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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

BF tips

4 replies

DoorknobsandBrooms · 10/01/2023 18:51

Pregnant with dc2 and plan on breastfeeding this time around. I bottle fed last time around and honestly don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve seen posts about pumps but unsure what pump is the best? Any tips would be much appreciated

OP posts:
MoreThanRubies · 12/01/2023 09:53

Congratulations on your pregnancy! What are you hoping for in terms of pumping? - exclusive pumping, or enough for another adult to give a bottle of breast milk?

I wouldn’t worry about getting a pump for the early stages unless you are dead-set on exclusively pumping (which would be hard work!). If possible, it’s apparently best to let baby feed directly for the first 6 weeks or so while your supply settles. You might be fortunate and baby will get the hang of breastfeeding quickly.

If you do need to pump, eg if baby is struggling to latch and you need to top up with a bottle, you can usually get hold of a pump quickly, either buying, or I believe some hospitals hire them out. Maybe have a chat with your midwife if you can?

Otherwise, you don’t need much kit or preparation for breastfeeding. Nursing bras make access easier, but your size will fluctuate so stretchy ones are best at the start. Breast pads stop your clothes getting soaked. Lanolin balm can be helpful for sore nipples.

The most important tip I have is: ask for help. All the time. For anything you are remotely unsure of. Insist on support. Be that person, you’re not being a bother. Ring your midwife, ring the birth centre, ring the NCT or National Breastfeeding Helpline, find a la leche league support group. If it keeps hurting, or baby isn’t latching properly, or you think you might have mastitis, or you don’t know how often to feed, call for help. In the early days of BF a little timely advice and attention can be the difference between continuing to BF (if you want) and having to give up. Every mother and baby pairing is different and can need tailored support.

I BF for 21 months. The early weeks were hard but for me, it was worth it because once established it made my life easier.

Someone else might come along with advice on pumps more specifically.

Congratulations and good luck!

1982mommaof4 · 12/01/2023 09:57

Congratulations!!
Be patient it can be hard at the start!
Use your own milk to sooth your nipples(also some great creams out there)
If you get sore nipple try changing the position of the baby...
Have snacks and drinks handy.
Don't be scared to use a dummy
Google cluster feeding 😂

I promise once you get through the first part, it is the easiest way to feed.

That time with your little one is so special and the most rewarding work!

Don't put pressure on yourself xxx

PritiPatelsMaker · 12/01/2023 11:27

Personally I wouldn't bother with a pump until LO is here any BFing is getting established. Unless baby is unwell, there's no need to pump for the first few weeks.

My best advice would be:

  1. Find out where your local BFing Groups are and go to them before LO arrives. That way you should have a network of local BFing Mums and Mums to Be.
  1. Put the BFing Helpline Numbers in your phone, and use them! Literally no question or concern is too small 
  1. Get your DH/DP to read this on supporting BFing Mums.
  1. Have a read of these articles on Kellymom.

All of that should set you up for success. If you want a book to read try The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

Congratulations on your PG @DoorknobsandBrooms Flowers

PritiPatelsMaker · 12/01/2023 11:36

I can't believe that none of my links worked!

BFing Groups.

Supporting a BFing Mother

Kellymom articles

BFing Helplines

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