Top tips for breastfeeding

[Reesie]

We all know that breastfeeding is hard work - I just thought we could share our 'top tips' mine are -

1. Learn to breasfeed on your side so you can do it in your sleep at night
2. Never make a decision on switching to ff when you are having a bad day - think 'I know I'm having a tough day with it - If I still feel like this tommorow night then fair enough!!!!' The next day never seems so bad...
3. Think every time you are breastfeeding - this milk is coming directly from the fat stores from around my hips...

I didn't succeed but I think I would have had more of a chance with

knowing it's hard and that establishing it successfully is the big priority at the start, just assume everything will have to fit around that

get dp/family/friends prepared for that being your priority and talk about what help/support you'll need

contact details for support groups and counsellors - and make contact while pg if possible

if you have medical problems press that they support your bf'ing and don't just put baby on to formula - and that referrals include bf counsellors not everyone but....

breastfeeding cushion is good for support and later handsfree holding as well as bf'ing if you have succeeded

someone has mentioned straws and I found those useful at the beginning

entertainment while breastfeeding - my TV drive is similar to Sky + and has been invaluable with baby not just when bf ing - another possibility is audio books, but trickier than flicking the remote - or music or spoken word radio, something that appeals and will make bf'ing seem less of a chore

Yes, getting Sky+ a definite recommendation.
Keep a log of when they fed, so you can see if a pattern is emerging.
Put the bf counsellor on speed dial! And call as often as you need to. Or use mumsnet!
Treat is as a full time job - don't beat yourself up if (when) you don't do housework.
And ENJOY IT! It doesnt last long, and that closeness is the best feeling, particularly at 3am (honest!)
and ALWAYS have kitchen roll handy!

drop your shoulders once your baby is latched on.
if you have a very sucky baby, then think about a sling so you can walk around. or just try walking around!
if you are finding constant feeding a strain, then (if this isn't too nauseating) then I used to say to myself "she wants a nice warm cuddle and some nice wamr milk" and this made me feel better about the constant demands.