10 Things Your Labor Nurse Wants You to Know about Breastfeeding

[@Nurse_zabe]

Sorry for the 17 year long video. Clearly I have a lot to say about breastfeeding! Skip to 6:40 for the tips if you think the intro is too long. Don't forget to leave your questions below!

[@andieodellmarrone]

You're a sweetheart for doing the intro and disclaimers. I hope nobody has made you feel like you've offended them...because you're obviously a sweet person. 💗 Keep making the videos btw. Love the content! I'm 36 weeks and 2 days and getting so much more knowledge from you than anywhere else!!

[@brittanymiller123]

I wish I had this "17 year long video" back before I first breastfed. Lol So glad I watched this now! 👍

[@jessicamcpherson367]

Zabey Baby 2015 back to back labour / sunny side up? Would love to know more about it as I’ve been told my baby was facing forward at 35 weeks and now worried! I’ve been referred to see the OB because they are worried about my labour and may need forceps etc if he doesn’t turn? I’ve point blank refused but no one went through my notes 😩 is there a chance baby will settle and face the right way? Also I have an anterior placenta which was low (isn’t now) and was told babies tend to face forward when placentas at the front ? I’d love more info 😩💖

[@sbradley1308]

Is it true women with PCOS have more trouble breast feeding? What about diabetic women and women with thyroid conditions? I do have PCOS and I am either diabetic or pre-diabetic we're not sure because I was already on Metformin (for PCOS) when I was tested for diabetes and I am on Levothyroxine for my thyroid T4 and T3 are fine but my TSH had never been under control, we keep upping my medication but it's not helping so far. Recently I heard this could all cause issues for breastfeeding, I planned on pumping anyway (breast in hospital pumping after) but now I'm concerned I could have issue with pumping.

[@mommiesophie6815]

Can taking tums regularly cause calcium deposits on baby's heart?

[@alyssao7276]

You are the kind of nurse I hope to have. I worry about having someone that doesn’t care or take the time or makes me feel dumb.

[@brilliantbutblue]

Alyssa Kelly: Honey you are never ever dumb!! All new Mums go through exactly the same things even if its your second or third bub. If your Nurse in L and D isn't meeting your needs, simply request a different one! Patients have rights (l am a Nurse) and if your not being given the time, care or understanding or you just dont "click" with the Nurse then thats totally OK. All Nurses will agree that NO question is dumb, embarrassing and your concerns are not validated. All the very best for the big day and beyond as you grow into being an awesome Mum that you will be. Hugs from Australia.

[@amyerickson5693]

This saved my sanity 33 months ago when I had my baby and struggled horribly with nursing. It took us 3 weeks to get back to birth weight and it was awful. He’ll be 3 in 3 months now and is 91% height, 99%+ weight, and still nursing to sleep. Thank you for making this and all of your other videos. You’re amazing.

[@AuthorAmandaSavage]

My experience with breastfeeding for my first child was horrible... the nurses said skin breakage and pain was normal. I am so glad I know the difference now for future children

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

It is normal. What's perfect is not always what's realistic or practical.

[@ChristinaJosue]

After two miscarriages in a row we are now expecting our first baby girl 💕 and thank you for sharing!

[@becks609]

Christina & Josue We just had our second miscarriage in a row at 11 weeks. No successes, yet. I’m so glad to hear of someone who’s gone on to have a successful pregnancy after two miscarriages.

[@nicolevolcy3511]

Same. We lost two back to back and now we are 28 weeks with a boy. First baby praying everything goes well.

[@iiloveblueempire8425]

Becks keep praying it will happen don’t give up

[@becks609]

@@iiloveblueempire8425 Thanks! We are now on our fourth pregnancy. We had a third miscarriage, so really praying this one sticks around. :-)

[@iiloveblueempire8425]

Becks will be praying for you too .. I’m glad to hear such good news

[@arlh2309]

I planned on breastfeeding. I had a c section and still had no issue with my baby latching right after birth. But the first couple weeks in I found she was still hungry....I would feed and feed and feed and she still wasn't content. I decided to buy a pump. Started pumping and literally barely got 1 ounce after pumping for at least 30 minutes.☹ Then I decide to supplement with formula. My health nurse judged me and asked why I did formula at all, but my female doctor was supportive and told me it was fine to do both. I breast feed her in the morning and before bed and during the day she gets formula as well. I have mom guilt as I thought my milk would be flowing. You see a lot of KZbin videos of women with freezers full of milk. 😔 At the end of the day I had to do what was best for us. I know some women who only breastfeed, some who pump,some who exclusively do formula. The judgement from ourselves and others needs to stop. Great video👌👍🤗

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

The issue is yes it is a fine alternative but it does have long term complications for the health of the baby and that option is not always one and yet people think they can just go to formula. I made that mistake with my fifth, after breastfeeding was hard and I was groggy after a C-section and for me breastfeeding every time was a struggle but I still did it. I decided forget it's I will just do formula since he has blood sugar issues. But the milk gave him reflux and he started choking in his sleep and no matter what formula I did he had severe reflux but not with my milk. Because he was used to the bottle he developed a gag reflex which made it impossible to breastfeed so I was stuck exclusively pumping for over a year. My baby with a tongue tie could not drink from a bottle so I also had no choice but to stick to it.

