How Do You Prepare Fro Brestfeeding ?

My daughter was born on Oct. 5th. I did not take any breastfeeding classes and I wish I would of. My daughter had no problems, but I did have problems pumping and was unable to. Thanks to Le Leche League (and a good friend) I felt more comfortable with breastfeeding. I would recommend taking classes and getting in touch with Le Leche League. They were great, I must of called them a dozen times at all times of the day (and nite) within the first month. I loved breastfeeding and miss it ( daughter weaned about 3 weeks ago). As for labor-it is nothing like everyone says. You will have strenghth like you have never had and get through it. Just remember it does not last forever and when it is over you will have the best gift ever.

You have lots of wonderful responses already, but I thought I would chime in as well!

I was a young mom too, and worried that I wouldn't be able to do something that I felt would be the BEST thing for my baby.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Check out books from the library and read up on what to expect... and purchase this one: Bon Appetit, Baby (by Elain Moran)
Pack it in your suitcase so you will have it after you labor! It is full of information to answer your questions, and has a journal section where you can keep up with how often your baby nurses, diaper changes, and has checklists so you know YOU are getting the right nutrition as well.

It is a real life-saver when you are exhausted and can't remember if you've eaten that day!!

Go ahead and find a La Leche League group and visit once or twice while you are pregnant. Sometimes you can find several groups in your area and not all will be a good fit. I visited two and one had younger moms whose parenting style "fit" me better. They can answer all sorts of questions, and will make you feel more at ease with yourself about nursing.

Also, research pumps and go ahead and get one so you will have it when you get home from the hospital/birthing center.
I used both a Medela Pump-in-Style (which is electric) and a manual Avent (more comfortable.)
Make sure you have bottles or bags to store your pumped milk in.
Also, for breast discomfort I had some Lansinoh cream (can get at Walmart or pharmacy) and I used cabbage leaves in my bra to alleviate engorgement pain.

You are far enough along that you can go ahead and shop for a good nursing bra too.. I liked the ones from the Playtex store the best, but Walmart and Target have large selections too. You might buy a stretcy sport-type bra that is a bit loose for when you "blossom" as your milk comes in, and some disposable milk-absorbing pads (cloth diapers cut up work fine too!)

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at ____@____.com (I nursed my daughter until she self-weaned at 3.5)

-Amanda

Hi D.,

Your feelings about labor and breast feeding are completely normal. The unkown is scary! From my own experience, I was very conflicted about nursing (it seemed so strange) and the thought of labor scared me to pieces (it's going to hurt and I'll be totally out of control!!!). I would wager MOST women feel the same way the first time they are pregnant.

I can tell you now that labor was of course not easy, but probably the most incredible experience of my life and I actually look forward to experiencing it again next March. And breastfeeding - I enjoyed it so much I nursed for a year and was sad when my daughter voluntarily weened herself around the 1 year mark.

I did take a breast feeding class at our hospital that answered a lot of questions I had. It also was nice to see that all the othere couples in my class hadn't a clue as to what they were doing either. The most important piece of info I took from that class was to feed the baby as soon as you can once they are delivered - before they take you to your room and you are separated. You'll be in awe of how your baby will instincively know what to do...you just need to provide a breast. And if you have dificulty, the nurses and lactation consultants will be there to help you...just ask!

The first few weeks were a little strange...but before I knew it, nursing was second nature and is much easier than I thought it would be. You never have to take bottles with you or worry if you have enough formula - you don't have to get up and warm a bottle or clean them and store them. It's all I know but it seems much more convenient to me than the alternative. You will find places anywhere you go that are nursing friendly.

My friends still laugh at me b/c I just wasn't the "maternal" type...and then along came a little baby that made me wonder what the heck I was so nervous about...That said, try to enjoy the fact that you will probably look back and realize your fears were of course understnadable but much greater than they needed to be....

If you have questions about labor or nursing you can email me and I'd be happy to share my experience with you.

Good luck!

