Bellie, sending you big hugs, I can't imagine how hard it was to hear the news from your friend, but am glad that she did it in the nicest way possible for you.
Carolyn, Well done on taking on the council! Wil be checking my internt banking in a few days and make sure they don't do this tp me! As for breastfeeding, I was complaetely naieve going into my first pregnancy, I hadn't even considered feeding and on a whim, tried out breastfeeding. I didn't feel it went particularly well with ds1, but kept at it for as long as I could before he lost interest. Even a few days worth of breastmilk is better than none, so if you try it and it doesn't work out, then don't worry.
With ds2, I went into pregnancy with the idea that I would give breastfeeding another go. Everyone was completely suprised to learn that I sucessfully breastfed a baby with heart disease as typically, they get too tired out by breastfeeding and either end up on a bottle or with a tube up the nose into the tummy. The downfall with having breastfed so successfully last time is that I will be disappointed if it doesn't work out so well this time. I really enjoyed it and kind of miss it!
It is a myth that it comes easy. It is a huge learning curve for mother and baby and each baby is different. I also completely agree with Majormoo, it will be hard & tiring work in the early weeks as no-one can help or take over the feeding, although a little later you can express) BUT the night feeds are sooo much easier when you breastfeed as the milk is there, ready and the right temperature, no making or heating it up! Talk about instant gratification for baby in the night!
As for our missing persons, I am soo glad that we think we know where they both are. Good thing as I couldn't remember Juanitad saying she was going away, I thought she just got back?