Breast feeding preparation/advice from you STM?

MrsRahl · January 2014

So, I apologize in advance if this was already posted. I looked and haven't seen this yet, and posted it in another thread and got nothing, so maybe you STM's that breast fed have some good advice

I am a FTM, want to breast feed, and will be a stay at home mom (just to give a little background). I know so many people who tried breast feeding and it didn't work out for all sorts of reasons. I really want to prepare myself as much as possible to be successful with breast feeding. Can any of you provide some advice or good resources, and tell of maybe your struggles and what kept you going? Also, if some of you moms who maybe tried and didn't continue, what is your experience? Thanks in advance!

coffee-saur · January 2014

With my first, DS I tried nursing for 2 months, pumped for a month, then gave up entirely. I am a SAHM also, and while I hadn't been looking forward to nursing, I really, really wanted it to work. I had a lactation consultant to help me after DS was born, and the nurses were all very helpful to help me try and get the hang of it. That being said he never really nursed very well and my Dr thought he'd maybe developed 'flow preference' with the bottle. He was always a champion barfer, and would occasionally SOAK EVERYTHING after eating! It seemed he was very picky about what I ate, but no matter how careful I was he always puked and was gassy. When we finally quit altogether, (he had just had a bottle of BM and then puked all over DH, me, and the couch. DH said we are done!) we were all SO much happier, that it was worth paying for the formula!
Not trying to discourage you, and definitely try your hardest!
With #2 it was totally different! DD latched on at the hospital and never looked back!
The 'flow preference' thing is why they want you to try and wait till they are older to introduce a bottle. I guess my advice is learn as much as you can, read books, ask questions, take a 'breast feeding 101' class if your area has one and give it a try! But DON'T beat yourself up if it doesn't work!

coffee-saur · January 2014

Good grief! Sorry it's so long! And good luck!

allrightmeow · January 2014

Try and get in contact with a local La Leche League. They can give so much info. They have many videos on Youtube. I had some great nurses in my daughters NICU who were a wonderful help to me.

The number one thing I can tell you is to not beat yourself up. Try your best and take your time. Don't freak out if it doesn't happen like in the movies. For some it comes natural for others it takes a little work. Don't let anyone brow beat you about it one way or the other. My DD and I weren't together like I planned (she spent 10 days in the NICU) the nurses there made me comfortable and encouraged me even thought she got bottles because I couldn't be there all the time. By the time she came home she was only BF and I nursed for 13 months or so.

Also be ready to have your boobs handled by the women you've just met. They have done it a million times and are not squeamish about it. AT. ALL.

cMichelle0423 · January 2014

My best advice is talk to your lactation consultant and ask any and all questions you might have.... Most hospitals have one who will come visit you, so take advantage!!!! Write down all your questions ahead of time and bring them with you in your hospital bag so you don't forget anything. Also you can look into local bf groups that you can talk to once you leave the hospital. Good luck!

emandjp · January 2014

Get a lactation consultant in the room with you ASAP!! I feel like having one in there with me was crucial to our success. I also had her number and contacted her a few times those first few weeks. I also took a breast feeding class during my 3rd trimester and bought the book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It's also important to have a great support system around you...I explained to my husband that it might be a struggle and that I would need his help and he was right there in the beginning while we were figuring things out.

Good luck!

SaraT717 · January 2014

The only thing helpful I can think of is take your time, don't stress if it doesn't happen right away the first couple weeks are the worse, get help from a lactation consultant.
Make sure everyone is supportive, this helped me be successful for such a long time.
And don't beat yourself up if you give your baby a bottle because you just are having a rough moment. I can say I did this and I had to take a step back and realize happy momma happy baby! By having DH give DD a bottle it was giving me a nice break that was needed from time to time!

noryang · January 2014

1. Do not have a bottles or formula in the house. Your resolve in the middle of the night will crumble. Nursing was a b**** for me when I started. Had I had an out - I would have quit and and quit on a two year nursing relationship before it even got started.

