Yes that is Father in Law. I shouldn't have written that considering how annoyed people are lately about some mothers writing DD! My husband was great about it and would have been ok if I stopped, but I experienced a lot of PPD that was not expected, and we didn't realize it at first and didn't know how to treat it, etc. So basically our lives were a mess and it as easier to not bother with his father. And I do know his intentions were good.

I think a lot of the problem with breastfeeding is that it isn't easy for most women at first, no matter what many experts say. There's a huge learning curve, and a lot of it is learning as you go. My doctors gave me bad information which was why I developed mastitis the first time, and after having it twice, those milk ducts stopped working. But I was able to learn on my own how to prevent this from happening again, and although I came close twice more to getting sick, I was able to work around it. But much of what I read on the internet and was told was wrong, at least for me. Looking back, I wish the breastfeeding class I took actually taught me something instead of merely stressing the importance of breastfeeding. I'm not sure why I paid $75 to be convinced of something that I already knew I wanted to do.

I think it's best to be supportive of new mothers no matter what (assuming they aren't hurting their babies). Plenty of children grew up with formula and have done fine. I think there's plenty of other issues that are more important out there.

I was blessed to have a great nurse and lactation consultant who observed the first few times I nursed. It's mom's (and baby's) decision, so please don't force the issue when you dont know what is going on with them. It's not "natural" for every mom and baby. It's not pleasant (engorgement, mastitis, latching issues, PAIN) all the time.

Just support mom in whatever she decides to do. And offer to burp the baby.

I am a big supporter of breastfeeding, but I know my limitations. Formula, boob juice, whatever, so long as baby and mom are doing well is all that should matter to anyone involved.

Mothering is a great resource as is:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/
http://www.diaperpin.com/home.asp
http://www.thediaperhyena.com/
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/981007g.cfm

I found that I did better if I ignored all of the lactation consultant/doctor/unsolicited advice I got and just did what felt natural. So my baby wasn't positioned "just right" and (s)he didn't like switching/burping in the middle of feeding, etc...it worked for us.

True. The best judge of what works is your baby.

My greedy lil thing didnt want to let go until she was good and full.

Likewise, my greedy little things never could get full. They were (and still are) both huge eaters, and I simply couldn't produce enough. The LLL ladies were nice, but they really didn't understand. The pediatrician actually told me that my children were "Failing to Thrive" (I hated that phrase) on my milk alone. Combine that with their subsequent allergy to all dairy products I consumed, and it didn't take me long to figure out that formula was the best option for us. I was bummed, but I got over it... until I had a hard time losing that baby weight! (It's simply AMAZING how many calories you burn when you BF.)

I did cloth diapers, no service, for #1. That is a LOT of laundry - so just know that going in. It seemed like the washer was always going.
I breastfed all four, but #4 "liked to kill me". I was in screaming agony everytime he latched on for 6 weeks - 6 WEEKS. Finally got nipple shields and it worked better. Jeez. Am I glad I did it? Yes.

I miss the cleveage, but nothing else about nursing. :)

Thanks to everyone who had resources for cloth diapers. i found out last week that my 6 week maternity leave will be UNPAID, please do not ask why, because flames will come out of your computer screen!

that being said, we are going to have to wing it on his pay alone for a while, because our savings got depleted when his transmission went a week after my engine blew up!

bf is going to be a godsend. i would have done it anyway and i am glad that i am familiar with it.

I'm very impressed by most of what I read here and congratulate you all for wanting to do what is best for your baby.

Remember that breastfeeding for even one day is better than never at all. Literally.

Also, remember that (at least when we were in the heat of this) doctors get (or at least got) amost no education on breastfeeding in medical school. Then remember that, like there are bad docotors and bad mechanics and bad electricians, there are some bad lactation consultants.

A large part of successful breastfeeding is mechanical, and someone who can actually watch (as nikki1920 wrote above) who knows those mechanics (proper positioning and other tips) can be a great help on getting the breastfeeding relationship off on the right track.

Sincere best wishes to you all from a dad who not only went through watching a wife breastfeed our children, but also spent years listening to an "expert" help other breastfeeding moms.

You are all very special.