Investing in breastfeeding

Nitha

Hi, I'm expecting second DS next month and really struggled with breastfeeding with first. I want to breastfeed 2nd for money saving reasons (and to be honest am only after a financial point of view not the breast vs bottle debate) but am wondering how much to invest in getting it right before the money saving aspect is out of the window. Managed to get a good electric pump for £40 and a friend has given my a copy of Claire Byam Cook's DVD. Do you think it is worth paying for breastfeeding counsellors or these premium rate hotlines that are open 24/7?

Does anyone have any moneysaving resources for breastfeeding education and support?

Valli

My local hospital has a breastfeeding counsellor...doesn't yours?

Nitha

No unfortunately we only have a woman who charges a fortune! There is a sure start centre in one of the next towns which I was going to enquire in when I take DS (they have tons of stuff for toddlers) but our local breastfeeding network shut down due to lack of support volunteers.

agscully

Have you tried the national breastfeeding helpline ? http://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/ This would be good for breastfeeding support

Valli

what a shame

2 things spring to mind

have a look at the NCT website then (national childbirth trust)
pop onto the FLYLADY thread in old style - there are some BF experts on there who may well offer advice/support.

lauren_1

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING A PUMP BEFORE 5/6 WEEKS

It is vital that you have a decent supply to be able to compensate for a pumping session.

What problems did you encounter with your first?

Glamazon

you might find this thread useful

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2265077

bexta

Hi, congratulations!

My little girl is 5 weeks old, and I really struggled with BF at first, so can totally understand where you're coming from. The National Breastfeeding Helpline were much more useful to me when I rang up one of their counsellers than my midwife was, to be honest, so I wouldn't rule them out.

Also, if you live near a Sure Start, they quite often run free breastfeeding support groups, which might help if you struggle with your new little one.

Valli

Lauren - liking the sig - I BF mine partly because I was too idle to faff about with bottles/sterilser etc!

gill_81uk

I agree about not using a pump until LO is atleast 6wks old and feeding well.

I would definitely suggest trying to go to a breast feeding support group. Also stay in hospital for atleast one night if you can and keep asking the midwives for help and to check that baby is latching on correctly.

got-it-spend-it

Can you speak to your health visitor? They should be able to offer some support.

Also look up your local NCT as they have breastfeeding counsellors, drop-ins and socials which are all great sources of help and support.

I guess it also depends on what you struggled with first time round. It may be something that isn't a problem with your DS2, like tongue tie for example, in which case you may find it all plain sailing.

I have no idea how much you could spend on BFing to keep it 'cheaper' than formula. How long does a tub of formula last? How long do you plan to BF for? If it's one tin a week for six months at a cost of £8 a tine (for example), plus the initial cost of bottles (say £15) then that would be £8 x 26 = £208 + £15 for bottles = £223, but I have no idea if that is accurate or not!