breastfeeding

[jofeb04]

Hiya all,
As some of you know, I didnt really breastfeed my ds due to complications during and after the birth etc.
However, we are now pregent with our 2nd (still early days), but I want to try to breastfeed this time around.
However, Im really nervous about it (getting it right etc). Any help will be apprecitated

[Yorkiegirl]

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[HappyMumof2]

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[HunkerMunker]

Hi jofeb04. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I'd say the main thing is to put the baby to your breast as soon as possible after birth, have lots of skin to skin snuggles and if it doesn't work immediately seek help from one of the breastfeeding support networks (NCT, La Leche League, Breastfeeding Network, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers). Hope things go well hun xxx

[hewlettsdaughter]

Support is the key I reckon. You could always make a point of specifically asking for help for the first feed and then again for subsequent ones (until you feel confident latching your baby on by yourself). Maybe try putting something in your birthplan? And go for specialist counsellors if you feel you need more help than your midwives can give you.

[Tommy]

I had lots of problesm feeding DS1 and (on the advice of the HV) put him on formula at 3 weeks although I continued to try until 13 weeks. It made me really unhappy and I still get tears in my eyes when I read other people's similar experiences here.
With DS2, I figured that I would give bfeeding another go and, if it didn't work out, I'd know that it wasn't the end of the world and that DS1 had survived perfectly well. Also had a really long,induced labour with DS1 and didn't feed him for a few hours afterwards.
DS2 popped out in 2 hours and was immediately put skin to skin. I fed him about 20minutes later and continued to feed him until he was past a year and donated milk to the SCBU.
I think relaxing about it all made a huge difference.
GOOD LUCK - let us know how it goes!

[paolosgirl]

I would echo the skin to skin thing - as near after the birth as possible is best (as well as being v. nice . Just stick them on, go with it, and remember that breastfeeding does not get fully established til at least 6 weeks, despite what some HV's will tell you. If it doesn't work straightaway, your local NCT or La Leche can help - you could maybe start getting in touch with them fairly soon.
Good luck, and hope everything goes well for you

[NotQuiteCockney]

I'd try to track down local BFCs and breastfeeding drop ins in the weeks before the birth, so you're comfortable going afterwards. Maybe talk through what went wrong, with someone there, so you're all ready for the new one?

And yes, skin-to-skin and trying to feed as soon as possible after birth helps. DS1 was put in SCBU for 30 hours (but nothing was really wrong with him, luckily). We had feeding problems. DS2 was given skin-to-skin in the operating theatre, and latched on in recovery. Feeding is going really well.

[milward]

Sending you lots of best wishes for bf. Contact a nct breastfeeding counsellor (see www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com )for info before the birth & then call after the birth for reassurance & support. Often with bf a small prob unsolved can cause probs that need not have happened so please call if you're not sure on anything.

[milward]

nct breastfeeding support is as follows as referenced from their website - "To speak to a breastfeeding counsellor call the Breastfeeding Line: 0870 444 8708 8am-10pm everyday"

[ionesmum]

Hi, Jo. Your story sounds really similar to mine, I couldn't b/feed my dd1 due to birth and post natal comps too, and I was gutted about it. With dd2 I was soooooooooo determined to do it, and she's now 11 mo and we're still b/feeding like mad! I had a planned c-section with dd2 and requested skin-to-skin contact after the birth, and I have a photo of her covered in vernix scoffing away!

Before birth, I bought Clare Byam Cook's breastfeeding video, which you can get from Amazon. The best bit of the vid is her advice on postitioning, and she has three case studies at the end so you can see what she is on about. I actually used on of dd1's dolls to practise before I went into hospital! I also had a couple of b/feeding books, one was CBC's and the other was Breastfeeding Naturally, which I took into hospital with me. I bought some Lansinoh ointment and used it in the weeks prior to the birth as I have really sensitive skin, just to make sure my nipples weren't sore, and I took a tube to hospital with me. This was vital, as dd2 was really hungry and wasn't satisfied with colostrom, so until my milk came in she was chomping away on nothing which made me quite sore. I actually got as far as telling the m/wife I wanted to give up, but I remembered how sad I was about dd1 and tried again. The Lansinoh worked a treat, and that night my milk came in, and dd2 hasn't stopped scoffing since!

Now I still feel sad about not b/feeding dd1 but I now realise that the situation with her was impossible and that I was lucky that I had formula to fall back on. But this past year and my experience with bfeeding dd2 has been really healing, and when I look at her I feel such a sense of acheivement. And, dd1 isn't at all fazed by it, I wasn't sure how she'd react but she has taken it in her stride, in fact she pretends to bfeed her Tiny Tears with he belly button (bless!)

Congratualtions on your pregnancy and loads of luck.

[ChocolateGirl]

Jofebo4, please will you email me: [email protected] - I want to help you and have some advice which I don't want to post on this site.

I gave up breastfeeding at two weeks with my dc1 but successfully fed my dc2 and my dc3 with the help of an excellent bfc.

If you would like to know my story I will tell you, I hope it will give you hope and convince you you can successfully breastfeed - but please email me. Thank you.

[ChocolateGirl]

Oh, sorry, should have said: Congratulations on your pregnancy!

[fresco]

Hi there

Congrats jo on getting pg.hope you have a nice and healthy 9 months

ionesmum-when you say u still b/f 11 months, like mad, what do you mean like mad?are you planning on another one while you still b/f?

i cant tell you why ladies, but i am so CONVINCED that while i am still b/f i wont get pg .its just in my brain and i'd like someone to convince me of the contrary!