First time breastfeeding.

Allison - posted on 05/23/2011

I breastfed my first son for 12 months and now am 6 weeks into my second son's. I had a doula/lactaion consultant and two midwives as well as the hospital's lac consultant, so I felt very prepared and I even joined LLleague with my first. Even with all this help, honestly?? expect blinding pain at every feeding for the first couple weeks/month and alot of frustration the whole time you decide to feed. When you engorge, well I went from a small D to a triple E overnight!!! use cabbage leaves but not too much and pump or manually express before feeding so he can get a hold.
Sometimes they don't wanna eat and it'll make you feel like you're failing as a mother to feed your child. Sometimes they wanna eat for 2 hours straight so you are chair bound(my boys were too heavy to carry around) and all babies go thru phases of hungry but distracted, or they'll pop on and off 10,000 times a feeding...it's very very frustrating sometimes, especially when they're sensitive or allergic to something you're eating and you have to alter your diet so they stop puking all the time(I had to cut out dairy, rice, soy, wheat and nuts, not to mention the much desired and deserved rum and cokes:)
However, the sweet quiet moments you get with just you and your baby are so worth it!!! You'll drop weight like crazy, bond with them like no other activity can do, and they'll get over colds faster when you both get them(which is much needed) Just drink tons of water and try to support your back and neck as we all get bad twinges and pinched nerves from the nature of breastfeeding postures.
Good Luck and remember that when it gets really hard, stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a new smile or a sweet coo that'll make it all worth it :)

Laurel - posted on 05/23/2011

I agree with the other moms! It's not the easiest starting out but gets better. Be patient. If you really want to do it you can. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help. The nipple creme is very helpful too. Best of luck!!

Melissa - posted on 05/23/2011

The best thing you can do is to not have expectations. It comes natural to some and others not so much. Do you have a supportive partner? You just need to stay relaxed and be determined to not give up unless advised by a professional ie a lactation consultant. Breast is best yes but it doesn't work for everyone. Good luck and congrats!

Megan - posted on 05/23/2011

I agree with Kayla. Everyone is different. Every baby is different. Some babies just "know" what to do, and some just need a little teaching to get it right.
My friend had a baby 4 months before I had my baby, and it took her about 6 week to have it perfect. She said it was extreamly hard, but in the end it was TOTALLY worth it. Her daughter is now 13 months and she has been successfully breastfeeding. When I had my daughter, she knew exactly what to do. The only time i had trouble was when we got home, but prob just the stress of a new place for her. I have been successfully breastfeeding now for 9.5 months. If I would give advice from my experiances. If you are planning on loosing weight while your breastfeeding (as it helps to loose weight) just take it really slow. I almost lost my supple because I was loosing too much.
Also buy some Lanolin cream to have on hand for the first few days or so, it can get really sore at first as your nipples are used to it. It gets better though, and doesnt last too long!
The nurses I had at the hospital told me I was supposed to wake my daughter up every 3 hours to nurse her, but once I got home my Public Health nurse told me not to wake her up. That she would wake up when she was hungry. Its whatever you feel more cofortable with. I took my Public Health Nurses advice and she was right, they wake up when hungry.
If you have trouble nursing at the start try a nipple shield. Its a little silicone thing you put over your nipple if baby isnt latching. The hospitals will have them.
Hope this helps. I think I covered as much as I can think of! Good Luck! Remember... if you are struggling, just keep at it. Everyone can breastfeed, you just need the resorces and support to do it. Trust me, its the most rewarding thing ever! And Cheap too! Stay positive no matter how hard things may be. And remember dont be stressed, try and be calm. if your stressed your baby can sense it and then things wont get any easier.
Your do fine though i'm sure!
Good Luck! :)

Keisha - posted on 05/23/2011

Get your nipples ready!! They will hurt the first two weeks. If the latch is right from the baby and you then it gets better! I breastfed two kids until they were 12months. A breastfeeding support group helps a lot. My hospital offered it once a week for free.

Ginny - posted on 05/23/2011

It can hurt at first. A lot. But it's worth it, so be strong and work through the pain. If you haven't already, start priming your nipples with lanolin (sold at regular drug stores in the baby section), it helps keep them from getting dry, cracked and sore, especially if you use it in between feedings.

