New to breastfeeding - HELP!

Rebecca - posted on 09/20/2009

What you need is:

a good nursing bra

Nursing pads

Lanolin nipple cream

Nursing pillow

I wouldnt use a breast pump unless you are having difficulties as the best way to stimulate your supply is to have baby at the breast. (But talk to your LC and they will let you know what is best for your situation)

Remember that both you and baby are both learning and it will be trying at times, and you will get sore nipples, but it does get better. Also feed on demand, which for the first month will feel like ALL the time! Most newborns can and will feed for an hour at a time every 1-1 1/2 hrs. But feeding on demand is the best thing for baby, you and your supply. Get rid of the clocks as it can be your nemesis just take it easy and try and relax, and definately ask for as much help as you can at the hospital. Try to find a breastfeeding support grp that you can go to, to get questions answered and talk to other breastfeeding moms for support.

Nicolette - posted on 09/20/2009

You should bring
- a nursing bra
-nipple cream!!!!** best kind is "lansinoh" its in a purple tube.
- nursing pads
- nursing pillow
- breast pump

There will probably be a lactation consultant at the hospital to help you out but if not...


usually you breastfeed for 15-20 minutes on each side
and then feed him again in 2-3 hours.

now about the breastpump

i found that pumping and then putting my son helped a lot because sometimes you have way too much milk at the start, or not enough and it just helps
and helps with the pain, and stress

Liz - posted on 09/20/2009

Hi

I would say that it all depends on the baby really

I have 1 daughter and have been nursing her ever since she was born. She is now 1.The big things i think are that I did not let them put a nuk in her mouth. I wanted her to get to know my nipple. I just practiced with her and every htime she fussed. For me it was more frusterated with a bunch of people trying to explain it when every baby is different. SOme babies prefer the football hold while nursing. Mine never did.Once yhou two have a rhythm. . it will go smoothly

Lesley - posted on 09/20/2009

I am still breastfeeding my 11 month old daughter and it's sad that the weaning days are ahead of me. My daughter has already started weaning herself actually! You will need nursing bras, nursing pads and some burp blankets although they say that a breastfed baby does not need to be burped like a bottle-fed baby. Not true I say, I still burped my daughter after she breastfed. And definitely a breastfeeding pillow will save you, especially because you are having a c-section. Ask about the different positions to breastfeed - there is a position in which you both are lying face-to-face and this allows you to sleep and get some rest. And will be easy for you because of the c-section. Ask lots of questions - make sure someone shows you how to get the baby to latch on properly. I found the best way for my daughter to latch on was to tickle her cheek with my nipple till she opened her mouth wide and put her too my breast - not put the breast to her. I never felt any pain or discomfort when I was starting out as other people have mentioned. And yes, like everyone says - feed on demand and increase your milk supply! Lanolin cream is a must - doesn't need to be washed off before the baby nurses as well!!! Good luck to you!! xox

Megan - posted on 09/20/2009

I'm a new Mom, and am breastfeeding my little boy. I'm also an OB nurse. What I can tell you is, be flexible when you are trying to figure breastfeeding out! Don't get your mind set on anything but the fact you want to breastfeed. I didn't get a 'Boppy' for the hospital, because most women still have a rather large stomach when they are in the hospital (it takes days to weeks for most of the extra fluid and tissue in the uterus to expel), and pillows are usually better positioning aids the first weeks or so. Also football hold is the first hold we teach new Moms to try, and the Boppy isn't As useful for this. Cross cradle is best when using the Boppy, but this is a more difficult position. Make sure you see the lactation specialist at your hospital as soon as possible!! Achieving a good latch from the start is Key to success, and saves your nipples a Lot of soreness! If possible, try to get your baby to breastfeed within an hour after birth. If you end up with a csection, have your husband (partner) place the baby on their chest, skin to skin, yes, with their shirt off, covering Both in a blanket. I had to have a csection and my husband did this! When I came back to the room, our Baby was calm, warm, and ready to attempt nursing. It was a great way for Dad to bond with our baby, and helps ease the transition from in utero to outside in this Big, Bright, Cold world. Don't be afraid to ask for help EVERY single time the baby seems hungry and you want to feed him/her. Your nurse is there to help you, and if they can't they should get the lactation consultant to help you! Be aware of early hunger cues- lip smacking, rooting,fingers in the mouth, as crying is a late hunger cue and can make it harder to calm the baby, then achieve a proper latch. Always aim your nipple at the baby's upper lip so when their head goes back as they open their mouth, your nipple lies on their tongue. Don't let the baby suck on just your nipple, if they get lazy and try this, put your pinky finger in their mouth, break the suction, and try again. Dont be afraid to push the back of their head towards your breast once they open their mouth nice and wide to help them get a mouthful. It will help ensure a proper latch. Don't be afraid to ask for a nipple shield if you have flat, inverted, or sore nipples. For women with breast implants, shields may help the baby get the mouthful they need to allow the milk to flow through the ducts as their breasts tend to be firmer due to the implants, and the milk in the ducts. After feeds, you will have a little colostrum or milk on the nipple, wipe that on the nipple, it's packed with protein that will help moisten them! You can always use a synthetic breast/nipple cream like lansinoh, but try your own colostrum/milk first. Try not to put scented lotions or body washes on your nipples, as they may turn baby off. Hmmm... I can't think of anything else. Good luck, and stay positive! Ask for help, and don't be afraid to try everything to be successful!

