Breast feeding for dummies

[AlbusPercival]

So first baby is due in October.

Plan to bf but don't know anyone else who has and certainly haven't experienced it, whereas I have made and fed bottles to babies in my family.

Yesterday I was cuddling my tiny baby nephew. He was hungry and somehow clamped on to my collar bone and sucked hard. ( I removed him and made him a bottle)

Do they really suck that hard on your nipples ? Isn't that insanely painful?

Also nephew went through two bottles in two hours. I assume they get the milk a lot slower if bf, so does that mean baby could be attached to my nipple did two hours straight?

Sorry for stupid questions but trying to prepare myself for reality of it. DH has even less idea, was visibly shocked when I explained to him last week what maternity pads were for

Seconding the food of love as an excellent read about breastfeeding. It has lots of illustrations which are helpful and funny, not patronising.

Can I just say something which I don't hear that often: breastfeeding can be really enjoyable and straight forward. It may not be at every single feed, and especially not at first, but it can be a lovely easy way to nourish your baby. I don't mean to upset anyone who has struggled btw, I know it am also be very tough. But it may not be.

The best thing I did when initially breastfeeding was learn how to feed lying down. This literally saved my sanity as it meant I could doze through the night feeds. Ask your HV if there are any bf peer support groups in your area, they are a really good resource and often run groups and have Facebook groups.

Congratulations and I hope you enjoy it

Thanks, doula has also suggested going to meet people at bf cafe before baby comes so will definitely do that. :)

Will also order book as recommended. I feel better instantly if I have a book on it