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I came across a book briefly today - didn't buy it, but it was about breastfeeding and had a section on preparing to breastfeed.... I hadn't even thought about preparing.....
So hit me with your best tips and tricks... Or tell me what you would do differently to prepare for your first breastfeeding experiences if you could do it over again.
Go to an ABA-run breastfeeding education class. Class cost includes ABA membership which means you can attend group meetings and have access to breastfeeding counsellors. You'll also get a copy of "breastfeeding... Naturally" which is a great book and helpful resource.
Yep, this!!:
I've looked on their website. But none of the dates close to me are going to suit :(
There's a possible date in April - will that be too late? I'll nearly be 30 weeks - will I have time to prepare??
The book I glanced at suggested exposing your nipples to the sun.... ?? To toughen them up a bit.... That sounds like sunburn waiting to happen!! What do you think??
Now that I am with my phone I can tell you the book was called "the natural way to better breastfeeding" by Francesca Naish and Jeanette Roberts I wasn't sure whether it was any good so didn't buy it, thought I'd check in here first.
I part read 'breastfeeding matters' while I was pregnant which helped cement in my mind that I wanted to bf and why. Fascinating to read about what, how and why our boobies do what they do!
Our classes at the hospital were helpful for positioning bub for feeding. But mostly it was the lc's at the hospital in the few days after he was born that helped get the latch right.
Don't worry if you can't get to a meeting. The membership is worth it even without the class. I didn't take one before DD1, but I did become an ABA member. I found the book to be a lifesaver (plus, the latest edition features DD1 and myself a couple of times ;) ). So that's where I'd start. As for the sunburn, it's not for very long. But I never did anything to my nipples, and I didn't have any grazing/cracking issues either times, despite DD1 having a huge amount of attachment issues in the beginning. Some people just do, and some people don't. My advice would be, don't assume you'll have problems. By all means educate yourself on all aspects so that you can go into it informed and ready for any issues, but otherwise, my mindset was simply, "of corse, why *wouldn't* I be able to breastfeed?"
30 weeks is a perfect time in my opinion definitely not too late - I didn't go as didn't realize they existed but did become an ABA member and go to group meetings (including a couple before birth) and have since been a 'demo mum' (being able to watch mums breastfeeding is a key part of most classes) at the classes several times and they have people go ranging from earlier than 30 to right up to their due date.:
I am in two minds myself about the amount preparation required for breastfeeding - I think is one of those things you can overthink IYKWIM - I read 'breastfeeding naturally' the ABA book and that is about it - I think it is a fantastic book.
I have heard the sun thing, after DD was born the MCHN who came for home visit told me to stop using Lansinoh and get some sun on them - it was June and we only have a balcony over a tram stop so I am not quite sure how I was meant to achieve that. I do think that giving nipples 'air time' so just not in a bra can help from skin getting too soft.
I haven't heard of that specific book, I used to look after our ABA group library and books have to meet ABA guidelines to go into it, and I don't recall that one but it could be quite new.
Oh and what PZ said I couldn't agree more with.
"My advice would be, don't assume you'll have problems. By all means educate yourself on all aspects so that you can go into it informed and ready for any issues, but otherwise, my mindset was simply, "of course, why *wouldn't* I be able to breastfeed?"
Acquire breasts.
Count breasts (you're aiming for 2, but 1 or 3 can work).
Talk lovingly to breasts.
Join the ABA.
Get some tops you can comfortable release the kracken (I mean, the breasts) from. These don't need to be "maternity" tops, just anything you can pull up or down enough to get a boob out comfortably.
Get some cloth nappies - just terry squares - to have under bubs when feeding, and to use for burping after feeds.
Put together your breastfeeding box - for your book, remote, Lansinoh, breastpads, snacks, waterbottle, notebook, puzzlebook, phone, pens, tissues, babybook etc. You'll spend a lot of time breastfeeding!
Maybe even borrow a box set of something ... DS1's feeds went for anything from 45-90 minutes...
