preparation for BF?

jb2rn · September 2011

If you are a second time Mom, or new Mom, what do you wish you had done to prepare for BF? I mean anything from reading, taking a class, buying supplies..

I am 31 weeks pregnant and have attended a BF class and I am waiting on a copy of "the womanly art of breastfeeding" I ordered off Amazon.

I have a few hand me down nursing bras from a friend, some Lanolin, pads, and nursing tank.

I really want to be successful BF so if you have any suggestions on how to learn and prepare better, I would appreciate it.

MustanGTbaby13 · September 2011

I recommend finding your local la leche league and start going to meetings now

Temp616379875002458 · September 2011

Hi, lady! I can't believe you're so far along, already!!!! Excuse the block of text while I reply from my phone. So, I think there are a few things that can help contribute to success. 1. See an LC in the hospital. Ask for one when you are in labor and keep asking until she shows. Our hospital was grossly understaffed in the LC department, so I had to keep asking. 2. Know where you can get help after you get home. I had the phone number of two LCs and ended up calling both. When it was all said and done, I saw 4 LCs- two in the hospital and two independent ones. The fourth gave the most helpful advice. 3. Know where you can buy BFing supplies and keep their number handy so that you can call and send your DH to pick things up, if necessary. (I had to use a shield to nurse LO and was discharged with the wrong size one.). Good luck!!!

pepomntpat · September 2011

I found the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding absolutely invaluable! I also enjoy my La Leche League meetings. The single most important thing though is to take your eyes off of the clock. Do not listen to the advice about feeding 15 minutes per side every two hours or any other timing advice you hear. Don't count feedings. I could never even come close to telling you how often DD eats. I just know she poops and pees a ton and is growing. So don't watch the clock, watch your baby. And when in doubt, nurse your baby!

Good luck!

ksulli · September 2011

sounds to me like you're in good shape. All I did was read part of a book, and order a pump (I'll be pumping at work soon & wanted to get the hang of it first- don't start pumping until 4w though so your supply can even out). I do wish I'd had a sleep bra, lanolin & nursing pads at the house ahead of time, but you're all over that. Good luck!!

babynoodle07 · September 2011

You sound like you are off to a great start! If I had the first few days to do all over again, I would do these things (in addition to the things you have already done):

-Ditto PP. Find a LLL meeting before you deliver and go to one. Make some connections with people that can help you and support you when you are getting established breastfeeding.

-Make sure your husband/partner/mom or whoever will be helping you those first few days is 100% on board (or at least not pushing formula). Have them read some selections from your TWAOB if they are interested. If not, have them at least read the "What About Partners" tear sheet in the back of the book.

-Give away/donate any and all formula samples you have already received and refuse the ones that they will try to send you home with. If you don't have it in the house your helper is less likely to "help" by trying to feed the baby formula. If you do end up needing formula I am sure there is a Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, SOMETHING open 24 hours around where you live that sells formula.

-I purchased some breast shells and some breast soothies before giving birth. (Notice that these are shells not shields.) These will help with the initial tenderness and give your nipples a chance to recover between nursing sessions.

-Ditto PP on finding out what your lacation support services with the hospital will be and getting as much use out of them as possible.

-Get the number of the LLL leader, hospital lactation consultant, knowledgeable friend who has breastfed her children 6m+, etc. and post it on the fridge. Turn to this person when you need help. Tell your helper to call this person for you if you look like you are at the end of your rope.

-When in doubt, nurse again. Your baby won't suffer from nursing too much.

Hope those help! Good luck! Big Smile

jb2rn · September 2011

MustanGTbaby13:
I recommend finding your local la leche league and start going to meetings now

I wish, I live in Germany but don't speak enough German, sadly

jb2rn · September 2011

pepomntpat:
I found the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding absolutely invaluable! I also enjoy my La Leche League meetings. The single most important thing though is to take your eyes off of the clock. Do not listen to the advice about feeding 15 minutes per side every two hours or any other timing advice you hear. Don't count feedings. I could never even come close to telling you how often DD eats. I just know she poops and pees a ton and is growing. So don't watch the clock, watch your baby. And when in doubt, nurse your baby!
Good luck!

Very good points! The RN teaching my BF class said something similar. Thanks to all for the advice!

GingerCupcake · September 2011

If you don't have one yet get a breastfeeding pillow (the most used baby item I own!), some large thin blankets for nursing in public (I like the big muslin ones), and some tops where you'll have easy access (not necessarily nursing tops because they are expensive, although nursing tanks are quite handy).

vtwildlifer04 · September 2011

Everything already suggested is great. I'd also add just mentally prepare yourself as much as possible! It can be tough in the beginning (between sore nipples, awkward breastfeeding around others/in public, thrush, baby nursing constantly keeping you immobile and exhausted, etc.) but you can do it!!! There may be times when you are in pain and tired and wonder if you should FF instead. Just stay focused and tough

You may have a rough go of it OR it may go so smoothly. I found it reassuring that I would give it my very best shot (at least a month since days/weeks after birth you aren't in the soundest decision-making mode!), but that I could always switch to FF if I wanted and/or stop at anytime. Honestly, that helped take the pressure off

Good luck!

bluegfluff · September 2011

You seem to be off to a great start. I agree with everything everyone has said and would like to add-

The boppy was weird to use right at first, but I fell in love with it after week 2 or 3 (when things started to even out). Nursing tanks are AWESOME and I wear one every day (I'm heavier on top, but still find them comfortable). Definitely get a small (or large) support network- husband, mom, sister-in-law- and make sure they will be supportive, especially in the beginning!

Don't count minutes, and don't stress. If you are having a hard time, tell yourself- "Okay, I will get through today," then, "I'll get through this week"- before you know it, things will be working out.

Most important, I think, is to feed the baby when the baby is hungry, not on a schedule.

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