Amazing you guys mentioned this. A friend of mine just had a baby up in the states, maybe 2 months ago. The Lactation Nurses (or Consultants, can't remember proper title) - yes pural - basically made her feel like a pile of do-do. Kept at her telling her everything she was doing was wrong, yelled at her, wouldn't let the baby have any formula at all (mom's milk wasn't coming through), etc. The baby was just hungry, thats why she was crying all the time. Finally after day 2 or 3 (forget exact details), went to another doctor and they mentioned to use this newborn formula. Supplement with breast milk when you can, etc... Baby was fine after that. The new doctor was pleasant and very informative. Sometimes bedside manner goes a long way.

We had the same issue, lactation consultant grabbed my wife's breast ans shoved in the baby's mouth which neither liked very well.

Yup, the first job of a new dad is to put the nursing nazis in their place.

Perhaps you'll get a good one who is a teacher rather than one who washed out of Marine drill instructor school for being too agressive.

But if its the latter... "Aus! Aus! Schnell! Back to zee baracks, Schnell!"

Seriously, breastfeeding is great, its best for the baby(s), natural and very convenient. But its not a religion. Ask for help and ask questions but don't let them push her around.

Nurse: "Would you like to try feeding him now?"
DW: "Yes."
Nurse: "Is this your first baby?"
DW: "Fifth."
Nurse: "Oh, uh... I'll just be down the hall if you need me..."

I'm a little late jumping on the bandwagon here but.....
CON-GRAT-U-LATIONS!!!!!!!!
Wish you, the misses and the wee ones much luck and good health.

-Bill Liptak

Thanks!!!!

Good advise thseng,

We also had difficulty with nursing "experts" with our first child, it really stressed my wife out, at a time when she was most vulnerable.

After the babies are born closely monitor the new mother for "the baby blues", my wife had a serious case that developed into a postpartum depression. I understand that this is more understood and openly discussed now. In my wifes situation professional help was very beneficial and solved this problem quickly. It reappeared after each of our kids were born (3 total) but never as bad as the first time as we were able to identify what was going on and address it quickly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression

Good Luck and Congradulations again.

Mike

Thanks again Mike.... Never thought of PPD.

I will only use two words to offer "help"...Bag Balm (human version, of course)...

My poor DW took a beating with one child; can't imagine two. It really helped a bunch. So much for two words.

The fun starts at the delivery. What an awesome experience. Watching new life begin will change yours forever.

Have fun and welcome to the parenting fray.

Congratulations my friend.

Bag Balm (http://www.bagbalm.com/)? I google'd it and came up with stuff for animals... From what i can gather its for cuts and scratches...

I know this sounds silly but my daughters Dr reccommended Udder Butter.