Any tips or advice?

ExcitedAunt2b

I am a STM, my first was born with a heart defect and never left the hospital.  I pumped for him and the hospital stored some of my milk for when he was ready for feedings but he only got a little before he passed away.  I never had a problem pumping, my supply was amazing!  But for this one I want to BF, everyone I talk to says something different.  Some say it was so easy and I won't have any problems and some say it was the hardest thing they ever did and will never do it again.  I just want to do what is best for my baby.  

Does anyone have any tips or anything to help me out?  My LO will be here 12/03 (planned c-section) so I have a few days.  I also have a pump to freeze some for when I go back to work.  

linzeek44

I'm sorry to hear about your first LO. Congrats on your second LO!

I think experiences vary so greatly. I'd say it's been very hard, but that'd I would/will do it again, despite the difficulty. 

Not sure if these are really tips; more like random thoughts:

It will feel like your LO is nursing all the time in the beginning. Don't worry; it will ease up.

Ask your pedi about when you can stop waking to feed. For us, it was when he was back to birth weight. You don't want to wake a baby if you don't have to.

Don't be afraid to call an LC and get help. If you have a breastfeeding support group, go! It helps when times get tricky.

If your milk takes a little while to come in, things will still be okay. (my milk didn't come in for a week. Days 3-6 were hard, but it was much easier once it came in. I'm glad I didn't give up.)

For the first few weeks, don't worry about pumping. Nurse when your baby is hungry to help your body figure out your supply. Later, once nursing established, you can add pumping into the mix. 

A friend always says, "Don't quit on a bad day." I think that is great advice.

Kellymom.com is your friend.

Good luck!  

ExcitedAunt2b

Thanks!  I will check out that website!!

 

diskogurl

Everything the previous poster said was great! Also, know that it can also come very easy for you...I never had a problem once my milk came in at day 4. No pain or latching issues.

 Make sure you tell the nurses you want to breastfeed and that they give you immediate skin to skin (when possible with c-section). 

 Also, something AmyG has said before that really resonated with me is: your baby didn't read that book. So if your baby is doing things a little differently, that's ok! Be aware of the cardinal things like diaper counts, etc. 

 Good luck!!

sarahsteve

I am so, so sorry for your loss.

Some great advice above too, just wanted to add that reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding now would be a great idea.  Lots of great info on what to expect, what's normal, etc.