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

And all pumps are not created equal and people do not understand that your body actually has to get used to the pump, it isn't just you pump and all your milk just spills out. The pump is not the baby and is called and does not cause oxytocin to flow through your body and trigger your milk to flow. So you probably unnecessarily thought there was a problem when there was not. I had freezers full milk, it doesn't happen overnight. I pumped for my fourth as well due to engorgement a few days after birth so I had a lot of milk but it didn't come out with the pump right away, it took time; but with my fifth because I had let my milk dry up it took a couple of months to be just breast milk only for my baby with extra.

[@victoriac117]

Thank you so much for acknowledging that some women cannot breastfeed. I have insufficient glandular tissue and almost starved my daughter because her pediatrician was so un knowledgeable about the subject. There was so much pressure for me to breastfeed and I had no idea that I wasn't producing milk. With baby number two I produced 2 oz a day. Thank you for supporting women no matter how they feed their baby!

[@gkaur1522]

Victoria, thank you for posting this. I wasn't able to breastfeed due to unknown reasons (possibly because I'm hypothyroid). I was told repeatedly by many people that if I was healthy enough to give birth, I was healthy enough to breastfeed. I'm glad I trusted my instincts when my baby was starving the first few days in the hospital. I could tell I wasn't producing enough colostrum despite two lactation consultants and the nurses telling me otherwise. I have a perfectly healthy 3 year old formula fed little boy now.

[@lsdcoatedcandy]

Me too!

[@mintbutterfly10]

My milk never came in. I had a very unhealthy, dehydrated pregnancy with HG. My daughter starved for 3 days in the hospital. My 1st child. Id had a horrible 9 months and 51 hours of rough labor, and a 4th degree tear. Nurses yelled at me and told me to grow up when I told them that I couldn't breastfeed and asked for a bottle for her. People need to know that it is not possible in some cases. And not to feel bad if you atone of those cases. I still feel horrible and stupid 4 years later.

[@victoriac117]

@@mintbutterfly10 I still get sad at times even though my kids are now 2 and almost 4.

[@andreagarcia3934]

@@mintbutterfly10 what did you say to these nurses who yelled at you? A lot of the time they are very forceful in their "teaching" approach but, if they were taking any kind of tone or being rude to you for your choice to bottle feed then you should have asked to speak to the head nurse and had them removed from your room. I was constantly being bombarded with nurses telling me to start bottle feeding my son when I told them I didnt want to use formula they became angry. I was breastfeeding and pumping nonstop and my milk came in after 2.5 days after birth. I left that hospital with bottles of frozen milk because of my determination to feed my baby and not listen to the nurses who tried to tell me I wasnt making enough milk. Everytime I called them to place my milk in the freezer they would come in with rude faces because they did not believe I could make so much. Anyhow stick to your gut and yes at times a nurse may know better but, us moms also are not stupid and we can make the best decision that we can for our babies without being judged.

[@jeunessehi]

I’m due in 6 weeks and I’m finding these videos so helpful! I’m going to breastfeed for sure. People have told me just buy formula, breastfeeding is hard.. and it’s discouraging. But I am determined to breastfeed my baby!

[@amandab6034]

I had trouble with baby 1. She had a tongue tie which was cut after a day or so. But she never latched right. We used a nipple shield for about 3 months before we were able to go with out it. We made it to 14m👍 I did see a lactation consultant 2x and that made all the difference. Baby 2, I knew in the hospital to ask for more help to get things right before we left. Baby 2 also had a tongue tie which was cut hours after birth. I think that helped him. He had no issue and we made it to 14m too. But I needed help with both. So long story short if breastfeeding is what you want to do and it’s not going well ASK FOR HELP!!! It’s natural BUT it’s still a learned skill for both mama and baby.

[@jamiebrown2543]

What is a tongue tie ?

[@lilannegirl03]

I *WISH* I'd had a nurse like you when I had my babies! I've had 6kids; I have never had a nurse tell me about wanting one really good feed in the first 24 hrs & the rest being attempts as being a normal/good/acceptable occurrence! There was always so much pressure for breastfeeding perfection right from the get-go 😔

[@darianabrannan4563]

I love how you mention babies not just feeding for nutrients.. this makes me feel so much better Great video!

[@Natasha_Selvam]

I'm only a CLC, would love to become an IBCLC one day and this is one of the most thorough and well done explanations of the first few days of breastfeeding! Thank you for spreading accurate and detailed information!!

[@amandab6034]

2nd night thing is 100% True! Push guest off a day. Sleep day 1. Because day 2 is WILD

[@zamiaramirez1390]

Honestly it makes sense tho. Like digestion hurts. The first night they are probably too tired to really care

[@menglanbai7212]

Can you talk about postpartum preparation checklist from a nurse and Mom point of view ? I learned so much from your videos and thank you so much!

[@yesenia9635]

Menglan Bai yes please!

[@sarahc4163]

Yes please! 33weeks atm and would love a video like this!

[@ks.nicole]

I love you so much! I’m getting medically induced at 37 weeks next week. First baby. Loved your induction video as well! Exactly what my midwife/dr said was going to was to happen. Very comforting. Very nervous and intimidated to breast feed but the more info I have I am feeling much better. Thank you thank you thank you 🤍🤍

[@ellabella437]

We just got discharged and brought baby home from the NICU yesterday, everyone in the hospital was very encouraging but I really needed this video this morning. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and support ❤️

[@Nurse_zabe]

You got this, mama! 💗💗

[@ellabella437]

Nurse Zabe thank you! 💕

[@ShufflingYogi]

even on my third child i feel like i learn sooooo much watching your videos. I love your mentality and personality as well. please do a lip and tongue tie video- my baby had BOTH!

