More Things I Didn't Know about Breastfeeding

It's been 6 weeks since I posted 10 Things I Didn't Know about Breastfeeding. Instead of hands-free nursing, I'm now pumping a reserve milk supply after Cameron's morning feeding while eating breakfast and finishing up this post before work. (Can anyone say super mom?!) Here are more things I've learned and didn't know about breastfeeding.

There are no clear, evidence-based guidelines for alcohol consumption for breastfeeding moms. I thought that alcohol was off limits to breastfeeding mothers, but when I began researching the topic, I found that the guidelines are vague. Kellymom.com does a good job of outlining the available evidence and guidelines. After thorough review, my verdict is there's no need to be a prude, always practice moderation, and use common sense. How does that translate into specific behavior? I'm back to having my usual 4 oz. of red wine with dinner most nights of the week. My baby and my supply are thriving.

Caffeine may or may not affect breastfeeding babies. Despite my Bradley instructor telling me that my 12 oz. half-caff coffee put my baby at risk for birth defects, I boldly continued to sip my morning coffee throughout pregnancy. Now that he's on the outside, I have a 6 to 12 oz. cup of regular coffee every morning with no ill effects on baby boy. I have friends that do notice increased fussiness in their babies after they drink coffee. Again, Kellymom.com does an excellent job at summarizing the available evidence and guidelines. My verdict on this one is to again practice moderation, and let your baby be your guide.

Babies sometimes go on nursing strikes. A couple Fridays ago, Cameron went on his first and hopefully last nursing strike. All day long he was fussy, acted like he wanted to nurse, and then refused to nurse for more than a minute at a time. The whole fiasco left us both miserable. When my boobs couldn't take anymore, I pumped a bottle for him, he took it with no problem, and we both fell asleep exhausted. I have a couple of theories as to what was behind this dreadful event.

Pumping can help you become familiar with your milk flow and supply. I've been pumping about once per day to build up a just-in-case frozen milk supply, and I have to admit, I kind of enjoy it. Thanks to a tip from The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, I experimented with manual hand pumping at the same time as electric pumping. It's amazing how much more milk comes out and how quickly it flows with that strategy. The day after Cameron went on his nursing strike, I tried compressing my breast while he drank. He liked it, so I think he may have been frustrated with slow milk flow the day before. Since then, I upped my food and fluid intake, and started on Fenugreek. You should see my output now. I pumped 7 whole ounces this morning after Cameron's morning feeding.

My baby is sensitive to dairy. Because of the food restrictions I already have due to my own allergies and sensitivities, I was pretty closed-minded when it came to observing the effects of my diet on Cameron's mood. Then I got desperate. At 8 weeks, I finally realized I was spending more time cleaning up spitup, using a nasal aspirator, and bouncing a fussy baby than tackling my mounting pile of work. About that same time, the nursing strike happened. Something had to give. I already have a soy-free, gluten-free diet. So, on the recommendation of several other moms, I tried going dairy free. Three days later, Cameron was a different baby. It was that dramatic. He still spits up, but he's sleeping 8 to 9 hours every night and has settled into a manageable sleep, nurse, play, sleep again routine during the day.

Breastfeeding is enjoyable. Now that the quirks have been worked out of Cameron and I's breastfeeding relationship, we're both discovering how enjoyable it can be. I have never seen a baby bottle feed the way my son nurses. When milk intoxication sets in, he closes his eyes, lets his arms fall over his head, and lets out contented sighs. When he's full, he makes silly expressions and ponders my face between popping on and off the nipple. This is what everybody was talking about when they said breastfeeding is so wonderful.

Information about traveling apart from a breastfeeding baby is hard to find. M and I are considering leaving Cameron with my moms while we go on a 5-day cruise in August. It would be good for M and I and fun for my moms, but who knows what a 4-month-old Cameron would think about the arrangement? He takes pumped bottles every now and then, but would he go through boob withdrawal? Would my copious supply dwindle being separated from Cameron for 5 days? I have enough milk to last him, and I have a pump to last me. No question, it would be hard for me to leave him, but I'd be okay if I knew he was okay.

Does anyone have experience or information that would help me make an informed decision?