Due in 2 weeks! Scared of failue... again.

Maria - posted on 06/13/2010

Go to http://www.llli.org/ for advice on breastfeeding. Also, try getting a viseo on breastfeeding. That was very helpful for me. Finally, when they tell you to "breastfeed as much as possible" in the hospital, don't listen. During the colostrum stage, the baby only needs to breastfeed for a few minutes before all the colostrum is taken in. This is because the baby's tummy isn't ready for too much... and neither are your nipples. Don't let it get to the point of pain. Take breaks. DEFINATELY talk to a lactation consultant. Most hospitals have one on duty, but you need to ask for them.

Cherrie - posted on 06/13/2010

Have the most natural birth that you are comfortable with. Medications in labor and also C-sections can make breastfeeding more difficult(certainly not impossible just harder) Even if you have the most medical birth there is you can still suceed at breastfeeding it just makes it easier if you are bth happy, alert, un-medicated, not in pain and allowed to remain together right after the birth. I wish you well and cant wait to hear how it goes.

Mary - posted on 06/11/2010

The best way to prevent sore nipple is make sure your baby is latched on correctly. Ask to have a lactation consultant evaluate your babies latch before you go home. If you can prevent the problem you may have an easier time. Many second babies and moms do way better at nursing than the first.

Kara - posted on 06/11/2010

Hi I get where you are coming from I tried with my first baby and failed. When my second child came along I was determined and afraid. The best thing you can do is find support. Like other repliers (is that a word?) I believe that the La Leche League is a great source of support and info. Also consult a lactation specialist, I found enormous support from these people. Finally dont give up you can do this and you just have to be patient while both of you are learning. I wish you all the best and hope you can experience the wonderful bonding that occurs with breastfeeding.

Lara - posted on 06/11/2010

My first baby did not latch on and I pumped for 3 months. After that I succesfully breast fed my next 2 children until they were over 1 year. Don't worry things will work out!!

Teresa - posted on 06/11/2010

First, Congratulations!
Second, you are not a failure as a mother as long as your child is thriving. I had a low milk supply and had to supplement my daughter with formula. It is ok.
Please contact a Lactation Consultant in your area. Meet with her prior to your delivery to discuss your experience with breastfeeding and your concerns. The hospital you plan on delivering at may have LCs available (mine did). Call there or call your OB and ask if he/she can refer you to one. After you have your baby, keep in touch with the LC. You might consider attending La Leche League meetings. Don't be afraid to switch LLL groups if you're not comfortable...I tried a few before I found one that suited my needs.
Best wishes!

Joyce - posted on 06/11/2010

don't worry this time can be really different for you and if you are really that worrye they have creams like I read one mom mention those work really well and if you want more help they have nipple covers they are like nipples on a bottle but they go on your breast I myself have never used on but my sister did for a while until her son was able to latch on easyer so don't worry to much the second time is always different ou have learned from the first one even if you don't think you have you have just make sure you hold the baby really close to you and you don't let they baby pull on your nipple and don't worry about him not being able to breath as long as you can see the nose the baby can breath. It's just the more they pull on your nipple the more you are likely to have sores. There are all kinds of ways to hold your baby to breast feed so you hold the baby the way that is more comfey for you even if you lay down some times until they get the hang of it this is way easyer for them to get comfy next to you there is also a football hold you put the baby on a pillow under your arm and pull the baby up to your breast this way was easy for me after i had a c-section so just make sure after you have the baby and your in the hospital ask the laction nurse to show you all the way to hol your baby that is what they are there for is to help you be the best you can be just don't be afraid to ask and don't get embarassed alot of moms ask for help that is why she is there. If I haven't said I am a mommy of 6 kids and I stil ask questions so don't worry your not a bad mom you are a wonderful mom cuz you are asking for help now don't ever stop asking cause kids don't come with a manuel and you will never know the right answer so keep it up you are doing a wonderful job..... Sure hope this helps.

Elysia - posted on 06/10/2010

i would say try and relax if your apprehensive about it already your baby will pick up on that and may not latch correctly and ur milk may not let down. perhaps you could book into see a lactation nurse and get them to help and show you how to attatch properly and other ways such as the football hold rather than straight across your body. U could also try using a nipple shield. And YES bf is "natural" but that doesnt mean its easy. labour sure as hell wasnt lol. i wish you all the best in your endevour to bf and if its not possible try not to beat yourself up at least u tried.

