i'm planning on breastfeeding,any info you can give,plz let me know:))

Bethany - posted on 12/15/2009

another thing, I started pumping as soon as I got home from the hospital. This helped increase my milk supply AND I was able to allow others to bottle feed my baby with breastmilk. Some say that this will confuse the baby, but it worked for me. I took a break from breastfeeding, only once a day and pumped instead.

I got a cheap pump from the hospital, but I recommend a single electric one instead. Much more convenient!

Bethany - posted on 12/15/2009

the second week I was breastfeeding, My grandma asked, "don't you just LOVE breastfeeding your baby?" And I responded, "NO!" At that point, it hurts and it feels like the baby just finished eating and then they're hungry again.

I had a homehealth nurse come to my house and she literally showed me how to properly breastfeed. This was when my baby was about 10 days old. I was completely ready to give up. She taught me how to aim the nipple to the roof of the baby's mouth. If you don't, the baby will clamp down and it will be much MUCH more painful.

it's true, that the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding are the hardest, but as people say, it is worth it. I lost 30 pounds in TWO weeks!!!! (well, I wasn't hungry the first week either).

Charlie - posted on 12/15/2009

dont be put off by the pain in the 1st few weeks, it does go away!



it does get easier for you and baby to get the hang of it the more you do it so if you are finding it a bit tricky just keep goin and you will get the hang of it!



dont give up girl! breast is best!



good luck

charlie x

Emily - posted on 12/15/2009

It's the best decision you could make. It gives me alone time with my son, it's the best nutrition,great for dental care, helped me lose 26lbs in the first 2 months, and is always ready when he's hungry. For feeding in public I have a cover (almost like a small poncho) and find it very relaxing.

Nicole - posted on 12/14/2009

Push through it. My daughter was so easy to brestfeed & I did tell she was one years old. Then I had my son 12 months later. It was so hard for him to latch on. I was going to breastfeed him because I did with my 1st. I talked to friends & then I went to a Dr. because my son got pink eye. She was talking to me about breastfeeding & ask if she could watch to see if I was doning something & maybe she could help. It took her no time & she knew he was tough tied. Remind you he was already 7 weeks old & I was still going through the pain. She clip his tougn in about 5min. & it bleeded for less than 2min. He latch on rightafter that & I breastfeed him tell he was oneyears old as well. It is the best thing in the world. I also pumped at work & was able to save pleanty for my mother in-law when I was at work. Look into it. Every child needs different things just take the time look into it. Good luck

Cathrina - posted on 12/14/2009

The key is to breastfeed through the pain. After 4-6 wks breastfeeding will become very comfortable after you and baby work out the kinks. Make sure baby is latching correctly, try many positions until you find one thats comfortable for you. The breastfeeding manuals I received were very helpful in illustrating the technique for a proper latch. The nipple shouldn't be pointed after baby sucks it should still keep its shape. There will be cracking of the nipples (Lansinoh lanolin is great for that) and engorgment (Medela electric double breast pump is good for relieving that). I breastfed on demand and did cosleeping to facilitate the night time feedings. The bonding when breastfeeding is just so awesome. My son is 16 months and still on the breast. He absolutely loves it and even gets it in his sleep lol.

Kristina - posted on 12/14/2009

It is frustrating, but don't give up! Remember this is better for your child!

Brittany - posted on 12/14/2009

It is so beneficial to the baby yourself and your wallet, I had alot of trouble at first but i just kept trying and trying, and subsituting formula and when my milk really came in she has done excellent, and has been doing it for 11 months, My daughter loves it and i love knowing that she loves it:)

Lindsay - posted on 12/14/2009

Great idea!! Its a great way to bond with your baby while providing such great benefits. The first few weeks are not easy and its painful, but keep up with it! Plus its money saving and convenient especially in the middle of the night..=)

Jacqueline - posted on 12/14/2009

Ok A friend of mine has a REALLY good way of putting it today... I was at a Le Leche League Meeting and she turned to one of the pregnant woman there who was asking for advice and told her that Breastfeeding is alot like getting a new pair of shoes that you have to break in... The breaking in part is the worst part, you get blisters and your feet hurt but once there broke in they become your favorite pair :)
Its the same with Breastfeeding... You just need to find a groove that works for you and your little one :)

Leighann - posted on 12/14/2009

JUST DON"T QUIT! i made the decision to breastfeed when i first found out that i was pregnant and i will admit, i had no idea what i was in for but my son is 3 months and 3 weeks old and we're still going strong. for me the hardest part was the fact that i had an unexpected c-section and decided to still exclusively breastfeed and since the first 2 weeks after the c-section r the most difficult, those 2 weeks were also the most painful but once your baby figures it all out, w/ the latch on and all, its all really worth it!