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s coming! I’m trying to get the IBCLC I worked with to collab with me. 😊

[@stellashepherd844]

I love that you are an enthusiastic breastfeeding advocate. I also really love that as a nurse you are extra respectful of women who choose to formula feed. So often those women are not supported in their choice at their most vulnerable time. They feel shamed and pressured. It’s wonderful that you aren’t anti formula you must be a blessing to your patients. Hopefully someday this will balance out and all women will be supported in their choices. If you have a chance maybe you could include those tips you mentioned for helping a mom who doesn’t want to breastfeed prevent her milk from coming in or drying it up. By the way, you do wonderful videos, you’re a great teacher and a joy to watch.

[@stephxo1290]

I have to admit I was skeptical of this video. I wasn’t confident that an L&D nurse would be so knowledgeable because of my previous experiences in the hospital and with my pediatrician. I am SO happy you made this video and I watched!! You have so much amazing knowledge, you should absolutely become an IBCLC!! Thank you for providing factual information and not just sugar coating everything. Every new mom planning on nursing should watch this.

[@sydnireynolds6592]

I’d love to know what you think should be in every labor/hospital bag!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Sydni Reynolds I just posted it!

[@marnilaughman6615]

I have commented before in one of your videos but it needs to be repeated... EVERY woman who has delivered and feels discouraged in her breastfeeding NEEDS to watch your videos! You care kind and approachable. Your wisdom comes from actually breastfeeding your children. Books are great and knowledge is necessary but actually breastfeeding is a must when giving advice. Keep making these videos for moms who WANT to nurse but they aren’t supported in the home or in their circles!! You rock!!!

[@bboo8436]

The worst breast feeding advice I ever got was from my sister who said "It's supposed to hurt". I quit nursing my daughter but I persisted with my son. We met with a lactation consultant several times and he nursed for several years.

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

It hurt for me and I continued. It does hurt for some people and the perfect latch and open system is more often not possible. Lactation consultants can be helpful if your baby opens up. If you have larger nipples and baby doesn't open they will slurp and that will hurt.

[@PhuzBee]

With my 1st son, my nurses and LC were in and out of my room constantly, asking if baby had fed again after __ hours, or when the last time they had eaten was. It was the most stressful thing for me as an 18 year old new mom to deal with while trying to bond with my newborn. By my 2nd son, I just lied and said "he ate about an hour ago" and they left me alone for my snuggles and baby-led feeding schedule. I never let him out of my arms and off of my chest the whole time I was in the hospital. Yes, even to sleep. I'm glad to hear I was actually in the right with my decision to ignore the hospitals harassments. (Lol) I know it's their job to make sure baby is fed and to make sure mom knows to feed baby lots and lots AFTER the hospital, but taking my sleeping baby's diaper off so the cold air wakes them up is just cruel, in my opinion. They were just squeezed out of a 10 inch hole and screamed their lungs out. Let the poor baby rest.

[@kcjean008]

I would love to see a video about twins and multiples! I’m 20 weeks with di/di girls and as excited as I am, I’m terrified of labor! These are my first kids so I’ve never experienced it before. I would love the ins and outs of multiple labor, weight gain during pregnancy, I can’t think of everything 😂

[@stoneland9772]

Hi there. I wanna say thank you for your information for new parents like us. We started watching your videos from start of our Pregancy. Now, we are blessed with baby’s girl. You are really educating society. We knew nothing about anything. You made us educated. Thank you 🙏 love from Australia.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Stone Land Thanks for watching! Congrats on your daughter!

[@stoneland9772]

Thank you 😍🙏

[@helenkuch3476]

Where was this info when I had soo much issues breastfeeding a year ago!! Thank you for the advice I will be rewatching this next year when I try for baby #2

[@niasmommy953]

I'm due Feb 22, 2020 and just started watching your videos. I wanted to say thank you! They are calming as I feel more informed on things to look for, questions to ask, what is concerning, and other 1st time mommy anxieties. So thank you for being totally awesome and informative.

[@dawandabocanegra8935]

My daughter is 10 year old now and the second day she was born she was so fussy even when I would breastfeed her.I was so worried she was starving I gave her formula.I wish I had a nurse like you.No one explained the fussiness to me.You are such a helpful resource thank you so much.

[@skhrider7418]

I just had my first baby, and I wanted you to know that I watched all of your other videos prior to my labor and delivery and they were SO helpful! I had a great experience and was so glad I had watched your videos beforehand. I'm so glad you made this video too!! ❤️

[@mckenziewatson8476]

I would love for you to share in a video #1 What you would pack in your hospital bag for you, hubby, and baby and #2 I would love to know the best postpartum care items you recommend! Thank you for such an encouraging video. I love them all and have learned so much. I am due Nov 8th with baby number 1!!

