Breast Feeding Tips

Hey ladies!

For those of us who nursed (no matter how long), we all know how tough it can be. I thought it would good idea to have one post where we share all of our tips.

So here is mine.

I pumped first thing in the morning, BEFORE I fed DD. I would get about 10oz in the morning (which is more than I got pumping twice during the day). I had so much milk in my freezer at the end of nursing for a year, that I stopped pumping a month before I weaned Jordana off breastmilk.

Also, give it 3 weeks. That was the only thing that was useful about the breastfeeding class I took at the hospital. I remember how I couldn't wait to make it to 3 weeks to give up, but the pain suddenly went away around 3 weeks, and I nursed Jordana for an entire year.

Re: Breast Feeding Tips

Just saw this- what a wonderful thread!!

My biggest tip is to find a lactation consultant. Not only can they really help with all the technicalities (proper latch, check for supply, etc) the emotional support they provide is the most needed. BFing is HARD at first and most women who give it up didn't have a good BFing support system.

I used this website to find my LC:Lactation Consultants

Other tips:
Pump in the morning.
Do NOT watch the clock- all babies nurse effectively for different time periods. Some take an hour, others take 10 minutes.
If they are pooping and peeing, then they ARE getting enough- no need to supplement.

Re: Breast Feeding Tips

My tip is to find a support group before the baby is born. I would get in touch with the local Le Leche leader and try to get yourself familiar with the group and when they meet. I would also look into area hospitals and find out which ones offer breastfeeding support groups.

Re: Breast Feeding Tips

Here are my tips:

Put the baby on the breast within the first hour of birth -- don't give any bottles unless absolutely necessary.

Don't limit feeding times.

Ask the nurses for help while you are in the hospital.

Seek out solid resources (like Kellymom.com and LCs) for help. Unfortunately, OBs and Peds often give outdated, damaging advice. I hate to generalize, but don't go to them with questions and don't take their advice unless you have checked it against another resource.

Re: Breast Feeding Tips

What a great thread! I don't have anything to add, since DS wouldn't latch and I pumped the first year, but I am pregnant with #2 and are hoping BF works out this time. I am definitely going to contact a LC before the baby is born. Thanks again!