Jaime - posted on 05/23/2011

indeed, I concur with Kathy. If you supplement, you are actually delaying the milk from coming in so if you hadn't you probably would not have had to wait 7 days. Most breastfeeding women are very unsure about their breastfeeding abilities because of the many factors in our culture sending the message that it isn't enough or that your body will fail you.... it's the same messages we receive regarding birth. The more you trust your body, the more successful you will be. If babies couldn't do ok on colustrum alone for a few days, the human race would not have survived well! Nature won't fail you, your body won't fail you. It's fairly rare, anyway. And no doctor will likely be able to help you! Learn this hard lesson now, doctors don't know JACK about breastfeeding! If you encounter problems or have a doctor telling you to start solids or formula for one reason or another, it's time for you to see a breastfeeding specialist before you do anything!

Kathy - posted on 05/23/2011

Colostrum is, in fact, plenty for your newborn, even if your milk takes longer to come in.
One thing to bear in mind is that if your baby is crying, it's not always hunger. he might just need soothing and cuddling.

Keri - posted on 05/23/2011

I do want to respond to the colostrum is enough comment. If your milk comes in a reasonable about of time (3 to 4 days) then yes it is enough. My milk takes up to 7 days to come in and it is not enough. I would have a creaming baby that nursed constantly and was still hungry. I had to supplement the first week, but after that my second and third were exclusively breastfed and wouldn't even take bottles until they were about a year old.

If you suspect something is not right then talk to someone about it. You know your baby and your body better than anyone else.

Laura Zoey - posted on 05/23/2011

Teri said, " During one of my daughter's growth spurts she nursed practically all day. DH came home from work and I pointed to 3 empty granola wrappers and said that was all I had had to eat. Right away he fixed me a sandwich and refilled my water all before he changed out of his work clothes. "
SO TRUE!!! I have a two week old and a two year old right now and yesterday I crawled into bed at 9 and realized I couldn't remember what I'd eaten all night. No dinner, all I remember was eating a granola bar! I texted my husband as he was closing up the subway he works at and asked him to bring me food! He comes home with a footling sub, frigid and even had some little de bids treats! I ate so much and fell asleep so happy. He feeds me so I have milk to feed our kids! Dad has amazing roles even in the newborn stage, he is able to calm her down sometimes when she won't calm down for me! He is the BEST burper, has to be the big hands :) and his deep voice comforts her so well.
He doesn't need to fed her to bond, dads bonded just fine for years before formula was invented!

Anyways, had a nice laugh at your granola bar story and had to share my own one!

Dawne - posted on 05/23/2011

And millions of babies have thrived on colustrum alone. It is plenty for your baby.

Kathy - posted on 05/23/2011

Jaime is 100% correct about colostrum (aka Liquid Gold) It's brilliant stuff! If anyone tries to tell you you should give your little one a bottle until your milk comes in, just roll your eyes and tell them you know better!

Jaime - posted on 05/23/2011

anyone or any doctor that tells you colutstrum is not enough for your baby is not educated on the subject at all. It's the perfect food for a newborn and a preemie.

Amy - posted on 05/23/2011

Work hard to do it it isn't easy when you start and remember that if you can just get through the rough stuff it will get better!! Be aware of your body because you will be sore but you should not bleed and you should make sure if you hurt too bad you talk to your doctor.
Also, if you have too hard of a time and decide to give your child formula remember you are not a failure as a parent some women just have a harder time than others and don't beat yourself up.

Teri - posted on 05/23/2011

tell all hospital staff that you are bf-ing and place tape on your bassinet in the hospital that says "no fake nipples" -- it really helps. I found the night nurses love to bottle feed and unless you are adamant, they will do it. mess up latch for your kid.

I'd also limit pacifiers for a few weeks (5 or 6 if you can) and keep that baby incubating as long as you can. babies who are full term usually have a better time breastfeeding that kids born early. (fat pads in their cheeks are bigger and stronger -- happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy)

remind yourself often why you're doing it so that if it is hard, you can muster through. most babies are proficient at bf at 8 weeks, you just gotta get to that point. Good luck and enjoy.

