barely used any. With Brooks, I was so mentally drained from doing it all the time, all day, especially in the beginning, but now I just do it without thinking. If Graham is crying, I change him and feed him – that’s it. With Brooks I would carry him around, try to figure out what was wrong, but I feel now I’m more knowledgeable as a second time mom – if the baby’s crying, he’s probably hungry. For the most part, it’s been the right problem solver.

This time has also been different because I haven’t pumped. At All.

With Brooks I was pumping every morning, religiously. Stocking up my freezer stash. I think I was a little crazy about it. With Graham, I haven’t had the time to devote to 20-30 minutes in the morning of pumping and cleaning the equipment and all that jazz. But honestly, I don’t miss it and it really hasn’t caused me or baby to skip a beat.

On the few occasions we’ve had to give Graham a bottle – weddings + a few night’s out – I’ve had the babysitter give him a bottle and it’s been fine. With Brooks I was adamant about not giving him formula, but this time I’ve realized I can’t do everything and as long as my baby is happy + fed, it’s all good.

This time around I’ve also been so much more relaxed about it. It’s been so much better for me and for my boys – but I think that’s been necessary when you have two under two. Life doesn’t always stop to nurse. I’ve learned to nurse on the go –  while baby wearing out and about. I’ve been known to be wearing Graham, while shopping + nursing in Target! Now that’s multi-tasking!

******************

Are you nursing? How’s it going?

Was your nursing experience different with baby #2?

******************

******************

Don’t forget to enter my Folgers #RemixYourCoffee Giveaway!

******************