Gonna be beastfeeding soon would like advise PLEASE!!

Sara-Beth - posted on 10/04/2009

Thank-you to all of you's for giving me the advise that I was looking for everyday I continue to look at your coments so please keep them coming there helping me a whole lot and once again THANK YOU SOOO MUCH GIRLS!!

Patti - posted on 10/03/2009

Well congrats! I have been breastfeeding my 9 month old since the day he was born its an incredible experience and you also become his absolute favorite and needed person around! Remember though it takes lots of dedication and its not always easy but its best for the baby. He latched on right away also. I had a c-section do to toxemia and he took right to it! If yours doesn't the hospitals usually have a consultant there to help you. But I would start asap! And they also say that breastmilk is sweeter than formula so babys love it anyway thats the best advice I have and I think you'll love breastfeeding I do!

Jan - posted on 10/03/2009

Hi Sara~Beth, I B/F all 4 of my children (now aged 14~25). It was by no means easy at 1st, but was a piece of cake after a few months. I B/F each one straight after giving birth. I swear by CAMILLOSAN OINTMENT, keep a tube handy, its fantastic for sore nipples. Make sure baby latches on to the whole nipple area (including the areola), if your not comfortable or feel baby is not latched on properly, stick your little finger in its mouth between tongue & nipple to release suction & try again. I wish you luck. x

Ashley - posted on 10/03/2009

i latched my son to the breast in the delivery room, if you dont know how the nurse will help you. Alot of hospitals offer lactation consultents as well.. i will warn you that your nipples are going to hurt and may even become cracked but just apply lansinoh cream (which is safe for baby, sou dont have to wipe off) and a warm washcloth. Dont let the pain discourage you, u did just have a baby so some pain isnt gonna scare you!lol! be sure to bring the baby to your breast dont lean into him as it will kill your back( i know from experience i had a horriable back spasm) and stay away from real spicy foods, chocolate, broccoli, and brussel sprouts as these will make him very gassy and constipated..

Crystal - posted on 10/03/2009

I had my first child about 7 weeks ago and I decided to breastfeed him. I recommend making sure that you have a lactation consultant help you! I started in the hospital the same day he was born! It really isn't hard and don't worry about your baby not liking your milk! One thing I would recommend is to make sure that your baby is latched on correctly! Shove as much of your aerola in his/her mouth so he/she isn't nawing on your nipple which will cause them to be sorta painful! Get some Lanolin to soothe your nipples and you'll be fine! It does get much easier the more you do it so don't give up! Now, me and my son are pros!

Schanna - posted on 10/03/2009

:-) Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things on earth. Its very rare that women are simply unable to do it. Its best to hold your baby asap after giving birth and with a couple minutes to a couple hours your baby will want to nurse. A lot of times if left alone babies will actually "crawl" up to the breast and latch on themselves. A lot of times its not as easy as it seems so you'll need to be resolute in your decision to breastfeed. It's one of the best things you'll experience once you get used to it. If your having trouble seek the help of a lactation expert before you leave the hospital. You don't want to wait until you get home because that will affect how much milk you produce. Instead of supply and demand, breastfeeding is demand and supply. The more your baby nurses the more milk you'll make. I'd do your best to stay away from bottles at least for the first month or so. Babies don't like to work for milk a lot of times and if you show them an easier way, the bottle, they will take you up on it. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions! Its one of my favorite topics! I'm currently pregnant and still nursing my 2 year old. Its been an up and down journey but worth every second. It was hard and a learning process for the both of us. At first he wouldn't latch on and now I can't get him to latch off! Good luck!

Louisa - posted on 10/02/2009

I had a hard time starting breast feeding due to my nipples being small-ish and one even being inverted but no problems at all after a while. I used a nipple shield when I got home and despite being told it was a dangerous precedent to set as baby could get used to it, it saved my nipples for one week whilst we learned together. I did not nurse straight away and due to latch problems, I did end up using the pump in the hospital and got small amounts of precious yellow colustrum out which we tried to give to him and to make sure my supply came in. My baby developed jaundice so a a nurse finally (without me knowing til afterwards), gave him a bottle and teat with my milk snf he took 40 mls in one go which I was so pleased about and there were no problems with nipple confusion. I am still nursing now at 13 months just in the morning and evenings and despite the problems we had with colic and silent reflux (if your baby nurses for a few minutes then cries in pain when you lay him down he may have reflux, took us a few tears and weeks to figure this out but I wouldn't give up the breast) I love breast feeding and am not sure how I will feel when the time (for me) comes to stop sometime likely in the next 4-6 months. It is wonderful, just the right stuff, always available and much less fuss than sterilising etc.

Stephanie - posted on 10/02/2009

I am breastfeeding my 3rd baby. They do NOT reject milk (their favorite food). Just remember that you and the baby have to LEARN to do this together. They come out able to suck but that does not mean they know how to breastfeed. My youngest HAS a hard time breathing and eating at the same time. She's getting the hang of it but it does not stop her from eating ;)

Best advice, let the lactation consultants at the hospital help you and ASK them A LOT. Oh, and take nipple cream! It's a boobsaver!

Whittni - posted on 10/02/2009

My son is 9 months and I am still breastfeeding him.The best advice I got was to get lanolin cream made Lansinoh (got it at Walmart by the nursing pads in the baby department). You can use it in the last trimester three times a day to condition the nipple and then every time your child nurses and it's safe for them to nurse without wiping it off. You can also use it before you get in the shower if they are sensitive. I had very little problem with soreness because of this. Also, my husband was a big help in handing my son to me after I would get seated comfortably. And the nurses at the hospital were very helpful for anything, that is what they are there for, just ask them. They helped me with the first feed and were very knowledgeable.

Rekia - posted on 10/02/2009

start right when the baby is born...but feed as often as the baby wants to eat so that your milk supply will keep up with your baby and wont stop.

