Breastfeeding lesson

Went to antenatal class on Fri, the class was on breastfeeding. The lactation nurse manager was very humorous, never saw hubby laugh so much in any antenatal class. :) She gave out baby dolls for us to practise the different holds, 1) cradle 2) modified cradle and 3) football hold. I'm still not very good at it. :P She talked about the use of cold cabbage. She can use we can use that when engorged, 1-2times a day is fine but not too often unless trying to switch to FM cos it will reduce BM supply. If you want to do TBF, then try to let BB latch on as soon as possible after delivery so that body can release the colostrum cos mature milk only comes in after 3 days. If wait until discharged & go back home then start BF, then you'll only get colostrum which is not enough for hungry BB. She said don't switch BB from 1 breast to another after 5-10 mins, if not BB only gets foremilk (thin and quenches thirst only), no hindmilk (richer and satisfies hunger). If you want to switch, wait until BB suckles at least 20 mins at one breast then switch to the other one. But if pumping then can only pump 5 mins each breast then must switch, if not will get sore nipples. So pumping will take more time cos may need to pump 3 times for each breast. :P

She also said it's very important to plan ahead. Eg. if going back to work after 3 mths maternity, start pumping and bottle feeding by end of 2nd month. If not, BB will refuse to take bottle when you go back to work cos he/she will be used to direct latch on. If intending to supplement with FM when going back to work, start feeding 1 bottle of FM for the first 3 days, followed by 2 bottles of FM for the next 3 days so that BB can get used to it. Also, this will prepare our body and prevent engorgement after going back to work. She said we can ask for the lactation consultant (on call) if we need BF help after delivery. If still warded, the service is free. Reassuring cos I think I'll need help in the beginning. If we need help after discharge then it is chargeable from $30 onwards depending on how long the consultation is. :)

Chosen 2 design from WeeJustin beansprout pillows since cousin is getting that for me, one for my house, one for ILs place. :)