Do you think I can do it? I'm starting to feel wobbly

[justmum]

I BF DS until 6 months, using a nipple shield and giving formula top ups after most feeds. Undiagnosed thrush in the early days after his birth interfered with the proper establishment of BF and we just never really got into the swing of it after that.

I am now pregnant with number 2, and so determined to BF this baby. What if I can't? I felt like a complete failure last time. I hated how I felt (and still feel) about my inability to feed my baby.

I have joined the ABA and I am going to a half day course run by them in a few weeks.

What else can I do? I am starting to wobble. Any preparatory advice would be appreciated.

[reAllytee]

Yes you can !

You are better prepared this time around so you can stick to your guns plus you have all the support on here too

Read as much as you can so you are prepared for any hurdles that can get thrown your way ... I didnt read enough !

So trawl through the ABA site there is loads to read & learn !

But the course will be the best thing for sure !!!

[Beany]

Of course you can. Don't for a second doubt that you can and will do this.

Educate yourself. ABA meetings, ABA course, ABA literature. Prepare yourself mentally for a tough few weeks - sleep deprivation and pain often lead to despair - know that it is normal and temporary. You will get through it.

Resist the temptation to use nipple shields. It plays absolute havoc with supply because the baby can't stimulate the breast properly and so can't stimulate production properly. And don't fall for any of the old lines - "baby will sleep better with a bottle" "we all want a chance to feed, stop hogging the baby", "baby is feeding too often and too much - there must be something wrong with you milk". Extend middle finger to each of these and trust yourself and your body: babies sleep when they want to for however long they want, a mother's arms and a mother's breast are the best place and thing for them and if your baby is weeing lots, there's nothing wrong with supply.

You can do this. You WILL do this.

[Bron]

I think you should feel incredibly proud to have made it to 6 months with Hugo. With the struggles you had, a lot of people would have given up sooner. And he's gorgeous.

Anyway, my advice, surround yourself with breastfeeders and breastfeeding information. Read your ABA stuff, use their counselling services, find a good LC and use them. I know you, you're stubborn. Stubborn is probably the best possible thing for a breastfeeding mum to be. When you have a wobble, contact a breastfeeding friend (you know where to find me) and they'll help you through.

Good luck!!

[twitch]

JM2 you can do it. You are so unbelievably determined this time and I reckon that's 99% of the battle. Yeah there'll be hurdles with bf'ing the next bub, there always is with anything worthwhile, but being determined to achieve a breastfeeding relationship with your baby is the number one thing you've got on your side.

I don't think you can do it - I KNOW you can. Going to the ABA classes is a great start, having ppl around you who have breastfed successfully and believe in it also helps. You've got me, you've got Henry/Harry's mum (sorry can't rememeber his name ), the ABA, there is so much support out there for you and I found that is what has kept me at it for so long.

You're gonna do it, I just know it.

[pkbub]

I think you should use nipple shields again if you have to. They can be a great tool, as you must already know. They helped me get through the first 6 months of BF - and I never used formula. Then we were able to stop using them with no problems and we are still BF at over 9 months.

If you are determined to BF - you Will.

You are definately on the right path already, with getting into your local ABA.

[justmum]

Thanks girls, I AM so determined this time. Thanks for the offer of help Bron and Twitch, not sure I am ready to flash the norks at you, but it's still a lovely offer.

The other things is I never realised it, but I am surrounded by long term BFers too - I never thought about it but 5 out our 10 mums n playgroup are still BF at 12 - 13 months, so I will have them as good role models. Most of the mums I spend time with have fed to 12 months and beyond.

Now I need to find myself a good lactation consultant. I think a few home visits after the birth might be the ticket.

[monkeytoes]

I fed DD1 for 8 months (6months using a nipple shield due to attatchment issues).

I have now been feeding DD2 for 3 months and we don't have attatchment problems. (Did have probs with low milk supply this time, but it's all good now).

Babies are all different. I am sure you will be fine this time.

[AM]

You WILL be able to do it!! You are so doing the right thing getting into contact with the ABA so early, and taking classes etc, it is so much easier to ask for help from people you know.

Have faith, your body can do this, you know a LOT more than last time, and you will be great!

[Bron]

No need to flash the girls at me, JM. You can just call or email and I'll offer support.