Can any mother breastfeed?

[DreamBabies]

I got such a hard time from my DH's family when trying to feed BD. They all but accused me of starving her. My DH restricted their contact with me and the baby because of it.

I really want to breastfeed my new baby. I'm feeling determined. DH supports me in this.

Will my baby get enough milk if it takes weeks for me to get it right? Will I be depriving them? I don't want to start top-ups or pumping prematurely. How will I know when to give up?

[BhoysGirl]

You're going to look at things like how many wet nappies they get in a 24 hour period (if you use disposables, this is about 5 wet nappies, cloth nappies about 6-8), things like weight gain (steady, gradual, consistent), things like skin tone & alertness, and a baby that at least for some parts of the day is contented. As you're about to find out, even when they have the same parents, no two babies are the same, so until your new bubs is in your arms it's all a bit speculative, but there are good general guidelines to telling whether or no he/she is getting enough. You're also going to do skin-to-skin like nothing else, and to do baby-led-attachment, because this is brilliant for stimulating supply, and getting bubs to get attachment sorted very early on. Worthwhile googling baby-led-attachment videos, because it's ah-maz-ing stuff. If you join ABA, then you get sent a really good book on Bfing, it's a brilliant resource, loaded with information, and then anytime you've got a BF question or concern, you can call them - even at 3am in the morning (even if you don't join, you can call them). The ABA website is loaded with info too. You're also going to put aside the fears about inverted nipples, because really, it's just one person's opinion. Deal with your actual reality, not someone's speculation, if that makes sense. If you have to use nipple shields to get started, then that's okay too, but just because you used them last time, doesn't mean you'll need them this time around (again BLA can really really help with this). If you do need to use them make sure they're the correct size for your nipples, this can make things much easier.

Having said all that, it's really normal to be anxious & worried about what's to come. It's a huge change, and worries about breastfeeding just add to it all. But your DH sounds like a keeper, and maybe he could do some reading up as well, which can also be enormously helpful. Maybe get him to watch some of the Baby-led-attachment videos Your health nurse may have some recommendations for lactation consultants in your area, so that if you need some direct hands-on help (maybe not literally, but you know what I mean hopefully) you can get that help quickly, before your in-laws really get into your head.

Good luck

PS Did I mention skin-to-skin and BLA? They're really awesome