Still thinking of breastfeeding...tips on how to go about this?

Question

I'm still thinking of breastfeeding, but I'm worried my breasts aren't the right shape or something. Can anyone who has experienced breastfeeding offer any tips or anything about this. I'm planning on pumping too. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Breastfeeding specialist and asking them a ton while in the hospital will help. All I can say is unless you aren’t producing enough or your baby isn’t getting enough nutrients don’t ever give up. It gets easier over time. It’s the hardest the first month. And as long as you get through that you will be just fine. It just takes time for you and baby to figure it all out and for your boobs to regulate. Nipples also can hurt but get a good nipple cream and keep them from being dry so they don’t crack. Also even if your nipples are blistered baby feeding will help it. It’s like teaching your nipples hard work. Like going from never working with your hands to working with them and getting calluses. Sounds gross and awful but they don’t get hard or rough they just need to understand they have to work harder than they normally do😂 Good luck with your breastfeeding journey!

Answer

There are breastfeeding classes you can do before birth that are very helpful and some insurance companies reimburse. There are also online classes. Milkology.com costs like $125, but I think medela and spectra (breast pump brands) offer free video courses. Don’t be discouraged if latching and bf is challenging at first. I had a lot of latch problems with my first and needed the support of a lactation consultant. At the time I thought I was just failing at this thing that was supposed to be so easy, but the more I talked to friends I found out it’s super common. I pumped while working out the latch issue and even briefly supplemented with formula, while waiting for my milk to fully come in. I ended up bf exclusively successfully for 6 months, but be open to doing what’s best for you and babe. Good luck!

Answer

Just a tip pacifiers can very much so confuse a new born breast fed baby. Keep the pacifier away until you both get the hang of breastfeeding!! Let him/her get used to your nipple before introducing any other kind of nipple!

Answer

Go to a breastfeeding class at your hospital, join a la leche league group for support! Breastfeeding is so worth it! The first month is the hardest, but after that, you will be so happy you did it!!!!

Answer

I breastfed my first for a year and she's one and half now so my experience is very recent. For me personally it hurt a lot at first even when my lactation consultant checked the latch and for tongue ties and such. I found that it was way more comfortable after my milk came in! If it hurts for you as well try and give it some more time before you make up your mind either way!

Answer

Definitely request for a visit from a lactation consultant if one is available! And maybe see if your doctor could see if you have flat or inverted nipples, so you have an idea if you’re going to need a nipple shield to help get you started. Also, look into whether your delivering hospital offers some sort of breastfeeding class, or see if there are any offered in your community. If you aren’t able to find a class, definitely look on YouTube and websites like The Milk Meg for advice. Maybe see if your doctor (or even your baby’s pediatrician) has any tips as well.

Answer

I found a breast feeding class at a local hospital that I am going to next week. It was listed on the hospitals website and is totally free. I believe it is going to be like 2 hours 6-8pm after work on Aug 13. It can’t hurt for me to go and I am anxious to learn all I can before my baby gets here. I am going to try my best to breastfeed her!

Answer

Make sure you inform the nurses as soon as you get to the hospital. The quicker you can try to get the baby to latch the better. Definitely ask for a lactation consultant you may even get to see one at your doctors office for the 1 week visit. Don’t pump for a least 3 weeks so your milk production can come in so your body can know what to produce for your baby.

Answer

I had inverted nipples with my first and never nursed successfully.  I was able to exclusively pump for a year though.  I definitely recommend Facebook groups for support.

Answer

I haven’t been able to breastfeed, so I don’t have an advice off experience. I will say though, take advantage of the lactation consultant that will visit you in the hospital. They are super kind and knowledgeable and can help answer any question you might have!

Still thinking of breastfeeding...tips on how to go about this?

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