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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Breastfeeding success?

30 replies

MissBax · 30/07/2017 09:31

The closer I get to giving birth the more negative breastfeeding stories I hear. I'm realistic and so hope to breastfeed, but know that it doesn't always go to plan. But the more I hear about it not working the more anxious I'm getting. How will I know baby is getting milk? What if she's losing weight and I can't tell? I'm very nervous she'll be dehydrated and I won't know!
Can anyone give me any tips or positive experiences to cheer me up abit please?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Goldmandra · 31/07/2017 16:43

I BF both my babies, each for three years.

They both took to it like a duck to water.

For the first couple of weeks, them latching on was painful but only for about a second each time and then it was totally painless. After that, the only pain I had was when DD2 bit me a couple of times just before her first birthday. She didn't leave a mark either time and me jumping and catching my breath was quite enough to teach her not to do it again.

I loved BFing. It was my time with my babies. No well-meaning relatives could whisk them away. It was far nicer than having to get up and make bottles, especially in the night which I have done quite a lot with someone else's baby.

I was never criticised to my face about BFing openly but a was aware that my friend's husband and my DSis's boyfriend found being around me doing it quite uncomfortable. Their problem, not mine.

All in all it was a totally positive experience both times and I consider myself very lucky that it worked so well for us. I hope the same happens for you.

riddles26 · 31/07/2017 16:44

So much brilliant advice on here. It's extremely painful for some and others just click with no issues. In bf classes, they tell you that something is wrong if it hurts. Actually they're wrong, it can be painful while your nipples toughen up and get used to the sensation - so painful that I would hold my breath and count to 10 in the first 4 weeks. At times I would really want to just take her off because I was so uncomfortable but I took each day at a time and persevered. There was nothing wrong with her latch, no tongue tie, I just had to get used to it. It paid off and after 4-5 weeks, it just clicked and I am still feeling 9 months later and absolutely love it.

As many pps have said, if you are getting wet and dirty nappies, baby is getting what they need. I never felt full or empty, never leaked milk and couldn't tell when she was drinking and when she was just sucking which made me worry needlessly about supply. Everyone is different and you won't feel everything that others do.

Have a look at videos of a good latch while pregnant, I found them really useful to know what to do. Also, be aware of cluster feeding so you don't worry when it happens. Ignore all misconceptions such as sleeping through with formula - my ebf baby was sleeping 8 hour stretches at night by 8 weeks (if only she still did that now). Don't stress about how you are going to feed when out in the first few days, it really does get so much easier a few weeks down the line.

Have some lansinoh cream, breast pads and a couple of bras with clips ready from before (I found the ones in small/med/large were best until your supply is established in then can get measured once things settle down). As for other stuff, I found having lots of strappy vests with nursing clips and one special nursing top (for the earlier days) really helpful and a good feeding pillow invaluable but that's me. I wouldn't worry about spending money just yet, see how you go and get things as you need them.

Good luck Flowers

ghanchi · 01/08/2017 18:50

The UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, even though the medical evidence shows it protects babies from infection and improves their mental and physical development.
Research had found children thought breastfeeding was “yukky” and added that “society is ambivalent about women’s bodies”
Although nearly three-quarters of new mothers begin to breast feed, within two months less than half are still doing it, in spite of the many benefits to the growing baby. By six months, only a third (34%) of UK babies are receiving any breast milk.

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/01/uk-attitudes-to-breastfeeding-must-change-say-experts

Anatidae · 01/08/2017 18:54

Look at their nappies as people have suggested above. Wet nappies = fed baby. They take in minute amounts at first.

And prepare yourself for it possibly being very very hard at first. Because it can be painful and difficult and exhausting (cluster feeding, arrrgh!) but once you crack it it's easy and portable.

I'd look up sources of support now - find your local la lache league and bf cafe. Go visit.

And finally, if it doesn't work, don't beat yourself up. A significant proportion of women find it really hard. Don't be guilted or made to feel bad if you want or need to give formula.

Bf is wonderful when it works and if you want to do it. But it's tough in the early days and drains you. If I ever have another I will be mix feeding

Crumbs1 · 01/08/2017 18:59

People worry about it too much. Women have bodies designed to feed babies and there are very few physiological reasons why women can't. That is not to say they have to or that some drugs etc mean IRS not a good idea.
I fed mine very happily for about two years each - including twins. Yes there were a few uncomfortable days with blocked ducts and cracked nipples but that passes quickly and its soon the easiest thing in the world and the most convenient.

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