About Samantha Brunner Expertise Pros and Cons of breastfeeding, formula vs. breastmilk, latching on, sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, mastitis, pumping, breast pumps, returning to work while nursing, poor milk supply, nutrition, weaning, tandem nursing, c-sections and nursing, general lactation concerns or questions.
Experience My knowledge comes from experience. I nursed my son exclusively for 9.5 months. I assisted many friend with nursing when they were having difficulties, or needed help. I run a small brestfeeding help center out of my home open to anybody in need of my services.
Organizations New Parent Support breastfeeding support group (US Navy). Local Breastfeeding Coalition.
Education/Credentials Mulptiple seminars run by local Breastfeeding coalitions, and Le Leche League. I have also been to Breast Feeding conultant classes. I am almost a certified lactation consultant.
Question I am very intersted in nursing my baby I have 2 older children 13 and 15 i am expecting in december so i want to make my decision now with as much answers as possible. i never breast fed before but i was on the younger side and really never gave it much thought. Do you know if you can breast feed while on Synthroid. I work full time do you think it would be worth it to breast feed or just start her on a bottle. any advice or help you can give would be great thanks
Answer Ann Marie,
Well, congrats on your new baby! Breastfeeding is a wonderful, and nuturing experience. I am not sure about the synthroid, that you would have to ask your OB/GYN, and which ever pediatrician you decide to use. But as far as going back to work, and breastfeeding successfully, all you need to do is educate yourself, know what you want, and don't back down!! I recommend this fabulous book called "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding". It is written by Le Leche League, and it is considered to be the bible for breastfeeding moms!! It has so much great information in it, on getting started, what to do in the hospital, going back to work, how to recognize problems, and how to fix those problems, it is absolutely fantastic!! You can probably find a good condition used copy from amazon or barnes and noble for a few dollars. Well worth the investment!! It got me through a few sticky times.
Get aquainted with your local Le Leche League chapter if possible, they can be wonderful help, and a great support system to rely on!! Be stearn with the nurses in the hospital where you deliver! Alot of hospitals and nurses who don't have breastfeeding experience will try to force formula on you and your baby!! Do not give in, don't even let them leave the formula with you. If you decide to put your little one in the hospital nursery make sure that there is a BIG BRIGHT note on his little basket that says "BREASTFEEDING!! NO BOTTLES PLEASE". But my best advice to avoid that situation with the nurses supplemet feeding is to keep your newborn with you at all times!
You and your baby can do this, and the best way to have a healthy problem free nursing experience is through education, and your support system at home. Read that book, I loved my copy, and I referred to it all the time, and most of my advice to people comes straight out of that book! You can always hop on here and ask me tons of questions, I am always available!!
Best of luck to you, I hope I have answered your questions completely. Feel free to ask me anything you need!