2. The answer to almost every nursing problem is to nurse more. Most doctors, nurses and even lactation consultants are WAY too fast to recommend supplementation. As soon as you start supplementing the baby will nurse less which will lower your supply. It's a vicious circle and the reason why so many women think they can't nurse. Bad advice. Baby needs very, very little the first few days. Keep them at the breast. Unless you are in the true 2% that doesn't get milk - your milk will come in it just needs a chance.

3. Be sure your partner is as committed as you are. He will need to be your cheerleader when it gets tough. Arm him with lactation consultant phone numbers and where to go to buy new/different nursing supplies like pads, nipple shields, etc.

4. Consider having a nipple shield before baby comes. They aren't a silver bullet for everyone but it sure was for me. And for $15 - well worth having in the home before baby comes.

5. Know that not all lactation consultants are created equal. Soome are just not very good. So if you get advice from one and it isn't helping - seek help from another before you quit.

6. Breastfeeding is HARD. It doesn't always come naturally or easily. You will almost undoubtably want to quit. I don't know a mama yet who hasn't wanted to. But it does get better. And it is so very, very worth it.

MrsAMB07 · January 2014

We had lots of problems early on, different with each of my kids. My biggest regret with DS was not going to a LC and getting our issues fixed and sticking with it longer. I exclusively pumped, so he still got milk, but it was at least twice the work and stress.

With DD, I went to an LC and was so happy I did. My hospital claimed to have LCs on staff, but apparently that meant one trained nurse and she wasn't on shift during my stay. I paid for a private consultation at another hospital. Later, I found out my insurance would cover it before I left the hospital. Check out what your resources are ahead if time. An LC made all the difference for me.

That, and having a good, supportive, patient friend I could text anytime and ask anything. Don't be afraid to seek support if you need it. It doesn't come easily to everyone in the beginning, but so worth it.

The best advice I got was not to quit on a bad day. The bad days come and go and it DOES get easier. Kellymom.com is a great resource and I used the BF board on here, as well.

*I also needed a nipple shield for the first three months, and then we were able to wean off. It's not for everyone, but if you suspect you have flat nipples, something I didn't know at the time, it's a lifesaver!

evahankins · January 2014

Stay calm, be confident, and just keep trying. The first few days it's hard to tell what's really going on, then nipple soreness sets in for a few weeks, but after that it is painless, convenient, and great bonding. Nursing is the cure to all mystery cries! If low on milk increase skin time. It's a wonderful thing!

TonyaCody06 · January 2014

Mind over matter, patience, persistence, determination & relax!!!!

apmom · January 2014

My biggest tip is that it can be harder than it looks! The movies make it look so easy but it can take a bit to get the hang of it and in the rhythm with your baby. Take your time, relax, stay hydrated and try not to stress just like the other posters said.

ncbelle · January 2014

Educate yourself!! Knowing what to expect and knowing that it will be tough at first is half the battle. Kellymom.com is a great place to start and great resource to book mark. If you have any troubles, don't be afraid to get hands on help. Make sure that you are working with an IBCLC though (and not just someone calling herself an LC). Peer support groups like Breastfeeding USA (I'll be a certified counselor by the time our babies are born - message me!) and LLL are great too. Mostly know that it does get better and that 99% of all problems can be fixed with the right support.

And I think it's been said above but the first answer to any problem - NURSE MORE

Really in the early weeks don't expect to do anything but snuggle and nurse (but don't worry as baby gets much faster!).

MississippiCatfish · January 2014

Great advice all around! I will say, on the flip side to PP, lots of moms on my BMB wished they'd held out longer before trying a nipple shield. They can be a big pain and hard to wean from. I have no personal experience.

I will echo PPs: it really hurts for a while. It gets better. Only lasts a couple weeks. Hang in there!

Keep a change of clothes at all time. I had oversupply. Enough said.

Mztwilson · January 2014

Breast feeding the first couple days will hurt. Your nipples will hurt and everytime the baby feeds you'll get contraction like cramps. But it only lasts a couple days. Smother your nipples with lanolin. In fact lanolin will become your best friend. Do not and I repeat do not go without lanolin in the first few weeks of nursing. It doesn't take long for your nips to crack and become ungodly sore. This is what almost had me give up. I didn't use the lanolin and before I knew it I was crying every time she would feed.