Teri - posted on 05/23/2011

Expect to be tired. Expect some soreness. Expect wonderful bonding with baby. Expect endorphins to make you feel good. Expect reduced lengths of illness. Expect a quick way to calm fussy or unhappy baby. Expect lots of people who don't know better to tell you why you "can't breastfeed." Expect feelings of loss when your older baby starts to nurse less.



As others have posted-kellymom.com is the place for information. Saved me through my daughter's cluster feedings and growth spurt. And when I developed overactive letdown, the solution was at kellymom.com . Don't freak out if your milk takes a while to come in. Colostrum is Liquid Gold for the baby and is sufficient until the milk does come in.



Advice: Have confidence in your body's ability to feed your child. As a species we wouldn't have survived as long if we couldn't provide for our newborn babies



Make sure hubby is on board. His help will be indispensable. Don't fall for the argument that daddy can't bond without feeding the baby. Daddies have a very different and important roll during the early months of a baby's life-to protect and provide for the mother and child. During one of my daughter's growth spurts she nursed practically all day. DH came home from work and I pointed to 3 empty granola wrappers and said that was all I had had to eat. Right away he fixed me a sandwich and refilled my water all before he changed out of his work clothes.



Nurse on demand. That will ensure you have enough milk for baby.



Have a nursing "nest." I had two, one was outside (joys of a spring baby) and one in front of the tv. I got sucked into trashy tv while on maternity leave because I was running out of dvd's to watch.



Remember, You Can Do It!!

Emily - posted on 05/23/2011

It's not going to be instantly easy, but I promise it gets easier the longer you do it! You have to train your baby to nurse well, they don't automatically latch the proper way. Expect the worst (cracked, bloody nipples) so if it doesn't happen, you'll be pleasantly surprised, but if it does happen, you won't get discouraged and give up. Good luck!

Keri - posted on 05/23/2011

I would find a a good lactation consultant and your local LLL. They can be a huge help if you have an problems. You can check with your local WIC office for your local lactation consultant. They usually have one on staff and they will help you whether you are getting WIC or not.

Make sure you have a comfortable place to nurse with a good pillow to support the baby. The wrong position can cause an improper latch and very sore nipples. Remember to relax. That is the most important thing.
I am currently nursing my third child who is 27 months old. It has not always been an easy road, but I have very much enjoyed it.

Terra - posted on 05/23/2011

For most, it is hard in the beginning. I was told to stick it out for 6-8 weeks and I am so glad I did. It was like a light switch. All of sudden it became effortless and I nurse my children until they self wean. The only baby that was easy right from the beginning was my third. I, too, highly recommend the La Lache League. It got me through some tough times. They are awesome. The longer you breastfeed, the research has determined that the incidence of all kinds of diseases (asthma, diabetes, cancer, the list goes on) decreases dramatically. Good luck.

Yuki - posted on 05/23/2011

Whatever you do, Don't give your baby a pacifier! I think this retraces the baby from the natural shape of your nipple and turns them off from breastfeeding. Also you might want to purchase a nipple shield ahead if time, just in case you might need it. My sons throat was irritated from the suction they do to remove the fluid from their throat after the baby is born, so he wouldn't take to my nipple and I had to use the nipple shield. I also didn't understand, nor was I told that the "pre-milk" or colostrum that you produce was all a newborn needs and so I was subjected to painful breast pumps to try to "pull" the milk out. You might want to schedule a visit with your hospitals lactation consultant ahead of the birth to ask them any questions about breast feeding because there is a lot of information out there, but as a first time mother how would you know what to look for unless you are aware of a problem before it exists? I think that this is a good start, asking other mothers about their experiences, but there still might be other things that could happen that you would only become aware of when it happens to you. Knowledge is definitely power in these situations. Good luck!! ;-)

Karen - posted on 05/23/2011

It can be difficult at first but persevere. I have a now 6 year old who bf for 13 months and a 2 year old who only bf for 9 months. My only advice is if you are having trouble in the beginning do not hesitate to give him a bottle. I listened to the lactation consultant and didnt with my oldest when she was having trouble latching on. We were back in the hospital 12 hours after going home because she was dehydrated. Just make sure you follow your feelings and don't get pushed around. You will both be new at it.

