breastfeeding few Q's

[jazz412]

Few questions: firstly, I realise that some women are unable to breast feed and thank goodness there's formula there for that! But (I've never breastfed, but am pregnant and planning to)I've had several people quite suprised that I'm planning on breastfeeding and don't want to breastfeed their own, I'm wondering why this is?

I'm in no way saying you SHOULD breastfeed but just asking why you would choose not to as it's free and surely easier (no making up bottles) when you get into the swing of it?

Some of my friends even seemed disgusted by the thought of breastfeeding?! Is anyone else - and if so, why?

Second question: I know it's suggested to feed up to 6 months if you can but many people obviously do more - what's the normal amount of time to carry on for?

Thanks and really not trying to offend or become a breastfeeding brigadier or whatever their called...LOL

Breast pump and bottles aren't necessary to breastfeed - even if you do want to express, you won't need it in the first few weeks anyway. Sterilising - up to you really if you do sterilise, a hot wash in a dishwasher or by hand in hot soapy water is enough especially if it's just breastmilk. Or you could sterilise by boiling the bottles or using Milton.

Lansinoh, breastpads, some muslins, I found a cushion useful in the first few weeks, nursing bra.

can I hijack and say 'hi' and congratulations to VivClicquot Our paths crossed in some of the ttc threads and it's great to hear that your baby will be here soon.

Aw thanks dueling :) It's been a long and rocky road, but am finally starting to accept that I might actually be having a bloody baby soon! Eek!Hope you're well? x

And thanks Rita - that helps. I'm kinda of the opinion that if I have bits of kit in the house, then I'm likely to buckle at the first sign of trouble - and I really want to give it my best shot. Also, I figure we're only down the road from a big Boots, so if things do go tits up (as it were!) then I can always send DH out on an emergency bottle run. However, I've been told by the ILs that I'm being woefully naive on this front!

Viv, I'd add a v shaped pillow to your list, to provide support when feeding.

I wouldn't get formula in just in case. I've had some difficulty getting breastfeeding established and I know there have been a few occasions in the middle of the night where I would have caved had there been formula. As there wasn't, I had to go get help and now we're doing well on the feeding.

Oh, there's something for your list, numbers for local breastfeeding support and the national lines. And if you have any problems, get help immediately. Don't persist and think it'll get better.

Also, I had to send DH out to buy a steriliser as I needed to express and cupfeed a bit when we had problems. It was fine.

Thanks muser :) A colleague is giving me her V pillow, so that's that box ticked.

Tommee Tippee appear to do a breastfeeding starter kit with pump, 4 bottles and storage lids - might look at that?

We tried all kinds of bottles with DD and the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature ones were what worked for us.

But it depends on the pump...personally I preferred an electric one (Medela) but our kit came with a manual one which I didn't use but sold on eBay.

However, the choice of bottles etc is very personal. I liked Tommee Tippee because I could get replacement teats in our local supermarket. Handy for when I left some on the draining board and the (effing) cat decided to chew them.

I had all sorts of problems getting BF established as DD refused to latch on. In the end, I used a Special Nursing Supplementer and that did the trick. But after starting with no equipment, I ended up with several bottles and teats, nipple shields, two breast pumps (one hand, one electric), one microwave steriliser, the SNS and a big tub of formula.

You don't need to sterilise bottles for breastmilk, only for formula.

Apart from the Lansinoh and breast-pads, the main thing is to be clued up.

I was a bit naive about the whole business of breastfeeding, especially when I had problems (I live in Spain and don't have enough Spanish to consult BF experts out here with any confidence), but MN, kellymom and Dr Jack Newman websites helped me get through it.

I'm just starting to wean DD off the breast now at 13 months. I'm so glad I persevered. Never mind the nutritional aspect, I've loved the emotional fulfillment of BF, both for me and DD.

Good luck