[Minty]

This is my first baby. I'm VERY new to all of this.
I for SURE want to breastfeed...you know, the bonding and all.
What do you suggest for someone who has NO idea how it works?
Techniques? What should I be prepared for?
What is it like the first time you successfully feed the baby?
Should I keep track of the feedings?
Anything will help!

[mgm78]

is the baby here yet? i would recommend taking a breastfeeding class and /or attending the full series of meetings with your local La Leche group. There are a bunch of books like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and Dr Jack Newman's breastfeeding book as well as kellymom.com with lots of resources. I posted some good info the other day on breastfeeding timeline and what to expect, i also put it in the stickies.

[Lsnmommy2011]

Originally Posted by Minty

This is my first baby. I'm VERY new to all of this.
I for SURE want to breastfeed...you know, the bonding and all.
What do you suggest for someone who has NO idea how it works?
Techniques? What should I be prepared for?
What is it like the first time you successfully feed the baby?
Should I keep track of the feedings?
Anything will help!

I didn't really know specifics either when I was preggo and decided I wanted to breastfeed. I didn't really know anyone close to me who breastfed so I bought the book "What To Expect When You're Expecting." It has a good section of breastfeeding information. I learned the main positions to hold baby in. Honestly, after my son was born and it was time to feed him, the nurse was going to help and she got busy so I just tried on my own. I tried the football hold first and he latched right on. I was extremely lucky that he latched on so quickly. I never had any problems. But I definitely would by some Lansinoh breast cream. It was my saving grace because for about the first 2 months my nipples were very sore just bc they were not used to the nursing. This is my first baby too. The one thing I did not know is that breast milk is digested in your baby in about and hour and a half to 2 hours so baby will feed about every 2 hours. Best of luck to you! It's such an amazing feeling to know you're giving your baby the best possible nutrition and the bonding feeling is just indescribable!!!!!! Oh and also, I did keep track of feedings for the first few weeks. Also kept track of wet and dirty diapers so I would know he was getting enough milk.

[ShawnaCAN]

Find out if there is a La Leche League group in your area. It's all women supporting one another with breastfeeding. It's hard to know what questions you might have, until you have them! If you're in touch with LLL, you'll have lots of experienced Moms to help you with any question that arises along the way!

At the very beginning, you should have lots of support from your caregivers (nurses if you are delivering in hospital, midwife if you're delivering elsewhere!) So don't stress if you feel unprepared, they'll help you get started!

Also, find out who your local Lactation Consultant is. That is also someone you can call if you are having any sort of trouble.

[KimiB]

1 - No matter how much you prepare by reading, etc, still be prepared to find it challenging. But it DOES get easier.
2. Have some Lansinoh nipple cream on hand
3. Make sure you have some comfortable sleep bras and good quality daytime bras.
4. If you can find a breastfeeding support group near you, go! You'll meet other like minded people and get great advice/support.

[sunnyday3]

All of the advice ^^ is great. I would just add that the beginning can be a challenge, but if you stick with it, the benefits for baby AND you far outweigh any difficulties/discomfort. This board is a great source, as well. It does get easier and it is the best bonding experience for momma and baby.

[Lala78]

I've been nursing for 21 months and love it. It never occurred to me not to nurse, so I didn't ask a lot of these question. I did have some issues in the beginning about 3 weeks in, when I got a super raw nipple. I pimped on one side and nursed her on the other and after a couple days I used a nipple shield until the sore was gone. No problems since. It was scary, but I stuck with it since it is so much more important to a baby than just the bonding. We have been going strong since! Don't let this worry you, just know that you can do it.

I'd say, don't let the hospital bottle feed the baby at all keep your finger poised over the call Hutton for the nurse, and ask all kinds of questions while you're at the hospital or birthing center! Ask to see a lactation specialist while your their if your nurse isn't one. They are there to help and there services are included in the hospital stay so get as much info and coaching from them as possible.

Also, you can always call a hospital lactation specialist if you have any issues when you get home! I did and I didn't even call the hospital where I had her!

This forum was a lifesaver for me!! Don't stress about it. You and the baby will both figure it out!!