Possible breastfeeding issues?

[MommaKitten21]

I breastfed my first child for about 6 months. Now, I am 34 weeks pregnant with #2, and it's looking like we will be attempting to induce at home at 36 weeks (my husband is shipping out with the Army for 8-14 months the following week...trying to allow him to be here for the birth!)

My midwife is completely confident in the health aspect of the baby and all, but she did admit we could have some issues with breastfeeding. We have been doing joint care with a backup OB and they are ok with our decision as well.

I believe the concerns about having a baby at 36 weeks are because of potential latching issues, and a "will my milk be there?" issue, correct?

Are there any things I can do now, or anything I can buy now to help with any potential breastfeeding issues when she arrives? Any good books or articles? I am really nervous for this as I know what a challenge breastfeeding was!

[tinybutterfly]

Without stepping on toes and I mean to say this as gently as possible, are you sure you want to induce four weeks early?

I understand it would be nice to have your dh at the birth. I do get that. But if the baby is not ready to be born, you could end up with a lot more complications with the baby or the birth process from inducing.

That said, I found a link that might be helpful to you.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/preemie/preemie-links.html

[ewe+lamb]

In the gentlest of ways too, I'm agreeing with Tinybutterfly, I completely understand why you might want to do this, my dh was away for the whole of my pg with dd and managed to get here in time for the birth - I was lucky and I so understand that need to have your dh with you .

All that out of the way your milk will come in whenever your baby is born, and your colostrum/milk adapts to your baby's needs so that should be ok too, there is the issue of other complications as Tinybutterfly mentioned but I guess that you have discussed this with your midwife.

Where I am, you have to be at 38 weeks to have a 'home birth' if you go into labour before then and choose to have your baby at home and not within what is called a 'secure area' and not inform the hospital or the emergency services your money will not be reimbursed by the social health system or by the insurance - so you may wish to look into that as well.

Good luck a,d I just want to reiterate that I completely understand that this must have been a difficult decision for you and your family.

[JessicaS]

Why won't the Army let him stay for the birth?? Has he spoken with his CO about this? Generally the Army does what they can to make sure a spouse is there for a birth.

There could be more issues than what your midwife is suggesting.

If you are not very certain of your due date there could be serious repercussions. Also, induction is very likely to fail that early.

I am so sorry this just seems like a bad idea to me

[Bokonon]

I agree with the PPs. Premature birth, even as late as 36 weeks, can have lifelong health repercussions. The concerns aren't just latching issues. A 36-weeker is a preemie. There is a chance that everything could be fine, but it's a gamble.

Are you planning on having an amnio to check lung maturity before induction? Lungs typically aren't considered mature until at least 37 weeks.

I've had 2 preemies. I wouldn't recommend it.

[amydiane]

That really sucks that your DH is scheduled to deploy so close to your due date. I would be beyond upset in your shoes. With that said, though, I have to respectfully agree with the PPs. Not to scare you, but here is an article that talks about some of the potential problems with a late preterm delivery:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122999215427128537.html

I have one preemie and my cousin has 2, one of whom is a 36/37 weeker. She had to deliver early for medical reasons, and she was told ahead of time that babies born at that gestational age often need to spend a week or 2 in the NICU. Her DS fortunately didn't, though they did keep him there overnight for observation. He did have issues latching (which weren't helped by the incompetent staff, but that's another rant), and she didn't BF for very long (a few weeks, I think) because of it.

[KatWrangler]

I agree with the PP. I gently ask you reconsider.

[~Adorkable~]

i want to empathize with you as a fellow Army wife about your DH shipping out, that must be really really hard. We just got thru years of TTC while he kept deploying and it was hell, thankfully we made it thru. You will too.

i want to let you know hoe welcome you would be coming over to the Military Mammas thread in Finding Your Tribe to talk to other moms that have been thru the very same thing. it really helps to talk with other that have been in your shoes.

One thing that i keep thinking of as i read this thread is the worry that if your wonderful child ends up with any premmie issues (i do not know enough to say anything on wether they will or not), it is going to be even 10 times harder for your DH to eploy soon after while he worries to no end about both of you. Maybe a video of a great birth after he leaves can be enough, i know that none of this is great. I'm sure that most of al he wants to know that you are safe and so is your child.

hang in there, im thinking of you.

[mamazee]

What a bummer as far as timing goes.

I also would wait on the birth. Your dh will have a hard time heading out if he has a baby in the NICU to worry about, which can happen at 36 weeks. Waiting will give you the best chance at a good birth, your baby the best chance at health and the best start at life, and yes it will make breastfeeding easier. I say this with great love and understanding of how hard it is for him to miss being there. But I'm afraid you have two bad options, and I personally would choose the bad option that gave my baby the best chance at a good healthy start and the smallest chance at a stay in the NICU.

[Carhootel]

Originally Posted by mamazee

I also would wait on the birth. Your dh will have a hard time heading out if he has a baby in the NICU to worry about, which can happen at 36 weeks.

I totally agree with that. Please reconsider inducing so early. Best of luck on whatever you decide and congratulations on your new LO

[Bad Mama Jama]

i couldn't read without also asking gently that you reconsider a planned induction at 36 weeks. there are so many health issues that could tag right along with having a preemie. it happens yes, but you don't want unneccessary risks to your baby for the sake of a fully attended birth. it does seem to be a difficult situation, but please consider putting the baby's health and safety first.