Katie - posted on 06/10/2010

I know how stressful it can be. I felt like a total failure at it at first and it was so very hard on me. I never wanted to do anything but breastfed my son. My son had a lot of trouble latching on right and my nipples got blistered and sore right away. Finally my nursing consultant got me a nipple shield. It helped a lot. We had to use it the first four months of his life until he got a little bigger and learned to latch really well. Then we said goodbye to it and I sadly had to go through a little period where my nipples had to get used to him all over again. But it was worth it! I wouldn't change it for the world. There were a lot of people that told me to just give up but it was too important to me to even consider. Just relax. Talk to your hospitals breastfeeding consultant. Call le leache league. It may be hard at first again but now you'll be going into it with a little more knowledge.

Good luck!

Angie - posted on 06/10/2010

Have you guys ever heard of breast crawl ? I just recently remembered this one as my second baby was a beautiful healthy baby boy and he was placed right between my breasts. Within a few minutes he had crawled to my breast latching himself on successfully the first time left alone to do what comes naturally. Watch this video



I would recommend trying this :)

Kayla - posted on 06/10/2010

I went to a lactation consultant with my second daughter because i had the same problems youre describing... The position in which i was holding her was off and also she wasnt opening her mouth wide enough to latch on correctly (most babies dont) what they told me to do is:

For holding them correctly dont hold the head hold the back and shoulders with their tummy literally on your stomach right up under your boobs and hold them as close as possible (holding the head can make them bite) - this is hard to do with one arm so i suggest seeing about getting a "my breast friend" pillow - not a boppy, the "my breast freind" pillow can be a lil expensive but it is SOOO worth it - it makes breastfeeding TONS easier because the baby will not roll like they do on the boppy. Anyways the seccond thing -

to get them to latch correctly- Hold your breast with your thumb on your breast by your babys nose (on the edge of the areola). Position your other fingers directly under the breast across from your thumb on the other side of the areola/by his/her chin and flatten it so its easier to get it in your babys small mouth...

What happened to me and probably you too is the baby is only getting the nipple part in their mouth causing their lips and gums to rub your nipple raw when they actually need more of your nipple/areola in their mouth so this doesnt happen... You want to make sure as much of the areola is in the babys mouth as possible.

Before you leave the hospital ask to see a lactation consultant - it helped me more than i ever thought it would... im going on 3 months breastfeeding with my seccond daughter - PAIN FREE :)

Angie - posted on 06/10/2010

Try lansinoh honestly the stuff works as long as your not allergic to lanolin.

http://www.lansinoh.co.uk/LanolinInfo.ph...

I was pretty sore b/f my youngest for at least the first month and my midwife gave me a satchet of this stuff and it helped ease off the pain. I also used breast shells which gathered the milk and they say mothers own milk helps with sore and/or cracked nipples so I found having them steeped in the stuff helped as well. You can get the breast shells from amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Avent-Isis-Comfo...

Hope this helps and hope you enjoy b/feeding your little one :)

Sara - posted on 06/10/2010

Oh sweetie... I know it is hard I have had my first she is 6 months next week. It is hard at first to breastfeed and Lilly and I didn't get it right till she was about 3 months old and now she has it down to a fine art. If your nipples were cracked and bleeding then it is definately latching. I didn't know how to at first and I was in floods of tears and thinking about giving up my friend sent me this link
http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_...
it helped me loads. It really is a matter of keep going and apply Lansino or Lanalin after each feed and you don't need to wash it either the next feed and keep in there XXX you and your baby will learn good luck, and don't give up but if it is too painful don't feel bad about formula feeding xxx

Abigail - posted on 06/10/2010

Def get in touch with La Leche League, they are international www.llli.org. Go along to a group near you before you go into hospital, they can give you lots of tips and arrange a consultant for you. Also it will be less daunting for you going to the group with your baby if you have been before.
Be strong, think possitive and best of luck!
I am a breastfeeding peer supporter so feel free to give me a shout on here if you need advice.

Elizabeth - posted on 06/09/2010

I'm pregnant with my first, so everything is so new to me. I want to breastfeed and have been taking classes and talking to a lactation consultant but I'm still a bit nervous. Just reading all the wonderful advise on here has helped me to feel a little more prepared for what can happen. Thank you all.

