Breastfeeding for Dummies

Ok so this is my 3rd pregnancy....My daughter is 9 and I tried breastfeeding her but we both had such a horrible time...I never even made it out of the hospital before I gave in and formula fed...She hurt me so bad...I was bleeding..It was horrible...I cried my eyes out...Then I had my son who is now 5 and I just thought about the time I had with my daughter that I never even tried with my son...Here I am, third time around, I am 16 weeks and really wanting to breastfeed...I am wondering if there are things I can start doing now to get my breasts ready(maybe not now as I realize I am only 4 months but sometime before birth) I think the thing may be is that my breasts are very sensitive...Not just during pregnancy but always...(When having sex with husband if he touches them I laugh and he's gotta stop)lol...I don't want to keep thinking that because I had a hard time w/ my daughter that I will w/ this one...I want to try so bad but I am afraid...How do I get over it...

[alaysha]

It really hurt my nipples when I started breastfeeding and I almost threw in the towel as well. However, the first week or so after they are born you both are just learning how to do it. The baby probably isn't going to latch on correctly the first couple of times. Just be patient and remember that it WILL get better. It used to make me cry and now whenever my boobs get full I'm like "where's the baby" because now it just doesn't hurt at all.

[tam2girls]

My doctor advised me to put saliva on my thumb and forefinger and then rub my nipples to help desensitise them. It helped a lot and have never had a problem. Also make sure you get good advice in the first few days about latching the baby on properly as this makes all the difference. Good Luck