Preparing for Breastfeeding

[Mother Goose]

I'm getting in early! What can I do pre-birth to give myself the optimal chance of success with BFing? DD was a disaster. Pretty much no milk from the onset despite expressing between feeds. We made it to 6 weeks before calling it quits (2 hours at the boob and then taking a full 200ml of formula = Mummy and Daddy conceding that perhaps it just wasn't working) I'm desperate to BF this time!

TIA

[onthefly]

I'd suggest joining the ABA and doing the breastfeeding education class (you can find details on the website)
You might also find it helpful to talk to an LC or a breastfeeding counsellor - you can go along to you rlocal ABA group meeting to see one - about what happened last time and what you might like to do differfently this time. Some women also find writing a breastfeeding plan helpful.

Good luck!

[Barb Glare]

Ditto, Mad B. An ABA breastfeeding class is an essential. There is a system where breastfeeding is concerned. In this area more than any other knowledge is power. Once you understand how it works you can work with your body and your baby to meet your breastfeeding goals. I have had many second time rounders get those "aha moments" at a breastfeeding class.

[AlligatorsMum]

I've heard lactation slice can be taken prior to brith to help milk supply? And I have to say I have been making it weekly for last three weeks and it is delicious! I make mine with mini m&ms :-)

[Tanya]

Hi MG,
How was your birth?

[Mother Goose]

Emergency c-sect for maternal and fetal distress 8 hours after commencing induction.

[Tanya]

Why were you induced, MG? (sorry for all the questions but you may well know that birth is where good breast feeding begins).

[Mother Goose]

Yup and it's fine. I have a birth story on here somewhere.

Waters broke and no contractions after 24 hours. I was 40 +6.

[Tanya]

Will go and have a look see

Are you having a VBAC?

[sloane]

that would have made it a tough start for both of you. from what I've read an elective c section isn't as traumatic on mum or baby for bfing.

I think an aba class would be really beneficial so you're comfortable and have a plan. when you're in hospital it can be really hit and miss with regards to support or you may get half the story.

I think relaxing, resting, taking one feed at a time and remembering that feeding often is more to do with establishing supply than low supply are all good things to bear in mind in the early days

good luck

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[Tegam]

What about finding a LC in your area and meeting before birth. Then you know them after the birth??

[Mother Goose]

I'm having a planned c-sect this time and won't budge on that. The hosp I'm going to is well known for assisting with feeding. My last hosp was useless.

[HotI]

i did a breastfeeding class through the hospital when i was pregnant with DD. I subsequently had the opportunity to witness an ABA breastfeeding class, and i realised how much was missing from the class that i went to. I strongly recommend doing an ABA class, and finding out what help is available now so you know where to go if you have difficulties.

i know an awesome LC who would probably come out your way.

[Mother Goose]

Thanks HotI, that would be great!

[OceanPrincess]

I've sent you a PM

You have some wonderful resources closer than you think

[Miss.September]

I can vouch for the support you'll get for b/f at NP - they were wonderful and so encouraging. We had a bit of a shaky start but we were fine by the time we left.

[Mother Goose]

Thanks ladies!

Prmg, I'm glad you have vouched for them! One of the reasons I chose that hosp is the feeding support.

Op thanks for pm hon!

HotI, thanks for the details

How early should I get my ABA membership?

[HotI]

Early enough so you can read the book they send out with your first membership. It was so helpful to me. You also get a discount when you sign up to an ABA class.

You can also attend a couple of ABA meetings before you sign up if you want to check out your local group.

i think i signed up only about a month before DD was born.