Any very practical advice to succeed at bfing DC2 after failing with DC1 ?

[peppermintpig]

Hi - I am now 36 weeks and starting to get very panicky about breastfeeding again. Had a horrible time the first time and gave up after 10 days. I was absolutely dedicated to the IDEA of it the first time round- infact so dedicated that I was unprepared for how difficult it could be. Really want to make it work this time but I now know it needs more than being convinced its the right thing to do. So does anyone have any advice on the following

The problems last time were:

1. Very anaemic and low blood pressure meant I was exhausted after a pph. For the first 24 hours I felt like I was drifting in and out of consciousness until blood transfusion. Right now I am already anaemic (but on iron) and blood pressure is around 85/45 so I'm worried that if I end up having another epidural (this baby like the last is back to back at the moment) I'll end up in the same state as epidural's lower blood pressure further. Other people have coped with this though so any advice ?

1. Baby had a tongue tie although I wasn't told this until after I had given up and will look out for this myself this time around. Why would this not be treated ? Can I asked for it to be treated in hospital ?

1. I found the pain excruciating and nipples cracked quickly. Anything I can do ? Do nipple sheilds work if I get into that state ?

1. I really didn't seem to have enough milk although I do remember it coming in. Now I understand there was not enough stimulation to make this happen but wondered if the anemia and exhaustion could have affected this to ?

1. Baby was very sicky from the start so wouldn't keep the little milk he did get down meaning more crying, more stress as we went the agonising process again.

I have all the numbers of breastfeeding support groups ready now and do feel I will be much more forceful in getting help this time (midwives fairly uninterested in this last time and I think were more worried about my health which I do understand) but would love to hear from others who have experienced any of the above or have any advice.

'Babymoon' really not possible. I have a 3 year old who needs taking and picking up from nursery in the afternoon, my mother is very ill and my DH is only able to take a weeks leave (this is non-negotiable due to other circumstances) so I am looking for very practical tips to help in the first couple of weeks. I am normally very determined but this disappeared after birth last time although I do feel like I know what to expect at least this time.

Thank you

get someone in to take care of you and dc1
nipple shields are wonderful. really really ease the pain. but, they are like bandaids. not a long term solution.
drink lots and lots of water, and lots of stimulation needed for good supply
remember every mother and baby pair is different

I went to a local baby cafe where they had really really excellent BF advisers who kept me going through the first few weeks. I also found the book "best feeding" helpful.
Good luck

perhaps a good sling (not a baby carrier but a feeding sling) would help get supply up by keeping baby close and letting you tend to dc1 while baby feeding., lansinoh nip cream helps soreness, and i found 'rolling' my nipple into my babys mouth really helped with latch as dd didn't open her mouth far enough to begin with. i'm afraid i can't explain how to do this online but your midwife should be able to demonstrate.....hope this helps xxx

Wow. Sounds like you had a lot to contend with last time!

Breatfeeding Network group saved me. And posting on here. Fab. I didn't find the phonelines that helpful because they can't see your latch. Also Lansinoh cream saved me and pads which are kept in the burns section in the pharmacist callled... I can't remember ...jelonet maybe? These were really soothing to lay on nipples or put in bra when nipples where very sore.

Good luck! It's well worth persevering.

Boots don't seem to sell jelonet, but Lloyds pharmacists do.