Hi Guys,

I'm, hoping someone who has been in a similar situation may be able to reassure me.

With my dd I was desperate to breastfeed but my milk never came in, this was possibly due to a difficult birth and dehydration. I was absolutely mortified that I couldn't breastfeed

I'm now pregnant again and more desperate than ever to breastfeed. Has anyone had a similar experience and been able to breastfeed the second time round? I'm already stressing about it!

xx

My milk didn't come in properly for 6 days.
I think the biggest factor is determination, followed by educating yourself on normal bf newborn behaviour and how to tell lo its getting enough.
Also don't buy any bottles or formula.
X

I second the not buying formula or bottles
ooo and newborn feeding behaviour!!!! Raspberry, you are a little bit good

It really is understanding, some people often see cluster feeding (suckling at the breast very frequently) As being hungry or not getting enough milk.... when it's actually babys way of either getting your milk to come in or upping your supply....

My second baby is now nearly 8 weeks old, I was feeding him for the first 48 hours solid in the hospital... Three midwives offered me a top up of formula, I told them that would destroy all my babys hard work... My milk came in the next day...

I had a difficult birth, lot of blood loss and my milk didn't come in until day 6.

Do you have a breastfeeding support group nearby you could go to? I found speaking to a midwife and other breastfeeding mums a good support in the early weeks xx

My milk came in on day 5 after a horrible birth and big blood loss. Lots of people don't get their milk in on the textbook time of 3 days so don't worry if it's slightly 'late' arriving! LO was attached to my boob a huge amount working to get my milk in, at one point for 12 hours solid with small catnaps as breaks. Oh, I also never had that Dolly Parton day with massive hard boobs, my milk arrived by stealth I think

The midwife who visited me at home on day 4 was desperate for me to top up with formula, which I refused as LO had plenty of wet nappies so was obviously getting enough out to keep him going. She went a bit nuts over the fact he hadn't had a poo for a couple of days saying that he wasn't eating enough...took his nappy off to weigh him and he pooed all over her

If LO will latch and wants to suck just let them, they know what to do - cluster feeding is totally normal (although really hard work). I'm convinced that if I'd filled LO up with formula my supply wouldn't have established properly as he wouldn't have continued to clusterfeed. Just make sure there are enough nappies being produced and trust the boobs!

I was lucky that I had a couple of really good sessions with a breastfeeding counsellor as part of my nct course so felt armed with all the information and was prepared for how to get the feeding established and so had the confidence to stick to what I was doing. The midwives in the hospital were also brilliant and supportive.

Good luck hun, there's no reason you won't be able to breastfeed this time round. Try to stay relaxed (although easier said than done) and remember that there's lots of support here for you

Edited to add: if it really isn't possible for you to breastfeed please don't feel horrible about it, just try everything possible to give yourself the best chance. I really liked the book called The Food of Love by Kate Evans - really good information and well written as well as good funny anecdotes http://www.amazon.co.uk/Food-Love-Th...4074575&sr=1-1

Thanks I waited until 7 days but still nothing....I even tried pumping as baby was losing interest but nothing. I will definately be seeking extra support this time xx

Everyone told me milk is suppose to come in BY the 3rd day. When mine didn't, I became worried that I may be starving my baby, but she was cluster feeding fine. Her diaper changes were fine also. Both my mother and mil told me to drink tea with milk. I think this is how they did it in the old times, but the main purpose to it is water intake/hydration. Mother also told me coconut juice is great for breastmilk. Also, there is a tea for healthy lactation that contains fennell and other herbs that help with lactation. I drank this 3 times a day with milk mixed in it. I woke up on the morning 5 with achy breasts, hard as a rock and wet bra.....I believe that's what helped.

Goood luck, I really hope it works out this time. 7 days is a long time to wait, well done for sticking it out - I know it's definitely not stress free waiting for it to happen and wondering if it will! I don't take it for granted at all as it was something really important to me and feel very lucky that it worked. Feel free to pm me if you want to chat about anything, hopefully second time is the charm!

Thank you xx