Breastfeeding

Lactation Specialist- Get to know your lactation specialist at your hospital before you give birth. Sometimes it comes naturally and sometimes it’s really difficult, but they will have tricks to make it easier.

Breast pumps are a necessity. Have one before you leave the hospital. (They can loan you one until you find one you like.) If you don’t, your breasts will get engorged when your milk comes in and your baby won’t be able to feed. It’s as painful as it sounds. Someone will be running out in a desperate panic trying to find one. You can also rent one for a month. I would suggest either renting one or having the hospital loan you one. You may have your heart set on nursing and then discover that maybe it’s not for you. Pumps are expensive and you don’t want to waste money on one you use for a month.
Go to a class. They offer them at the hospital and you can get to know your specialist this way. Do it at least 2 months before your due date. You never know when you’ll have a preemie!

Bottles- Don’t let the hospital give your baby a bottle. It’s hard for them to latch on to you if they have gotten use to a bottle. You can tell the hospital not to give them a bottle or a pacifier (if you have a premature baby, they usually go ahead and give them both). You may also want to give them the pacifier that you want your baby to have. If they give your baby a “Soothie” pacifier, most likely he won’t take another one after that one.

Motherwear.com- They have great things for the breastfeeding mom. Get a catalogue. They have tidbits from other moms and everything from breast pumps, pads and discreet clothing for nursing.

Milk production- If you need to produce more milk, try Fenugreek. Talk to your specialist about how much to take. Don’t get the mother’s milk tea. It’s gross. If you need to quit producing milk or subside your engorged breasts, bind yourself with put frozen cabbage leaves over your breasts and bind them with and ace bandage. Don't take a warm shower during this time because the warm water will make the milk flow again. I know it sounds silly, but it works. You might smell like a side dish and be a little uncomfortable, but you will dry up quicker than not doing anything at all. They used to give pills in the hospital if you decided not to nurse, but they cause seizures so they quit giving them. If you get engorged, you can take a hot shower. The warm water will ease your breasts. Gently squeeze them and the milk will start to come out.
Enjoy this time!- Don’t let yourself get frustrated. The biggest mistake I made was letting nursing ruin the first 2 months of having Flint in my life. This is supposed to be a magical time for you. You will already be coping with sleep deprivation and postpartum depression. Don’t add anything to make you more stressed than you are already. If nursing isn’t easy for you, don’t ruin this time because you think it will be healthier for your baby. Please call me if you need support.