breastfeeding support

[rocketupbum]

I am due with baby no.2 anyday now. I bf DS1 but never really got on with it and only lasted 4.5 horrible months. Looking back I am not sure if we ever really mastered the technique. Would really like to make it work this time. Where are the best places to get support re. technique,latching on etc. We used to live in NZ and they have lactation consultants who give one to one sessions which are worth their weight in gold. Any points in the right direction would be really appreciated, thanks

[thehouseofmirth]

Where do you live? There are private lactation consultans around. My hospital has a great lactation consultant but not all hspitals are so good and incredibly British midwives rarely have proper BF training and can often make things worse rather than better. La Leche League are fab. The have a telephone support line but if you have a look on their website you can find your local group and go along to one of their meetings - if you can fit one in before your baby arrives that woud be really helpful to you. Also www.kellymom.com is full of amazing advice. 4.5 months is a really good length of time considering you had problems and there's no reason why you shouldn't keep going as long as you want this time.

[foxytocin]

if you search the breast and bottlfeeding archives here on Mumsnet with a phrase like 'first time support' lots of useful info ought to come up.

[guineamango]

My hospital ran a day course on Breastfeeding. This was fantastic I don't think I would have stuck it out if I hadn't had the extra information and support. Still found it hard at first but at least understood the process. See if your hospital does this. Or as above try La Leche League. Best to try and do before new baby comes along. Good Luck.

[foxytocin]

ok, that didn't work too good when i tried it. but lots of threads are in the archives about this.

briefly:
the nct has branches countrywide. Put in your postcode to find your nearest one. Go along to their bumps and babies group so you already know some friendly faces once your baby is here.

another place to do the same thing is at a babycafe

this way it takes away the daunting-ness of meeting new people when you are already feeling overwhelmed.

Both places will have an experienced breastfeeding supporter in attendance.

you can always post here on MN and lots of helpful people will chip in.

can I recommend these 2 threads to you?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/2290/599883
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/2330/599165

lots of friendly people are there, all due in September expecting and having babies as we speak. just join in.

[rocketupbum]

Thanks for all those tips. I will definitely try those links. Also thanks for the positive 4 months thing too!! Made me feel much better. Still waiting for the bump to turn into a baby yet so the feeding seems the least of my concerns with the prospect of labour at the mo!