The Ins and Outs of Breastfeeding

There really isnt a lot of pre planning necessary for breast feeding. Since it's the way we were meant to feed our child it will just "happen" without much hassle 99% of the time. Just relax and enjoy the experience. I never did the pumping route. If I absolutely had to be separated from my child for any reason (which is so rare I dont even remember doing it), I would just have a can of similac on hand for someone to bottle feed the baby. If you want to continue to nurse when its time for you to go back to work you will probably be up to date on pumping procedures by then.
To prepare your nipples before the baby is born, always use a washcloth on them while showering, just vigorously rub them for a few minutes daily, this helps to toughen them up a little so they arent as sensitive when the baby starts to suckle. Personally, I never had any cracking or any of that, you will hear lots of weird stories of failed attempts to breast feed. I believe that most of them are just ridiculous. What if no one ever invented the bottle, would that mean millions of babies would die each year because the mom just couldnt stand feeding them? If you are truly into nursing your baby, it will be as easy as pie.

Congrats on wanting to try for a 3rd baby and for wanting to give breastfeeding a go! :) I breastfed our daughter for 21 months and am currently breastfeeding our almost 11 month old son exclusively. With our daughter, it was very difficult for the first couple of weeks, and I almost threw in the towel. My hubby was very supportive and kept encouraging me to keep trying. It was something new for both our daughter and me. We had to both learn.

What I think really helped us was that my hubby and I both attended a breastfeeding class offered by the hospital where we delivered. It was given by the lactation consultant that ended up helping us the most, and I was so glad to see that she was also the consultant when I delivered our son.

Some things that I couldn't live without: my Medela Pump In Style Advanced pump (although I rented one for a month to be sure that breastfeeding was definitely going to work), nursing pads (lansinoh are my faves), the lansinoh storage bags for the fridge or freezer, and a few nursing bras.

Some things that I had but didn't really use: nursing tanks (they didn't fit me right no matter what brand or size), a boppy pillow (a regular pillow worked just fine if needed), lansinoh cream. I had purchased a tube of the cream after getting home from the hospital, but I found that I didn't even use the whole sample that was given to me at the hospital.

We had to try a couple of different bottles before we found the ones that worked best with my daughter.

I also had a book exclusively about breastfeeding that I referred to a lot with my daughter but haven't really looked at it this time around. The kellymom website has a lot of useful information on it!

Good luck and congrats again!!!

Congratulations for wanting to try breastfeeding!!! I bf'd both my kids 'til 1 so I feel strongly about it.

1). Breast pads (from target or babies r us) b/c you will leak...especially when your breasts get full. It's really no big deal, but you don't want leak spots on your shirt.
2). It may be hard in the beginning...there is a learning curve, but this is completely natural & your body was meant to do this. Hang in there & take all the help you can get if you need it (from nurses at the hospital to lactation consultants post-partum). I was able to call lactation consultants days & weeks after my baby was born & ask questions. They also let me come in & they watched me to see what I was doing wrong (my baby seemed gassy...I thought she was not latching right).
3). Every woman & every baby is different. It was extremely easy & natural for me...it was one of the best experiences in my life!!! That may sound weird to hear, but I will cherish those moments forever!
4). In the beginning your nipples may be tender or crack. Get some lotion...it's by the other nursing supplies at the store.
5). Get a good nursing cover so you can nurse w/ some privacy when family is over or out in public (I never though I would nurse in public, but I did & was proud).
6). You need support. My husband was very, very supportive. You say your husband thought it was gross. I'm not sure how you change his opinion...maybe he feels territorial...like your breasts are "his" and not the baby's. That's simply an immature attitude & if it doesn't change, try not to let it affect your attitude.
7). BF'ing releases happy hormones in your body...I felt relaxed, very happy, even fell asleep nursing my kids in the rocker. Those were some of the most peaceful times in my life.
8). I never could pump very much, but I stay home so it was no biggie. Focus on getting the bf'ing down first, then worry about how much to pump, etc. You don't want to overwhelm yourself too much now.
9). Get a Boppy...even bring it to the hospital...it makes it so much easier.
10). Give it a good, hard honest try. If it doesn't work for some reason, know that you gave it your all.

Good advice so far. My biggest thing is don't let it get too complicated. You don't really need anything but you and baby to BF. Since you'll be returning to work, of course you'll need a pump and supplies (storage bags, bottles, bottle warmer). I would suggest spending the extra money on a nicer pump (I would choose a Medela if I had to buy a new pump). I went with a cheaper one, and well, I got what I paid for.

Definitely contact LLL. The hospital lactation consultant can also give great advice!! If you come across any challenges, don't give up! BF doesn't always come naturally, and can take some getting used to. But don't be surprised if you have no problems, either.

