What are chances i might be able to breastfeed?

Question

I just asked a question about how breastfeeding can benefit me as well as the baby... I certainly want to and will try my best to breastfeed my baby girl until i start school again next year june.. i already bought a breastpump and milk saving bags and just things i need to breastfeed my baby girl... a lot of friends and family were not able to because they did not produce enough supplies.. what are the chances i might be one of them too? it just seems like alot of women well at least i know couldnt.. i will be soo sad if i couldnt.. =(

Answer 1

Eat well and drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.  You should speak to a lactation consultant.  There's things you can do to build up your supply.  Don't get discouraged, especially in the first few days... it takes time to come in.  I had to supplement with formula for the first few days (hence my previous comments come from my own experiences with my one and only daughter), but also offered my breast frequently.  It came in ten fold! =)  Also, try to minimize your stress... just as there's things you can do to increase your supply, there's also things that can decrease it.  Talk to a specialist, they'll give you the entire low down.  Don't forget too, lots of people give up easily and just say that they couldn't.... it's not always everyone's cup of tea.  Much easier (and less judgement from those die hard breastfeeders) for some people to say they couldn't rather than they didn't really want to or it was to much effort.  It wasn't easy in the begining for me, but I just kept plugging away and now, 4 months on, we're doing great.  You just have to make it over the hump.  Good luck to you! =)

Answer 2

While it is true that some women truly can't breast feed, most of the "couldn'ts" are actually "didn't know hows".  There is a ton of misinformation about breastfeeding that makes it so that struggling moms think they can't when in reality they can.  

Milk production is supply and demand.  During the first 6 weeks or so of your baby's life your body will be trying to figure out just how much it should be making and how to interpret the demand from your baby.  Some days you may end up with a ton of milk and other days you might seem like you don't have much at all, but by the end of the first 6 weeks your body should be settled into a pretty good rhythm about how to produce milk.  Stick it out as much as possible at least until then.

After your milk production is established, and even while you're trying to establish it, your body will make as much milk as your baby demands.  That means that the more often your baby nurses, the more milk you will make.  Obviously feeding schedules really don't work well with breast feeding.  If you can feed your baby whenever he/she wants, you should be okay.

If possible find a certified lactation consultant to work with before you have your baby and after your baby is born.  These are excellent sources of information and support and will make sure that you get the right information about breast feeding instead of the misinformation.  Know that a lot of LCs are very pro breastfeeding, so sometimes they may come off a bit strong and like they don't see any other option, so go into it secure in yourself and your ability to make decisions for your baby.

Also make sure that you continue taking your prenatal vitamins while you're breast feeding and to drink water, even while you're nursing.  You'll do great!

Answer 3

You will have this unbelieveable bond with your baby if you choose to breastfeed.  Don't worry, you'll be able to feed your baby so quit worrying about so many things.  Also, it'll keep you in great shape because a lot of calories will be burned when your body is trying to produce milk.  

Answer 4

most people can breast feed and the truth is that it is actually very rare that a mother does not produce enough.  The more a baby sucks the more milk you will make.  Alot of women make the mistake of offering formula because they think they do not have enough milk and then without the extra sucking they do not make enough! if you keep bubs on the breast you will make enough.

If you think your not making enough you have the baby weighed before and after a meal and then they can see how much the baby is taking.

Just have your baby weighed every week and if bubs is gaining weight then you dont need to worry.

Chances are very high that you WILL be able to breast feed. Most women think they cant because of lack of information. Good on you for wanting to do whats best for bubs. Good luck and you will do fine!

Awsome answer Ladyjore.

Answer 5

just make sure you are well hydrated the more you take in the more you will make feeding on demand will help too good luck you can do it  

Answer 6

The chances are highly unlikely if you learn how to breastfeed your baby. It's a skill, like typing or  reading, but not only do you have to learn it, but you also have to teach your new baby how to breastfeed. I took classes from my hospital, and they helped a lot. I also asked for a lactation consultant at the hospital, and she helped me learn how to hold my daughter so she could nurse more easily.  (By the way, I think Boppie pillows are the best thing since sliced bread!)  

