[Barosc]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and am currently 33 weeks pregnant. I just wanted to know if there was any boob/nipple preparation I can do to help me breast feed?

[divineM]

Hi.. I was told not to bother with any preparation. the only advice I can offer is once you are breastfeding, if any issues develop act on them quickly. If you have nipple problems (sore, split etc) nipple shields saved me. for anything more serious - lumps and the like get to a GP, lactation consultant quick. Hope you have a great breastfeeding experience - one of the best things I have ever done (and I was only half sold on the idea while pregnant).

[Mung bean]

The best things I can recommend.

1) ABA subscription, having the support of women who are feeding too is a huge help.
2) a good pump like a medela swing.
3) Support and self belief, doubting yourself and your milk can make you wonder, should I just bottle feed? Anyway, nothing wrong with that, I bottle feed my DS after 9 weeks due to health issues but support, education and perseverance defiantly!

[deejie]

I don't think there is much you can do in actual physical "preparation" as such. I personally think one of the keys to successful breastfeeding is to educate yourself. Join the Australian Breastfeeding Association and attend some of their antenatal education classes. You will not only learn the mechanics of feeding, but also understand the wide spectrum of normal infant feeding behaviour, something that I think is truly invaluable in having the confidence in your body to breastfeed.

If you have any problems, get on to them quickly. Research your options before you give birth-- the ABA free helpline, local breastfeeding clinics, hospital breastfeeding clinics, private lactation consultants.

You will most likely have access to a local ABA group as well who hold meetings weekly/fortnightly depending on the area. They are run by volunteers and are full of local breastfeeding women who will be a wealth of emotional support for you if you need it-- well worth investigating! I have made some lovely friendships through my local ABA group.

[tiggywinkle]

As someone who is getting ready to BF for a second baby next year, this time I'm going to go to ABA classes/ group in my last few weeks. That's the only thing I didn't try last time that might have made a difference to how long I could BF.

[WinterIsComing]

Get the best breastfeeding pillow you can afford. A life saver.

[Libertine]

Breast feeding is a wonderful, beautiful thing BUT it can be hard to get started. This is my experience and anecdotally seems to be the same for many first time mums.

There is nothing you can really do to prepare except get yourself informed. Read up on correct attachment etc. The ABA has some great info and I've had some great advice on here too.

The main thing I think you need to concentrate on in the early days is attachment, attachment, attachment! It shouldn't hurt, if it hurts take the baby off and try again. You may have to do this A LOT to start with. The baby is learning too. Don't 'accept' a little bit of pain through relief at getting them feeding - pain can mean you are being damaged.

Expect a bit of damage. Get some lansinoh, nipple shields (for emergency) and I found the hydrogel breast discs to be lifesavers!

Feed on demand. This helps establish your supply and minimizes enforcement issues. Prepare to feed A LOT in the first few weeks.

Best of Luck OP - breastfeeding is one if those things that can be harder than you thought at the start but very rewarding if you can stick with it!

[Libertine]

Get the best breastfeeding pillow you can afford. A life saver.

I disagree! I tried a breastfeeding pillow with DD1 and found it awkward and uncomfortable. Didn't bother with DD2.

I don't think it's an essential....

[Mrs Bunny]

I went to an ABA class before I had my baby and I didn't feel that it helped one jot. What I found was helpful was having a brilliant Lactation Consultant at the beginning (mine happened to be on night shift my first night in hospital) and using nipple shields to get you through the tough times in the first couple of weeks. Buy a set ahead of labour. Buy a microwave steriliser (my first pair got melted in the pot when I sterilised and forgot them ). Nothing much can prepare you for the real thing that is breast feeding - I don't mean that in a negative way, it's just like labour - you can't describe it. It's not scary or terrible, just its own experience.

Good luck!

[Caseymay]

I wasn't a fan of breastfeeding pillows either so maybe wait until bub is here to decide if you need one or not?

Get an ABA subscription and go to a breastfeeding class
Have some Lansinoh cream on hand


Don't scrub your nipples with a nail brush to harden them up or sun bake. Both of these were recommended to me and now I know that hard nipples will crack and what you really want is nice supple skin. Lansinoh after each feed will help with this. You could probably use it beforehand too.