if you've fed yours first is it automatic for the second?

[davidtennantsmistress]

prob a stupid question, but fed DS for 6 months exclusivly then mixed for another 3 months after.

Would like to feed again, but before I go mad on pumps/pads/cream is it very common that you're able to feed for one but not the next?

I think for most, it's usually easier second time round as you vaguely know what you're doing and how to achieve a good latch etc.

That said, they're all different (something that took me some time to get my head around!) so you never know.

that's good to hear, although with DS I had more milk than cow & gate (would leak 1oz plus every time he fed - plus more inbetween feeds. )

is it a case of the same holds as well - ie with DS across the tummy never worked - had to be the rugby one for comfort for me mostly.

I was like that first time round, breast pads were no good, needed super absorbent sanitary towels - one in each bra cup!

Second time, my supply is a lot more stable and haven't leaked anywhere near as much.
Also the holds are more or less the same for me, although thankfully I have been able to get the hang of feeding while laying down in bed, which I never mastered with DD1.

You could always consider offering some of your excess milk to a milk bank for premature babies if you get lots this time. See more info here

In terms of holds, do what ever feels comfortable.

You could also have a look at biological nurturing where you just lay back supported by cushions and let them baby latch on. here's the link to the website
Hope all goes well.

you know I never thought of that with DS, our local one is someway, however closer inspection, I had 2 blood transfusions with DS (5 years ago) so don't think I can donate, I guess it's worth a call though to see if it's possible.

sitting - glad to hear you've calmed down with the flow this time, not sure DP would like that he seems determined to try & aim it at a target board. lol.

It was much easier feeding DC2 compared to the gruelling experience that was DC1.

I fed my first and of course fed my second too.........

I found it easier second time, although I was very lucky and got the hang of it fairly quickly with my first as well. I did notice second time that I leaked and engorged a bit less overnight (although that might have something to do with the fact that DD was a more frequent night feeder than her older brother.)

The hardest thing about bfing a second baby is finding a way to stop the first one smashing up the house while you do it

I found with ds2 it was more faff expressing milk for bottles for other people to feed him than it was for me to quickly feed him myself.

Ds2 was a much more efficient feeder than ds1 who would have stayed on all day. Although maybe ds2 quickly realised that he didn't have the luxury of long feeds!

On the whole I found it easier to feed ds2 because I'd done it before, although it took him a bit longer to latch on well than ds1. That wasn't a problem for me because I knew what I was doing, but if he'd been my 1st it would have been a struggle.

I found I didn't need hardly any bf paraphenalia with ds2 except obviosly my boobs and a few breastpads (didn't leak hardly at all, unlike with ds1 when I was a fountain).

Feeding DD1 was hard won & I felt incredibly nervous about feeding dd2 - for some reason I felt less, rather than more confident at establishing BF with dd2 - I guess because I found it hard to get started with dd1 (was distressful just hard going for first 3 months)

Feeding dd2 was in fact a breeze in comparison (apart from the night feeds - dd1 great at night - dd2 not so much). Yes babies are different & feed differently but you have a lot of knowledge about latching, positioning & just how babies BF that you didn't have with the first. I don't think it is a given but I suspect that statistically mothers find it easier to establish BF successfully a second (or third, fourth etc) time.

I found feeding the 2nd much harder for several reasons, one of which being he was much hungrier. It's not always easier.

Yes, I think the blood transfusions will exclude you DTM- it's because of the small risk of vCJD.

In a way I found it more frustrating the second time around but more relaxing because I knew what was normal and what to expect. After 2 1/2 years of BF DD1 it was automatic for me, not so for DD2 who of course had to figure it out. After the first couple of weeks it was fine, I was surprised to get mastitis though!

Much less leaky this time around now that things have settled a bit, I had to wear breast pads until DD1 was about 9 months old but I don't bother now unless I'm going out for the day (also having a baby in a stretchy wrap hides any wet patches!)

I'm really struggling this time round. She likes boob but she's tiny, weak suck and tires easily. Still I hope we'll get there soon. I really enjoyed feeding DS and would like to feed DD for much longer. I guess on the upside I'm a lot more firm about correcting a bad latch this time but I'm guessing each child is different, some get it and some take a bit more time.

hi all,

thanks for your input I guess it depends on the baby just as much as my boobs, perhaps it might be best not to get too much other than cream & pads for now - can always send DP out with a mothercare list & the book so he buys the right thing?

I fed my first no problem ebf till 6 months. Second had undiagnised Tongue tie- feeding was unbearable, she lost weight, all very horrible. First bottle at 6 days... Exclusive ff by 3 weeks. Very sad.
Tongue tie was snipped at 12 days but by then too late for my supply.
So if it doesn't feel right/ is difficult kick ip a stink. I didn't and they all thought second time mum should know what shes doing.