Cindy - posted on 10/02/2009

My first born did not latch on. I had so much trouble but I was determined to do it. WHile at the hospital I had a lactation nurse and anyone else that was available giving me advise. My son wouldnt even drink from a bottle. They attached me to the electric pumps so that I could get through the colastrum and get my milk in. Anyway I gave him a bottle at the hospital because the dr said that if he wasnt eating he couldn't come home with me. So he drank from formula. Once I got home I was able to calmly put him until he latched and guess what? I currently breast feed my second child and he still wants it. He way to old now but use your judgement and dont let others influence your decisions. I had family telling me that my milk was not good enough for my kids so I am glad that i didnt listen and did my own thing. My kids hardly got sick at all because of the breast milk. Look into your local "La Leche League". Strong support group to help you along.

Mary-Ann - posted on 10/02/2009

It is a possibility that your child won't like the milk but the hild may also love it. My advice to you is to start breastfeeding in the hospital so that if there is a problem with the child not liking the milk the nurses can guide you into what to do. i had that same fear before my child was born and it turned out just to be that she loves the milk.

Milena - posted on 10/02/2009

Start to feed right after birth if possible, if all is ok . That's the best feeling of all! And there is just no such thing as baby wont like your milk, it's a very primetive thing(nursing) , babys are desined to feed and the milk is desined for baby. It changes according to babys needs at every feed! The last thing I would advise to do it to confuse your newborn with a bottle , the first few days are tough!, dont give up, they(nipples) will hurt, and baby might cry but you're both learning, good luck and happy feeding! ps.. try to relax your body and state of mind as much as possible while feeding, baby can feel your anxiety, so take a few deep breaths if necessary. :0)

Laura Zoey - posted on 10/02/2009

it could be extremely painful for up to two weeks but if you stick to it and get all the help you can it will be the most rewarding thing you can do for your baby. i feel that if you give up you will regret it for ever so please be strong and do whatever it takes to give your baby the most healthy life possible. your milk will be so much better tasting then any formula you could get. and you cant imagine the feelings of love you get from your baby when you nurse. breastfeeding is the most wonderful thing for your baby and i am so happy that you will giving such a good start for your baby!



remember it will hurt

but it will be SOOO worth it

Jera - posted on 10/02/2009

Your nurses will help you start breast feeding the day you give birth. It is important to start right away. Your nipples are going to be very sensitive and if you decide to keep it up, very sore for about 6 weeks. But don't give up, it is so worth it in the end.

Linda - posted on 10/02/2009

Contact your local National Childbirth Trust. You don't have to be a member but they will support you with a breastfeeding counsellor. You can find your local one by googling NCT and putting in your post code. Good luck!

Kat - posted on 10/02/2009

Hiya,i have been breast feeding my daughter for 9 months and it comes so naturally.Your baby will like your milk and you start your first feed soon after birth in the hospital,you will have guidance from the midmives,your proper milk wont come in untill about the third or fourth day so you may find that your baby is wanting to feed all the time.You will have your downs with it but after a few months you will be an expert.Sore and cracked nipples and the pain of full boobs doesnt last forever your body will eventually only produce enough milk for you baby when he/she needs it,and feed on demand too not at set times.Im a third time mum be happy to advise you on this if your still worried x

Bridgette - posted on 10/02/2009

Dont be scared to breastfeed its a great thing,the best thing for your baby is breast milk and I think the baby will take to it really well. Also as soon as you deliver you want to put the baby on your breast to feed.

Leslie - posted on 10/02/2009

As soon as my daughter was born she started nursing and has been perfect with it from the start. She is now almost 3 months old. Just don't get frustrated. It may be hard at first but the reward is so worth it. Good luck!!

Susan - posted on 10/02/2009

I have 2 children and my first I nursed for 3 months and my second we are at 10 months and still going. You will start when you are at the hospital right after the baby is born. At first it will be hard it is not as easy as it looks and it does hurt a little at first. But if you can get through that you will do great. As for the baby he/she will like it b/c that will be all he knows. When my son was 2 months old I tried to suppliment with formula b/c we were out and about. He would not take it b/c he didn't like it. The nurses will help you. Ask a lot of questions and remember they understand that you have never done this before so don't feel stupid b/c they do not think you are.

Jessica - posted on 10/02/2009

I am an OB nurse. At our hospital we try to get baby to breast in the first hour if at all possible, this is when they are most alert and able to feed, they then go through a sleepy period that usually lasts about 24 hours and they can be difficult to get them to latch. Your nurse will be your best friend, have her help you every time until you are comfortable to go at it alone. I have nursed all three of my children past their 1st birthday and it has been such a rewarding experience. The only thing to know is that breastfeeding hurts until you get your nipples tough enough, so if you can make it through the first 2-3 weeks you are golden, don't give up, all babies aren't naturals at it and you have to work at it. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy - posted on 10/02/2009

There's a lanolin spray now that is much, much better than the cream - it doesn't have to be rubbed in! You just spray it on, and it soaks in on its own. You don't have to rub it off before you nurse, either. The last thing I wanted to do was rub cream into my already sore nipples! The spray was a life saver. I know The First Years makes it. The only place I've found it, though, is Target. I don't think Wal-Mart carries it. CVS or Walgreens might, I haven't checked.

Kristan - posted on 10/02/2009

i'm not sure what the other moms have said, mainly because i don't have the time to read thru all the posts. lol. i hope they've helped.

as far as when you should start nursing, as soon as the nurse or doctor lets you.
i would ask if the hospital you are delivering at has a lactation consultant. they are AMAZINGGG tools! no baby latches on perfect at first, it is not an easy task, especially after just giving birth. i got soo frustrated i was in tears. my boyfriend helped a lot at the hospital with the positioning and stuff. but the lactation consultant was amazing. they are free of charge and educate you so much on everything you need to know. plus they are available 24/7 for you to call and ask questions about any concerns.

my biggest problem was the nipple soreness, it was worse then labor for me. BUT that is only because she was not latching on like she was suppose to. so make sure you have the latch down before you leave the hospital. everyone is there to help you, use it!!!

also, i HIGHLY recommend using lanolin cream. it is to keep your nipples from getting chapped and helps with the sensitivity!
Gerber has one that looks like a tube of chapstick and it worked the best for me. they say to put it on after the baby nurses, but i would recommend putting it on whenever you think about it, every hour or something. it is what saved me!!!!

also, i would let the nurses know that you are breastfeeding and that you don't want them to give her a paci in the nursery. my daughter was finally latching on good, then she spent a few hours in the nursery, came back with a paci and it took forever to get her latching back on properly. (i think due to nipple confusion)

hope that helped!

