Breastfeeding Questions - Breastfeeding Problems
Hi, I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my 3rd daughter and I'm very determined to breastfeed. I did breastfeed for a week with my eldest daughter until my engorgment was too much to handle. Then with my second daughter I couldn't get her to latch properly right from the beginning so I let her bottle feed. Considering that she also suffered from colic from 3 days old, I am now very concerned that I will have many problems this time. I was wondering if you maybe would have some advice to help me prepare for this try. Thank you.
Thank you for your query. Even after your previous breastfeeding experiences it is really lovely to see that you want to give it another go. As a breastfeeding mum myself, and having experienced both engorgement and a colicky baby, I really empathise with your predicament.
To help you this time, I strongly advise that you visit a local breastfeeding support group BEFORE your baby is born. These groups are run by breastfeeding professionals and attended by many new mums and can be a source of great support for mums. Your community midwife or health-visitor should be able to point you in the right direction!
Engorgement can be a problem for the first few weeks of breastfeeding but as long as you feed on demand this usually settles itself after a few weeks. It may also return when baby is having a growth spurt and these occur at around weeks 4, 8 and 12. Although uncomfortable, it is normal and settles down when baby's feeding matches the milk production.
Try to sit comfortably - a breastfeeding cushion can help support you and your baby and many breastfeeding support groups will lend them out to breastfeeding mothers.
Other breastfeeding mums can be a great source of help and may show you how their baby latches on - I did for my sister when she was unsure if her baby was latching properly!
Try to get as much rest as possible which is easier said than done! Like you, I am breastfeeding my third baby and life can get very hectic. But even a brief rest can work wonders.
I hope this helps you but if you have any further questions, do get in touch. Have a look at the following articles for further information:
Successful Breastfeeding - Prepare Yourself
Breastfeeding Mums Need To Talk
Dr Jack Newman: Breastfeeding
Dr Jack Newman: The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact
Dr Jack Newman: Breastfeeding and Colic
Please let me know how you get on and the best of luck with your new baby. I hope she arrives safely.
Sinead
