If you successfully breastfed first time round....was it ok for your second DC?

[mistletoekisses]

Hi - I bfed DS for 5 1/2 months and really hope to do the same this time.

I know a lot depends on the baby and issues like tongue tie aside...if I was able to breastfeed without issues first time round, am I likely to be ok the second time round also?

I found it about the same - easier in some ways but more challenging in others.

Main problem is another child to look after - so issues like cluster feeding etc become difficult to manage. But with support you get through it.

Bizarrely both DSs gained absolutly no weight between weeks 2 and 4 but I was a lot less worried about it the second time

I was absolutely fine the second time.

Easier than the first, because I didn't get the initial agonising nipples, I had a tube of Lansinoh (just in case) and I knew some tricks for dealing with engorgement.

Still feeding DD now at 9 months.

I had no problems at all breastfeeding DC1, she was a dream to feed. I was therefore shocked when I struggled a bit with DC2. It wasn't terrible but her latch was slippery so she came on and off the boob all the time. She also bit down with her gums a lot and was a very windy baby so fussed while feeding.

If i had not had such a great experience with DC1 then I think I might have given-up with DC2 but my previous experience gave me confidence and I persevered. She is one tomorrow and still gets one BF a day.

Good luck.

Thanks guys?

Is it like riding a bike? Does it all come back to you? Or do you have to relearn it?

I feel as though I have forgotten everything!

DD2 was easier to establish than dd1 - more because I knew what I was doing & had the confidence that I could. It is a little like riding a bike ( but to take the analogy further is like riding a new bike that steers & brakes in new & interesing ways!)
All babies are different but once you know what a good latch looks & feels like it is easier to recreate IYSWIM.

DC1 had initial problems, used nipple shields for a week or two, alright in the end.

DC2 was really easy to feed. He fed quickly and strongly. No problems.

DC3 had tongue tie so breastfeeding was hideous at first. We had the tie cut at 9 days, but it took a couple of weeks for my nipples to heal. I also had very painful letdown. It started to be painless at about 1 month, but she always seemed to be feeding.

So, it depends on the baby, but it easier when you've done it before and you know that the relentless feeding schedule is normal.

I was worried whilst pregnant the second time that I might not be able to feed her like I'd already fed my DS.

My lovely friend, who is training to be a BFing Counsellor said to me "you won't be looking for a reason to give up and you know all the places to go to get help if you have problems."

This got it in perspective for me. It was different the second time. DD fed every 3 hours and fed very quickly. This was much, much easier than DS.

You'll be fine.

Thanks all for the reassuring words.

My mum says the same ineedsomesleep. Fortunately she will be with me, so will help to look after us all.