This first time mom-to-be needs HELP!

I'm due to give birth to our son in May and I've been thinking a lot about breastfeeding.  My husband has expressed his feelings that he wants me to because there are just so many good things to come from it.  We had our breastfeeding class last night and I'm not going to lie, I felt very intimidated.  It seemed complicated.  The way to hold your breast, the position of the baby, making sure baby latches properly so you aren't in pain, feeding on both breasts at each feeding, pumping, etc.  I know that if I'm not 100% willing to do this than it's not going to work.  And I really want to try because of all of the good things that are associated with it, not to mention the bond that me and my baby boy will have and the fact that it's FREE!!!!  Is it as complicated as I'm thinking?  The lactation counselor that taught the class last night said that they visit every mom while in the hospital to make sure everything is going ok.  But, I'm still nervous.

[AndiJ78]

To put your mind at ease (I hope) I did not attend any classes, did not meet with an LC, faced nursing on only 1 breast, and still succeeded. I did something that no LC or pedi I have ever spoken with has ever seen done and I did it with only my son and myself.

It is scary, but I tell you the moment he latched, it was magic. It is like you suddenly go "So that's what these things are for!"

We are here for you every step of the way. I have also been known to offer some late night cheerleading sessions as well ;-)

[kele1129]

It isn't as complicated as it sounds. I too never took a class and have only had one issue (due to my milk coming in) and now my boy is putting on weight and there is little to no pain with feedings. Once you get the basics down it becomes natural. Phin and I have our own comfortable positions and ways to feed. As long as the boy is getting my milk that is all I care about, not meeting the textbook hold and latch.

[krushing]

Thanks ladies!  I guess I will try and find what works for us and go with it.  I guess everything can't be "textbook"!  I'm sure I'll be a routine visitor here...because we are going to need all the help we can get.  Thanks again!!

[tatorbug40]

I did not have good luck with my first-  and so with my second I went into it fearing the same would happen-  my dd never latched on and would not feed from me, and after 2 weeks I gave up...  my ds however latched right on-  not one problem at all....  I however did not like breastfeeding...  I can't describe why...  but I was really struggling with what I think was probably some PPD, and the breastfeeding and all the restrictions (as I thought of them) that came with it just were helping my mindset....  so I did the pump exclusively thing (which was probably more work then just breastfeeding) until I returned to work....  then it was all just too much...  so we went to formula...   and there is nothing wrong with a formula fed baby-  they will be just as smart and just as healthy...  I promise you....  so don't put too much pressure on yourself-  I did with my first, and when I "failed" I really had a hard time with it...  but a healthy mom, mind and body, is what is best for baby...  so keep that in mind too-  don't get too stressed about it all....  it will come to you,  and these ladies will help a lot...  I got a lot of support, esp from Andi when I was trying to BF...  

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I also had no advice and no lactation consultant until much later.  I just read as much as I could.

Ok, the first couple of weeks may not be so easy. You and baby are getting used to breast feeding and eachoter.  But persist if it doesn't seem to come naturally.  You can do it and after the first month you and baby will be pros.  Whatever difficulty you had at the beginning will have passed.

It is totally worth it if you can and if it works for you!

I went straight back to work within less than a week after baby was born.  I breast feed and pump and it's now nearly 7 weeks and we're managing fine though I had some issues with getting her to latch properly (would take many many tries before we were able to feed in the first few weeks), building milk supply, candida infection (which makes breastfeeding very painful - still fighting that one)..... I am now sure i can manage to breastfeed her exclusively as long as necessary.

Just come and ask whatever qs you like.  Just want to let you know that it is doable if you want to.

S

[mamaof2boys0608]

It is not complicated at all. The first day after you have your baby, it will be different for you, Just ask the nurse for a little help like I did. I am now 4 months into breastfeeding and love every second of it. I have a 2 year old that I never got to breastfeed due to complications after a c-section and wished every minute that I could have, but I was just like you before I ever had babies. Nervous, and so on! Now I won't lie, at first your nipples are going to hurt because well... a baby will be suckling on them every hour or so, but in a few days they will tuffen up, just make sure you have lanolin cream, breast pads and a nursing bra. I prefer sports bra's personally! I forgot breast pads and leaked :( I hope I'm not scaring you. I am just trying to help you better prepair :) Good Luck!

[babydreams9]

It was a difficult start for us, and it hurts at first. It took us a few weeks to get it figured out, with the help of a LC and the LLL. Now we're going 6 months strong and I am so proud of us both for sticking with it. It's the best thing I've ever done and probably will ever do for my baby boy. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it. It's amazing. :)
Having said that, do have the phone numbers for your LC and local LLL (and whoever else is supportive in your efforts) ready and available BEFORE you have the baby. Just in case!

[holspowell]

You need anything I'm here for you. the LC's are wonderful help and will do their best to let you try...depending on the LC. I KNOW mine because she is a family friend and emailed her often for help with my DD (our #2)  She was really congested and wouldn't latch on right for 4 WEEKS...hang in there and you will do fine. We are here for you!

[krushing]

Thank you all so much!  I really appreciate it all!  It's different talking to "moms" that have done it rather than just healthcare professionals.  But, I love the LC that taught our class the other night, she has 4 kids and BF all 4 of them, so I think she will be wonderful also while in the hospital.