Eta: the cramping stops in a few days the nipple soreness is much longer. Atleast a couple weeks.

rainbowdashh · January 2014

Find some support. Drink tons of water, and then drink some more. If anyone tells you "if it hurts, you're doing it wrong", tell them to be quiet. Your nipples have to adjust. It was toe curling pain for me for the first three weeks.

mek20 · January 2014

I nursed DS for a month and it actually makes me sad and jealous to see my cousins/friends who nurse so well.

My biggest tip for FTMs is remember that its a learning process: for you and for your baby.

I also believe that you should not have any formula in the house. If you are discouraged, it is SO easy to cave. We had formula in the house and I thought that a little bit wont hurt in the middle of the night--IT WILL. You will decrease your supply. BF is like a game that you need to keep up with.

It is SO much harder than it looks, and I am not saying that to discourage you at all, I am saying it to prepare you. It will hurt.

FWIW, we used a nipple shield and had no problem weaning from it within the 4 weeks that I nursed. If you are thinking about stopping, try the shield first before giving up completely.

I WILL be nursing this time around--I am determined to do it.

Thanks for posting this...I think we can all use a little advice even if we have never nursed or nursed 5 children before.

lclark79 · January 2014

Just know that it takes about two weeks for your nipples to adjust. And in that time period they crack and hurt. I made sure I had a ton of lanolin and also saltwater in a spray bottle to clean my nipples. Also make sure you are sitting comfortably before you start breastfeeding. If you're comfortable then you are more relaxed which helps your milk flow. Have a big glass of water next to you and a few snacks in the beginning. You can be sitting for awhile trying to get the hang of things and it's wayy easier to do if you have everything you need within arms reach. Get those gel cooling pads for your nips too. They were a lifesaver for me. Just know that breastfeeding takes time and patience. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're having problems. It doesn't mean your failing or that your a bad mom. It just means you need help and that is normal.

wimb01 · January 2014

The only regret I have, was that I should have pumped more after a nursing session to create more of a stash. After going back to work part time at nighta, I was pumping when I got home around 10:30pm. By 7 months, my daughter was waking in the middle of the night and was drinking what I had just pumped. We ended up having to give her formula at night the 3 nights I worked. To prepare yourself, there really isnt anything you can do to prepare. Take your loofah and scrub your nips really hard in the shower. Nursing the first month or two will hurt 4746647 times more than that. It takes time for your nipples to get used to it. Your let down with hurt most likely, and the nursing pads are all different, so try a few different kinds to find what you like. I have an inverted nipple and had to use a nipple sheild on one side temporarily. I recommend getting one before hand just in case. It was not difficult to discontinue use at all. When my daughter was ready, I simply stopped using it. Don't get discouraged in the hospital after having the baby...I had my daughter on a Thursday night and my milk didnt come in until the following Tuesday. They sent me home with some premade newborn formula, a syringe, and a tube that I had to lay flush with my nipple when I breastfed (she was given 5ml of formula through the tube). Get some comfortable sleep nursing bras first, and then when your milk comes in, then go and buy some regular nursing bras. There will be days when you feel like your baby is eating all day, and thats perfectly normal. It happens on occasion (cluster feeding). Just make sure you drink lots of water and eat plenty of calories. Keep some granola bars in yur night stand for middle of the night feedings too! I found that the football hold was easier in the newborn stages, and then regular cross body was more comfortable aftert that. Massage your breast while nursing to help prevent clogged ducts, If you feel a painful spot, use your pump and massage it out. If it doesnt go away after a few nursing or pump sessions, go to the doctor. You dont want to get mastitis!

MNOpea · January 2014

For me the very hardest part was our first night home from the hospital. My milk hadn't come in yet ( it thankfully did the next day, which made all of the difference!) my nipples were super cracked and sore, I broke down crying at 3am from the pain and because I thought I was starving our son (there was a couple more minor issues that made me think that) but I just kept going and like I said once my milk came in everything else quickly fell into place

flerlgirl · January 2014

I haven't read the other responses yet so my apologies if this is a repeat answer:

Since I had a NICU kid, I could only pump for a long time. He didn't take a bottle/breast until he had been there for 3.5 months. So my perspective is a little skewed. It didn't work out for me. EP with little contact with my child made it very difficult. Honestly, it got to the point where it was so stressful that I had nightmares about pumping. I could never pump enough and because DS was in the hospital I couldn't take any supplements to help (ie fenugreek). I say this not to scare you but to tell you that I think BFing is one of the most wonderful things on the planet - and if it doesn't work out, that's okay. I beat myself up for months over it but my son is happy and healthy and loves the disgusting taste of formula.

