First time breastfeeding

[Midnightdream]

With DS1 I bottle fed, now I'm having DS2 I would love to breastfeed him.

Is there any tips/hacks? I've read online about it and watched videos on how to latch. I will be having a c section and worried my milk won't come through. I purchased some hipp disposable bottles.

I only have maternity bras so far, nipple cream and pads. Do I need a pump?

Just keep putting baby to breast. Keep baby close. Do skin to skin. This will help stimulate milk production (and baby cuddles are lovely ofc). Baby is born with an instinct to latch on, but you and baby need to learn exactly how to do it as a team. People often get anxious about the latch, think of it as both of you working as a team and you won't go far wrong.

Lather on the nipple cream after every latch.

I found breast pads (to absorb leaks) irritated the living daylights out of my nipples so found stretchy nursing crop tops that had pockets in the cups, put the pads inside there. Made a huge difference. Also, sitting around with your boobs out or just wearing a cotton t shirt is even better in the early days.

Milk coming in can be incredibly painful, hot shower and gentle massage to relieve the pressure is the best thing I can recommend.

Ultimately breast feeding is worth the initial pain, keep posting for support when baby does arrive

Look at what support is available in your area eg Home Start and la leche league now so you know where to go if you need help. Ask your midwife too. I found breastfeeding really hard but once it finally started working it was the best thing and I loved it.