If you're on facebook, here are some links to pages that you can ask for advice:

Best for Babes http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/BestForBabes?...

Kelly Mom http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/kellymomdotco...

(also www.kellymom.com)

http://www.llli.org/

Congratulations! I can't even begin to list all the benefits your and your baby are going to get from doing this. I have a 3 yr old and we breastfeed for years. As a BF peer councelor and Doula I wanted to just say a few things and a few of the benefits: When you BF your baby is receiving your antibodies, meaning everything you have become immune to or have been vaccinated for, they are getting that benefit from you so they are less likely to get sick from the little things that go around. Having the skin to skin contact will help your baby adjust to the outside world,. Remember, that little one has been in your body for 9 months, smelling you , tasting you, listening to your heart and breathing...coming out into this world is a big shock, so having them close to your chest, smelling, hearing the sounds they are used to calms the baby. Look up Kangaroo care. Now, I highly recommend going to a local La Leche Legue meeting now. You don't need ot be breastfeeding to go. They are a welcoming group and you will be surrounded by other BF moms that will be more than happy to address ANY questions or concerns you would have. Also, you will be able to hear other moms questions and concerns so you will know answers before they happen. I would even go to one and see if the other moms would be comfortable with you bringing your hubby to one to get him used to the whole BF thing. TALK to them first though, it is an unoffical womans group and obviously you wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfotable.( Funny side note: My hubby, though supportive of BF, did look at my breasts a lot in the begining because he had never seen them so much. I was kinda funny and he got over it) I also recomend a book called the "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding"...a great read that answers a lot of questions. Also, try and find the people in your life that are in support of you breastfeeding and talk to them. As for things to buy....all I ever needed was something called a Boppie....its a breastfeeding pillow, there are others on the market but I found this one to be the best. You dont need sheilds or a pump, wait until you find they are needed once you are breastfeeding. Also, I do recommend buying a nursing bra, buy one in the size your wear now. Nursing bras are marked, for example 36B, but if you put it on now as a true 36 B it would be too big. They make them with concideration of your let down (your milk coming in). If you have any questions or would like to talk more about the ins and out...I am more than happy to, its what I do and I love it. I nursed my son for 3 and 1/2 years..ok, pull your jaw of fthe floor. LOL The world average is 4 yrs old. There are many reasons for this that I wont get into now...Please feel free to contact me, I would love to help you anyway I can.

The #1 piece of advice is don't be afraid to ask for help. I formula fed my first baby and regretted not trying. My second baby I only lasted a couple of weeks. I didn't have much support or ask for help when I really needed it. Now with my third we are going on two months of exclusively breastfeeding. I do not recommend getting any formula or bottles because if you have problems breastfeeding you may be tempted to give up which happened with my second baby. You also do not need to purchase any special nursing shirts or tanks its just an extra waste of money. I purchased the Medela pump in style, I like it a lot but it was expensive. I wish I would have looked into renting a pump first. Also if you have some problems feeding in the hospital they do have pumps to use. My milk didn't come in til almost my 4th day and the nurses were wanting me to start pumping on the 3rd day and feed baby by cup so I wouldn't have to give a bottle. You do not have to do anything to your nipples to prepare them either. A few things to help get started are a couple nursing bras(your size will change within the first couple months; I started a 38 DD and now I need a bigger size), disposable nursing pads or washable, and some Lansinoh nipple cream. good luck

I bought The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding before my first child was born, and it prepared me well. I went on to successfully breastfeed four children well past a year old. I highly suggest it.

One little piece of advice I wish someone had given me: Breastfeeding does not come naturally, it's a learned skill. You may have to fight like a warrior the first 8-12 weeks, but if you can get through those, the rest is a breeze. The baby will naturally take to your breast, so put him/her there as soon as you can after the birth. After that, it will take some getting used to, you will need to try different positions and make sure the baby's latch is right. It very well might be painful for a while, but that will go away if you stick with it.

But seriously, get the book. It's the bible of breastfeeding.

I agree the Hospital is the best place for info and a lactation consultant is the best. it is harder if your baby is a premmie and in NICU. They can't breast feed in NICU really and sometimes your milk isn't ready. I tried but only had a little so I had to do both breast milk and I would add it to there formula as my consultant advised anything you can get no matter how little can help the baby.

I bought a breast pump but it did not, do the job like the ones you can get at the hospital. They rent them and they fit you with the right one I had no idea and the attachments I had would of been to small. The ones at the hospital are the best ones and expensive so renting it was best for me. I spent less than I would of buying one like that.

Don't freak out. It's really a natural process and quite easy. At the hospital, they will help you to get the baby to latch on to your nipple, if the baby doesn't do it automatically. They'll be a wet-nurse # posted somewhere in the room, I'm sure.

