Preparing To Nurse & The Need For Support

Prenatal vitamins, Fenugreek, Mothers Milk Tea, birth-control pills, hospital grade breast pump, pumping schedule, etc.  So many little details to focus on in order to try to nurse our child when we are blessed with one.  Details are so very important and so often overlooked, or just forgotten, while in preparation for parenthood.  I have found that because I am unable to carry my child in my womb, I must focus on details that those who can carry their child in their wombs may not have to consider.  Most pregnant women don't have to consider hospital grade breast pumps, starting a pumping schedule prior to birth, or taking birth control pills and other supplements in order to induce lactation.

Yes, some will have to take supplements to help their milk supply, some will pump in addition to nursing or while at work, but most won't have to prepare well in advance of the birth of their child.  Their bodies, most of the time, will be doing the preparations needed to nurse while they are pregnant without them having to focus on it.  Preparing to nurse will be time consuming and a lot of work, but I feel that the benefits that nursing provides to mama and baby, far outweighs the inconvenience and hard work. 

I know that there is the possibility that I will not be able to produce enough breast milk to sustain my child without adding some formula, or that I won't be able to produce any milk at all.  But I am going to do the best I can.  I want to be able to give my child the best nutrition possible and nursing is the way to go.  The nutrition,  the bonding, and so much more are benefits that will make all the hard work of preparing to nurse worth it.

In order to prepare to try to nurse I have started taking prenatal vitamins, have fenugreek on hand, and have met with my doctor to get the prescriptions I need for the breast pump and the birth control pills.  I was able to get the prescription for the breast pump but she has to do some research in order to give me a prescription for the birth control pills.  She has not come across a situation like this and is not sure what type or what dosage of birth control to give.  So, more waiting.

Which is OK, difficult, but OK.  One thing I wish while I go through this process is that I had a better support system here in Grants Pass.  I miss being able to just drive a short distance to talk with my mom or my sisters and get my feelings out.  Going through this process is difficult and I realize how much more so when your closest support is an hour and a half away.  Focusing on the details is helping me keep my mind off the wait and off the fact that I have no close friends or family close by to help me.  When I pause for a breath, I am reminded of how much more work there is to be done and how much I need my friends and family.

So what do I do?  Forge ahead and try to keep myself occupied with all the little details.  As I do, I look to God and I know that He will guide and encourage me and strengthen my heart.

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.  Psalms 31:24

As I continue to prepare to nurse and for motherhood, I am comforted by the fact that God is always with me.  I pray that all the preparation will pay off when the time comes.  I will wait for the blessing of motherhood and continue to focus on the details so I am prepared for that blessing.