Breastfeeding - Minneapolis, MN

I tried the feeding on a schedule. It didn't work for me. Let your little one eat as long as he/she wants as long as you're not in pain. If you are, then try relatching. Also is okay to let your new born sleep for four hrs. if she needs it. Just try too keep her to nursing every 2-3hrs during the day. This will help with getting her days and night right. Some really good advice to get is on a page on facebook called respect the breast. the women on there dont judge you. they helped me through some hard times. I have three kids. the first two i wasnt very successful. Because of the help from the women on facebook.com/respectthe breast, I have been breastfeeding my youngest for 14months now!

Contact the hospital where you will be delivering and let them know you want to see the lactation specialist. There are people whose job it is to come to your room and teach you how to breastfeed your child. Like any new skill in life it takes practice so don't give up but also realize some women have difficulty and can't breastfeed. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty no matter what route you end up taking. Check out this website from An international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.
www.lalecheleague.org

HI J.,

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival and making a great choice to breast feed. Breastfeeding can be tricky, so when you deliver in the hospital, there should be a woman called a Lactation Consultant (LC for short)that will come by to offer any help. Also, the nurses are usually a huge help too. I had a hard time getting my son to latch on the correct way, but eventually we got it. Be patient and calm and you'll get it. Good Luck!

J.,

Do take a class at the hospital that you plan to deliver at, they will give you a lot of information that will help you get ready to breastfeed. I found it helpful for my husband to come with me to the class so that he understood what was normal for a breastfeeding mom and baby.

Also, make sure that your OB knows that you plan to breastfeed, and that it is noted on your forms when you go into deliver your baby. That way they will make sure that you have your baby with you and can make help available to you right away to get things started right. Don't take the free sample of formula at the hospital, it will be too easy to give in and feed a bottle if you are tired, or things are not going quite right. Get a contact for a Lactation Consultant before you leave the hospital, in case you have questions or problems after you go home.

I nursed my first son for 15 months, and am nursing my second right now (he's 7 months). It can be very challenging, and the more information you get before you start, the better prepared you will be. Newborns eat often, I had forgotten how much time it takes the first 6 weeks or so, but it gets easier and easier as the baby grows.

You could also try reading a few books before your baby comes (if you have time). I liked The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

Good luck, and know that you are making a great choice for you and your baby by breastfeeding! Not only is it good for the baby, but you will find that you lose weight faster by breastfeeding! And - it reduces the risks for getting breast cancer!

J.
SAHM to 27 month old Charlie and 7 month old Joey

The hospital will really help you once you have your baby. I always tell my friends that the first few weeks are the toughest. So get through a few weeks of trying before giving up. After the first few weeks it really does get better and easier. I ve 2 kids and my first daughter was so difficult but I stuck with it mainly because its so much cheaper. It was worth it espically because with the second it was so much easier. Dont feel guilty if you decide its not for you. For some, it just isnt right. The more questions you ask the better. The lactation consultant in the hospital will help so much. You can also go back and talk with them once you are out of the hospital. A lot of the hospital/clinics have breastfeeding classes you can take. I know Allina does.

After you give birth they will have you just put your baby on the breast and most babies take naturally to it. I breastfed for a yr. Some mothers dont produce enough milk but most often not the case. Its the most healthy way to feed your baby so try and stick with it for as long as you can. Congratulations and good luck :)

Here is a very informative blog with benefits of breastfeeding even beyond the first year!
http://lactconnect.blogspot.com/

Check out our new DVD at http://www.pieceofmyheartproductions.com/Pieceofmyheartpr...

WE make films dedicated to new mom's and babies and have a unique approach to mothering and breastfeeding that you may enjoy.

Let me know your feedback...

M.-

In addition to going to a class, I would go out and get a book on the subject as well. You'll have questions that will come up in the middle of the night and at odd times and it's sometimes more handy to get at a book then calling someone or getting on the internet. Also, I don't know if you're married or not, but it's important to have support as it's very hard to do in the beginning (even for me and I found nursing to be easy overall). If you're married or your partner is around, have him come to the class with you. Good luck and stick with it in the first 2 weeks which are hard. After that it's easier, more enjoyable, cheaper and you can't beat the 500 calories a day it burns!!!

Another suggestion for support and advice on breastfeeding would be to find a la leche league meeting near you. I've attached a link to the MN/Dakota's webiste for your information. I had a hard time nursing at first but with the help of a good lactation consultant who really paid attention to what I was doing and helped me correct my mistakes it all worked out. I found a lot of good info on this site as well. I would suggest finding a meeting now, before the baby comes so you're prepared. Good luck!! http://www.lllusa.org/web/MNDak.html