Really want to breastfeed

[Mummabubbles]

Dc3 is due in 6 weeks ( never attempted to bf dc1&2) and I'm really keen to give it a go but I seem to only ever hear horror stories about it being painful, relentless, exhausting etc. even on here. Is it really that bad? Beginning to wonder if it will just be easier to pop a bottle in!! Someone please post something that doesn't make me want to burn my breast feeding bras and fill the cupboards with tins of formula.....

I'd add... Make sure you're totally happy with the advice/guidance given to you.

As a newbie you have no idea how it will/should feel, or if your experience is the right experience. I distinctly remember answering with "I GUESS it's going well and I GUESS it doesn't hurt" (it was going well, but it did hurt so therefore had potential to turn to not going well).

If it doesn't feel right, then keep asking. After all MWs etc know what to look for, but it's not their boob on the receiving end. First couple of days I asked every single MW to observe and offer advice. It's the same with any new skill. Some people have a better knack of being able to communicate on your wavelength. One particular MW showed me the TRUE correct latch with no pain. Once I'd experienced how that sensation felt it As amazing. I wouldn't say it's totally painless at the start but it was bearable.

Good luck and hope all goes well for you and your LO.

I love bfing my 14 wk old DS. It's an absolute pleasure.

I would say:
Use the Lansinoh. The first week my nips were sore but not unbearable, then they were fine.
You can't bf too often in the early days/weeks. The evening cluster feeding took me by surprise but if you stop fighting it, it just becomes part of your day.
If you think there is a problem, speak up. Find the experts, don't just assume the mws/HVs know everything or anything. My DS's tongue tie was only cut at 11 wks and we had had weeks of poor weight gain. I had to fight my corner and trust my instincts.
However, that's the only problem I've had - no mastitis, cracked nips or anything like that.

Nothing beats looking into your DC's eyes while bf or seeing them come away with a blissful smile and milky chops. Good luck, it will work out for you!