Is it hard to bf?

[Lottie86]

I know I'm asking aaaages in advance as I'm only 10+4 but with Findlay I exclusively expressed for 12/13 months so I have no idea about direct bf.

I initially thought Id just EE again but then I thought I am not sure how on earth I'd fit in all the time needed to EE when looking after a disabled toddler who needs 24/7 care as well as a newborn so I started to ponder about direct bf. Is it easy to do?

I've heard that you can bf whilst wearing baby in a wrap which sounds good to me as then baby could feed whilst I am doing things like Findlay's physio sessions etc but is it really as simple as latching them on and then waiting until they finish?

Do you still need to express as well to top up what they get from the boob or do they just feed from the boob alone? Also as I am used to knowing exactly how many mls F has (to the ml!) I am a bit worried as to how I would know if the baby was getting enough milk when directly bf as you don't know exactly how many mls they have taken


F is tube fed so I am basically clueless about anything other than expressing and tube feeding

Sorry if these are silly questions I'm just panicking in advance.

 

[MelanieAnn]

Hi Lottie

Can I say how much I admire you and your devotion to Findlay?

In answer to your specific question: breastfeeding is much, much easier than EE. So very much easier. That's not to say that it's easy: especially in the first six weeks while building supply, it can feel all consuming. But whatever your memories are of the period around Findlay's birth: it won't be like that.

Feeding from the breast is so, so much easier than pumping for a baby.

 

[aurora]

Its hard, but I imagine way easier than EE.

 

[LovelyGirl85]

Yeah I would imagine it's easier than EE.
I have a close baby carrier and I've managed to feed amy in it and it's been great. I've actually managed to sit and have hands free while she feeds! Also helps with holding her weight aswell!

Yup the only thing with bf is that you don't know how much they're getting but you figure out quite quickly when they're satisfied. I give Amy an expressed bottle at bedtime as I want her to take a bit more so she'll sleep longer!

 

[lori]

As somene who had to do a LOT of pumping in the first 2 months, I just want to tell you how much I admire your dedication to expressing for your LO. Breastfeeding is much easier, though it can be difficult in the beginning while you're establishing your supply and you and your LO are getting the hang of it. For the first few weeks, everything had to be just so to make it work (pillow, sitting in a certain kind of chair, help from OH), but it's definitely a learned skill, and by the time he was a few weeks old we were both much more adaptable.

You'll know your baby is getting enough by his/her wet and dirty diapers and weight gain. It can be stressful in the beginning not knowing if you're providing enough, but it's a wonderful feeling when you really begin to trust your body.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

 

[gemabee]

hey hun... i believe it would be easier than expressing... but for the first 6 weeks i suggest u ensure u have someone to help u. it will be very difficult carin for findlay nd bf'ing while ur supply is establishin.
xx
ps. i'm in awe of how strong u are!

 

[aob1013]

Everyone is different to be honest.

Leni was premature so once he had developed his suck we were well away. We both took to it so well, we've had no problems. No sore nips, no infections, and i've got tons of milk. We are very lucky.

When you are in hospital you must make sure you egt tons and tons of help, advice and support to make sure you both have a successful breastfeeding relationship.

 

[Rhio92]

It's hard, especially to get started, but so worth it!
You're amazing for doing what you're doing now btw xxx

 

[ShanandBoc]

Yep i second its hard work in the beginning, but the benefits and rewards are endless if you can stick it out.

Im sure glad i did! We are now nearly at our 2 month milestone!