a few things they don't tell you about breastfeeding

both william and i have been reading a lot of material, books and online, about babies and baby care, etc. it can be frustrating b/c many of them say different things. i tend to think that the more you read the better - that way you can just use what you feel applies to your baby. as they always say, each baby is different and you know your baby best. but all those differing opinions can be really annoying when you are trying to figure out why baby is fussing. luckily Thomas usually fusses when he is hungry, wet, too cold/hot or has gas (burps or farts). but every once in awhile, he fusses for a bit and it seems like nothing is wrong. william gets frustrated "those stupid books are so full of it!" and it does feel that way sometimes :)
here is what i wish was explained better re: breastfeeding. they talk about "let down" but they don't really explain. well, your breasts don't let go of milk right away. ever time he feeds, baby has to suck on them for a few seconds and then the milk starts flowing. that is called let down, and once your milk really starts flowing, it can happen several times in one feeding. so much milk comes out that baby chokes sometimes. however, you can have spontaneous let down at random times of the day, i.e. when your boobs are really full, when you hear him cry, when you think about him feeding, etc. what they don't tell you is that you know when you have let down b/c your breasts tingle - not a pleasant tingle. it can be a very strong tingle, uncomfortable. it is not as bad when he is feeding. but if you just start leaking when you are walking about, it is not comfortable.
another thing they don't tell you - even with everything going well, it is not comfortable when the little bugger latches on (first starts sucking away). this is after 5 weeks of breastfeeding. they say, oh the soreness will subside and that definitely does. but those first 5 seconds still make me want to say "hallelujah!!!!!" and push him off. plus, it is not like your breasts toughen up and become like pre-baby. you learn to be a little more careful, even towel drying after a shower.
anyways, tmi, but all true. of course each woman is a little different so my experiences are particular to me. but i wish i had known some of the above. it is no wonder women stop breastfeeding after a few weeks or the first month. it is not the most easy, natural process, not for today's women.