I am 23 weeks and would love to breastfeed, is there a certain book i should read or a website that would help me prepare myself for breastfeeding. Thank you, ↓
What to Expect Your first year has good stuff in it. I bought the La Leche book and it was a waste of money for me. Get on line and ask as many questions as you want! Breastfeeding was the 2nd best thing I did for my DD, quiting smoking was the first. Good luck! Oh its not all peaches and ice cream to start out. It is a challenge but dont give up. Like shreck said call your La leche league and ask alot of questions at the hospital!! Dont be afraid to ask and dont be shy. This is food for your baby lol no time for modesty besides you would of just gave birth. its not like they didnt see more!! hahaha. ↑
I found it helpful to attend a class on Breastfeeding. Alot of times the hospital you plan to deliver at has them & I agree that the "What to expect" book was helpful but no matter how many resources you have, you will still have questions, doubts and issues. It's not easy but none of the lactation consultants you talk to will tell you that. Good luck. ↑
the la leche league website is great and I found another called drjacknewman dot com ( I think that is it) and it has videos even. Very good resources! ↑
IMO, breastfeeding isn't always something that comes naturally to new moms. It takes a lot of patience and it really helps to be educated about what to do and gain the confidence that is needed to continue breastfeeding when you are in doubt. I was 17 when I had my first dd and I thought BF'ing was something I would just know when the time came. I did well breastfeeding at the hospital with the nurses to help, but when I got home it felt like I all of a sudden forgot how. I was soo frustrated and upset at myself for not knowing how to get my lo to latch on properly and she was crying so loudly because she was hungry and that made it evev harder to get her to nurse. I gave up after about a week and I always felt like I had failed. When I became pregnant with dd#2 and 3 I made sure to learn everything that I could so I could breastfeed successfully. You could try and join a breastfeeding mother's group, where you can relate and learn a lot from other nursing mothers. That's what I did and it was great to get out of the house and talk to other adults too. Don't give up until you have tried everything, because some babies have to learn how to nurse just like the mother. But know that there is nothing wrong with formula and don't ever feel like a failure if it turns out you don't like nursing or you have a hard time with it Good Luck! ↑