Debbie - posted on 10/02/2009

Hi there!



I also felt like that! I'm also a 1st time mom of a 9 week old baby boy and loving breastfeeding! I'm not gonna lie to you, the 1st 2 weeks is very painfull, but after that it's down hill and great fun! To soothe the pain, get ice packs (available from any baby shop), and put it on your breasts when the milk starts to come in after the 3rd day! Don't know if your country has it, but also Lansinoh cream (a type of pigs fat). It works wonders!!!! Alo massage the breast. Baby will love the milk, breastmilk has a sweet taste to it, which babies love! Start breastfeeding asap after birth. I started while I was in the recovery room, the nurses will help you and show you how baby is suppose to latch. I you're unsure, ask them!!! Don't let the nurses feed your baby formula milk when they take him/her away to the nursery for the 1st night, otherwise babies sometimes struggle to take the breast.

Good luck and take care!!!

Goundy - posted on 10/02/2009

You will start breast feeding shortly after you have your baby, don't worry the child will know what to do. My suggestions for you are to first get a boppy pillow to help you support the child while breast feeding, purhcase a tube of "Lansinoh" lanolin cream to use after you are done feeding and you can fink this at Walmart with the baby items, keep as hydrated as possible, and always remember to be patient. We are not all perfect, but enjoy this special time w/ you child, even at 4 in the morning. :) Best of luck to you!

Shanna - posted on 10/02/2009

Nurses will usually tell you to breastfeed shortly after delivery, I breastfed my daughter right after they cleaned her up a bit. It can be tough but stick to it. Talk with a preffessional and try not to go by what others tell you. I was constantly scared of my baby not getting enough of my milk but just make sure your baby is gaining weight and you'll be fine. Just remember was an amazing thing YOU are providing for your baby. Im only 22 and just weaned my daughter 2 months ago (when she turned one). A lot of people are choosing not to breastfeed at all, especially young moms. But, you can do it! It's a wonderful experience!

Kilee - posted on 10/01/2009

I just had my son and he was way my first also. I started breastfeeding him as soon as he was born!!! It was a hard thing for us at first but people have been doing this since the beginning of time. So you can do it don't sweat it. If you have problems we are all here to help and what we can't help with We'll be happy to listen!!!

Tiera - posted on 10/01/2009

Start as soon as they hand the baby to you. It helps to make you uterus contract down and stop bleeding. The time immediately after birth is when your baby will be most awake and ready to feed. All babies like their mother's milk . . . that's something you need not worry about. During those first few weeks, don't give up. Just believe that breastfeeding will work if you just give yourself and your baby some time to adjust. You may want to check out some books on breastfeeding before the big day. Good luck!

Amy - posted on 10/01/2009

I'm so sorry that is so crazy long! I have it saved in am email that I sent to a friend, and it didn't seem that long in the email! :)

Amy - posted on 10/01/2009

I know that this is insanely long, but it's because I really have done SO much research, and I have tried to make myself as educated as possible, and I try to share it with others that are willing to hear it.

Alright, as far as right after the baby is born: Nurse as soon as is physically possible after birth - and do it with skin-to-skin contact. The medical community doesn't always recognize the importance of skin-to-skin contact in newborns, but the naturalists are very adamant about it. It is just about the most intense bonding moment with your baby that you will ever experience. As much as you can, have your baby next to you in just a diaper. I recommend bringing a nightgown with you to the hospital that opens in the front so you can nurse, and you can just slip the baby inside your nightgown to nurse, and to lay tummy down on your stomach. Also, it is a good idea for your husband to have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible, as well. Again, it's an incredible bonding time. Anyhow, the benefits of breastfeeding immediately after birth - it causes uterine contractions that helps your uterus to close back up quicker. You will have to deliver the placenta soon after the baby, and nursing immediately after will help a great deal with this.

After he's born, for the first few days, you'll just be producing colostrum. It's a thick, yellowish liquid that is extremely high in fat and calories. You won't be engorged or anything then, so TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!! My midwives said to nurse AT LEAST every 3 hours, if not more often, during this time, because the baby needs to learn how to nurse, and he needs to learn how to do it quickly. If he can master the latch-on during the first few days, when your milk comes in, you will both be much better off, and have a lot less stress. And yes, this is the time when you should wake a sleeping baby to nurse him. After he gets the idea (about 3 weeks), then you can leaving him sleeping, but it's more important now to teach him to nurse well.

For the latch on - make sure the baby's mouth is opened really, really wide. You can pull the chin down with your thumb to make sure it's open enough. Do not let him latch on unless his mouth is open wide. If you do, it will hurt more, he'll learn to nurse incorrectly, and it could do damage to your nipple. When his mouth is opened wide enough, bring him to your breast, not the other way around. You may hear that a lot, but nobody ever gives you the reason why. It's because if you get in the habit of bringing your breast to him, it can cause serious back issues for you because you're always leaning over him. Anyhow, when you bring him up to latch on, his mouth needs to be covering as much of the aureola as possible. His chin should be driving into your breast, and his nose should be away from the breast (not touching). His head should be tilted back a bit for this to happen. Also, check to make sure both of his lips are flanged out over the breast while he's sucking.

