How to avoid breastfeeding problems the 2nd time around?

[Inspiremom76]

Hi, I am new to Mothering forums. I found Mothering magazine after having my son, I so wish I found it before.

I am pregnant with #2, I had a very difficult journey with breastfeeding. I gave birth to my son in the hospital, the staff wasn't very supportive when I asked for help, the lactation consultant gave up on me, said he wouldn't latch and that I wasn't making enough milk, she told me to pump for a couple months , when I suggested La Leche League my doctor, the consultant, my pediatrician all said that they didn't think it was a good idea as they were too 'militant'

I really wish I had gone with my gut, now I am much more confident in my beliefs, and for advocating for myself and my child I really wish I had contacted them.

I ended up pumping exclusively after trying for a month at home. I pumped exclusively for 18 months, which was challenging. This time I want to do everything in my power to breastfeed normally. My nipples are on the flat side, and I have large breasts.

I am going to contact a LLLI individual when the time comes, and we are using a doula this time as well who is a lactation consultant. I would like any other tips that anyone has for succesful breastfeeding. Thanks!

Kate

[PatioGardener]

First of all I have to say - You pumped for 18 months? Wow, Mama! That's awesome dedication!

It's great that you are getting prepared before the birth this time. There's lots you can do. Why not go to a LLL meeting now while you are pregnant? You'll get tonnes of tips and then you'll know the leader if and when you want to call them after the birth. LLL is awesome - that pediatrician (and your doc and the consultant) were sadly mistaken. And totally not supportive of breastfeeding at all. It's so impressive that even with all that lack of support you pumped for 18 months! 

I gotta run, baby is calling, but there are plenty of tips to help breastfeeding get established so you'll get lots of advice here.  For starters, have a read of the kellymom site. It's awesome.

http://kellymom.com/bf/index.html

[Inspiremom76]

Thank you so much for the link, and ideas! I am going to go to a meeting, that is a great idea. Pumping was really challenging, but I am so glad I did it.

[zinemama]

My most important advice has already been said: get your support in place now. For me, that was meeting with an awesome lactation consultant. When I gave birth, she was already familiar with my history and was able to be there from day one to be sure I got a good start. For you it may be a LLL meeting or leader. Either way, get to know whoever it is now.

Second, and I know this is very difficult, at least it was for me: You have to do your best to remember that this is a whole new situation. New baby, new nursing experience. What happens this time isn't necessarily going to be defined by what happened last time. It's hard to get into that mindset. Even if things are going well, you may still find yourself having a lot of doubts, calling the LC to come over and check your latch just to make sure. That's normal. But I'm here to tell you that you can have a rotten time of it the first go and have everything work like it's supposed to the second time around.

[Inspiremom76]

Zinemama, thanks for your encouragement and ideas! I am planning to go to a meeting, and trying to take your words to heart about this being a totally new situation.