ABA - how soon is too soon to get help?

[RedPanda]

I've been reading through some threads about the difficulties of starting breastfeeding and I wanted to pick everyone's brains about preparation while pregnant. I really want to bf my next baby (it's a way off yet, but just curious for now!), and I wonder if the ABA are able to help women BEFORE the birth. My BF experience with DS was a bit of a debacle, and I wish I'd called the ABA before giving up. Can they help you with your issues BEFORE your baby is born and before all the sad, baby blues hormones kick in? My problems were related to attachment and flat nipples. Is it worth joining the ABA and subscribing to their publications while TTC #2?

[Briannabear]

The ABA are there to help you out with breastfeeding issues - and that definately applies to you, even though you are planning ahead! Particularly because you have specific questions you would like to ask them.
Id say give them a call! :thumbsup:

[M O P]

I noticed in Adelaide they offer courses before the baby is born so give them a call or check out their site for more info.

[reAllytee]

Its never too soon to work it out as far as im concerned !
As BB said give them a call & hopefully all will go well for the next bub :thumbsup:

[RedPanda]

I was thinking of becoming a member (to get the ABA quarterly (?) magazine), and figure that even if I'm not successful next time or don't have another baby (which hopefully I do!!), the money is going to a good cause anyway!

[Briannabear]

I think its a great idea! :idea:

[Goosie22]

You can do their breastfeeding class, which gives you a years membership to ABA with the magazine and you get a hands on class.........with actual breastfeeding mothers showing you with an actual baby:eek: .

Another thing with breastfeeding when you had trouble last time, is to put all thoughts of giving formula out of your mind. Breastfed babies dont behave like bottle fed babies they dont sleep for long periods ( I know some do but as a rule they digest the BM quickly and only have small tummies so frequent feeding is part of Breastfeeding as is a baby who is awake more) IMO It takes a commitment of at least 6 weeks without comp feeding to establish a pattern and any work you do before even becoming pregnant or having your baby will help you achieve your goal.

Good on you for thinking ahead.

[Areca]

The ABA encourage pg women to seek advice about breastfeeding. It's definitely a good idea, especially if you had problems in the past.

[RedPanda]

IMO It takes a commitment of at least 6 weeks without comp feeding to establish a pattern and any work you do before even becoming pregnant or having your baby will help you achieve your goal.

Good on you for thinking ahead.

This is why I want help early this time, so I can be more assertive with MWs! Last time they told me DS needed comping because he lost (just slightly) more than 10 per cent of his body weight after 48 hours of being in the outside world! People have since told me that this is really normal, but at the time I felt like my baby was starving to death.
My DS first had formula when he was three days old! I went home comp feeding him (in fact, the hospital sent me home with two bottles of prepared formula!). Can I bring my own LC into a hospital instead of getting help from MWs?
Please hang around bubhub until I have my next bub Goosie~!

[Goosie22]

My advice is to make a little sign on red cardboard that says "No formula THANKS I'm BREASTFED" sick that to the plastic cot when you arrive at the hospital.

The midwives will not have a leg to stand on if they encourage you to give formula (as it is against the 10 steps to successful Breastfeeding). And yes you can have your own LC just not in a professional standing unless you make friends with midwives that are LC through ABA and they happen to work at your hospital;) . Also have a look if the hospital is accredited BFHI they will be better at helping you.

You can always buddy up to one of the Breastfeeding Nazis at ABA and get them on your side, they will be more than happy to help you out.

[blueeyes]

Check out the website as well. It is a fantastic resource and gives you lots of tips on a series of topics. Well worth it. You can also go to your local ABA group and attend a meeting to see if it worth attending those as well. Lots of mothers with the same idea about infant feeding.

[bec79]

This is why I want help early this time, so I can be more assertive with MWs! Last time they told me DS needed comping because he lost (just slightly) more than 10 per cent of his body weight after 48 hours of being in the outside world! People have since told me that this is really normal, but at the time I felt like my baby was starving to death.
My DS first had formula when he was three days old! I went home comp feeding him (in fact, the hospital sent me home with two bottles of prepared formula!). Can I bring my own LC into a hospital instead of getting help from MWs?
Please hang around bubhub until I have my next bub Goosie~!

Hazel, I just wanted to reasurre you that your last situation is very common. My dd was very slow on the uptake when it came to breastfeeding. For the first 2 weeks, she was much more interested in sleeping then eating. She lost a considerable amount of weight. I was told by MW I should give up trying to BF and put her onto formular. With the support from my sister, (who was also BF her 2nd bub at the time), and my pro breast feeding GP, I continued. Happy to say, I have a happy, healthy bub, who successfully breastfeed for 1 year.
It's important to have a strong support network around you. I definately think contacting the ABA would benefit you. If anything, at least this time around you will be more educated about your options.