BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I'm 25 weeks pregnant. I really want to breast feed and pump. I feel as though I get information here and there but I really want to be ready for this so I can give it the best shot possible. Is there a class or book you can recommend in addition to all the websites?

I am taking a class through my union in March, I think they cover breastfeeding but I feel like I want more...

Or am I just driving myself crazy and its something that you have to learn as you go??

BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I took a class before DC1 and that was all I really needed. I think you should be good to go with a class, and then if you have questions after DC is born, you can contact LaLeche or attend a meeting. Some pediatricians are also lactation consultants (ours is-- Happy and Healthy Pediatrics) and that could also be helpful.
I am sure you will be fine. Good Luck!

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

My best advice and guidance came from my fellow mom friends who breastfed and/or pumped.

My mom only BF me until 4wks and her information contradicted what my Bradley coach taught me (ie alcohol on the nipples between feedings??)....I had a lactation consultant come to the house and she was very helpful/reassuring but my friends' information was way better (and more sympathetic)

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I think the best resource in the beginning is a contact in case you have questions and a positive attitude. If you want it to work you can make it work. I took a breastfeeding class through the hospital and that was enough info to start. At the hospital I didn't get a lot of support but I also didn't really ask anyone. Dd and I luckily didn't have any huge issues and if something came up I called someone or googled it or looked on kelly mom. It's a little uncomfortable at first but the pros far outweigh the cons. Good luck!

BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

La Leche League! Find the chapter closest to you and go before you deliver DC and join their facebook page. La Leche League of Manhasset is a great resource. The leader is a lactation consultant and very helpful.


I read the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, I would recommend at least skimming a book like this because it will help when you feel you are losing your mind....like when DC is going through a growth spurt and cluster feeding.

Personally, I fould breastfeeding more challenging than childbirth...and I had a drug free birth. Proud to say though, 14 months and going strong GOOD LUCK!

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

One tip I got that I think helped was preparing your boobies before baby comes... The lanshinal ointment... apply it weeks before the baby comes, it will prepare your nipples and you will have less cracking and a better time. I did this, and I never had any cracking or any problems breastfeeding.

I breastfed for 18 months, if you have any questions just ask! Lots of girls on here breastfed for extended periods of times.

Ask for help at the hospital, do not be shy... just whip them out and ask for help thats what they are there for.

As PP Said, the Le Leche league. I personally nver used them but I have heard amazying things.

Good Luck! And STAY POSITIVE and be persistent and you will be fine!

BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

LLL! Link up with a great LC. I read a few books and they were very helpful! Be determined! I was and I stopped just shy of 13 months due to starting medication. The girls on here are so informative too!

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I EPed for 13 months (and DD just finished her last bottle of BM )
I didn't take any classes and I read a lot. Honestly, looking back, classes wouldn't have helped me one bit since DD didn't latch.

What did help me was the ladies on this board. All my silly questions and apprehensions were put to rest. Don't be shy to ask questions, and don't give up. It will be super hard, now that I look back, I feel like it was worth it.

Good luck!!

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

Best class was the one with the baby at the hospital (AFTER the baby was born).

Best advice was from my ped after WATCHING my baby breastfeed.

I my ped!

BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I'm by no means an expert at just 10 wks PP, but if you can speak with someone who's an expert (ie, someone from LLL), it's extremely helpful. A very good family friend of ours is a pediatric nurse, so she came to my house a number of times in the first few wks to help me with breastfeeding and is always available to answer any questions I have. I was having serious pain from DDs shallow latch and our friend helped teach me how to get her to latch better and the pain was gone days later.

I also read Breastfeeding Made Simple: seven natural laws for nursing mothers and found that book to be filled with useful information, especially regarding my concerns about DDs feeding schedule. It also gave advice on pumping. It's a little preachy at times, but I still found it helpful.

BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I know someone mentioned kellymom, and Bravado has a very good website. Agree with PP about mom friends!!

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

Read "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" for some fantastic info.

Find a local LLL chapter and go to meetings pregnant. Make a friend or two, and have their number on hand when the baby arrives. Do not leave the hospital without the name of an LC that you can call if you run into issues.

Re: BTDT moms - being a breast feeding expert

I wish I had taken a class...the hospital didn't help me at all...I had to contact a LC about a week after I was home because I was having a lot of difficulty. A lot of the posts on LIF were also a huge help for me.