Misty - posted on 12/14/2009

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need I call my local health unit they have a support line me and my girl have been BF ing now 3 months and it is soo conveint and easy

Caroline - posted on 12/14/2009

I breastfed my son for 3 months(hes now 9yrs) and my daughter still being breastfed at 20mths.........the best piece of advice I can give you is to do what your able to do.......if breastfeeding gets so stressful that you are unhappy stop doing it,baby needs a happy mom and will do quite well on bottles.....if your happy to do it but finding it difficult,don't be put off by pain,for some people it hurts and takes time to adjust!!

Personally for me,if I have another child I won't do it unless I can make a 9mth commitment to it........I have seen the dreadful effects of quitting early on many kids including my son....because what you're doing is kick starting a good immune system and then dropping it too early leaves your child suceptible to a low immune system.My son has developed asthma and numerous infections still 9 years later wheras my daughter is a much healthier child altogether and she's only 20mths!

Good Luck with your little one!!

Mary Rose - posted on 12/14/2009

Breastmilk is best for babies up to 2 years and beyond. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding, it is helpful. :)

Nicola - posted on 12/14/2009

I loved breast feeding both of mine i actually did a breast feeding class before i had my first one and it was very helpful different holds to try how to get a proper latch and how to help let down if you have a baby that not a strong feeder. It was available through the hospital i went to but i am in austalia.

Kirsty - posted on 12/14/2009

some mothers find it easy, others hard. for the first few days/weeks you nipples will be saw. but stick to it! its all worth it in the end, and you create a special bond between you and your baby, something that nobody else can do. its fun, i love it. youll be fine !

Trina - posted on 12/13/2009

I find that it is so much easier and cost effective to breastfeed. I like the fact that when my daughter wakes up in the middle of the night I can change her and then quickly get her fed I don't have to run downstairs make a bottle heat up the bottle and have her waiting or crying the whole time. The only thing that I am going to do next with my next child is pump alot and freeze the milk I should have started pumping the day I got home and kept up with it. I have only managed to store 36 oz of milk that I want to use when she starts on the sippy cup so that I don't have to give her formula right away. I just wish I could have pumped more, now my breasts only produce enough milk to satisfy her.

Susan - posted on 12/13/2009

i haven't read all of the info here but there was recently a study that you might find helpful to know.
The study analyzed women who bfeed right after birth and how much milk they had a 12 weeks. group 1 bfed normally and group 2 bfed and the pumped right after during the first initial days. group 2 ended up with a larger milk supply.

so the suggestion is that after your baby finishes bfeeding during the first initial days/week you should pump. the study says that the pumping made sure "all" the mil got out and thus triggered your body to make more.

as someone that struggled with bfeeding just keep at it. i hope it is easy for you but in case it is challenging just try to keep your sanity and take all the suggestions lactation consultants give you.

Hannah - posted on 12/13/2009

I have been reading through this post, and would like to remind everyone of our community guidelines which are as follows:





This group is here to support families that breastfeed. We follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and La Leche League Internations (LLLI). This group is here to promote breastfeeding and support families who choose to breastfeed. Please refrain from recommending formula in this group. Group Guidelines: 1. We do not support or encourage the use of Formula. Please refrain from recommending the use of formula. 2. No posts that are threatening 3. No solicitation 4. This group does not encourage or support weaning an infant under 12 months of age for any nonmedical reason.





Please consider these guidelines when responding to a post, as I have noticed a few people recommending formula. Thank you.





Hannah

Moderator

Elissa - posted on 12/13/2009

Quoting Sherika:

HEY WHILE YOUR BABY WAS STARVING, MY BABY WAS SUFFICATING CUZ MY BREAST WAS TO BIG, LOL..

SO I TO STOP AND GIVE HIM THE BOOTLE... BREASTFEEDING IS NOT FOR EVERY BABY OR MOTHER, AND A MOTHER CAN STILL BOND WITH YOUR CHILD, COME ON YOU HAVE 18 PLUS YEARS.

