There is so much breastfeeding information out there.  There is no way you can read it all before baby comes, and truthfully, after baby comes, everything is so overwhelming that even if you did read it all, you wouldn't remember it.  I've learned a lot in the last 7 years and narrowed it down a bit.  Here are 15 things I wish I'd known before I started breastfeeding.  (and 1 bonus!)

In this world of parenting and breastfeeding and children and motherhood there are so many obstecles and challenges that we must overcome.  It's all so new to each of us and it's not like choosing a china pattern.  Each of the decissions you make can have a VERY significant impact of someone else's life.  Someone else that you love very dearly.  Most people would give their life for this someone.  You have to make ALL THE DECISSIONS for this someone and it's completly overwhelming.
Some people research, and research and research.  Others ask a trusted source.  Others still just follow their gut.  No way is wrong, as long as it's not unsafe and it feels right to you.  But it's all overwhelming.
If you're new to this, I want to pass on a couple of things that I've learned (usually the hard way) so that you don't have to learn them.

I listened to the weather.  I knew it was coming.  That doesn't mean waking up to freezing temperatures and snow on the ground wasn't a shock this morning.  Thank goodness we we're at least prepared enough to know we have boots, coats and snowpants available.  Hats and mitts we had to dig for, but we had them too so we were good.
I did occur to me though, that adding cold changes what I do with babywearing, and I'm sure it does for you too.  I thought a quick post about cold weather options might give you an idea of what you can do in future, now that you're likely in for the day.

I often have very lengthy conversations with parents about the cost of breastfeeding help.  Since IBCLC's are not covered by OHIP, or by most insurance plans, it can seem very expensive to lay out a large sum of money for something that we, in Canada, are used to getting for free - good help with a 'medical' problem.  
Yes, there are free services available, and sometimes they help, but sometimes they aren't enough or can't provide the service and support you need.  

What I ask you to consider is this,​

Earlier this month I wrote up the story of our miscarriage for a friends blog. (Want to read it? You can find it here...http://www.juliesaunders.ca/blog/jandys-story). The post itself was cathartic to write, I found I enjoyed putting my thoughts and feelings down on paper. And, I'd been thinking about doing this for some time, so...here you go. My FIRST OFFICIAL BLOG POST!

Like I said, I've been thinking about doing this for a while (so long that I actually have a list of topics I want to cover in my journal) but now that I sit down to actually do it, I have NO idea where to start.

so, 'lets start at the very beginning. Seems a very good place, to start!'