Just watched Bump to breastfeeding DVD

[Gayle30]

Got the DVD in my pack from the midwife yesterday and I've just sat for the last hour watching it. I've also read as many books as I can find and totally exhausted my knowledge in bf now!

I really really want what's best for both me and LO so how come I'm slightly put off by the thought of it all? I'm not one for being naked and don't feel confident showing my bits off. I know it's not like I'm going to sit there in the total buff but can't help feeling I will be exposed!

My mum is going to be with me in theatre when I have my baby and daddy waiting in recovery. They say skin to skin contact is best straight away, how long does this last for? I want granny and daddy to be able to hold her too.

Do you think I'm freaking out over nothing? Guess I've not really had any experience of people breast feeding, all my friends and family have bottle fed. I've got all that stuff in as ideally I'd like to combination feed so daddy can help me, especially as I'm having a section.

This is my first wobble about anything as I've sailed through the last 28 weeks on sheer excitement. I'm not even a tiny bit scared about the surgery or post birth! Just looking to you ladies who have succeeded In bf'ing for reassurance or advice.

Thanks in advance xxx

 

[Mrs N]

In all honesty these are things that you think about when you are pregnant and never occur to you when you have the baby!! Firstly you wont care to start with about feeding in the hospital and once your out you get more profficient and you learn how to feed discreetly. Sencondy once you have given birth you wont want to give your baby to anyone for ages so have loads of cuddles till you feel tired then they can have the baby while you rest!!
Good luck!!!
xxx

 

[beckyboo1]

Do you mean you're worried about your bits being on show when you're breastfeeding or whilst you're in hospital?

As for when you're in hospital you really won't be worried about it- I can honestly say it's the last thing you'll think about- I promise you!

As for skin to skin it is really important but if course oh and parents will be ok to hold without there being a problem- but again you'll find you'll just want baby close to you- purely cos you'll be looking on in amazement thinking " wow we made him/her!!"

If you're worried about breast feeding out and about there's plenty of nice nursing covers that will cover everything and no one will know you're feeding. Once you get practised at it it gets easier

Just put no pressure on yourself, go with the flow and it'll come to you xxxx

Hope some if that helps x

 

[Kayelle]

When I was in labour I really didn't care about being exposed, you just don't lol towards the end of labour i was walking back and forth in just my bra haha! When baba was born he came straight to my chest and mw covered us both over. Oh and i fussed him while I was sorted out down there, then I fed him first time but didn't worry about being exposed as the people in the room had just seen a lot worse! By the time others arrived I was so tired I let them cuddle him and I was under the blanket.
About half an hour later visitors left and i was helped to the shower.
On the ward I wad in a section with 5 other ladies, but had curtains to close for Bf etc.
I have found as time goes on when I'm at home I really don't care about being exposed. When i feed him on the go its easier now, I have a bump band on under a loose top. I can lift the top and that covers top of boob, and band covers tummy, the rest is covered by baby, but even then i sorta park the pram so I'm sheilded a bit. My big piece of advice would be act confident, like its not awkward, that way others will feel comfy and so will you. I feed when chatting to mil and fil, and when oh mates come round !

 

[aliciabubba]

I loved breast feeding. It's such a close bond you can have with your baby xxx shame my lil man became to fussy at the boob and in the end didn't want it at all lol xxx

 

[Kayelle]

I love Bf too, its something only I can give him

 

[Em91]

I was exactly the same when pregnant, really worried about having my boobs on show. But once LO is here you just do it & dont think!

Midwives were grabbing me to help her latch properly & I didn't even think anything of it. I would have been mortified before x

Using tapatalk so excuse the typos!

 

[pinkyprincess]

I had very similar reservations and was really confused about what I would do when LO was here. The intelligent part of my brain was telling me that bfing was best for me and baby but the insecure part of me was worried about not being able to go through with it, something going wrong, getting my boobs out etc. I brought bottles, steriliser, cartons etc (waste of money!!! If you need them send OH to tesco in that time you'll have the chance to give one more feed a go and that feed may crack it!) and after my 4 day induction due to pure exhaustion I asked for a bottle after my c section. They never brought it. So when I was sitting in recovery and had a rooting baby sitting on me I just followed my instinct and fed him! I've never looked back!

I think the best thing I did was when pregnant and when people asked how I was feeding him (which they do all the time, it's so annoying why is it their business?) I stayed pretty nonchalant and just said that I'd decide when he was here, that way I felt no pressure whatsoever to feed a certain way.

As someone who has successfully bf for 7 months tomorrow I will do the pro thing and tell you it is the BEST thing I have ever done! Its so fulfilling and I'm glad I chose to. It hasn't been easy at all! The first 6 weeks you may get frustrated or sore (make sure you have lanisonah (sp?) and tired (sleep when baby sleeps tell visitors no if your not up for it) but I promise you it gets so much better! When your baby pulls away and gives you a gummy smile with milk dribbling out of their mouth it'll melt your heart!

Worth giving this a read as these are common 'issues' new mind have that can be over come http://mothering.com/all-things-mot...ing/breastfeeding-101-beating-the-booby-traps

There are a lot of us on PF who've been through many problems so don't be afraid to ask!

As for the exposing yourself I found at first I'd go out the room to feed while I was establishing myself but when I was at home I pretty much walked around with my boobs out. Invest in some pashminas as they are great light covers (I keep mine in the buggy so doubles up as a layer for mummy of its cold or even an extra blanket) I'm now a lot more comfortable and will fed anywhere. Know your rights of someone says anything THEY are in the wrong http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/breastfeedingpublicplace.pdf

Re cuddles, family have plenty of time for baby cuddles! Concentrate on you and baby that's what's important! First time everyone had cuddles with Tyler was the next day when we came home and I was twitching to get him back!

I've kinda gone off on one I've just seen too many people give up because of lack of support or knowledge. We done for doing your research!

Just remember if it doesn't work out, don't fret! There's always next time to crack it what matters is that you tried!

 

[kaz1983]

Im not nervous as such about bf-ing though I prob would be a bit apprehensive doing it in public or somewhere other than home the first few times but needs must and if minion needs fed I will have to get over my shyness (yes Gayle I do still have some shyness left though sometimes it doesnt appear that way lol)

MW says they try and let skin to skin last about an hour if your feeling up to it much as Im no doubt gonna hog minion I know I will have to give daddy a turn too lol xx

 

[Gayle30]

Thank you to everyone who replied. I probs am just bei g silly and having a wobble. I want to do it, don't get me wrong...don't know what's come over me.

However, bigger issues have developed tonight and I have to go in to hospital to,or row as they think. Have O.C and need treatment. So I guess the whole issue is put on the back burner until,I know what's going on with me.

Your advice is all so helpful-thank you.

And Karen, I know ur a wee bit shy cause I am too. Ha. Xxxx

 

[jojo_2012]

Daddy and Nanny will have plenty of time for cuddles, have all the skin to skin you want. I did it for the hr or so I was on recovery war after the c-section.

Didn't the books/DVD tell you that combo feeding in the early days is a bad idea?