next time breastfeeding

[nathanmum]

i gave up bf when nathan was a couple of weeks old something i still feel guilty about. i would definately like to do it with the next one but was wondering can you like hire someone to come to the house and help you with technique etc. i know your mw is supposed to but they cant be there all the time is there an alternative?

 

[kristal]

there are BF clinics run around the place, something your MW and HV should tell you about, which offer support and help you with technique

 

[Nicky_Jones]

I think you can, but there are breast feeding support clinics in our area, which i have been to several times which are very, very helpful. They look at your technique and positioning, show you how to improve your positioning, show you different positions if you are having specific problems e.g. in the first few weeks it was painful for me to sit due to stitches so I was more relaxed feeding lying down so they showed me how to do that. I would highly recommend finding out where they are in your area and when the dropin clinics are and going along. NB I was told by them that literally the day after the baby is born is not too soon to go along.

 

[nathanmum]

thanks for that. im a bit of a planning freak i like to know these things well in advance. i was always worried about going to the bf group cos my emotions were all over the shop and i thought id be sat there balling!! i think i would give it a try next time though. the thing i found with the midwifes after he was born was that they all gave different advice and i just got so confused and uptight about it all you know?! dont suppose anyone knows a good breastfeeding book as well?

 

[Pamplemousse]

Hiya
I would say go to the groups asap as well, they are so so helpful and friendly, and sensitive too, so even if you you do end up bawling, everyone else there has done it too, so don't worry! I am really bad at going to those kind of things cos I am stupidly shy, but I am happy to walk in by myself as they make you feel so welcome, and you can sit in a corner to get your boobs out etc as this was a concern of mine, but they realise that you are tired and emotional and help you as much as they can.
I have the NCT breastfeeding book (from their website, about £8 I think) its good and gives ideas and supportive advice. I would say read it before going into hospital and do things your way, I had about 8 midwives giving me different advice, from grabbing a boob in one hand and my baby in the other an ramming them together to them having a massive team debate outside in the nursing station about what advice to give me (if any!!) as I was crying and upset. Not helpful!
I think the main points I wish I'd known were to try the baby to the breast as often as possible and cuddle them loads to bond.
Wow this is long and I hope at least a little bit helpful! Best of luck with breast feeding No 2

 

[Pamplemousse]

Ooh also you can get your local NCT person out to your house for one to one help, I phoned mine and she came out the next day.

 

[nathanmum]

thanks that helpful cheers

 

[budge]

if i lived near you i would come and help you. where do you live?