https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:06:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038804 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:28:31 +0000 sunny 2038804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it and it was hard but we were fine in the end. Seeing a lactation consultant multiple times was really helpful for us. We had a great nursing relationship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038699 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 10:28:43 +0000 Little Misters Mom 2038699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think there is much to do to actually prepare. Your baby and breastfeeding challenges will be so specific and there's no way to know everything in advance. But I would read a little and be emotionally and mentally prepared for it to be sort of tough. The first 6 weeks were so hard on us (painful, uncomfortable, exhausting, and I was so scared he wasn't getting enough), and I think it would have been easier if I wasn't so surprise by it. Hopefully, everything will be easy for you and baby, and then you'll be pleasantly surprised! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038684 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 10:14:31 +0000 autumnleaves 2038684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The best training is on the job - experiencing it and then I found the HB blog very helpful. I did take a class before and I remembered a few things about positioning that I applied. It was also a good class to take with my husband to help us mentally prepare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038549 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 07:25:28 +0000 travellingbee 2038549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took a class, read a book they gave us and had a LC. It was still really hard at first but we did it. I'm sure I would have quit if I hadnt had all that.im so glad I stuck with it!on the other hand, my SIL just winged it with no problems! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038515 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 03:36:51 +0000 ScarletBegonia 2038515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took a class and the only thing I got out of it were remedies for cracked/bruised nipples. No advice on how to avoid them in the first place!!</p> <p>My best pieces of advice are:<br /> 1. Expect, but do not fear, the feeding frenzy before your milk comes in. I was entirely unprepared for a night where my son wanted to feed every 30 minutes or so, but wasn't getting any milk - so he got frustrated and repeat all night long. It was SUPER tough, but we got through it and I believe it gave me an awesome supply.<br /> 2. Have Lanolin or some sort of soothing nipple cream on hand, and use your own colostrum to soothe your nipples after every feed.<br /> 3. You said you have some friends who had a rough time of BFing - listen to their advice and where they went wrong, but don't let them discourage you.<br /> 4. Speak to your husband/partner beforehand about how committed you are, and how supportive you need him/her to be in the moment. At 3am I was so ready to crack into the formula, but my husband and I had discussed it in a more rational moment and he was able to talk me down. Also great to have your partner take the baby away, even for 5 minutes, so you can take a breather.<br /> 5. Set small goals, even if they are "make it to the next feed", "make it to tomorrow". Sometimes that's all you need, from about 3 weeks for me every feed got easier, so longer term goals got easier to set. </p> <p>Good luck with L&amp;D, and remember even if BFing is a complete failure, there is food for your baby and thats the most important thing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it/page/2#post-2038507 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 02:00:45 +0000 Kemma 2038507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would recommend checking out some online resources and books such as The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding so that you have some resources you're familiar with if you run into trouble. You could also look at attending an LLL meeting so you can connect with people who can support you and you can see nursing in action. My other bit if advice would be to let your OB / midwife and your support network know that you're planning on Breastfeeding and would appreciate their support.</p> <p>Here are some good Internet resources:</p> <p><a href="http://www.kellymom.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.kellymom.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.nurshable.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.nurshable.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.llli.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.llli.org</a><br /> <a href="http://forums.llli.org/" rel="nofollow">http://forums.llli.org/</a> (great for support and advice!!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2038500 Sat, 24 Jan 2015 01:08:45 +0000 Corduroy 2038500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took a class and asked my doctor some questions but I wish I had prepared more. I have an inverted nipple that I wondered about but I had no idea what it meant and how difficult it could be to deal with (there's varying severity). This time around I'm going to at least try breast shells prior to delivery. </p> <p>I also would have done more research on using my pump. I thought I had until my return to work but the hospital had me start day 1... And tongue tie research since we had to make that decision in the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2038077 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:11:55 +0000 Greentea 2038077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was the hardest thing for me. I would do everything possible to prepare. My bfing class was very helpful because I learned about different positions (absolutely necessary!), and a host of other info and support. For me it was one of those things that I decided beforehand- that I would do it no matter what- if physically/medically possible because it was so so so hard that if I hadn't been outthewazu committed- it would not have happened. Someone told me unmedicated labor is like that- to decide before I go into labor because otherwise you will get the epidural. (I loved my epidural.) BFing was insanely difficult and I stuck to it and am very glad I did. It was insane though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2038060 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:58:27 +0000 shortcake 2038060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In my opinion, there is only so much you can prepare. It's like trying to explain sex to a virgin. It's really different once you are doing it. </p> <p>I would check in with your hospital to see if they have a dedicated LC on staff you can meet with right away. If they don't, see if any of the PP nurses are specially trained. If not, think about having your own LC either come to hospital or come to your home a day or two after you get home. Starting off on the right foot is crucial. They can do a lot of damage in the first few days before you even realize it and it is a beast to heal a nipple issue because of the constant use in the beginning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2038049 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:43:43 +0000 mauxie 2038049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it. I wasn't particularly comfortable with the LCs at the hospital, and also my milk didn't really come in until after I left, so I talked with my sister a LOT for help. She had her own newborn at the time so she couldn't actually see me.. so while her advise was "good" it wasn't practical in that I couldn't position correctly, etc. It was difficult/painful so I pumped in the beginning every 2 hours and bottle fed, while trying to still nurse when possible. After 2 weeks of that I sought help from an LC and she came to my home for 2 hours and did phone consults with me after until I had it down pat. So thankful I did that!