Breastfeeding Questions

As for exercise - everything in moderation
Pigeon breastpads worked wonderful for me. You will def need to for the first few months as you do leak, especially when you get the letdown that ejects the milk

Both ladies covered most things. The only things I can add is:

1) Join the La Leche League SA fb page. You will get some valuable advice.
2) You should not experience pain throughout the feed. Then the latch is wrong - might be too shallow or there is a lip- or tongue tie present.
3) There will be a bit of tenderness in the beginning of the feed but needs to disappear during the feed.
4) As for nipple cream - you can just use your bm or apparently nuby as an awesome ointment that you don't need to wash off.

Thanks mrstl, I'm making notes
Can't believe I have so much to learn still. I'll get some pads and use when needed. I have another funny question.. I'm very health conscious and plan to get my body back in shape asap after birth. even if I just get on the treadmill for 30 mins it should help. Will this have any negative effect on my breasts and milk produce, i'd think it will only be positive? I'll just need to get a good fitting bra for support.. is the Carriwell bras any good? I saw them at Toys'rUs
Ladies- I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for your assistance

Hi Ctelly,

You should definitely get some, I had some leaking experiences... Listen, breastfeeding is amazing and awesome but always remember that it works on supply and demand. The more you demand (through Breastfeeding OR pumping) the more your body will supply. Also remember the following:

1. Your nipples will get a bit sore and raw in the beginning and that is not because baby isn't latching properly or you're doing it wrong. Everyone tells you that if baby latches well you won't feel any pain. That is not true in all of the cases, sometimes your nipples will get sore, it is just because your nipples aren't used to the constant sucking. This goes over in about 2 weeks and then it is smooth sailing. I had nursed my boob into an engorgement becausue the one was raw so I didn't want her to drink from it... BIG MISTAKE.. If it gets to that, don't give up, get a breastshield and put some Bepanthen on between feeds and wipe it off.

2. You will feel, when you start to BF, that there is a definite let-down reflex, you can actually feel the milk being released when you're with your baby or when baby needs it. A funny side effect is, for the first couple of weeks until everything is normalised, every time your baby cries your body will release milk! (breastpads when in public.....)

3. Due to the let down, it is super difficult to pump at work - it is really clinical and your supply isn't half of what it is with baby because you don't let down. I breastfed and pumped for a year, after which my LG weaned herself, she didn't want anything to do with my boobs... ultimate rejection, let me tell you!!

Hope all goes well!!

Oh yes, I also joined the LLL after giving birth, amazing support!

Thank you for your comments and advise ladies. I feel much calmer about BF. I will just take it one day at a time and see how it goes. My pregnancy has been a breeze so hopefully I'm also blessed with an easy BF experience. I see you also mentioned breastpads in previous conversations.. I assume I'll need to get some ?

Hi CT Kelly

I agree with everything Blessedmom has said.

I have breastfed my first LG until 10 months and still EBF my second LG.

I breastfeed when we are together and only pump at work. For me personally, pumping is not great. Very clinical and you just want to get it over with, plus all the time consuming sterilizing. Whereas breastfeeding is relaxing, you have time with you LO in your arms.

Breastfeeding should NOT be painful, if it is, baby's latch is wrong. If you experience any pain, unlactch baby and try again, or go and see a certified lactation consultant. Perhaps I am lucky, but I have never experienced painful/cracked nipples. So dont believe it if people tell you it is painful, as it does not have to be. All you need is a little help in those first few days to show you how. Most hospitals have experienced staff that can help you, or otherwise go see a lactation consultant if you are unsure, it is the best "investment" you will ever make!

As for nipple creams, just put some breastmilk on the nipple and let it dry before covering up. No need for all that lotions and potions.

Breastfeeding may be a big (and sometimes daunting) learning experience for the first few weeks, but after that it is so convenient.

I am back at work so I have to pump. What I did to make sure my LG took a bottle, was to ask a caregiver to give her a bottle once a day 2 weeks before I went back to work. This plan worked with both my girls. They refuse to take the bottle from me, as they knew I was the source

Thanks for your reply blessedmom. the main reasons for me wanting to use a breastpump is 1. to avoid the physical pain "everyone" is talking about. (apparently breasts get very sore?) 2. is to get baby used to bottle feeding 3. to have milk available when needed. But mainly is was because of the pain that apparently follows, I would like to do the best for the both of us. So if I would breastfeed until I go to work again - what tips do you have.. I read that i'll need breast pads? is there some kind of cream I can apply that assists with the pain but isn't toxic to baby etc ? I'm really clueless.. haha