DC2 due, feeling v anxious about BFing

[TotallyAndUtterlyPaninied]

I tried to BF DS but he was on my boob constantly, my nips were cracked and I was confused so I packed it in.

I really want to BF this baby but I feel very anxious. I'm due in 7 weeks and it bothers me that I don't know if the baby's actually getting any milk out, if she feeds constantly then I will be tired and have my 19mo to look after. I am also worried about routine and never being able to leave baby's side in case she gets hungry.

This all sounds very selfish but I just need someone to explain the logistics so I know what's what. I might be worrying over nothing and the midwives did not do well with the BF guidance last time- one kept trying to ram my boob in DS's mouth until we were both crying our eyes out and the other said if I put DS on a bottle and he took some they'd let me leave hospital. So I did that, then tried to go back to BFing when I got out and it just all went tits up so to speak.

Right, first write down the numbers of the BF helplines so you know who to call - link here: www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=4

This is a brilliant site for general advice and what is normal: www.kellymom.com

I also found it helpful to expect my babies to feed a LOT during the first 6 weeks or so and that it would be my main priority - get all the help you can for housework/looking after DC1. Get some Lansinoh for cracked nipples, go with the flow and good luck!

on feeding in hospital, skin to skin and feeding asap after birth are v helpful. I put that in my birth plan and both DSs fed just after they were born, which let me off the hook with the MWs (even though they slept for most of my hospital stay afterwards).

Do you have a breastfeeding cafe nearby? It can be really helpful to meet other bf mums.

Sorry I'm peppering you with facts here! If you do want to bf again I can't see why you shouldn't give it a bash. If it doesn't work out or you decide you would prefer to ff, it's no-one's business but your own.

Everything EffiePerine says is bang on, do your homework now so you'll be best prepared.
I am currently BF my 3rd child.
Most of the women I know that gave up BF was due to their concern their baby's weren't getting enough milk due to the constant feeding.
Constant feeding in the first 6 weeks is NORMAL you must allow the baby to drink whenever he asks for it, he's bulding your supply and any inturruption of this ie bottles of water or formula will affect your production and supply in these early days.
Re your 19 month old don't worry about her at all, she can be included.
BF allows you one free hand at the least so you can still look after older children.
I'd get comfy on the floor, baby latched on and be busy playing cars, play dough, whatever. Sometimes whilst feeding baby I'd get older child to cradle baby's feet/legs in their lap, it keeps them close and makes them feel involved.
You just gotta let it go for the 1st 6 weeks, don't worry about cooking, cleaning or that DC1 has had oven chips again, its honestly such a short period of time.
Newborns generally sleep once the fresh air hits their faces so you'll be safe taking DC1 to the park for an hour or so, baby will be unconcious.
Don't fret, relax, remember it is the most natuarl thing and totally do-able with the right support.
Oh, and after DC1, I never consulted a MW or HV again for BF advice, the exact scenario you described happened to me, it was ridiculous and so unhelpfull, my saviour came via the Breastfeeding Network and she's been my guru for the last 6 years advising on various concerns with all 3 children.