Help with starting to BF

[mokey_cat]

My new LO is due to arrive next week and I am so desperate to BF as this will likely be our last baby and I did not BF for long with DD1.  I had an issue in the hospital last time with DD wanting to feed constantly and it was agony so I ended up supplementing with formula.  I asked for help getting her to latch on properly but really felt there was no support.  I combined BF and bottle feeding for a few weeks but I seemed to hardly have any milk so although I BF first then gave her formula, she would usually still take a full bottle after BFing  .

This time round I do not want to introduce any formula or bottles (until BFing is established) and fully BF from the beginning but I am so worried that I will have no milk  .  So I guess im asking how people get through the 1st few days until the milk comes in properly?  Does it happen quicker with your second baby? When can you start pumping?  Also, how do you feed in front of people?  I am very shy about BFing in front of family (MIL and FIL, my dad etc) so how do you get around that when there seems to be visitors all the time - do you just go to another room or just get used to it?

Thanks for any advice 

[~inbalance~]

Hi Laura.    First things first, can you enlist the help of a proper lactation consultant, someone you are comfortable with?  She could most certainly help you those first few days getting everything sorted. 

I don't know that your milk comes in any faster with your second baby than it did with your first.  It's all regulated by hormones.  But those first few days, while it seems like your baby is not getting anything, he/she is actually getting that very important colostrum, so it's just as important to BF even though your milk hasn't come in yet.

I have read that it's not advised to start pumping until probably after 6wks have passed as it can mess things up a bit.  I started pumping early on after F was born and I ended up with an oversupply.

As for feeding in front of people, I was much more comfortable the second time around.  Still, if you aren't as comfortable then invest in some good breastfeeding clothes and a cover.  You don't necessarily have to buy anything pricey or special.  I find that regular sports bras work as long as I can pull them down, but good nursing bras are great too.  Lots of layers with stretchy tank tops underneath and bigger shirts over top ensure that when you pull your shirt up your belly stays covered.  You really don't have to bear much at all.  Nursing canopies are great but can actually be tricky to work with until you get the hang of it and might actually bring more attention to you.  I find the best way is doing the layers, like I mentioned, and then once baby is latched on just using a cover or recieving blanket draped loosely over to hide anything should baby pop off.  Practice when you're at home to get the hang of what you're comfortable with.    And lastly don't worry, BFding is a natural thing and you shouldn't feel embarassed to do it, and most people are open and accepting, and if they're not then poo-poo to them! 

You might find some good resources at kellymom and the LaLecheLeague websites too.  And I think some other BWers will have better tips than me! 

Good luck!!

[Tay]

Hiya!
You've not long to go now, and it looks like your LO will be born around my DS's birthday!
I agree with Martina that the best thing for you is to get a Lactation consultant to help you out - she'll be able to help you with the latch, any supply problems, any worried you may have on a one-to-one basis.
When I had DD nobody had told me what the first few days were going to be like - I genuinely thought that the baby would feed every 3 hours and that was it. What was my surprise when I spent the first three days with her constantly attached to me!
With DS, since I knew what to expect, it wasn't that much of a shock and I felt I dealt with it better, getting less stressed than first time around.
I did find my milk came in quicker with DS (but then again, with DD I didn't have any milk, had to take tablets to help and had to pump endlessly to build up my supply - and like Martina ended up with an oversupply). With DS there was none of that, what happened was: the first two days and nights he was feeding constantly (a bit for comfort as well and I just let him - thinking about building my supply) and then my milk came in, plenty of it and he started stretching out the feeds himself.
How did I cope those first two days? I was in hospital and just really used any opportunity to ask the midwives for a break so I could have a nap, 30min here, 50 min there.
About feeding in public: the stretchy tops/ layers that Martina was talking about were also 'my way' of feeding, but I found that most people actually will feel more embarrassed than you (my BIL couldn't continue talking to me if I was feeding the baby, he had to remove himself to the kitchen or somewhere else lol  - then I started asking him questions just for badness ). I did also find that it does get easier with practice and you just get used to it to a certain extent.
Just realised this post is ginourmous...
xxx

[mokey_cat]

Thanks ladies 

For a start, I had never even heard of a lactation consultant  so I will defo look into that!!  I had a quick look and could not see any in Scotland but I have an OB appointment tomorrow anyway so Im hoping they will have more info on where to find one.

So I take it its pretty 'normal' to have them feed pretty constantly for the first few days?  I struggled because I did not know what to expect I think.  I think Im just anxious about it because I dont want to give up so easily this time.

Thanks for the advice 

[shivi]

Hi Laura,

Just wanted to wish you the very best of luck xxx

I used the time in hospital (had to stay in 48 hours with both) as constant or almost constant feeding time...

I found my milk did come in quicker second time around.

Oh and I would just remove myself from the company at feeding time....it was a good excuse to let DH do the entertaining or let the guest entertain DS if I was on my own with the two of them LOL!

Emma was a super-distracted feeder and so I kind of HAD to do this even though I fed Oscar in front of others (but he was an easy barracuda style feeder) from the beginning.

S x

[nednoodle]

Hi Laura

I am in Scotland, have looked out the info I got before DD was born.  Will put all contact info at end of this post.  I think NCT have breastfeeding consultants who are more than happy to help.  Used to live on same street as one.
Would say that babies tummies are tiny so don't need alot to start with.  My DS was sleepy with jaundice when born and wouldn't feed.  I manually expressed what I thought were tiny amounts using my hand, but midwives said was plenty to keep him going.  I always use technique "tummy to mummy, nipple to nose".  Means they don't just hang onto the nipple, but get a good mouthful of breast.  It is painful until your nipples toughen, but buy lansinoh nipple cream, will help.  I wasn't too bothered about feeding infront of people I know, but don't like it much in public.  I would agree to use loose tops that lift up.  Once they are attached, you can let it drop and you can't see anything.

