I wanna bf this one. advice please x

[Linny1989]

Hi ladies just want some advice.
I want to bf this baby. my other 2 were FF but being on such a supportive site has made me want to and realise that it can be done by anyone.

Just wanna no what food we have to eat and how best to bf etc. just advice really xx

 

[toni64539]

Awwww, that's lovely. What were your reasons for FF your other two? I'm not an expert at but I fed my son for ten months (he started biting after that haha) and I intend to BF this little one. As far as what you can eat and drink etc, obviously limit caffine and alcohol, sometimes lots of fruit juice can give them the runs so don't go crazy with that, I also found eating broccoli gave my son bad wind! He always seemed to be in pain if I'd eaten it so its just a bit of trial and error really with what's gonna affect your LO or not, you can eat prawns pâté etc all the things you couldn't while pregnant so don't worry too much, just something's bubs might not like if its too rich i,e curry! But just see how your LO is. When it comes to technique, I found it difficult as ds was preemie so didnt know how to suckle at first so took us quite a while to master it, but he fed better in the rugby ball position. Just see what works for you and ask for as much help/support as you can, and if your still not happy or in any pain at all KEEP ASKING! You and baby will crack it if you want to, just be determined, stay calm and ENJOY IT! Once it's established it's lovely!!!! Wishing u all the best x x

 

[Linny1989]

Aww thanks i actually nearly cried reading your reply. I just bever felt comfortable BF before but readin so many posts about BF in here it makes you realise you shouldnt be ahamed! Its lovely! I just didnt no how much more we had to eat. Ive quite smoking as pregnant but with my last i quite and got quite stressful when she was born so i started again (stupid i no as quite for 9 months lol) but does smoking affect it just coz i dont wanna cave in again especially if it harms bubs, x

 

[toni64539]

Yes I would say smoking would definitely not be good when BF Apparently women who smoke are more likely to have a lower milk supply, and those who do breastfeed tend to wean their babies earlier than women who don’t smoke. It can increase the risk of cot death nicotine passes into your milk. If you've already given up, stay well clear, spend the money you save on bubs well done by the way for quitting! As far as how much food, I think it's something like 500 extra calories per day you need. And carbs are goooood for boosting milk. And drink pleanty of water, I used to get an instant raging thirst as soon as bubs latched on, really wierd. But go for it! You really won't regret it x

 

[Linny1989]

Yay thank you. I defo wont be giving into stress then! I just worry how do u no how much bubs is drinking. coz ive done FF twice i no how much they feed u no. but with bf u dont no x

 

[toni64539]

BF is a little more difficult in terms of k owing what they have but you go by 'time' instead of ounces ha, so in the first two or so weeks anything 20 mins or more is classed as a good feed. And baby will let u know if its hungry, and unlike with formula, you can't give them too much, so I found it easier to feed on demand then I knew he was always full, plus if he was growing or a little under the weather or just thirsty, that way I knew I wasn't depriving him. But I know some mums who refused to feed lo unless it had been 3 hours since last feed and then establish more of a routine, as if they hadnt had enough last time they'd guzzle at the next feed, so it's up to you what you do, see hat works best, but again, ask for advice from midwives/breast feeding counsellor, most will advise feeding on demand x

 

[Linny1989]

thanks. just really wanna do it x

 

[beckyboo1]

Of course you can do it- it's what boobies are made for.

For me the first 2 weeks were the hardest but the following 8 months have been fab!!

With food I haven't avoided anything but I'd definately say stay away from the cigarettes.

I'd also let your mw know and the hospital when you go to give birth that you want to bf- that way you should get lots of support.

You just need to remember that it'll be new for both of you so don't get mad and frustrated just relax and baby will do what it's meant to

And we're all here for support. Xx

 

[Linny1989]

Really appreciate all the support thank you. cigs are a no go now defo! just have to eat salad if i get stressed instead lol x

 

[Danti]

Hi, I haven't posted in a long time but saw your post and wanted to help

Re smoking, yes its so much better to quit because there is a chance it may reduce your supply and give baby colic! So quitting and staying quit is best. But if you find you can't not smoke, don't give up bf as your milk will still be better than any formula out there! Limit smoking to just after feeds so there is less nicotine in your milk. Also studies show that smoking increases the risk of sids when parents smoke in the home or car around baby and/or when bed sharing when you're a smoker. Not from being a smoker and bf alone.

When it comes to knowing if baby is getting enough, nappy output is the best thing to go by, this site has some brilliant guidelines to go by: http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/faqs/getting-enough-milk-how-tell

Whether your food intake needs to change depends on you really, have a read here: http://www.lalecheleague.org/nb/nbmarapr04p44.html they explain it a lot better than I could lol.

Right I'll leave it at that lol don't want to bombard you with too much info haha! But if you have any questions feel free to pm me or what not and I'll try my best to help xx

 

[Linny1989]

Thank you so much! Got a lot of thinking to do lol, x