I felt I was as prepared as I could be, while still knowing that the reality would be more challenging! It really helped that my husband and I went to a BF class run by the ABA before the baby was born, it gave us lots of time to talk about things like attachment and also see it in action. This meant my husband could give me great support and feedback when it wasn't quite right, he could see Angus' head wasn't in the right position or something.

One thing I wish had happened more is that the MW would have helped me get the baby out of the crib for each feed. As I had a c section, I just couldn't manage to sit up in bed and then lift the baby out. I had to get out of bed, pick up baby, then sit in the chair to feed every time. Very exhausting and not great for the swollen feet. If only they had come when I buzzed the first couple of days to help me get baby organised, I think I would have called on them more and wouldn't have got so worn out. In the hospital where I had the c section they were very busy so I could understand that. Then I transferred to the small hospital near home, where they only do vaginal deliveries (lots of natural births happen here) and so I think the MW treated me like I had delivered vaginally. In other words, it didn't cross their minds that I'd need help with every feed to pick baby up and get comfy. I think if I had had their help and been able to have more feeds in bed, I wouldn't have been so buggered.