First time breastfeeding and need any and all the advice i can get please?!?!?!

Destinee - posted on 10/20/2009

i have used a hand pump, and 2 electric ones. i myself perfer the hand pump, it was a lot quieter. it is all up to you. when i needed to pump quick i used the electric ones. i borrowed one from the hospital (all i had to do was buy the attachments, which they sold there, and it was 35.00 i believe). as for breast feeding tips. do not let yourself get overwhelmed. if the baby does not latch right, make sure to keep trying to get them to do correctly. it will save your nipples, and help the baby get more milk properly. and do not give up, if you ever feel overly stressed, talk to someone. breast feeding takes a lot of time and dedication.

Sara - posted on 10/20/2009

Relaxation is key. My daughter was born tounge tied. Which means the membrane that attaches her tounge to the bottom of her mouth was longer than it's supposed to be, She couldn't stick her tounge out and there for had trouble latching on. I feel very strongly that breast feeding is important and was concerned about being able to do it. After her mouth was fixed it took quite awhile for her to learn how to latch on and draw the milk out, seeing as she hadn't been doing it since birth. Thankfully she adjusted just fine once she got the hang of it. She's 6 months old now and is eating all sorts of things but she still loves to nurse. One of the best tips i can give is to relax and think about your baby while feeding. It might sound a little funny. But thinking about how much i love her, and how i'm nourishing her helps me to feel comfortable and relaxed, and when you're relaxed your milk flows much better!



Best of luck!

Holly - posted on 10/20/2009

The best advice I could give you would be to look up online your local La leche league and join a group in your area. I live in NJ so here is the site for us but they have an international site so you can find a group in any state or town. http://www.lalecheleaguenj.org/ It saved my life joining! Just being able to talk to other moms about what is going on is really supportive and helpful. My baby was small at birth 6lbs and took a while to latch on properly, it was tough trying every two hours to breastfeed, after a time I got a breast pump the medela and then gave it to him in bottles and kept trying at the breast at the same time., until he was about 8lbs we tried just breast and no bottles he is doing just fine now. Best of luck!

Melissa - posted on 10/20/2009

I have a 4 month old, and am still trying to breastfeed. Something you need to remember, if you feel you need to start supplementing formula, remember to pump every time you feed anyway. I didnt, and thought that I would give a bottle, then let her breastfeed. Then it became 2 bottles, then 3. Soon I wasn't even making enough to give her. I started repumping and the milk thankfully came back in. With regards to pumps, I originally bought an expensive playtex double electric breastpump. It had so many parts, that I spent 30 minutes just cleaning it. Eventually I bought a cheaper evenflo electric pimp from wal mart, and I absolutley love it. Its faster, and way easier to clean! Dont give up if it gets hard.

Cara - posted on 10/19/2009

Just be patient and persistant. My son is five months old now but when he was first born he did not want to breast feed. He was a sleepy baby and everytime he would latch on he would fall asleep. I would have to wet his feet or face with a wet rag to wake him up over and over again. You will probably find that it hurts by the second day or so, but give it a week or two and that goes away completely. Good luck!

Crystal - posted on 10/19/2009

If you get cracked or sore nipples:

Express breastmilk and rub on nipple,let air dry. Follow with Lansinoh cream.

If milk supply gets low:

Eat oatmeal

use Traditional Medicinals mothers milk tea http://www.tealand.com/MothersMilk.asp

Pump between feedings



Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby

drink plenty of water



Good Luck! I love breastfeeding :D

Jamie - posted on 10/19/2009

Quoting Taylor:

With breastfeeding, pretend it's the 1800's and that's the ONLY food there is. contact La Leche or the lactation consultant at the local hospital. good luck

HaHa! That is what gets me by on those days I just want my space.

My advice is until you are comfortable with feeding the baby and you have a good routine established don't try to worry about everything else. Curl up on the couch or in bed, read, watch tv, listen to music whatever helps you relax and don't get up for awhile. When you start out baby can nurse for a long time before they are done, you will get sore, I don't suggest shields ( yes they are nice and helps with the pain) but many times baby gets too used to them and will never want to latch on your nipple again from what I've heard if you use one try to get rid of it by 6 weeks of age. And snack snack snack! Besides pregnancy this is one of those few times you are told to load up on your calories! 1800-2000 a day, I aim for the latter just to feel better about knowing I can do everything I can to help keep a good milk supply.... And remember once upon time that was the only way to feed your baby...

April - posted on 10/19/2009

My advice is that when the going gets tough...keep on going! You may run into some challenges while breast feeding, but remember that whatever problems you may experience (if you ever do), you will overcome them and everything will be worthwhile!! I have to say that there were times where I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, but I'm still going strong. My son is almost 10 months old and pretty much only breast feeds (he refuses solids).

