BF number 2 - is it like riding a bike?

[FoxSticks]

Hello all, it hoping for some reassurance from you or just an insight into your experiences.

When I was pregnant with DC1, I did loads of research on bf. I read books and websites, basically gained as much knowledge as I could which I think really helped me when dd1 was born as I understood the mechanics of bf. We didn't have an easy start, we were in hospital for 10 days, first 24 hours she was fed formula through a nose tube and we were in an intensive regime of three hourly feeds, formula top ups and then expressing until she was well enough to feed on demand at about two weeks old. We then bf for a year and I loved it.

I'm 31 weeks pregnant now with dc2 and spend all my time running around after my toddler. There's no time to breath let alone refresh any knowledge I might need! Will bf a second time be like riding a bike - will I just know what to do or am I setting myself up for a fall?

Also after dd started bf exclusively at about two weeks and we stopped topping up I didn't try to bottle feed her until about 3 months at which point she refused and I never managed to persuade her to take a bottle. I want to avoid that happening again, so how can I make sure dc2 can have the odd feed by bottle without causing nipple confusion?

I found bf much easier second time around (and fed to 15m first time, but we had a rocky start). I knew what to do and what to avoid (pain meant relatching etc). I found she fed much quicker than DS had, I wondered if my boobs were better at it second time around!
The only problem we've had is that she's a bit too good at it and refuses a bottle, so sorry I can't help with that part of your question.

It was for me. First baby was quite small (6lbs) and sleepy and we got off to a rocky start. It took about 5 or 6 weeks for me to be really comfortable, sore nipples to heal etc. and like you I went on to feed for a year.

DD2 was born when dd1 was 2.5. I found breastfeeding much easier. My milk came in really quickly and dd2 was a natural. She was much bigger and more alert which probably helped but also I was much more relaxed about it.

I hadn't even thought about it in the time between them but it came back to me really easily. I was much more confident with feeding lying down etc and was able to sort out blocked ducts with no problems.

I didn't bother with bottles til mine were bigger - around 6 or 7 months and they were both fine.

best of luck with everything.

Thanks Poppet and Kahori, it's so reassuring to know it all comes back! That's another worry I can wipe off my list! I just feel so guilty sometimes that I spent the whole of my first pregnancy planning, preparing and daydreaming - this poor one hardly gets a second thought as I'm always so busy trying to tame my toddler!

Sounds like bottles just work with some babies but not others!