I do have my heart set on breastfeeding this baby

[Anonymous]

I know I might run into problems and I know it might not be possible. I know formula is fine and I know “fed is best”. But I deeply want to exclusively breastfeed for a year. I start a 15 month long sabbatical after I have the baby in June purposely so I can have the baby at my breast (no bottles) and have bonding time.

How can I set myself up for success here? Take classes at a breastfeeding center? Hire a lactation consultant right away? Alter my diet to have an ample supply?

I’ve been told of all the potential problems but am now looking for solutions.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Yes, take classes at the Breastfeeding Center prior to birth and, yes, find a good, highly recommended lactation consultant to meet you at the hospital at the birth as well as schedule a few home sessions.

And yes, start getting used to drinking lots of water!

My other advice is to have your home life set and conducive to nursing in the first six months. DH and I had lots of discussions and made plans for my responsibilities to be only the baby and self-care. I was not expected to do meals, laundry, cleaning, errands, etc. Turned out I could and did do a lot of those things after the first month or so but we definitely planned on making the baby and myself the only priority.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Sometimes it’s up to genetics. You get lucky or you don’t.

[Anonymous]

One more thing: start pumping as soon as you’re home to increase your supply. And if you’re not eating healthfully now - prepare to do so. Could be totally anecdotal but I noticed a supply drop when I didn’t eat enough healthful fats (avocado, olive oil, etc) and clean protein.

[Anonymous]

Yes to taking a class.
Yes to connecting with a lactation consultant. If you’re in DC, the Breastfeeding Center is great. I was measured for nursing bras before delivering both of my kids.
As to diet, I really wouldn’t worry about that. Just eat the usual recommended balance of veggies, fruit, protein, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes it’s up to genetics. You get lucky or you don’t.

YES but it’s so much more than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, take classes at the Breastfeeding Center prior to birth and, yes, find a good, highly recommended lactation consultant to meet you at the hospital at the birth as well as schedule a few home sessions.

And yes, start getting used to drinking lots of water!

My other advice is to have your home life set and conducive to nursing in the first six months. DH and I had lots of discussions and made plans for my responsibilities to be only the baby and self-care. I was not expected to do meals, laundry, cleaning, errands, etc. Turned out I could and did do a lot of those things after the first month or so but we definitely planned on making the baby and myself the only priority.

Good luck, OP!

This. Having a relaxing home life is extremely important. DH happily took care of everything except breastfeeding our baby! He used his paternity leave and vacation to stay home with us for the first eight weeks.

I also planned a year long break in graduate school to spend at home with our baby. It was wonderful not to have to worry about getting the baby used to bottles for daycare or do sleep training. It really should be this easy for all mothers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One more thing: start pumping as soon as you’re home to increase your supply. And if you’re not eating healthfully now - prepare to do so. Could be totally anecdotal but I noticed a supply drop when I didn’t eat enough healthful fats (avocado, olive oil, etc) and clean protein.

Be careful, I did this and pumped myself into an oversupply by 5 weeks. It was super painful to deal with. I was only pumping 1x a day and otherwise using haaka on non nursing boob and this happened. Thankfully an LC helped me deal with it, but wait and see how your supply comes in before pumping aggressively.

[Anonymous]

Yes to all the above.

But I can’t stress the importance of preparing for an exclusive breastfeeding lifestyle in the first few months. You will be feeding your baby every two to three hours, getting interrupted sleep, and healing (do not underestimate the healing). You’ll have the most success if you and your family are prepared for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One more thing: start pumping as soon as you’re home to increase your supply. And if you’re not eating healthfully now - prepare to do so. Could be totally anecdotal but I noticed a supply drop when I didn’t eat enough healthful fats (avocado, olive oil, etc) and clean protein.

Be careful, I did this and pumped myself into an oversupply by 5 weeks. It was super painful to deal with. I was only pumping 1x a day and otherwise using haaka on non nursing boob and this happened. Thankfully an LC helped me deal with it, but wait and see how your supply comes in before pumping aggressively.

Also pumping can be really stressful. Don’t make yourself crazy about it if nursing is going well otherwise since you’ll be home so long.

[Anonymous]

Look up Fish & Papaya soup recipes. Oatmeal helps too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes it’s up to genetics. You get lucky or you don’t.

YES but it’s so much more than that.

Luck is necessary, but not sufficient. Almost no one breastfeeds without some effort. But many women exert a lot of effort and are yet not able to breastfeed, which has always been the case throughout human history.

I hope it works out for you! I had my heart set on it too, and drove myself into depression over my body’s inability to do what I wanted to do so badly. I really hope it works out for you, but if it doesn’t, please be gentle with yourself.

[Anonymous]

You don’t need a baby at your breast to bond with your child.

[Anonymous]

You will want your baby to be ok with a bottle if even just for your SO to be able to help with feeding. I get that you deeply want this, but also recognize that this stuff can be hard and everything doesn't need to be perfect to be really great.

[Anonymous]

My pediatrician told me no dairy and I didn’t listen because I thought it was rubbish. My son had terrible problems when I drank milk. I’m going to follow it from the beginning this time around!! I ended up nursing for 19 months but he struggled in the beginning because of the sensitivity (tummy trouble and eczema).

Pumping is helpful. It sucks but it’s good to have a few backup bottles. What if you go out and want husband to feed or 6 months in you get smashing drunk and you’d rather give baby prior milk and do a pump and dump etc.

Know that it can really hurt the first few weeks. Latching can be super painful as your nipples adjust even with good latch. Seeing a lactation consultant can help. But it gets better.