Was anyone else scared of the logistics of breastfeeding?

[JamieJay]

Pregnant with first baba, would like to breastfeed but am currently totally terrified about the sheer logistics of it.

I know this probably doesn't make sense as in theory it's simply a case of 'wopping out a boob' but have 101 things rushing round my head:

• am I ever going to be able to position myself/baba to feed with my giant H cup breasts without being glued to the sofa with both hands holding various things up

• how to feed when out and about without showing my breasts - I've always been very self conscious about my breasts as was bullied about their size at school

• where/how will I sit to feed to minimise backache - have problems with lower back anyhow - do I need a special chair

• and my currently big worry, where will I feed at night as not keen on co-sleeping as DH and are both fidgets but can't imagine a comfortable way to sit up in bed!!

Apart from giving me the kick up the bum I obviously need is anyone able to impart any wisdom??

I want to breastfeed but if honest can be prone to giving up when things get tough so am worried I'd just reach for the formula at the first (minor) hurdle.

Cake for anyone who got this far

It might be worth your while looking for a good, low chair, perhaps without arms (I don't think the glider-type chairs are actually that great for bf, although they're very comfy for just sitting, and I can never resist trying them out when I'm in Mothercare!). Doesn't have to be a super-expensive purpose-made bf chair - I used an old Lloyd Loom-type from a junk shop (think of the sorts of low chairs women used to have in front of their dressing tables in the 50's - there are loads of those chairs sitting around in junk shops, and they are ideal for breastfeeding!).

I think proper back support is really important, especially if you already have a bad back - back pain and general fatigue make bf feel so much harder than it is.

There are so many different types of breastfeeding group. Some 'baby cafes' are just informal drop-ins with coffee and good chairs and pillows you can use, but I don't remember much breast-waving - tbh, you're going to be focused on your own! Other groups may not be just about the breastfeeding, and you might find them more comfortable in some ways, if the focus is off breastfeeding? Look for NCT-run baby groups in your area - they will be extremely supportive of breastfeeding and there will generally be a decent percentage of mums who'll be bf.

As others have said, breastfeeding pillows are all so different, so maybe you could ask to borrow a couple from friends who've already used them, or maybe from a baby cafe? I found the harder types, like a Widgey, really useful after about 4 weeks, because they raised DS to the level of my nipples!

Please don't worry - it'll probably be so much easier than you think.

Thanks again to everyone who taken the time to respond with such useful information. Feeling less terrfied now, always better when I have an action plan!

Hope you'll all be around come August when I'll be asking endless questions

Just wanted to say don't worry....its the most natural, lovely thing in the world. You will be amazed at what you can get done. You have now reminded me that I became quite expert at preparing dinner whilst breastfeeding! Yes i told you - you'd be amazed - I was. I honestly would be asking your same question of bottlefeeding, all those bottles to pre-prepare, go downstairs in the middle of the night to warm up, etc etc. In my opinion, BF = the easy option!! Just don't worry about it, BF is the final hurdle, enjoy your pregnancy, hopefully enjoy your birth and bonding time, then if you can breastfeed fantabulous...if not then don't worry....love and cuddles will win over everytime!!

i cant talk about big boobs but i am a champion at bf in public! what you need are nursing bras which undo at the top so you just pull the cup down, some thin strap vest tops, a top over that and a loose cardigan. those ones about now with the waterfall hems are brilliant. what you do is reach under your top and undo the bra, pull the vest down under your boob, then position the baby, pop the side of the cardigan over the baby then just lift up your top and latch the baby on.

sometimes if im in somewhere v busy i use a muslin as well to cover up.

dont worry, the first few times i fed in public i felt like the whole world would stare at me. now i dont even think about it.

and honestly, other posters are so right....there is a helluva lot more feck arsing around with ff!!