Trying to Read About Breast Feeding
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https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-information/getting-started-with-breastfeeding/
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Breastfeeding-leaflet.pdf
Look for even a virtual breastfeeding class or ask your care team, they will have resources for a lactation consultant and possibly be able to provide breastfeeding classes
I second a breast feeding course or lactation consultant if you are able! Also @karrie_locher on instagram has mounds and mounds of info, may be overwhelming at first but any question you may have, she prob has info on it.
@Dianne thanks for the great resources. I guess I just want to have knowledge of how to do and what stuff I need to give myself best chance of it working for me. Like do I need a pump from the start. Do I need formula in case it doesn’t work. Do I need to even think about it or just wing it at the hospital with the nurses and the lactation consultants there? Im so confused 🫤
Research different positions to hold baby in to find what works for you and baby, i found the only way my LG was happy was when i lay down next to her to feed and we do this now at 15months! Lansinoh nipple cream after every feed! And i know the cluster feeding is draining but it honestly does get easier, if its something you want to do then push through as i struggled for first 2/3 weeks then everything just clicked with me and baby and its honestly been a dream(but i know its not like that for everyone) Also look into a good hospital breast pump if you want to pump if latch isnt good or i personally liked to have one for if baby slept longer then expected to keep supply up in early days, and just peace of mind knowing roughly how many OZ i got each feed There are breastfeeding groups locally or helplines you can call if struggling and dont be afraid to ask and the hospital advice isnt always enough to take home with in my experience they barely helped me but i wish i asked x
Don’t read anything!! Everyone is different, and I think too much pressure is put on us to breastfeed that if it doesn’t work we then feel such awful mum guilt!! I’d never been to any breastfeeding classes or really seen anything about it … when my little one was born, it was all instinct, like I knew that was what she wanted, she knew what to do and it just worked for us! But after a few weeks we hit a bump in the road, I started pumping (highly recommend a hands free thingy if you go down this route) this helped us out for a bit longer! But in the end after nearly three months she went on formula! And it was the best thing for both of us! Some mummy friends I’ve made have breastfed their little one for ages and it’s worked for them, and others never have and others like me could only do it for a little bit! It’s completely each to their own, and you will get the mum instinct that tells you what’s best for you and your little one!! 🥰🥰
@Philippa it’s partly instinct but there is also a learning curve and whether you get that info from your mom or a lactation specialist knowing what hold might work better for you and how timing of feeding and pumping makes a difference is important information to have it’s not just instinct. Go instance I have had DD breasts since I was in 7th grade just my genetics, I was at my lightest weighing 110 pounds and was all boobs at that age it sucked now I’m used to it but now at 29 weeks pregnant my boobs have grown since the start of my pregnancy and will continue to grow and change while breast feeding, but for myself and other large chested women it is important to know that some holds and techniques will work better for me than others. That kind of thing is helpful to know because just a little change in technique and timing can make all the difference.
What you’re looking for is a breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding classes cover everything, how to start, pumping, when to supplement, how to trouble shoot problems, how to address problems, what to do from labor so that you start off right and how to handle it long term. Breastfeeding takes education! For some women it comes naturally but for many it doesn’t depending on how labor’ happened and other things. If you want a good breastfeeding class, I can point you to one.
@MJ look into colostrum harvesting which you can do from 37 weeks. From personal experience - my intention was to breastfeed so I didn’t take any formula with me to hospital. Regarding pumping in the UK it’s advised to give yourself 6 weeks before introducing pumping as it could lead to oversupply (your body making more milk than your baby needs) as you are stimulating it more than little one is. In the UK all midwives, healthcare assistants are trained to support mothers with feeding (breast or formula). There are also infant feeding teams in the community. If you can access a lactation consultant maybe worth reaching out am having an antenatal appointment to ask questions and prepare
@Briana totally agree that was just my opinion! And yes I’m with you on the giant boob thing! I’m a G and I had to drop my boobs into my babies face which made breast feeding in public for me rather tricky! In hindsight if I’d have had more information I might have been able to find a better way to navigate that bit!! x
What are you trying to understand when it comes to breastfeeding? Positioning and attachment guidance, benefits etc? I’ve linked 2 guides below which are quite straightforward regarding breastfeeding. I hope they help.