Looking for some advice as I didn't breastfeed with my first child but I am determined to do it this time! I've been leaking colostrum for weeks now (i did last time too) is this a good sign? Wondered if i'm leaking now does this help with baby latching on etc or is it all down to practice? I know everyones milkflow is different so i'm thinking if i'm already leaking it must be good?

I also would like to express & use bottles is this possible to combine the breast and bottle or would this cause confusion for the baby. I really don't know what to do!

I don't think leaking help with latch or anything but I suppose it's a good thing that your producing it :thumbsup: I don't combi feed but I think it's fine after 6 weeks when BFing is established as this ensures that you body is producing milk in sync with your baby and also I think reduces the risk of nipple confusion. Hope this helps x

Congratulations on your decision to breast feed. I don't think it makes much difference whether you leak or not during pregnancy, but at least you know you are producing it!
I think the most important thing when starting out is that it is very time-consuming, make sure you have plenty of support for the first few weeks and don't expect to do anything else at all other than feed your baby - that is enough for the first few weeks. Let someone else do cooking, housework, etc. or else just leave it!
The other very important thing to know is that your baby builds up your milk supply by sucking, so there will be days when baby just wants to feed constantly and you will feel like you don't have enough milk and baby is still hungry. Everyone goes through this, everyone doubts themselves and worries they aren't producing enough milk for baby, it can be very tempting to give formula at this time especially because baby will probably be very unsettled. But every time you give formula your body doesn't get the 'message' to increase supply so it means your supply will be less than your baby needs. Some women do combine formula and breast-feeding but I think you have to do it in quite a structured way in order to stop your milk supply from going down. There are lots of growth spurts where feeding will increase, they can be very very hard work but it is completely normal.
Also get some Lansinoh cream for your nipples, make sure you bring this to the hospital with you as you will need it straight away.
Expressing and giving bottles is definitely possible, it is best not to give bottles for the first four weeks or thereabouts to avoid nipple confusion as the baby might reject the breast. However I would not wait much longer than that to introduce a bottle as otherwise baby might not take to the bottle at all. Get a bottle that is suitable for breast fed babies but don't buy too many because babies can be quite fussy and may not like the bottles you have picked! You will also need a breast pump, either manual or electric, I just have a manual pump and find it is grand for expressing once or twice a day, other women get on better with electric pumps but they are more expensive.
Sorry for the long essay - I hope I haven't put you off - I just think it is better to be informed and prepared starting out - I didn't know any of this when I was starting - I was very naive really about what would be involved. But I love breast feeding now - it is just so natural and easy and such a lovely bond with LO. Good luck with it all, I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly.

I leaked from 27 weeks gestation onward... my milk didn't come in until day 4. I'm taking fenugreek and milk thistle herbs to make sure my milk supply stays up and I have a pretty good supply and can keep up with LO

Thanks for taking time to give me advice I've found this really helpful!