New moms who want to BF

blueLu25 · January 2012

Here is a great list of tips! I nursed two babies and wish I had known a lot of these things from the beginning. The only thing I would add is to stock up on nursing pads or get reusable ones. Any other bf-ing mamas want to add anything?

https://www.babyrabies.com/2012/01/my-top-10-breastfeeding-tips/

~Lynchie~ · January 2012

I have something to add!

Your baby needs less than you think they do! Its perfectly normal for your milk to not come in for several days after your baby is born, they only need those few drops of Colostrum for the first week, and just a teeny amnt of breast milk for the following weeks. You are NOT starving your baby, dont feel pressured to give formula because you think you're not making enough milk. There is really a whole lot more lecturing I could do here, but I think I've made the point I wanted to make.

Alli923 · January 2012

Even though I wasn't able to nurse I would add...

Don't be afraid to ask/get help! I know it is on the list there, but there are SO many resources. Seeing a lactation specialist if you're having trouble or aren't confident will only be for the best. They'll either reassure you that everything is going how it is supposed to or they'll help you figure out what you can do to make it easier on yourself and baby. And, if you are a worst case scenario like me, they'll reassure you that you did everything in your power to nurse and it was something beyond your control as a mother.

keri1013 · January 2012

Those are great! I agree with having a pump from day one, I had to pump after every feeding for a few weeks starting when Max was just a few days old. I am so glad I didn't have to go buy a pump in my sleep-deprived, stressed-out haze! And definitely agree with the bottle advice too--don't wait too long to try one, and then try it every day, even just for an ounce, to keep them used to it, or hopefully get them used to it.

keri1013 · January 2012

I thought of another one! It's often easier the second time around. I worked REALLY hard to nurse Max--he actually wasn't getting enough milk due to jaundice/sleepiness and poor suction, and I went through a lot to breastfeed him (well worth it in the end). I was afraid I'd have to go through it all again with Anna but it has been so much easier with her. So mamas who had a rough go the first time, don't lose hope!

shevaCC · January 2012

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice. I have nothing useful to add since we're expecting our first, but appreciate all the been-there-done-that wisdom from you all!

blueLu25 · January 2012

Keri- yours made me think of another one-

The first 3-4 weeks is the hardest thing. After that, it gets much much better. So when you feel like you cant go another day, just keep in mind that it WILL get better and you will be so glad you stuck with it. And get some lanolin. Use it from the very beginning and it will be your best friend.

And nursing the second one was CAKE after learning it with the first. Its so so worth it.

JDCSKF · January 2012

keri1013:
I thought of another one! It's often easier the second time around. I worked REALLY hard to nurse Max--he actually wasn't getting enough milk due to jaundice/sleepiness and poor suction, and I went through a lot to breastfeed him (well worth it in the end). I was afraid I'd have to go through it all again with Anna but it has been so much easier with her. So mamas who had a rough go the first time, don't lose hope!

My experience was opposite for #2, but it really made me appreciate what others go through, since #1 was a natural.

doublem · January 2012

blueLu25:
The first 3-4 weeks is the hardest thing. After that, it gets much much better. So when you feel like you cant go another day, just keep in mind that it WILL get better and you will be so glad you stuck with it. And get some lanolin. Use it from the very beginning and it will be your best friend.

I totally agree with this!

I freaked out about my milk not coming in because I didn't "feel" anything, but everyone's experience is different. Once I stopped comparing myself and my baby's feeding habits to everyone else, I was able to relax and nursing went more smoothly.

I had much better relief and results from the Earth Mama nipple cream than standard lanolin. I also found that the hot/cold packs made for your tatas were heaven those first few weeks.

Also, don't be afraid to DEMAND that people wait on you while you're getting used to that new baby and feeding him/her. Don't act like you can do it all. Your job is to nurture that new life. Everyone else should take care of themselves and you.

doublem · January 2012

oh - and enjoy the excuse to hang out in the same nursing tank and comfy yoga/PJ pants for a while!

JRS72206 · January 2012

All of the tips above are great! And, IT'S SO WORTH IT!

Kathzoo · January 2012

Wait to get fitted for a nursing bra until 4-6 weeks PP or you may end up with the wrong size. Or just wear tanks, they are the best!

soralette · January 2012

Thanks for the tips, everyone!! As a first-timer, I really appreciate it.

AimmeeJo · January 2012

Kathzoo:
Wait to get fitted for a nursing bra until 4-6 weeks PP or you may end up with the wrong size. Or just wear tanks, they are the best!

I have a 4 week old now and there is no way I'd make it out of the house with baby to get the correct size bra, I bought several ahead of time in a couple different sizes and kept the receipt to return any that don't fit, definitely have several tanks on hand, they are the best!

Kathzoo · January 2012

AimmeeJo:
Kathzoo:
Wait to get fitted for a nursing bra until 4-6 weeks PP or you may end up with the wrong size. Or just wear tanks, they are the best!

I have a 4 week old now and there is no way I'd make it out of the house with baby to get the correct size bra, I bought several ahead of time in a couple different sizes and kept the receipt to return any that don't fit, definitely have several tanks on hand, they are the best!

That's a great idea if you can find a place that takes returns. It's a good idea to get measured and professionally fitted once you are out and about as the ones that feel good aren't always supportive enough.

LauraLynneC · January 2012

The only BF advice I give new moms is that BF may not be as natural as you think. You have things to learn, baby has things to learn and it can take time. Give it time. It might be harder than birth. Be prepared for that.

Or it might be a walk in the park. You never know.

nove1198 · January 2012

Another FTM here - I've been a bit concerned about BF and I'm so appreciative of all the advice! =D

blueLu25 · January 2012

Kathzoo:
Wait to get fitted for a nursing bra until 4-6 weeks PP or you may end up with the wrong size. Or just wear tanks, they are the best!

This is a great one! I bought a few when I was still pg with my first and couldnt wear any of them for a long time. I had to go buy bigger sizes. Also, its really important to get good fitting ones b/c if the band is too tight it can contribute to clogged ducts.

MissLauraQ · January 2012

My advice is ALWAYS get a pump from day one. Even if you don't think you'll pump - you might get engorged and need the help!

But here is something no one has said and neither does the article. IT F'ING HURTS! It hurts - it hurts - it hurts! I don't care even if you are natural and have boat loads of milk - it freaking hurts at some point. And it's going to freak you out that you are in so much pain - but you HAVE to feed your child. It's perfectly normal.

Kathzoo · January 2012

As long as your baby is healthy, trust him/her to know when to nurse and for how long. Don't worry about waking the baby up to eat or getting on a schedule. If baby is fussy, offer the breast. Baby can always refuse, but you cannot over feed while breastfeeding. Your baby may be big or small, skinny or fat but is born with the ability to know when to nurse. If baby falls asleep on one side, offer the other one later.

Oh and you will feel like a cow some days/weeks as nursing is a full-time job.

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