I have big boobs too, I just move them away from his nose with my fingers - this isnt a reason to give up breastfeeding, they are soft and malleable for this reason!

Elissa - posted on 12/13/2009

Quoting Christina:

Quoting Jessica:

i'm planning on breastfeeding,any info you can give,plz let me know:))

Best thing you can do, but I would advise giving one bottle a day of formula, just in case of unexpected things. :)

I'm sorry but this is the worst thing you can do if you really want to breastfeed.  There is no reason to supplement with formula routinely - it will reduce your supply and cause you all manner of problems.  No responsible healthcare provider advocates this!  Plus it is more common for you to fail if you routinely supplement especially because there WILL come a time when you find it really hard and unless your family are really supportive this is when most people think its easier to bottle feed.  And while it may help you to begin with bottle feeding should be a last resort - at the end of the day it is unhealthy and wont be fun when your baby is screaming with hunger and it takes you 10 minutes + to make a bottle - especially since it is no longer recomended to make them up in advnce due to risk of food poisoning.

It is a sad indictment of our society that a woman has to be determined to do the best, healthy and natural thing for her baby while doing something unhealthy, potentially dangerous and unnatural is preferred and encouraged.  Dont feel determined, try to feel your just doing the natural thing.  And never give formula unless you have no other option - most of the reasons given for 'n ot being able to' are down to imagination and easily available alternatives and peer pressure - I'm sorry if that offends anyone but I'm not going to sugar coat it to massage egos.

Just remember, every moment with your baby is precious and breastfeeding gives los more opportunity for cuddles and closeness which your baby will need to face this big bad wrld! 

Jacqueline - posted on 12/13/2009

Like many of the other posts, do not give up in the beginning... It will be hard but you can and will get through it. I had issues with pain and mastitis (SP) and clogged duck as well as thrush.... I got through it and girl if I did anyone can! Haha! I HATE going through pain Haha! But once you start feeding him/her and feeling the connection Oh you will go through anything to breastfeed them... Oh Become a member of the Le Leche League Near you... www.llli.org They are wonderful!
Good luck and feel free to contact me for any questions or to vent about it! Haha!

Jacquie

Megan - posted on 12/13/2009

my first i didnt read up take any advice anything i just stuck her on and that was that breast fed 14 months no problems. 2nd time around i did the same but he sucked so hard i got sucking blisters it was so frustrating because i knew he was on right he just has the suck of a jet engine. I really think it depends on the baby if u do get blisters persist its really worth it and try gel pads there gr8 nice and cold on ur nipple and help with the healing expressing a little before u start the feed really helps to

Jennifer - posted on 12/13/2009

Don't be freaked out by anyone else's bad experiences:)
Everyone's experience is different. It was uncomfortable in the beginning for me and it hurt my nipples but was not horrendous pain. Contractions before labour.......now that is pain! Gotta love the 'walking epideral'.

Jamie - posted on 12/12/2009

I had a very hard time with breast feeding...my advice is to DONT GIVE UP...it does get better and its worth it...It's gonna hurt like hell but about 6 weeks or so its easy...:)

Jaime - posted on 12/12/2009

K, well obliously from the amount of responses, you know about the enormous benefits for both you and baby!

I only have a little to say. The first 2 weeks are the hardest!!! While you are at the hospital, make it clear that you are breastfeeding!!! And DON'T let baby go to the nursery! He needs to suckle to stimulate your milk, and your nipples will be sore, just bite your lip, and you will get through it! Once your milk comes in, you will be in good shape, if you haven't been giving baby formula! Once you are home, the only way we get through it is cosleeping. It is also very good for your milk supply, so if you can be safe doing it, it is worth it!!

Remember, formula is a breastfeeding mothers worst enemy!!! Don't let it start, not even once!!! (barring a health problem-- mine were hypoglycemic, and they both got 1 ounce of formula after birth, but that was it!)

If you send baby to nursery, remember this. If the nurses give baby formula, it is starting nipple confusion, not stimulating your milk, and taking away from your bonding time. For the first couple of weeks my babies were no more than 3 feet away from me-- literally! Except for when I was in the shower, and that is only because they couldn't come!

Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 12/12/2009

I have a 12 week old who I breast feed and went through a private hospital...the midwives were lovely however they all had their own advice on feeding techniques(which were so differen!t). It was very overwhelming!! I had some trouble the first week trying to find the correct way to get him to latch on. I ended up with 2 blisters on 1 nipple-ouch! So I fed with my good one and eventually got the hang of it. It is healthy, convenient and economic and a great bonding experience with your baby. The best advice i received was from a lactation consultant (when I was having problems getting him to latch on correctly). She got me to hold my baby against my body while I was sitting up and one of my breasts was exposed. He then slowly grunted and wiggled towards it and I cradled him while he latched himself on. I was overthinking how to hold him and the angle of his chin etc. Also many midwives told me to wait for his mouth to open then quickly shove him on the breast- this did not work!! He would cry and pull off and he never stuck his tongue out like the babies in the video they showed me?. If I held him in the right spot he would latch on himself perfectly fine- warning the first suck or two he would just be on the nipple tip but would get a deeper/ proper grip and be on comfortanbly soon after. Don't stress with all the info given to you just do what comes naturally. it is a bit awkward and tricky to begin with and can make your nipples sore! It gets WAY EASIER though and more comfortable after the first few weeks:) Good luck!!

Marielle - posted on 12/12/2009

the best and only advice i can give is Do not give up (unless of course your nipples are bleeding and the doctor said you should stop) otherwise...get loads of that breastfeeding cream for the first 2-3weeks. if your nipples are too big no worries the baby will get use to it. I cried the first week when my baby would try and get the nipple it would hurt and the nipple was too big for his tinny little mouth. so i mostly pump the milk in fed him in a bottle and during the day i would keep trying. One night (after 3 weeks of waking up at 2 am to pump) i put the nipple in his mouth and he latched on and he never stopped lol. So dont give up =)

Teresa - posted on 12/12/2009

Quoting Sherika:

LOOK WOMEN YOU CAN BOND WITH YOUR BABY ON A BOTTLE AND ON THE BREAST, SO PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT BREAST FEEDING IS THE BEST BOND YOU HAVE THE REST OF YOUR CHILD LIFE TO BOND WITH THEM, WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING THEM, DRESSING THEM, CLEANING THEM, WHEN YOU FALL ASLEEP WITH THEM, I MEAN I HAVE A 9,6,2 YEAR OLD AND WE ARE VERY BONDED AND I DIDN'T NEED MY BREAST TO DO IT EITHER...

Um... This IS a breastfeeding forum.  Maybe the women saying that it is the best bond actually DO feel that way.... It definitely isn't the only bonding, but come on... Don't look down on women who have strictly breastfed w/out using bottles.  That's just as bad as you not wanting people to promote strictly breastfeeding.  It CAN be done and there is nothing wrong w/ it... just as there is nothing wrong w/ giving a baby a bottle.  Judgement goes both ways and is wrong on both accounts.....

Nicole - posted on 12/12/2009

Everyone is offering great advice on products etc. I'd add the Jack Newman website... I didn't see it listed in the other posts (maybe I missed it). I liked the videos there because I didn't personally know anyone that breastfed and didn't know what good latch looked like or good eating. Also, you can e-mail them and they get back to you FAST! I sent a question and had a response within an hour. Their answer was very detailed, included visuals, and offered links to additional reading on my problem. I've since been prescribed his nipple cream and it is wonderful as well.



Just like everyone else said... don't second guess yourself. There is milk in there even if you think you must be empty... and the pain gets better. I wouldn't say it goes away for everyone. I've had my latch looked at by many people and I still have pain with no signs of any obvious problems. At the end of a particularly painful feeding, I congratulate myself for sticking through it. Reward yourself for each tough one.



One thing that really took me by surprise was the pooping. Frequent in the beginning... then all of a sudden nothing for over a day. I thought there was a problem. No problem... very normal unless baby is in distress or pain. He/she will poop again... lol!



And yes... get some help. I only have the one child so it was okay for me to spend a few days in bed with him nursing nearly constantly to get established. That will be hard with another child to look after. If someone offers to be there, take him/her up on it!

