Breastfeeding Advice?

[Anonymous]

I am pregnant with my second child and would like to try and breastfeed. I did not BF with my first. Any advice?

[Anonymous]

I've been reading a lot about breasfeeding and found the information in books like WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING to be very helpful.

I've also heard great things about the Breastfeeding Center of Washington DC on K Street, and plan to go there for the free classes at minimum before I deliver. You may want to check them out as well.

[Anonymous]

I breastfed #1 for her first year and plan to do so with this second child, also. I wish someone had told me that the first few weeks, you literally feed the child ALL the time. Feedings took a long time (about 45 min-1 hour), and sometimes I only got a 30 min-1 hr break between feedings. (Most of the time it was 1.5 -2 hrs between feedings, even at night, during the first few weeks.) So breast feeding requires A LOT of time and patience during the first few weeks, but after that it's super quick and easy and definitely worth it (by the time she was 6 weeks, feedings took about 30 minutes and were every 3 hours, and by 3 months, she could eat in about 15 minutes or so).

One WONDERFUL way my husband supported me was by reading a book aloud to me while I nursed (usually in the evening after his workday). We chose a book together & had a lot of fun sitting together. Don't know how this will work with #2, but maybe after #1 is in bed?

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure where you're delivering, but I found the breastfeeding class at Sibley to be great. It's the only preparation I had, and all that I really needed (except emphasis on round the clock feeding, per the PP, would have been helpful!). It's been 14 months and going strong.

[Anonymous]

How old is #1? I ask this b/c I found it a bit challenging the 1st week home trying to nurse when my 2 year old was trying to climb on my lap.

I am not trying to discourage you - just prepare you for some of the challenges.

I found nursing #2 a lot easier than #1. My milk came in quicker, she was a much more efficient eater, I never had painful nipples etc.

For resources, I found that the nurses in the hospital made me nuts! Each nurse had a different point of view on how I should approach / hold the baby.

I liked the website: www.kellymom.com for information. They have some really good video links.

[Anonymous]

1. Get the number of a good lactation consultant and plan to have her come for a home visit a day or two after you return from the hospital.

2. Know that breastfeeding is a learned skill (for both you and db) - not an intuitive thing - and MANY women need help and support. In the past we grew up watching women breastfeed and having babies within a community of women who could help us. Now we have lactation consultants

3. Invest in a mybreastfriend nursing pillow.

4. Be aware that you will be breastfeeding almost 24/7 for the first 6 weeks, then almost as often through the first 3 months, then it gets much easier.

5. Set up a nursing area which has a very comfortable chair, a nursing stool (positions your legs/knees in the most comfortable position for nursing), a small table with a lamp and enough room to hold a beverage (you will need to drink a lot of water when nursing).

6. Be prepared for the fact that it can feel VERY awkward in the beginning - not at all picturesque Those incredible and lovely moments when db reaches up and touches your face while gazing into your eyes do happen, but not until db is around 6 m/o.

Congrats to you and gl!!