Is there anything I can do to prepare my body ahead of time

[adgal]

Hi everyone, and hello Andi!!!  So excited to be finally joining this forum.  I am 40 and expecting my first baby in January (I know, late bloomer).  I absolutely intend to breastfeed and am wondering if there is anything I can be doing now to help prepare my body so that my milk supply is adequate.  Any supplements or additions to my current diet?  I eat pretty healthy now and take prenatals, fish oil, calcium supplement and baby asprin.  I am grateful for any suggestions you may have.  Also, I am looking into good pumps now so that my son's daddy can participate in feeding as well.  Any recommendations of a good brand?  Thanks so much!!  Amanda

[PamelaBee]

Hi sweetie!  How are you??  There's really nothing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding, it's one thing nature does on it's own.  Keep taking your prenatals after your angel is born and all through nursing.  Once you deliver, you can immediately breastfeed, and you can pump.  Colostrum is the light strawlike color liquid  that comes out of your breast prior to milk...this contains the highest nutrional/antibodies your little one needs in the very beginning.  I had a Olivia, I bought the Medela Advance Pump in Style Double Electric...it's worth every penny.  One thing I learned about breast pumps is you get what you pay for, although the Medela is expensive, it's a must have while breastfeeding.  Oh...I'm so excited for you!  I'm keeping posted on the +35 forum, but have spent most of my time on this forum for the obvious.  Hope you're doing well toots!!  Miss you!!  XO Pam

[AndiJ78]

Anny hospital grade pump is a must if you plan on using it for more than just an occasional pumping. Other pumps simply drain the breast milk whereas a hospital grade pump will actually work to help increase the supply and maintain it.

I am so thrilled to see you here! Remember, I am available any time. I get a lot of PM questions and you have my private info as well if you need me.

And do not feel bad if daddy does not get to help with feeding. John did not a single feed but he was able to bond through other means like diaper time, helping with bathing, or simply snuggling.  John tells me all the time he was happy to watch me nurse, knowing that was what the boys wanted and needed most. I think he was happy to sleep through the night :-)

[sweetangel7]

Just be prepared for it to be tougher than you expected...I had no idea how much work breast feeding would be and what a learning experience it was with every feed!  It was painful too and no one told me that before hand so I was surprised and in pain and tired and overwhelmed etc.  Also,  come hear for help and don't give up.

AND...my one word of advice is watch out for thrush...I had it untreated in my ducts for 4 weeks making bf'ing EXTREMELY painful and every doctor told me I was in pain just because breast feeding was painful...and I had thrush all along!  =(  I had to take 6w of medication...no fun!