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037976 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:04:40 +0000 lamariniere 2037976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There was a BF component in my childbirth class, but it really didn't do much other than explain the mechanics and what could be expected. I would recommend seeking help from a nurse or LC as soon as your baby arrives. Some women and babies get it right away and don't have problems, it works "naturally". Others don't -- I was one of those. But the problems we had weren't ones that would have been covered by a BF class (tongue tie, flat nipples, poor/shallow latch), we really needed experts to help troubleshoot and even then it was VERY difficult. You just really can't be prepared for it until it is in front of you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037975 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:04:03 +0000 pui 2037975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it. I read a couple if things and watched a few videos on You Tube but otherwise I went in "unprepared". The only thing I was prepared with was the knowledge that breastfeeding is not easy for everyone, but help would be there if I needed it. I was determined to breast feed.</p> <p>I'm very blessed that breastfeeding came very easily to me. I never had any issues with latch or anything like that. My nipples were sore and cracked when I first started, but by the second week there was no discomfort at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037933 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:40:11 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 2037933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it. It was freaking hard, but I have been breastfeeding for the last 32 months!</p> <p>My only advice would be to stick it out for the first 6 weeks. Obviously there are exceptions, but generally, one you make it to 6 to 8 weeks of breastfeeding, it's smoother sailing after that. Those early days are HARD.</p> <p>ETA: i did see an IBCLC after my babies were born to help with specific feeding issues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037922 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:33:11 +0000 Adira 2037922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it, but I would suggest seeing if there is a lactation consultant you'll be able to see at the hospital you deliver at and bring some lanolin with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037918 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:32:06 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2037918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on your learning style. If you can read a bunch of stuff that is fairly abstract and understand it and apply it later, then I would read up! But if you are a learn as you go or hands on kind of learner, you might as well wait. Either way I would familiarize yourself with how your pump works if you have one, and how milk production (supply and demand) works, but don't worry so much about the "how to" unless you are someone who can absorb that info before you actually do it. I am a hands on learner, and even though I read about it ahead of time, I still had no clue what I was doing haha :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037917 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:30:35 +0000 NeekieRose 2037917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I mostly winged it. I read a decent amount on HB so I knew that it wasn't all sunshine and roses. There was a LC at the hospital that I saw, but it wasn't too helpful. As others have said, having the resources to consult when you have questions is great. Kellymom is a great resource. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037897 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:22:26 +0000 miramira 2037897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with watching YouTube videos about latching. This is what saved me! Kellymom.com is also a wonderful resource. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037890 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:20:25 +0000 sarac 2037890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I think that a little bit of reading is really crucial. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is great, and kellymom.com is amazing. Then, I'd suggest having the number of a great lactation consultant in your city ready. And go from there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037887 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:18:31 +0000 lady grey 2037887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SerenaSF: I think it would be great to prepare somewhat, even just from a book. But, if you'd rather not I think its fine to wing it. Just put a local lactation consultants ph number in your phone before you go into labor. And do not hesistate to call them early and quickly if you run into any difficulty. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037862 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:06:07 +0000 avivoca 2037862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it and read up a lot on the internet. I was blessed to have a great nursing relationship (we're still nursing once a day at 15.5 months).</p> <p>I recommend reading about the things that could go wrong, like poor latch, thrush, mastitis, and plugged ducts. Also, 9 times out of 10, nursing is going to be painful until your nipples get used to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037860 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:05:01 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2037860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would read up on it - blog posts, kellymom.com, personal stories, books, ask LCs or doulas... things about supply/demand and how breastfeeding works, how long to nurse each side, average amounts newborns drink, the struggles people faced when breastfeeding, understanding pumping and where that fits in with breastfeeding, the different breastfeeding holds, GROWTH SPURTS (a lot of moms give up during prime growth spurt time bc they think their supply isn't enough), etc.