Ready! ...I think...

gomezmama

So I have everything ready so I can BF when baby is born. I got the "my brest friend" nursing pillow, nursing pads for leaking, lansinoh nipple cream stuff, a cover (like an udder cover but off-brand), nursing bra, nursing jammies, nursing tank, the bracelet so you can keep track of which side and how long... and then just as I was feeling so happy with myself for being so prepared, the thought entered my mind: what if I can't breastfeed??

I am at 34wks and definitely have milk. I pumped with my first child and had a ton of milk then too. I have normal nipples and everything, what else could prevent me from being able to breastfeed? My mom said she wanted to BF us kids, but she couldn't because it hurt terrible and she even bled... but I'm thinking that since I was able to pump, that won't be an issue. Are there any other things I need to know about myself to make sure I will even be physically able to breastfeed?

utlawgirl

I highly suggest taking a breastfeeding class (your hospital or birth center should offer one) and/or getting a book on breastfeeding to read prior to giving birth, so you know the basics and understand what to expect.  I highly recommend The Nursing Mother's Companion and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Good luck -- you can do it!

tangerine1126

You mentioned your mother couldn't BF you because it hurt and she bled: It does hurt for the first couple of weeks but it's not bad enough to make you want to quit and if you only pumped with your first child I'm sure you can handle BFing (I found pumping to be more painful). I believe bleeding comes mostly from the nipples getting too dry. It's good you have nipple cream on hand, just be sure that you aren't applying it needlessly as it can cause your nipples to take longer to toughen up (this began happening to me because I had to apply thrush ointment after each feeding and they never had time to "air out"). Rubbing some of the milk on the nipple after a feeding is also a good way to keep them moisturized. And don't wash your nipples with soap, only water.

Any questions and concerns you have you should direct at the LC at your hospital if they have one there. And making sure your baby has a good latch is very important, so have it checked while you're at the hospital.

I'm sure all will be fine! Just like with everything else in parenting, just go with your gut, common sense, and do what you can! Good luck mama, you can do it! 

lanbob

Maybe take bfing classes. I bf both my girls with no problems but with DS boy did I have my work cut out for me and he is no. 3.

natgkelley

As I remember it only hurt when he had the wrong latch. Bleeding/cracking comes from wrong latch too. Have the lactation consultant or your nurse watch you feed to make sure you have the right latch. I believe I had books too and my visiting nurse was amazing  

amyc216

Like PPs said, breastfeeding class at the hospital was very helpful to me.  Some of my friends had shared their horror stories with me and after I took the class I realized most of their troubles had come from bad latch, position, etc. 

Also, start putting the lanolin on your nipples before the birth for a few weeks.  Good luck!

ns1

Stick with it!  It does hurt at first, at least it did for me, and LO had a good latch.  It sounds like you're prepared and very dedicated to this decision, so I think that'll help a lot!  Best wishes!

blu-eyedwife

I second (third? fourth?) taking a breastfeeding class.  It really helped my confidence and answered pretty much any question I could have.

 

Also - remember to take some deep breaths - literally.  When it seems hard, take a deep breath.  When you get frustrated, take a deep breath.  Oftentimes babies can sense your anxiety.  They don't know what's wrong, just that mom seems upset.  And then they get upset.  And then the whole thing gets more stressful for everyone involved.