Courtney - posted on 05/23/2011

It is both incredibly frustrating and incredibly rewarding. Until your nipples are properly desensitized it hurts. I had to use a nipple sheild at first both times until they were ready. But don't rely on it at the baby has problems latching later without it. Best advice I got, Be Persistant. Later it helps with healing, bonding and relaxing both you and the baby. Have tylenol on hand the first little while and always have a BIG glass of water, you will find yourself super thirsty! Make sure you have access to a mostly hands free activity....reading or movies or music as it does take quite a while......Reading is really good as it stimulates baby as well as you if you do it out loud. Other than that....keep trying.

Shana - posted on 05/23/2011

Go into it ith an open mind and no pressure....My daughter is two and I brastfed her for nine months. Breastfeeding is like anything you do that you haven't done before it takes practice and patience. You need to be patent with you and the baby get some books and a good nurse will help you in those first days . But be patient and do what you can do let no one make you feel guilty. I did both breastmilk and formula.. Just take time to find what works for you and the baby.Good luck.

Rebecca - posted on 05/23/2011

You need to bond with your child, I did with all 6 of my kids. Breastfed everyone of them.

Rebecca - posted on 05/23/2011

I have breastfed all 6 of my kids and they r very healthy and very close to me. Breastfeeding is a bond between a mother and baby, So do it when your son is here ok. God bless you both. Becky

Dawne - posted on 05/23/2011

It would be a good idea to find a breastfeeding support group such as LaLeche League and attend a few meetings before the baby arrives. They have tons of info and the other moms always have experiences to share since everyones's experience is different. I would also suggest reading the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Most local libraires have it and so should your local LaLecehe League. You can also order it on amazon.
Breastfeeding can be challenging for especially if it is your first but it is also rewarding. i breastfed all 3 of my children and they have the healthy immune systems to prove it. There are benefits for both you and your baby. !. you can lose weight because breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories a day provided you have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. (and all you have to lift is your shirt). Plus it also helps your uterus shrink back quicker and release oxytocin which is a relaxing hormone so you tend to not experience so much hormone fluctuation. (although some moms do experience this) and breastfeeding also delays your menstruation for awhile so it also acts as a natural birth control.
Good luck and congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful and safe birth and a rewarding experience with your baby!
Dawne.

Jaime - posted on 05/22/2011

something that seems like it should be easy and natural will feel totally awkward and you'll worry about things you shouldn't, like, "is he getting enough". Trust that amazing body you have! Take advatage of a LC and LLL, and bookmark Kellymom.com!!! Read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and be proud of yourself!!! Breastfeeding is amazingly rewarding and it's the closest you can be to your baby second to being pregnant! I love it! You have made an awesome choice!!! Congrats on the baby, mama!

Melanie - posted on 05/22/2011

Breastfeeding is different for every mom each time. I have been nursing my 11 1/2 month old since birth. I was told prior to breastfeeding that it would hurt too much, and I would give it up after a few days. That's also what the nurses told me when they were trying to get me to use formula. It did hurt a couple of days after she was born, and my milk let down. I was very full, and it felt like someone stabbed me in the nipples. (Like I said in the beginning, it is different for every mom!!!) I cried, and my fiance helped me out a lot. Make sure you have prepared your family for breastfeeding. Make sure they support you 100%. I had my fiance's support, and got frustrated with nursing one time. I told him to make a bottle, and give it to her. He said no, because I would regret it and start feeling miserable about it. He never did, and the only milk she has had is momma's!! She loves her momma's milk. Hopefully, it will continue through my current pregnancy and I will be able to tandem nurse. It is a huge goal that I would love to accomplish!

Christine - posted on 05/22/2011

The most important thing to keep in mind is patience, patience, patience. your baby has learn how to nurse just like you do. you'll be sore. i remember my nipples would sting every time my daughter would first latch. it took about 6 weeks before everything was going smoothly. just hang in there. i got to nurse my daughter for 10 months, and i loved every minute of it. congrats on your son.

