[SomedayMom]

Hi there...I am about 8 weeks pregnant with my first and am trying to do my research. Breastfeeding is very important to me.

I have the Dr. Sears book, but I'm wondering if you have any other suggestions to help me prepare.

And is there a way to search the internet for Lactation consultants in my area, I dont' think it's very common around here, I don't know anyone who has done it

Also, for anyone who has to work and pump (I'll be going back 2 days or so when baby is about 3 months), are there any bottles you reccommend? Are the Avent bottles good for that or is something else better?

 

[Geofizz]

Congratulations!

Since you're going to be working and pumping, I'd certainly recommend Nursing Mother, Working Mother.

I'd also recommend attending LLL meetings while you're pregnant. There you can get advice on pumping, books, recommendations for lactation consultants (if you end up needing one). Plus you can make contacts with other moms in your area who are also breastfeeding. A definite plus!

As for bottles, we mostly used the el-cheapo Gerber nipples. I know many people have kids who will only take certain bottles/nipples, and our approach was simply start with the cheapest and work our way up!

 

[phathui5]

I second trying to attend at least one LLL meeting during your pregnancy. If you can't now, definately go after you have the baby. A lot of groups even have meetings in the evening for working moms. You can find your local group by going here:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/WebUS.html

One book that I really like is called So That's What They're For: Breastfeeding Basics. You can get it here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...305426-6046421

 

[Quirky]

You can look for a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) at this link. I think it's a great idea to find one in your neck of the woods and discuss services, prices, etc. ahead of time; that way, if you need her, you know how to find her.

I second the suggestion for Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Gale Pryor. Check out www.overstock.com; last time I looked they had it for less than Amazon.

Other books I really like:

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman
The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins
The Nursing Mother's Problem Solver by Claire Martin

You can look for a La Leche League meeting near you here, but also check your phone book as not every group is listed on the website.

Also bookmark this website, and read through it now: www.kellymom.com. It is IMO the best breastfeeding website around (and has other good stuff, but the breastfeeding resources are awesome).

As far as bottles, it is important IMO to use silicone nipples, to avoid latex and the plastic softeners found in other kinds of nipples. We used the Avent, which I also liked for the slow flow and the wide base (makes baby open up mouth wider, and helps prevent nipple confusion). But I wouldn't invest a whole lot in any one system before you know what your baby will take.

More advice on breastfeeding supplies:

My Brest Friend nursing pillow (I think it's much better than the Boppy)
Lansinoh
nursing pads (Lansinoh makes great disposable ones; if you're a huge leaker, www.blis.com makes a great system; there are also washable ones made by various WAHMs)
Breastpump: the Avent Isis is a great manual pump, and many moms like it as much or better than their electric pumps. Medela's Pump in Style and the Ameda Purely Yours are good double electric pumps. I have read several bad reviews of the Whisperwear recently, so I wouldn't go for that one.

HTH!

 

[lauraess]

You got great responses so far and I just want to say KUDOS for you for looking in to this and preparing. Nursing is natural but not easy. Dont listen to people who say anything Negative about nursing and dont listen to drs who tell you anything about nursing because they really usuallly dont know what they're talking about. the number one problem with bfing is lack of knowledge. number two is not believing in yourself. remember you are a woman and you are full of power that you never knew you had and bfing will give you and your child heaps more confidence and woman-power.:bf
Laura

 

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i second jnet tamaro's book and the kellymom site.

going to lll before baby comes is a great idea. meetings rotate in a series of 4. you will especially do well to attend "bringing baby hom- the first 2 weeks.

 

[DaryLLL]

Going to a whole LLL series is even better, the topics are great:

Benefits of Bfing (aka hazards of formula)

The First 6 weeks

Overcoming and Avoiding Difficulties

Nutrition, Starting Solids and Weaning

Once baby is born, try not to even think about returning to work for 4-6 weeks. Just enjoy your baby, learn how to nurse and get used to your new life! Since you have at least 12 weeks, and only part time work, read the Working Mother book after you are established in your breastfeeding and new life with baby.

Get a bigger bed, if you don't have a king size, or think about "sidecarring" a crib. It makes night nursing so much more restful.

Good luck with the pregnancy!

 

[Geofizz]

Particularly since you're concerned about finding the right help in your area, LLL is a great resource.

From the series meetings before Karen was born, I got info on breastfeeding and returning to work, but I also got the "low down" on our hospital. How to get the room with the tub, how to get the LC for help, how to deal with the car (big deal in this area -- no parking...), etc. Since I was going to a CNM practice with 9 midwives, I got stories about each one. Oh, I also found our doula through LLL meetings...

 

[SomedayMom]

Thanks for all the great info!