Pregnant and Overweight/Overweight Moms

Good for you wanting to try bf Jen! My first suggestion is to take a bf class. I didn't and wished I had before I had my first. I lucked out and Lily took right to nursing. I don't know what I would've done if we'd had problems. With Liam he didn't want to eat at all the first 24 hours. The next couple of days he didn't want to eat much. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong, but everyone assured me it was fine and to just keep at it. If I hadn't successfully bf Lily for almost 16 months I probably would've given up and thought I just couldn't do it. He just had to be hungry and want to eat. Now he nurses like a champ. So all this to say take a class so you know what to expect and what is and isn't normal.

Buy a boppy with the miracle middle. I love my boppy. I used one for both Lily and Liam and can't live without it.

If you are wanting to be able to do bottles buy a pump. I prefer a dual electric. I have the Lansinoh dual electric. I used it for Lily and now for Liam too. It works great and is much better than a hand pump.

As for bottles don't buy a whole bunch of one kind. Buy one and see if the baby likes it. If they do then buy more. Otherwise you may be stuck with a whole bunch of bottles. I lucked out with Lily and she would take any bottle you gave her. With Liam we tried close to 10 different bottles before we could fine one he liked. It was the First Years Breast Flow bottle. Honestly I would recommend every breastfeeder who is wanting to use a bottle to use these. They really are close to the breast and they don't cost a fortune either.

You will also want some breast pads, lansinoh cream, and soothies that go in the fridge to help sore nipples. When you buy nursing bras buy one cup bigger. You will get bigger when your milk comes in.

If you have questions or need help ask! Having a support system will help you so much. It will probably be somewhat difficult in the beginning, but hang in and it will get better. You will be so glad you gave this a try!

 

 

Thanks guys! I'm wondering when I should sign us up for classes, I want to put Caitlyn in the sibling class at the hospital too. I know they have one in December, maybe I'll sign up for the classes for then. I need to call so we can get in!

 

Buy a "GOOD" pump, Ameda or Medela (I think Lasinoh is like the Ameda).  If you are going to be pumping at work, all the accessories are great, but not necessary for only pumping at home.  They work wonders when you get engorged and baby won't latch because your breasts are hard hard as bowling balls.

I agree with a previous poster to only buy one or two bottles in various styles.  My DS#1 (who wouldn't BF) screamed with the old Playtex bottles, but anything else was fine.  I was left with a whole set of bottles he wouldn't touch.  DS#2 would only take the Avent and wouldn't take any bottle from me at all.  Again left with bottles that were useless.

I found it helpfull to have a couple rtf bottle of formula (2-3 oz size) around for at least one feeding/day the first couple of days.  My breast were too painful and I was too tired.

Lanolin for sore/cracked nipples, warm compresses, disposable and washable pads for your bra.  Pillow of some sort to go on your lap (I prefered a normal pillow).  I loved my Medela foot stool.  I had a rocker with matching ottoman, but the Medela stool put my knees at the right angle to hold baby for feeding.