So my advice is this: Relax. Know it isn't a perfect science. Get help from lactation consultants. Be prepared to literally cry over spilled milk. But also remember that if you can keep it up it's super amazing.

SecondTimeinMSU · January 2014

I guess my most important tip is not to beat yourself up. Everyone was saying in my classes how easy and natural breastfeeding was and how it shouldn't hurt when you were doing it right. But it was hard and did hurt in the beginning so I felt like a total failure. I let the lactation consultant torture me for hours at the hospital but what really worked in the end was to just take a deep breath to stay patient and just keep at it but not be so hard on myself. Just focus on the fact it will become eventually easier and more natural but struggling is totally normal and you aren't alone. It probably took about 8 weeks for me to be really latching on DS for feedings since he struggled since he was just short of full term but we made it with patience

LindsayDesigner · January 2014

I found that having a middle of the night snack really helped. I would keep them by the chair I used for nursing. Drink a lot of water as well.

Be kind to yourself. If it doesn't work out it isn't the end of the world. As long as you and the baby are healthy and happy, that is what matters.

MarciP83 · January 2014

These r all great posts/advice. I have nothing new to add except a piece of personal experience. With my first dd I wanted to bf. I didn't have much support or help, though, and was unsure where to reach out for advice. Life circumstances were tough and I gave up after a few weeks. When dd #2 came along, I was bound and determined to exclusively bf. Life was looking up n I had a ton of support this go round. I had friends who were lactation consultants and nurses, too. I refused to give dd a bottle and was adamant about no formula supplementation. Dd had jaundice and we tried everything but eventually ended back in the hospital. It was awful. She had lost too much weight and her bilirubin had kept rising. While back in the hospital, the lactation nurses worked round the clock with me...checking latch, pumping, and even adding natural and prescription supplements to my diet to promote lactation. When all was said and done, it simply turned out that I was not producing enough milk, and in turn my baby wasn't getting the amount of nutrition she needed to lower the bilirubin in her system. I had to supplement with formula. And in turn, she thrived. So, I share this bit not to scare you, but for you to keep in mind that if all arrows point to the fact that it's not working, that you can supplement and it's ok. I was so determined to bf that I took it too far, IMO. I listened to my friends who told me whatever I did, do NOT supplement, don't offer a bottle, etc. Those r good suggestions and work most of the time. But not always. Listen to your body and your baby...not necessarily the "experts". I hope it works out for you! I am gonna give it one more try this go round, too! Fx!

LegalLadyBug · January 2014

Don't be afraid to ask for help from the lactation experts at your hospital. With DD I was going in to the clinic 1-2 times a week to check weight and then I would BF there are the consultants would help me figure out what was going wrong. Unfortunately for me I have flat/inverted nipples. I struggled trying to use nipple shields for a month or so but DD could never latch properly and get more than an ounce or two out. I was lucky to get an ounce per breast when I was pumping. I'm going to try again this time because any breast milk is beneficial, but it can be frustrating.

coffee-saur · January 2014

A lot of more good advice!

I just thought of later that I should add to not give up too quickly! Someone told me to give it at least 3 weeks before even thinking about quitting.

Babywear I'm not sure about if the other bottles would avoid the flow preference or not. I think some of the main problem was I had given him a bottle too soon. It was sooo much easier since DS was so bad at it to quick give him a bottle, even if it had breast milk in it. And I actually wonder if because it took so long for him to start, if he didn't get a bottle at the hospital.

Also to mention, with DD she got a preference the OTHER way! She refused to take a bottle for quite awhile (sorry, don't remember for sure how long), which for me wasn't a big deal because I was a SAHM and wanted to breastfeed anyway. I tried the bottles 'mOmma' by Lansinoh, and she went back and forth fine.