Ok, sometimes there are nurses that are not used to women who want to breastfeed, so they often give information that will make it "easier" for you, but often, they do not have your best interests at heart. They will often tell you that when your baby is crying, it's because he is hungry and you should supplement with formula - check with your dr. AND a lactation consultant before you do this - PLEASE! Your milk supply is established in the first few days of breastfeeding, and especially if you're going to be pumping, you need to make sure your milk supply can keep up with the demand. That is another reason you need to nurse at least every 3 hours (the midwives actually recommended every 2). Your milk supply needs to be established very well, and nursing often is pretty much the only way to do that. Also, nursing more often helps to bring in your milk quicker. If you start supplementing formula, your milk supply won't be established very well, and your milk will take longer to come in. If there's a doubt about whether or not you think your baby isn't getting enough - consider this: at one day old, a baby's stomach can hold only 5-7 mL - that's tiny, about 1 tsp! So your colostrum is PLENTY! At 3 days, it goes up to almost an ounce, which if you look at a bottle, that's hardly any, too. So as your milk is coming in, his stomach will be getting bigger. By a week, his stomach can be up to about 2 oz. If you nurse frequently, he'll be getting enough, and hopefully not be spitting most of it up! But if he does spit up a lot, again, check with your dr. and a lactation consultant before you change anything. Baby's stomachs don't stretch very well to accommodate more than what it can hold, so anything extra is usually spit up, but that's the EXTRA, not what they need.

Also, expect him to lose up to 10% of his bodyweight in the first few days of life. This is COMPLETELY normal! Their little bodies are adjusting to being outside of the womb and not having an umbilical cord giving them all their nutrients as they needed them. Also, they're having to move around a lot more, and having to work for their food, all which adds to calories expended. Noah got down to 5 lbs 15 oz in the hospital, and he was born at 6 lbs 7 oz. The pediatrician in the hospital - a big breastfeeding proponent - was not concerned. You can tell your milk is coming in when he starts to gain a little weight back. And don't be worried if it takes a little bit for him to get back up to his birthweight. He's still fine, unless your pediatrician says otherwise.

Once your milk comes in, your breasts could become engorged, and if you don't stay on top of it, it will lead to an unbelievable disaster! Again, though, if your baby learns to nurse well in the beginning couple of days, it should make it easier. When your breasts become engorged, if you let them get too full, it is the equivalent to trying to nurse on the end of a football or the top of an inflated balloon - hard, and no place to latch on. Start using your pump as soon as your milk comes in, and it will help a WHOLE bunch. You will just need to pump of the excess so that your breasts stay soft so that the baby can latch on. One horror story, and that's it...My first night home, no one had told me to get a pump or anything, and we got home at about 8:00 PM, and we all went to bed because we were exhausted. Well, a few hours later, Noah woke up and was hungry, and I woke up with my breasts SO full, that I was sore and leaking. Noah tried to nurse, and he couldn't latch on at all. He just screamed and screamed, and I cried and cried, but there was nothing that either one of us could do. I didn't have a pump, and I didn't know what to do. He was only being able to get the milk that I expressed with my hand by just squeezing. It was horrible. The next day, my sister came early, and her daughter was 2 1/2 months old, and was a voracious eater, so we did the only thing we could think of - I nursed Virginia, and Anna nursed Noah. We had actually discussed the idea of this months before and were horrified by the thought of nursing someone else's baby and by our baby nursing on someone else, but when it came down to it, and Noah was starving, and I was in pain from being too full, we did what we had to do! It helped to soften my breasts so Noah could nurse, and it helped to fill Noah up so that wasn't so hungry that he was freaking out and frustrated. A couple hours later, my mom showed up with a pump, and we were set after that. If I had had the pump earlier, I probably would have been ok. An alternative to a pump that was suggested by the La Leche League leader that I called is to stand in a hot shower with the water on your breasts. It feels pretty good, but it didn't seem to help the fullness all that much, in my case. Another thing that helped is to use warm, wet washrags and place them on your breasts for a few minutes before you nurse - it helps with the letdown. And speaking of the letdown, the baby may get a little frustrated at first because it takes a bit of work for the letdown to occur. Just keep plugging away, he'll get it. But you can help him out a bit in the beginning by using the wet washrags or doing a little hand expression or pumping some to help out the letdown.

Also, to help with engorgement, nurse in all of the positions you can. There are several, and I'm sure the hospital will give you literature for it. By nursing in different positions, it helps to empty the milk ducts all around the breast, so they don't get clogged. Also, if you develop a fever, your breasts get hot or unusually painful, or if you develop red streaks on your breasts, pump and nurse like crazy, and apply warm compresses. If it doesn't go away in a few hours, call your doctor, because it could be mastitis, and could cause an infection. Also, if you feel lumps in your breast, massage them out, and when you're nursing or pumping, massage where the lumps are. They are clogs in the ducts, and if you massage them and apply the warm compresses, it will help the milk to flow better.

Pumping: I have heard far and wide that medela is by far the best pump around. I have only used the medela pumps, so I have nothing to compare it to, but my sister got an aveda pump from WIC, and a friend of mine used another kind of pump (I'm not sure what kind, but I can find out if you want me to), and she said she only used it once because it was incredibly painful and made weird noises! The benefits of the medela pumps are that they have a soft fit breast shield (the part that goes over the areola), that actually conforms to your breast. Most are hard plastic. When they conform, it makes it WAY more comfortable, and it helps to pump out more milk because it helps to put the pressure in different places. Pumping feels different than nursing at first, but in a few weeks, they'll even out. One really good way to figure out a pumping/nursing schedule is to nurse on one side, then immediately after, pump off the other side. Continue to pump for 2-3 minutes AFTER the last drops fall to ensure that you're emptying it. WHen a breast is emptied, either by baby or by pump, it gives the breast the signal to start producing again. So after one nursing session, pump the other side completely off. Then, the next time you nurse, have him nurse on the other side, and when he's done, pump off the other side. Also, if you can stand it, after he's done nursing, pump off the same side he just nursed on to make sure he got it all. Some will tell you that he needs to nurse 10-15 minutes on one side, then switch. This is not, however, the best way to do it. There are two types of milk in your breast - the foremilk and the hindmilk. The hindmilk only comes when the breast is being emptied, so even if it takes 20 minutes, make sure he has emptied the first breast before switching him to the other side. THe hindmilk is the fattiest milk, and is much higher in fat and calories that the foremilk. Another benefit of the medela pump is that is had a two-phase expression system. That means that it does short, quick pumps at first to stimulate the breast to letdown, then moves to longer, slower pumps once the letdown is achieved. This mimics the baby's nursing pattern, and as far as I know, medela is the only one that has that - or at least it was when I looked into it a year months ago.

