About breastfeeding?

Question

I am pregnant, and I would like to know more about breastfeeding.
What do breast feeding mothers need? I see all this equipment out today, what is actually needed? Is it okay to alternate breast milk bottles with the breast? Is it true it makes your breasts kind of- shrively? What else do I need to know? Websites are nice too, if you can provide any. Thank you all.

Answer 1

First off... find support. Most mothers "fail" at breastfeeding because of the lack of support either through family or with thier doctors. Find a local LLL chapter in your area and get to know some of the leaders. They will probably be the first ones you call when you find yourself crying at 3am because baby won't latch or your nipples hurt (mostly likely from incorrect latch on or thrush - both easily fixed)

Take a class from the hospitals and meet the lactation counsults (aka: LCs)

You don't nessacerily need any equipment. You might want a pump and bottles if you plan to go back to work, though. But if you plan to stay home, you don't even need that.

And yes you can alternate bottles with breast. Most babies do well taking both after 6 weeks. Don't give any bottles before 6 weeks though, you need that long to allow your body to learn what it takes to have a continued decent supply.

Carefully Ice for engorgement (but not too much or often. ( 10 minutes per side every 2 hours should be enough and won't affect your supply). Take fenugreek, hot packs and massage to help increase your supply. (fenugreek isn't ok for diabetics!)

I dunno about the shrively part. I increased in bust size though. (b to a b/c) Lastly, find a good breastfeeing bra. Bravo are really nice but about $40 each. If you can't afford that, I like the bras at the motherhood stores

best wishes. Its been one of the sweetest things in life for me.

Answer 2

Your breasts will not go all shrively. Breastfeeding is wonderful and totally natural. You don't really need anything to breastfeed but there are some items that make it a little easier. A pump is useful so that you can have extra milk around in case you need to leave the baby, but plenty of women have done without one. The most important items to have for breastfeeding are some good nursing bras and some nursing pads (you will leak at first). The most important thing to remember about breastfeeding is that it takes time to get used to. Giving it a proper chance means doing it for at least three months, not a few days or a couple of weeks. It can be hard at first but you can do it and your baby has all the skills it needs to nurse. Too many women give up far too soon. http://www.lalecheleague.org/ This will be the most informative site you can find on the subject. They can help you will any questions and can support you through the learning process. Good luck, please give it a try.

Answer 3

La Leche League is a very good organization that will give you a lot of info about breastfeeding. Here is the website http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

You really don't need anything equipment in order to breastfeed. That's the beauty of it and you're doing the best thing for your child. Though it is not as easy as one might think. I suggest that when you deliver, ask for a lactation consultant to come in and help you out. Also, I suggest attending a breastfeeding class in the hospital, or from your OB's office if they offer it.

Breastfeeding is based on supply and demand. The more your baby needs, the more milk you produce. If you supplement with formula, that means your baby is not nursing as often and your body will think the baby does not need as much milk and therefore produce less. If you are planning on going back to work, I suggest getting a breastpump so that you can continue providing your child with breastmilk even if you're not around. It is OK to use a bottle (with expressed breastmilk), but I suggest getting established with the nursing first. Some newborns (not all), will fuss a little when you switch from breast to bottle at a very young age.

While breastfeeding, it is important to keep in mind that whatever you put in your body gets passed on to your baby. You have to watch out for drugs that you take even for a simple cold. You should always ask the pharmacist to check if any prescription drugs or over the counter drugs you plan to buy will affect your baby. Foods that you eat can also affect your baby, you'll just have to keep a close eye on things. Veggies like brocolli, for example, make some babies gassier than normal.