Get either a breastfeeding pillow, or one of those ones with a high back, or whatever, so you can be comfortable during feeds. You may well want a pillow while they're really little, so you're not bending over to feed them - you're bringing them up to you, so you can keep your back reasonably straight.
Sleep.
LMAO that book is old school and wrong, you don't need to toughen them up!:
30 weeks is perfect. Otherwise come out to the one at Eltham, Edendale farm. You might see someone you know ;)
Seriously, the class is wonderful just for exposure to some of the "normal" breastfeeding things. Like - what does poo look like for the first week? What does a normal day look like, from a breastfeeding perspective? Hint: there isn't one :lol:
You get a chance to see a mum with a little bub (less than three months in most instances) who will demonstrate a breastfeed. Most mums find that invaluable as we just don't see much breastfeeding occurring around us these days. You can get up right close (they won't mind - I've been one too, like wysiwyg) and you can actually see what is happening.
Anyway, if you don't get to one, that's ok :)
You don't need to "do" anything to prepare your breasts or nipples. Have you noticed the little bumps on your areola? They are called Montgomery's glands and their job is to prepare your nipples :) They secrete all the substances required to keep your nipples healthy and happy. If you try and do anything to prepare your nipples, you can upset the natural balance.
Post baby, well, if things go pear shaped (nipple damage) then that can be addressed later. Cross that bridge and all that!
It did seem weird to me... That's why I didn't buy it! Glad I didn't!! I did look at the date and it was 2002 - another reason I put it down. And I wasn't convinced about their qualifications.:
It was just the first time even thought of preparation - I've always just assumed I'll give it a go for as long as feels right for me - I want it to work, but I'm okay if it doesn't.
I agree with a couple of the previous posts in that you learn by doing it. If I did it all over again I would not stress out so much about the tiny amount of colostrum I was getting at the start, and trust that my milk would eventually come in (came in on day 5).
I would also seek professional advice sooner rather than later if you felt something was not right. I went to a day stay shortly after coming home & it was invaluable, got attachment checked & advice/plan to deal with damaged nipples. With all the advice & info out there about what/how you should feed, it was really beneficial to me to go see someone one on one who I could discuss everything with.
I would also buy a little stool for my feet to make feeding more comfortable.
I had lots of support too (husband, mum & sisters) when things went pear shaped, so hopefully you can call on reinforcements if things get a bit crazy. I can remember sitting in my kitchen days after coming home, crying bc my boobs hurt so much I couldn't use a pump, so had to hand express. My husband even had a go, so did my mum! But like others have said, you might not have a problem & I hope you don't. : )
Thanks OP I think this made me doubled guess myself, I've been pretty lucky that I've been "around" breastfeeding and I had seen the classes a few weeks ago so it was on my mind. I just assumed it would happen or it wouldn't and I'll cross that bride when I come to it...:
I go braless every night and sleep topless all the time anyway - my breasts have been leaking on and off since my miscarriage in 2012 - stopped when I got UTD to start with - so I think they work. Lol. But I know I won't know until I try. I've been leaking clear stuff - colostrum I assume - since about 11 weeks. Anyway... Good to know I'm on the right track to start with - I'll keep checking the classes and book something in I think. It wouldn't hurt anyway.
Peanutter - you amuse me xo
Thanks everyone - it's hard to remember everything as I'm on my phone. But all the advice was great - any more ideas welcome
Definitely recommend the ABA class :) I would also suggest watching some YouTube vids on attaching/latching-on as well, and to make sure that at every feed bubs is properly attached to avoid any damage and pain. At the first sign of anything not right, seek help!
I also recommend the ABA class - and take your husband. One of the best ways to succeed at BF is to have the support of those around you - partner, family, friends etc. Mostly, your partner. I attended the ABA class with hubby whilst pregnant with DS1. The thing I remembered 3.5 years later when I could finally BF, was "tummy to tummy, nipple to nose", which helped in the early days. Also, if the latch hurts, to break it with your little finger and start again.
