Breastfeeding questions....?

I'm due to have my baby in a few weeks now, and I'd really like to breastfeed her, but I've heard as many negative things as positive ones. A few of my friends/family tried it ,and it didn't work out for them, and they have been pretty discouraging.

This will be a first time thing for me and I'm pretty nervous about it mostly because of all the negative things I keep hearing, and because I'm a pretty private/modest person too,and not thrilled with the idea of being half undressed in my own home in front of anyone let alone in a public place. I know I'd really have to adapt.

I have no idea what to expect, so I guess what I would like is to hear what your experiences have been, both good and bad.
Thanks :)

I breastfed 6 kids. :) My first I only breastfed until she was about 2 1/2 months old, but the rest were between 10 months and 1 year before I weaned them (most of them weaned themselves, actually).

Personally, I think the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the negatives. Don't let the negative things you hear from friends and family discourage you from at least trying. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on this topic, but it's YOUR decision!

I was super-modest too, and I couldn't even bring myself to breastfeed in public until baby #3, without going to a public restroom - um, can we say germy and gross?? You should never condemn yourself to a toilet to feed your baby. It's very unhygenic. If you don't want to be uncovered, take a receiving blanket to drape over your shoulder. Believe me, nobody will see a thing, and although they'll know what you're doing, decent people will look away in politeness and not give you any trouble.

By baby #6 (she just weaned a couple of months ago and is the last so I'm sad about it), I had breastfed in public a LOT!!! Even a couple of times on a plane. I'm a pro by now. I've NEVER, EVER had a problem with anyone telling me I couldn't do it in public, gawking, trying to catch a peek, or otherwise. All my experiences of breastfeeding in public have been uneventful.

The main problems I had were from a few family members who were raised in the bottle-fed generation and thought it was weird. Don't listen to them at all.

Other problems can include engorgement (painful, but you'll get that the first week after childbirth whether or not you breastfeed, and that will subside and regulate itself really quickly - and FEED a baby on an engorged breast, since emptying those boobies out is immediate relief); sore nipples (that also subsides after a week or so and you can help by putting lanolin cream on them; the hospital may give you some for free); leaking (nursing pads solve that problem); and possibly even mastitis - I had that ONCE and you don't forget it! If you get red streaking around one or both breasts, fever, body aches, and excruciating painfulness when nursing, SEE THE DOCTOR for antibiotics since it's an infection and will go from bad to worse very quickly!! Again, I had 6 kids but only had mastitis once so you may never get it.

La Leche League (you can find them on the internet) will also help you, and they have local mentors who are more than willing to support you in any way they can.

I miss having a little baby to breastfeed. I've been fixed so there will be no more, and I knew I would feel like this eventually. LOL Congratulations on your little miracle!

all i know is breastfeeding is best for ur child...it contains all the nutritions that chid requires...even doctors prefer moms to breastfeed their child.
now it depends upon u....
I breastfeed my son for 6 weeks and really wish that I had stuck with it. I felt the same way that you did about being half naked in public. Buy a breast pump and pump before going out and give your baby a bottle when you are out. My son didn't have nipple confusion when I did this. One more thing, buy a good breast pump.
i breast feed both my children, currently still feeding my 9 month old, and i cannot praise it more
its best for bub
its free
on tap 24/7 no heating mixing required
i am a modest person and i had the samr fears, but it can be done discreetly at home and in public
take along o blanket or shawl when out and place over bub, most shopping centres have a parents room with private feeding sections
most people wont even realise what your doing
the people that are negative most likely have had a bad experience and put a downer on it as they prob feeling guilty
but all i can say is give it a try and if you still cant seem to feed in public express some milk and feed bub from a bottle with your milk, its so much better for them than formula
good luck
u can email me if you wanna ask more questions in private
in response to the person who said your nipples crack bleed and blister that does not happen if baby is attached properly, i never once had cracked or bleeding nipples if you get the right advice and help when statring out
I agree with you about being half naked in public, but you will be even more naked when you give birth!

Make sure that you have tops with buttons, that you can descreatly slip a breast out or go off to a room on your own. People will understand.
hi, i am a mum to 3 girls ages 9/6/2 years
i breast fed all of them. not for months but at least 6-8 weeks each. there will be many things that might stop you from feeding , there really is one that causes the most problems and that is being worried about it. you will get tense and uncomfortable and embarassed, this is when your milk wont flow and you will get problems.

relax
only feed if you feel comfortable to do so-dont feel pressured to breastfeed
use the time your baby feeds to relax!! bonding is at its strongest when feeding
ask your health visitor and midwife for advice and help-if you are struggling then make an appointment at the local gp
find your nearest la leche league or simaliar

stock up on savoy cabbage for your breasts and nipple cream becasue i would be lying if i said i wont hurt at some point. every day that goes by it gets easier i promise !!
i was the first in my circle of friends to breastfeed, since i did my friends have followed my example, its not as daunting as it seems. i was breastfeeding my son in burger king when a girl came to look at him it was untill she was inches away that she realised i was breastfeeding! so dont worry about being half naked people dont even notice half the time. if you dont wanna feed in front of relatives then go upstairs, although i fed my son infront of my partner my dad and my grandad who all thought it was great, its not as though i was flashin my boobs at them! i had a really good experience breastfeeding my son, i fed him until he lost interest 3 months ago at 26/27 months. i intend to breasfeed my secong baby due at the end of august the same way. you have enough washing etc to do with a newborn without having to worry about making bottles up, how hot the formula is, if you have enough, trying to settle the baby while you prepare the bottle, why have extra worry and stress when mother nature has everything in hand! good luck,