Hi D.. I have a 3 month old son. I took lamaze classes through my hospital. They were helpful, though they didn't quite describe how labor would feel. I'm sure it is different for every women, but for me, it felt like really bad menstrual cramps. It was more of a cramping feeling than a painful feeling. Make sure you call your doctor if you think you're in labor. Also, make sure you time your contractions. Time from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Mine started 20 minutes apart, but quickly progressed to 5 minutes apart. You need to go to the hospital when they're 5 minutes apart. By the time mine were 5 min. apart, I was still at home and already at 7cm!! So, don't wait too long to go to the hospital just in case. When I was in hard labor, I couldn't walk or talk, I just wanted to sit there and breathe through it.

Regarding breastfeeding, I am still exlusively nursing my son and it is great! I think it's such a wonderful experience if it works out well. Make sure the nurses & lactation consultants in the hospital help you. They helped me figure out how to do it, and if you leave the hospital w/ some practice it will be easier at home. Also, make sure you have a Boppy pillow (from Babies R Us or Target). They're great for breastfeeding. Also remember, demand creates supply, so the more you breastfeed, the more milk you'll have. Lastly, most hospitals have lactation consultants you can call once you're at home, and they will help you over the phone. They're wonderful! Good luck, congratulations, and although it's scary, be prepared for a wonderful miracle to happen.

T.

Hi D., Unless you have flat or inverted nipples which need breast shields/cups to help the nipple protrude so the baby can latch, there isn't a whole lot you can do. We used to encourge women to "toughen up" their nipples but there is no evidence that it makes any difference. The main thing you can do is educate yourself. Take advantage of the breastfeeding classes offered in our local hospitals, the books and videos that are available. Most of the hospitals have lactation consultants on staff and the nurses also have lots of experience helping new moms. The local chapter of the LeLeache League can also be helpful. When you are in the hospital, ask for help. You may receive a lot of advice, there is no one way to breastfeed. A lot depends on you, your nipples and your baby. Keeping asking for help until you feel you have the process started. There are also lactation Consultants that make home visits which usually are 1-2-3 hours long depending on what is going on with your baby. Unfortunately in our society , breastfeeding is a learned behavior because we don't have the opportunity to observe breastfeeding infants and toddlers. Kathy, nurse-midwife

Please start attending La Leche League International meetings. You can find a meeting near you at http://www.lalecheleague.org/Web/Illinois.html

It is perfectly acceptable to attend meetings before your baby comes. You will meet experienced nursing mothers and the Leaders (who are unpaid volunteers) can really help you.

Also call: ###-###-#### between 9-5pm and ask for a new mother packet. It will be sent to you at no charge and includes tons of helpful information.

How do I know all this? I worked for LLLI for 7 years and I am a nursing mother.

D.,

Being nervous is natural. You are anticipating the most life changing event you have ever done and that alone raises ones feelings of insecurity. Remember what you learned in your prparatory classes and recall that everyone's birth experience is different. There is no "right way".

The best thing about birthing in a facility with nurses trained to be with new mothers is that they are available to answer all of your questions - none of them are "stupid" questions either! Above else, if you do have difficulty with breast feeding, their are lactation consultants who will come to your home and help you there too. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Hi D.,

I am sure you have gotten a lot of great advice here. I just want to add my support. I am the biggest baby in the world. I do not handle pain well and I became a new mom two years ago. I was so nervous but everything turned out wonderful.

Remember the doctors and nurses in the hospital deliver babies every day. They know what they are doing. You will have lots of help while your are in the hospital. Do not be afraid to ask for help with Breastfeeding too.