Carla - posted on 05/22/2011

They like to feed very regularly they can feed between 8-12 times a day. So look forward to a lot of sleepless nights, But if you can pass the first 3 months everything starts to settle and it becomes well worth the experience. At nights babies tend to like cluster feeding so don't be surprised if around 5pm onwards he wants to be on the boob every half an hour. Its a way of them comforting and preparing themselves for the long night ahead. Try not to get frustrated or stressed as that will decrease your milk that he is so desperately trying to build up by being constantly being on. I promise it does get better at least after the 8th week. Make sure you start using nipple cream before you have him and while you are breastfeeding apply after every feed it really helps to stop any cracking and bleeding. xx

Sarah - posted on 05/22/2011

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and baby, but just keep at it and you will get. Some kids come out out of the womb ready to chow down. Others need some encouragement. Babies who are preemies, c-section or come from a medicated birth are more likely to be sleepy and less responsive at first. You can increase positive results by breastfeeding within the first half hour after birth when baby is still alert. Using skin to skin contact ie. no clothes on your top half also helps. Your breasts may be sore for the first month. However, there are ointments, cold packs and nipple shields that help until your nipples get use to it. A good latch helps a lot with the level of comfort. If you have trouble or hear your baby making a lot of slurping noises, request a lactation consultant from the hospital or doctor's office. Midwives and La Leche League leaders,and WIC offices are very knowledgeable as well. For the love of Peat, do NOT give your child formula. The more a baby nurses, the more milk you produce. If you are giving baby formula half the time, your milk supply will slow down. Also, baby can become "lazy" in the sense that it can just let the formula pour into his mouth and may decide that breastfeeding is too much work. So, stay away from well-meaning nurses and in-laws who are not educated on breastfeeding and want to encourage bottles of formula. Breastfeeding is great for baby's pallet development and mouth muscles. If you are worried about going back to work or leaving the child with a sitter, introduce breastmilk in a bottle ONLY after breastfeeding is well-established, at around 4 weeks. That is another whole ball of wax. It may take 4 nipple types before you find one baby will take. At any rate, when baby is born, his/her stomach is only the size of a marble. Your baby needs very little food at one time. Your breasts will produce colostrum for about four days. It is referred to as liquid gold because it is so wonderful for your baby. New moms often get freaked out and wonder whether or not the baby is getting enough nutrition. The answer is usually yes. Your breasts provide the perfect amount. If your baby is a preemie, your body knows this and will produce exactly what your baby needs. If you are concerned, just keep an eye on the number of wet diapers, one for each day old that he is for the first week. (One on day one, two on day two...) Your milk will come in on approximately day four. You may feel teary or moody. When my girls were first born, I would get this rush of hormones, and I would feel a little dizzy and sick when my milk would first let down. It went away with time. Remember to stay hydrated. You should drink when the baby drinks. Water is good. I used to brew a batch of Mother's Milk tea and keep it in the fridge. I would drink it like iced tea whenever the baby nursed. Baby will be sensitive to caffeine, especially if you had a caffeine-free pregnancy. So, reintroduce it slowly back into your diet, if that is a favorite vice of yours. (Virtually everything you consume ends up in breastmilk.) In a few weeks, your breasts will be like watering cans. When you lean over to change baby in the middle of the night, Niagara Falls. This will regulate over time and you won't produce such an over abundance of milk. Your baby will nurse very frequently...it could feel like all the baby does is nurse, poop and sleep for the first two months. As baby becomes a more mature nurser, feeding times will shorten and come less frequently. Most breastfeeding moms report that nursing is some of the most special memories they have. I agree with that. Your brain produces hormones while breastfeeding, which fill you with a feeling of well being. There are a million health benefits to both you and babe. Also, it helps you learn baby's needs and helps baby feel safe and protected. Congratulations!