Tehara - posted on 06/09/2010

I couldn't feed with my first child it was to hard an being only 17 I wanted to prove to everyone that I was a good mum, I felt awfull when I had to give up feeding because of the pain it was causing. Then 2years later I had my second an found her incredibly easy to feed an did so for 14months she only had formula when I got a infection because the anti-biotics didn't agree with her. Don't stress about not being able to feed the more you stress the harder it will be. I hope all goes well for you an it will be ok. You have to do what is best for you as well as your baby :)

Susan - posted on 06/09/2010

i know they say not to but i got a nipple sheild and it worked WONDERFUL!!! it helped my daughter latch on and my nipples NEVER hurt after about a month of that i weaned her off and she has been nursing for almost a year now!

Cara - posted on 06/09/2010

Well done you for being so determined many mums having not succeeded first time would not bother second time round!
My story is very much like yours! I was so gutted not being able to bf my first, so while baby number2 was cooking I read as much info about bfing as possible! I even watched videos on how to tell if baby is latched properly!
Buy some lansinoh cream and start swotting up on Bfing believe in yourself!
http://www.drjacknewman.com/
This website has loads of info and videos! Bfing bible!
Good luck relax and enjoy!

Crystal - posted on 06/09/2010

try putting lanolin on it works really goos I had sores and my nipples hurt so bad so even when I was pumping after words i would put that on and you can even put it on before you nurse your baby it wont hurt them I would get some now if you havent already and start using it now

Malia - posted on 06/09/2010

Hi, Sarah. I nearly didn't make it nursing my firstborn, either. He sucked his tongue en utero, so when I tried to latch him on, he'd put his tongue in the way; this was on top of the pain of the first few weeks of nursing. I felt so guilty and helpless because I couldn't seem to feed my own child. The single most important thing that kept me going was SUPPORT. I was in tears, about to quit when my husband rubbed my shoulder and said, "It's okay; you can do this." I'm so glad I kept trying-but it was very painful at the beginning.

With my second child, she latched on with no problems, and although I did have the sore, cracked nipples for a while, I knew what to expect, so I knew what to do for them. I absolutely believe that women are the strongest creatures on Earth-including you-and that if you've fully commited yourself to nursing, you'll be able to do it. As for having formula on hand, I personally wouldn't want it nearby, because I'd probably use it if things got too tough.

Lanolin saved my nipples; there are other creams/methods out there. My son is a little older than your daughter, but she's old enough to help with little stuff, ie, fetching a diaper, helping dress the new baby, etc, so she doesn't feel excluded. I nurse my 4-month-old openly, and my son was curious at first, but I didn't treat nursing like a big deal and he doesn't blink an eye now. Oh, and you're "crazy and not to worry about it so much." ;-)

Stephanie - posted on 06/09/2010

I think most of the Moms before me said it all.I had issues too and had to stop with my first.The second time...still hurts but you can be sucessfull...I was.When I got really sore I used Dr. Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment which is absolutely fabulous.Get some.. it rocks!I also put a few drops of tea tree oil in a warm bath then dry nipples with cool setting on hairdryer.Try to get some sun on them each day too.Usually they recommend a little sun for baby to prevent jaundice so just do it the sametime.Of course try to do it in an upstairs window or somewhere you wont be flashing your neighbors lol.I HAD to use a nipple sheild for a litle while even while pumping.The pain was so intense.You can also take a ibuprophen 30 minutes or so before you feed to help with the pain.It is never fun to be sobbing while trying to feed your baby.I also found that watching TV or listening to some music helped distract me a little.That may work well to distract your 2 year old too.
Just remember the pain does stop...it really does.Then it is the best thing ever.No warming formula..snuggling...the list goes on and on.
Get a really good breast pump now ...the medela ones are the best.You can even try it out once or twice to gage what suction feels like and what level you find most comfortable.Put your baby to the breast as soon as they are born..you can take pictures later.It really helps and calms you both.
I would try to toughen up your nipples a bit too in preparation.
You will do great.Dont worry...get prepared and sit back and wait for your very own exprience to unfold.This one might latch on like a trooper and have like acouple of weeks of discomfort then boom your on a roll.I hope this helps.
Good luck Sarah.

Kori - posted on 06/08/2010

I agree with everyone find out about a lactation specialist, or asks the nurses to help you that is their job. Also just remind your self you are not a failure for trying sometimes things don't work out. If you're worried about the formula in the house either don't buy any or hide it. I had the problem with my daughter latching on after she was in the hospital with jaundice. She was bottle fed in there between what little breastmilk I could get and formula. After that we had trouble with her latching, so I just kept pumping. It was a bit devistating at first and then my milk stopped coming, I just told myself she got the colostrum which is the most important part for her. Just remember your not a failure both of your kids love you no matter what.

