Breastfeeding tips?

[BeakyFlapdoodle]

Had a nightmare feeding ds1 and gave up at 6 weeks as he kept losing weight. It just didn't feel as though it was working for either of us. My nipples were raw (no one ever suggested a tongue tie check. This will be top of my list if same happens this time) he cried all the time and fed for hours, only to cry and be unsettled after every feed. Formula saved us, but I still felt huge guilt that I couldn't feed him myself.
Now expecting dc2 within the next few weeks and REALLY want to breastfeed, but I'm terrified about the same things happening again and about potentially feeling guilty for yet another year!
Can anyone offer me some tips to establish a good milk supply and to generally get things off to a good start? So worried about it all going tits up again!

[isittimeforarainbow]

Night feeds are really important for your supply. So on night 2 or 3 when baby just wants to feed all night, this will make your milk come in.
Breast feeding works best on demand. Best of luck!

[squeezed]

Lots of skin to skin and just keep feeding. You'll be doing it every 1.5 to 2 hours at the start, but that's part of getting the supply going. Keeping hydrated is really important. Try lots of positions to see what works for you and the baby. Each of my dds had a different preference for feeding.
Go to any breastfeeding support that you have locally as there will be lots of people who have been through or will be going through it.

[GoodLuckTime]

Lasinoh

Nipple shields if it really hurts. You can wean them off them later (know someone who did that after 12 weeks then fed for over a year)

Watch YouTube videos of a good latch etc. Keep the links so you can remind yourself.

Find a good breast feeding support group and go regularly. I went weekly with my new born for the first 6 weeks. It was my only outing and ironed out any problems or worries before they took hold.

Think of it like learning to drive. Completely doable, easy when you and baby know how, but can require perseverance to learn and sometimes feels impossible while you're finding your feet.

Eat, drink and sleep well. Your body is making food. You have to be well nurished and rested yoursel for that to work.

[jellycat1]

All the above but most importantly don't beat yourself up if you can't. Formula is just fine! Good luck.

[BecomingSober]

Support! You need to concentrate on just breastfeeding and have all the other stuff covered. It took me til dc4 before I was finally successful breastfeeding and I let everything else fall by the wayside for the first 6 weeks

[Carta60]

Support from other breastfeeding mummies who tell you the hours of cluster feeds in the early weeks is normal... and just keep feeding. I couldn't believe DD could feed as much as she did but she knew best and now we're blessed with months of easy and convenient feeding. Also eat really well and drink plenty of water.... all the best

[rebeccaroskellthomas]

Lanisoh Lanisoh Lanisoh!! The 6 weeks is the hardest but once it settles down it gets so much better. Don't beat yourself up though if you can't do it, or maybe combi feed? I wish I had combi fed as my LG will not take a bottle now.

[user1471552178]

I found with my 2nd baby my milk came in much sooner than first time round. Plus midwives said that because your body has done it before it does come in earlier. Lots of skin to skin also helps.
Lansinoh to help if you get sore. Feeding on demand, especially at night.
Also if you are on facebook there a few breastfeeding support groups you could join for tips, support etc....