I am currently 39+5 with dc2. DS was born via ventouse and after I'd had pethidine as pain killer. This meant that in my completely bewildered state I didn't manage to breastfeed, had loads of problems and only ended up expressing for about 2 months. All I remember is it being incredibly stressful.
This time I know how to look after a baby so the basic panic shouldn't be there and so I would really like to get the bf right but since the last time I tried was 5 years ago I seem to have forgotten quite a lot. Can anyone enlighten me...
I have been through with the mw the cues when baby is first born and will request skin to skin if possible, can anyone recommend any good positions to do this in? Is it easiest sitting or lying down? Where is good to put the baby, so its head is on the breast or your tummy or inbetween boobs?
How long do they suckle before the need to change sides and how do you know when to change sides?
How often should you offer the boob to a newborn, especially when you have well meaning parents, inlaws and siblings popping round all wanting a hold?
if she decides to sleep for a long period do I need to be waking her up and stripping her down to keep her awake?
If anyone can give me the basics/ top tips/ just anything really I would totally appreciate it!