As for what you'll need: definitely a pump. I purchased the one from babies-r-us that had a double pump and that you can carry like a back-pack (I traveled by train!). It worked perfectly. Doing both at once saved time. The pumps pretty easy to use but does take a minute to become comfortable. In the beginning I used the mini-bottles that camae with the pump. It was very convenient and fast cleanup. As the need for more bottles arose, I started using the bags but I would still first fill up the bottles and then pour the milk into the bags. Babies-r-us also sells this tall ice-cube looking container for the storage of the milk. I would date the bags and put the bags in ice-cube looking tray and store it in the fridge. It makes the storage in the fridge much easier as bags don't stand upright. I did also invest in some breastfeeding-friendly bras with the clip on top. I think this is a must! That's about all I recommend. I purchased the pads for leakage and some cream for sore nipples but didn't use either of them. I think Aveno worked best for the dry itch you may experience. I would just keep that in my pump bag.

I'm not sure if you're staying home for 6 weeks or 3 months, but in either case, I would suggest getting up at some point in the middle of the night, in between feedings, to pump while you're still home. The more you pump or offer the baby milk, the more you will produce and for working moms having extra breastmilk at home could be very helpful. There will be accidents and caregivers will spill your precious breastmilk leaving your poor lil' one hungry if there's not another to take its place. It'll be hard making the time to pump at first, and there may not be a lot of milk coming out in the beginning, but keep it up. The more you demand of your beasts the more the milk will come. People always wonder how they know if the baby is getting all that they need. This is a good way to make sure you have enough of it to go around.

FYI: I did a combination of breastfeeding and the bottle but it was always breastmilk. My husband wanted to be part of the feeding process. I think this allows for the men in our lives to bond even faster with their children AND it gives you a little break. Trust me, you WILL be tired, especially since you're going back to work!

As an aside, I have one daughter, now almost 5, whom I breastfeed until she was 7 months, but I have a friend who, like you, had 2 boys whom she didn't breastfeed b/c she just didn't have the patience for it, but then had a 3rd and did. It was a baby girl, not that that matters, but she loved it and was happy for the experience.

Good luck to you and I hope all goes well :-)

I breastfed all 5 of my children (currently still BFing my 5 month old.) With each one it took 1-2 weeks to relearn and adjust to each child. It took practice and getting through the pain. =) I've heard, but never tried it cuz I heard too late...LOL, that breast shields really help with latching on and with the pain and soreness that is normal in the beginning. If you supplement with formula or food, your milk will decrease so don't supplement no matter what (unless there is a medical problem of course.) Enjoy this time because it truly is very short. BFing lasts for a short time but gives a life time of health to your baby!!! Congratulations!!!! Good luck!!!!
BTW~ I only used a pump when I had surgery when one of my kids was 5 months old. I just used a freebee one my sis gave me that she picked up at a yard sale. When my son was in NICU at birth, I used a manual pump. They all worked fine for me.

Check out some of the information at http://www.llli.org/nb.html and find out about a local chapter of La Leche League or a referral to a Lactation Consultant. Usually hospitals have one on staff. You may be able to go to a class about breastfeeding, or sometimes these are offered in conjunction with birthing classes.

I wouldn't buy a pump right away until you know how well breastfeeding will work for you. Many hospitals and home health services offer them for rental, so you could try one out to see how it will work. Everyone is different, and some women will have medical issues that don't allow them to breastfeed, but barring that, the most important indicator of breastfeeding success is the mother's commitment and support from family and friends. I have personally found it to be mostly easy and convenient, and a nice quiet time with the babies. Good luck!

I have been breastfeeding my 3 mos old since birth, and nursed my son for 16 months and my other daughter for 1 mos (then switched to formula, as I found bf difficult, but then regretted it as I hated paying for formula, making up formula, heating formula especially when out and about, washing bottles). As you know, engorgement is no fun and because of that, breastfeeding IS initially painful. If you can decide in your mind to get through those 2 weeks and know that by 4 weeks it's easy, it's SO worth it. Baby will feed more often, but that starts to space out. We co-sleep, so nursing at night in bed is much easier than bottle feeding at night. I just roll over and feed her. Wait on the pump expense until you are sure. I would rent for a month or two and not pick it up til week 2 or 3.

Interview and select a lactation consultant prior to giving birth so you have formed a relationship BEFORE any problems may occur.

Know that some people put the baby to boob and it's smooth sailing. Know that some people struggle with bfing for 2 months before it gets 'easy'.

Be open-minded and flexible. Make decisions that are best for both you and your baby.

Ask lots of questions at the hospital. Don't feel badly if you feel like your monopolizing the LCs time; they are there to help and when you get home, there is no nurse button you can push to call an LC in for reinforcement.