However, all the learning in the world won't do you any good if you don't take care of your body so that you can produce enough milk. Forget dieting to lose that baby weight. If you breastfeed for the first 12 weeks, you'll lose the weight anyway, but if you diet, you won't be able to produce enough good milk.  Also you absolutely must sleep well (meaning, sleep when the baby sleeps, no matter how crazy it is) or you won't be able to produce enough milk.  

Answer 7

You can breastfeed! Make sure that you breastfeed when your baby is fresh out of the womb and it will give you a great start! Make sure that you breastfeed as much as possible and pump when you can too! THis will make way for a nice milk supply! Eat healthy, take prenatal vitamins and if all else fails there are lactation consultants that can certainly help you through any breastfeeding troubles you may encounter. See if there is La Leche League in your area!! They are devoted to breastfeeding! You can do It and I have faith

Answer 8

every woman can breast feed!  every female mammal can.

it just takes A LOT more work for others, and some dont want to or cant put that much effort into it.  

main thing is to drink PLENTY of water.  Drink water all day, while you pump, while you feed, while you eat, keep a glass by your bed while you sleep.  Water water water is so great to keep your milk in.

keep pumping when you're unable to feed.

I was on pain meds and had multiple surgery shortly after having my son, and i pumped the whole time that my breast milk contained opiates.  i obviously dumped the milk but kept pumping to keep my milk production up... eventually i was too weak/tired after my 3rd post pregnancy surgery in 4 months that i my doctors told me i had to stop pumping. i really didn't want to but i was so drained and lethargic from everything that i went the easy route and eventually listened to their pursuasion.  I'm sure with a few weeks of work i'd still be nursing my son.

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but dont let this put you off...... With my first bub it really hurt and I listened to every one else around me they told me to do it this way then they said that way they said I was trying to feed him to often then they said he isnt getting enough in the end I broke down and just gave up which was a hard decision to make.  I now have a little 11 month old girl and I am still breastfeeding her and I will till she is around 18 months,  This time I listened to my own body and let her decide what she wanted and it worked, it is hard for the first 3 months untill they settle now it is a breeze...... My best advice is that you the mum now your baby the best trust your instinct it is generally right.  Look after yourself (Happy mummy, Happy bubby)Find a health nurse or lactation specialist that you feel good with they all will tell you different things.  And when things get hard do something for yourself relax, bub will be ok without you for an hour or so!!!!!!!!!! TRUST YOURSELF!!!

Answer 10

Any amount of breast feeding is good. Even if you don't make much, you can give some. And to help your milk supply you can take Reglin (Rx) and this sounds weird but eating oatmeal helps your milk supply.

Answer 11

there are many reasons milk production slows or stops; poor diet for example could affect supply. If you do not drink enough fluids (not pop) you will not be able to produce breast milk. if you take medication used to dry out your sinuses it could reduce milk as well. you need to talk to your doctor about what to do to ensure the best results. everyone is different just be healthy and follow your doctors orders and good luck mom!

Answer 12

Did you also get the supplemental feeding system? If you find you're having difficulties with producing enough milk, this is second best. Where you can simultanesously feed your baby formula, while attempting to nurse. It is also supposed to help an increase in your flow of your own milk supply. but even if you forever have to supplement, at least you're getting the best of both worlds. Knowing you're not starving your baby, because of your wanting to nurse, yet you have the special bonding and relaxation that only comes with nursing.

Below is the link for the supplemental system

Answer 13

Drink plenty of water and stick with it. If your nipples get sore (and they probably will!), use a nipple shield or Lansinol gel to relieve some of the tenderness. The tenderness goes away very quickly, you've just got to stick with it if you want to keep your milk supply up. If all else fails, invest in a lactation consultant (I think they cost between $100-$150) or go to the breastfeeding classes that your local childcare centre (run by midwives) will run (for free). If it turns out you have difficulties, don't beat yourself up - its better to have a well fed baby on formula who is happy than a baby who cries all the time because there's not enough milk. Good luck!!