[@randomperson1028]

I found your videos right after I found out I was pregnant I’m 7 weeks now and I LOVE your videos there so informative and help with all those new mom fears Thank you❤️

[@emmahoward161]

12 weeks pregnant.... for second time. Loving revisiting these videos after 2 years when I was pregnant with my first. Love your videos x

[@jenniferhemingway2564]

Thank you so much for pointing out that breastfeeding doesn't have to hurt!! Im due in 6 weeks and my mom keeps telling me how I need to be prepared for how painful breastfeeding is and it starts to get discouraging! I love your videos :)

[@lisatyrrell3961]

The hospital I’ll be birthing at checks for tongue and lip ties before you are discharged, they also said if we are struggling with feeding come back to the hospital and they will help us before having to pay for an IBCLC appointment. I attended a breastfeeding class at the hospital and the information they provided on the support available was amazing. 8 weeks till I’m due so keep these videos coming!

[@alexismacccc]

I gave birth two weeks ago and this video would have reassured me so much when she was first born and was having an impossible time latching after that first original feed. This video is going to help so many breast feeding persons

[@reignruyolty8108]

I can't remember how I found your channel, but I'm so glad i did! You're amazing! I'm going to be having my 3rd baby in a few weeks and you are exactly what I have needed! Thank you so much!!!!

[@emilyvanzyderveld1589]

I'd love for you to talk about mastitis and postpartum complications. Love your content! I'm far away from having babies, but I'm going into the medical field, so I love learning these things.

[@midwestbadger2503]

I feel like my nurses led me in the wrong direction. Everything you said is what I had learned in my bf course that I signed a up and paid for at the hospital. But when I delivered I asked the nurse right away if I can latch my baby on and if she could help me, she said "you can try breast feeding but I can't help I'm not comfortable with bf yet" She said she was new to L&D. I delivered at midnight so there were no LCs there at that time to help. I didn't get my first latch until 1 pm the next day. I exclusively put no pacifier and told the nurses that because I said "in the bf course (that I took at that hospital) the LC recommended no pacifier or bottle until two weeks." When my baby came back from the nursery there was a pacifier in his bassinet and then the nurse put it in his mouth right in front of me. Also later I found out my baby was given formula when I didn't approve of, no one asked me. And when I asked why he was given formula they told me they didn't want to wake me because I was sleeping. One nurse told me "LCs have their way and use nurses have our way" kind of in a tone... So I felt like there was a divide between the nurses and LCs. Just annoying that I took the breastfeeding course they offered but when I expressed the things I learned from the course and wanted to stand by they didn't have any consideration for. I feel like the nurses should have to take the bf course held by the LCs and know what they teach and why patients come in having these expectations instead of looking at me like I am crazy for having said expectations.

[@tammyrios2803]

Ugh that is awful. I am already having some anxiety with my delivery. I feel like my doctor is going to try and schedule an inducement...then I feel like I am not being heard .. I think I may change providers. I hope if you have any more babies..next time is a better experience for you. ❤

[@yanak7159]

My husband was following around the nurses when they would take our son for weight ins and making sure they didn’t give pacifier and/or formula. That’s kind of the only way we were able to make sure they didn’t give him that and wouldnt give him any vaccines without our knowledge and approval.

[@Nurse_zabe]

Everything you said here is horrible and not ok and I hope that you reported that nurse to her supervisor. At my hospital, we would never give formula or a pacifier without consent from the parents. Many nurses do take a lactation course and most nurses do a much better job supporting breastfeeding. I am so sorry your experience was so negative and frustrating. 😩

[@midwestbadger2503]

@@Nurse_zabe thank you. I never did make a report. In the end my baby latched but it was just frustrating experience. I guess I could still say something so other new momma's don't have to go through that. You sound like such a sweet L&D nurse who treats her career as a passion not just a job and I think some labor and delivery nurses aren't the same way. Thanks for posting these videos, you help out so many!

[@leenaparsons9876]

Lol how about you’re the baby’s mom and they do things YOUR way. Jeez. So frustrating. I would be so mad.

[@katiemcghee8525]

I love this video!!!! I am 12 weeks pregnant and this information eased my mind of the breastfeeding horror stories! I hope to exclusively breast feed my baby. Thank you for taking the time to make great videos!

[@rebekahkitts7092]

As a woman who is trying to get pregnant, I love your videos so much! I'm learning so much! I love going in being prepared about "second night fright" and that just puts me at ease knowing that it's a thing! Thank you so much! I look forward to more of your videos!

[@angelinagutierrez909]

I’m so happy I found your channel! Not only are you filled w/ so much vital info, but you’re funny & I lol a lot when I’m listening to you. Thanks for being so well rounded in all the areas I need as I learn during pregnancy.

[@mommybug3262]

I used to say my son “used my boobs as a pacifier” but I meant that he needed comfort not just milk. I never minded it

[@TheBebe12345678]

I am so glad I found your videos! I gave birth to my first child on July 24 and I was not so much scared as worried about the pain and pushing. Like I said it was my first but it was sort of easy labor. My water broke at 3 am and she was born at 9:30 pm same day, I pushed maybe 3-4 times and she was out within 10 mins! Thank you so much for making these videos, they helped me so much! I was going to try with out the epidural but at 5 cm(4:30 pm) with the contractions lasting a min and coming every other min i just couldn’t imagine them getting stronger, the epidural was amazing!

[@abrilgrado8179]

I’m 8weeks and 6days and I had a horrible experience with my 1st baby trying to Brest feed and your videos have made me feel like I can work on it this time around and have a successful Brest feeding experience!