Alina - posted on 12/12/2009

it will be difficult at first but oh so worth it. do not hesitate to contact someone and ask for help even if you only think you might need it. it can really be beneficial. have a good support system and something to drink near you at all times when you will be nursing. you will get thirsty. good luck and congrats. any of us will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Jamie - posted on 12/12/2009

1- Don't give up. If you are having a hard time, you can try things like nipple shields, etc...

2- They will loose weight in the beginning, it's ok
3- They nurse a LOT in the beginning. That's ok too. It's all normal.
4- Your milk is rarely not enough. You will be fine.
5- If your baby doesn't latch right away, it's ok!! They do NOT need formula. Their bodies can go up to 3 days without food in the beginning. Just keep trying. Ask for a lactation consultant if needed.

6- It is sooooo worth it!!!

Katie - posted on 12/12/2009

Breastfeeding it the best! I have a 5 year old daughter that has had 2 ear infections and other than that she has never been sick. I breastfed her for 13 months. I am now breastfeeding my 4 month old son and also plan on doing it for a full year. It is so wonderful and saves soooooo much time. No making bottles, going to the store to bu formula, not having to wake up in the middle of the night to make bottles. Also, my son sleeps right next to me, so there is no getting up at all in the middle of the night. I just turn around and we both lay on our sides while he eats and then back off to sleep! If you have any questions...let me know! I love it! Also pumping is a good thing to do.

Amanda - posted on 12/12/2009

Start with small goals...my first goal was 3 weeks. Then i moved it to 4 weeks then 6 weeks...and be proud of yourself for every goal you meet. The first 6 weeks are the hardest. But It gets easier everyday. Everyday and evrey feed you can get in with breast milk is a great thing...so be proud of yourself!!!!

Be prepared for the growth spurts...I wasn't...I had no Idea...it's usually 2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks then 3 months and I heard 6 month...I am not there yet my little man is 5 months. There will be a day that all you do is nurse and drink lots of water....

If you have any questions let me know! I would be more than happy to help you!

Allison - posted on 12/12/2009

I didn't go through all the posts, but just wanted to say babycenter.com and kellymom.com can be great resources for BFing. Good for you! It's a wonderful experience and an amazing gift. It's rough the first few weeks, not gonna lie! But once you get past that, it's truly awesome. I'm still BFing my 15 month old! :)

Julie - posted on 12/11/2009

I am a mother of 6 children and I have breast fed all of them. Mostly because I am lazy. I can not imagine having to make a bottle at 3 am. Breast milk is always ready, in a clean container and at the right temp. Truthfully it is the most wonderful experience you can have as a mother. It also has wonderful benefits for your figure. Don't let people talk you out of it and to be honest I had a hard time with it with my first child but I am so glad I stuck it out those first few weeks. Good luck!

Siri - posted on 12/11/2009

Your nipples may hurt early on in the first few weeks, but stick with it thinking about how ur helping your baby! I found the cooling pads really helped my sore nipples.

Tina - posted on 12/11/2009

I am currently nursing my daughter and I promise it is the closest bond you will ever get...but you gotta hang in there!!

Tenea - posted on 12/11/2009

I had a hard time at first getting my son to "latch on" because my nipples were too small or something but they gave me a nipple guard in the hospital and it helped him to eat properly. I used it for the first month or so until he could latch on to the real thing. Now he is 5 months old and eats like a pig. So if you think that you cannot do it don't get discouraged keep with it, the end result is a healthier baby. And it's easier and doesnt cost as much as feeding your baby formula.





Oh and invest in some breast pads and a hand pump. It is easier and faster to use a hand pump I have found out, and you can take it with you anywhere.



I hope this can help!!!

Michelle - posted on 12/11/2009

Quoting Jessica:

with my 1st i wanted 2 but i gave up right away bc he wouldnt latch on and i new he was starving lol so im gunna try my hardest:)i jus know nothing about it!

This happened to me too, and I wish I would have just kept doing it.  I gave up to soon, and a friend of mines was going through the same thing.  She just pumped and gave the breast milk in a bottle, but she continued to try, and now her baby latches.

Nicole - posted on 12/11/2009

Breastfeeding is the most wonderful experience you can have. It's an opportunity for you and baby to bond. It's difficult at first but with time it does become easier. Also, the breastmilk you provide for your baby is specifically tailored just for your baby and his/her physical demands. One thing that's really important: Drink plenty of fluids.I'm breastfeeding right now and I'm thirsty all the time. Another benefit aside from bonding is the that breastfeeding is an amazing calorie burner so make sure you eat and don't eat an excessive amount of spicy foods or veggies, baby might get cholic.

