I thought labor would be my biggest concern, but I think breastfeeding could be!?

Question

I'm 24 weeks pregnant, and I've really been thinking of breastfeeding my daughter when she arrives. I had really been afraid of labor, but assuming everythign goes ok, I guess I'll see what my body can and cannot handle. I really would like to try breastfeeding, and if for some reason I can't I will be really dissapointed. But I figure I'll give it my best shot. I hope to bond with my baby during this, and I want to give her my best. Did anyone else feel the same way?

Answer 1

I have breast feed all 3 of my children and plan to do so with my 4th. If your milk comes in and there is nothing wrong with your babies tongue then yes you can absolutely do it. If you keep thinking you can't do it then you will get discouraged and impatient. There will me a consultant coming to your room to help teach you how to latch him on properly.  If you ask questions and read up you can do it. To some it comes very naturally to other they need a little help. But the point is they didn't give up and they did it. If I had questions I looked up La Leche League and there were personal numbers you could call and they would stay on the phone with you as long as you needed. You could even meet with them in groups. So if there is a will there is way. Drink lots of water and don't give up.  

Answer 2

Sounds like you're setting yourself up for failure "But I figure I'll give it my best shot."  Just assume you will do it and you will be able to, don't question your ability to do so and you will be far more successful.

Answer 3

I sort of understand how you are feeling.

I was always told that there was no chance of me being able to breastfeed as they had been damaged in an accident. So I felt awful thinking I'm letting the baby down, etc, etc.

But I could! Yay! I've fed three children so far for 6 , 12 and 12 months.

It is very unlikley that you WON'T be able to. Most people can, it just takes determination.

Go for it!

Answer 4

I'm afraid of the "if I can't" too.  I really want to breastfeed for at least the first 6 months, but so many women friends of mine were not successful with it, so it concerns me.  I'm going to do al I can and try anyway, and just hope for the very best.

Answer 5

I felt this way with my first baby.  I have 4.  I didn't know if it would work out and worried that I wouldn't have what it would take.  My best advice is that you make up your mind to breastfeed and you don't waiver.  You give it your all.  If it hurts, persevere through it.  If the baby has a hard time latching on, you keep trying all day and you guys will get it right.  If people  try to tell you to give the baby a bottle, you say, "No thank you."  It will work out if you give it 150% and allow yourself and the baby time to work it out together.  It is a sport in my book. :)

Answer 6

I feel the same way, its my first baby too and i have decided to breast feed also.  I can understand why you are saying "if i cant" because people put so much pressure on breast feeding these days you may be subconciously worried about the comments from all those opinionated people if for any reason it doesnt take.  I think its great you wanna give it a shot too and i think more mothers should.  I would go in with the attitude that you are doing it and that is that.  The more relaxed you are about it the more easier it will be for the baby to take (apparently)  I have one tin of formula in my cupboard just in case but im giving my all to breast feeding and i think you should too.  Good luck.