Unknown · January 2014

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catsinawindow · January 2014

MrsRahl said:

So, I apologize in advance if this was already posted. I looked and haven't seen this yet, and posted it in another thread and got nothing, so maybe you STM's that breast fed have some good advice

I am a FTM, want to breast feed, and will be a stay at home mom (just to give a little background). I know so many people who tried breast feeding and it didn't work out for all sorts of reasons. I really want to prepare myself as much as possible to be successful with breast feeding. Can any of you provide some advice or good resources, and tell of maybe your struggles and what kept you going? Also, if some of you moms who maybe tried and didn't continue, what is your experience? Thanks in advance!

I'm a to-be STM that went back to work when my DS was 7 weeks and by a combination of pumping and BFing fed him breastmilk exclusively through the first year, and am currently still BFing him occasionally (he's almost 3 now). BFing has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

This statement will probably be controversial, but I strongly believe that if a mom is committed enough, and if she has a good support system, that BFing will work in the vast majority of cases. I really think that the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success with BFing is to commit yourself to doing it, even if it's hard at first, and to have a good support system of people who truly support your BFing goal. This may include your husband, family, friends, pediatrician, obstetrician, nurses, etc.

Other than that, nurse a lot for those first few weeks. Baby will want to be nursing almost constantly and that's a good thing and very normal! Find a lactation consultant or BFing support group to go to if you have problems. Find a pro-BFing pediatrician that won't be quick to push formula at every bump in the road. Ask friends, lactation consultants, or BFing support groups (ie. LLL) for recommendations.

Good luck!

RaeJ004 · January 2014

My biggest mistake I made was not telling people when to leave my house. I was so nervous that I didn't want to feed her in front of anyone. We were both still getting the hang of it so I didn't want to cover up with a blanket but I didn't want them out there for everyone to see either. I didn't want to be rude so instead of nursing her when people were over I started to give pumped milk or supplement. It affected my supply after a while and I think that is what started the downward spiral that was my supply. I was able to nurse until she was 16 months, but we had to supplement from about 3 months on.

erinhays1220 · January 2014

I didn't read all of these replies so a lot of this may be old news to you by now.

BFing was really hard for me in the beginning with both my DD and my DS. I don't think that is something I was prepared for at all. I expected it to be this magical, natural thing that would come so easy - which it ended
up being after a while but NOT in the beginning!!

I think 'don't quit on a bad day' is great advice. With DD, my nipples cracked and bled and nursing was painful in the beginning. After about 6 weeks or so we hit our groove and it got much easier from that point on. I ended up nursing her for 13 months.

With DS, he and I both contracted thursh when he was 3 weeks old. When he nursed it was like 10,000 tiny knives shot through by boobs and I would wake up an hour after nursing him with a deep burning in my breasts that kept me awake. Needless to say, it was awful. One day, I went to nurse him and I just couldn't make myself do it. It was too painful. My husband was there and I cried and balled and was beating myself up about not being able to nurse him but decided I couldn't do it. I went to get formula and bawled at the 'Breastmilk is best' labels on the cans feeling so guilty that I was quitting before my son was even a month old after having nursed my daughter for so long.

The next two days brought trips to my OB and DS' pediatrician (who has just recently gotten over thrush herself!) and they both encouraged me to do what I needed to do to be healthy and happy for my family. My OB said 'Just feed him something. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what. He needs you to be able to be a good mom first.' My pediatrician encouraged me as to how quickly my medication would work and help the pain and told me I should try nursing again (at that point I had been on medication for a day and hadn't nursed in 24 hours). With her encouragement, I nursed him again and got through it! And I was able to nurse him for 13 months too!!

Wow, that was long and congrats if you made it this far. All this to say, try your best but if it doesn't work out don't beat yourself up over it. Your LO will still love you!

MrsRahl · January 2014

Thank you ladies so much! Not one post to me was repetitive as I am so clueless and wanted complete honesty! I'm going to begin looking up LE now and get some of those books and read the websites suggested. I think what I've learned so far us 1) don't give up and 2 ) it will hurt and I probably will be frustrated and still don't give up. Thanks again!

