breast feeding tips?

[lisalovesjonathan]

i've decided that im going to breast feed(: i feel excited, but a little worried because i know it isn't easy for everyone. do you girls have any breast feeding tips for me? i'm also wanting to buy a pump!

[Jtreeves]

Definitely don't give up! It takes time to get use to it. If it weren't for my husband pushing me to continue on, I would've quit the first month. It's very time consuming, and also breastfed babies eat more often than formula fed babies. I learned that the hard way. My baby cried all the time. I had no idea he was hungry again, he ate like every 2 hrs. Sometimes it was sooner. Good pick. It's worth it. Can't wait to breastfeed this baby. I'm due may 26

[lisalovesjonathan]

thanks so much for all the support, can't wait to finally try it once my baby girl arrives. (:

[arianna92]

Nikihans i bought lanolin but do u have to clean it off of u before breast feeding again or is it safe

[kr12]

Don't give up it can be frustrating the first little bit but its so worth it.  Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and with my son he wouldn't latch I had to use a shield and then I didn't have a,problem.

[DelainaN]

I'm so glad you asked this question! I just learned a lot!

[NikiHans]

I agree with the other ladies, it's tough at first but it will get better, and eventually will be a very comfortable bonding time with baby. I loved my Medela double electric breast pump, they're pricy but you can find them used for cheaper and buy new tubing/shields for them. Lanolin was my best friend, it's so soothing for sore and cracked nipples, and don't use soap on your breasts. A lactation consultant is a great help when you're new to breastfeeding. You'll do great :)

[3_22_2013]

KTowne is right the first week will be the most painful and after that you won't feel a thing. Usually the hospital will ask if you would like to see a breast feeding consultant and I highly suggest you do, that way you're aware of how your baby is supposed to latch on and it's less painful. I also suggest that you buy nursing cream, I bought the Palmer's nursing butter but you'll only need it for maybe the first week or so. Oh and don't freak out if the skin.cracks. I freaked out and was on the verge of calling it quits but it just means baby needs to put more of the nipple in their mouth. And buy plenty of nursing pads.

[lisalovesjonathan]

yeah i just recently went to one, (:

[ChellFaye23]

If they are offering breastfeeding classes where ever you are I reccomend them. I feel very positive about breastfeedong now. I know its going to take a while to figure it out but after the breastfeeding class I feel more confident.

[lisalovesjonathan]

thank you soo much!! (:

[KTowne]

Stick it out!! The first week or so is the hardest, and it's pretty painful, but after the first week or so there is NO pain at all, and once you get the hang of it, it's sooo much easier than bottle feeding! You'll go through spurts where your baby is crying more, fussing more, and eating CONSTANTLY.. like ever half an hour, and your boobs won't feel huge and engorged anymore, they'll feel flat and empty, don't take that as you aren't making enough, it's a growth spurt, you're not drying up. My first child I only breastfed for 3 weeks because he was going through a growth spurt and I thought my milk was drying up, and I look back now and know it was a growth spurt. Really try to stick it out, my daughter is only 3 months old and knows me more than anyone else because of the bond we've made BF'ing, I've also lost over 30lbs since starting, and most of that was within the 1st month. Good luck hun, it's SO rewarding!!