Melissa - posted on 05/22/2011

Find help where you can if you struggle with it, i struggled with both my kids, and with my son, i got help from wic and the hospital and wic i got more help- in the states. After moving to Canada i found more help. I got support from the hospital, from a home visiting support, and I found that fenugreek and blessed thistle can help for increasing milk supply- however you want to watch for diarhea with fenugreek with your infant because it is also a digestive aid. There is a medication that can help increase milk supply too. You will have your good days and bad days, you are not a failure if you can't breastfeed because not every baby can latch, neither one of mine latched very well. I pumped for 6 weeks with my son, for my daughter she latched better, but i also did a lot of work of pumping and work with her and then switched to formula at about 7 1/2 to 8 months old! Drink a lot of water, learn foods that can help increase supply now so that when your exhausted and drained you know what you have can have on hand or can have someone run and grab you or you can easily run and get for you. Also have someone who you can find for support someone who you can just get encouraged by if you are having a bad mommy day, not necessarly because of breastfeeding, just because your a new mom and learning everything!

Sophie - posted on 05/22/2011

The first time your son attaches to your breast after birth will be a wonderful experience and once you learn how to do it properly it will be fantastic for you both. However, the first cpl of weeks prove to be a challenge for most mums. Dont give up, its normal to experience some initial pain (I swore by Lansinoh nipple cream!) and some stressful moments. I spoke to my maternal and child health nurse on the phone a lot to ask questions and this was reassuring. As well well getting support from my 'first time mothers group'. For some reason i think most mums to be think its going to be really easy ands in fact its not. its a skill we must learn. Listen to the advice the midwives offer you in hospital too.

Joanna - posted on 05/22/2011

I recommend reading up b4 your baby is born. A book called Breastfeeding Made Simple was extremely helpful for me. And remember to relax. Getting stressed about breastfeeding will not do you or the baby any good!! Good luck, you will do great!!

Becky - posted on 05/22/2011

This was the most amazing experience ever. I did not have any major issues or problems with nursing. My son latched on right away and was really hungry from the time he came out! I was not opposed to bottles to supplement - and I only had to do this once or twice in the hospital until my milk came in. It did not hurt - at times it may have been uncomfortable but I was fortunate for this to be very natural for both my son and myself. I recommend patience - for some people it is harder than others but the benefits are amazing.

Fransiska - posted on 05/22/2011

The best thing I can tell you is to find lactation consultant immediately if you find breastfeeding challenging after you get home from the hospital. I think the first week is make it or break it so if you can survive that one week, you will do just fine. Of course it will be painful at first few weeks, but it is worth it! Good luck!

Tina - posted on 05/22/2011

It is not easy, but well worth it in the long run. The first 2 weeks r the hardest. Stick with it and it does get easier. I belonged to a breastfeeding support group that was amazing! I breastfed both my kids till they were two. Enjoy every minute of the bonding you will experience. They grow so fast and will look back at where the time went! Good luck!

Shanna - posted on 05/22/2011

Its very rewarding! I breastfed for 20 months and loved the bond my daughter and I had! It can be lonely, but I focused on the fact that I only get one chance!

Bridie - posted on 05/21/2011

Don't expect anything. The experience is different for eveyone. Just be confident in your decision. I had a lot of trouble feeding my son and a lot of negative input. I stayed strong and persisted and now at 18 months he is still feeding happier than ever. Do as much research as you can for knowledge is power. Remeber during growth spurts, usually around 6 weeks and 3 months, your child will be feeding constantly. This is NOT because they are starving, as I was constantly told, they are mearly doing what they are supposed to do to increase your milk supply. Good luck.xxx

Lisa - posted on 05/19/2011

I can't imagine getting a baby stuck on the underwire of a bra. I never stuck my baby's face underneath my breast. I always flipped open the bra and put the baby to my nipple, and there was no problem.

Roselyn - posted on 05/19/2011

Expect to be very patient. It is like nothing else you have ever done. If you can work through the first few days and get your baby to latch properly, it is the most amazing wonderful thing in the world.

Karime - posted on 05/19/2011

i didnt think of it as much trouble until i saw baby chin get stock on the underwire between breast while holding her close to mu chest. So now only wear underwire when I go out with Husband and not need to nurse or pump. My breast is large and looks horrible without proper support.