Best of luck with the birth!

Nikki

Breastfeeding Network 08709008787
NCT Helpline 08704448708
La Leche League 02072421278
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 02078131481

www. show.scot.nhs.uk/breastfeed

Also you should have a breastfeeding support group in your area, ask your midwife.  I went to one with DS.  Helps to speak to other mums.

[~inbalance~]

For those first few days baby should feed as often as he/she wants.  If you found it excrutiating last time, I suspect your DD maybe didn't have a proper latch.  I mean, it can be tough on your nipples at first, but it shouldn't be that horrific.  This is where an LC is super helpful.  Take the time in the hospital to work on it, and most importantly try to relax and not stress. 

Now that I think about it, my milk did come in quicker with F, BUT T was a c/s and F was a VBAC, and often with c/s it could take a bit longer so it's not a good comparison.  Something else to keep in mind too because I know you had a c/s the first time as well.

After baby is born, TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU NEED to establish BFding and become comfortable with it.  Don't feel rushed, or feel you have to be ok with BFding in front of people until you are comfortable doing it. 

I think, as with anything pregnancy, childbirth, and baby related, it always helps to have good support.  So great of pp to post all those resources for you!  Definitely look into them, and try to have some support lined up and a game plan in place.  And talk to your DH too, he will need to be there for you and support you while you get started, and he can also be a big help keeping DD entertained while you focus on the baby and BFding.

I'm very excited for you Laura, can't wait to hear all about your new LO. 

[mokey_cat]

Thanks again.  And thanks Nikki with all the contacts!!! 

Today I spoke with my midwife about a lactation consultant and they have one for my area  .  She is able to come to my home and help me as soon as I get home from the hospital and until then I will have the support of a team of nurses and midwives who can help with BFing in the hospital.  I feel a lot more confident knowing there will be someone to help if I am having trouble when I get home as that is when I struggled before.  And I did not realise there was so much help available!!

I am going to go shopping and buy plenty of vests tops to wear under my normal clothes and TBH I think Im just going to go for the feeding in front of others.  DH said his dad would likely disappear pretty quickly anyway  and that might be a good thing    Im so excited because I loved BFing DD even though it was only a short time!!  it was such an amazing feeling and I felt so close to her.

Martina - I will keep you up to date when this LO arrives  - hopefully it wont be too long!!!

X

[~inbalance~]

Yay, so pleased to hear you are getting support and feeling confident!!     Good for you!  Don't worry about BFding in front of people.  Unless someone is looking right at your boobs they will not see a thing, and if they are caught looking at your boobs then you can say something and they will be the embarassed ones! 

[nednoodle]

Glad you are feeling so positive about it, it really is an amazing thing.  love just looking at Zoe when she is feeding and a great feeling watching them grow and knowing that you are the one doing it.  I luckily haven't needed help, actually Zoe instinctively knew how to feed, she had 2 good feeds as soon as she was born.  You never know, it might be a breeze!  Good luck, glad you have found support, will make you feel less stressed and that helps with the feeding too.

Nikki

PS  Where in Scotland are you?  I'm in Montrose

[mokey_cat]

Unless someone is looking right at your boobs they will not see a thing, and if they are caught looking at your boobs then you can say something and they will be the embarassed ones! 

Haha this is a good idea!!! 

Nikki, Im in Falkirk    There are actually quite a few BW's here in Scotland, its nice to see more 

[Tay]

I'm delighted you're getting the support! You'll see it'll be great!
xxx

[*Julie*]

I used the time in hospital (had to stay in 48 hours with both) as constant or almost constant feeding time...

I was so pro-BF with DS and was so determined to make it work 100% I put him on the breast as soon as he was born and pretty much just kept nursing him. Colostrum, or just comfort - he was on!
The thing is - when you really think you can, you can!

It`ll be fab!

[mokey_cat]

Thanks Julie.  Im so determined this time, I really hope I can.  I will be in hospital for 48 hours probably so will do the same 

[Shiv52]

Just wanted to add some {{{hugs}}}

Definately get the lansinoh cream and use it from the start.  My first two weeks this time round were pretty awful as I got cracked/bruised nipples as DD2's suck is so strong and my nipples weren't used to it (you think they would be after bfing DD1 for 20 months and only stopping in January!).  Midwives at hosptial were really great as were the ones at home.  I got them to watch my latch her on loads as I was concerned with how sore i was but none of them could see anything wrong...just have very sensitive nipples.  Thats brill you will have support as it makes a huge difference. 

In terms of feeding in front of people...I started this time round right away.  Last time I hadn't really a clue and didn't for ages and people got used to me going off on my own and then expected me to (in laws would prefer bfing wasn't done in front of them!)  so this time round I just started feeding her whenever she needed to.  I have had a few 'oh would you like to go into the bedroom' comments from MIL to which I say 'no thanks, I'm grand here' and just get on with it.

I really am enjoying bfing this time and its so lovely.  So just tell yourself that the first few weeks might be tough but once it all settles it is so worth it.  As the midwife told me....in the early weeks take it one feed at a time and you'll get there.  That kept me sane the first few weeks! 

Lots of {{{hugs}}}  Keep us posted!!  Not long to go now at all!!