How to make breastfeeding comfortable

[tryingforbaba]

I am expecting baby #2 2 and planning on bf as long as possible.

With baby #1 I felt always uncomfortable (shoulder pain, impractical clothing, couldn't find the right position) .... especially when in public.

What are your top tips for making bf feel easier and more comfortable ??

Hi op, I'm 14 months in with ds and my recommendation would be to invest in a good feeding pillow. I had one at home and kept a cushion in the car so I could feed out and about with a bit of support in the back seat. Ds was a winter baby so I just wore strappy vest tops with a nursing bra under and a jumper or sweater over the top. Unclipped the nursing bra, pulled down the vest and pulled up the sweater until I got ds latched then let it go. Initially I felt quite exposed and wore a scarf to cover myself a bit while I got the knack of it but truthfully that just became more of a faff than going without. The easier I found it the less exposed I needed to be as well. In summer I wore a light vest top under a floaty top or loose t-shirt and just did the same again. Or I just pulled down whatever I was wearing and used my free hand to cover myself a bit. I also got a lovely nursing bra that had a lace panel across the chest which was pretty and made me feel a little less exposed. So just do whatever you feel comfortable with! It's a natural thing and honestly I found noone ever looked twice.

In terms of positioning its harder to say because certain positions can help certain feeding issues eg over supply but I found my la leche league group an amazing support for finding positions etc. So I'd find a group close to you that meets in person because that'll give you lots of support and hands on help to get the right position for you and baby. I didn't put lots of pressure on myself to go out or have visitors in the early weeks and I think that helped us get things established and I could be more exposed at home until I felt I knew what I was doing and ds was good at latching. The other thing that might help is locating where near you has nursing rooms (big tescos, ikea, some shopping centres) so if you need to go somewhere more private than say a coffee shop then you know what's available!

If we're ever lucky enough to have a second I'd really like to get the hang of feeding while baby wearing as I think that would massively help entertaining a toddler! So maybe a visit to your local sling library as well? Every breastfeeding journey is different so just take your time and get to know your individual baby! Good luck!!