Preparing to breast feed

I started preparing to breast feed as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I bought books, checked websites, and talked to friends who had successfully managed breastfeeding. I was so nervous that I wouldn’t be able to ‘do it right’ that I probably overanalyzed it a bit.

Fortunately that means that everyone else can benefit from my obsession.

There is one book that offers exceptional advice, So That’s What They’re For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide. This book was a real lifesaver. It took the worry out and made me realize that women were breastfeeding successfully for thousands of years before formula was ever thought of and if they could do it so could I.

So That’s What They’re For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide 3rd edition

The most useful tips that I came away with were, feed the baby when he’s hungry and sleep when the baby sleeps. Those two tips saved me when I was exhausted and confused about all of the other new baby techniques I had to learn.

Unhelpful advice? “Preparing” your nipples by toughening them up. This is not necessary and can even be harmful. Moms have taken this advice and caused themselves tissue damage that led to breastfeeding pain and other problems, instead of being helpful.

Many moms have found that keeping a tube of Lansinoh at the ready and applying a small bit after nursing helped with soreness, but the most important thing is correct latch on and positioning.