D.,
You have some very good advice here.
La Leche League is great and so is anything written by Dr. William Sears. You and baby will be fine. And, yes, make sure your husband and family are supportive. It takes A LOT of energy to give birth and breastfeed, but you won't regret it.
Good luck and "God Bless."
Amy

DEar D.,
We have a FABULOUS lactation consultant and certified nurse midiwife in our practice. Feel free to schedule an appt with her or plan to attend her breastfeeding laecture - you can learn more about it on our website - midwestmidwifery.com

Don't worry about it-even though it is hard not too. Nobody knows exactly how to do it. Tell the nurses where you deliver that you would love the help from the lactation consultant on staff. They really are a big help and the sooner they show you how to do it, the better. that way you won't have started any bad habits.
Just keep in mind that it will hurt a little because of the frequency that newborns feed. Use lots of lanolin on your nipples. For me, the first two weeks were hard and I almost gave up but I pushed thru it and now it is so easy. I can't imagine having to warm up a bottle for every feeding-especially those in the middle of the night.

Good luck.

Hi D.:

The best way to prepare for breastfeeding is in your pregnancy. See if the hospital where you are delivering has breastfeeding classes, and if so, I would definitely take it. Also, there are a lot of great books to read. I would recommend the Nursing Mother's Companion. If you have any other questions, you can contact me as I'm a lactation consultant.

J.

HI D.,

Thank you for thinking about breastfeeding your baby. It is a wonderful start to life. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself. start at you hospital. There are lactation consultants that can give you good advice as well as tell you about classes that may be offered through the hospital. There is a free class once a month at Babies 'R' Us on Rte 59 in Nsperville. Also La Leche is a great support. I believe their website is www.lalecheinternational.com. Good luck with your new baby! Don't be nervous, everything will be great and well worth it!

S.

Read books and decide what is right for you!!! Be sure to take your prenatal vitamins. The best thing is that you nurse on command and you are alwauys availabel... so no warming bottles or struggling wiht that. IF you choose you can supplement or pump so others can feed too. You will be great and it is so good for your baby.. I recommend contacting you local Le Leache LEague they have a ton of support for nursing moms!!

Congratulations!!!!

Hi D.,

I would suggest looking up your local La leche league. They will be able to give you loads of advice, and support. Breast feeding can be tricky, and it takes a while get the hang of it (for both you and the baby). So I think its really important to find people who can help you in those early days.
Not long to go now. Good luck, and relax. This is an exciting time. Trust your body, it knows what to do!!!

L.

You don't need to do anything to prepare physically for breastfeeding, but reading about it might help. Just know that it isn't easy for everyone and LOTS of people have difficulty with it so, if that does happen to you, don't think you are alone. Almost all breastfeeding difficulties can be resolved succesfully. I'm not trying to scare you, I just wanted you to be aware that it may take time for you and your baby to 'get it' and that can be hard. Most pregnancy books have some information about breastfeeding and your hospital should have a lactation consultant and trained nurses who will be able to help. The hospital may also run a breastfeeding class which might reassure you.

I watched the Pregnancy for Dummies (netflix have it) but I don't remember how much they covered about nursing. If you contact your local La Leche League, they will be able to help you - you can google them.

Labor is scary before it happens but the most wonderful thing ever. Just try to relax and enjoy your last few weeks of pregnancy!

Good Luck,

R.

Hi D.,

Congratulations! I am a breastfeeding mom. I have a 22 month old and we still have a great nursing relationship. For me what was helpful was support. My husband and I took one breastfeeding class together but the class didn't cover everything to me. I wish I would have known about La Leche League International. They have a 24 hour phone line for questions or concerns about breastfeeding. They offer meetings and welcome expecting moms to come and ask questions, even about labor and delivery. These meetings are ran by moms, so they are familiar with the new mom jitters! Also La Leche League has a website that gives tons of info and books about on topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition and mothering.

Also, contacting the lactation consultant at the hospital that you will deliver. That way she can come by and see you while you are in the hospital and help with any concerns in the beginning. Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby!

Your local WIC office also has breastfeeding peer counselors that are available to help with any questions or concerns about breastfeeding. A lot of people think that WIC just offers formula, but they also have a program that offers support and food for breastfeeding families.

Like I mentioned before, support is so needed for a successful breastfeeding relationship. My husband was really there in my corner which is one of the reasons why I still have a successful breastfeeding relationship with our daughter. D., please feel free to email me if you have any other questions or concerns or just want a listening ear about breastfeeding, mothering, labor and delivery, etc.

