When I was pregnant with my first the laction consulatte was on vaction, and I had problems, so I got frustrated and started using the bottle. I would like to avoid one as much as possible this time.
2006-09-26 08:59:20 · 17 answers · asked by friend 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Good for you for wanting to try again!!
The La leche league can definitly help you out. Go to their website and you can locate a meeting near you.
Click on "groups/affiliates" then click on "United States" then click on your state.
You can go now while your pregnant, ask all kinds of questions and I bet someone would go visit you in the hospital to help you out!!
Breast is best for the baby and for you too!!
2006-09-26 09:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by seaelen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for the local La Leche league. I think they are worldwide. You'll be able to meet with a group of local women who breastfeed and can give amazing support, as well as friendship. Google them to find the local branch and they are probably in the phone book too.
They can also help find a consultant if you decide you need one. You might also look into doula services if you can afford them. A doula comes during the first few days or weeks to help you with the new baby and answer ALL your questions. It can be wonderful.
Breastfeeding is best, but having had problems nursing all three because they all inherited my bubble pallete, I will say that it is more important that you and baby bond and enjoy the feeding experience. If that requires a bottle so be it.
I actually went to Los Angeles for a week to the Lactation Institute to try to rectify the nursing problems with my second child. It turned out to be too much, a toddler underfoot, pumping my milk and a special technique to try to help her learn to suckle properly.
When my third baby apparently had the same issues, I just switched to the bottle after 4 days. It made me very sad, but he's a beautiful AND healthy 11 year old now, and has actually had fewer allergies and ear infections than his sisters..go figure!
2006-09-26 09:06:44 · answer #2 · answered by Lori A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to LaLeche League, one of the best resources for breast feeding is other women who have breast fed their children SUCCESSFULLY. Ask your friends, your older women relatives, etc. but change the subject if they have horror stories about breast feeding. You want support, not nightmares. One of the best things you can do is have a close friend or relative who breastfed with you at home to help for the first few days. It is amazing how helpful it can be to have someone there who has had a similar experience and can talk you through things. When I began with my first, I found small changes in positioning made a huge difference. Additionally, you will need a lot of calories (it takes many more to produce milk than to carry a pregnancy) and will need to be well hydrated at all times, or you will not produce enough milk and will feel rotten. Also, the lactation consultant where you deliver your baby may be available by telephone after you are discharged. Make sure you get her telephone number.
2006-09-26 09:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by VailsMom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I loved getting together for monthly La leche League meetings when I was breastfeeding my children. The leaders were always so helpful and practical with breastfeeding help and advice. It was always so great to see other BF moms and just talk. Sometimes people get the impression that all La Leche League moms are breastfeeding "Nazi's", but it's just not true-- there is a wide variety of nursing mothers and BF styles--like there are many different kinds of parents and babies...to find a group in your area just go to lalecheleague.com--it should have list of leaders to call!
Good luck and congrats!
2006-09-26 09:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by quilt-babe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to breast feed, then never give up. It takes a few weeks for you to be totally comfortable with breastfeeding, but its really worth it. Throw all the milk bottles away, or hide them really far in the storeroom until you need them to keep expressed milk in if you're goin back to work. Don't even buy formula to "standby" in the house! that's what i made sure myself! haha!! get some help for your household chores and looking after your other child, so you can concentrate on the new baby for at least the 1st month or longer, if you can, so you won't be pressed for time and feel frustrated at other things. Get support from other breastfeeding mommies in the neighbourhood, friends, your local GP, some hospitals have LCs to help, le leche, ...all the best!
2006-09-26 16:17:31 · answer #5 · answered by Happyjoyjuice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most cities have LaLeche Leagues or organizations......but beware....most of these ladies are hard core breast feeders and encourage it ...NO MATTER WHAT .!
Our hospital has a nurse that specializes in helping mothers breast feed......They are wonderful ladies.....they encourage but will not give you the "look" if it doesn't work out for you.
Keep in mind that if you can't do it long term....any time you can is beneficial to the baby....a week ... a month...so good for you for wanting to try. It can create a very special bond with you and the baby....hope it works this time....but if it doesn't....just remember you tried. And that's all any of us can do.
Good Luck
2006-09-26 09:09:28 · answer #6 · answered by obzpal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are so many pros to breastfeeding. Breastfed babies are less colicky.(less, not free from it!) they are less likely to become obese children. Also they get sick less and aren't as susceptible to ear infections. Even if the lactation nurse is on vacation, you can call the Le Leche League. They are in your area, available 24/7, and will answere any questions you may have. You can look them up on line or get the number from your doctor. Good Luck to you and your new baby!!
2006-09-26 09:15:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your doctor or visit your local WIC office. You can also purchase books on the subject or research it on the web. It really depends on what kind of help you need. And yes, breast feeding is healthier for your baby as long as you don't smoke or drink alcohol.
2006-09-26 09:03:57 · answer #8 · answered by blackwidow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins. It's by far the best nursing book out there and will answer all of your questions. It's concise, easy to understand and gives you all the facts. Good luck!
2006-09-26 09:03:49 · answer #9 · answered by Big Blue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get in touch with your local La Leche League
2006-09-26 09:01:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