I have to admit--I taught BF classes for years before I had kids, and when I finally settled in to BF my 1st baby it was nothng like I expected!! Nonetheless, I exclusively BF both my kids for over a year each and am glad I did. Some things I figured out along the way:

1. The biggest problem I had was interference from the hospital staff. I got lots of support with dd, but none with ds. They were very quick to want to wisk him off to the nursery and give him a bottle. They were very unaware and filled with misinformation. If I hadn't been educated about BF, he would have been on a bottle by the time we left. (good thing he wasn't--he's allergic to milk!)

2. Books are good for two things: getting a basic idea of what to do before you start, and troubleshooting if you have a problem. Read one to get an idea, then set it aside and refer to it if you have a problem. Don't obsess over the info too much, or you may overcomplicate things and get yourself stressed out.

3. When the baby comes, you will have EONS of time to sit down, put baby to the breast, and figure it out. I kept my gown pulled down and both kids to the breast the whole time I was at the hospital. DD latched on right away, DS took 2 days to get it quite right. I just kept doing it over and over and OVER until we both had it figured out. They don't need tons of milk as newborns-just a little colostrum here and there and lots of comfort and practice. You'll have all the time you need. Just do what you think is right and don't let anyone interfere!!!!

I do know that when I worked for WIC ages ago, their breastfeeding counselors would help anyone, regardless of whether they were on the program or not. I don't know if all states have the same BF programs, but it could be worth checking out. Also--La Leche League is a good resource. You can start going to meetings before you have your baby and you will get tons of support, help and advice from BFing moms. I had to call them to come advocate for me when the hospital took DS from me, gave hime bottles and wouldn't bring hime back!!!

Good luck. You have made a great decision!!!

I agree with all the previous posts, you have to relax and make sure you and baby are comfortable, this allows the milk to flow much more easliy.* You are making a wonderful decision for both you and your baby, despite your family's lack of support.* Besides the kellymom website, I'd also recommend Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute as a reference.* He is a very well known and referenced Dr. (I know, ironic that he's a man, but anyway) his site is full of info., and videos you can watch, of him instructing moms on how to properly BF.* It's pretty cool.* Also know that you can come here to ask anything you want to about anything.* There are a bunch of BF moms here, past and present, willing to help you out!*

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~Jenn~

the one thing that I forgot nursing dd #2 was to bring baby to the breast, not take your boob to baby. she had such trouble with that, but once I remembered, it worked out great

glad to hear you are willing to try BF and hope that all goes well!!

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married 8 years to a crazy Brit, mommy to a banana, she is 4 and a pineapple who is 11 months, mommy to 3 ~angel~ babies

The older I grow the more earnestly I feel that the few joys of childhood are the best that life has to give. ~Ellen Glasgow
~Childhood is that wonderful time of life when all you need to do to lose weight is take a bath

I went to my first LLL meeting and will be able to go to one more before I deliver... THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!

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