Breastfeeding-I have no idea :S

I've always planned on breastfeeding my little one when he arrives-providing he latches well etc..

But... I realised that I know nothing about doing it :S This is my first baby, so I have a few questions...

Well I know that the nurses will help me when he first arrives and I'm in the hospital but its when I get back home. How often will he need fed? Do I need to pump? When can I start using bottle as well as breast? Just general questions but I really have no idea :S Any information that anyone can give would be really helpful and stop me panicking a bit  

Feed on demand. You don't need a pump.

Also, speak to a lactation consultant when your there. Just because you can't get a good latch in the beginning doesn't mean you can't breastfeed. Just keep on trying. GL  

Most newborns eat every 1-2 hours. But it is not uncommon for them to cluster feed which is when they will basically just stay on the boob all the time. You don't need to pump but most people like having a stock so they can get a little break from time to time if need be. Again it isn't necessary. They recommend waiting a month or more before introducing bottles. Or until a healthy breastfeeding pattern has been established.

bf babies need to eat every 1 1/2-3hrs...if they are sleeping longer than that you need to wake them. you dont need to pump, thats entirely up to you. experts recommend not giving a breastfed baby a bottle untill you feel breastfeeding is well established and happens easily(sucking on a bottle uses different muscles and your baby might not want to work for your breast)

read a book or visit the website of the LaLache League. its an organization devoted to breastfeeding and helping mothers with any issues that might come up

let the nurses at the hospital know you plan on breastfeeding, they bring in a lactation consultant who will give you a ton of information and will even come to your home to check up on you to see how you are doing. They are a great resource especially for first timers, so take advantage of it!

They say breastfed babies need to eat every 2-4 hours, but that's just a guideline. Feed on demand. When your baby starts showing signs of hunger(turning his/her head, opening mouth, suckling, etc) then pop a boob in her mouth.

When it comes to pumping and bottle feeding, I was told not to start until at least three weeks. However, I gave my daughter her first bottle at 2 weeks(I was having trouble with my supply and needed to feed her expressed milk for a few days earlier) and we didn't have a problem. We use Tommee Tippee bottles.

It will feel like 24/7 feedings for the first week. But stick with it. it will even out. also dont let anyone tell you to supplement. babys lose weight for the first week or so with or without formula. best advice is to stick with it, it will get better!

<blockquote><b>Quoting BeckyLou:</b>" I've always planned on breastfeeding my little one when he arrives-providing he latches well etc.. ... [snip!] ... but I really have no idea :S Any information that anyone can give would be really helpful and stop me panicking a bit  "</blockquote>




Make sure that a nurse helps u... With baby #4 i bf and the nurse told me she would be back and never came. I kept getting the run around. I went back to the hospital for a lactation consultant to help. I was there 15 mins before my appt and no one showed up to the office... I asked other people working in the hospital what was going on and no one could tell me anything. I gave up bf after 3 weeks cause i couldnt get help with it

Quoting ~*Mommy of 5*~:" <blockquote><b>Quoting BeckyLou:</b>" I've always planned on breastfeeding my little ... [snip!] ... the hospital what was going on and no one could tell me anything. I gave up bf after 3 weeks cause i couldnt get help with it"

Sorry to hear that, it must have been awful-I would have completely panicked. I'll be sure to make it clear to the nurses that I'd like to see a lactation consultant, I know if I don't then I won't have a clue

kellymom.com is a great breastfeeding resource site. Look through it, bookmark it.

You breastfeed on demand. That means whenever baby is hungry. Some babies want to nurse more frequently than others. It just depends on the baby! You will learn what your baby does when he or she is hungry. Some start gnawing on their fists. Others will start opening their mouths and turning their heads to the side. A good rule of thumb is to always try offering the breast when baby starts to fuss in case you missed the "signs". If he or she stops fussing, you know they were hungry. If not, you know to move on and try something else!

You don't need to pump, no. I never did.

I think most sources say not to use a bottle until around 6 weeks old. If you use it before then, baby develop a preference for the bottle and refuse to nurse from your breast.

Good luck! In my experience research beforehand is really important to successful breastfeeding.

Kellymom.com is the best breastfeeding site out there. Anything and evrything you need to know is on that site. Go check it out!!!

<blockquote><b>Quoting BeckyLou:</b>" Sorry to hear that, it must have been awful-I would have completely panicked. I'll be sure to make it ... [snip!] ... be sure to make it clear to the nurses that I'd like to see a lactation consultant, I know if I don't then I won't have a clue"</blockquote>




Im attemptimg to bf this one too and i will be the bitch of all bitches until i get some help with it! Lol... I see a major difference in my #4 compared to my other kids... Hes just different and the only one i bf. Weird but i think its connected. Even if i only bf for a month... Its worth it.

Thanks for all your info ladies, really appreciate it..

I have another question... When I change from breast to bottle what is gonna happen boob-wise? Like, are they going to continue leaking? Will they stop producing in their own time?

Quoting BeckyLou:" Thanks for all your info ladies, really appreciate it.. I have another question... When I change from ... [snip!] ... to bottle what is gonna happen boob-wise? Like, are they going to continue leaking? Will they stop producing in their own time?"

if you slowly cut down breastfeeding, you wont notice a change in your boobs. if you do it too fast your boobs will become engourged and hurt for awhile.

Quoting Brie Pryce:" if you slowly cut down breastfeeding, you wont notice a change in your boobs. if you do it too fast your boobs will become engourged and hurt for awhile."

So basically just take my time with it then, okay thank you   Feeling more reassured now