April - posted on 09/18/2009

bring your confidence and don't be afraid to ask questions. i still ask my lactation consultant questions and my son is 8 months old. there will be times where you will want to quit, but keep it up. it is worth it. my son has never been sick. i've made it through cracked/bleeding nipples, blocked ducts, nursing strikes, and low milk supply. just be your strong and determined self!

Christina - posted on 09/18/2009

I have breastfed both of my kids. The first one til he was 2 and a half and the second one I'm still nursing and she is 21 months. I have gone through multiple ordeals with nursing and have conqured them all. I have a flat nipple, and one inverted from surgery. I had to stop breastfeeding on the inverted side because I didn't make enough milk and it hurt every time I did. I nursed both my kids on one breast exclusively for 6 months when I started them on solid foods. I have also had mastitis in the one breast I used. I totally agree getting help and asking a ton of questions while you are in the hospital will help a great deal. Remember that it will hurt and it takes some getting used to but shouldn't cause sores. Also remember that you can have some cramping when you have the baby when you nurse because the hormones you release in nursing helps your uterus shrink back down. If it is something you really want to stick with you will make it work. A good supportive nursing bra helps along with some washable nursing pads. I recommend the washable ones because they get soaked alot when your milk comes in. I also recommend a boppy or some sort nursing pillow to help you support the baby the way they should be to make nursing easier. Also a good nursing wrap will help you feel at ease when you are in public and a sling to put the baby in. This helps you to walk and nurse discreetly. These are all suggestions... nothing you have to buy but things that helped me along with my first one. I didn't need much with my second one. Oh, lactation consultants have what they call nipple shields. This helps with flat or inverted nipples.

Jullianna - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi, I've been breastfeeding my little girl who is now 12 weeks, she is my first child and I certainly can echo your concerns. I agree with all of the posts above, from the cream to the pillow.. Ask all the stupid questions and do not be afraid to call the breastfeeding lines if you are really unsure. The best advice I was given was to enjoy the time you have with your baby whilst breastfeeding, don't try to rush it.

Good luck, and don't give up.

Jessica - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi Gail - I think you are making a great decision first off. I didn't breast feed my oldest almost 14 now, She was such a sick baby into childhood. Now my 2 boys 2 1/2 and 9 months were both breast feed and the worst thing for illness was minor colds. I am still feeding my 9 month old and really enjoy the bond we share. I remember in the hospital after having him, I was crying......... thinking that I wasn't producing enough milk for him and I was starving him. Well after the first 3 days my true milk came in and met the needs of my son. Just remember to stick with it and that this is something so natural that your body WILL meet the needs of your child. Good Luck!

Katrina - posted on 09/18/2009

Hey there, I breastfed all three of my boys. Best mommy and me time there is. The more they feed the more milk will come in, until your body is in tune with your baby. It's one of those magic things, where it just knows. It can hurt at first, but try all the positions to see which one your baby is comfortable with. Boppys help hold them when you're tired. Good luck to you, and welcome to the sisterhood of breastfeeding moms!

Fatima Zahra - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi Gail. i'm breastfeeding my almost 4 months old son and i'm planning to continue as long as I can. these are beautiful moments that we share, plus I know that I'm giving him whats best. My advice is not to give up, it is quite hard the first 2 weeks. And don't listen to people who tell you that your baby is not eating enough or that she does not eat probably, or that your milk is not enough. You'll know when she's hungry, and you'll feel when she'll be eating or just playing. Just make sure to breastfeed her as much as she wants to stimulate the milk. Good luck

JANICE - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi gail, i b.feedin at mo he's 20wks,best advice is 2 buy a nursing pillow + 'lansinoh lanolin' cream its great 4 keepin sore/cracked nipples at bay,u can get this on prescription as its usually about 9.99.Dont b 2 hard on urself at the start it takes time just rem 2 ask midwifes 4 help as many times u require until u feel comfortable,also if u check out 'youtube' on B.feedin theres a demonstration on lackin on etc. Good luck

Lena - posted on 09/18/2009

Hi my name is lena and ive been breastfeeding 5 months its great? bring boppy pillow to the hospital it will help get u comfortable.dont give up most moms dont stick with it buy a medela pump best money u will ever spend. pump pump pump it will help your milk suply and eventualy give u a break as soon as baby is 6----8 weeks start trying a bottle just for when u need to leave her if u wait to l.ong it will be hard. bottle of pumped breastmilk not formula thats all my advice and goodluck

Susanne - posted on 09/18/2009

I breastfeed all three of my kids...Current one is 2 months old. I would say good supportive nursing bra...Ask for tons of help for the lactation consultants at the hospital. I kept calling them with each child because I forgot some things between having my kids and they make sure you are understanding how your baby needs to latch on. Remember that it could hurt for a few days (it did for me but everyone is different) until you get the right latch down, but if it still hurt after a few days contact the lactation consultant again and they make an appt to see you to help you out more. Good luck :-)