You are a good mom to choose to breastfeed. It is recommended that moms breastfeed for at least 1 year...but you can always breastfeed for longer. Breastfeeding allows whatever antibodies you have to be passed on to your baby. Your baby will have less allergies and generally less problems compared to those babies that were not breastfed. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

All you need is what you have.........=) You may need a Breast Pump if you choose to work or to make some cereal when the baby get about 6 months old.......You can but if you switch back and forth between Formula and Breast then make sure you pump your breast to keep them stimulated so you wont dry up.....No your Breast wont shrivel up....lol......But they make get bigger and may become engorged which can be a little uncomfortable.,,,,but you can take a cool...crisp Cabbage leaf and lay it on the engorged breast until it shrivels and that should help with the Pain somewhat and pump that side also to give relief .........What else you need to know.......Well Breast Feeding is the best thing you can do for your Baby and is also Very good for mommy too.......After you have your baby...if you breast feed it will reduce the womb down smaller than if you bottle feed the stimulation helps contract the womb to make it smaller quicker....If you breast feed do it all long as is comfortable for you...When your baby gets teeth....they may bite both of mine have several times ........but don't be discouraged about this just tell them in a firm voice NO that should do the trick. I know lots of mothers who stop once the child has teeth because they get scared of this But I Breastfed my 1st child for 2 1/2 yrs and my second child is going on 2 and I'm still breastfeeding her.......

If you need to you can E-mail me and I will E-mail you back
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Answer 5

You don't really need any equipment. If you don't want to breastfeed in public places(I used fitting rooms at stores, Some people just use blankets it depends on what you are comfortable with) you could use a breast pump to pump milk for when you go out. If you It doesn't make your breasts shrively.A great website is lalecheleague.org. Also a good book is the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

Answer 6

Well, the other ladies have given some good websites now I will give you personal info... I breastfed both of my children. My first child is now 8 years old and I nursed her for four months. My second child is 2 1/2 and I nursed him for 13 months. The equipment you really need is YOU and the BABY!!! Also lots of support... Try to find an online group at yahoo or a mom's club.. Try your health department for referrals. Other than that if you plan to get away (and your really should from time to time) then you will need a pump...If you are low income there are ways to get one with help though even some of the 30 dollar models work for just a short time away. Is it the most easy thing in the world nope... does it work for everyone nope... but it is awesome I think... I did switch occasionally back and forth...Yes my breasts are changed forever but hey so is the rest of my body and of course my whole life and I wouldn't change it for anything...Let your healthcare provider know that you want info and they should give you lots! Good luck and blessing to you and your family!

Answer 7

Breastfeeding is definitely better for the child and mom - your antibodies (protection from ills) will be passed along to the child however, if plan to stay home - you're safer. You will need the pumps, etc if you plan to work and extract milk however, the child will still be taking it from a bottle. You must wear good, firm bras for support (that helps with the 'shrively' (smile), but eventually - gravity will exceed your hopes (smile) Finally, not to put a damper on the subject - but it happened to me - my daughter bit down too hard on the nipple which caused it to bleed. That stopped any chance of breast milk. In addition, we discovered she was not getting enough and had to add bottles for supplement. This is definitely something you will want to discuss with your ped. Good luck.

Answer 8

There are lots and lots of books on this. I'm pregnant and I am going to be breastfeeding. The fatty acids found only in breast milk are so much better than formula. If your breasts grew at all during your pregnancy they can shrink back to their normal size and might have lost some perkiness. You will need lots of support from family and friends. Maybe even join a breast feeding support group like Le Leche League. Pillows, some where comfortable, healthy diet, and breast creams. Switching baby from breast to bottle can confuse the baby and the bottles are easier to get milk out of. I'm going to be pumping milk (haven't decided on which pump though) and letting my husband bottle feed while I am in lectures. My mother said that to help the baby not become dependent on totally on the bottle, I myself should never bottle feed her. Women who breast feed have lower breast cancer, they lose weight faster and it helps their uterus contract to normal size.

Answer 9

Breast is best. You need nursing pads, a breast pump if you want to use bottles, and either loose fitting clothing or nursing shirts. The only problem with alternating breast and bottle is some babies will either not take the bottle or will prefer it. Your breasts will not be shrively. Good luck!

Answer 10

I currently am breastfeeding my three month old son. I read the other answers and what everyone told you is correct. The one thing no one has told you and didn't tell me for a while, is that there is a thing called a breast shield, normally for inverted nipples. These are heaven sent when your nipples are so sore they feel as if they will just fall off at the next touch. You can get these at Target. You simply put it over your nipple and nurse. I would use these when I was very sore letting my nipple heal then wean myself off of it. I don't have to use these now but those first two or three weeks can be tough. Good Luck to You. This will be the greatest bonding time for you and your child.