A couple of questions

[Platinumvague]

I was unable to breastfeed DD1 due to no milk supply(on medication at the time).I am determined to breastfeed this baby.My questions are 1.Did you see a lactation specialist for help/tips? And 2.Was it helpful?

 

[hollowmac]

I actually did see one with my 2nd but for me it was not much help. Me and LO basically found our own way together. I find some of them way too pushy about it and some of them actually act like u are doing something wrong if u have difficulty. And with my 3rd, when she came into the room after I gave birth and found out that I was planning on supplementing with formula from the start, she was kinda crappy with me. U may find someone who is great and will give u great support but my experience with a lactation consultant wasn't that great. I actually got better help and support from the nurses.

 

[DaisyAnne]

1. Yes. 2. YES!!!!!

The only reason I can breastfeed today is because of the help of a good LC. We had a similar experience to hollowmac with the LCs in the hospital- they were super UNhelpful, and I felt as though they were pushy and made the baby mad. Really stressful more than very helpful. However, we literally got to the point where we could not get the baby to latch anymore after a few days of tongue tie problems, and he wasn't eating so we had to supplement with formula. Once his tongue got snipped, we saw an LC that a friend recommended, and she was GREAT! We went from not even able to get him near the boob without him screaming his head off and refusing to feed at home to him feeding peacefully within an hour! Worth the money times 10. We went back weeks later for a refresher once more of our other issues settled down. Try to get a recommendation from a friend or look at reviews if you can- some are great, some really aren't.

 

[luz]

I didn't see any specialists. I kept asking for help in the hospital, but since i had LO on the weekend, there weren't any there. I mostly watched lots of youtube videos and read a ton online about proper latch & different holds/positions. Once i got a chair to feed him in things got a lot easier as well. Good luck!

 

[JenX]

Help from a lactation consultant was absolutely key for me. I had one who came to me in the hospital, and I went back to meet with her two more times after discharge. I still see her every week in a breastfeeding group I attend. Highly recommended.

 

[Mum2BKW]

I also wouldn't be breastfeeding now if it weren't for a couple of outstanding breastfeeding specialists. In the hospital the midwives gave very mixed advice but once we went to a local group outside the hospital we had so many of our problems resolved. I also still go to the group once a week even though Scarlett feeds so well now

Reading books and watching videos doesn't compare to having someone who really knows their stuff go through it with you, in my experience.