Nancyr - posted on 10/19/2009

Breastfeeding has many advantages first being it's the best thing for your child,it also helps your uterus go back in shape as soon as possible.while you are breastfeeding the other breast should be pumped so you can use that milk later on for a feeding. If you have to go out the milk that you pumped can now be used while you are on an errand.Your breast will be swollen when you arrive back home from the hospitol but the quicker you start feeding the baby the faster the swelling leaves good luck!

Taylor - posted on 10/19/2009

im a labor and delivery nurse with 8 kids and breastfeeding for the 9th year (total). The best pump is the Medela Pump In Style. Better than the hospital pumps. Trust me..I can use hospital pumps for free everyday if I want to... that pump is better. A little pricey, but sometimes, if your Dr. will write a Rx for it, your insurance will pay for it... ask ask ask. Hand pumps are ok, but I'm lucky if I have 10 min to pump. It's a double pump and it hauls ass. With breastfeeding, pretend it's the 1800's and that's the ONLY food there is. contact La Leche or the lactation consultant at the local hospital. good luck

Angela - posted on 10/18/2009

lots of patience and water. good luck.

Jamie - posted on 10/18/2009

Oh, and just relax :)

Jamie - posted on 10/18/2009

First off, CONGRATS! Here's what I wish someone would have told me- It's not always easy in the beginning but it is sooo worth it! Get the help of a lactation consultant while you are still at the hospital. YOU CAN DO IT! HEre are some great free videos you can watch too to help prepare you. http://www.breastfeeding.com/

Jessica - posted on 10/18/2009

It sounds like everyone has given you some good advice so far! Try not toget too overwhelmed. Breastfeeding actually does take some practice, for you and your baby. Its something you learn together. I say that because I kind of had the idea that it would just come naturally. It helps to have a good lactation consultant and/or helpful nurses while you're in the hospital. You can check with your hospital ahead of time to find out what kind of supprt and classes they offer. A class would be a good thing to attend too. Read everything you can- someone else suggested it, but kellymom.com is a great website with lots of good info.

Good luck!

Brooke - posted on 10/18/2009

My best advice is to let the baby come to you. For 5 weeks I tried literally shoving my breast into my daughters mouth. I was so upset that I had to pump before every feed for fresh breast milk bc she wasn't getting it. I was ready to give up when she just found it herself. It was wonderful and 6 months later she is exclusively breastfeed and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend a boppy and I used the medela pump in style. Loooved it! Good luck! It is hard but soooooo worth it!

Michelle - posted on 10/17/2009

I agree with EVERYTHING everyone said. Medela pump in style is my favorite pump.... I waited until 6 weeks to start pumping cause your milk changes quite a bit then ... It becomes thicker so you don't want to freeze up the milk from 2 weeks and try to give it to your 8 week old ... it won't be as beneficial to them. This is the advice that I got from my nurse that came to me for my 2 week home visit. I have ALOT of milk in the freezer ... it is great especially since my daughter is almost 8 months. My goal was to breastfeed til she was 6 months and I have completely passed that goal! I am now planning on going till she is a year! I am soooo happy I am able to do this for my daughter. She only had to have formula for 2 feedings in her life because I did not give enough bagged/frozen milk to my mother when she watched her for a weekend that I was away! If you believe in yourself you will get through it! I would have to say the first few weeks were rough and then now the only thing I hate is pumping ... but I still have to pump while I am at work in order to keep my supply up. I just keeping thinking only 4 more months of pumping!!! I might keep nursing her for her morning meal and bedtime meal after she is one. Everyone has their own way of doing this! Good luck!!!!

Scarlett - posted on 10/17/2009

I have to agree with Emma - Snacks and water are great! My favorite breastfeeding snacks are a banana, strawberry yogurt or cheese! and of course a bottle of water!

Heather - posted on 10/17/2009

I went all out on the breast pump and am very glad that I did. I got the most expensive Medela with the black carrying backpack with a battery charger and plug in. This has been perfect! Yes the 250 is a lot of money but I have had no problems, efficient, convenient, easy to clean...I know I sound like an advertisement but it's been great. Sandra every Mom you talk to is going to tell you "the best way" to do this for them. You need to discover this for you. The hardest thing for me is that the only way that I can leave the house for a decent amount of time or get an extended nights sleep is by pumping milk and having my husband feed the little guy. (and I like to savor my liquid gold like investments in the freezer LOL :-) I feel the benefits of breast feeding outweigh this so I sleep and get away for the moments I can...but this is hard! (I have chosen to strictly breastfeed though) I got a book called the breastfeeding guide...there are many books out there. I would also recommend talking to a lactation specialist so they can meet you where you are in all of this. And I would recommend that you read about the pros and cons of breastfeeding so that when times get tough you can decide whether it's time keep going, for formula, 1/2 milk half formula...etc.. Best wishes to you and the little one to come :-)

