Expert: ruth kraft - 5/17/2010

Question
Hello. I am almost 36 weeks pregnant with my first child and am hellbent on breasfeeding. But I am extremely nervous I wont be able to, or my milk wont come in, etc. I try to research online, but there is so much information that I feel just a bit overwhelmed. I wish we could affort a lactation consultant but we cant. So my questions are mainly on what is the timeline usually for colostrom to milk transition? One of my nipples is smaller than the other so which one do i start him on? Is there any way to get my milk to come in sooner than later? I see so many woman have the hardest time breastfeeding, and others just seem to glide through it. Is there any way that the mothers who struggle could have taken some precautionary measures or been more informed?
I know those are a lot of questions. I just want to make sure that I do everything possible beforehand to make this natural process "easier". I have my heart set on exclusively breastfeeding.

Thank you for taking the time to help me :)

Kindest regards,
Adriana

Answer
I will give some quick answers to many questions :)

Because you can't find a lactation consultant, go to www.llli.org and find a local FREE group to help you out.

Usually colostrum comes in on the third day. which is normal :) and no need to worry. It doesn't matter which nipple is smaller. Your breasts can make the same amount of milk no matter how big or small they or the nipples are. You can make milk to feed one two or three babies. all from the same breasts :)  The more you nurse, the quicker  your milk will come in. Nurse the baby within the first hour after birth and continue nursing as much as the baby wants for the first 6 weeks and you will have the perfect milk supply!

To best be ready for nursing, find that local group I was telling you about. Find support to ask questions to along the way. I have a support group that I run online for low cost if you are interested email me at Ruth@honoringwomen.com and I will send you the info.  Having that support is the best way to overcome any obstacle that comes your way :)

Good for you for working ahead of time to make it happen! as that alone will make you successful!

I hope that helped!
Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com