MrsRahl · January 2014

joules235 said:

wimb01 said:

The only regret I have, was that I should have pumped more after a nursing session to create more of a stash. After going back to work part time at nighta, I was pumping when I got home around 10:30pm. By 7 months, my daughter was waking in the middle of the night and was drinking what I had just pumped. We ended up having to give her formula at night the 3 nights I worked.

To prepare yourself, there really isnt anything you can do to prepare. Take your loofah and scrub your nips really hard in the shower. Nursing the first month or two will hurt 4746647 times more than that. It takes time for your nipples to get used to it. Your let down with hurt most likely, and the nursing pads are all different, so try a few different kinds to find what you like. I have an inverted nipple and had to use a nipple sheild on one side temporarily. I recommend getting one before hand just in case. It was not difficult to discontinue use at all. When my daughter was ready, I simply stopped using it. Don't get discouraged in the hospital after having the baby...I had my daughter on a Thursday night and my milk didnt come in until the following Tuesday. They sent me home with some premade newborn formula, a syringe, and a tube that I had to lay flush with my nipple when I breastfed (she was given 5ml of formula through the tube). Get some comfortable sleep nursing bras first, and then when your milk comes in, then go and buy some regular nursing bras. There will be days when you feel like your baby is eating all day, and thats perfectly normal. It happens on occasion (cluster feeding). Just make sure you drink lots of water and eat plenty of calories. Keep some granola bars in yur night stand for middle of the night feedings too! I found that the football hold was easier in the newborn stages, and then regular cross body was more comfortable aftert that. Massage your breast while nursing to help prevent clogged ducts, If you feel a painful spot, use your pump and massage it out. If it doesn't go away after a few nursing or pump sessions, go to the doctor. You don't want to get mastitis!

Are you just saying this as a reference? There really isn't any reason to do this. It will just hurt you with no benefit.

One more thing, @joules235 my mom told me a similar thing to beat my nipple with a towel to toughen them up before I deliver. Is that total BS?

bebemac · January 2014

Some good advice here. I hope BFing works out for us. Must persevere!

MissBHaven1024 · January 2014

My biggest piece of advice would be to take a breastfeeding class with your SO/DH. With DD#1, I nursed for 3 weeks and she slowly was starting to lose weight. Being a FTM, I was so consumed with the baby's needs, that I wouldn't eat as often as I needed to, and eventually my milk was more like water. We made the transition to formula, and breastfeeding was done.

With DD#2, I wanted to give myself the best chance to have success, so DH and I took a class together. It was amazing because he never truly understood the importance and benefits of nursing for baby and for mom. Once baby was here, he was able to be encouraging on the days that I was overwhelmed, he reminded me to eat and made food for me while he was home on leave from work. It was a complete 180 from my first experience. I successfully nursed DD#2 for 13 months! Without taking that class, I definitely don't think it would have been as great as it turned out to be!

coffee-saur · January 2014

MrsRahl said:

joules235 said:

wimb01 said:

The only regret I have, was that I should have pumped more after a nursing session to create more of a stash. After going back to work part time at nighta, I was pumping when I got home around 10:30pm. By 7 months, my daughter was waking in the middle of the night and was drinking what I had just pumped. We ended up having to give her formula at night the 3 nights I worked.

To prepare yourself, there really isnt anything you can do to prepare. Take your loofah and scrub your nips really hard in the shower. Nursing the first month or two will hurt 4746647 times more than that. It takes time for your nipples to get used to it. Your let down with hurt most likely, and the nursing pads are all different, so try a few different kinds to find what you like. I have an inverted nipple and had to use a nipple sheild on one side temporarily. I recommend getting one before hand just in case. It was not difficult to discontinue use at all. When my daughter was ready, I simply stopped using it. Don't get discouraged in the hospital after having the baby...I had my daughter on a Thursday night and my milk didnt come in until the following Tuesday. They sent me home with some premade newborn formula, a syringe, and a tube that I had to lay flush with my nipple when I breastfed (she was given 5ml of formula through the tube). Get some comfortable sleep nursing bras first, and then when your milk comes in, then go and buy some regular nursing bras. There will be days when you feel like your baby is eating all day, and thats perfectly normal. It happens on occasion (cluster feeding). Just make sure you drink lots of water and eat plenty of calories. Keep some granola bars in yur night stand for middle of the night feedings too! I found that the football hold was easier in the newborn stages, and then regular cross body was more comfortable aftert that. Massage your breast while nursing to help prevent clogged ducts, If you feel a painful spot, use your pump and massage it out. If it doesn't go away after a few nursing or pump sessions, go to the doctor. You don't want to get mastitis!