Erica - posted on 12/11/2009

I would not give the baby a bottle of formula while trying to get your supply up if she is hungry every hour feed her every hour! It will pay off. I had to feed my baby every hour the first night she was born. We are on month two now and she can eat from one breast and be satisfied until the next feeding. If she was still hungry the first week after I nursed her I would never give her anything but a few CCs of pedialitewith a dropper....you dont want to pump them so full of formula that they are angry when your breast cannot perform up to par with that. Just feed feed feed and those gel pads for the fridge are a lifesaver I agree. Also everyone says lanolin but I had two tubes of it and if I put it on my baby would make me wipe it off before eating she hated it. I dont use anything now and I do not have any soreness or cracked nipples month two.

Tanith - posted on 12/11/2009

Your patience will be tested but don't give up! The pain and engorgement DOES go away. It's very rewarding.

Nicola - posted on 12/11/2009

make sure that you practise the hold before baby is born and read up on the technique. I went to a breastfeeding workshop a few weeks before my due date aswell which I think was very helpful.

I am the only 1 of my friends to breastfeed and three of us had our babies in the same month. I had no real support apart from my fiancee and the midwifes but i have had no problems at all really apart from a bit of soreness at the beginning.

I love breastfeeding my baby it does create a really special bond and it is hassle free with no waiting around. However it is tirering at first & if you are going to express your milk and feed with a bottle in the future I would strongly suggest you start as soon as possible as I'm having trouble at 4months.



Good luck.

SHERIKA - posted on 12/10/2009

LOOK WOMEN YOU CAN BOND WITH YOUR BABY ON A BOTTLE AND ON THE BREAST, SO PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT BREAST FEEDING IS THE BEST BOND YOU HAVE THE REST OF YOUR CHILD LIFE TO BOND WITH THEM, WHEN YOU ARE HOLDING THEM, DRESSING THEM, CLEANING THEM, WHEN YOU FALL ASLEEP WITH THEM, I MEAN I HAVE A 9,6,2 YEAR OLD AND WE ARE VERY BONDED AND I DIDN'T NEED MY BREAST TO DO IT EITHER...

SHERIKA - posted on 12/10/2009

HEY WHILE YOUR BABY WAS STARVING, MY BABY WAS SUFFICATING CUZ MY BREAST WAS TO BIG, LOL..



SO I TO STOP AND GIVE HIM THE BOOTLE... BREASTFEEDING IS NOT FOR EVERY BABY OR MOTHER, AND A MOTHER CAN STILL BOND WITH YOUR CHILD, COME ON YOU HAVE 18 PLUS YEARS.

SHERIKA - posted on 12/10/2009

I HAVE HAD 3 KIDS. I DIDN'T BREAST FEED BUT I DID GIVE THEM BREAST MILK FROM A BOTTLE, BREAST FEEDING IS TWENTY 4 HOUR JOB AND YOU WILL NEED SOME HELP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU PLAN ON GOING BACK TO WORK... YOU DON'T WANT TO STRESS YOUR BABY OUT BY BREAST FEEDING FOR THE 2 MONTHS AND THEN HAVE TO LEAVE HIM OR HER FOR LONG PERIODS WITH GIVING THEM THE BREAST,, I DO DAY CARE AND I ALWAY RECOMMEND TO THE MOTHERS THAT GIVING THEM BREAST MILK FROM THE BOTTLE WILL HELP YOU AND THE BABY IN THE LONG RUN...ONE THE DAD OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS CAN HELP YOU WHEN YOU ARE EXTREMLY TIRED...FROM A BOTTLE YOU CAN ACTAULLY SEE HOW MUCH FOOD YOUR CHILD IS TAKEN IN

