what are some ways to get your breast ready for breast feeding?

Question

i would like to know what other women did or didn't do to get there breast ready for breast feeding & did you take or drink anything to help milk come in. i'm scared that i my not be able to breast feed & it something that i what to do really bad, i wanted to breast feed my frist child but she had a milk allergies so i couldn't , please help (i'm due 8/19/07) so i need info on how to make my breast ready & anything else

thanks so much

i do tke care of my self & i eat well ,take my vitamins & everyting .i think its just the fear of being let down if i can't breastfeed & getting the so called baby blues ,breast feeding is the best thing for any baby & i what to give my baby exactly that

breast milk is the best

Answer 1

Start toughening your breasts now...you can do that most easily by using a rough washcloth on them. Purchase a good quality breast pump. I have signficant problems in breast feeding my first and ended up losing my milk but I learned from that for my second. If you have ANY trouble or significant pain, start pumping your breast until it heals. Get one of those special nipples for the bottles that mimic the breast and use it whenever you have to pump. You can go back to the breast feeding as soon as you feel you can. Just knowing that you have this option will help you to relax more and will aid in the whole breastfeeding experience. Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

I am still breastfeeding my little girl she just turned one. Your body does everything for you. After your baby comes you want to drink a lot of water and try to stay away from spicy food. My little girl would spit up after I would eat spicy food. When she does first arrive the nurse will want you to feed her. If you plan on breastfeeding her then don't give her formula if she doesn't take to your breast right away. Your baby might not latch on right away and there is nothing wrong with that. It might take her an hour to get it. With breastfeeding, babies tend to nurse more than babies who are not. If you really want to breastfeed your baby I would say that you have to try and try and try again and don't let people tell you it is OK for you to quit. I don't want to sound radical about breastfeeding but I do believe that, that is the milk the only child needs but if you can not do it for outside reasons than that is understood. Anything else is selfishness of you to not give your child that part of you. If your Friends don't support you fully than find a group that dose it really makes all the difference in the world. When you get around woman who think and feel the way you do than you feel better about your decisions and also if your husband feels strongly like you do t that is great. My son is 3 and I also breastfeed him till he was 1.

Also I have a boppy pillow and it helps bring your child closer to your body. Finding a quite place and taking your time to nurse her will help also. Just take it slow and be patient cus that is what it will take. I hope you find this helpful. Good luck and peace to you and your family.

Answer 3

Babies only minutes old will often crawl up to the breast from the mother's abdomen, and start breastfeeding all by themselves. This process may take up to an hour or longer, but the mother and baby should be given this time together to start learning about each other. Babies who "self-attach" run into far fewer breastfeeding problems. This skin-to-skin contact will also help keep the child warm.
As far as you doing anything to help the milk come, there is no need it will come on its own. Just keep taking your vitamins and remember whatever you eat/drink, the baby will receive also. You might want to talk to a lactation consultant.

Answer 4

Your actual milk dosen't come in unitl the placenta is delivered, that is the trigger! As far as being let down...girl, you are 1/2 way to the finish line! Don't give up now. Drink lots of fluids and continue your vitamins. As far as prepping your nipples, I'd suggest using a washcloth or loofa sponge in the shower each time and when at home go without a bra, the rubbing against youur shirt will help with stimulation and preparing your nipples for what comes next!

Good Luck!

Answer 5

your breast usually prepare them selves for this event. i haven't heard allot about things you can do before hand except maybe try to use a breast pump when you are very close to your due date. the more milk you deposit out the more your milk will come in. and if this works you can freeze your milk for up to a certain amount of time. after you actually start breast feeding is a whole other story! i would call for a consult with a lactation specialist first before you try anything. you can find one at the hospital that you plan to give birth at. up in the OB labor and delivery department. good luck and congratulations!

Answer 6

I had the same problems as you with my 1st son and i fretted right through my 2nd pregnancy that i wouldnt be able to breastfeed, my key was to relax during feeds, take deep breaths and clear your mind, you will then get your 'let down' reflex, i managed to breastfeed for 7 months so was thrilled, there is nothing you can do whilst pregnant apart from eating healthy as you are doing already. Good luck and i hope you manage it as i did, its the most wonderful experience in the world, enjoy!

Answer 7

You need to relax!! You have plenty of time. I was worried as well. It took my milk a week to come in...pertly because I wasinduced a week early. There is nothing you can do to get it ready...jsut enjoy being pregnant. Don't worry after, or that could affect your milk flow.

Answer 8

There is nothing you need to do except take care of yourself. You body will get ready naturally. Just don't drink or smoke. Take your vitamins. Good luck and I hope your baby is healthy.

Answer 9

you dont have to do anything. just take your prenatal vitamins until the baby is born. the milk comes naturally.

Answer 10

best thing to do is contact your local le leche league they will give you all the advice you could ever want.
Just use your search engine and look up local La Leche League .