Breastfeeding - what do I need to know?

[Jen27]

Hi Kritkit

I have been feeding my dd for 6 months. I think one of the best things I have learnt as its gets easier! in EVERY way! they seem to feed so often and for so long as newborns, this paired with tiredness and sleepless nights can be hard. But it definately gets easier. dd used to take over an hour at first, now it takes her about 5 minutes. they get more efficient at taking the milk out of the breast, so they take more but in a shorter time. Breast feeding is not only the perfect food for baby, but so handy. I couldnt be bothered with washing all those bottles, or preparing a bottle when dd wants a feed straight away.
I remember breastfeeding was difficult at first, to attach my baby, get in the right position, needing pillows etc. its definately gets easier!, I can feed standing up, on the move or wherever now.
Also I was told by a few people that I would have to feed through the night and if I gave a bottle dd would 'sleep through'. but I know many formula fed babies that wake through the night also. DD has slept between 9-12hours a night since 7 weeks old (and shes exclusively breastfed).
My first aim was to feed dd for at least 3 weeks.. then 6 weeks, then 3 months. Of course I knew it was better to feed long-term but I set myself small goals. I found it help in the beginning. My next aim is 1 year.

I also had an open-mind in the being, knowing that breast is best (if you are able to do it), but formula was an alternative. It helped me to relax a bit more.

Good luck with breast feeding and good luck with the birth of your baby

[Krikkit]

Hi again, thanks to everyone for the great advice and support!

Just a question re ABA - I haven't got any letter or confirmation (but they have charged me) I was really hoping to have the book before I went to hossy cross fingers it arrives tomorrow or very early Wednesday morning! - does it usually take this long?

[~clover~]

I can't answer your question, but wanted to add something.

You mentioned badly cracked nipples & bleeding last time? I'll just make a suggestion. Silicon nipple shields can help. They aren't good for long term use, but I used them while my cracks & thrush healed & they were a God send. I only used them for 2 days, but they gave my nipples the break they needed to heal, while I still fed DS as much as he wanted.
Nipples do heal quite fast, so I wouldn't recommend using them any longer than about 2 days, but they truly did help me. Maybe they'll be worth a try in the middle of the night. The step before formula. Baby still needs to put in effort to drink too, so him/her becoming confused shouldn't be an issue
Only if you feel comfortable using them though

[Krikkit]

Hi Clover, I do have a set of silicone nipple shields - I bought them ages ago, but didn't quite know why! lol.. I know my hossy does have them, but my sister said to take my own ( so I can get used to them and so can bub) if I need to use them.

I am quite prepared, but I have this feeling that nothing is going to prepare me for what is going to happen on Wednesday. It still seems so UNREAL that I am about to have a baby - even though I have seen u/s and feel her move everyday. Its a bit weird really, I thought I would be more excited - but I seem to be more worried than anything!

[Smoke Jaguar]

YOu had a baby with TT last time? How was this dealt with at the time (i.e was it diagnosed right away? Did you snip?)?
My DS had TT and I didn't know about it for 4 weeks. 4 friggin weeks of torture! No formula, though, it was just not an option for us.
Apart from the things you have done (sub for ABA, reading Breastfeeding Naturally), I would also call ALL the medical clinics within driving distance to your home and find out and list which ones do TT snips. It is not worth waiting around for (as you know) and it is painless - babies only cry with the snip because you're forcing their mouths open, there are no nerve endings there and it only helps them and you. Snipping is WIN WIN. When pg with DD I called around to make sure there would be someone available to snip a TT if I couldn't get an appointment at my preferred clinic. There was no way I was going through that hell again. Luckily, I didn't need my list of snipping GP's
I only just found this thread, and as I progressed through the posts it became clear why you posted - TT is just awful when it's not dealt with promptly! It needn't happen the same way again
I'd also go through the list in the IBCLC Lactation Consultant finder web page and make note of who's near you, just in case. I wish I'd called on a LC for DD, but DP was already complaining about the cost of the homebirth and I have a great network for moral support. I may still have to enlist one, anyway, cos DD's attachment is still pretty crappy
You're in teh right hands!! Look up your local group, too - ABA groups are the bees knees