DC1 a BF 'natural', DC2 a 'nightmare' - any Top Tips for when DC3 arrives?

[MissusRabbit]

There is so much info out there I'm getting confused so wondered if anyone had any top tips for when DC3 is born??? Trying to get my head around it before this one arrives....i hated resorting to bottles so ealry last time. I'll be having another section if that makes any difference...

DC1 latched straight away and was fab - i didn't need to think about it, just fed. DC2 was a nightmare....

Do I

1. try and feed, feed, feed even in the first few days?
2. feed on demand or wake baby to feed after so many hours if need be?
3. swap breasts during each feed? or start each feed with a new one?
4. if baby falls asleep minutes into a feed try and wake it - DC2 was a nightmare with this!!
5. refuse all offers/mention of formula?

I have my nipple cream and pads all sorted and am prepared for a bit of pain til things get settled etc (I also have bottles ready as i did (or DH did) ffeed DC1 occasional bottles after months of exclusive BF)

I know i'm perhaps overthinking this...but I'd like to be armed with some tips to try rather than be on here in a few weeks wailing and miserable after advice....

I realise a positive mental attitude would help too

And it would help if i could count too

I will be very interested in this too. DC1 was a complete nightmare, DC2 was pretty good and I'm absolutely dreading repeating my first time experience with DC3. I've got the lansinoh, watched the Dr Newman videos, have saved the addresses of the local BF groups and have been in contact with a lactation consultant. I've bought a new sterilser but the only bottle I've got is the one it came with and haven't any formula as would need prescription formula as the other 2 are milk intolerant and have convinced myself that by avoiding any formula and having to actively go to the GP's to get it I'll not resort to that route. DC1, after 5 years of being ok on dairy, following an intolerance until age 2, is currently having a major dairy flare up and it's convincing me more than ever that I need to BF this baby exclusively.

So it's not just me then! It just happened so naturally and easily with DC1. DC2 was in SCBU, and had reflux so no doubt this didn't help...but even so. I did so much reading online then, was in a state of exhaustion and desperation I'd like to avoid this next time.

To be fair i hadn't found MN then!

OK, so I haven't any experience of a section, but here are my thoughts fwiw:

1. I would feed, feed, feed as soon as you possibly can to get your supply going.
2. Feed on demand- but leave them no longer than 3 hours between feeds.
3. Feed from one breast first, then if they seem to want more, offer the second.
4. I do try and rouse LO if he falls asleep- just gently obviously!
5. The formula one is a decision for you. IMO topping up with formula undermines the breastfeeding. I know lots of people do successfully mix feed, but to me it's just an extra faff that you could probably do without.

I think as you've realised, each DC takes to feeding differently. I assumed because they were siblings, they would all be similar.

It sounds like you're getting well prepared though and yes, a determination to breast feed does go a long way too.

Good luck!

Thank you... it sounds daft after having 2 kids already but i just want to get my head round it before the birth, and the sleep deprivation kicks in