By Cara Gambill
Its official! After this week I have come to the realization that Nolan is an evening cluster feeder! Hello to evenings being confined to the couch with a big jug of water, milk-friendly snacks, a very fussy baby, and extremely sore nipples. Frustrating yes, but this isn’t my first rodeo, so I have to remember the end is in sight. I survived cluster feeding and so can you!
Make the most of it…it won’t last forever
During Nolan’s nursing marathons, I have learned to make the most of the time I will be stuck on the couch.
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- I love reading, but I rarely get a chance to read for fun. Nursing marathons allow me a chance to grab some good books and catch up on my reading.
- If books aren’t your thing, I have to admit I also tend to sneak in a movie or favorite television series during this time. Hello Netflix!
- Cluster feeding is also an opportune time to begin tackling the never-ending stack of thank you notes that continue piling up long after you have a baby. I am personally horrible at putting off writing thank you notes, so while I am stuck on the couch, it’s a good time to grab a pen and a stack of notes.
This is how I currently pass my evenings, but there are so many other options. Maybe these options don’t appeal to you, find something that works. Maybe you love to knit or crochet, or maybe you would like to use this time to just listen to some good music and relax. Find something you love to do that you otherwise lack the time to do. Remember this won’t last forever, so choose to make the most of it!
How to survive the pain
These nursing marathons can be very painful. Yes, there are times I feel like my nipples are either going to fall off or burst into flames. During these times I rely on gel pads and lanolin. The ComfortGel by Ameda are my favorite! I can feel the difference immediately after putting them on. I also use the Triple Zero Lanolin between nursing sessions to help moisturize, soothe, and protect. I am able to keep it on while nursing Nolan without it bothering him. I have used other brands that made him refuse to latch unless I scrubbed off every trace of the lanolin (which defeated the purpose and caused my nipples to become raw). If you have been unable to use other lanolin products in the past, I would give Ameda’s Triple Zero Lanolin a shot!
DISCLAIMER:
Ameda strives to present you with accurate and useful breastfeeding information. This article may contain information and ideas that are not necessarily the views of Ameda. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have any questions please contact your healthcare professional.
