Breastfeeding?!

Question

I'm 5.5 months prego with my 2nd and I wasn't able to bf my first d/t an emergency c-section and other things. What do I need to get to be successful?! Supplies, clothing, etc? Also, best pump! Thanks for your help!

Answer

My best advice is to follow the baby. Some people/doctors/nurses might try to tell you that baby should nurse 15 minutes per side every 2 hours (or some variation of that). And it just doesn't work that way. Your newborns sumach is only the size of an acorn. They don't need much. Mostly they need to suck and simulate the hormones to make milk production start. The more baby nurses the more prolactin receptors will be laid in your breast tissue and the easier time you'll have with your milk coming in. But most of all, just watch the baby. Follow his or her cues and trust your own instincts. You got this mama!

Answer

Visit a lactation consultant. They are such amazing help!

Answer

Are you going back to work after? I've been lucky enough to be a sahm, so I never pumped or needed bottles. I fed on demand until my daughter was 2 and she weaned (which was about a month ago hahaha)

This baby I'm hoping to pump a bit so I can do bottles when I need a break or am trying to get work done (because I also work at home)..

The main thing I couldn't have lived without was a nursing pillow! I didn't have one the first couple weeks and I didn't realize how huge of a difference it would make!

Also, it's different for everyone but my first 6 weeks were incredibly hard and I almost gave up a few times due to the pain from being overly engorged. But after we got through that it was amazing and I'm so thankful I pushed through for my daughter.

Whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck. ☺️❤️🌺

Answer

Best thing is to feed on demand. Some swear by nipple butter but i never used it and didnt have a problem. You can just rub in some of your own breastmilk and that usually keeps your nipple from getting chapped. I highly recommend nursing bras. They do have special nuraing shirts and even sweaters but they can be a bit pricey. Unless you are going to exclusively pump, i dont think the type of pump matters, most do a decent job. After your milk comes in, you usually get an oversupply, I'd take advantage of that and start building a backup stash for when you either go back to work or simply to have in case of emergency.

Answer

Just curious, why did the emergency c section cause you to not be able to breastfeed? I have no advice unfortunately, because this is my first.

Breastfeeding?!

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