I tried breastfeeding with my first child, but he never latched on and it was too painful and stressful... I'm 32 weeks with my second child and want to give it another shot. Anyone have any advice to make this time more succesful?
2007-03-11 11:31:09 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I would check witht he hospital you plan to deliver at and see if they have a resident lactaion consultant. Then, I would either sign up for a breastfeeding class, or at least set up a private meeting with her. When you deliver, I would call the lactation consultant and have her come to your room to help you. Most LC's are there between 9-5, but the nursery nurses are wonderful and willing to help also! Is there anyone in your family who breastfed that you could call to come help lend you support?
Here's one of the best websites I've found for breastfeeding support... www.kellymom.com
2007-03-11 11:41:35 · answer #1 · answered by Ang 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
While at the hospital let the staff know that you want to exclusively breastfeed so that they don't pacify your baby with sugar water or formula. Check to see if there is a lactation consultant that can come and help with your first feeding. These women are very knowledgeable and will help ensure that you know what a good latch feels like. Try out different holding techniques because some work better than others with picky babies. Most importantly, don't quit! Breastfeeding can be very painful even when you are doing it right for about the first week or two and then you've got it down. Good luck!
2007-03-11 19:09:03 · answer #2 · answered by Mom23 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have someone professional to help you. Your nipples will feel sore for a while. Don't bring formula into your house or you will be tempted to use it in a moment of weakness.
Buy Lansinoh nipple cream. It's safe for the baby and will help heal any cracked or dry nipples you might end up with.
Drink lots of water, have lots of pillows to support your arms in whatever position is best for you.
Have someone check to make sure your new baby is latching on correctly. And... even if everything looks okay... don't hestitate to check back with them as many times as you need... Next feeding, next day, two weeks later...
Don't use any breastpump a formula company provides. Think of where their profit comes from.
Check with a breastfeeding professional before your baby is born to check for inverted nipples or other foreseeable problems with latching on. They have solutions for about every breastfeeding problem out there.
Know that the pain might be there for a while. It WILL go away eventually.
2007-03-11 19:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by AleksMama 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Latching on takes patience and time and yes it hurts for the first couple of weeks until your nipples toughen. Get some Lansinoh and start putting it on your nipples a couple of weeks before your baby is born. This will help prevent cracking. Also apply it after every feeding.
Don't give up! Consult a lactation consultant if you have to. When you are in the hospital ask a nurse to help you too.
2007-03-11 19:25:59 · answer #4 · answered by 10 pts for me? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good for you for giving it a second shot! You should set up an appt with a lactation consultant- I met with one at the hospital and attribute all success at breastfeeding to that consultation. A lot of hospitals offer the service for free, so give them a call!
2007-03-15 16:55:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Latching the baby after birth promotes early bonding between mother and baby.Baby will also receives the first milk called colostrum.But sometimes latching on is impossible because babies are sometimes affected by the narcotics given by the mother 4 hours before birth making them so sleepy to start sucking their mother's breast.
2007-03-11 21:27:05 · answer #6 · answered by sheila l 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find someone who will support you completely in your decision BEFORE baby si born. You will need them.
Relax.
Don't introduce a bottle under (almost) any circumstances in teh first little while. It will only make it more difficult for baby adn could slow up your supply.
Invest in soem good nursing bras.
KNOW you are doing what is best for your little one.
I only nursed my first a few months because I had no support, second one we are at 10 1/2 months and goign strong!!
2007-03-11 18:36:02 · answer #7 · answered by Betsy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get in contact with La Leche League NOW and go to some meetings if you can. Get to know your Leader so you'll feel better calling to ask for help afterwards if you need it. She may be available to visit you at home if you have problems. Her help is FREE.
Make sure you see the Lactation Consultant while you are in the hospital.
Check out http://www.kellymom.com and http://www.lalecheleague.org for lots of good bfing info.
2007-03-11 19:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
get pamplets from your doctor on different positions and methods for breastfeeding. i am breastfeeding now and my son wouldnt latch on either so i pumped my milk into his bottles so he could get use to sucking then i let him latch on the boob when he really needed to like at night and such
2007-03-11 18:38:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be sure your doctor and nurses know you'd like to try breastfeeding. The nurse on duty after I had my son was fantastic in helping me figure things out :) I'm sure there's tons of hints and tips here: http://www.lalecheleague.org/
2007-03-11 18:34:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