Can I breastfeed?

[melfunction]

Hi Pinky,

For a number of reasons including my milk drying up straight after birth, I didn't bf my first baby. I am now pregnant with my second and I am wondering what my chances are of being able to breast feed this one?
Is there anything I can do to increase my chances :o

[Pinky McKay]

Hi melephant,

There may have been a range of reasons for your disappointing breastfeeding experience last time but there is still no reason why the same problems will occur again.

The good news is that with a second baby you will be confident in handling a baby so some of the stresses will be eliminated. The best things you can do to make breastfeeding easier this time are to seek as much information and support beforehand - joining the Australian Breastfeeding Association is a great start- you get a free breastfeeding book with membership.

Also try and get the best birth support you can - hiring a doula can significantly reduce the chances of intervention at birth and an alert aware baby will breastfeed more easily than a drugged baby. Your milk will 'come in ' faster too after a natural birth. If you do need intervention, lots of skin to skin contact as soon as possible will encourage your baby to feed and will boost your milk production hormones.

You can also have a consultation with a lactation consultant prenatally to go through your previous experience so that specific concerns are addressed -this will help your confidence. Eliminating negativity is important as breastfeeding is so much about confidence in your own ability - knowing that just as your body has grown a beautiful baby, you WILL be able to nourish it with your milk.

Best wishes,
Pinky