1. If your hospital offers bf classes you might try that. I read "So That's What They're For" right after J was born, & found that to be some help. She offers a pretty dim view of formula, so try to take all that with a grain of salt. The actual bf info was good.
2. Try to let lo latch as soon as possible after birth, within the hour at least. (That said as the ideal. I wasn't able to do it within the hour for various reasons for either ds, but I was still able to have a successful bf experience with both.)
Talk to any LC from the hospital staff while you're still there. The one I had with Isaac showed me somethings I hadn't learned with J & was a great source of info, even though I'd already done it once.
Try not to supplement in the hospital or if you have to, look into a supplimental nursing system (SNS) so that baby will be stimulating you for milk, even though they may need a supplement.
Remember that they feed OFTEN as newborns, like every 2-3 hours or so. You should be feeding 8-12 times in a 24 hour period in the beginning.
3. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced, bought new 3.5 years ago. It's a double electric, which tends to be more time efficient than anything else. I used it with both kids for ~8 months each time. It was still doing a good job when I stopped last time.
4. I second the private LC bit. The one I had after J was able to come to my house, see us in our natural environment, check out my nursing "nest" with all my pillows & such, look at latch, make suggestions, etc. She ended up giving a few pointers & saying, "I think you're doing pretty good. Call if you have any questions." But that was some of the best money I spent to get that feedback. I was nervous & apprehensive & not at all sure of myself, so that feedback was worth it to me.
Believe that you can do it this time around.
It really does seem to help.