Cinda - posted on 06/08/2010

First, kudos to you for at least TRYING.
My son is 18 months & still nursing full-time.
I would recommend attending a breastfeeding CLASS before delivery. If not possible, contact the lactation specialists at your hospital. If not available (or not free), contact the Leche Legue, a national support group.
I had a similar issue of nipple sores during the first few days/weeks. I used a nipple shield. It helps to protect your nipple & reduce pain & friction while still allowing your baby to nurse. They are most commonly made by Medela & you can buy them on line or at Babies R Us. The sores & scabs are caused from your baby forming an improper latch. Sometimes one feeding with a bad latch is all it takes to cause the damage that can last for days & days. If you can't find any local help where you are at, you could call the lactation ladies at Parker Adventist Hosptial in Colorado. They are who I used & their services are FREE & they can help & advice you over the phone & maybe point you better to some free local assistance, breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding clinics, etc. Their phone # 303-269-4388
Congratulations on the new baby & good luck!!

Aicha - posted on 06/08/2010

Find a good lactation consultant. AND FIND SOME WOMEN WHO HAVE BREAST FEED BEFORE THAT YOU CAN CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS DAY OR NIGHT ALSO IF YOU JUST NEED TO TALK IT WILL HELP

Rachel - posted on 06/08/2010

My nipples were so sore for about 3 weeks, they were bloody and cracked and even stuck to my bra lol it was miserable. But soon after they got use to it and now it doesnt hurt at all and I really enjoy breastfeeding now! My daughter is 5 months old now and I plan on breastfeeding until shes at least a year old. Take dry washcloths to them and scrub and pinch and pull on them lol really it helps! Good luck, just stick it out and the pain eventually goes away I promise!!!

Kirsten - posted on 06/08/2010

start with nipple cream now, the earlier the better prep them nipples for what is to come maybe invest in nipple guards. And be calm and don't judge one baby on another this one may be a natural, and latch perfectly.

Bridget - posted on 06/08/2010

Did you ever have your nipples looked at? I had a similar problem to the point where one of my nipples was actually hanging off and bleeding. I was so worried about my son drinking the bloody milk that I finally had a doctor look at them and she told me right away that I had thrush/yeast infection. I had to treat my son as well so after a couple of days of medicines I was better. So it could have been something as simple as that, so I would try not to worry yet as that can affect your milk supply.

Colleen - posted on 06/08/2010

Medela Nipple cream and breast pads!!! After EVERY feed... EVERY time.
The only preparation you need to do is get your nipple cream, breast pads and nursing bras or tank tops. AND DO NOT have formula on hand... that's like telling the fat chick to keep some candy bars around incase it gets too hard.
You are going to be FINE and EVERY hospital has a support group, or lactation consultant USE THEM.
Good Luck

Nicole - posted on 06/08/2010

Just like every pregnancy is different so is every breastfed baby experience. So hopefully you will not have the same issues this time. Contact your local LaLeche league and they will be able to help you if problems do arise. They are also a great support system.
I used Lansinoh for breastfeeding moms on my nipples and is was great. After nursing express a little milk and let that dry completely. Then put on a small amount of Lansinoh warmed in between your 2 fingers on your nipples. The baby can nurse with the Lansinoh on your nipples it will not harm them. Good Luck and try to get to a meeting before you give birth!

Amber - posted on 06/08/2010

I did not bf my first daughter after several problems including post partem depression my second daughter I tried to be prepared I went to laleche league group they are still helpful I had supportive people around me we did not have formula in the house you will be tempted I was hospitalized in the psyciatric ward when she was four days old depression again my husband brought her every couple of hours to feed and we have succeded to bf she is now two and still going. she has been a amazing feeder since the beginning things can definitely be different the second time. Have faith in yourself

Kate - posted on 06/08/2010

La Leche League!!! Start going to meetings now! They are a great support group, and can help with any problems you have. good luck, and try not to stress, that is the biggest obstacle to breastfeeding. my opinion is that a lot of moms overthink it, it really is a very natural process...trust your baby, they are born knowing how to latch.