</p> <p>I was more worried about breastfeeding than the newborn stage bc everyone told me how hard it was, so read up a lot on it while pregnant and it helped manage my expectations a lot. It's helpful just to know what to expect, what's the norm, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037848 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:55:19 +0000 birdofafeather 2037848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i researched, went to a class (kinda helpful, but i could have done without it. i think it would have been awesome if DH could have gone too!), read the BFing book by dr sears, read threads on here and read stuff on kellymom. there are also videos online of a good latch and sucking, so that was helpful. after DD was born, i utilized the LCs in the hospital and attended BFing support classes to just hear what was normal, etc. i was committed to making it work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037841 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:54:07 +0000 MrsF 2037841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went to a class offered at my hospital prior to having my first child. The most helpful thing about the class was that my husband came with me (most people had a partner there). I had done other reading and research beforehand, but it was REALLY helpful to have him understand ahead of time how hard this was going to be and how much I would need his support. It made me feel like even though I was the one doing all the feeding that he was an active participant because he knew how he could be helpful. Having him present when the LCs visited us in the hospital was also important. You already have enough on your shoulders as a new mom and it's so much easier when both partners can be involved in feeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037837 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:52:12 +0000 tiramisu 2037837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When i was pregnant i wasnt even sure i wanted to BF. I kind of winged it too although after I gave birth I did ask the lac consultant at the hospital to help me BF the first few times. I went in with the we'll see what happens attitude too. I didn't want to make myself crazy if it didn't work out and I knew there's plenty of formula fed babies that are perfectly healthy.<br /> That being said, I knew there was a good chance BFing wasn't going to be easy and I wanted to give it a fair shot. It was quite sore for the first couple weeks but after that it got much better. I'm still nursing/pumping at work at 8 months. Surprisingly I've come to enjoy breastfeeding. The lanolin is a lifesaver in the early weeks and I looked on that Kellymom website often in the first few months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037828 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:47:02 +0000 MamaCate 2037828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that being prepared for the things that can go wrong would be helpful. I had no idea that I would be in toe curling pain for the first six weeks at every feeding, and got books from the library and spent lots of time on kellymom. I did take the hospital class which was somewhat helpful and I asked lots of questions of the nurses and LCs. If you get a book or two from the library and peruse kellymom about what to be ready for, I think that is probably prepared enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037801 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:36:02 +0000 jape14 2037801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I completely winged it and things have worked out pretty well so far (my LO is 4.5 months). I thought for sure I'd end up exclusively formula feeding, but tried breastfeeding in the hospital and ended up having a great experience and sticking with it. (Pumping at work right now lol!) The nurses in the hospital were extremely helpful, and I saw an LC once or twice too while there. My husband paid a lot of attention in the hospital to the tips on latching that the nurses/LCs provided and helped me check/correct our LO's latch for almost every feeding while he was home on paternity leave (first two weeks). I think that was the most helpful thing for me! </p> <p>I will say that in the first few weeks at home I ended up borrowing "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" from the library and that was useful in helping me manage an oversupply. Also, I ended up getting mastitis a week after my son was born, but I don't think that was because I didn't know what to look for - I was still in a ton of pain from delivery (fractured tailbone!) and taking pain meds for that so I honestly didn't feel the pain part - just wound up with the fever &amp; chills. Besides mastitis, though, I've had a very pleasant breastfeeding experience even coming into it with almost no prior knowledge or even interest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037800 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:35:59 +0000 BabyTsMom 2037800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read up a little on it and watched a couple of you tube videos but honestly it's one of those things that you just have to do to get it/figure out what works for you. Having said that, I didn't "wing it," since I had a ton of latching issues at first. I saw a lactation consultant for the first several weeks, who really helped us start our bf journey. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037789 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:31:48 +0000 daniellemybelle 2037789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish I had prepared. I wish had read a book or two and met with a LC while I was pregnant. I had low supply and I was totally lost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037787 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:31:28 +0000 catlady 2037787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read one book (the one sweetooth recommended), and then I just asked the nurses at the hospital lots and lots of questions while I was there. They were very good about checking to see if she was swallowing, checking latch, etc. I also specifically asked to talk to an LC while I was there, and had her double-check everything too. Before I left, I also got some samples of nipple cream and gel packs since I was already hurting a little. By the time we got home, I felt pretty confident. I read kelly mom alot in the early days too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-i-need-to-prepare-for-breastfeeding-or-can-i-just-wing-it#post-2037786 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:31:03 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2037786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I winged it and wish I would have taken a class. I had no idea what I was getting into, and while the nurses were helpful, the LC I had in the hospital was really mean to me. It made me not seek help outside of the hospital, and I exclusively pumped after 3 weeks b/c I was so frustrated. </p>