[@alinaboyarchuk8177]

I lied on my bf charts to get the nurses to leave me alone. I fed my babies when they were hungry not based on a schedule, as long as they are having poops and pees and baby is healthy.

[@edenredeemed]

You're the first person who has said that breastfeeding isn't supposed to hurt. My sister in law, and other women have all told me it's going to hurt really bad for about two weeks and to expect cracking and blistering. I'm thinking that just can't be right! Hearing you say that's is t supposed to happen and that something is wrong with the latch is good to hear.

[@destinyd721]

Been watching your videos through my whole pregnancy ❤️ Just had my son on the 14th 💕 Love your channel 😊

[@melherbert9267]

August is my first full month of breastfeeding. My baby was born on July 24. So far breastfeeding has been wonderful.

[@kittybubbles85]

This is such a great video! I wish I'd had this with my first - currently pregnant with no 2 and looking forward to breastfeeding again 😀 that sleepy day one and crazy day two is so true

[@jesystar]

Thank you for your video!! Can you do a video of just exclusively pumping. More so when to start the exclusive pumping a more in depth video.

[@tanyabee3955]

With my daughter bf hurt so much I almost quit! Thankfully a lactation consultant showed me that her bottom lip was going in. She told me to gently pull her chin down so the lip could be out and that was a gamechanger! We breastfed for 3 years 8 months!

[@donitawhite8111]

I absolutely love you!!! You are an amazing nurse, mother, educator and all around amazing human being! I will be turning 47 years old in a few months so obviously I'm done having babies but I wish I could have had YOU as a resource during my labor & delivery and breastfeeding days. I am definitely envious of this generation as they have so many resources at their fingertips.

[@Belle784]

Question for your next video: What are your favorite / recommended books on pregnancy and parenting for new moms?

[@rachaela5834]

I have a 19month old son and the hospital didnt have me attempt to feed right after he was born. It was hours later. And then after that his sugar dropped and we had to stay an extra day and it was just a nightmare. My supply went down after about a month but I think it was my fault because I was kind of giving up because he wouldn't latch. I'm almost 31 weeks with baby boy number 2 and you've given me so much info to try again and be successful!

[@mikhailakippenbrock3833]

I pray that I have a nurse like you at my birth!!! You put my mind at ease with every video!!!

[@jordanann4383]

You remind me so much of Drew Barrymore!!

[@lostmaplegirl]

We have an amazing lactation consultant in my area, I struggled so much with both my kids and the first we ended up supplementing with formula, he just wasn’t gaining, my second has little rolls and I so love those little rolls. If you are able always consult a lactation consultant if you’re planning on breastfeeding, if not it’s ok, my first turned out perfectly fine and he was exclusively formula after 6 months. Fed is best. I had a lot of struggles with my second, but he gained easily, which helped me push through the problems, he had tongue ties and cluster fed a lot. We are getting in control of it now.

[@horsegirl2099]

I know this video is older but thank you for talking about not everyone being able to breastfeed. With my 1st daughter I exclusively breastfeed her for the first 2 weeks and she lost almost a pound in that time. My pediatrician then had me supplement her with formula letting me know if she didnt gain anything in 3 days she would have to be admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive. It was scary and at the next appointment after that she had gained I think 2 or 3 ozs and was much happier but that appointment is where I learned I had very watery milk so to much formilk and not enough hind milk sadly after another 2 weeks of both breastfeeding and formula what milk I was making dried up and I felt like a failure. It didnt help the lady at wic said I sould have never supplemented and it was my fault. I now have a happy healthy 2 year old and am 19 weeks pregnant. I am going to try breastfeeding again but I am going to have a small amount of formula on hand so my poor baby doesnt starve if I have the same problem. Sorry it is long but I like to comment on things like this so other moms know you are not a failure if you cant breastfeed and it is not your fault if you are a mom who just doesn't produce the only thing that matters is if you and baby are happy and healthy. Sorry for the long comment hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

[@julvwildcat190]

I am so glad you talked about scheduled feedings, number 8. My son will be 6 weeks old this week. Since the beginning, after day one, he has been constantly at the breast. At first I think some of that was because we were both learning how to breastfeed. There were times that I questioned if I wanted to continue breastfeeding. Then I thought if he is doing this with me he would do it on a bottle so I would be feeding him all the time anyway. I am happy that my nurse told me about cluster feeding, I looked it up and started to think that maybe there were other reasons other than my baby was starving for him to always want to feed. Thinking my baby was starving caused me a lot of anxiety in the beginning, lots of crying, feeling like a failure, etc. Then at his 2 week check up I found out he had gained a good amount of weight since his first appointment. That made me so happy. I thought something was wrong with my baby because he was on the breast all the time and not every two hours like I was told he should be feeding. I think they should make it clear to new moms that if your baby feeds more often it's ok and normal. He is sleeping for longer stretches of time now, I'm so thankful, but there are times he still feeds more often. Thank you for making this video and putting my mind at ease. I know this video is old but maybe a new mom who is experiencing what I am will see my comment and see that she is not alone.

[@elishamarie81]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m currently breast-feeding my one week and six day old baby and I was concerned because her poops have dropped off to just a couple a day but now I know she may be going through a growth spurt. Her weight has been steadily growing so you have helped me a lot to feel better. I appreciate you!

