Breast feeding advice??

Question

So I'm a ftm, I really want to breat feed. I plan to see a lactation specialist in the hospital but unfortunately don't have any free breast feeding classes near me and can't really afford to pay for anything right now. Is there any advice? Things I need to tell the doctors at delivery? I also need help getting a birth plan put together.. I want to try and hold off on an epidural until I feel I can't take it anymore and I know I want delayed cord clamping.. But other than that I'm not sure what's best for baby, and helping them get used to breast feeding. Any advice?

Answer

Do you have a babies r us near you? They offer a variety of free/very affordable prenatal classes. I'm actually going to an infant cpr class at a store near me today. I also will be signing up for there breastfeeding class.

Answer

Read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding! The newest edition, #8. It's soooo informative!! Also some specific videos you can watch online are by jack newman, they will show you how a correct latch looks.

Answer

YouTube is a great resource. They have videos of newborns learning to breast feed and tips and tricks on what to do. Just a little googling can get you into a world of information. And I would look harder into classes. I know they may be a ways away, but they will be worth it. You will have to go above and beyond for your baby, best start that now! Check with your hospital, maybe they have literature they can send you, and they may have classes you can take. Most classes I have taken have been free, the most expensive was $30 and that was for CPR certification. It's important to get medical information about birth, that will help you get a plan started, seems like you're off to a good start though!

Answer

Birth plans should be short and sweet. Drs don't want a crazy long list :)  mine was 1 page typed out in huge font with maybe 6 things on it.
Delayed cord cutting, skin to skin, don't offer pain medication, no interventions unless medically Needed, Yes to Vit K shot, delay eye drops 1 hour.   That's was it.  Put your name and the babies name at the top of the paper too.  I had a few copies of it and the nurse put on the top of my chart.  
Of and maybe put on there if you are okay with them cutting you or not.  I tore naturally.

Answer

Check with your doctor, the hospital you deliver at always has a lactation specialist. Good luck!!

Answer

I'm taking my classes through WIC. I found a templt online for my birthing plan and plan to fill it out and have a copy given to my doctor (she requested so she can be familiar) and have a copy in my purse and hubby wallet. I'm high risk and have had a lot of issues so mine details what to do in case of a urgent emergency as in who to save first so it's more complicated than some. But I would suggest Google it's been a life saver

Answer

Breast feeding was hard for me.  YouTube was my best friend!  I had 2 bad lactation consultants.  It made my problems so much worse.  Advice from any other mama just about would have been better.  If you see a mom with a baby at the park or in your friend group, ask them for tips/advice.  Seriously, don't feel awkward to even ask people you know if they are friends with a mom who was or is breast feeding.  Almost every mom I've met has been really open about their experience with all things baby as long as you are open enough to ask for help! :) and don't be listen to people who say "your body will make enough, you never need to supplement!" It's bull crap.  MOST moms can feed just fine without issues, but every baby has a different temperament and every moms body is different.  No shame as long as the baby is eating something that keeps it going!    
Look into tongue tied babies, I know a few people whose babies had that and it made nursing hard.  (Super easy to fix if you go see your babies Doctor) and look up "proper latch" and nursing holds/positions.

Answer

I didn't take any classes. And you should have a package from the hospital closer to your due date that you can write your birth plan in. I recommend breastfeeding as soon as your baby is pushed out if possible. Do looootts of skin to skin. I breastfed for 2 whole years :)

Breast feeding advice??

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