Lisa - posted on 05/18/2011

I got clogged ducts before I wore underwire bras. Also, it's helpful when nursing to massage the breast, so that there are no tight areas. And when I got a clogged milk duct, I would take a hot shower and massage with a wet washcloth for 15-20 minutes, and sometimes I'd express a little milk from different angles and then I felt this feeling like I got the angle where the clog was and it came out, and it worked for me.

Laura Zoey - posted on 05/18/2011

I tried an underwire, and got a clogged duct......some can wear them, some can't! So don't spend too much before you know if it will work for you :)

Lisa - posted on 05/18/2011

I must comment on this underwire bra thing. I had asked my lactation consultant because I was sick of feeling my breasts leaning on my stomach while I was sitting :) She said it was fine, and I finally got underwire nursing bras, and I had no change in my milk production and I have continued nursing without a problem. On a side note, I went to a regular lingerie store that also sold nursing bras and they said they can make regular bras into nursing bras. I thought this was a cool idea, and I liked those bras and bought them - stupid idea. They cut the back hooks from regular bras and sewed them onto the straps on the bra, but this was no good because I couldn't open them with one hand while nursing, which was really tough whem my son was all ready with his mouth open and I was stuck, so don't do that! Just get underwire nursing bras. Some stores don't sell them, so I suggest calling ahead of time and asking before you waste a trip.

Sally - posted on 05/18/2011

Well, I would definitely expect a bit of discomfort. At first when you start breastfeeding it is an odd feeling. Just make sure that you get a lactation consultant in the hospital to help you get your baby latched on properly to avoid any unnecessary discomfort. Also, try to nurse every two hours...it really gives your milk supply a nice boost. I try to nurse on demand for the first several months as it also helps with bonding. Hope this helps and babies are SUCH a blessing! Enjoy!

Karime - posted on 05/18/2011

Hello Ashley! its awesome you plan to breastfeed! its the most amazing bond between a baby and mommy.
In my experience, it was hard work and lots of commitment, with both my children (2 y/o breastfed for 9 months and now nursing a 6 month old).
All the old moms, aunts etc, told me it hurts a lot, and bla bla bla. I found myself that it does hurt when baby does not latch properly, once you stablish this it should only hurt for a minute the first wk. Both my babies were lazy nursers... your baby will be vary sleepy at first and sometimes will fall asleep at your breast, and you may think you dont have enough milk, keep in mind that you produce milk as the baby works on it, the more baby sucks the more milk you make, dont desperate, you can use a pump to stimulate milk production.
Bring a pair of soothies to comfort your breast at the hospital, this are cooling pads you can find at babies r us. get lansinoh ointment, its very helpful to keep your nipples moist. nursing tanktops are my best friends now, found them at target.you should void bras with underwires. ahhh dont forget to get a nursing pillow the best is my brestfriend pillow found at babies r us too.

Most of the mothers i know stop nursing cuz they thought they didnt have enough milk and others cuz could latch the baby on. I had both problems on top of lazy nursers, the lactation consultants were very supportive and didnt let me give up.
BM is so cheap, you dont need to wash bottles, its always warm and ready for baby and best of all is the best for baby, they were born to be breastfed...

but if this doesnt work for you... THANK GOD FOR FORMULA!!

Lorena - posted on 05/18/2011

All the mom's have given great info and advice. I would just add that if it doesn't go well, if you get nipple wounds that you go see a breast feeding expert. There is no replacement for one. I have had to use one for both of my girls. The nurses and everyone who tries to help do not always have the experties that a lactation expert has. Both of my nurses told me all was well and that a bit of pain was normal, but after the lactation consultant came things went much beter. Don't wait too long of it doesn't go well, call one early and often if needed.

Lisa - posted on 05/17/2011

I just remembered, when you're in the hospital, specify that you want them breastfed only, and they should bring you the baby to breastfeed or have him/her sleep in your room.

Julie - posted on 05/17/2011

Don't get discouraged. With both my babies it took two months for us to get BFing down where it wasn't uncomfortable for me. I nursed my first one for a year and planning on at least as long for my second. Once we got past the two month mark it was easy sailing. I personally did not want to have to do formula for any reason and it really is wonderful being able to sooth my baby with nursing and bonding with her. Plus I really do believe they are healthier. Don't give up, it's so worth it.