Breast feeding?

Question

I'm going to try breast feeding! With my son I couldn't but this time around I'm excited to try!

What are some must haves?
Best breast pumps? 
Bottles to use that are similar to the breast?

And any other information?! I plan on taking classes since I have no idea what to do or where to begin!

Answer

At first the pain of breast feeding will make you want to give up. Try nipple cream, soothing pads, and sometimes the baby will use your boo a as a pacifier. Don't let him/her do that. Try a pacifier. And I only used bottles to supplement. It could confuse the baby.

Answer

I have the Medela Pump n Style and it's been great. It's pretty $$$, so if its not an option (or a gift) then I'd say to get any electric pump. My sister used Playtex and it worked great! 
My daughter was picky about bottles, so don't buy a huge set of any one brand that can't be returned. I'd buy one bottle and try it so you're not out a ton of money. 
Nipple shield was my friend. :) bra pads so no wet t-shirts. Mine took a pacifier fine with no confusion. I nursed her for 13 months. Good luck!

Answer

I am a lactation counselor, make sure you have one meet with you at the hospital so they can show you good positions and a proper latch. And nursing on cue is HUGE! When baby is in REM sleep (still asleep but moving eyes) is the opportune time to feed baby. And some babies cluster feed, meaning 15+ times in a 24hr period and that doesn't mean you don't have enough milk, baby is just digesting quickly. Please don't doubt your milk supply, if baby is pooping it means he/she is getting enough. If you feel like you need to up your supply some, then add a pumping session in between feeds, or just nurse baby more. It's a supply and demand thing, by letting baby suckle you're telling your breasts you need more milk. If you feed on demand and have a proper latch you'll never have a problem with supply. Most insurance comapnies will cover an electric pump if you feel you'll need one. Any other necessities are breast pads that go in your bra, you will leak! Lol! Oh and comfy bras, or nursing bras. I nursed my daughter for 11 months and never had a nursing bra, so that's if you can afford/want one or a few. lol. Anywho, if you have questions or anything please don't hesitate to email me! Carolinebanman@hotmail.com

Answer

1) go to a breastfeeding class led by a IBCLC
2) see a lactation consultant as soon as you get home, and as often as necessary!!!
3) join as many bfing groups in your area as you can
4) read the "womanly art of breastfeeding"
5) start pumping once a day to establish large supply, as soon as you are settled home - but don't introduce bottle until baby is 4-6 weeks old, also avoid pacifiers until then
6) look up the "breast crawl" - it's a more natural way for baby to learn how to latch and makes things easier down the road
7) TRUST that your body knows how to make enough milk!!! Perceived low supply is far more common than ACTUAL low supply
8) visit kellymom.com for a plethora of breastfeeding tips
9) DONT GIVE UP!!!!!

Answer

My only response is nipple cream and patients!!!! My son had a terrible time latching while we were at the hospital. He was 5 days old before I could even get him to really latch. Don't get discouraged, and just keep trying! It's soooooo worth it

Answer

Good for you! Class is great- see if there are ongoing resources, like a BF group. My hospital has a weekly one, which is great for questions. La leche league is a great resource and "The Womanly art of BF" is a great book. Also, just know that sometimes nursing is hard, so don't give up, but try to find support to work through it. I set a goal of a year, which is a long goal, so consider a smaller goal like 4
or 6 weeks, or while on leave, and then re-evaluate. I found that having a goal helped me get through changing times.

Answer

Get the book "so that's what they're for!" It's a candid and funny read! And it talking about the hard parts of breastfeeding too, if you should run into them. Highly recommended!

Answer

Joining a BFing group is a must. The other moms know exactly what it's like and will give you so much help. My daughter would only drink from Tommy Tippee bottles, which basically look just like a boob haha. I'd definitely recommend those.

Answer

Thanks ladies for all the feed back! I love hearing personal experiences!

Breast feeding?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey