How can I help sil with bf?

[GillL]

Sil is due to have her 4th baby at the end of the year. She has ff the first 3 from birth because she thought she didn't have any milk. She told me that she has decided to try bf this time and she has asked me to help her. I'm happy to do this but I have only bf my 2 dcs for 10 days each due to pain and latching problems. I have learnt a lot from both expriences and I regularly read up on the bf threads on mn in preparation for my next baby (whenever that may be). I think I may be able to help to a degree but I'm a bit worried about what I can do for her.

print out the helpline numbers from the right hand side of Hunker's blog and be prepared to ring them for her

get her onto MN

find her a copy of Bestfeeding

it's lovely she want to try, and she must think a great deal of you to ask you to help her.

Yes to all the helplines to get the practical help she might need (and looking on the positive side, she may well have no problems at all!).

But, the best thing you can do is be her friend. Give her some quiet time with the new babe, take her other kids out, do the washing up, set her up with reading matter, the remote control, the phone, a cup of tea, glass of water and some tasty snacks all within arms' reach and tell her she's doing a brilliant thing.

I've just realised that could sound a bit patronising - sorry, it's not meant to be, it's just that I couldn't have persevered with bfing without that help from my DP and a couple of other friends. The practical tips I got were invaluable, but the sustained support was what really made the difference.

Ditto the above but also find her a local bfing group like LLL & accompany her to a few meetings before & after the baby is born to help her build up a nice circle of bfing friends & bfcs

my sil had her 1st baby 7 weeks ago, & i'm so proud of her for breastfeeding. i didn't do very much, but spent quite a lot of time just sitting with her. i gave her some positioning suggestions (rugby ball hold). she's done really well & the baby is thriving. she was quite determine to breastfeed which had a big impact i think.

Definately the helplines, and also find out fo there are any support groups locally that she can go to. And tell her to ask for a breastfeeding counsellor in the hospital after she has her baby. They are usually local and can sometimes come to the house afterwards, or at least meet you - it can help mums get over the initial problems they might face.

and of course, tell her to log onto mumsnet - there are lots of experts on here!

Does she go online a lot? If yes then good sites for bfing information like the LLLI & Kellymom ones are a good start.

....oh & the shop at LLL GB do a really good pack of leaflets here for mums to be/new mums

Thanks. It helps to know just being there to occupy her other dcs or fetch drinks etc will be a helpful even if I can't help with bf itself.