Breastfeeding

[Kaytee1987]

I'm 7+3 weeks with our first so I appreciate it's a way off bit already thinking about it. I definitely want to breastfeed and was wondering what support you get from midwives to establish breastfeeding? Most of the time you're out of hospital the next day so surely that's not enough time to know what you're doing? I suppose the reason Im worrying is that only one of my friends attempting bf and gave up after a couple of weeks, all of my other friends went straight to bottle so I can't expect any guidance from friends. I would hate to end up ff due to lack of knowledge or support and not sure who I would ask about it.

Hi op I didn't know any other breastfeeding mums either. The midwife I first saw helped me establish a latch, then the midwives who came round for a home visit helped again as did other health people I saw when I had to take dd in for her first checks.

I found kellymom to be an excellent resource, as well as mumsnet. I think it can take a while to grow in confidence, that's why I found it helpful to read up loads online and hear how many other mums were doing it. I never had the confidence to attend a breastfeeding café but wish I had now.

As others have said it may hurt at first even if latch is fine. This is normal and will get better. Although I never used lanisoh and it sounds like that might be a miracle worker! Also be prepared for cluster feeding. It can last hours for days, it's all normal. Just make sure you have a bottle of water and snacks you can eat with one hand in arms reach. I liked cereal bars. Enjoy the opportunity to stay in bed/on the sofa all day long watching DVDs.

If you know a lot of ff babies you might hear your baby is feeding too often, can't be satisfied etc but in fact it is normal for bf to feed more frequently than ff, this isn't a sign something is wrong or that you need to top up with formula/early solids.

Also I think it's important to remember that some women and some babies can't breastfeed for medical reasons. If you are one it doesn't mean you've failed and that is what formula was made for. Personally I'd get a bottle of the premixed stuff in the house just in case you can't. I did that and it never got used but I'd rather have had it in just in case.

I've struggled with breastfeeding, I'll be honest and admit that, but I'm still going at nine weeks so here's what's got me through:

Realise that you both have to learn and while its natural, that doesn't mean it's effortless. Give yourself time.
Read all you can beforehand. Kellymom is a brilliant site, really good evidence based info without judgement.
YouTube has loads of videos on latch.
Get the numbers of people who can help and look for local resources beforehand. Lots of places have breastfeeding cafes, for example.
you are the boss of your nipples! I was told this in hospital and it made me laugh but it's true. Do not keep the baby on a poor latch. If it's really hurting you, delatch (finger gently in corner of mouth to break the baby's suction) and reposition. It takes just a few minutes of poor latch to break the skin and it's much, much harder to recover from cracked nipples than it is to avoid them.
Bf babies suckle all the time seriously, it can feel never ending. My ds was on the boob for eight hours straight one day. They're just building supply and this is just a phase. It'll pass, push through it.
And so... Once or twice I have given formula and I'll do it again if my nipples need a break. Formula isn't poison! Having a bottle and a couple of pre mixed cartons pretty much saved me once or twice. It's best not to do it too much in the early weeks because you need to build your supply but one or two bottles do not mean you've got to stop bf-ing!
Keep hydrated. I was staggered at how thirsty I was.
Learn to feed lying on your side.

And above all, whatever method you use to feed your baby is ok. You may love breastfeeding. You may hate it. Your baby may be a natural or struggle. It may or may not work for you. as long as they are fed and you're still sane, you're doing great.

Oh and lanisoh. Buckets of the stuff.

Brilliant tips here. I said to my mum I was concerned I wouldn't get any support and she said if I felt I wasn't then she would pay someone to help me. She's wonderful and at least now I can order all of these books on amazon etc too :) x

I didn't get any support in hospital. I asked to feed dd when she was first born (she was screaming) and she latched on for a good hour or two. After that, she didn't cry to be fed at all. I asked about feeding her and the nurse on the ward just said she should feed every four hours or so. I asked when to feed her next and she said when she cried. I was sent home without any real advice or help. I'm going to get a book this time.