Steph, I enjoyed reading your post - it is just so true... To find support before birth... I had planned a homebirth with my first child so I had my own midwife, thus one on one support. I too suffered with many trials in learning to breastfeed my first baby... I still cringe at those early weeks. I also had an incredibly supportive husband.

My husband has asthma and three of four of his sisters children have asthma and eczema. I was determined as I had educated myself well on the protective benefits of b/feeding to reduce allergies... I copped so much flack from DH family and "well meaning" people. It was incredibly difficult. But I battled on... None of my children have asthma or any allergies thus far.

Interestingly my SIL finally asked about B/feeding and allergies (after openly poo pooing me!) and chose to fully b/f her fourth for the first 6 months (the others had only been b/f for a few weeks)... He is the only one of her 4 kids without asthma and eczema.

Thanks again for your post and good luck with your next birth...