5 Ways to Set Yourself up for Breastfeeding Success
After nine long months of pregnancy and the challenges of childbirth, it can be surprising to face yet another trial on your parenthood journey: Breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is natural, but it rarely comes naturally to new parents or babies. Breastfeeding is a skill that comes with practice, trial and error, and support. Help to ensure that you have the most positive experience that you can by preparing now.
Take a breastfeeding class.
Online or in person, we recommend you take a breastfeeding class during pregnancy. Milkology offers a free breastfeeding class and more advanced paid options. Check out The Ultimate Breastfeeding Course or talk to a local IBCLC about breastfeeding classes in your area.
Meet with an IBCLC.
Meeting with an IBCLC will make it easier to seek support after your baby is born. You’ll know whom to call and what to expect by choosing and meeting with an IBCLC during pregnancy. You can fill out our care questionnaire to find one an IBCLC near you or visit the USLCA website.
Purchase a good-quality nursing bra.
Depending on your budget, we recommend purchasing one or two nursing bras in your third trimester. If you have a specialty maternity store in your area that sells nursing bras, this will likely be the place to shop. Talk to the staff about sizing, measurements, and their recommendations. Nursing sleep bras are usually ideal for the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Once you have your baby and your milk has come in, you can stock up on other nursing bras. We like Hotmilk Maternity + Nursing.
Set up a Breastfeeding Space.
New babies breastfeed every two hours (and sometimes more often than that), so you can expect to spend much of your time breastfeeding. Create a comfortable spot where you can feed your baby. You may want to include:
A chair you love sitting in (bonus points if it reclines)
a small table for your water and snacks
a place to charge your phone
cozy blankets
pillows of varying sizes
books and magazines
Hire postpartum support.
Having a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist by your side during the early weeks of breastfeeding makes it so much easier. You’ll have an expert to answer your questions, teach you different breastfeeding holds and offer real-time advice and referrals. You’ll be able to focus on learning to feed your baby because you will have help with household and family obligations. Finding a doula during pregnancy will ensure that a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist is available when you plan to give birth. National Baby Co. can help you find a postpartum professional in your area. Virtual support is also available.
The more you prepare for breastfeeding before your baby arrives, the easier it will be to learn to feed your baby.