Nursing

See if theres a lactation consultant that you can meet with before the baby is born to prepare yourself, and then coordinate with her to come see you in the hospital to work on your latch and good nursing.

Hospitals have lactation nurses that they'll send around to your room to help you and the baby. It's kind of weird to have someone handle your breasts, but if they are as good as my lactation consultant they'll get that baby on a good latch and nursing right away. Despite how awesome it feels to provide your baby with the sustenance to live there are some very real complications.  Nursing is painful, wether you and the baby get it from "the golden hour" or if you have issues getting a latch or producing enough colostrum/milk. You need lanolin, and ice packs, and Tylenol because you will almost definitely get cracked sore nipples.  If you aren't producing enough milk there are herbs and teas, lactation cookies and even dark beer recommended to up production.  Some women have to consider bottle feeding to supplement, and you shouldn't feel guilty about that. Some women choose not to nurse for personal reasons and thank God we live in a time where there are lots of options to nourish your baby if you choose not to nurse.

Nursing Jaxon was the most natural wonderful part of motherhood for me. We've spent hours staring into each others eyes as I fed him. The connection as so powerful for both of us we didn't stop nursing until he turned three, and it was really hard to give it up even though we were down to nap and bedtime nursing. I thank God he didn't get his first tooth until 13 months and they were slow coming, because I hardly ever got bit. The first time it happened I screamed and he thought that was so funny he tried it a few more times to get the same reaction:)

So be prepared, but be flexible!