Sophy - posted on 10/17/2009

im breastfeeding and i just find the more relaxed u r the more your baby well enjoy the food and will latch on easier

Emma - posted on 10/17/2009

Stay calm, first weeks are the hardest. Make sure for the first couple of weeks that you keep water and snacks handy for yourself. I found it helped if I brought a bottle of water and some granola bars to bed with me that way I could snack when my son was done feeding. For me, the first few weeks were the hardest cause of my increased appetite and sore nipples. But making sure baby latched on right, had the right position for both of us and the snacks helped me through it.



I use a hand pump for the occasions where I need to pump a bottle for a babysitter, no point in spending extra bucks on an electric if baby is mainly breastfed. But if you do pump, it will take a while for you to get the rythym done, just like breastfeeding does.



Good luck, it is the best experience in the world!

BethAnn - posted on 10/17/2009

talk to lactation consultants and go to classes BEFORE YOU HAVE THE BABY...that way you have a very clear idea of what to expect.

Erica - posted on 10/17/2009

Sandra,
Here are a few tip that I wish I had known when I first started breastfeeding.

Stay relaxed during each feeding when your calm your baby will eat and latch on much better.

Breastfeeding storage bags are a true life saver. You can us them for storage and use them with a "Disposable Nurser System" (bottles with liners) and they take up a lot less space in the fridge / freezer.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp...

You don't always have to have the most expensive pump on the market to find a good one. I use a fairly inexpensive playtex pump. It does what I need it to do.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp...

A warm shower, bath, or hot pad will help relieve almost all breast pain/tenderness. Oh and lanolin will become your best friend. But any nipple cream you feel comfortable with will work out great for nipple dryness and tenderness.

After using just about every nursing pad that I could find I have found the Johnson's Baby nursing pads to be the best. they have a natural shape and a dip in the center for your nipple which sounds funny but makes it much more comfortable to wear. And in my opinion they stay dry much longer than others when you don't have a new one on hand.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.a...

You'll find breastfeeding to be a very rewarding and trying experience. Remember any breast milk your little one gets is always better than none. And don't give up, when they go through growth spurts it's hard to keep up but just keep trying and you will make it through.

I truly hope this has helped. If you have any other question feel free to ask.
Erica

Aarika - posted on 10/17/2009

I found that the dual electric pump was best. I tried to use a hand pump with my first and it just took too long. The electric one with my second was great and it allowed me to go on dates with my husband without having to give formula or only be gone for 2hrs.
As for the breast-feeding, I was told give it at least 6 weeks before you give up. I had a terrible time with my son and it took 3 weeks of agony before things all of a sudden became much better. I'm glad I hung in there.

Stina - posted on 10/17/2009

I like the pumps Medela makes.



If there is a class on Breastfeeding offered at your hospital, you might check it out. There are also helpful books- Sorry but I gave mine away or I could be more helpful with a title. I think it was "New Mothers Guide to Breastfeeding" that I had-



Ask for a visit in the hospital from a Lactation Consultant to help you get started and give you any guidance you may need.



Then, make a goal to stick with it no matter what for a few months. Some babies are easier than others to breastfeed. By being determined not to give up during the first days/weeks, you'll give yourself a chance to work through any challenges. During this time be sure to ask questions if you do come up against some difficulties. It's well worth it.



During the first months it's important to feed on demand so the baby can establishyour supply. I found it very helpful to have my baby room in with us during the first 3 months so that I only had to pick her up out of the pac'nplay next to my bed for her middle of the night feedings. We also did a lot of cosleeping but it's not necessarily for everyone.



Congratulations on #3! Happy breastfeeding :-)

Samantha - posted on 10/17/2009

Medela electric pumps are the best (although a bit pricey). If nipples become sore, don't give up. They make a nipple shield to help with sore nipples and better latch for baby. Always tell yourself you are doing whats best for your baby! Hope this helps a little. Good luck!!!

Arwen - posted on 10/17/2009

Hello,



Well done you for making that decision - make sure you get your positioning and attachment right and let that baby feed when s/he likes, that way they can tell your body how much milk they need you to make!! I wouldn't worry about pumping straight away, but in my experience I found a hand pump much better than an electric one.



Here's a website full of helpful information on breastfeeding, especially getting started. http://www.realbabymilk.org



Good luck!



Arwen

Minnie - posted on 10/17/2009

Take some time, in a large chunk, or here and there, and peruse the websitebelow from top to bottom, in-and- out. It's invaluable- maintained by an experienced IBCLC:



http://www.kellymom.com