Can I ask for some help so i can successfully BF (and express) for this DC please?

[MerlinsBeard]

I am almost 32 weeks so realise i may be a little early in asking but i want time to get my head around it all and there is a v real possibility i will be admitted early in case of bleeding.
Also, with pregnancy brain, i didn't want to forget!!

With DS1 i managed 2 weeks and gave up because of HV saying i was too young (), with DS2 i struggled thru 16 weeks but gave up because i had NO support. Now i have mumsnet and i really want to bf this DC when it is born and express at least 1 feed a day (after a while obviously!) for DP to join in.

All i can remember is a bit of a weird rhyme that says something like tummy to mummy nipple to nose!

I will have a nearly 5 yo and a nearly 3 yo to contend with so properly relaxing may be tricky!

[beagle101]

When I was pg with DD I went to a bf workshop at my local hospital - it was only a couple of hours but they demonstrated the workings of it and also helped you work out how best to attach. I was lucky and had no probs with bf and I swear alot of it was down to the workshop as I knew how it was supposed to work (IYSWIM) - why not ask your mw if there's one near you

[FrannyandZooey]

Have you a local LLL group? You can go to meetings there either ante or post natally where they can talk you through all the ins and outs of bfing

you can also contact one of their Leaders by phone at any time either before or after the baby arrives

[MerlinsBeard]

there isn't a workshop at my hosp that i know of but will double check next week with MW.

I thought LLL was just a phone number rather than meetings so will look into that too

[mylovelymonster]

Dear M.O.M - congratulations on impending appearance of gorgeous little monster no.3, and lots of luck with last stages & labour x. About BF - you've had experience before, so what concerns you this time? I have BF our little girl for a year now (just bedtime/early a.m. now) and it's been great - I wouldn't change it for anything.
One thing I'd wished I'd known was to introduce EBM and bottles earlier than trying at 3 months, cos she just wouldn't have it. I think after the first few weeks, once BF established, is recommended. Great things I've found is that although she's had lots of colds this winter, there's been no ear infections - BF is supposed to guard against this because of jaw action. She's never been constipated, has a gorgeous peaches & cream complexsion, and I haven't had to bother about making up feeds/warming bottles in the middle of the night.
I think it's a lovely thing to do, although it is very tying, and has been a bit tricky cos she wouldn't feed very well when out & about, but the time flies and she's weaned off daytime milk before you know it.
You should be able to get support and advice from your midwife, health visitors, local BF groups and NCT to name but a few. Sure you'll get lots of response here.
Whether you go breast or bottle, lots of luck x

[MerlinsBeard]

i struggled lots and never knew if i w as doing it 'right' or not.

I have the same team of mw's as the last 2 times so feel like i am up against a brickwall already! Although on the brightside the lady who is to be my new HV is supposed to be supportove

[berrybliss]

I'm training to be a bf councillor because lotsof women want to bf but don't get the support. The most important part is the latch. If your baby has a good latch then bf shouldn't hurt and your LO should be gaining weight.

You should bring your baby to your nipple. Your baby will root (shake his head about) and latch on the nipple and dark surrounding area should fill babies mouth. (should be a little ringaround the latch) you should be able to see babies ear moving and hear gulping. No milk should be leaking out of babies mouth. There should be a vaccumm sp? seal around nipple. The babies lips should be curled back at the bottom and top. Its cheaks should be puffed out not drawn in.

If you can its best to watch a friend or someone at bussom busies etc. feeding. Your MW should be able to put you in touch with a b/f councillor.
hope this helps
(i'm a younger mum too and MW probably expected me to bottle feed)

[berrybliss]

what area of the country do you live in?

[MerlinsBeard]

i am in south manchester but i can't drive.

I am not a particularly young mum, i am 26 now and was 21 when DS1 was born.

[berrybliss]

I'm also 21 and just had a ds. There must be loads of bf councillors in Manchester. is there a childrens centre or clinic that you could visit (walking distance) Lots of councillors will come to you.