When you're storing breastmilk, there are a few things to remember. These will also come in the medela instruction manual, and on the package of breastmilk storage bags, but the general idea is that you can store milk in the fridge for 8 days, and in the freezer for 2 months. However, if you have a separate deep freeze, it can last for up to 6 months. You can pump into a bottle, and continue to pump into it for 24 hours, and you can keep adding milk as long as it's in the same 24 hour period. If there's anything I regret, it's not being devoted to pumping like I should have been, especially in those first few weeks. The milk in the first few weeks is sooooo good for the baby! It is a golden yellow color, and has more nutrients and vitamins, fat and calories than the later milk. You may notice that the milk starts to turn a more whitish color as the weeks go by, and that's normal. It's a good idea to save as much milk as you can because as your baby gets older and goes through growth spurts, you can give him extra milk that you've pumped. Also, the milk in the beginning is good to save and use to supplement for times when he gets sick because it is so good for him! I would go ahead and get a medela double pump if you're going to be going back to work. They are expensive, but well worth the money, especially since you'll be using it so much. My mom bought me a manual pump for that first day, and it was very nice. THen, a couple weeks later, we got an electric pump (it was just a single), and it was amazing. A double pump would be much nicer, but since I'm not working, I don't really need it.

A couple more things. First, to help with nipple soreness (some people will tell you there shouldn't be soreness, but I think that's a big fat lie!), here are some tried and true techniques: cold cabbage leaves can help - take them from the fridge and put them against your breasts twice a day for about 20 minutes. I didn't use them, but I've heard it helps. Using them more often can hurt milk supply, I believe. The thing that helped me the very, very most, and I would recommend going to buy some the next time you're at the story - The First Years 100% pure lanolin spray. I think that The First Years is the only company that makes lanolin spray - everything else is cream. The last thing you want to do is to rub a cream on already sore nipples! With the spray, you just do a mist, and you don't have to rub it in, and you don't have to wash it off before the baby nurses again. It honestly was a lifesaver for me. I would DEFINITELY take it to the hospital with you and start using it before you get sore. Also, a big help is to put the expressed breast milk on your nipples - it is antibacterial and can help to prevent infection if there are any cracks or scabs (which, again, people will say there shouldn't be, but almost everyone I've talked to has had some bleeding - just fight through it). And, by the way, breast milk is an INCREDIBLE substance and has so many uses, from ear infections to pink eye, and healing cuts - just google it - it's crazy!

Also, and this is one of the most important things that the midwives stressed to all of their patients, but is the hardest to actually do...do not put ANYTHING in the baby's mouth for the first 3 weeks except the breast - no pacifier, no bottle, no fingers, nothing. The baby HAS to learn how to nurse well, and by introducing something into his mouth besides the breast, his suck can get lazy or become incorrect. It's hard to not do the pacifier thing, but it is SO important. Babies have an innate need to suck, and if he's fulfilling that need on a pacifier, he won't be fulfilling it on the breast. You have to be specific with the nurses in the hospital nursery and tell them you don't want a pacifier. My nurses didn't have any problem with it. Also, along with that, I would recommend rooming in with the baby. It allows you to respond to his cries quicker and to feed him when he needs it, without waiting for the nurses to get some time to bring him to you. Also, you can ensure that he's not getting a pacifier (or, as I've read recently, a bottle with sugar water in it! Hospital nurseries give it to babies to calm them down without disturbing the mom, but can cause all kinds of problems!). Also, it gives you more time to bond with the baby and to help him get used to sleeping when you sleep, etc.

Oh, and here's something that the birthing center midwives taught us that made my husband's life a lot easier - bring olive oil with you to the hospital. The baby's first few days of diapers will have a poopy substance called meconium. It is black and tarry and thick, and sticks to the baby's butt like nobody's business. If you put the olive oil on the butt, it makes the meconium slide right off. It is incredible. It sounds so strange, I know, but I promise, it will make the biggest difference in diaper changes - much easier for the baby and for you!

You'll need to drink a lot of water, but not TOO much. Breastmilk is 85% water, so you'll need to drink enough to satisfy the needs of your body, and to produce milk. That being said, however, only drink to thirst. When you're thirsty, drink until you're not. Your body will tell you what you need. If you get to the end of the day, and you realize you haven't had any water, then make a concerted effort the next day to pay attention to your body's cues. If that doesn't work, a good rule of thumb is to drink a full glass of water each time you sit down to nurse. It's a good reminder to drink, and it will make sure you get it done.

As far as sleeping goes, breastfed babies WILL eat more often, even at night. During the day, for the first 4-6 months, the baby needs to eat every 3 hours, pretty much without exception. For the first couple of months, this will extend into the nighttime as well. Breastmilk is digested much easier than formula, so it moves through the system a lot faster. They will still need to eat every 3 hours at night. Generally, the baby will ease itself into sleeping a little longer at night. Usually, the first stretch when you lay them down will move from 3 hours to 3-5 hours or so at around 2-4 months. At around 4 months, you may get a 6 hour stretch. Don't be worried, though, if it doesn't happen. And just when you think you're baby's on a routine, they'll go through a growth spurt or get sick, and it all goes out the window! You just have to roll with the punches! When a baby's in a growth spurt, they'll need to nurse more often because they need more nutrition. You have to nurse them frequently, and your milk supply will catch up in a few days. Then after the growth spurt's over, you'll be leaking again! But again, it's all a part of life! :)

Also, when people say that formula is just as good - it's not...at all. Breastmilk is absolutely incredible, and is the only substance on earth that is exactly what a newborn baby needs. It actually changes according to the germs and bacteria YOU'RE around because your baby is around the same ones, so it creates antibodies to help your baby from getting sick based on the environment you're in. Yes, you'll hear that babies on formula sleep longer and sleep through the night sooner, but the reason for that is because a baby's body has a much harder time digesting the formula, so it stays in their systems longer. It may seem nicer, but what are you sacrificing for a few more hours of sleep?. Also, breastfed babies are proven to have higher IQs, be much healthier, and are much, much less likely to develop obesity. Honestly, there's no comparison between breastmilk and formula - plus, the cost of formula is insane! It's at least a dollar per bottle, which is crazy!Also, the American Associate of Pediatricians recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months, then up to a year, for sure, and anything past that as long as it is mutually agreeable.