THE WEENING PART WILL BE SO MUCH EASIER FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD, IF YOUR BODY STOPS PRODUCING MILK YOU WANT FEEL TOO GUILTY AND KEEP IN MIND LIKE MY NURSES TOLD ME BREAST FEEDING IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY. YOUR BODY IS PUTTING IN A LOT OF WORK, YOUR BREAST WILL SWELL AND THERE WILL BE SOME PAIN... AND YOU WILL ENVENTALLY HAVE TO PUMP TO GET RELEASE FROM BOTH BREAST INSTEAD OF ONE... INVEST IN DEEP FREEZER YOU BABY WILL HAVE SO MUCH MILK YOU WANT EVEN BELIEVE IT... I HAD 2 DEEP FREEZER THAT'S HOW MUCH MILK MY BODY WAS PRODUCING... THINK ABOUT IT YOU WILL HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY TWO 2 THREE HOURS FOR 30 MINUTES EVERYDAY UNTIL YOU DECIDE YOU DON'T WANT TO BREAST FEED ANY MORE...GOT MILK... ALL MY CHILDREN ARE HEALTHY THEY STILL GET SICK THEY JUST DON'T STAY SICK LONG...

Marie - posted on 12/10/2009

WOW! Great amount of info here! One thing you can do before the baby comes is determine what type of nipple you have - place your thumb and forefinger on either side of your nipple about 1" away and pinch gently inward. If your nipple comes out, you shouldn't have much trouble getting a good latch. If your nipple flattens you have flat nipples, and if the nipple indents (like an inny belly button) you have inverted nipples.

Whatever the result, Medela makes some excellent products for inverted and flat nipples. Nipple shields (thin silicone) create a "fake" nipple which baby can latch on to nurse and it helps draw your nipple out (stretch). Medela also makes "nipple cups" - they help shape the nipple into a cone - you wear the plastic cups inside your bra for a few weeks prior to your labour and then for a few weeks after you have the baby. The cups help re-shape your nipple/areola area so baby can latch easier.

Pumping also helps draw out the nipple - especially while you are going through the initial engorgement.

18 months breastfeeding and still going strong! (and I work full time and pump once a day). :)

Ashleigh - posted on 12/10/2009

Hi, i breastfed by daughter for 6 weeks, as soon as she was born the midwife got her to feed right away, its such an awesome bonding moment. I wanted to breastfeed for longer but my daughter kept giving me mastitis which is extremely painful, so we opted to start expressing and supplementing with formula, shes thrived sinced then. You should do what makes you feel comfortable and what your baby wants. I am glad i breastfed, it was important to me that she got all the good stuff that breast milk provides, but we were happy also when she started on formula, she starting eating alot more, wouldnt fall asleep during feeds, and eventually started sleeping through the night because she was fuller. So my advice is to do what ever suits you and your baby best, some things cant be helped and there may be some reason why you have to stop breastfeeding. Best of luck on your journey

Dana - posted on 12/10/2009

Here's my two cents worth:

1. In the first few days call for a nurse every time before feeding your baby so that she can help you latching on or check that you've got the latch correct.

2. If your hospital offers the services of a lactation consultant, take up that offer even if you think you're going well. Ask lots of questions even if they seem silly. Make sure you have her phone number handy for when you go home.

3. Get your husband to learn what a correct latch should look like (from the nurses or lactation consultant), so that he can double check when you're home.

4. At the first sign of any pain, or worsening pain after breastfeeding relatively painlessly, get help. This happened to me, and my home visit nurse picked up that my son was tongue tied, so although his latch was textbook perfect, he was chomping rather than sucking. I ignored the pain initially, until my nipples started bleeding and I was crying in pain for every feed, despite taking pain killers before feeding. After his tongue tie was cut (sounds awful, but was completely painless, he didn't even cry or bleed), I expressed for 2 weeks to let my nipples heal and then gradually start letting him suckle again. So, the moral of my story is: Do not ignore pain, get help immediately.

5. Get your husband's support. He will be the one to keep encouraging you, and keep telling you what a fantastic job you're doing, and that he's proud of you.

6. If you can, find another breastfeeding mum you can refer to for advice and encouragement when things get tough.

7. And remember that things do get easier, usually at 6 weeks at the latest.

8. This one might sound silly, but affirmations work really well for me, and can't hurt. Print them out and put them all through your house where you can see them all the time. They must always be written in the present tense and in positive language (no "not"s). For example: "I am good at breastfeeding" "I am giving my baby perfect nutrition" "Breastfeeding is good for me and for my baby" "I am doing a great job" etc Example of avoiding negative language are: instead of "I will not give up" write "I will persevere" (I have even heard of people recording them and then playing them over and over again throughout the day to re-inforce) This works for anything, of course.