[@viajanteforadacurva3383]

Great video, but i have to share that in my experience, breastfeeding hurt like hell. I've had over 10 health professionals (nurses, lactation consultants and doctors) evaluate me and my baby while in hospital and they all said the latch and the baby were perfect. I was also accompanied by an intentionally certified lactation consultant from day 2, had a second nurse/lactation consultant come analyse us when things got unbearable and consulted with a mastologist. They all said baby was latching properly, but still I had really bad cracks on my nipples, bleeding, blisters and other issues. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong because "breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt". I nearly went into post partum depression and it was only after talking to a therapist that I understood that, in my experience, breastfeeding did hurt and it was not anything I was doing wrong. My baby is now 7 weeks and breastfeeding got a bit better, but still hurts every time (though now it's a bit more bearable).

[@jenniferhanna6433]

My daughter was in the NICU for 2 and half weeks because she was 6 weeks early and needed a feeding tube for a while but in the beginning when I first started pumping I made so much that the nurses had a huge collection because I would pump ever 2 3 hours, but when I finally brought her home and pumped at home I wouldn’t make as much and we went through our frozen milk and had to switch to formula because I wasn’t producing enough, I really wish she was able to breast feed from the beginning but to be honest I’m so glad how happy and healthy she’s turned out from where she was.

[@backwoodsbrit8239]

My third baby was born with a bad tongue tie. Breastfeeding was very hard in the hospital. Luckily our pediatrician was able to release it at our first appointment after we were discharged from the hospital. Now I'm dealing with an oversupply and we are having trouble with feeding because of that.

[@crispycaboodles]

Thank you so much none of the women in my family breast fed and I've heard negative stories from those who didn't get help. I feel alot better and am so excited to try when the time comes and getting more education.

[@chickin1235]

Elizabeth you are just the sweetest!!! Everyone's dream nurse :)

[@katiegraczyk5759]

I'd love more detail on nipple confusion (when is it ok to bring in a pacifier if you'd like to use one?), when you can introduce bottles if you want to do both traditional breastfeeding as well as bottle feeding? (I'd like my husband to be able to feed baby, too). When should / can you pump post-partum? Should you feed 'on demand' initially? For how long should you do that? The whole world of breastfeeding is confusing, I would love to know more :)

[@salmamacias6647]

I just had a baby 3 almost 4 weeks ago and I need to hear all of this, breast feeding is so hard but I’m trying for my baby to exclusively breastfeed. I’m producing enough but the latching part is the hardest for me

[@Nurse_zabe]

Salma Macias Please week out help if you are struggling! You can do this! Breastfeeding can be so tough in the beginning. 💗

[@spaceykc]

question: if we are using a breast pump to do nipple stimulation in order to induce labor, should we save the colostrum that is brought out? or will our bodies produce more colostrum after the baby is born? If we want to avoid bottles for those first few weeks, and establish a good latch, should we skip pumping to induce labor in order to avoid feeding baby from a bottle if the colostrum that comes out is all we get? if any mamas have experience with this, I would love to know! of course I will be also asking my midwife about this but would love to know others thoughts on how that works as well...

[@Nurse_zabe]

Definitely save! You’ll probably get only a few milliliters. Save in a syringe and freeze and you should be able to feed via a spoon or syringe if trying to avoid bottles.

[@You.Tube.Sucks.]

Loved it. Listening to it like a podcast while I make breakfast, so I hope I didn't miss anything you put on the screen. Couldn't hear the very last tip over my toddler's banging pans together, but I agreed with everything that I did hear! The LC at the hospital gave me a nipple shield "just in case" 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don't have inverted nipples & my baby was latching just fine. I threw it out when I got home. It's exactly what you said -- a bandage, for temporary use. Learned that from the wonderful Dr. Newman, whom I know you admire & respect, too. Thanks for another great video, Elizabeth.

[@gms4430]

Your videos are AMAZING!!! I appreciate you sooooo much! Preggo now 22 weeks I feel sooo much more prepared now than I did 8 yrs ago with my son 👍🏾👍🏾

[@katiegraczyk5759]

I am only a few mins in and already laughing. You are so funny! No worries, you didn't 'miss' it -- it's always baby education time!

[@marianawhitmore7094]

You are such a light, so knowledgeable, so good at explaining things, and so freaking adorable and funny. Thank you for all this good info, you make me feel less afraid of having children, and you give me more security in body and in my femininity. Thank you!

[@moonprincesslizzy]

I love how you go into detail on a lot of stuff long videos are the best for information ♡

[@madelynqualls5336]

FTM here, really wanting to breastfeed. You're amazing for these videos, they give me so much information and a sense of being at ease.

[@katrinacarroll56]

I absolutely love your videos. I'm still at least a couple of years off from trying for children, but I'm trying to do some learning. I really wish I could have you as my nurse when I do have children. You're so knowledgeable, helpful, and honestly SO comforting.

[@neoandlykkecat]

I don't have kids on my own. But I remember my sister and her baby twelve years ago. She had a lot of trouble with one of her breasts in the beginning. But she was able to feed her. Hugs from Norway.

