Want to get BF right second time around

[MeltdownCentral1]

With DD1 my milk never really "came in" and had ongoing supply issues despite pumping and feeding like a maniac. Had to compromise and combi feed in the end which wasn't ideal as she never really got on with any formula (CMPA formulas tasted vile). She was a covid baby and although I had a couple of appointments with an IBCLC and even for her posterior TT revised, we never quite figured out what the issue was.

I'm pregnant again with DC2 and really really want to get it right this time. I don't think I was very well informed last time around and also felt extremely pressurised to top up with formula by the HVs and midwives very early on. This time I think I'm more likely to stand my ground but would appreciate any practical tips to establish a decent supply.

Is there anything I can do during pregnancy to have a better outcome? I'm open to anything. I cannot go through the hell of force feeding horrible dairy free formula if DC2 is also a CMPA baby!

You might surprise yourself, you'll be more used to how babies behave and you'll know where to get support.

One thing I would suggest is going to your local Support Groups before baby arrives.

Put the BFing Helpline Numbers in your phone, and more importantly ring them with any query you might have.

Read up on tongue Tie and have a nosey around on Kellymom. What to expect in the early weeks is a good article.

And congratulations on your PG

Just to reassure you, it's v early days here with baby number two (who's 3 days old), my milk has just started come in which was never the case with our first born five years ago and baby already settles more after feeding than our son ever did. I've sought advice from 32 weeks from a IBCLC and with my Midwife's permission, started colostrum harvesting from 36 weeks which I think has helped milk production. I think it's likely that the easier birth, and more relaxed second mumma in me has already had a big impact too.

Lots of luck to you for a better experience this time.

Hi there, I'm on baby number 3 and this is how my BF has been, I couldn't get on with BF with my first and with my second although baby was good with BF she was premie and really struggled with weight gain and ended up on formula after 2 weeks 3rd time around my LO took to BF instantly and 4 months in we are still going strong with BF and I couldn't be happier so it can be done! Good luck this time around x

I combi fed my first CMPA baby and I feel your pain on that one.

My second was a dream. She had her first feed at 45 mins old and latched perfectly. No tongue tie, not supply issues, didn't drop any weight, massive chunky thing, no CMPA.

I EBF for 17 months when she self weaned.

Tbh I don't think I dried up between the kids. I fed DC 1 until 13 months and was pregnant again 3 months later. I think my body just kept on the production.

Second time round I also had my Haakaa from day one as that was the only pump I responded to. I didn't use it much because madam refused all bottles lol.

Talk to your midwife, get phone numbers for local infant feeding team. Ask about colostrum harvesting as that could be useful at the start when you're waiting for your milk to come in. Make it really clear that you're aiming to BF and want all the support you can get.

That said, don't put too much pressure on yourself. Lots of women start combi feeding and manage to continue with both or drop to EBF so don't panic if formula is needed to begin with. I combi fed until around 8 months and then dropped the bottle and BF until 21 months

How are you feeling about things now @MeltdownCentral1?

I would really recommend doing the free, interactive and online course by La Leche League, and also their book Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. If you google the course jr should come up. Sign up soonish as waitlist can be long. Good to go when you're in your third trimester. I also loved the book Food of Love by Kate Evans and the websites KellyMom and Milk Meg are great. Ultimately, educate yourself on normal breastfeeding behaviour and common issues, seek support very early on if you have any issues - from lactation consultant (ibclc) or well trained midwives. HVs and GPs are hit or miss with breastfeeding support. I asked for support every time DD latched on at the start. We struggled for the first 5 days and she lost just over 10% birth weight but I didn't every give formula or bottles (luckily my milk came in quite early so I expressed and fed in syringes while also practising her latch constantly and
by day 7 she was back to birth weight and we have had a wonderful breastfeeding journey since. She's 22mo now and still feeding her.
im sure second time round it will be easier. Congratulations and good luck xx

Sorry I meant that by day 10 she was back to birth weight. 🙂