Looking For Advice For a New Mom

[MrsKoehn]

I am 14 weeks with our first (yeah!). My sister was unable to nurse both of her kids, and my Mom had trouble with me (her oldest) but not with the next 5. I have pretty bad health issues I think may be in part to my not nursing much as a baby (Crohns, overcoming allergies, low weight, etc) so I am so happy to be pregnant and past the scariest part of the first trimester. My SIL has some books she's recommending I read on HB and BF (I plan to do both) but what are some tips and tricks and encouragement you can give me toward being able to BF my babe when he arrives?

Thanks ladies!

[katelove]

Congratulations. I'm about 14 weeks too. Have you seen the November DDC yet?

To answer your question I would suggest reading as much as you can about breast feeding, and also finding out what support services are available on your area - La leche league, lactation consultants etc - so if you do need any help after the baby is born you will know where to go.

I'd also strongly encourage your partner to read whatever you do. The research has shown that the single biggest predictor of successful breast feeding is partner support.

All the best :-)

[Caracol8]

Congratulations! I'm sure you're about to get a ton more thorough advice from other ladies here but here's my little list:

1.) Lansinoh.  Or any other nipple cream, of course.  But have some handy right away (like yesterday) and apply, apply, apply after every nursing session.

2.) I think La Leche League is so awesome, but I feel like when they say "If it hurts, you're doing it wrong" they're really neglecting the number of us who are doing it right but just have wonky nerves in the wrong spot at the wrong time.  My left nipple HURT for a long time.  That's just how it was.  Our latch was great, it never got chapped and bled but it just made my toes curl.  I suspect it was simply a nerve ending that was just in an unlucky spot.  But I was diligent and within 4 - 8 weeks it started to feel normal, maybe numb, callused, jaded, I'm not sure.  But I'm so glad I didn't give up and just trudged through it.  

Breastfeeding can hurt.  But there's a light at the end!  It gets better!  Remember that!

3.) My mom was a breastfeeding consultant, so I grew up knowing that I was going to breastfeed. There's no other option in this family   I think that "militant" attitude helped me.  I didn't give myself another option and therefore the painful early days, the hard days when I feel like my body is not my own, summoning the strength to nurse in public, not being able to ingest certain meds and food, etc. were all just part of the territory.  Sorta like all the discomfort that comes with a menstrual cycle... we soldier through it because we have to.

Of course, BF won't work for everyone and there should be no shame in using formula if you have to.  But if it's just a mental block against the discomfort then this tip might help.

ok, my nursling is being very wiggly, so I'll have to leave it at 3  tips.  I hope any of this helps.  Good luck!

[MrsKoehn]

Thank you, ladies. :) Katelove, I saw the thread and put in to be a part of the group. I'll pop up there whenever that goes through and I have time to get over there. And I could get my husband to listen to me read a bit here and there, and MAYBE read a few key things I marked, but he wouldn't read it. I'm surprised I got him to read (half so far) First Time Dads. He'll be supportive, but reading, nope. He likes to read, but fiction or researching a topic HE is currently interested in. Lol

Caracol, thanks for the tips. Nipple cream is one thing my midwife has on her requirements to have before the birth, so I'll have that soon. On not everyone has pain free nursing, my SILs 10 1/2 lb son was REALLY leaving her sore. One day she noticed he twists and rolls the pacifier in his mouth and that was what he was doing to her. Ouch! But he got over that in time. They're both doing well now and he's just over a year. :)