I've been out of touch for a while, but am 31 weeks already and am thinking about what I can do to best prepare for breastfeeding. Any helpful hints? Do I need to start conditioning my nipples with creams or is that a lot of nonsense? Any insight appreciated.
JENNCHRIS
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
I wouldn't worry about conditioning them or anything - just make sure that you get some help from a lactation consultant if the baby is latching on correctly later because that can get painful - nursing shouldn't be painful though. They have lanolin creams that you can use while the baby is nursing, which helps a little in the beginning if you get dry. I had mastitis about 4 days after Jordan was born - ouch!!! Also, just a tip, get lots of nursing pads - I had nooo idea how much I was going to leak in the beginning!
emilain
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
Actually, the recommedn 'toughening up' your nipples before the baby comes, look in your what to expect when expecting book, it covers it, but also be careful, sometimes nipple stimulation can induce contractions. It will be a bit painful jst for the first few days and when your milk comes in, keep a bag of peas handy for relief and make sure the baby latches on correctly, then it shiuldn't be too bad, if the pain is LONG lasting something is worng, usually the first few days as a the baby latches on you could pull your hair out, but the pain should subside within a minute or so, if not, take the baby off and replace his/her mouth over your entire nipple. Enjoy it's soooo worth it, I loved nursing my 2 girls for their entire forst year of life!!!!
kptoys
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
I think the toughing up of your nipples is a bunch of crap. I agree to having a LC help you learn the proper way to latch the baby on. Plenty of lanoline and breast pads are also GREAT ideas!!! My nips hurt for the first week because we were both learning the right way to do it but 2+ years and alls well. Just be patient and having support is KEY!!!
michele31
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
I would not condition your nipples prior to birth. I would bring the cream to the hospital as well as A Nursing Mother's Companion Guide. I also highly rec'd bring the phone number of a good, professional, Lacation Consultant with you. The hospital LCs did not help me at all and were often not available, even though I was told they would be. The information I got at the hospital caused me to have no milk supply and my daughter was on full formula by the time I left the hospital. Thankfully I found a LC 2 days later that helped me recover my supply within 3 weeks (by pumping) but unfortunely Molly never latched again no matter what I tried. If I had called the LC while in the hospital I might have had a much better game plan and saved the nursing instead of pumping all day long.
myasmom
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
The bet help I got from nursing was form the 'new mommies nurse' that comes around to teach about babies. She showed me what to do and answered all my questions. And honestly sometimes baby knows more than mommy lol.
Florenze
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Re: Questions forBreastfeeding Moms....
The only advise I have is to be patient. My son did not latch until he was 8 weeks old. I was so close to giving up. It was very difficult pumping, then feeding him especially in the middle of the night. However I knew breast milk was the best thing for him(he was 5 weeks premature).