[@littlejonnyb18]

As far as tongue ties, I wish I knew sooner that my baby had one. We had issues breastfeeding since day 1, i hand expressed colostrum days 1 to 3, he still lost 9% of his weight by the night before discharge causing us to have to supplement. Long story short we were told in the hospital no lip or tongue tie, his lack of ability to latch was because of my anatomy. I pumped in the hospital and continued at home but my supply has never been sufficient. The pump just doesnt do as well as a baby. 4 weeks old and he progressively got worse and worse with reflux. I was able to find a fantastic board certified LC and she told me he absolutely has a tongue tie, though she didnt think it was extremely severe initially, and hes taking in a ton of air because of this, causing his reflux. A week later I went back because he began to want to nurse more though we still couldnt get the latch down. She evaluated him again and saw how uncomfortable he is while eating and we are now on track to see an ENT to evaluate his tongue tie. He can stick his tongue out pretty good, but cannot effectively raise it to the palate, constantly breaking the seal and not able to pull in breast tissue for a good latch. He is always in pain while eating and wants to nurse but cant so I am hoping if we do in fact need the tongue tie fixed that it will solve all these issues and we can eventually bf exclusively. Fingers crossed!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Definitely sounds like a tongue tie to me. Praying you get it resolved and have the nursing relationship you hope for!

[@katieb9472]

This is all so interesting! Do you know much about the 'old times' when women had struggles with pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding and what life was like back then for them and what support was offered for them? Would be interesting to see how far we have come. Love your videos!

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

We haven't come far. Why did you think we had?? Long times ago tongue ties were cut. Breastfeeding mothers fed their babies or hired nurses but I think they didn't do that often, they also pumped (it is much older than we think. American women had issues, there are books like the mother's book by Lydia Marie Child's that talks about that I think. But I can't remember, I read a couple of books from a while ago.

[@misslisajlong]

“Take a picture because they’ll never look that good again” 😱 SOOOO TRUE

[@monicat7897]

Can you please please do a video on exclusive pumping and supply increase/maintenance 🙏🙏🙏

[@lindamiller923]

please please please make a video about labor and delivery with twins both natural and a C-section. i’m 28 weeks pregnant with fraternal boys and i would LOVE to know what to expect. i’m having so much anxiety about giving birth seeing as these are my first babies (my rainbow babies) 💕

[@MaayanLovesUnicorns1]

Paused the video at :02 to tell you THANKYOU! I’m having my son in a few short Months and wishing to have a nurse as good, or even half as good as you. You have given so much information for my first pregnancy and delivery and I can’t thank you enough. ❤️

[@n.m.9938]

Could you please make a video about at home delivery? I am more and more into it, but not sure. There is not sufficient professional information out there. What is you opinion on this? Any tips? I really appreciate your work and passion.🤗🤗

[@ap1092]

Thanks for all of your videos Nurse Zabe! So insightful and easy to understand for first time parents to be, you are super super helpful!! Thank you!

[@ashleystreasures8860]

Thanks for this and many of your other videos. I'm a FTM to a baby girl and I've been breastfeeding for almost 6 weeks. I've also been supplementing with formula. At first I wanted to exclusively breastfeed but she had jaundice when she was born and her pediatrician recommended breastfeeding and formula feeding. Then I stopped formula for a few days. I started with the formula again because I felt like I wasn't making enough milk. When I pump I only pump 2-3 oz. when I do pump. I now breastfeed and formula feed about 2-3 times a day and baby girl is healthy and just fine. Jaundice went away and she's gaining weight really well. Breastfeeding is hard and latching sometimes hurt. I've talked with a lactation consultant 3x. I don't go by the feed every 2-3 hours, I feed whenever she wants. She also takes a pacifier, she had it since her 2nd day of life and she takes that that, a bottle and the breast with no problems.

[@adamandnoahsadventures621]

I wish I would of had this video before I had my baby. I knew absolutely nothing going into it other than people saying it’s hard and me knowing I wanted to do it. I didn’t realize how even though it is so natural it may not come naturally and that you have to work at it and learn how to get it down! I had a bad experience with all the nurses in the hospital, they kept making me feel like I wasn’t doing enough and grabbing onto my sore breasts without asking. And having me track every single thing and questioning me every two hours while I was exhausted and getting no help. We were in the hospital for 3 days and I slept about 30 mins a day and that was it. He’s 6 weeks old now and I am using a shield because he has tongue tie, but he eats plenty he’s gained 4 pounds already! We’re working on getting a referral to fix the tie. Anyways thank you for this video! I feel like I actually did everything right now and was just being made to feel otherwise.

[@burningshadows01]

I just found your channel just now and I came from one of your other videos to this one. I have had one son, we had hoped to have a second child but that ended up not working out as I have an auto-immune disease (we found out after my son was born, his birth caused a huge flare up which was when we realized something was wrong.) The reason I wanted to leave this comment is that I wanted to thank you for not excluding the fact that some people breastfeed and that you are not being judgmental of why that person isn't breastfeeding. You have no idea how much this means to me. While pregnant I had said I wanted to try to breast feed but when I hit around 7 months along I started having massive panic attacks at the idea of it. When he was born I just told the nurse I couldn't do it. I could tell from the look on that nurse's face that she was not happy with my decision. Especially because she kept pushing for me to try. For a very long time I just told people I didn't want to because that is what I thought was the truth. It wasn't until my son was around 5 or 6 years old that things from my past finally surfaced and my brain couldn't block out what had been done to me anymore and I had been sexually abused in my first marriage. So the panic attacks about breast feeding ended up being because of that. I just really wanted to Thank you so much for not being judgmental and not trying to push one specific way of doing things onto everyone. It really, really means a lot to me.

