BF success with baby #2 after failing with baby #1?

[princess2406]

Just after advice and some hope really. With my ds I only managed a few weeks bf then gave up (I did express for a couple more weeks). I found it so painful, cracked nipples and I was so tired. I know at the time it was the right decision for both me and my ds, however I really hope to succeed for longer with this baby. Anyone else have any similar experience?

 

[kajastarlight]

I had a similar experience and I was able to breastfeed DS2 for 7 months! The thing I did that may or may not have made a difference:

At 36 weeks I started "roughing up" my nipples with a dry wash cloth. Started out just once a day for a few min (during one commercial break while watching TV) then progressed to multiple times a day for more min. This will get the girls used to being abused

Stock up on lanolin cream before hand. I had so much lanolin cream once DS2 came and didn't ever even need it! That is Murphy's Law at its finest right there! LOL

Once your LO comes get that latch perfect - my hospital didn't ask me if I wanted to see the lactation consultant sense it was my second by I requested she come see me at least once to make sure the latch was good. And it was! A good latch is what will really save you.

Consider co-sleeping (you can do all the research and find out if that is right for you and your family) so baby can nurse all night and you can sleep all night. This SAVED me when my DS2 came along as I was a single mom by then

Plan for what your other LO will do during the time in the beginning when it seems like your baby is permanently attached to the boob! Or look into a sling you might be able to nurse in.

 

[Tulip]

Me!
I only managed a few weeks with ds1 but looking back his latch was shocking.

I was determined this time - slightly dodgy latch on one side but we're still going strong at 14 months despite two hospitalisations for mastitis.

Co-sleeping for the win here Also understanding newborn feeding behaviour and being prepared to basically feed constantly for the first 6 weeks.

 

[emyandpotato]

Totally different experience as I expressed from the start with DS1 and had every problem going, until I finally gave up with a very low supply and awful abscess at 8 weeks. It's been tough this time round but we're still going at 12 weeks without a single supplement, which I'm really proud of! I think knowledge of what to expect and what is normal makes the second time round easier, although it's tougher with two so you need determination!

 

[melfy77]

I had a very similar experience with DD1 and was worried when DD2 was born. I didn't do anything different but I co-slept (saved my sanity...) but she was just an easier baby to breastfeed!!! I need to update my breastfeeding ticker but she just turned 22 months and still breastfeeding!!...And co-sleeping. I am now a single mom; my oldest has her room and I share mine with DD2. I have a Queen size bed, she gets 90% of it and I get 10%...Not even kidding

 

[kajastarlight]

she gets 90% of it and I get 10%...Not even kidding

same situation here! LO gets 85%, Hubby gets 10% and I perch on the side hoping I don't fall off! LOL The only time I get a little more room is when I have to roll LO over to nurse him on the other side but as soon as he is done (well, as soon as I wake up and notice he is done lol) I move him back to the middle and I am back to my 5% of the bed LOL

 

[princess2406]

Thanks all, it's so reassuring to hear your experiences!