BF Advice

arichlife

Since we all hear about how difficult BF can be I thought it might be helpful for us FTMs to get a little bit of advice from the moms who have btdt!
(Hope this isn't a duplicate thread, on mobile so searching is not friendly. If you know of a thread please feel free to link!)

STM+,
What was the hardest part about BF for you the first time?what is your biggest piece of advice? Or what do you wish someone had told you before you had your first? (Or even your second if you had different struggles the next time)

Thanks! Keep up your spirits ladies- We're in the home stretch!

nicole mackenzie

There's a thread about latching issues not too far back with some tips.

joyfullyfound

I just felt totally out of my depth and had no idea what to do those first couple days with DD... holding her to my breast felt awkward, I wasn't sure where to put my hands and her body, etc, and when I asked the nurses for help they'd just latch her on for me without giving me a lot of instructions on how to do it myself. I luckily had my copy of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding with me and it saved my butt. There's great tips and pictures, and as soon as I discovered the laid back breastfeeding position (https://breastfeedingusa.org/content/article/some-ins-and-outs-laid-back-breastfeeding) I never had an issue again! 

So, the hardest part was just being inexperienced and lacking confidence. My biggest piece of advice is to bring a good book with you to the hospital and have a support system in place (access to a lactation consultant, attend La Leche League meetings, etc).

mbethmcgill

My nurses were really helpful. Be sure and ask when you can. I was surprised how drained I was and that both if my kids ate every 2 hours and it's not 2 hours from when you finish it's from when you start. Plus they did cluster feeding where they eat more often then that.

Rrrrrachel

It does feel awkward at first! Just juggling the baby and the boob and everything. I remember being surprised it didn't feel more natural. Also don't be shy about shoving the baby on there, and make the most of the first hour or so after birth. Even if that just means snuggling skin to skin with baby near your nipple. Lots of things can be solved by stripping you and baby down to as few clothes as possible and snuggling in bed together.

pigtails1031777

Don't give up! It's the hardest thing to do. So many people get discouraged and worried about " oh are they getting enough?
Yes your body knows what to do! If they have wet diapers you're fine.

Have small goals. If your getting upset just say one more day. I can do it. Give yourself weekly goals. When that week passes move to 2 weeks ect.

Start putting cream on now

You will probably go there 2 weeks of toe curling pain for the first 30 sec. It's normal. It will pass

Make sure you have a support system !! Dh should be there to support and cheer you on. If not find someone somewhere

Don't be scared to ask for help