If you had to give one piece of advice to people considering bfing...?

[suis]

I have been asked to attend a bfing workshop as sort of a "demonstration Mum" tomorrow. I don't have any training or anything, but the HV thinks it might help the workshop to have someone there who is currently bfing.

So I was thinking about what sort of things it would have been helpful to know about bfing when I was pregnant and what I would give as my one key piece of advice.... and so I thought I would ask what all of you think... ?

rumple, I agree with the massage, was told to do it for a blocked duct and thought there was no way it would actually work, but it was like magic.

Haven't read all the posts but one piece of advice I'd give (not the most important but still..)

Don't let people convince you that formula has magical powers. If you have problems with bf you'll find plenty of people lining up to tell you that a bottle of formula will make your baby sleep through the night, go longer between feeds, give you your life back, make your baby put on weight, give you health, wealth and happiness....

It ain't necessarily so! It's just food.

If you want to persevere with bf you are not letting yourself or your baby down by not giving them a bottle. (Obviously though if you do give formula then the same applies!)

It will hurt. For about 6 weeks. But persevere. Suddenly at about 6 weeks, the pain will magically go and then it is the best thing in the world!

(Will now read the thread)

And LANSINOH!

(Well done on the workshop, suis)

LANSINOH AND BOOTS NIPPLE SHIELDS. NOT ADVISED BY HEALTH VISITORS BUT ENABLED MY NIPPLES TO HEAL AND CONTINUE FEEDING UNTIL 6 MONTHS PAINFREE.

Take paracetamol just before a feed in the first few weeks as you will get something like a reverse period pain as your uterus shrinks. owwwwwwwww.

Fab tip, which I owe to MN, invest in a thermal mug with a lid that shuts. Great for drinking whilst feeding as it's hard to spill, also means you have some chance of actually drinking it whilst warm!

Don't feel judged if you decide to give it up and don't judge those who have if you don't.

It's easier than learning to drive! I did it and still am, dd is now 13 months, but still haven't passed my driving test(lol, originally typed driving teat, quite apt I thought!]

try and keep going for 6 weeks at least - after that, it becomes second nature and you'll be so glad you carried on

oh, and Lansinoh

savoy cabbage leaves to put in bra afterwards - preferably kept refrigerated!

Bfeeding is wonderful if you enjoy it (which i did) but i know some friends who were freaked out by the idea. You know yourself if its something you want to do, don't get forced into it and if you do try, congratulate yourself for trying, even if you only last a couple of days/weeks/months.

I am currently pregnant with my third, b, feed both my boys and loved every minute but its not for anyone to look down on anyone else if you don't. There are no medals handed out for raising children, do what feels right for you.

Good luck whatever you decide!
(due 6 weeks)

Fantastic thread - I WISH I had read this when I was pregnant!

dont know if its already been said cos havent read all posts but how much easier it is to breast than bottle after you haveboth gotten the hang of it and not having to fath about with bottles and the added bonus of eyeballing people in public and daring them to say anything to you about having your baps out