What a great decision you're making! For you AND your baby! The first thing you need to do is find out when the hospital is offering breastfeeding classes. Almost all hospitals offer them, some are free, others are a minimal charge. It's WELL WORTH it! They are often taught by a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding peer. Most WIC offices also have breast feeding classes. Don't be afraid to ask questions and even meet with them one on one. If you do get WIC, you should also be able to get a free pump since you work. If not, I recommend a Medela pump. You can find them used on CraigsList and you just buy all the attachments new, so you're only re-using the motor. The attachments are fairly inexpensive when compared to the price of a new pump.
There's nothing that you need to buy right now. That's one of the wonderful things about breastfeeding, you already have everything you need! Eventually you're going to want a few good nursing bras and some breast pads. If you want to buy a nursing bra before you give birth, just buy one. Your breast size is going to change after your milk comes in. Wait a few weeks after you give birth to go buy things like that.
Again, congratulations on your decision! I'm happy to answer any other questions!

Good for you! I didn't read any responses, so this may be a repeat.
First of all, there are many good books, websites that have alot of info. You can start there and read what you can. However, the most beneficial things that helped me where:
1) the hospital that I delivered at offered a Breastfeeding class. was very helpful and not as overwhelming as all the info in the books/websites.
2) Talk to a mother that has breastfed to really understand the process, or should I say tricks of the trade. I got alot of useful practical info from fellow moms. for example, you can use pantyliner cut in half to absorb leaks instead of the breast pads - easy and cheap. But the washable ones worked so much better for me and seemed to be easier/cheaper in the long run.
3) Don't stress about it... it will come naturally. And if it doesn't, there are typically 24hr consultants in the hospital that will help you. I used them frequently in the hospital because I was determined to make it work, and was afraid that if it didn't come together in the hospital, chances of success when I got home would be lower. That is actually not the case, the consultants are available all the time... in or out of the hospital. But use them while you are there - so much easier and more convenient for them to see you breastfeed and they can correct/teach/understand the issues better. Whether it is the way you are holding the baby, if you are engorged, or if the baby is in the wrong position, etc.
4) and most of all... enjoy the special bond that you will develop with your little one. It will last a lifetime. Good luck!

Congratulations on considering breastfeeding! Breastfeeding should be your decision not your husband's. Is he supportive now? Even if you have the best intentions, sometimes it does not work the way you plan it. I would recommend a breastfeeding class with your husband, so he can have a different point of view this time around. Breastfeeding is the greatest, but it does not work for everyone. I exclusively breastfed my daughter let's just say for a very long time. She never took a bottle or a sip of formula. My husband was very supportive, and I was very fortunate to stay home. This has worked for me because she was the only child, however it was very existing because I never got a break for about 19 months. It was a learning experience....i am due in 3 weeks and I hope to breastfeed, but I will not have the same flexibility with my second child because I also have care for my 3.5 daughter. What I loved about breastfeeding is the I never had to use or clean or sterilize or warm up the bottles, or to even get up and put the lights on for nighttime feedings. The baby's bassinet would be right next to my bed and the baby never cried fir food because breastfed babies give you cues they are hungry. The boob was always there with the right temerature and the perfect amount. Not to mention the savings. The existing part was the breastfed babies are fed more often because the breast milk digests faster. Every 30 - 45 minutes 24x7 for couple first months. The greatest thing is the my daughter never had to take Any medicine or antibiotics, she just never got sick she is now 3.5 y old.

Since you have two other kids to take care of, I would say pumping might be a great idea. Frozen milk is valid for about 3 months. Even if you go back to work you can still pump and possibly give at least one bottle of breast milk a day as long as you can. Please note, the less the baby sucks on your boob or less you pump the milk production will slow down. Also if you decide on freezing the milk, freeze no kore than 2 oz in a bag the way you don't waste your breastmilk just in case baby does not need the much. You can always defrost another bag, rather than wasting it. Feeding the baby with a bottle is always easier on the mom because you can have some help from the daily feeding the baby, you can take a break and rest.

Lots of luck and success, happy planning for a little princess! Please keep us posted.

Good for you, that is fabulous!!! Nursing your baby is the most natural and organic thing you could choose to do for your baby! It WILL go well, if you want it too.

My best advise is to get to know a lactation consultant. During your pregnancy call around a find one who you love <3. Ask her all kinds of questions and when you have your baby she can come to you in the hospital. Worth every stinking penny! When you get home with your baby keep in contact so if any concerns or questions come up she will be right there with the answers for you (especially if you have plans on returning to work and are going to pump as well)!!
LLL is a great place to get the names of the LC in your area but if you would like to know the name of the angel I used, please let me know. I am not sure if she travels to Denton, she might, but if not she will know someone great to refer you to.

I nurse my babies and I think I have run the gamut. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. McKinney isn't too far from Denton so I may be able to give some pretty good local recs.

Good Luck!!!