Looking for Advice.. First time mom

Elizabeth - posted on 08/25/2009

If breast-feeding is important to you, let your midwife/doctor, family, partner etc know that, and ask them to encourage and support you if you find it gets a bit hard from time to time. Set little goals for yourself. People told me that everything would get much easier by about 6 weeks, and they were definitely right, but I think the important thing is to have a good support network around you.

My little one is 7 weeks old now. Breast feeding was a bit of a struggle to begin with (my milk 'came in' later than average because of a c-section and I had flat nipples so it was hard for baby to latch), but it does definitely get easier, and persevering means getting little baby smiles while she feeds - such a cute reward! Also there is nothing as sweetly amusing as a milk-drunk bubba!

Vanessa - posted on 08/25/2009

I just had my baby on the 20th. At the hospital, they supplied me with a pump to get my flow going and to help me since i have inverted nipples. So what i did is pump for about 5 minutes(even if nothing came out), attempted to get her to latch, than when she was finished, pumped again for about another 5min. I was lucky because I was getting about 10ml of milk right off the bat. They gave me a few surenges and we dropped(dont let the baby suck) the breastmilk into her mouth. By day 3, my milk was coming in fast and plenty. Now Im feeding her and pumping about 2-4 times a day depending on how full my breast feel and freezing what I get for when i go back to work. Hope this helps and good luck!!

Nicole - posted on 08/25/2009

Keep yourself hydrated. Try and stay as relaxed as you can. The first little while it may be frustrating but try and stick with it because it is soo worth it in the end. Pump when engorged I found putting a heating pad on my breast when it was engorged and then pumping 5 minutes later worked well for me. Rest when baby rests.

Megan - posted on 08/24/2009

Congratulations! September babies are the best (yes, I AM biased :)) Emma is such a pretty name.
You don't need to do anything to up your milk supply except let your daughter feed! And, don't do anything now as far as 'milking' yourself, you'll get more milk when baby arrives. I swear the third day after my daughter was born I was like Jenna Jamison with stretchmarks!
A lot of mamas worry about not making enough milk, but you WILL. Maybe look into the La Leche League and see if there is a group close to you! They really are experts in the field of breastfeeding. They'll send someone to your home to help with the latching process if you're having troubles.
The one thing you shouldn't expect is PAIN! If it hurts, the latch isn't right. You'll feel a tug in your lower tummy, that is your uterus healing and it's quite strong when you're breastfeeding. It's a good thing, though....it means you're healing nicely and quickly.
Look around the local drugstore, Wal Mart has it, for a tube of moisturizer for your nipples that says it's safe for breastfeeding. The LLL has one out, it looks like a glue stick and is kept in the baby section, near the bottles and stuff. It keeps chaffing at bay and will lower the risk of thrush for you and baby.

Good luck!

Nora - posted on 08/24/2009

Be patient and don't let yourself be talked out of it. It can be very nervewracking in the beginning and other people may tell you to just give the baby a bottle. Don't be to nervous with the amount the baby is consuming at first..babies don't need to much when they first are born. Be mindful of the amount of diapers you are going through which is a good indication of how much the baby is consuming. Also let the nurses know that you want breastmilk only if you are giving birth in a hospital.

Christina - posted on 08/24/2009

Drink plenty of water, continue the prenatals and feed on demand!! Throw out the clocks and let your baby lead you, when babies hungry you feed for as long or short as they like! Your body will continue to produce the more you feed the more it naturally produces! Have fun with it and enjoy that bonding time with baby! The less stress you put on yourself and the more you relax the better off you and your baby will do! And remember that how much you pump in NO way reflects how much milk your baby is getting when they nurse. Pumping will generally only give you an oz or 2 at each session, a pump just can't get everything you got...baby will always get more when directly feeding.....so don't try to judge your supply based on that

Crystal - posted on 08/24/2009

Drink lots of water. If you make it through the first six weeks you've got it made. After that the soreness has passed and you are on more of a schedule. Don't try to pump too soon. Invest in pads to put in your bra, put them in even when you think you don't need them. Never feed your baby in a bathroom. If there is a fitting room around ask to use it. I have never been turned away. Lanolin is your friend. A good nursing bra is worth it's weight in gold. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing. You are giving your baby a good head start. Good luck and congratulations!!

Irene - posted on 08/23/2009

When breastfeeding, you need to be very patient, I never followed the feed for a certain amount of time rule, I fed on demand and till the baby would not feed any more. Some feeds are going to be longer than others, so to prepare, get yourself comfortable, use the loo, have a juice on hand, maybe the remote control or a good book, or something to read. In my case the remote worked a lot of times because I would both my twins at once therefor there was much i could with my hands. but have fun, enjoy you time and bond with your baby

Alicia - posted on 08/23/2009

Congrats on your upcoming birth!! So exciting! The best thing you can do is just keep taking your prenatals and breastfeed her on demand when she is born. Her feeding will cause your milk supply to kick into gear and there really shouldn't be much reason you would need to increase it in any other way. Likely, you'll be in awe of just how big you get and how much milk there seems to be!!! Just stay hydrated and make sure you eat enough (an extra 500calories/day) and "nature" should take care of the rest. Also it is recommended that you don't pump right away if you don't have to--give your body plenty of time to figure out the supply needed. Good luck, oh, and be sure to meet with the hospital's lactation consultant while you are there, and make sure you get the tele # in case you have any questions once you are home. Enjoy!!