Beginning breastfeeding again.

[alejorge]

I am pregnant with our 4th child. I only breastfed my youngest. Which he has now weaned. I am only 10 weeks pregnant so i got some time I just have a few questions about when baby comes.

I am affraid that I will have the severe pain again with the first couple of weeks of nursing. Is there anything I can do to make sure I don't get that severe pain again?

Also When should I actualy start pumping? While in the hospital or wait until the baby is 6 weeks or older?

[sylviaboyd]

Congratulations on the new baby to be. How exciting. I'm glad that you were able to nurse your little one. Sorry that you had pain. Perhaps you could go to La Leche League meetings before this new little one comes and get some ideas that will help your nursing not be painful. Often the birth affects breastfeeding. If it is long, short, a c/sec, vacuum can affect the baby's suck making it more painful. As baby grows, the latch impoves and the pain resolves. No fun waiting for that to happen. Find a good lactation consultant and talk with her before the baby arrives.
Best wishes for successful breastfeeding (pain free).

[sylviaboyd]

I didn't address the pumping. Talk with the ladies who know about supporting breastfeeding about pumping. It isn't necessary when baby is nursing easily and effeciently. Life nursing a second baby may be so much easier since you did it before. Each labor, birth and baby are different. You might be very surprised at how this baby and breastfeeding go. Learn how to hand express. It works well and costs only learning. On my web site under breastfeeding is a video by a pediatrician showing how to do it. Best for brining in the milk on the first 24 hours if baby isn't nursing well.