2007-07-16 02:48:06 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Everyone seems to be telling you how natural it all is! Yes it is natural but it is also a bit scary and I felt the same before I had my baby, especially since my twin sister had difficulty, but now I've been doing it for 5 months and it's absolutely wonderful! The trick is to persist with it. It isn't easy at first-baby is learning and so are you- and not only that your nipples get sore and dry (and may even bleed a little like mine) but try hard not to be put off by this. After 2 weeks your nipples get used to it and toughen up and you start to really really love it and it saves messing about with bottles -it's also best for your baby of course! Don't get put off about doing it in public either as you can do it very discreetly under your top once baby's latching on easily. The best way to get baby to latch is to put your thumb above your nipple, your 2nd finger under it and tilt the nipple up and then put it in baby's mouth-making sure it's wide open- so it's pointing towards the roof of his/her mouth, then release it and he/she should latch on perfectly. It does take practice and it's so easy to give up but believe me it soon becomes second nature to you both and all you have to do is put his/her face near your boob and he's on! Good luck and don't worry you will get lots of help!
2007-07-17 06:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are in the hospital there will be a nurse who specializes in breast feeding. Don't ditch breast feeding b/c you're afraid you won't do it right - breast milk is the best thing for the baby. The nurse who helps breastfeeding mothers will be in every time that the baby needs to eat and she will teach you how to help your baby latch on to the nipple so he/she can eat. Once you have done it for several days (it may be frustrating at first if the baby doesn't always latch on but keep trying anyway) you will be a pro at it. Just like popping a bottle in the baby's mouth, you'll pop your nipple in w/ no problem LOL. Good luck!
2007-07-16 02:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by Shortie [Mama of 2] 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby knows how, it natural. I did it with my 3, now 9, 6 and 2. Only just turned 20 when had first but was adamant I not using bottles. Breastfed him for 20months. Relax, aim nipple towards top lip so baby gets it all in, it can take a few weeks before you get it right every time and dont give up too early cuz you think baby not getting enough or you tired. You will regret it, what is a few lousy weeks when in 2 months time you want to go back to it and cant. Most important thing is dont be afraid to ask for help, with anything not just feeding, babies dont come with instructions, back to feeding, it shouldnt hurt, if it does ask your midwife or health visitor. Sure cracked nipples hurt and latching on can be a little painful but no more than that. Take it easy. You both be experts before you know it. X
2007-07-16 04:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by Cherrypie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on your first baby!! and congrats on your decision to breast feed!!! I have breast fed both my children and loved it! When you go to the hospital, let them know that you intend to breast feed, and there will be a nurse there that will walk you through every step of the way. You can also contact La Leche League, they are very helpful. It is a very natural thing to do, so don't worry about a thing. If you do have problems, ask for help! It may hurt a little the first few times, but that will pass. GOOD LUCK!!
2007-07-16 03:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by arrianna_vt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is something that is hard to explain on something as limited as Yahoo. There are books on the subject - the best one I've found is The Breastfeeding Book by William Sears. It explains the different "holds" you can use (holding the baby so he can BF more easily), how to adjust the "latch" (if the baby has a bad latch on your nipple, it can really hurt!), and so on. Check your library - that's where I found tons of books on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting when I was pregnant with my first son.
Another resource is La Leche League (La Leche means The Milk in Spanish). They are breastfeeding supporters, and can give you pamphlets and support to help you out.
Most hospitals have someone on staff who can help you with your first BFing sessions. Take advantage of that!
Also... don't stress about "messing it up." Stress is the worst thing for successful BFing. The bright side: Even if you don't start off well, you can START breastfeeding at any point during the first several months! It's best if you can do it from the beginning, but if you have to supplement with formula, DON'T WORRY. Any amount of breastmilk is better than none.
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2007-07-16 02:57:21 · answer #5 · answered by ♥≈Safi≈♥ ☼of the Atheati☼ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breast feeding takes time and patience. It is something that you have to be extremely devoted to. Lalache league helped me an awful lot when I breast fed my daughter. I don't believe you can mess up breast feeding. It is sort of just a natural thing. Remeber to get extremely good nursing bras, with a lot of support in them. Let your breast get plenty of air so they don't become chaffed and sore. Get a good breast pump as there will be times that you will not be able to breast feed the baby...like the baby isn't hungry or you are away from the baby for a few hours. It isn't hard. And believe me when I tell you it is "the most beautiful feeling in the world." Good Luck.
2007-07-16 02:55:55 · answer #6 · answered by truckersangel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats! Breast feeding is a great start for your baby.If there any breast feeding work shops where you are, then I would advise you to go. It may take a wee bit of time just to get it right but hang with it, you will be glad. Although it is a good start for your baby, do not feel a failure if it does not work out, not all mums manage, just remember at the end of the day, if your baby is happy and contented then that is the most important thing. One more bit of advise, if you struggle with it in the hospital please do not carry on struggeling at home, you will just become sore, fed up and unhappy. All the very best of luck!
2007-07-16 03:46:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off I am a mother of five and I must say that I have brestfeed all five of my kids. I've always fedd them for a period of between one two two years on each one. As a matter of fact right now I am still breastfeed my son who is about two and a half years old. Breastfeeding is mostly about positioning the baby and your breast properly. If you get sour nippes and belive me you'll know when its sour! Then you know you positioning is all wrong. But I wouldn't worry to much just let your Doctor know that you want to breastfeed your baby, because usaly when you have had your baby in the hospital they will shortly after your baby is born have you start feeding him. And yes they will show you and help you with this, so try not to worry about it to much. After all its natural, and is ment to be and your motherly instincts will start to take over before you know it. Just remeber though that some weman are not able to breatfeed, because of problems with, not produceing enough milk and even the oppiset in produceing so much milk that they could feed an entier nursary full of babies. So i wish you love and luck and remember to relax is one of the most importmant things to remember while breatfeed it tends to make the milk flow better.
2007-07-16 03:36:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chill girlie. First you have made a very good and brave decision and I applaud you second get tense about it and it wont work. I managed to feed all three of mine myself and all you need to do is ask your midwife if there any local breast feeding antenatal classes available (my maternity unit ran them) I went to one and you are encouraged to bring your partner as it helps them understand whats going on too.
When the time comes if you are lucky you get a natural feeder (my first and third were) my second took a few days to get used to it but it was worth it.
While you are pregnant get your family and friends on your side about this as the support makes it so much easier. don't be put off by the uneducated as some people have very narrow minded views on this topic - the worst I heard was that women who breast fed were akin to animals, my husband soon put the ignorant couple in their place before anyone else in the room got a chance - they left very red in the face.
Good luck and congratulations x
PS don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work - the attitude that got me through was if its going to work it will if it doesn't then its not my fault x
2007-07-16 03:36:58 · answer #9 · answered by StephE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is so natural... I breastfed my son for almost 15 months... When you first nurse your baby you will be in the hospital... just ask a nurse, they will show you how... it's pretty easy because your baby naturally wants to nurse... They also have classes in the hospital you can take before you go home with your new baby.
A good diet is very important during pregnancy and nursing to ensure your baby can latch on correctly and effectively and that you have a good milk flow...
Eat foods high in protein and alot of veggies and fruit.. This will help after the baby is born.
Good luck! And I commend you on your choice to breastfeed your baby... It's the most bonding experience you will ever have with your child =)
2007-07-16 02:53:30 · answer #10 · answered by * JuSt Me * 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