Lots of breastfeeding questions ...

[cheekster]

I am determined to breastfeed this time, I only managed 2ish weeks with DS and TBH I know i didnt give it a good enough go.

So this time, I am refusing to buy any bottle / formula related items as a back up /emergency as I did last time as its too easy to bail out at 3am in the morning.

So instead, I am creating a breastfeeding survival pack - so far I have a breastfeeding pillow, but would like to know which nipple cream to buy and any other recommendations for what I may need in my survival pack ...

Also, Im interested to know about if I can drink alcohol whilst breastfeeding. I havent had a single drop of alcohol whislt pregnant (including my 30th birthday) and would love a little tipple at Christmas once baby is born - is that possible?

Breast shells (www.johnlewis.com/230518445/Product.aspx) - allow poorly nipples to air dry whilst you answer your front door, pop to the shops for a pint of milk etc. Look a tad bizarre under clothes but so much more practical than walking around with your boobs out all day or peeling off stuck-on breast pads each feed (ouch!). Also great if you have flat nipples as they stop them flatting out too much between feeds.

Oh, and GOOD LUCK! I failed with my first but am going strong (6 months next week) with my second. It's a great feeling

One more - if you have an iphone (or similar I guess) download one of the free ebook readers and a couple of ebooks for those initial lengthy night time feeds.

Audiobooks for the night feeds when you are too tired to read/watch TV but want something to relax too. My local library has lots - I like Michael Palin, Stephen Fry, David Attenborough, Philip Pulman and Harry Potter.

Absolutely agree with real life support - firstly my midwives and then the bf cafe were a godsend in the first few weeks.

I'd second what marzipananimal says about nipple shields. Definitely worth a go if you're about to send your DH out for formula. I decided against suggesting them for the survival kit, but as they're harder to get hold of in an emergency than formula would be I've changed my mind. They're only a fiver or so, so get some in - just on case you're desperate. I'm sure there's some creative use for them when you find they're not required!