Have I prepared enough?

[9jawife]

So I'm down to the final stretch in my pregnancy. I've done my best to prepare for the birth, the baby's needs when he gets here, and of course breastfeeding. I've done some reading online and my baby book has a good section on breastfeeding. I avoided LLL meetings till now because of some concerns I had with them, but I'm thinking I should've attended a couple--and now it's most likely too late because their next meeting is after my due date. I'm starting to get anxious now about what if I have some trouble. I DON'T want to think negative, but I also want to be well prepared. Are there any last-minute things I can do?

 

[schmetterling]

There's not too much to do before the baby arrives except educate yourself about breastfeeding (look up videos of how to properly latch the baby perhaps and different positions). Make sure you have some breast pads on hand and lanolin ointment. Be sure to get plenty of support after the baby is born. It helps to go to LLL meetings or join a support group. Be sure to see a lactation consultant after the baby is born to make sure things are going well, and don't hesitate seeing one again if you run into problems. Breastfeeding isn't easy, especially in the beginning, but it's absolutely worth it and it gets much easier as the baby gets older.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

 

[9jawife]

There's not too much to do before the baby arrives except educate yourself about breastfeeding (look up videos of how to properly latch the baby perhaps and different positions). Make sure you have some breast pads on hand and lanolin ointment. Be sure to get plenty of support after the baby is born. It helps to go to LLL meetings or join a support group. Be sure to see a lactation consultant after the baby is born to make sure things are going well, and don't hesitate seeing one again if you run into problems. Breastfeeding isn't easy, especially in the beginning, but it's absolutely worth it and it gets much easier as the baby gets older.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Thank you. I just remembered I have a breastfeeding DVD on my Amazon wishlist..it was out of stock at the time. Maybe time to check and get that ordered.

 

[IrelandsOwn]

Sounds like you've done everything you can! It's really good that you're prepared for it to be difficult, but it's easy for many people. Remember to trust your instincts. The more your baby nurses, the more your supply will increase. Trust your body and don't be bullied into supplementing. And ask lots of questions online! The best support you'll get is from mamas who have been there done that. Oh, and try and meet with a IBCLC is you have any concerns

 

[kalyrra]

I wrote this as an email for a friend of mine who was getting ready to have her first... maybe you'll find something useful in it?

Here's the link: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/breastfeeding/1900733-helpful-tips-advice-new-moms.html

 

[Marini_Mare]

I litterally just put babe to boob after she was born and we just went from there! It just came natural we are going on almost 9 months of breastfeeding with no issues! Dont stress about it!

 

[9jawife]

I wrote this as an email for a friend of mom who was getting ready to have her first... maybe you'll find something useful in it?

Here's the link: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/breastfeeding/1900733-helpful-tips-advice-new-moms.html

That was very helpful. I'm going to bookmark it. Thank you!

 

[Nervous_1]

I didn't attend a single LLL class or do any research (naughty me! ) before my baby arrived, and although I did have a few issues I found that no matter what question I had, there was a lady on here who would be able to answer it!

To be honest, if you are determined to bf, you'll find more than enough help to get you through after baby arrives, so I'd relax and not get stressed over bfing, especially as you're more prepared than I ever was!

 

[DittyByrd]

I second the Lactation Consultant suggestion. Many hospitals have one, ask to see one as soon as LO is born. Many insurances will also pay for a portion of a consult at home once LO arrives.

A couple of things to consider:

• You will never be fully prepared. It's the nature of the beast.
• Milk coming in is painful. Your breasts will be enormous, hot, and painful. You'll leak everywhere. Ice pack after feeds and ibuprofen go a long way.
• You will doubt yourself. Trust the baby. If baby has enough wet and dirty diapers in a day, baby is doing fine.
• Avoid giving in to the "my baby isn't getting enough" thought so long as baby has the appropriate weight gain and dirty diapers. Supplementing with formula is the beginning of the end of breastfeeding.
• The first 3 months are the hardest. It will hurt at first, no matter how good the latch and how much nipple cream you use. Once baby gets better and you're more comfortable, it's the easiest thing in the world. I couldn't be bothered with making bottles of formula not to mention the cost.
• Trust the process. You will want to quit. But you will be fine, persevere, and have a great BFing journey!

 

[snowfia]

Honestly, the best advice I got was to do what I felt was natural. BF is natural and your body and baby do know what to do

If you are struggling don't be afraid to ask for help but avoid formula. Your baby will feed a lot and it's completely normal. I felt like LO was constantly on boob for the first couple of months but that's absolutely fine

 

[Here_we_go]

My son took to bfing like a champ, my daughter...not so much. But remember you're not the only one that's new to it, your baby will be learning right along with you. I kept that as a mantra whenever my daughter would do the fussy, cranky, bit and fight my boob.

She'd get so frustrated trying to latch, finally latch only to pop right back off and cry again I would take a breath, burp her (allow her to calm down too) and offer the other side. Sometimes I would do this over and over again Finally she'd latch on ( ) get her belly full and go to sleep.

A crying baby can really make you doubt yourself. Like another poster said, as long as you have output (dirty diapers) , you know baby's getting input

It has it's rough moments but sticking through it gives you such a feeling of accomplishment. Good luck!!