What are some breastfeeding tips if I have fibromyalgia?

If you have fibromyalgia, here are some tips for successful nursing:

At the beginning of the third trimester:

• Talk to your doctor about your fibromyalgia treatment program after the baby is born.
• Set up realistic expectations for nursing.
• Consider adding booster sessions with exercise and behavioral therapists for nondrug pain management skills.
• Consider meeting with a lactation counselor.
• Tell your doctor if you notice problems with your mood.

Before delivery:

• Talk to your family about prioritizing and scheduling essential chores for the baby and the family after delivery. Delegate chores to others.
• Make sure you eat well and stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
• Talk to your doctor about what to expect in terms of increased fatigue after delivery.
• Tell your doctor if you are noticing problems with your mood.
• Review your fibromyalgia treatment plan for after delivery with your doctor.

Before leaving the hospital after delivery:

• Get advice from the nurses about breastfeeding your baby. Let your healthcare team know about any difficulties or concerns you might have for when you get home.
• Remember that your baby receives important health benefits from breastfeeding, even if you're not able to nurse as long as you might like.
• Remember to find comfortable positions when nursing, such as nursing lying on your side or using a pillow or sling to help support the weight of the baby.
• Remember to change positions frequently during nursing sessions to reduce getting sore and stiff.
• Plan to nurse at home in a quiet, comfortable environment.
• If you have a lactation counselor, get in touch with her to review your concerns.
• Review your treatment plan for fibromyalgia symptoms with your doctor. Make sure you know what to do when symptoms flare.
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor for soon after hospital discharge to reassess your fibromyalgia treatments.