I am due in march 09 and plan on breastfeeding, any advice

Stacy - posted on 12/06/2008

My husband was the best support to me. I wanted to quit after I first had my daughter because my nipples were so sore and I was tired, but my husband said I could not quit. He new it ment so much to me to breastfeed he did not want me to give up because it was hard. He helped me figure out how to hold her and helped me position her. He was a great help. He worked the night shift at the time and took a few days off to be at home with us. So at night after I fed my daughter if she wanted cuddled or to fuss he stayed up with her so I could get some sleep.

As for the books someone gave me "The Complete Book of Breastfeeding" by: Marvin S. Eiger & Sally Wendkos Olds

I found it helpful. I didn't have to read the whole thing I skipped to the chapters I needed at the time. I am still picking up the book and learning interesting stuff and my daughter is now 6months!

Good luck with everything!

Karen - posted on 12/05/2008

Rebecca's post is great!

It takes determination. People will mean well and want to help you through the sleep deprivation by offering formula, but in my opinion - don't "give in". Just make up your mind to stick with breastfeeding until 3 weeks. Then at 3 weeks, tell yourself 6 weeks, etc. I remember thinking, "okay, i did 3 weeks, i can "man-up" (LOL!) do another 3 weeks." There was also another thread from a woman who was due in February that also had good advice.

Beth - posted on 12/04/2008

Look for a lactation consultant in your area "just in case". My first son had a great deal of trouble latching and was labeled a "lazy sucker" (just wouldn't stay latched) and having been a beginner myself, I was completely unsure what to do. A friend had given me the name and number of a local lactation consultant and she saw us the next day to help. I don't think I would have breastfed my first son had I not had that consultant, despite the books I had.

Lauri - posted on 12/04/2008

The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding is helpful in all stages.

Danielle - posted on 12/04/2008

Milk Memos - it is fun and will be useful if you plan on working outside the home after the baby comes. The Nursing Mother's Companion helped me A LOT too - I think it is by Kathleen Huggins. Definitely compile a list of lactation consultants that are near you and have it ready in case you need it after your baby arrives. I had a really tough time, I had to pump and give my daughter bottles for about 2 weeks. I had a home visit from the lactation consultant and I went to a support group for help too -- it all worked and my 13 month old daughter is healthy and still nursing!! Some moms have a very easy time, but if you don't KEEP TRYING and ask for help!!

Oh - and I agree -- nurse as soon as possible after birth - I did not do this because I had a c-section and I think it would have helped.

Carrie - posted on 12/04/2008

It took six days for my milk to even think about coming in so my advice is DO NOT GIVE UP! Let the baby nurse and receive the colostrum the first few days and if you get desperate, ask the hospital about a Supplemental Nursing System until your milk comes in. This book has answered every question I've ever had since my rocky start-Breastfeeding: A Parent's Guide by Amy Spangler. It is totally awesome and you can get it at amysbabies.com. Also, breastfeed as soon as possible after birth and every hour afterwards. Do not wait for the baby to cry! This will help the baby have frequent bowel movements and reduce the chances of jaundice. (We were in the hospital for a week with it!) Best wishes and like I said-do not give up!

Nicole - posted on 12/04/2008

If you have difficulties at first just keep at it. It will get better. You and the baby will get the hang of i :-). It's an awesome experience. I read "The Womanly Art of Breatfeeding" and found it helpful as well.

Melissa - posted on 12/03/2008

I really benefited from So That's What They're For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide 3rd edition by Janet Tamaro. It was great for information with a twist of humor. Read everything you can before your baby is born, and remember, the first 2-3 weeks can be the hardest, hang in there--it is totally worth it! Most who quit could have been successful with the right support, so do make sure you have as much as you can get ahead of time. Good luck, you can do it!

Rebecca - posted on 12/03/2008

Congratulations on your baby and your plans to nurse! For books, La Leche League's "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" is a classic and is about as comprehensive as it gets :) By far the most important thing is to get support. Find a LLL group in your area, or other breastfeeding-friendly groups. My 2nd child was instantly a pro at nursing, but my 1st and 3rd children were much more difficult. Having great support in learning how to latch properly, etc is invaluable and can save you lots of pain and problems!

With my 3rd I was recovering from a c-section and got a little lazy by not ensuring she had a good latch, and ended up with cracked nipples and mastitis in a town I'd moved to 3 weeks before. I was able to call a LLL leader at 8 p.m. to help me get through it! The point is, even though I was nursing my 3rd child I still needed help. I am SO glad I got through it; it'd be heartbreaking now if I had stopped.

I would go to a LLL group before you have the baby, and you can get advice and make plans to meet after the baby is born. Breastfeeding is the most amazing experience and totally worth it; just remember that you and the baby both need to learn how to do it so make sure you have a support system in place!