Planning to breastfeed...

Lise - posted on 09/10/2012

I second kellymom.com - it helped me survive! Nurse, nurse, nurse. If anyone recommends supplementing/bottles, see an IBCLC first. Nurse on demand.

Karen - posted on 09/10/2012

Try to be a calm as possibly and not freak out if your baby doesn't take to it straight away. Ask the midwifes for help everytime you need to feed. The baby needs to take a huge chunk of the breast not just the nipple. If your hospital has any birthing or breastfeeding classes, i reccommend to take them and get as much knowledge as possible. Don't feed to a schedule, if your baby is hungry feed him/her.



Just tips, good luck.

Tascha - posted on 09/10/2012

I have a 6 month old who I'm still breastfeeding. Some of the best advice I received was from the lactation consultant in the hospital. She gave some tips that helped with getting him to properly latch and how to comfortably undo a bad latch.



For the first month or so keep a journal with feeding times, which breast, number of wet diapers and soiled diapers. This will put your mind at ease when you start worrying if you're producing enough milk. (As long as you're getting enough wet and soiled diapers, you're giving your baby enough milk).



Don't give up. If you have problems or questions, contact your lactation consultant, find a LeLeche group near you, try to find a good support group (fellow mothers who are also breastfeeding)...... And there's also this site and Kellymom.com

Jonelle - posted on 09/10/2012

Hi, I am a first time mother and I've been exclusively breastfeeding my son since birth(about 3 months and I plan to do it up to 1year).

Since this is my first I was very nervous about breastfeeding and didn't and still have any support because I come from a family that is formula-fed.

I think skin-to-skin contact within the first hour helped me out a lot. My son was able to experience my breast even though he didn't latch on/eat it helped him get familiar with it. I also bought a good boppy pillow, I recommend you buy one if you have not yet! It really helps take the weight of your child off your hands to make enjoyable for both of you. Buy some nursing pads for leakage and good nursing bras, this will help you so much. I bought great bras at target make sure it doesn't have underwire or it will hurt you! also. Buy lanolin cream for nipple relief.

I went to a hospital that encourages breastfeeding, found out if your hospital does too. It was so helpful. First few days I had a hard time getting it down and the hospital had lactation consultants that came to my room and helped tea h me everything I need to know, they also sent me home with great info and a free manual breast pump which I used when my breasts were engorged. If you don't have that search for a La leche group in your town it will give you suppor you need.

Also first few weeks was difficult for me, but just breastfeed on demand so your supply will be well established and both you and baby get used to it. It gets better and it's such a wonderful bond you'll create, just try do skin-to-skin whenever you can. Good for you and baby. If you feel like giving up like I did when I got mastitis just remember the wonderful bond and all the nutrients you're giving and how it'll help you burn 500cals/day, and more. Good luck

Stephanie - posted on 09/10/2012

My daughter is currently 8 months and still nursing. I also had a bad dream about nursing, but it turned out to be just that, only a dream. While nursing has it's difficulties, especially in the beginning, it is so worth it.

A book that I found to be super helpful was "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by La Leche League, int. You'll want to read all you can now, before you have the baby so you'll know what's up.

Good luck!

Celeste - posted on 09/10/2012

I've nursed three children, including a set of twins. I highly recommend educating yourself. Kellymom.com is a fantastic resource. A book I would recommend is " So That's What They're For" by Janet Tamaro. Anything from Dr. Sears or LLL is great.



I also recommend finding support from moms who successfully breastfed. Either find a LLL group or a breastfeeding group in your community.



And of course, ask questions :)