I had to give formula for 6 weeks because when I got pregnant, he just quit nursing. They say when you're pregnant, your milk changes flavor and your supply decreases, and apparently mine did very fast! Noah refused to nurse anymore! When I bought my first can of formula, I nearly had a heart attack because of the price! I've heard that from the money you save by not buying formula, you can actually purchase a major appliance at the end of the year! Crazy! Anyway, that's my soapbox about formula, sorry!

Also, if your baby is gassy, don't let people tell you that he's allergic to breastmilk. There is very, very little documentation of that being a real thing. Odds are, you either just have a gassy baby, or he's reacting badly to something you ate. If it continues, the first thing is for you to quit all dairy products for a week, and see if it's better. Then, reintroduce dairy into your diet, and see if it comes back. Another offender is often wheat products or citrus foods. Noah was just gassy. That's just all there was to it. I tried cutting things out of my diet, and nothing worked. But he was NOT allergic to breastmilk. If your baby spits up a lot, it could be reflux, which will correct itself by around age 1, but again, NOT allergic to breastmilk.

When you think you can't breastfeed anymore because of the pain, tell yourself you're going to give it one more week, and that will usually get you over the hump. I can almost guarantee you that at some point, you will say, "This is not worth it. It hurts too much and it's too tiring." But give it another week after that, and you can make it. Breastfeeding is one of the most incredible things I've ever done, and I'm thrilled to have been able to give Noah that gift. It was hard at times, but oh so worth it.

Oh, and if you like drinking tea, there's an incredible tea that's by the company Traditional Medicinals called Mother's Milk. It says it "promotes healthy lactation." It doesn't taste too bad, and it really does work to increase your milk supply! I did it a few times throughout Noah's first year. It was great! :)

I'm so excited for you, and I pray that everything goes smoothly for you! Please don't hesitate to ask me anything else (I promise the answers won't be this long! :) )

:)
Amy

Elizabeth - posted on 10/01/2009

I am a first time mom and I started the minute they would let me have the baby. Our first hour was me, her dad, and my daughter feeding and getting the hang of breastfeeding. I think it helped get the routine down and now we will feed anywhere. Don't be shy about feeding your baby in public either. Most people will just ignore what's going on. I know because I had this terrible fear about feeding my daughter in public. I haven't had many problems with feeding my daughter, she seemed to have the hang of it way before I did.

Sara - posted on 10/01/2009

I think a lot of first moms worry that the baby won't like the milk...I had a very hard time breastfeeding my first child. I didn't have a lot of help. I was however determined to breastfeed my 2nd child. I nursed my 1st for 3 months and my 2nd for 13 months. I would just suggest that if you are worried because it is new, just make sure after the baby is born you get as much help as possible. I dose take some practice,. I think the only time babies don't like the breast milk is when you have eaten something weird that makes your milk taste funny. Other then that they should love it.


Good luck to you and congrats
Sara

Christine - posted on 10/01/2009

they know how to feed from day one. it is hard and some times discouraging but dont give up it is a wonderful thing. start as soon as he/she is born.

August - posted on 10/01/2009

My daughter latched on to nurse within 5 minutes of being born, and I nursed her for almost 30 minutes. Keep in mind however that you don't actually lactate right off the bat, it takes a few days for your milk to come in and until then your baby is getting super nutrient rich colostrum which is great for them, but if your baby is like mine, it didn't fill her up completely. SO, my consultant advised me to supplement formula after every nursing to "top her off" and once my milk came in about 3 days later we were back to breastfeeding only (I never had any issues with nipple confusion, and her doctor calls her a poster child for breastfeeding, so don't be waylaid!). Now she refuses any type of formula because it's not as sweet as the breast milk. She's almost 4 months old, and very healthy, happy and chubby!!! Start as soon as your baby is born... don't become frustrated, and remember you'll be very sore (your nipples that is) I was using breathing techniques to deal with the pain the first 2 weeks. But the bond I share and knowing it's a healthy choice for my baby has been worth all of it! Talk to your lactation consultant at your hospital or birthing center about the choice to breastfeed and they will help you get started right away. Best of luck!

Samantha - posted on 10/01/2009

Not sure if your hospital will be the same, but mine helped me out. They let me know when to start breastfeeding, how to hold my daughter and how long and often I should feed her. They also have lactation consultants at my hospital in case you are having any issues. You can check with your hospital but I'm sure they have similar services. Also, I wouldn't stress/worry too much. You'll do just fine and the calmer more relaxed that you are the more relaxed your baby will be and the easier the breastfeeding will be.

Sarah - posted on 10/01/2009

I am also a first time mom and I breastfeed exclusively until I went back to school when Kyrie was about 2 and a half months old. I put her on about an hour after she was born, and she did amazing. She has never had any problems latching, and I never got sore. She has always liked breastmilk better than formula, but when we introduced formula she picked that up very quickly as well. She still latches onto the breast without any problems, and I still have no complaints. I always heard that you had to kind of teach your child how to breastfeed, but that was definitely not the case for me. The doctors at the hospital will help you with when to first offer him/her the breast. I hope things go as well for you as they did for me!

