Worried about BF

Hairstylist16 · January 2014

I have a 2 yr old son that I bottle fed but since this will likely be my last baby I wanted to try bf so I started looking into it and researching it and it seems so complicated. With the let down and correct latch and what you can eat and drink and not making enough milk is making my head spin. Please tell me that while your actual bfing that it isn't this confusing?

ILMomma · January 2014

The let down is something that happens naturally. Your body does that for you. A correct latch is something that you can easily help baby with if you know what a correct latch is. You should eat healthier but you don't have to completely change your diet unless your baby has some sort of intolerance to a specific food such as dairy. Good luck!

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TheBorg7of9 · January 2014

I don't find breastfeeding to be confusing. I've never formula fed, so that seems confusing to me! Taking a class sounds like a good idea for you. I am 3 weeks into nursing my second baby. And it's been easy for me since I know what a good latch is. I just make sure he has enough wet and poopt diapers and that he's eating eight times a day and it's all good. You should also ask for help at the hospital. Find out if they have a lactation consultant in the hospital who can make sure that your latch is good while you're still there.

linzeek44 · January 2014

It isn't that confusing when you're doing it.

The most helpful thing for me was going to a breastfeeding group at the local hospital. I learned so much. Also, really use the LC in the hospital. Ask all the questions, even if you feel like they are "stupid" questions, because it will make much more sense when you are holding a baby in your arms and can actually try latching correctly.

LBeez13 · January 2014

I would just research and read when questions came up for me in the beginning of my breastfeeding journey. My hubby also found some YouTube videos showing me a correct latch and how to achieve that. I'd say a class and reading kellymom.com and watching some videos and you'll be set to start. I'm pretty laid back though so I kind of learned as I went. I didn't really research a whole lot before baby was born. Now I think formula feeding is more confusing because I know nothing about it!

Chichigo · January 2014

Focus on the easy part first: the only "equipment" needed is your baby and your breasts (at least in the early weeks).

Like PP's suggested, go to a breastfeeding class. My hospital offered one led by the head lactation consultant. She also leads a twice monthly support group for nursing moms. One thing I really liked about my hospital is that all L&D nurses have some training as lactation consultants.

You can also look for La Leche League meetings in your area. You don't need to wait until your baby is born. Your pediatrician might also be a good resource, but this isn't guaranteed.

Breastfeeding can be challenging, but don't borrow other people's problems. Build yourself a support system and deal with problems if they come up. Since you've already researched the topic, you'll know what questions to ask. good luck!

Hairstylist16 · January 2014

Thanks for all the advise, I do feel better. Is like to ask what you ladies do for birth control though? I've always been on the pill so I'm not sure what to switch to

shara3333 · January 2014

I take the mini pill. It's an estrogen free pill and it's a little stricter with taking it at the same time each day to be effective. Just read the directions that come with the pill pack and it'll give you the "rules" (ie if you take a pill kore than hours late, use alternate protection for 48 hours). Breastfeeding isn't all that confusing and you learn as you go. I recommend The Nursing Mother's Companion.

jasieandry · January 2014

It's not that complicated I promise and you can take the mini pill.

natalie202 · January 2014

Honestly, after talking to many mom friends who feed in different ways, I think that breastfeeding often has a very steep learning curve, often much steeper than formula feeding, but if you can get the hang of it and push through the early days, it's often much easier (and less complicated) than formula feeding.

And the mini pill here too.

LisaLisa1980 · January 2014

Bf was super easy, uncomplicated for us

TexanArrington · January 2014

It was easy and natural for me. I guess I'm I one the lucky ones because I didn't have any problems. Except for a few clogged ducts. I took a class at the hospital but that's it. Good luck!

agfox92 · January 2014

Bfing can be tricky at first but work through it! A couple of weeks of just sticking with it and it seems simple. And if you have any problems meet with a of, it's such a big help. As for watching what you eat, it depends on the baby. The only thing I try not to eat is really spicy foods. Oh and I limit caffeine but I never was a big one for caffeinated drinks. Good luck!

KrisM86 · January 2014

Breastfeeding is different for everyone, but once you get the hang of it it's generally not that complicated. One of the most important things is to line up support. Know how to get in touch with an LC shortly after birth if you have issues, read some BFing books; talk to other moms who BF. The first few weeks will be the hardest (and not necessarily that hard...some women have issues but some don't. I had no problems with BFing either of my kids.)

As far as what you can eat/drink, there usually aren't many restrictions other than limiting alcohol and maybe caffeine. Unless your baby seems to have a sensitivity to a certain food there is no reason to change your diet, other than generally eating frequent, healthy meals.

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