being able to breast feed

Cgelske

i really really want to breastfeed when LO gets here, but i'm worried that it wont work out that way, i've heard that that happens...

are there any things i can be doing to help make sure i'll have milk and stuff. please let me know. :]]

poison489

Most women are able to do so, but there are conditions like inverted or flat nipples that can make it more difficult.  It is best if you talk to a lactation consultant (most likely there is one at your hospital) to discuss any concerns about being able to breast feed. 

Lance&Becca

I'm sure everything will be fine. Your body will click into gear after delivery. It doesn't usually go smoothly at first but don't get discouraged. You and baby will get the hang of it eventually.

aryandnicole

I was told its all about keeping your supply going. I was told to make sure i nurse every two to three hours. I would get so mad because my brain dead aunt told me i hope you have milk because i didnt. The thing is she didnt even try to breast feed. Dosent she know it drys up when you dont use it?Anyway dont let anyone tell you that you sometimes it dosent work. If you dont give up it will work and if the baby dosent latch you can always just pump and give it to the baby that way.

epphd

Something like 97% of women are able to breastfeed.  The "problem" is that it can be difficult for a lot of women - BFing is something that has to be learned and doesn't always come easily.  Your best bet is to get a good BFing book, enlist the help of a lactation consultant, and stick with it (at least this is what I'm told!).

It is true that some very small percentage of women cannot BF, due to breast reduction surgery or other physical problems.  But the VAST majority of women can.

Have you considered taking a BF class? I found it useful to understand what to expect in terms of how much colostrum/milk to expect and when.  Lots of women give up in the early days because they feel that they are not making enough milk, but with feeding on demand, supply goes up as baby needs it.

GL!  I am sure with the right support things will work out!

grapeape73

I have BF 2 kids.  I'm not sure if there is anything you can do to help prepare other than getting all the information you can before hand.  The nurses in the hospital are a great resource.  Also most hospitals have a lactation consultant on hand to help.

It is hard at first, but once you get past the first few days it is incredible.  With my DD my milk came in about 3 days after she was born.  I never had to supplement and just nursed on demand all the time.  Once my milk came in I had more than enough for everyone in the family.

Good luck!

Worcbride

we had latch and supply issues;  def see if your insur will cover a breast pump (mine didnt) and/or a lactation specialist (mine did).  BF as soon as baby is born, drink lots of fluids and increase your calorie intake (yes, increase--being pg you should increase by 200cals, w/BFing it's 500).  It can help if you pump after your LO eats (for at least 10mins).  Get a good elec pump (Medela).  If all that doesnt work there's fenugreek and Mother's Milk Tea.  I wouldnt worry about it until you're BFing....you may not have any probs.

Cgelske

awesome. i'd be pretty bummed if i HAD to formula feed, but yeah. i have heard that it will dry up if not used so i'll make to pump as often as i need to, and hopefully he'll latch well.

wnk1029

The most valuable thing I did to prepare for breastfeeding was to get the phone number for a La Leche League leader.  I called her about half a dozen times between days 3 and 5 because it just was NOT going well, but I was too stubborn to switch to formula.  She was a HUGE help and was able to give us tips and encouragement; we haven't had any BFing issues since.

MilesOfSmiles

My mother is a lactation consultant and she told me that MOST (not all, but most) of the time, for mothers who claim they "coudln't breastfeed" it was a commitment issue. It can be very hard at first (common problems are latching issues which make for painful breasts, also supply problems too) but with dedication and a lot of work, it usually does get easier. I hear 6 weeks is the "magic' number when it all clicks. The girls in the thread gave some great advice.

Aliliv

Cgelske:

awesome. i'd be pretty bummed if i HAD to formula feed, but yeah. i have heard that it will dry up if not used so i'll make to pump as often as i need to, and hopefully he'll latch well.

Breastfeeding is different for everyone, so please don't stress about it.  Get a lot of support lined up (including phone numbers/people/meetings, etc).  Chances are you'll be fine.  It may or may not come easy for you, but if it is important to you you'll probably overcome any issues that arise.   On the flip side:  please don't take it too terribly bad if for whatever reason you end up formula feeding.  So, many women feel guilt/regret/judged for resorting to formula in the early days that it can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy/pressure/overwhelming that can sometimes be associated with the early days of motherhood.  Those extra feelings of guilt are simply not necessary and not productive.  Above all happy mom = happy baby as long as that baby is fed (breast milk, formula, or both), nurtured, and loved.