Felt really unprepared

[bumblebee86]

I'm 31 weeks and it feels like the weeks are now going so quickly and I'm feeling really unprepared. For example I'm planning on breastfeeding but don't really know anything about it and not sure where to start finding out more about it. Anyone else feel or felt like this? Any advice that you think would help or that helped you?

Don't worry too much, there's not that much you can do beforehand. While you're in hospital and have the baby with you you will get lots of support then and shown how to latch baby on etc. I would say just make sure your suitcase is ready within the next few weeks and relax. I'm 36 weeks at the moment with my second so I feel more relaxed this time round. Good luck!

For breastfeeding, read The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding, at least the first few chapters. It's a bit hippy Earth Mother ish but ignore that, the actual breastfeeding advice us brilliant.

Beyond that, just try to relax really. So long as you know how to secure your car seat and work the brakes on your buggy you're sorted and can muddle through with the rest.

Definitely worth preparing for breastfeeding so you know what to do when you get engorged, or have the normal difficulties. I'd recommend the la leche league book: the womanly art of breastfeeding. Their website has their helpline too which is perfect if you have any problems. Kellymom is another really useful website.

I'd recommend buying the following things to make bf easier: avent gel pads, breast shells (both really good for engorgement and releasing a bit of milk to help baby to latch on more easily), nipple shields (in case of cracked nipples to give you a break for a few feeds), lansinoh cream( use after every feed!), breast pads and several bras as you get quite milky. Tshirts are good for feeding in as you can just lift up; dresses and longer tops aren't so good.

Feeling unprepared is part of the third trimester, in my experience! I just has dd3 and felt the same around 30 weeks hope you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

Have a look at the NCT website there's good advice on there and also most places have a free service in the community with drop in classes. They are Wednesday afternoons in my area. In addition to that you can ask your midwife if they offer additional advice in your hospital of choice. I had two free classes at hospital.

Sorry xpost about the book!

I'm 32w with no. 2 and haven't bought a single thing yet! Need to buy a bed, double buggy and a new car seat. And this thread has reminded me to get some new nursing bras as well!

My advice would be to get as much help with BF while you can in the hospital - I was calling the midwives every time the little one wanted to feed as she really struggled to latch on. For some BF comes really easy and for others like me it can be a real struggle. Look up in advance if there are any BF groups locally as they can be great for advice in the early days.

Have a look at the Kelly Mom website for help with feeding too.

I remember feeling like that with DD, my mw gave me a DVD to watch about breastfeeding and I remember having to manipulate my breast a bit in the early days but ask, ask, ask for help in hospital.