Are you just saying this as a reference? There really isn't any reason to do this. It will just hurt you with no benefit.

One more thing, @joules235 my mom told me a similar thing to beat my nipple with a towel to toughen them up before I deliver. Is that total BS?

In the 'Breastfeeding 101' class I took, the lactation consultant said to NOT do this. She recommended for soreness was to change the position that you held the baby, like switching to the 'football hold' and I did think that helped.
Eta: sorry about the quote fail...

coffee-saur · January 2014

Just reading some of the posts reminded me about what I learned with DD. I heard a lot about the 'nipple confusion' so was super cautious about a pacifier. One night I can't remember if I gave it to her or a nurse, but she started sucking on the paci (I had the MAM ones) and it almost seemed to help actually! The nurse and I thought it maybe just helped her to latch right or suck better or something. It probably won't be the same for everyone, but that was my experience!

missesBAD · January 2014

Educate yourself, and then try not to stress about it. My daughter latched well right from the beginning and I have nothing but beautiful memories. Did it hurt a little a first? Yeah, but it was NBD.
Drink and eat plenty, and keep that baby on the boob as much as he/she wants in the beginning. My daughter nursed for 40 min + each time the first month or so. Use it as an excuse to bond and have some alone time, and enjoy it

I had a c/s, DD had formula the night she was born (due to her large size), and took a pacifier from day one. She still latched well. We didn't give her bottles until 4 weeks, and after that there was no nipple confusion or flow preference.
You will hear a lot of horror stories, but they are not true for everyone. The odds of success are in your favor.

MrsRahl · January 2014

MissBHaven1024 said:
My biggest piece of advice would be to take a breastfeeding class with your SO/DH. With DD#1, I nursed for 3 weeks and she slowly was starting to lose weight. Being a FTM, I was so consumed with the baby's needs, that I wouldn't eat as often as I needed to, and eventually my milk was more like water. We made the transition to formula, and breastfeeding was done.

With DD#2, I wanted to give myself the best chance to have success, so DH and I took a class together. It was amazing because he never truly understood the importance and benefits of nursing for baby and for mom. Once baby was here, he was able to be encouraging on the days that I was overwhelmed, he reminded me to eat and made food for me while he was home on leave from work. It was a complete 180 from my first experience. I successfully nursed DD#2 for 13 months! Without taking that class, I definitely don't think it would have been as great as it turned out to be!

Where do you look for classes? At the hospital?

coffee-saur · January 2014

joules235

I dunno if you saw but that wasn't me who asked

I agree with you on that one! My lactation consultant said it was a bad idea!

coffee-saur · January 2014

joules235 said:

joules235

I dunno if you saw but that wasn't me who asked I agree with you on that one! My lactation consultant said it was a bad idea!
Oh ok I'll fix that...It was like 3am and I was all bleary eyed from being woken up by a sick baby. I feel like a zombie this morning.

No problem! Sorry about your sick LO!

MrsCase1 · January 2014

Aw, I responded!

I had one emergency ration of formula but I kept it hidden from myself so I wouldn't see it and be tempted.

I also made sure everyone knew that nursing was my intention, and not to offer any other unsolicited advice. So, anybody that would quickly offer me formula was not welcome to visit during the first week or so.

DH and I also took a nursing class together. He claimed he got nothing out of it but things he said after the fact were clearly from the class, he just didn't realize he had been brainwashed.

Call a lactation consultant as many times as you need to and make sure you have their info readily available prior to delivery so it is handy. Also, make sure you pedi is on board with nursing. Mine is a male but knows a ton about nursing and I felt fine for him to manhandle my boob to get the right position, give advice, and send me to a LC when he couldn't help any more.

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