A good piece of advice I read in "Baby on Board" (highly recommend this book), is to not make any decisions at 2am. If things seem tough and it would be easier to use artificial breastmilk, stick it out until daylight.
Something I read, but did not do, is that apparently smearing kefir across your breast and armpits whilst pregnant can help prevent mastitis - the probiotics do something whizz bang. I just couldn't bring myself to do it :)
(btw, I'm not recommending this, it was just one of those things I read)
Have lots of spew clothes in key areas around the house. Buy lots of the big cotton squares. We have a dozen and that's not enough, IMO.
Was just with a girlfriend who has a newborn, and thought I'd add " never underestimate the amount of time it takes to feed a little baby".
Seriously, you forget later on, but it can take ages. And then low and behold they need feeding again!
It's not a negative thing, but I did think it was taking too long and I had no time for other things. Pretty soon they are older and quicker and it's all over too soon.
And don't toughen them up! One girl in my ante natal class got told to toughen her nipples up with a toothbrush first! Noooo!
I knew you guys were awesome - some great tips here!
I need to get an exercise book to write things down in one place so I don't forget!
I highly recommend breastfeeding singlets! So much easier and convenient than the bra's. For me, I didn't really prepare at all. My first two health nurse visits were from a LC and she really helped me with everything I needed to know. My milk didn't come in for 5 days!! Poor dd was dehydrated, but it worked itself out in a week or so :)
I will say one thing though, prepare yourself for the pain! It's awful for the first couple of weeks, but after a while you feel like a pro Haha
I disagree with this last bit. Don't prepare to feel pain or for it to be a struggle. The only part of feeding a toothless baby that hurt for me were the afterpains, breastfeeding itself never hurt me, it's not a given. Sorry, I just think an open and positive mindset is fairly crucial. Both my girls have been biters durin teething, to the point of drawing blood, and just recently DD2 somehow grazed my nipple overnight, which took a while to heal and was sore...but that was down to lazy toddler attachment. Also, do you have any lactating friends you could spend the morning with, just watching and chatting? If not, hit me up for a coffee! Seriously, being around breastfeeding is the best way to learn.:
The ABA groups are great, but if you know a friend who is bfing or has, don't hesitate to ring and ask them for support and advice. Your partner is crucial, but having other support is also helpful. I have several friends who have felt more comfortable talking to me than someone they don't know with bfing qns or concerns (for a while I was the only person who'd bf beyond 12 mths in my group of IRL friends - thankfully, not anymore as several have now done it). I guess you need to bear in mind that a friend is not a trained LC, so consider any advice carefully, but it's far better to turn to someone than suffer or wonder in silence.
Oh em gee, I'm so glad you didn't buy that book! Francesa Naish is hardcore! If you didn't feel guilty about anything you'd done in your pregnancy, a read of this book would have you feel you just weren't up for the job! She's unrepentant and I wouldn't recommend her for a first timer ;)
The ABA classes are your ticket and 30 weeks is perfect. Make the trek if it's a bit further out of your way and you will see someone actually breastfeed :) I was a demo mum twice and both times my eldest decided to demonstrate 'breastfeeding the older child' (he was well over 3yo then!).
Oh, and I'm in the Breastfeeding...Naturally book! I can't remember where, though...I'll have to find my copy again...
I'm sure Tasha means that the pain is a possibility and it's worth knowing that's a possibility - but it can still happen.
It's okay though PZ I'm feeling positive :) I've been around a few breast feeders before but will certainly keep coffee in mind. I'm a bit of an independent learner though and I think it will work best for me to just try and see how I go. As long as I remember not to be afraid to ask if I'm unsure.
I have been a demo breastfeeder too! ds demonstrated what a chucky baby does. I have also put my name down to demo in the March class with new baby.
