re: breast feeding

Quoting charleigh:“ finally decided im going to breast feed! didnt do t with my boys so im kinda excited but a lil scared ... [snip!] ... try and give up?? and for the people who are breast feeding, well firstly good on ya! and secondly, have you got any tips???”

I have nursed 5 kids for some period of time ranging from 5 months to 23 months.
My advice is to nurse on demand to establish a good supply
Keep hydrated
Even though it might hurt when baby and you are learning to nurse work through the pain - I think most people quit when they are uncomfortable but it does pass .
Be comfortable where you nurse - have pillows etc ready at first until you get the hang of it .
And finally get a lactation consultant or la leche league member on speed dial - if you have problems call right away so someone can come and help you . The longer you wait for help the less chance of success.

Good luck  

Quoting charleigh:“ i do wish you luck! and congrats for persisting! so u have seen results?? they are healthy children?? ... [snip!] ... are healthy but they are always getting colds etc and breast feeding is supposed to give a crtain amount of immunity isnt it??”

Honestly it makes a world of difference in my opinion .
I did not nurs e my first child and she was ALWAYS sick with ear infections and such.
My other children were over the age of 1 when they got sick for the first time , I attribute it directly to breastfeeding and the immunites it provides.
My youngest child was 18 months old before she had her first cold. She nursed the longest 23 months . She has only had 2 mild colds at the age of 2 -

That's not saying some bottlefed babies never get sick , I'm sure some are just as healthy as breastfed babies , but with all the good breastmilk provides I think it makes sense to breastfeed for as long as you can.