Breastfeeding 2nd Time around

JenH asks:
I'd like to hear how you succeeded in breastfeeding this time. I know you weren't able to BF successfully the first time and I am curious how you were able to overcome the problem(s). What did you do differently? Do newborns with different personalities really make a difference? Do you find BFing easy now? Is it easier than the bottle? Do you feel a special bond when BFing? Any suggestions for a first-time bombout who wants to give it another go??? LOL. I should be shot instead.

Here are my answers:
What did you do differently?
Honestly, I read the same books before I had Josh as I did pre-Jacob. I just had a burning inner passion for making it work this time. Joshua was in the NICU on IV feeds for six days and I feared the worst. The LC even was scared for me because he hadn't been fed yet and he was six days old. I'll never forget the first time I nursed him. They came into the NICU with three screens and had me boxed in by his isolette. He was so tiny and had lines and IVs coming out of him in every angle. He loved for us to hold him and cuddle him close. I stuck him to my breast and he immediately latched on and nursed. The LC weighed him before and after the feed. He took in 1.5 ounces his very first try. He was destined to nurse, this kid. He was just good at it! He latched on correctly and I always felt comfortable nursing him. I also want to think that I am far more relaxed with the second baby then I was the first. I don't really worry about how much he's eating. I just watch his growth chart and see how he is growing.

Do newborns with different personalities really make a difference?
Yes, Jacob hated to nurse. He cried at the breast. He wouldn't latch on correctly and just hated nursing in general. I tried for a couple weeks with him and would supplement with breastmilk in a bottle that I had pumped. I eventually pumped full time with him and then at four months converted over to formula full time because I couldn't maintain a healthy, ample supply with my pump. Josh is a great nurser! He's my booby pro. There is a world of difference in the two of them.

Do you find BFing easy now?
Yes. It is sooooo easy! I love it. I started out with a small goal in mind and now my goal has grown. I want to nurse Josh his whole first year if I'm able. We just have a great nursing relationship. We are talking about out TTC plans too so we will eventually wean before that time as well, which will be around his year birthday.

Is it easier than the bottle?
Yes. No bottle washing. No sterilizing. No formula mixing. Man, it's easy! I can't even tell you how easy. The only bad thing is that you are "attached" and have to really show dedication. Growth spurts are the worst because they eat so often. Josh is a long nurser too. He takes his sweet time savoring every minute he can. He uses me as a pacifier sometimes too, which is sweet when you're not doing anything, but stressful when you have things to get done. Ultimately the answer is YES, much easier.

Do you feel a special bond when BFing?
I have a special bond with each of my boys, but I will admit that I have a very special bond with Joshua. He had a rough start and the nursing really brought us together. I always felt this closeness with him from the first time I held him. The first time he nursed it brought us even closer. At night, in the dark when I look down into his eyes and he grins as he nurses, life just doesn't seem any sweeter. I love BFing him. He loves BFing. It works for us. I love that bond between us. I hope that I can do this again with the next one. I'm already praying for another booby baby.

Any suggestions for a first-time bombout who wants to give it another go?
Just stay determined. Relax. And, Hope for the best. That is really all you can do. Just go into with the expectations that you will give it a go and if it doesn't work for you then you gave it a try. I really think it all has to do with the baby. Hopefully your next baby will be a booby baby and will make it easy on you. I pray for that for you!