Take care,

D.

If you take classes they will answere all your questions. Regarding labor it will all come so naturally you will see. I would suggest walk walk walk that helped me w/my second labor so much. Regarding breastfeeding just eat healthy and milk will come in, and the more you breast feed the more milk will come in..B.

You will likely do fine, but to be certain, contact the La Leche League about classes at your hospital. Also have a La Leche League person visit you while you're in the hospital. They are very helpful and supporting. My wife and I took breast feeding classes at our hospital (via the La Leche League) and believe it or not, it was quite helpful. The basics of breast feeding are natural and instinctive for both you and the baby, but what to do if things go wrong are not. This is where the classes came in handy. I'd recommend your husband attend with you, it's not uncommon, and it turned out quite useful for us.

Good luck,
K.

First of all, I can sympathize with how you're feeling because it is all an unknown to you right now. You are confronting some real concerns and until you actually are dealing with them you will feel this way. Secondly, I would like to reassure you that it is a LOT of work being a new mom but is VERY MUCH WELL WORTH IT. There is nothing as great in the world as being a mother. I gaurantee you. Now, on to your real issue - breastfeeding. Although you are scared right now and don't know what it'll be like I would like to tell you that if you ever need support in this matter, I and many others will help and do whatever we can. Breastfeeding is awesome. It takes a lot of effort, patience and pain at times but please, please - for yours and your baby's well being stick with it. It is so fulfilling after a little while and it gives you a bond that bottle feeding just can't do. I don't believe anyone who defends their decision to bottle feed by saying the bond is the same. I understand and respect those who need to bottle feed for their own reasons, but ultimately feeding a child from your own bare skin and body, you are providing your child with their lifeline. You feel it internally and you become so much closer to your baby. I did not especially ove breastfeeding in the beginning and I stuck with it (even after the poor latching and later on biting) and I wish I could nurse for years. Now that my baby is not nursing as often I feel the difference in letting go a little emotionally and that goes to show how close you bond when its constant breastfeeding. Again, the reality is that aside from the bonding, you are doing what's obviously healthiest for you and your child. The catch is, you have to have friends who support you or a husband who supports this decision because otherwise its hard in the beginning. I have lots of friends whose husbands found it kind of gross or weren't into it and they decided to give in after short periods of time and "claim" they didn't have enough milk and weren't capable of nursing. Don't buy it. Most women are capable of breastfeeding although some women have to put more effort than others. Just so you know how much persevering it can take (but again is soooooooo worth it!) I had to pump milk for the first month and give it to my baby in a finger syringe until she was willing to nurse regularly. This required nonstop pumping or feeding her and I was very stressed in the beginning. But I know I made a wonderful choice and you will too. Also, you can contact Le Leche or a variety of other groups in your area or a lactation consultant at the hospital you're delivering at. You should talk to them before the birth to relieve you of any worries you have. Lastly, (I know I've gone on FOREVER!) Be proud of yourself no matter what your feeding choice ends up being, because you will bring a child into the world. Congratulations and You'll Do Great!!!

Side comment - labor is awful but worth every second of it and its a pretty tiny price to pay for the treasure you will hold. When you stay focused on the outcome it helps to remind you why you're doing everything ahead of you.

I was 24 when my daughter was born. I was determined that I was going to breastfeed her. My husband and family knew what I wanted to do, so I had a lot of support.

When she was first brought to me the nurse helped me with all my questions. They had a nursing specialist that would help with all your questions and concerns. After you leave the hospital you can always call the nurses station with all your questions.

If this is what YOU want to do, do not give up. There are some women that are not able to breastfeed. If you are able to and you want to, keep trying.

I picked up a book on clearance somewhere called: "So, That's what they're for" written by Janet Tamaro. (you can probably have your local library get it. I did just verify it is listed at bn.com)

Let me tell you, this is the best book I could of read. It confirmed to me that I did want to breastfeed. I would describe the book as a down to earth book written by your girlfriend. It talks honestly about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I do not like to read at all. I read this book from cover to cover. It is not medical mumbo jumbo. It is is just plain info that we can all understand.

