Breast feeding

[Millylou3]

Hey I’m currently pregnant with my 4th and this will be the 1st time I’m attempting to breast feed - is there anything I need to purchase make sure I have for breast feeding? Also will anyone help me? I’ve asked my midwife if there’s any help (if that even exsists) but she said ask again when I’m further along (currently 19 weeks) this will be my 4th section aswell but I really want to try - just want to make sure I’m prepared :)

Breastpads are a must. I'd highly recommend a good bra too (measure yourself with boob or bust after the birth for sizing). You can convert bras too. But you will want to be able to unclip until breastfeeding is super established.

Everything else is optional (feedings pillow, variety of pumps, storage bags, bottles, steriliser etc...).

La Lethe league has some good advice online, as does the Kelly mom website. There are lots of local breastfeeding groups around the uk, but many aren't meeting because of covid...

And then there's the breastfeeding network phone number, which you should be given or can presumably google... I'm sure there are millions of Facebook groups too to provide a bit more support.

I agree just breast pads and a couple of good bras. I also liked my Boppy pillow.
Most useful for me was reading up on it so I knew what to expect and what was normal. I mostly read The Womanly Art if Breastfeeding by La Leche League and the Kellymom website. Also knowing who I could call or see if I needed help like local groups and helplines.

Breastpads as mentioned. It may take a while for you and the baby to get the hang of it, so do not get discouraged. But the midwives at the hospital should help the first few times to get the baby to latch on. Good luck!

@Millylou3 I'd recommend a really good drinking bottle as I get thirsty when feeding and you don't want to be using a glass or having to get up when you have got baby attached. Also, make sure you have number for the hospital feeding support team in case you need some assistance

Thanks for all these reply’s ❤️ I’ve wrote all down so I can get Thankyou :) yeah I’m hoping it goes well but I know it can be a struggle but I’m determined x

Along with all this great advice I'd suggest really looking into the fourth trimester and normal breastfed baby behaviour.

It's also worth thinking about why you didn't breastfeed the other babies. Were there any barriers to breastfeeding that will apply now too? Can you remove those barriers?

@Millylou3 is also recommend getting the midwives to check for a tongue tie before you leave hospital. Both my children have had them and both have had issues with their latch and feeding as a result, it's simple to fix and can make a big difference!