Sarah - posted on 06/08/2010

Thank you all!! This encouragement/advice is very much appreciated! I am excited to have so much more support and know so much more about breastfeeding this time around. Two years ago when I had my daughter, the lactation consultant that came in was NOT helpful... She just sort of looked at me like i was stupid and was only with me for 10-15 minutes (it was a Saturday night at about 8pm). And I learned in the breastfeeding class that I took this time, that what she told me to do was wrong... as far as the latch was concerned. And I'm sure this lead to the worsening of the sores on my nipples... At my appointment today I am going to ask my doctor about the availablilty of the consultants at the hospital and consider looking for a private lactation consultant to come help me right away. I really want to do this, and I know that I can with the right help! Thanks again ladies! I will let you know how it goes!

Kathy - posted on 06/08/2010

Never forget the value of colostrum. This is thr rich,nutritious substance that is produced as soon as your baby is born. You don't need to pump to get your milk to come in - it will come in naturally, and in the meantime your baby needs colostrum for a great start in life.

Put your baby to the breast as soon as he/she is born.

Kathleen - posted on 06/08/2010

same happened to me. i gave up the first time because it hurt so much and my milk never came thro properly. just stick to it. and fight thro the pain. this time around i decieded that i wasnt going to give up no matter how much it hurt i also brought a breast pump and pumped to try and make my milk come thro quicker. go and buy a really good nipple cream that helped me out allot and remember it doesent hurt forever!!! i also have a 2 year old and i brought him lots of coloring in books and a doll baby which he loved to cary around while i was pregnant and try and look after. he would change its nappy when i changed bubbys nappy and put it to bed when i put the baby to bed and sit with it and give it bottles when i fed the baby lol so just try and keep the 2 year old busy with something. you will have times when your 2 yearold will go crazy because they want you to do something and you cant because your feeding the baby but just explain that you cant because your feeding bubby and after a while they realize. now when the baby crys my son runs up to me and trys to pull my shirt down so i can feed the baby lol

Kathy - posted on 06/08/2010

Hi Sarah, congrats on your pregnancy! Other mums have made great suggestions.

My advice would be to do a breastfeeding class. They are so helpful. Too often we think breastfeeding is something that just "happens." It's not. There's a lot to learn, and it's great to do it in a group of supportive mums. Join a breastfeeding support group, like La Leche League.

There is lots of information in the Web, for example:
http://www.kellymom.com/
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

Both of these sites have lots of information, so go through them.
This site is wonderful. It debunks all those myths about breastfeeding:
http://tinyurl.com/39lkacp

On these sites are videos about attachment, which is very important.

I would be inclined to ignore your mum's advice - having formula on hand is asking for trouble.

Good luck!

Hannah - posted on 06/08/2010

Oh and another thing, you aready found this group so that will help! I swear if I had known about this site first time round I think I would have suceeded! All the little questions you want answered day or night, or just to have a boost when it's rough.



And you will find that magic moment a few weeks in when it all just 'clicks', with me it was 8 weeks.

Kendra - posted on 06/07/2010

Have you ever heard of Le Leche league? It is a breast support group that I believe is nationwide. Look them up online, and find the number for a group near you, or an e-mail, or phone. We had problems nursing as well, and I can understand your issues. We called them for help, and they were really helpful.

Eliza - posted on 06/07/2010

First don't think of it like that...Have the mind set of I can do this and I will succeed! Second ask for a Lactation Consultation at the hospital. When I was having problems latching on my daughter the helped me a great deal. She even follwed up the next day to see how it was going. And just because you didn't breastfeed you first does NOT mean your a failure of a mom. I think you just have to make sure when you place your nipple in your babys mouth that his mouth is wide open and aim for the roof of his mouth.

Hayley - posted on 06/07/2010

Get nipple cream n start using it nw. lansinoh is fantastic. works on soothn n fixing nipples so quickly. its only a smal purple tube bt it goes a long way n works wonders.

April - posted on 06/07/2010

and remember ONE bottle of formula usually leads to more bottles of formula. i would avoid bottles like the plague.