Your doctors should be able to tell you what support groups are around.

I rented a breast pump instead of spending tons of money on one. I think at the time it was approx. $35 per month. It was great because I did not spend alot of money and the woman who I rented it from was trained to help with all breastfeeding questions and concerns.

Giving birth and breastfeeding are easy. My daughter went to kindergarten last year and I cried. Time went by so fast.

You will be just fine when labor starts. After you call your doctor, she/he will walk you through everything. Think positive, it will be a great experience.

Okay, here's one more for you... I didn't prepare at all, just planned on breastfeeding for a very short time only because it was best for my daughter. Well, we breastfed for 2 years! It was a little awkward the first few times but you just do it until you are both so used to it it's like breathing. Don't worry, any questions that come up can be answered by someone, just look forward to the baby! I thought I wouldn't be able to breastfeed (God knows why) but it's easy after a few days, don't worry! Enjoy your new baby, you're going to love it!

L.

D.:

congratulations on your upcoming birth. Many moms find it helpful to talk to or meet with a lactation consultant to discuss their concerns and also so that they "know" somone they can call if they ar haaving difficulties or just want some reassurance.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
800 LACTATE
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

D., Rebecca is right. You don't need to do anything to prepare yourself to breastfeed. And congratulations on making that decision! It is the perfect food for your little one, costs nothing, and it's super convenient. You should look up a La Leche League meeting in your area. Pregnant moms are always welcome and they will answer any questions you have. They are fantastic people and very reassuring. Good Luck!! J.

There is nothing physically, but I would suggest attending a LLL meeting just to get yourself used to the nursing mom/baby couple and accustomed to it, also they can help answer questions and ease your fears. The absolute best book for a new breastfeeding mother is the Nursing Mother's Handbook by Kathleen Huggins. It has practical answers and suggestions for improving the nursing relationship and discusses what the first weeks are like.

Congratulations on such a great decision! Labor is a little scary but I found the more I knew about it, the more relaxed I was cause I knew what was going on. I took Bradley classes (they are 12 weeks) and it totally prepared me for labor. I am a wuss and I was still able to give birth to my son with no pain meds, despite early labor complications. You can do it...your body can do it, you just have to trust it!! The more you know, the more relaxed you are, and the smoother and less painful everything will be. It is truly an amazing experience!

D.,
I know it's hard to not be nervous about delivery and breastfeeding. My advice is not to spend time worring about delivery because when you come to that time it all comes naturally. You won't care what they do to you just the need to get the baby out. My advice for nursing is to not give up. Keep trying. I had difficulting getting my milk to come in, two weeks after. I would always have my daughter try to nurse and give her a bottle of formula when nothing would come out but I would pump for 10 minutes on whichever side it was and eventually, my milk came in. My daughter nursed, only in the am's later, until she was 15 months old. Your nipples will be sore/tender but Lansinol or some sort of cream after every feeding does help. It truely is the best nutrition for your baby. Try for as long as possible the first few months especailly and remember that it is for a limited time in the span of your entire life. Best of luck to you!
L.

I would suggest attending a class at your local hospital to learn more about breastfeeding and the Dr. Sears website is a great resource for information. Educating yourself is the best thing you can do to prepare. I would also suggest purchasing the boppy pillow or my breastfriend pillow. Hope this helps I have a little 11 week old boy and I am breastfeeding and really enjoy the bonding time.

You can prepare by talkiing to a LaLeche person. Ask your doctor if the hospitals offers breastfeeding classes. The day you have the baby the one of these specialist will come in to instruct you on the way to feed the baby. To be honest with you, your baby is going to know what to do all you need to do is direct him/her into the correct spot for feeding. Right now your doctor and delivery hospital is your best resource for breastfeeding. Also if you join the lamaz classes before the baby is born it will ease your mind. You learn more in there than how to breath. This you can take through WIC (if you are on it) or you delivery hospital. Hope this helps.