breastfeeding 101

I've read the books on breastfeeding but I'm still looking for some advice from real moms. What do I need to be prepared for BF? Should I buy a pump right away or wait? Nursing bras- what kind/type are best? Breast shields (what the heck are they?)? Bottle set for pumping? Are all of these gadgets helpful? Any advice would be great!

Re: breastfeeding 101

You will need breast pads, a lot of them!!!

I would advise waiting on a pump to see if you need it.

Thats all I can think of now...I only pump so can only help you with this so far!

Re: breastfeeding 101

Be prepared for pain, and for it to be hard at first. Maybe you will get lucky and it will go easy, but in case it doesn't, you shouldn't be surprise. Lots of us had lots of trouble in the beginning and were able to get it working eventually!!!

You also should have the number of the local la leche leader, a lactation consultant, and/or a good friend who has been through this to cheer you on in the beginning.

Find out if you insurance will cover a pump. If they will, make sure you leave the hospital with a perscription for one.

Nursing bras -- I've been really happy with glamourmom. They are tank tops, so it makes my whole wardrobe into nursing clothes... I can life my shirt and with a matching tank underneath nursing is very discreet (belly is totally covered, so no skin shows at all once the baby is latched).

Breast shields may not be needed, wait until a lactation consultant says you need it. (They are to help you heal from damage usually)

The most useful things you can buy are a good nursing pillow (I used a boppy and my breast friend), a nursing stool, and Tivo to pass the hours and hours you'll be spending on the couch nursing.

Re: breastfeeding 101

I would buy lanolin cream for when your nipples are sore from breastfeeding. Yes you can use it & nurse. Directions are right on the package.

I would wait to buy a pump too unless you are completely committed to BF'ing. Even those with the best intentions find breastfeeding difficult - and pumps are not returnable (approx. $245).

Breast shields are for when you leak in the beginning. After you have the baby, your milk will take a few days to come - and it will come in FULL FORCE. At this point, your body is trying to determine how much milk it needs to produce for your baby. If you want a strong supply, start pumping & nursing. The more you do both of these, the more milk you will produce. You will get engorged at point and will have leaky breasts for (hopefully) a sort period. You can start leaking just from a crying baby - ruining many shirts.


Completely agree with Calla re: the nursing pillow. Even if you don't nurse, they're good to feed the baby with. I would suggest the Boppy over My Breast Friend. I had both. The Boppy has muliple uses (nursing or bottle feeding the baby, helps them sit-up later, can be used to prop for pictures, etc) My Breast Friend is tailored just towards Breast Feeding.

When you first nurse, you will get cramps. Breastfeeding helps your uterus shrink back to normal size.

Make sure you are eating & drinking for a good milk supply.

The only way to be prepared physically, take a clamp squeeze your nipples hard. I'd suggest just waiting for the baby - because they're so d@mn cute they can get away with it.


HTH

Re: breastfeeding 101

Nursing Bras a definite
Nursing Pillow
and phone numbers for any support
nursing pads ( I would buy 1 box)
I only used I box and am still on my second box and still nursing.

Nursing is wonderful, I found it the hardest the first couple of days in the hospital and a few days at home it was a bit painful but all went away, and well worth any pain I had to go thru, then its just second nature.

But bc it may be difficult in the beginning thats why I suggest SUPPORT from family or friends or professional lacation consultant.
friends and family that are Pro BF or have nursed.

If you buy a PUMP ahead of time make sure you buy it from a store where you can return it.
I know you can return Pumps from BRU BUT not from BBB.

You may want to have one on hand in case, if no you can rent from hospital...

best of luck and if you have any other questions feel free to ask!!!

Re: breastfeeding 101

This is so helpful- thank you for the advice. Should I contact an LC beforehand or wait to find one afterwards? I don't really have anyone (friends or family) to rely on for help & advice with BF.

Re: breastfeeding 101

I went to a La Leche meeting when I was pregnant. Thats a great place to start if you are going to need support. You can also take a class (although ask around to make sure you go to one that actually teaches how to BF, not just why you should).

Re: breastfeeding 101

You should take a class IMO..one that goes over latching positions, how to know if the baby is drinking etc...
A copy of The Nursing Mother's Companion Guide is great to have with you even in the hospital.
I believed very strongly that I would make BF work so I did purchase a pump before my due date. I got a Pump In Style Advanced. I needed to rent a hospital grade after having so many difficulties, but having the pump did help me to keep going when I was thinking that I couldn't go on with pumping anymore. so it is a personal decision.
Stony Brook offered a free class that really was helpful. You do not have to be giving birth there to take the class.