Answer 14

It's uncommon to be unable to breastfeed. You have a great chance at breastfeeding, as long as you keep at it. You really don't need a breast pump until you need to leave her to go back to school. Using a breast pump, probably within the first 8-10 weeks reduces your chances of producing enough milk later on. Nurse from breast as much as possible. The more you breastfeed the more milk you will make for the baby. Nurse on demand and everything should go wonderfully. I know how sleepy my newborns were so if she doesn't wake to nurse at least every 2 hours then wake her to nurse. Try no to supplement. Many mothers are producing enough milk but don't think so because they cant see how much their baby is getting. Good luck. Don't let other people discourage you.

Answer 15

i think we were all made to breastfeed.. how else would our babies be fed if there were no supplements?? just stick with it.. it is hard but totally doable! :) if you don't produce enough milk try brewers yeast.. or get in touch with a lactating counselor.. they can help with any issues you might have. Good luck!

also try to eat plenty of calories!!! eating is just as important if not more when breastfeeding.. but your body will tell you that!!! I was more hungry breastfeeding then I ever was when I was pregnant!

Answer 16

Breastfeeding is well worth it, I am SOO glad that I stuck it out and did it. You'll be able to as long as you don't give up. It is way hard though, I won't lie! My baby girl wouldn't latch on at first, which caused sore dry cracked nipples and awful pain, but I didn't want to give her formula so I kept trying. (for the soreness and pain I used this ointment called "Lansinoh brand Lanolin" it helped a lot and the latching on problem was a thing called "the shield" which was provided from the hospital)  It took almost 2 months before she was able to breastfeed without problems and I am very happy that I didn't give up. There was a few times too that I thought I wasn't producing enough milk for her because I pumped and wasn't getting much but I spoke with my Dr. and my baby was very healty and weighed what she was supposed to. I think the problem was that the pumps don't provide the same stimulation that the baby sucking does so my milk didn't come in like it did when I was feeding her. So don't get discouraged!  I don't have any pain now or problems.  I know about 10 girls that had babies around the same time I did and NONE of them are breastfeeding. :( They all have a hundred excuses why but I know that they just didn't have the patience for it. Good luck with it though, and I know you won't regret it once you feel how amazingly close you get and how strong the bond is between you and your baby. :)

Answer 17

The first thing I have to say is:  You go girl!  You're going to be doing something absolutely wonderful for your little girl!  Very few women actually don't produce enough milk.  The main problem that causes low milk supply is not nursing enough.  Not all doctors really know much about breastfeeding and unknowingly give bad advice.  Breastfeeding is very different from bottlefeeding, no matter what your doctor says, you need to feed your baby on demand, especially at first when your supply is getting established.  It may seem like you're doing nothing but nurse your baby, believe me, I've been there twice, now.  Trust your body, though, you will produce plenty of milk for your little girl as long as you nurse her when she asks for it.  Breastmilk digests faster than formula, that's one reason she'll want to nurse more often than a bottle fed baby should, and it's easier on her system

Before your baby is born, you should contact la leche league, as they provide support for women learning to breastfeed.  They're all over the place, so it shouldn't be hard to find them.  The second thing is, you shouldn't plan on pumping for at least a month after your baby is born unless you have to.  A nursing baby is much better at emptying you out than any pump ever invented and making sure you have a reliable supply.  Third thing, if you can, try to keep your baby in your room with you.  That'll make it easier on both of you when she wakes at night wanting to nurse.

Also, one of the links I'm providing is to a messageboard where there are lactation consultants and experienced moms who give advice to women who want to breastfeed their babies.  I found them very helpful when I was getting started with my first, you might want to visit them before your baby is born.

You can do this!  Before the invention of formula, nearly all women nursed their own babies!  It may seem tough at times, but you can do it, and it gets easier over time.  Congratulations on your little girl!