Hello!

I’m due in 5 weeks with bub #2 and didn’t breast feed with #1 so am terrified of doing it with second baby, but really want to give it a shot! Any tips? Going crazy with fear!! Do you have any words of wisdom for a mum scared of  breastfeeding? **Only tips please mums, no judgement required.

Posted by anon, 11/06/13

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  • I felt very guilty when I couldn’t breastfeed my child, but in the end the baby’s needs came first. If I had had a second child I would have tried breastfeeding again, but if it didn’t work out, I’d have no hesitation turning to formula again.


  • If it’s going well, it won’t hurt and it’s pretty easy. If it doesn’t go well, your baby will be fine if you swap to formula. Give it a go but don’t put too much pressure on yourself.


  • I am having the same situation, so I complete understand you.
    I tried very hard breastfeeding my second one, now 6 weeks, however I was not successful, had all sort of problems and just gave up.
    Make sure you have a breastfeeding consultant to give you all the right advices, have nipple cream, nipple shield handy, breastpump will also help.
    Good luck! x


  • Why are you scared of it? Focus on bub and what’s best for him/her.


  • Dont listen to everyone and ter scare tactics, read, educate yourself, be as calm as possible and dont have any expectations, juust do what feels right.


  • my first lasted ten weeks until we gave it up for medical reasons. my second i was so determined to succeed…17 months later im a Cow and a human dummy all night when she wants to be….Its different for all babies and Mummas, just take it in your stride and do not put too much pressure on yourself, I did and now I wish id weaned earlier so I can actually get some sleep lol
    Good luck and just do your best and that is good enough x


  • Tip #1 get As Much help in hospital as you possibly can. Any time you feed call a midwife in to check your latch/hold. I think that helped set me up really well.
    #2 if it’s not working get tongue tie checked and get a second opinion if needed, tongue tie can happen in lower and upper lips.
    #3 practice breathing, you will do great:)
    #4 if it doesn’t work out love yourself. It’s one of those things where although people say ‘breast is best’… Breast may be best until it’s not. And if it’s not best for you and your new bub that’s totally ok:)
    #5 always have water by your bed because breastfeeding is thirsty work. I also are heaps more for a few months.

    Hope it works how you want it. All the best xx


  • Relax and don’t get stressed with worry.
    Be prepared with cream and shields. I found using the rubber nipples stopped it hurting my nipples when she latched in. Good luck


  • I hope this worked for you… for the future I’d suggest you keep in mind that each baby is different, and if it hasn’t worked before, it still could. And that a bit of trial and error, and a lot of patience, can be needed in the first few weeks. Good luck if you try again.


  • First week is probably the hardest as mum and bubs are both learning, keep up you fluids you will be ok we all get nervous.


  • I hope you managed to BF and all your fears went away.


  • There is nothing to fear, you need to tell the midwives of your concerns and organise in advance to see a lactation specialist, if you and bub learn from feed one the right latch/hold/ position then theoretically it wont be difficult. However keep in mind it may hurt a little but the benefits to bub far outweigh any potential discomfort!


  • you have to be relaxed …. buy some Benpanthen from chemist you put this on after every feed and no need to wipe off as it is safe for baby …. use cabbage leaves for relief … and enjoy … I loved BF due to it was my time I got to sit down and relax


  • All you can do is to give it your best shot. There is plenty of support for you so tap into every resource available.


  • How did it all go in the end?


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