Needing tips on how to breast feed

22615lastone

Im currently due In february with boy #3 but this will be the first Time I get to actually breast feed or try to anyways. Explanation: with my first son I wasnt allowed to breast feed because his father and his fathers family thought it was selfish of me to "hog" my son durning feedings. And when I had my second my breast got so big and so full he couldnt latch properly. So what Im really looking for are tips on how to get a good latch and how I can help make it so my breast arent so full when I try to feed him for the first time.

nunzchucks

It will be really hard to avoid the initial engorgement when your milk comes in. Hand expression into a towel before latching helped me especially since I have flat nipples. Then I would pinch near my areola and guide LO's mouth to my nipple. It helps to point your nipple toward the upper lip.

I recommend finding a good IBCLC who can help you in those first weeks. Look for your local La Leche League group. (Www.llli.org) They should have good references.

LunaBug924

Having the support of DH and any close family members who helped out in those early weeks was crucial to my BFing success. Neither of our moms breastfed very long, so I would constantly have to explain why giving a bottle wouldn't "just be easier". I have always expressed how important this is for me, what my goals are, and suggested other ways they can help. For example, during the first 2 weeks I was still really sore and tired. So whenever it was time to feed, DH or whoever would change her diaper, bring her to me to feed, I would hand her back when she was done and someone else would hold her/rock her or whatever until the next feeding. This way I got to sleep, and everyone else was able to bond in thier own way.

I would start talking to your family now. Express your desire to breastfeed and that you'll need their support. I also agree with PP about contacting with a lactation consultant and/or checking in with your local LLL.

Congrats and good luck!

spinsoffresonance

To get a good latch you want to make sure your entire areola is in the baby's mouth, not just the nipple. If you're breasts are too hard you can hand express a little first. But this shouldn't be a problem until day 2-3. See if your hospital offers a breastfeeding class you can take before LO is born. It helped me a lot getting ready to have some idea of what to expect. And take advantage of the nurses at the hospital after your LO is born. Tell them you weren't successful last time and have them help you. They know so much and are amazing. Have them check your latch and ask them for tips. Also ask to be seen by the lactation consultant on staff if your hospital has one.

DecafGrandeMocha

^^WSS^^

Anecdote: No one in my family BF so I initially hit resistance too. Thankfully MH & his family backed me up. My LO is almost 3 months now and thriving despite tongue tie/high palate issues. My mom saw how determined I was to BF and started decreasing the negative comments only about a month ago. However, it took one of her customers last week who is a pedi to tell her "your daughter has good milk" (LOL) for her to finally support my decision to BF. Hang in there and congrats on your pregnancy!

teedaalee

Congrats on baby #3! How exciting you finally get to start breastfeeding with this one! I have read a great article that gives step by step tips on how to breastfeed that you might find interesting. I hope it goes well this time around!

teedaalee0712