April - posted on 06/07/2010

start putting the lanolin cream on now and have it with you when you're in the hosptial.

also you will need to remember that cracked/sore/bleeding nipples are only one potential obstacle. there are other breastfeeding ailments to watch out for: mastitis, thrush, blocked ducts, milk blebs and oversupply.

you may experience one of these, all of them, or none of them. i think it is important to know about them, though. knowing what you're up against is half the battle.

if you would have had a crystal ball, you probably would have seen that the cracked/sore/bleeding nipples would have gone away at some point...early as 2 weeks or late as 3 months.

each of the above ailments can be overcome...all by continuing to breastfeed!! isn't it weird? when you get mastisis, you're supposed to feed on the infected side. when you get blocked ducts, feed feed feed on the blocked breast. when you have an oversupply...block feed..don't alternate breasts until empty.

it should be this easy, natural thing...but breastfeeding can be challenging! just know that each challenge is only an obstacle if you let it be.

Misty - posted on 06/07/2010

Find a good lactation consultant. I know exactly how you feel. I had it all, poor latch, cracked nipples, pain, mastitis, low supply. The first 6 weeks were pure hell. It got to the point that I held my husband's hand, bit my lip, and cried when she latched. My LC saved my breastfeeding experience. She taught my some good techniques to get her to latch and gave me a nipple shield to use until I healed. We used the shield until she was 3 1/2 months. My daughter just randomly pulled it off one day. We've been going strong since (she's 5 months). Don't get discouraged if it takes a long time to feed in the beginning, she took an hour until about 3 1/2 months and is now down to 20 minutes tops. Fenugreek works wonders for supply issues. If you use a shield, make sure to pump in order to empty your breasts. Just remain calm. It is the natural thing to do, but babies are born never having done it so it takes some time and patience. You can do it. Don't give up before you start. Good luck!

Hannah - posted on 06/07/2010

Your story sounds SO familiar, I also stopped breastfeeding my first for the same reasons you did, and I remember feeling exactly the same way, I cired and cried but ultimately my baby was fine and I was a happy mum!



Presently, I am still feeding my second baby (now 11 months).

I found it lots easier second time round as it is not such unknown territory,you have already had some practice at how to get baby into position and latch on (although that dreaded latch takes you AND baby lots of time to crack!)

Like another mum has said, stock up with Lanolin cream, and breast shells also help to keep your nipples away from your clothes if they get really sore.



I hope you find it better this time, all I can say is that I did, mostly because you don't have so many other 'new' things to deal with like you do when it's your first, like how to change a nappy, how to hold this little person, how to wash them etc etc!



It means you can focus much more on just the breastfeeding and I felt able to give it more time to settle down.



Good Luck, I'm sure you'll be fine x

Virginia - posted on 06/07/2010

It is wonderful that you are so committed to breast feeding that you want to try again after having so many problems the first time. I also had major problems with breast feeding and, like you, I tried very hard for 6 months. I nursed and pumped so fanatically that I actually wore away the skin on my nipples. The only thing that helped me was a prescription of Dr. Newman's All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO). Do yourself a favor and make an appointment with a lactation consultant to work out a nursing plan, and go over the basics of proper breast feeding before you deliver or at least while you are in the hospital. Ask your OBGYN to write a prescription for APNO (the "recipe" can be found on Dr. Jack Newman's website) so you can have it on hand just in case, moisturize your nipples after feeding with lansinoh cream and use nipple guards or pads to cut down on irritation caused by fabric friction.

Breast feeding is not easy and it doesn't always come easily - if it did there wouldn't be so many books, blogs and suipport groups because no one would need them because no one would have a problem in the first place. You don't have to panic, you just have to do your best. Don't be so hard on yourself and good luck!

Heather - posted on 06/07/2010

First of all, try and stay calm. I know that us easier said than done, but the more worked up you get, the harder it is going to be. Go out to the store and get some soothies (by lansinoh) and some lanolin ointment. I like Medela's, because it goes on really smoothly. Also, pick up a few begs of frozen peas to use as ice packs for those tender nipples, and a bottle of motrin. Talk to your ped. about lactation consultants in your area, and make sure you have a good support system to encourage you. When you pump, slather on the lanolin before doing it - trust me, the difference is astounding! If you do need to take a break for a day or two, pump 6-8 times a day to keep your milk supply coming in, and go back to it when your nipples are healed a bit. I also found that it got so much easier once my milk really built up, which took about 2-3 weeks using fenugreek and mother's milk tea (and tons of water!), so if you can stick it out for that long, it starts to get easier.
Above all, know that no matter what you hear about women giving up on breastfeeding being lesser mothers, you are NOT a failure! You may have done it differently than some, but you did what you had to do to keep your daughter healthy, fed and growing. Don't ever let anyone judge you!