Natasha - posted on 10/01/2009

You should start breastfeeding your baby not long after your baby is born as long as there is no complications with your baby at delivery. Your baby will probably love your milk, it tastes so much better than formula and it's so much better for them and cheaper. It may be hard in the beginning but try not to give up. It's so worth it!!!!

Kameron - posted on 10/01/2009

Start as soon as you have the baby, that is the best for your supply and the baby to learn how to suck properly. If the baby has trouble latching on i suggest things called nipple shields. They are thses little silicon things that go onto your nipple and extends it so the baby is cued to suck, it is kind of shaped like a bottle nipple and if you use them it is easier on your nipples at first... i had to use them for a couple of weeks them try and take them off, if it doesnt work, put them back on and try to take them off again later. i hope you purchased some lanolin. that helps with sore nipples as well as after feeding rub some of the extra milk on your nipple and LET DRY before putting your shirt or bra back on. And if you are anything like me you may make enough milk for triplets or more.... so I had to feed him then pump for 15 minutes on each breast or until "empty" It's a lot of work but it's a good way not to get engorged and get mastitis. Good Luck! It's hard but it is sooooo worth it.

Angel - posted on 10/01/2009

Quoting Catherine:
...Eventually the baby will back off. Until another growth spurt, and then the baby will feed more often again, just trying to get your body to produce more. Just remember it is hard the first month....

 Good luck and don't give up.

Hello again,

YES, I forgot to say, babies have growth spurts, so JUST when you think you've got the 'pattern' right for feeding, they grow suddenly, get hungrier and want MORE!

It's ALWAYS going to be enough...Catherine is SPOT on...your baby feeds more as this is how the body MAKES more milk...it's SO clever, it amazes me! :D

Angel

:D :D

Angel - posted on 10/01/2009

Hello!!



I breastfed for nearly five years constantly (just as one finished, the next started) so, trust me when I say, it's NOT easy at the beginning, nipples DO get a bit sore, people DO look, but you're doing the MOST WONDERFUL thing in the WORLD for your baby and the rewards, for you AND your babe are OUT of this WORLD! :D The GOOD news is, that after a FAIRLY short while (and I won't label it, as it's different for ALL, but ROUGHLY between two to six weeks, MAYBE more, don't worry... but after a 'while' at it, you'll feel like you're a PRO!)



Forget 'timing' feeds, or 'pumping' if you're 'demand feeding' and if the hospital will let you, just 'feed feed feed' and as LONG as you're feeding your beautiful baby, make sure you DRINK, DRINK, DRINK and EAT EAT EAT (oh and REST, LOTS!!)



The WONDERFUL news is that you CAN eat 3000 calories a day and lose weight...not that that is one's GOAL, but it's a LOVELY bonus, whilst breastfeeding and you DO NOT HAVE TO EVEN EAT HEALTHILY (although it's good to get some healthy food into you...but you can make 'perfect milk', whether you eat burgers and chips, or the 'perfect balanced meal'...that's the BEAUTY of the breast...no pun intended! :D



It's BEST (but don't worry if it doesn't happen quite 'perfectly') if you can feed MINUTES after your babe is born, but hours, or even DAYS afterwards, you'll still be able to do so, provided you express milk (IF you can't feed immediately) as SOON as possible. NOT a lot will come the first few days and then the breasts fill like BALLOONS and your baby may even gag a little, as 'new milk' can come in FAST!! It's ALL very natural and wonderful.



My 'first time' I wasn't very successful, not having support (from my first husband) but when I got it 'right', it was WONDERFUL and that's in part, due to a book, which I carried around like a 'bible of breastfeeding' and it was by Sheila Kitzinger (it's NOT the new book, but it's still available on EBay, libraries, etc.) and when I had a 'moment of OMG I'm doing it wrong'...I found a passage in the book that 'alleviated' my fears and let me know, I'm doing FINE! It's important to KNOW you're doing well, DON'T let pushy midwives (sorry to the lovely gentle ones out there) SHOVE babe's head onto you, YOU decide how YOU want to be and your beautiful babe will follow...and the more nipple you can get in, the less pain you'll be in...I used the 'almost tease' method, putting the babe to breast, until they try to latch with a little 'birdy' mouth, then brushing the nipple on the cheek, and they'll open the mouth a little wider and wider...and then slightly turn the breast from cheek to mouth and they're OFF (well, on!! :D)...and suckling comes naturally to nearly all babes :D



(I'm not being smug BTW! I was offered a breastfeeding position with LaLeche but being disabled, I felt I couldn't fairly take on the responsibility, as I couldn't guarantee my own health, but if you need someone, DO get in touch, they're WONDERFUL people, and they'll listen to YOU and help YOU...)



We're ALL different, (shapes, sizes, mindsets) but for me, the first times, I needed privacy (except from my husband, but STILL, everyone is entitled to have their 'needs met') as the silliest thing about breastfeeding is...the happier you are, the EASIER it is...and vice versa...



Just so you don't worry, your baby will LOVE your milk...and within hours will prefer the smell and taste of your milk to anything else offered.



My ONE 'slightly forceful' piece of advice is NOT to be 'bullied by the nurses/hospital' into letting them 'top up' feed...ESPECIALLY with a bottle, whether it's formula, OR expressed milk, unless you REALLY have to...breastmilk is best 'from the breast'...and IF anyone tries the 'emotional blackmail', re weightgain, it is PERFECTLY NATURAL for breastfed babes to NOT GAIN WEIGHT for TEN days and even to lose weight from their birth weight..ABSOLUTELY TOTALLY natural!



REALLY hope it goes WONDERFULLY well for you, I personally cannot think of ANYTHING that gave my babies nor me more pleasure than feeding them with my milk.



The VERY VERY best of luck! I'm SO excited for you.



Warmest thoughts,

Angel

:D :D :D

Stephanie - posted on 10/01/2009

When my son was born I told the nurse on admission at I wanted to Breastfeed. I had to have an unexpected C-Section. When I was in PACU they nurse brought my son to me and lined him up for feeding that same day with in minutes of his birth. Don't get frustrated if he/she does not latch right away, just keep trying. I live in Bloomington Indiana. The Hospital there has a lactation consultant. I would look into your hospital and see if they have one. She was very beneficial to me.