[@dianabarbara2948]

I have yet to deliver, and have never been hospitalized, but I think this type of frowning must be especially upsetting when this comes from a woman and a nurse, someone who should have feelings of solidarity with a new mother. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience, but know that for every experience like that in life, there are positive ones, and we have to decide which ones we value most. I wish you and your child all the best :)

[@burningshadows01]

@@dianabarbara2948 Thank you and yeah it was a bit rough, my son is almost 10 now. I even had a random woman stop and stand next to me while I was getting his formula, he was maybe a few months old? and she started going on about how I was feeding him rat poison and how I was hurting him, etc. I was so exhausted because I was doing school full time, taking care of my son till my husband got home and it was near exam times. (I was 29 when I had him) normally I would have politely told the woman it wasn't any of her business but she wouldn't let me get a word in and I was just so done so managed to stop her talking and asked. "Is he your child?" she was like, "What?" so I repeated myself and she said no then without even thinking about it I said. "Then shut the fuck up because when it comes to my kid you are not apart of the equation when it comes to what is best for him." I kinda really felt bad but also I was so exhausted and tired of people who didn't know me judging me.

[@burningshadows01]

@@dianabarbara2948 Also sorry for not saying this in my response but Congrats!

[@hellopurry]

I wish more nurses were educated in bf. I always feel pressured to use formula and to feed on schedule even though that doesn't work with bf.

[@valeriepark9444]

Now that my baby is 3 months old, and *almost* exclusively breastfeeding, here's what I wish I'd learned beforehand: 1. Breast milk is NOT perfect. Not only does it lack iron (which forces moms to pressure doctors into delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord), breast milk also does not contain vitamin D, which means I have to remember to add one tiny drop each day (not every bottle, just one) to my milk. 2. Nursing is something mom and baby do TOGETHER. Neither party is passively feeding or eating, it's a team effort. But sometimes, babies mouths aren't big or strong enough straight away to get the nutrition they need, and also mom is healing from various injuries after delivery, and both need their sleep. So rather than trying to exclusively breastfeed right off the bat, and nursing for 23 hours a day, just supplement with formula to start! It's ok! 3) Formula is NOT evil. In fact, it takes longer for baby to digest formula than breast milk, which means they will SLEEP LONGER in between feedings. As noted above, formula contains iron and vitamin D, which are not found in breast milk. 4) We accidentally-on-purpose discovered that if we use multiple styles of bottles/nipples right away, our baby wouldn't develop a preference for bottle vs nipple vs breast. He does, however, refuse pacifiers, because we didn't use any for the first couple of weeks.

[@sanaakushha6582]

Love your videos as a mom to be. These are not questions they are video requests. I would love to see what you think are a new born essentials and things I need to buy. Also, I would love to see a video about the hospital bag from your point of view. Thank you for everything I am learning a lot and I am taking a lot of notes❤️

[@claudiajade624]

This was all so Helpful and comforting, thankyou 💜 So keen and excited to hopefully breastfeed my little one 😊

[@theLightLees]

In 1981, when I was born, my mom said I wouldn’t keep down any formula, and she was not encouraged to breast feed me. Instead, at 6 weeks, she was guided to put me on cows milk! Fast forward - I tried but was unsuccessful with both my girls in breastfeeding. Pregnant now, I’m determined to make the best effort for this baby to breastfeed.

[@erikamaldonado1369]

I'd love to know your thoughts about taking a baby out side after birth. I'm struggling with a wedding. Baby will be only 2 months. Research has put me on the fence, because there's no definite answer....

[@brilliantbutblue]

Erika Maldonado: Baby will be absolutely fine whether you decide to take him or her to the wedding, or if you decide to get a trusted babysitter and enjoy a night off!! Babys are very adaptable and need to fit in with your life! Whatever you decide to do with bubs dont skip the wedding and enjoy the celebration. All the very best.

[@nims6043]

It is perfectly fine to take a 2 month old to a wedding. The first 2 weeks is the riskiest time.

[@Dropkick242]

Thank you for the comment about it perhaps being too traumatic and thank you for all of these really informative and lovely videos you seem so kind, patient and caring

[@desireebarhorst-weller1767]

Great video and good tips! As I'm due in 2.5 weeks and planning to breastfeed and this video is a great help!

[@nicolabennett7543]

Thank you for acknowledging that breast feeding isn't right for every mum or every baby, I am not pregnant yet but I deeply want children, and I have known for a long time that breast feeding may not be whats best for me/my baby due to my own health issues. I often already feel judged and worry that people may not understand or accept my choice to formula feed when I do have children. It hasn't been an easy choice for me to make and its something I thought about as soon as I received my diagnoses, so being challenged on it would be super difficult. I only hope that my midwives are as understanding as you (I'm in the UK)

[@kristinai.4184]

You are a real inspiration! Thank you so much for your videos!

[@victoriablack2093]

As usual a great video ! Especially for a first time mum who plans on breastfeeding and it all looks a bit scary! Thank you

[@SimplyMassi]

can you PLEASE do a video on C-section wound care? cleaning it with soap or no soap?, keep it wet, keep it dry,? infections signs to look for, bandage or no coverings? best tips for smooth scarring, etc. - My BP has been worrisome and it looks like I'm heading into a scheduled c-section. Thank you for these videos!

[@courtneymaslak8772]

This is such a helpful video for a new mom! I want to share it with everyone around me! Thank you so much!