getting ready to start (maybe)

I can only comment on telling family and friends. I have only told my best friend(knew was going to be supportive no matter what i did) and my SIL. Because i wanted to use her breastpump, so i obviously couldnt hide it from her. Im not planning on telling anyone else until after the baby is born and IF things progress. I guess i dont see the use in telling anyone until i am actually producing milk. Some will be suportive, some wont. And if i tell everyone now, and i dont end up producing anything, there will be a lot of "i told you it probably wouldnt work" So, im trying to avoid saying anything until i am A: producing milk B: TPR actually goes through C: I should beable to get a feel of the family members who arent going to be supportive, and there fore wont be discussing it with them. My mom isnt going tobe supportive, but well, who cares. Its my baby, not hers. If i whip out my boob and start nursing, what's she gonna do?? if she doesnt like it, dont watch!! Good luck Rach

As far as when you should start and what protocol you should do is (obviously) totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with. I'm not one to take unneeded meds, I hardly take advil even when I need it, so at first the thought of being on dom just totally freaked me out. But, I read up on it and others experiences with it and decided to go ahead with it and I've not had a problem being on it. As far as telling people about your plans, when I told people I just told them about it with a lot of excitement! I "claimed it" so to speak and I really haven't had any bad feedback. People seem genuinely intrigued and impressed thats it's even possible! Now, they may give me the stink eye as I walk away, but who cares! I know I'm making the best decision for me and my baby and to me thats what matters.

I decided to start pumping before we were even approved so I could start freezing milk to use for supplementation later. I'm really glad I did because I'm building up quite a stockpile in the freezer. It is a matter of personal preference, though. Some people get really frustrated pumping for a long time with no baby in sight. I have told a few people that I plan on breastfeeding - mostly people that I already knew would be supportive. I know there are people in my life who would frown on it but I don't need to hear their negativity. Like Hopeful said, I know I'm doing what's best and that's all that matters!

I have tried, twice, to post something to you, and not had it work. Are you still thinking about doing it? It is a little more work than bottlefeeding, especially in the beginning, but the benefits are well worth it. Also, even a few ounces of breast milk a day provide definite health benefits. Babies who get that get sick much less and usually not as severe, when they do get sick. I always felt like avoiding just one illness was well worth all of the additional effort of nursing. Although there are benefits to having several months advance notice that a baby is coming, you can breastfeed, even if you find out at the very last minute. If you have a Lact-Aid kit ready, you can just start feeding nurturing the baby at your breast, even if you haven't prepared at all. Many moms who do that start producing drops of milk in a few days, and almost all do by two weeks. Most of those who just keep nursing regularly will go on to produce a significant amount of milk. That amount can be increased by things like using herbs, and taking domperidone.If you want to be able to use glass bottles, one option is to use the Lact-Aid with a bottle. It isn't recommended by the manufacturer, but it does work. You just use a bottle that is short enough that the extension tube will reach the bottom. I believe the standard size tube is four inches long. You can also order longer ones. You just put the nipple on top of the bottle, upside down, and screw the ring on the top. Then, take the Lact-Aid unit and stick it down through the hole in the bottle nipple. You may need to enlarge the nipple hole, but it is best to leave it tight enough to hold the Lact-Aid securely. With a glass bottle, you'd have to have some kind of vent for the milk to keep flowing. You would need to make sure the ring isn't screwed down too tightly. Or, you could try making an additional small opening in the nipple.You can practice using it with a breast pump, to see how it will flow, and get an idea of how to position the tube.Please keep us informed on how it all goes! I hope you decide to breastfeeding, because it was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had, so I love to see others have that too!