My first child was not breastfed. We had a latching problem during the first few days and I was also not prepared that time. So this time, on my second baby, I am determined to try harder to breastfeed.
I signed up early for the seminar on my 28th week so that I have lots of time to prepare. These seminars are ideally offered during the Third Trimester, as your due date gets closer.
Some women have the "breastfeeding instinct". Unfortunately, I didn't. So I want to condition myself earlier, both mentally and physically, to be able to handle breastfeeding.
The seminar was helpful. I know there are a lot of reading materials available online regarding breastfeeding. But personally, attending the seminar and listening to a lactation consultant is a nice start. After attending the seminar, the supplemental information in the net is easier to grasp.
Here are some bullet points, I found useful for me:
1. The baby should latch at a bigger portion of the areola and not just the nipple. This will lessen nipple cracks and soreness.
2. In the first 2-3 days after birth, your mammary glands produces colostrum, which is good for the baby. The actual milk starts around the 4th day.
3. For flat or inverted nipples, there are products available to help the baby latch. I found these online:
a. Medela Contact Nipple Shield
b. Lansinoh Latch Assist
4. Ideally, you should breastfeed directly your baby for the first four weeks, before introducing them to bottles.
5. If you need to go back to work, you should start bottle-feeding at least 2 weeks before you leave for work.
6. There are available supplements to help you produce more milk. Most of these include Fenugreek as the main component/ ingredient.
These are just some of the info that I find helpful. I suggest parents should attend a breastfeeding seminar to help prepare yourselves on what to expect and what to do during breastfeeding.
Less than 10 weeks from now, I will be able to apply what I learned. Hope I'll be able to handle it. :)
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