Congrats on the new one! BF is definitely so much healthier for the baby. My first child I was not able to BF because of health problems in both of us, but when #2 came along I was determined to try. I actually found it much easier than having to prepare formula, sterilize bottles, etc (not to mention cheaper!) It was so much faster to just be able to offer the breast when baby was crying. There is not a lot you need to know ahead of time... if you are delivering in a hospital, you might want to see if they have lactation consultants available when you are there to help you get started on the right foot. I never saw a lactation consultant so not everyone needs them, but those I have heard that have seen them say they are very helpful. I now have my 4th child who is 3 months old and am enjoying the time I have breastfeeding her. It really is a very special bond. If you have any questions or you want to chat, I am here.

I agree with sad belly CHEAPER BETTER EASIER!!! And its simple as long as you are determined and can get through the first 2 to 6 weeks you can do it! But you have to want to do it. And you have to sit and feed quite a bit so take that time to enjoy baby and the quiet or read a book I love to stroke my little mans head and let him eat its a moment for us. Its very rewarding and sometimes it can be a challenge but its all worth it!

I LOVED BREASTFEEDING! But it may not be for everyone. What I love - it is a GREAT bonding experience, it's better for baby, it's cheaper, etc.

I feel that it does tie you down a bit... I say that because I was not a comfortable public breastfeeder... so I wanted to be at home or friends or family houses.

I agree with CAYLEEBUG... you have to get through the first 2 months really.. after that it's no big deal... it's habit.

Lisa Ann... I just got done breastfeeding my last child... and we will not have any more... infertility was just too hard and on top of that I am 40. But I cried when it was his last feeding. I truly will miss it and I hope that I will always remember what it felt like... and how silly the boys sometimes where when nursing... they were always so down to business... but then sometimes they would just unlatch, throw themselves back on my lap and smile and giggle at me... and go right back to feeding.

I loved that look in their eye when they did that... and hope I never forget what it looked like.

Always,
Kristin

I don't have experience BF, but I am planning to with my first baby due in June.

From what I've read, it is the absolute best for your baby - every day that you can BF benefits him/her.

Also, you will have a much better chance of success if you prepare before you give birth. Tell yourself that you 'will breastfeed' rather than you 'will try'. You should have someone around who is supportive (DH/Partner or a consultant) and can give you the encouragement that you need.

My aunt bottle fed 2 and then breastfed her 3rd - she said it was an amazing experience and she was thrilled that she did it.

All these ladies have some great advice, esp hopeful...I would go further and suggest that if yo really want to bf, have no crutches around tat may impede your ability to do so. For example, do NOT buy or accept any free formula samples, and have no bottles in the house. Bring no ff paraphernelia with you when you go have your baby n the hospital. Include it in your birth plan, that you intend to bf, and absolutely no formula. Put your baby skin-on-skin ASAP after birth.

The sooner you initiate bf after birth, the better your chances. If you can avoid a medicated birth, then that is even better, as meds can impede the baby's ability to latch correctly.

Inquire about an in-house Lactation consultant, and if possible, schedule a meeting with her up front, before you have the baby. Or sign up for a bf class. Follow the discussion topics here. Go to the web site drjacknewman.com, and read the articles on bf help, and watch the video clips (free!)

And rememebr , bf is not the best; it is NORMAL! You can do it!

i chose to bf because of the cost factor. it has turned out to be the most rewarding thing that i have ever done. we hit a rough spot at 3 months when ds was diagnosed with a milk allergy. i had to cut out dairy but im adjusting. i cried when the doc initially told me to quit altogether. and to think, i was only going to bf for 5wks until i went back to work... 4 months and going strong!

ps- you dont have to fully wake up to bf at night- no bottles to prepare!

All of what these ladies have said - and more. (I'm BFing my 4th, but struggled this time. Fought hard to make it work, and I'm loving it!)
1. You aren't born knowing how/knowing everything about it. Get some help in learning how, and never be afraid to ask questions.
2. It may be hard at first - or it may not! Be prepared to work hard at it if you have to.
3. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and it goes both ways. From old wives tales (ex: if your milk is thin and bluish, it's no good) to extremes (Ex: If you don't breastfeed you are a horrible mom). Trust your gut and be informed.
4. Like your labor and delivery, this is a PERSONAL CHOICE you have to make for yourself. DO NOT feel bad if you decide it's not for you. Don't let other people talk you out of it if you decide you want to do it!
5. We're here for you, so holler if you need advice.

I was just talking with my aunt Sunday after church while breastfeeding my baby. She was asking me some questions and I realized, wow! I absolutely can not imagine feeding my baby any other way! This is what we do, this is how he is fed, it is completely natural for us.

Now, having said that I will tell you it's not all easy. When I had my 1st son 12 years ago there was not as much support for breast feeding. I didn't know much about it and I didn't get a lot of encouragement. He was given a bottle and a pacifier in the hospital without my permission and I couldn't get him to latch on. I did briefly see a lactation consultant in the hospital, but I was uncomfortable with her.
*Just so you know, those women are not the least bit shy about grabbing your breast and shoving it in the baby's mouth! It helps to be prepared for that!*
I tried for 6 weeks- spending hours trying to get him to latch on, then having to pump and feed him with a syringe so he wouldn't get hooked on a bottle. It was a horrible experience.
BUT 5yrs later when I had my 2nd, I was older and more comfortable and did a lot of reading on how to. I put the baby right to the breast in the delivery room and he latched right on. (he loved nursing!) Later when a nurse brought a bottle "Just in case" I threatened to throw the dang thing at her if she didn't take it and respect the sign in the isolet that said *Breast Only*!!! I had the confidence I needed.
This time around has been a little more difficult for me. Having a 12yr old and 7yr old I was tired going into delivery. Delivery was physically harder on me, so breast feeding was exhausting the first few weeks. We had some problems with latching on so my nipples felt like they were on fire BUT I saw a lactation consultant and she helped me get the baby to latch on correctly. It improved right away. The baby is 12 wks tomorrow and we are going great. i don't see any reson why we would need to supplement with formula. He is strong and healthy and very happy. He calms as soon as he is in my arms.
The hospital I delivered at has rules that a mother must sign permission to give formula so it was never offered, and a lactation consultant visited me each day I was there... the help and advice is great. A lactation consultant is your friend!


I agree with the other ladies, you have to get through the first 2 months. In all honesty, you have 5 you should know this... the first 2 months with any baby are difficult and all about adjusting to having a new member in your family.
When you are nursing, you absolutely HAVE to sit and hold your baby and take breaks. It means you have to accept that you have to let some of the chores go and accept that other people who help won't do it perfectly your way. It means when you are awakened in the middle of the night you don't have to fix a bottle AND you get to hold your baby close to you.
I would suggest taking a breast feeding class if your hospital offers them, and bring dad along. My husband had a hard time understanding that there are ways he can help baby even thugh I am the food source. He isn't against BF but doesn't know how to offer support.
Also, shop around looking for a good nursing bra because they can be hard to find. Nursing tnks are handy too- cheap at Target!I also have a nursing cover up that helps me nurse in public without fear of being exposed- and having 2 older kids we are on the go a lot, I am sure you understand that!

There are so many perks to breast feeding, I can go on and on! I look at my older kids graoing up so fast and I know that it will not be long before baby is running right alongside them.... but for now, I get to slow down and enjoy his baby days!