What breastfeeding preparation is actually worth doing before the baby arrives?

[Anonymous]

You may find that your pediatrician's office has LC on staff - I found that very helpful. Capitol Medical Group schedules your first visit with a LC to talk about BF'ing, work on latches, etc and THEN with the pedi. It was very, very helpful.

[Anonymous]

There is also the DC Breastfeeding Center in downtown DC that offers free pre-natal breastfeeding classes and has all sorts of supplies and rentals available. I haven't gone yet, but my doula said that she heard rave reviews of the center. I plan on taking the free course.

[Anonymous]

Another vote that you get a copy of Kathleen Huggins' The Nursing Mother's Companion. Also have a pump ready and know how to use it! I took a hand pump to the hospital and was really grateful to have it when the milk came in.

[Anonymous]

Go buy a barracuda, attach it to your breast. When you get used to the pain, you're ready for your first few weeks of breast-feeding. And put Pat's number from the Breastfeeding Center in DC on speed dial.

[Anonymous]

Definitely agree with previous posters that PAT SHELLEY at the breastfeeding center is the best resource around. Even a phone call is worth it to her....
If you are truly determined to breastfeed get ready to be strong about it. Don't let hospital nurses, family members or friends or anyone tell you to supplement or formula feed (unless it is necessary). Also get your husband/partner on board and have them be your champion and support also. I think support the first few month is very key.
Even after working out the initial latching and other issues, nursing (especially the first time round) can get taxing and consuming and it is not unusual to break down well after nursing has been established. So have a strong support system of nursing mothers/ friends, etc around you to be able to call.
As for my comment about the formula, what I mean is that my mom kept telling me to give my son formula because he seemed hungry and I must not have enough milk. Now after the hormones, I know she was speaking from her limited knowledge but at that time it was the worst thing she could have said to me and cause lots of fights between us. Ans so what I am saying is that "most" women have enough milk and keeping your baby on your breast and doing skin to skin contact with him/her all stimulate milk production. So don't let anyone make you feel bad into giving formula.
On the other hand if your kid needs supplementing don't let anyone make you feel bad about that either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely agree with previous posters that PAT SHELLEY at the breastfeeding center is the best resource around. Even a phone call is worth it to her....
If you are truly determined to breastfeed get ready to be strong about it. Don't let hospital nurses, family members or friends or anyone tell you to supplement or formula feed (unless it is necessary). Also get your husband/partner on board and have them be your champion and support also. I think support the first few month is very key.
Even after working out the initial latching and other issues, nursing (especially the first time round) can get taxing and consuming and it is not unusual to break down well after nursing has been established. So have a strong support system of nursing mothers/ friends, etc around you to be able to call.
As for my comment about the formula, what I mean is that my mom kept telling me to give my son formula because he seemed hungry and I must not have enough milk. Now after the hormones, I know she was speaking from her limited knowledge but at that time it was the worst thing she could have said to me and cause lots of fights between us. Ans so what I am saying is that "most" women have enough milk and keeping your baby on your breast and doing skin to skin contact with him/her all stimulate milk production. So don't let anyone make you feel bad into giving formula.
On the other hand if your kid needs supplementing don't let anyone make you feel bad about that either.

I agree with PP...but find out beforehand (from an LC!) when a baby truly medically needs to be supplemented.

Good luck!