My biggest tip would be to make sure you ask for help whenever you need it!! I absolutely hounded the MW's while I was in hospital with DD to make sure we got attachment right. Definitely look into an LC and have their number on hand just in case you need them, the ABA is always there and so are all these gorgeous BB women as well! I hope it is all smooth sailing for you this time
Minimatron - good on you for getting organised beforehand! I recently did the same thing in terms of trying to prepare for success, and I actually engaged the LC PRIOR to birth (there's a long thread about it here). I'm more than happy to PM you details of my LC if you'd like - I'm not sure if she does your area but you could always ask. Also, we did a breastfeeding plan prior to birth also (another link here), at my LC's suggestion, and it really helped me to focus on the concrete things we wanted to do.
Prior to doing the plan, I jotted down all my thoughts about BF'ing and what did/didn't work for us first time around (and what I'd learnt from reading here)... plus we went to an ABA BF'ing class at Dandenong which I thought was great. In our particular session there were 4 mums-to-be, 3 of whom had already tried BF'ing... so lots of discussion about what to do differently this time. I also took DH with me, and we both were surprised at what we learnt. I must admit that initially I think I'd thought that breast crawling & skin-to-skin would be the secrets to our success, but in the end they weren't what got us there. I will say having an LC from before birth who was on board immediately was a MASSIVE help. I had forgotten how much contradictory information you receive in hospital, including helpful gems such as "you'll never feed with those nipples" and "oh that's not enough colostrum, you'll need to give her formula". I could not have done it without my LC, and I am very very proud to be able to say that we're now BF'ing exclusively (with a nipple shield), so with good prep, you can give yourself the best possible chance! I'm sending you good vibes for a great breastfeeding relationship this time around!!!
Bookmarks