8 Genius Ways to Prepare For Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives
Making preparations to breastfeed during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do…
Breastfeeding is natural, but doesn’t always come naturally.
There are CERTAIN things you can do before baby arrives so that you have the greatest possible chance of reaching your breastfeeding goals and breastfeeding like a rockstar!
Some certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) from around the world share how you can best prepare ahead of time.
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Gather Information and Resources
“Take a breastfeeding class and read books related to breastfeeding. Schedule a prenatal consultation with an IBCLC and identify local resources such as support groups and friends who can support your goals for breastfeeding.”
-Chelsea DeSorbo, IBCLC, RLC at Bliss Lactation
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Set up an interview
“Many healthcare offices offer an interview with the provider before becoming a patient. Use this time to ask some questions such as, if they have a breastfeeding-friendly office policy, are supportive of continuing breastfeeding even if an issue like jaundice arises, or if they have IBCLCs to refer you to if you experience problems.”
-Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC at Lactation Link
Have your breasts examined
“I recommend to have your healthcare professional look at your health history and examine your breasts to make sure medically and physically things are discussed to make sure you have the best breastfeeding outcome. For example, if you have flat and inverted nipples there are things you can do in pregnancy that can help pull them out if needed. “
-Barbara Ryan, IBCLC at Barbara Ryan IBCLC
sit in on a local breastfeeding support group
“Sit in on a local breastfeeding support group. It’ll give you an idea of some of the difficulties that women may face and you’ll know where to go should your own problems arise.
-Julie Matheney, IBCLC at The LA Lactation Lady
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Have a lactation consultant lined up
“Meet with them before your delivery so it’ll give you a more confident start and you can lean on them once baby is born.”
-Barbara Ryan, IBCLC at Barbara Ryan IBCLC
Set up a breastfeeding station
“Figure out where you’ll be breastfeeding the majority of the time and create a breastfeeding station with all the essentials that you’ll need. This may include burp cloths, nipple cream, milk savers, nursing pads, a water bottle, and easy one-handed snacks for you. It can also include a smaller basket or caddy that is moveable so that it’ll be easy for you to take the items anywhere you need them.”
-Annalisa Burch RN, IBCLC, CEIM, at Prenatal Insights
Related Article: 29 Things To Put In Your Nursing Basket
Include a feeding plan for the first 3 days in your birth plan
“Tell everyone on the birth support team that you intend to breastfeed. Mention things like pacifier use, where baby will sleep, and what to do if you and baby get separated after delivery.”
-Danielle Downs Spradlin, IBCLC at Oasis Lactation Services
Related Article: Breastfeeding Day 1: Everything You Need To Know
Take a prenatal breastfeeding class
“The number one thing I would recommend is to take a prenatal breastfeeding class. We as a society have such a lack of understanding of how our bodies work. You need to know how milk is made and have a basic and realistic understanding of what breastfeeding will look like.”
-Julie Matheney, IBCLC at The LA Lactation Lady
Set Your Expectations
“Breastfeeding is a learned skill that requires a lot of practice. In the early weeks it’s often not the breastfeeding so much as all the ‘other stuff' (and especially the lack of sleep) that makes it feel so daunting. Ask for help and hang in there!”
-Beverley Rae, IBCLC at Breastfeeding Resources
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Related Pre-Baby Breastfeeding Post:
35 Veteran Breastfeeders Give Their Best Breastfeeding Advice to Newbies
7 Insider Tips To Breastfeed With Large Breasts
Summary of the 8 easy ways to prepare for breastfeeding before baby arrives:
Gather information and resources
Set up an interview
Have your breasts examined
Sit in on a local breastfeeding support group
Have a lactation consultant lined up
Include a feeding plan for the first 3 days in your birth plan
Take a prenatal breastfeeding class
Set your expectations