Before you start BF

[mrsholmes]

Is there anything that u recommend doing prior to starting BF, to stop cracked nipples etc?

 

[angie0235]

I used the lanolin cream from the very beginning and it seemed to help. I use one in a purple tube from boots - sorry can't remember how to spell it but it was called linoshoa or something like that. Good luck.

 

[Plumfairy]

Not sure that there is anything you can do proir to it, but just slap on the lansinoh after every feed. also vaseline. My nipples got quite cracked and it is so painful, but it went after a few days. x x x

 

[ryder]

ummm make sure you have contacts for assistance and information handy. Maybe even meet with a breastfeeding support nurse before and see who you like. Alot of the complaints on BnB are women saying they had no encouraging assistance, so make sure you have some contacts of women you can trust to support you the way you want.

Bfing can be difficult and painful at the start and like I said, lots of complaints have been that people stopped because they didnt know enough befre.

 

[Starling]

Expect that you will probably have some pain, but it will go away if you take care of your nipples. First you have to make sure the baby is latched properly, in the begining i would always rub some breast milk on after feeding and let it air dry. Putting a warm cloth on you nipples between feedings then applying Lansinoh will help a great deal too.

Even after my cracked nipples healed there was still and unconftorable pinchy feeling which will usally go away at about 5 or 6 weeks if you take care of them.

After you and the baby get the hang of it there isn't anymore pain (until they start teething), but just stick it out and grit your teeth at first, cause it can be quite unpleasent.

Oh and one other thing which i didn't know. Whenever you breastfeed your uterus will start contracting back to size, which feels pretty much like contractions durn labour sometimes, tylenol will help with those.

 

[Samantha675]

One thing is not to use soap on your nipples, when you shower just rinse them in warm water. The only time I had cracking is when I started soaping them up, and OMG, horrible.

 

[marley2580]

A lot of places run breastfeeding workshops for anti-natal women, where you can learn all the ins and outs. If there's not one near you maybe try going along to a breastfeeding support group where you can get loads of tips and hints, plus it'll make it easier to go back once your LO is here.

 

[clairebear]

Research local support groups ans see if ur hospital has bfing coordinators (mine did) x

 

[mrsholmes]

thanks girls, I really want to be able to bf so trying to get as much info as possible

 

[Samantha675]

the biggest thing is to be determined to BF. It is really difficult and frustrating starting out, you have no idea what you are doing, and it just takes a long time for the baby to feed. But it does get easier the longer you nurse, just getting past the first 6 weeks is the hardest part. Good luck!!!

 

[Serene123]

Yeah, soap made my nipples crack too!! All I did to clear it up was squeeze abit of breastmilk on them. Soon cleared up!

What I wish I knew before breastfeeding:
Crying in the first few days is NORMAL. It's a GOOD thing and they are bringing your milk in.
It DOES get easier.
Growth spurts don't last forever.
People are not going to stab you because you breastfeed in public. Aslong as you're discreet, no one really cares!

 

[golcarlilly]

All this advice has put me off bf!!! is it worth it?

 

[Serene123]

If it wasn't wroth it we wouldn't still be doing it

 

[Pyrrhic]

All this advice has put me off bf!!! is it worth it?

I struggled for 17 days to feed Niamh. Every single day, every two hours, day and night. It was hellish. 17 days old was the first time I got a latch. It's only in the past 3 weeks we've actually been BFing.

I am so glad I stuck with it. I love breastfeeding. It is truly amazing, and so worth the effort I had to put in to get here.

 

[golcarlilly]

I didn't mean to sound 'off' about it, I am seriously considering it but the thought of it actually scares me to death - maybe I shouldn't read about it first - just try it? LOL

 

[Serene123]

No, read up on it. Alot!! Loads of people struggle because they're not "clued up"

 

[golcarlilly]

Any ideas on good guides/books to read?

 

[Serene123]

Kellymom is Great!
https://www.kellymom.com/bf/index.html

I'm not sure about books but perhaps the girls will know some.

 

[golcarlilly]

Thanks for that, I will have a read, the only thing I have read so far is the leaflet the mw gave me, I have no idea where to start!

 

[Serene123]

Just remember if you and your baby don't get on with breastfeeding and you're too unhappy, then there are other options and you being happy is the most important thing x