@babyjjsmommy. Thank you that really helps alot and letting me know what to expect i tend over think or freak out alot when it comes to new things. And if i have questions i sure will message

@mvbreaux i just heard of all the benefits it will have for the baby so i wanna try really hard to keep up with it .

I recommend you Take a breastfeeding class at the hospital. And talk to the lactation consultant!

If you have any questions, feel free to message me! I would definitely suggest looking into getting a pump. There is a website called aeroflow and they accept certain insurances which means you could possibly get a pump for free (I did and I have blue cross). Go ahead and mentally prepare yourself for it and know what to expect and I feel like that will help a lot with the challenges you may face. The first few weeks are the absolute hardest, but it only gets easier. Remember that this is new to both you and baby so be as patient as you can and don’t give up. Sometimes babies do not want to latch properly or even at all initially. Talk to your LC every day in the hospital, call for help even if it’s something small, and ask questions! Initially you will only be producing colostrum (that’s all baby needs the first few days). Remember that baby’s stomach is TINY, and they may feed constantly. This is because breastmilk metabolizes quickly and because baby is going to be establishing your milk supply NOT because they aren’t getting enough which is a common misconception. Cluster feeding is 100% normal and there will be days where you literally feel like you have done nothing but feed, that will pass and sometimes it can occur again during growth spurts and sleep regressions. Remember that it is BEST for baby to latch to the breast in order to maintain and increase your supply. If baby refuses to latch even after the help of a LC, it is okay to pump and feed baby with a bottle and it will still help to establish your supply. Expect to be sore and your nipples may crack or blister if baby doesn’t latch properly, buy some nipple cream! Apply it before/ after each feeding or pumping session and it will help to keep the area from drying out and cracking which can be painful. Your nipples will toughen up and it will not hurt after the first few weeks. Buy some nursing pads, because you will leak after your milk comes in which is typically within a few days after baby being born. You can also purchase ice/hot packs made specifically for breastfeeding. The cold will soothe soreness, the heat will help with clogged milk ducts. Clogged milk ducts are very common in the beginning, if you get them, massage the area while feeding/pumping and it will help to release the milk. You got this Mama, it is such an amazing experience! Wishing you the best!

Definitely look into a pump (insurance may cover it). But I’m sure you’ll want some milk stored up Incase you need to leave the baby at some point or decide to go back to work eventually while still nursing. I wouldn’t suggest “stocking up” on nursing pads, I was given several boxes with my first and I never used them Bc I didn’t leak. Maybe just get one box to start! Nursing bras and tanks are a necessity! For a while I only wore a padded nursing tank, check amazon!

Personally, I prefer using a cover while nursing in public. My favorite are the Milk Snob covers. Very light breathable material for baby to be under and it stays put. Lactation consultants and nurses should help you while you are still in the hospital, take advantage of them and don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything!! Most importantly if you are 100% wanting to breastfeed DO NOT give up! It can be very hard in the beginning but it’s soooo worth it.

@db413 @princessrose @beccaaalynnn11. Thank you all .. Ill be sure to at least stock up on the pads and now especially nursing tanks since my boobs are big as well lol . especially now

@calzaste96, it might also be a good idea to start massaging your breasts to help the milk come in. I was planning on breastfeeding but couldn’t because my milk didn’t come in till about a week after I was already home from the hospital

I would get a pump just in case. I didn’t and my daughter couldn’t breastfeed from the breast, so I had to scramble to get a pump after she was born

- The hospital staff will help you big time! I’d get a box of disposable tabs. I used Lansinoh. Used three boxes total. Actually two. Thus last box I never opened. A pump if you’re going to work. And not necessary,but I recommend you get some nursing tanks! Best things ever. I’ve got larger breasts, and I don’t wear a bra anymore. I’ll probably wear these tanks once I’m done breastfeeding also 😅 I didn’t need any extra creams or anything..

@db413 thank you and i wanna work but my husband wants me home for awhile with the baby so ill be at home 24/7 . but idk if ill need the storage bags or bottles .. I have a few pads cause i have started to leak a bit already.

Check with your insurance to see if they will cover a pump if you need one. (If you’ll be going to work or not) I would recommend getting some pads to catch when you’re leaking and some nipple cream. The nurses and lactation consultants will help you start breastfeeding after you have the baby. They will show you how to hold the baby and how to get them to latch properly.