I was lucky that Daisy latched on without any encouragement and so that really helped with my motivation. I always knew feeding wouldn't be easy which is why I wasn't allowing myself to be pressured into it, who needs extra stress and frustration when you have a tiny baby who needs you too? It's all very overwhelming.
So feeding started and yes I found it excruciating those first two weeks, cracked skin, the feeling of bad bruises and then there is the sensation of having knives in your bra! Ouch! This passed though and soon I enjoyed doing it.
Until my milk REALLY came in!! I thought I was already full, my god was I wrong! I had engorgement like I couldn't even have imagined! I felt like I was going to explode yet at the same time so solid, painful and raw to touch the skin. Getting Daisy to latch on was so difficult because I was so full!! It was like having two big balls in my bra that hurt with every breath I took! Massaging in the bath with hot flannels helped and expressing also relieved the pressure- but it was short lived as they'd just full back up again an hour later! When it was at it's worse I was contacted by the natural birthing company about a pack they had to aid breastfeeding calling Bosom Buddies.
For starters how nice is the packaging??
It comes with two super soft flannels and a little box (again how cute??) containing three little bottles of oils. All called Ooh, Aah and Ouch! Below is what they're to be used for:
You simply add a few drops to warm water and then use the soft flannels to create compresses to sooth the breast area. The idea is to do this in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Ideally away from bright light, so you can switch off.
I must admit I was a little sceptical when I saw this, how can oils diluted in water on a flannel unblock my overly full breasts? I knew the relaxation would help but the oils?! And do you know I really did notice a difference, now wether that is down to massaging, expressing, constant feeding or this pack 100% I'm not sure, perhaps a combination. But I was doing all of those things before I tried the oils and it was only when I used the oils did it relieve all the pressure fully.
They smell beautiful too which is always a winner for me! Since getting over nasty engorgement it's been the Ouch! oil that I've used most. And I love it!
They do lots of other products for pre and post labour and for feeding. All products are natural with no petrochemicals or parabens and other nasties!
I'm going to keep plodding on with my feeding journey whilst I'm able to!
Lots of love,
Hayley xxx
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