I went to a hospital bf class, but the ABA ones cover so much more. the breastfeeding naturally' book was my bible, and definitely contributed to my relatively easy start to breastfeeding.
pain often indicates something is not quite right. in the early days watch baby s attachment, and take them off if things don't feel good.
to take baby off slide your pinky in to the side . of baby s mouth and break the seal before trying to remove your breast.
You know what hurt the most for me in the early days, let down. once the milk let down it would stop hurting.
With DS1 as long as he was attached I or up with pain, this meant I ended up with cracked nipples and spent 8 weeks expressing and bottle feeding until he went back to breastfeeding at 10 weeks. With ds2 and Ds3 I made sure that I detached and reattached if it was hurting. It's worth the time to make sure bubs is attached properly even if it's a pain in the neck.
I also second keeping in mind that it takes a long time. I felt like all I was every doing was feeding but once I stopped watching the clock and just feeding when bubs wanted it I want so stressed out. However I did have other people saying to me that Ds3 seemed to be constantly feeding. In the end I pointed out that it doesn't really affect them and he's a baby so that's pretty much all they do anyway, people learnt not to comment :-D
For a real confidence boost, invest the $$ in a 2 hour 1:1 session with a brilliant LC like Leonie Maybury. She will come to you. I found my session and follow up support with Leonie really fantastic. She put together a bf plan with me and I was clear and confident about what to do instead of getting 20 different midwives ideas and opinions about how to feed, especially when feeling so vulnerable.
Eta- get thee a series to watch. I fell in love with 7th heaven and recorded it from the tv to watch whenever I was feeding. It became a real treat.
My first and second times had pain involved, but I had great ABA support from the get-go to deal with DS' tongue tie and DD giving me nipple thrush. Being able to talk to someone about having pain meant I had a cheer squad and beautiful people checking in on our progress.
Support is one thing and is great, technical advice from a IBCLC lactation consultant is worth its weight in gold - for around $100 for the first visit it's value for money, considering how much formula (and associated expenses) would cost over a 12 month period. If you can nail it early you're kicking goals in so many ways. But I'm lazy, and that line of reasoning has helped me help other lazy mums in the past ;)
Didn't mean to scare you myturn! :lol: But yes, if I hadn't have been told that it can be quite painful I would have been in for a very rude shock! I have yet to meet someone who didn't have pain. But you know you are doing it for your bub, so you just get through it, plus it doesn't last forever.:
I'm still so excited for you xx
It REALLY helped me to have seen the struggle my sister went through with BFing. Loads of pain, supply/attachment issues and weeks of mixed pumping/breastfeeding until it all got worked out. To see that you can go through that, and it's within the realm of normal and you can still successfully feed long term was such a help.
I went an ABA BFing class and it annoyed me because the teacher was of the 'plan for it to be great and have a positive mindset' school. She only told us about how to do it all successfully and I found I had to ask "what do we do if...?" questions and those answers were MUCH more helpful to me when we had attachement/supply issues ourselves.
As everyone's said, do the class, 30 weeks is perfect, and take your partner if you can - it's easier to remember things if two of you have been there. Understanding how breastfeeding works and who to talk to if you have questions or any issues are really crucial. Sadly a lot of people - even health professionals working with mothers and babies sometimes - don't know much about what is actually normal for babies or how breastfeeding works. This can create all sorts of problems.
Otherwise, I'd also have a think about labour/birth/post-natal care and how this might affect initiation of breastfeeding and what you can do to mitigate any issues that arise.
Get along to your ABA group while still pregnant if you can - it will make it easier to reach out later on. Also maybe find out about what services your hospital has - do they have LCs on staff? what are their feeding/baby care policies etc? If they've no IBCLCs, maybe look a few up in your area so you know who to call if you're stuck.
Some discomfort or sensitivity is quite normal in the early days, but pain is a pretty good sign that something is wrong and you need help. That's good to know, also. Don't wait for things to just get better on their own. Ask for help, and ask the ABA or an LC.
All the best