Brittany - posted on 10/01/2009

Hi there, I have 2 and have breastfed both of them. My son I BF for a full year, and my daughter is 8 mos, and I plan the same. Like Angela said at the beginning, there should be someone at the hospital that can help you. That is the best time to start, and if your baby will be going to the nursery there, and you want to exclusivly BF make sure that the nurses know that they should bring the baby to you to eat, and not feed him or her formula or sugar water. Don't worry about your baby not liking your milk...it is specially formulated just for him or her....amazing, huh? I do feel that you should know though that it can be very hard. Sometimes hard to start, and sometimes hard down the line. If you want to do it though, you will be able to! With my son I had breast infections once a month, but that didn't make it a bad experience for either of us. Sorry that this was long, I am sure that you will be just great!

Brittany - posted on 10/01/2009

Congrats. I am a first time mom as well and i chose to breastfeed. Make sure in the hospital you tell the nurses that you only want to breastfeed because if they start giving your baby a bottle it could be harder for them to want to start nursing and it might be more difficult for you to get them to. Start nursing as soon as you get to hold your baby because the sooner you do it the sooner the hardest part passes. I didnt get to nurse my baby untill a few hours after because of a complicated situation. But im sure you will do great! good luck!

Erin - posted on 10/01/2009

Congrats on the new baby!!!! My baby is 15 months and when i was pregant i really wanted to learn about breastfeed... I went on youtube and watched about 1000 videos. it helped alot. When my little one was born, the second they handed her to me, with all my family looking on i put her right on the breast, they say it is good to have skin to skin contact so i just put her little body under the gown and got started. Neither of you are going to be pros the first time around but keep at it and ask if there is a breastfeeding person in the hospital sometimes they have one. Also very important, don't worry that your baby wont like the milk...thats what its there for!!!! At first the baby is just going to be happy being with you!

Samantha - posted on 10/01/2009

Hi congratulations on being a soon to be mom and choosing breastfeeding! Im a first time mother as well to a 6 moth old little boy. Im going to say you definatley have to be determined to breastfeed because most of the time its not just some walk in the park, it takes time practise and patience! But the end result is beautiful if you stick with it. Start breastfeeding as soon as your baby is born but dont expect it not to hurt or for the baby to just latch on because in most cases it not how it happens. me and my son basacially had every problem that can happen with breastfeeding happen! With that said just ask your family and friends for tons of support and sleep when you can because its very exausting. With that said have a wonderful delivery and good luck!

Amanda - posted on 10/01/2009

Start as soon as possible! I tried just moments after delivering :) It didn't work until about 18 hours after I delivered, but I tried haha. The milk is the perfect food for your baby. They all love it!! Congratulations and good luck!! It may be hard at first, but don't give up :)

Jessica - posted on 10/01/2009

I Nearly forgot.... Lansinoh Lanolin = best innovation EVER. Cures sore nipples, dry nipples, and it doesn't stink :)

Jessica - posted on 10/01/2009

I recommend starting the moment that precious baby is in your arms. "Room in" at the hospital, don't let baby go to the nursery. If you do decide to let baby leave the room without you (or dad), make a mark on the bottom of baby's foot with a permanent marker; the inside of their hand works too. Your milk is designed for your baby, so no worries on flavor. Don't give up when things get frustrating. Take a deep breath, and keep La Leche League (or a WIC breastfeeding counselor) on speed dial with the phone by you. The first 6 weeks can be stressful, with everyone telling you what a big time it is for baby and all, but just remember: ONE DIAPER AT A TIME! Don't set goals too high, babies are all different, women heal differently from delivery, and relatives/friends offer lots of advice, but YOU ARE MOM. You have the final say. If you really want to breastfeed, you breastfeed. If you don't want baby to have a bottle or a paci, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.



My very docile girlfriend is due next month, she used to just want to make others happy. Now that she's pregnant, she's confided in me because everyone else talked down to her instead of being supportive. Her MIL and Hubby wanted her to breastfeed, but she's the main money earner and was going back to work after her leave and wanted to formula feed. I told her to stick with her guns, put her foot down, and get aggressive about her position. The nay-sayers have backed off. Sometimes we just gotta be a bit of a b*tch :)

Catherine - posted on 10/01/2009

The first month is always the most difficult. They say it shouldn't hurt, but your nipple does become sore for a while because they are not used to it. Eventually, they do. And then it never hurts anymore, unless the child latches on wrong. But that usually takes a good month. Also, the first couple of months, the baby will want to nurse a lot, and so people think they are not producing enough and give up. All the baby is doing is getting your body to produce it. Eventually the baby will back off. Until another growth spurt, and then the baby will feed more often again, just trying to get your body to produce more. Just remember it is hard the first month. After that you will become a pro. I nursed all 3 of mine. 2 of which I nursed for a year each. I am currently nursing my 3rd and he is almost 6 months.



And don't wait to nurse. You do that, and mostly likely never will nurse. Nurse the baby as soon as the dr gives to OK after the baby is born, and then as often as possible. The baby will need to nurse 12 times a day for the first week. The first couple of days you will have to wake the baby up to nurse.



Do not let the hospital use pacifiers or bottles during the night. That will cause nipple confusion. Wait for pacifiers until atleast a month.



Good luck and don't give up.

Rachel - posted on 10/01/2009

I've had three babies, was able to breastfeed two of them, but unable to breastfeed the first because the hospital talked me into giving her three bottles at the hospital, that was all, and she never latched on again. Definitely don't allow the baby any bottles or pacifiers in the hospital, strictly breast. Even one bottle can throw them off for days and trying to get them to latch back on is very frustrating, especially when they naturally latch on in the beginning. Hang in there, the first two weeks are difficult, but if you can stick it out it's smooth sailing after that. Good luck, you can do it!