Hi Dannii,
I know you can do this! The fact you are here and still posting and so keen is 99% of the battle - you're going to be a b/feeding pro soon!
I think its absolutely CRUCIAL you get some help from b/feeding support - either someone to come and visit you or to go to a cafe. I think that in order to succeed with breastfeeding this is so so important for you, I can't stress that enough. I've had a google and this is what I can find (bearing in mind English geography is NOT my stronge point and you may be better doing your own research!)
La Leche League group in Bedfordshire
Find your nearest Baby Cafe (What is a Baby Cafe?)
www.bedsheartlandspct.nhs.uk/Documents/Stafflines/Stafflines%2520Jul%25202003.pdf+breastfeeding+support+bedfordshire&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=15&gl=uk]Bedfordshire breastfeeding support[/url] (scroll down to page 2). This is old doc from 2003, but it states that at that time there were six breastfeeding support groups and drop-in groups across Bedfordshire health area - worth asking if these still exist?
Breastfeeding Support Centre, Bedford
Its definitely also worth calling the NCT breastfeeding support line, who will put you in touch with local NCT breastfeeding counsellors who can advise you on local support and come to your home and help you.
I remember that feeling of not wanting DD to feed either and hoping she'd just forget about it and carry on sleeping! However, in a few weeks, I wanted to feed her more (she was never a hungry baby) as I really really enjoyed it and wanted to do it more!
I am furious with the support you have been given by the NHS. I would have been so angry if someone had dared to feed my baby formula, and I wasn't even given the choice? This makes me very angry and mistrusting and I wouldn't let that lie. Do you think they just did that because you are young (no excuse though). I did find out, via my research, that Bedfordshire does or did have the lowest breastfeeding rate in England, and I'm not surprised if thats the support they give you?
As for your brother, I think it is absolutely vital that you get everyone in your family on side and aware of your goal to breastfeed Evie and make them aware that actions like his are NOT helpful. I would be tempted to, if not throw the formula and bottle feeding paraphenalia away, then hide it and pretend its not there.
Be careful with expressing so early on, you may be fine, but its really not advised until a few more weeks in so as to establish your milk supply properly. Also, make sure you know the correct guidelines for storing milk - I kept mine for up to 3 days in the fridge. The best information is here - clicky.
Sorry if all this sounds grumpy and preachy, its really not meant to be. I feel like a cheerleader on the sidelines and I soooo want you to succeed with it as I think you will be a natural in a couple of weeks and just love breastfeeding once you've got it cracked. You do need to be quite strict with yourself to succeed, I think, and put a number of measures in place to make that happen - its so worth it. I think you are doing brilliantly to date.
Valentine Xxx
I know you can do this! The fact you are here and still posting and so keen is 99% of the battle - you're going to be a b/feeding pro soon!
I think its absolutely CRUCIAL you get some help from b/feeding support - either someone to come and visit you or to go to a cafe. I think that in order to succeed with breastfeeding this is so so important for you, I can't stress that enough. I've had a google and this is what I can find (bearing in mind English geography is NOT my stronge point and you may be better doing your own research!)
La Leche League group in Bedfordshire
Find your nearest Baby Cafe (What is a Baby Cafe?)
www.bedsheartlandspct.nhs.uk/Documents/Stafflines/Stafflines%2520Jul%25202003.pdf+breastfeeding+support+bedfordshire&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=15&gl=uk]Bedfordshire breastfeeding support[/url] (scroll down to page 2). This is old doc from 2003, but it states that at that time there were six breastfeeding support groups and drop-in groups across Bedfordshire health area - worth asking if these still exist?
Breastfeeding Support Centre, Bedford
Its definitely also worth calling the NCT breastfeeding support line, who will put you in touch with local NCT breastfeeding counsellors who can advise you on local support and come to your home and help you.
I remember that feeling of not wanting DD to feed either and hoping she'd just forget about it and carry on sleeping! However, in a few weeks, I wanted to feed her more (she was never a hungry baby) as I really really enjoyed it and wanted to do it more!
I am furious with the support you have been given by the NHS. I would have been so angry if someone had dared to feed my baby formula, and I wasn't even given the choice? This makes me very angry and mistrusting and I wouldn't let that lie. Do you think they just did that because you are young (no excuse though). I did find out, via my research, that Bedfordshire does or did have the lowest breastfeeding rate in England, and I'm not surprised if thats the support they give you?
As for your brother, I think it is absolutely vital that you get everyone in your family on side and aware of your goal to breastfeed Evie and make them aware that actions like his are NOT helpful. I would be tempted to, if not throw the formula and bottle feeding paraphenalia away, then hide it and pretend its not there.
Be careful with expressing so early on, you may be fine, but its really not advised until a few more weeks in so as to establish your milk supply properly. Also, make sure you know the correct guidelines for storing milk - I kept mine for up to 3 days in the fridge. The best information is here - clicky.
Sorry if all this sounds grumpy and preachy, its really not meant to be. I feel like a cheerleader on the sidelines and I soooo want you to succeed with it as I think you will be a natural in a couple of weeks and just love breastfeeding once you've got it cracked. You do need to be quite strict with yourself to succeed, I think, and put a number of measures in place to make that happen - its so worth it. I think you are doing brilliantly to date.
Valentine Xxx
