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How To Prepare for Breastfeeding
In theory, there is very little you need to do to prepare for breastfeeding. Women have been doing it for millions of years and done a perfectly fine job or you and I wouldn’t even be here! However, some of us have the personalities (mine included!!!) that we need to prepare and plan in order to have the confidence to try anything new…because if we take on something as important as feeding our babies…we want to do it right! Here are some things you can do to give yourself the confidence to know that when you finally meet your new little sweetie for the first time, you will be able to breastfeed with ease. Enlist the Support of your Doctor
If you haven’t already, make sure that you have found a doctor that fully supports breastfeeding. Especially if different circumstances arise during and after childbirth, this person can have a great impact on your breastfeeding success or failure. Find a doctor who will become a cheerleader for you in this chapter of your life! Plan for Your Baby’s Birth
One important step as you prepare for breastfeeding, is to determine where your baby will be born and who will be helping you care for your infant immediately after birth. I typed out and signed a sheet of paper giving the nursing staff at the hospitals where I gave birth specific written instructions regarding both my care and my baby’s care. This included instructions that my baby was to be brought to me to be exclusively breastfed and that no pacifiers were to be given. Just a warning…the nursing staff probably will try to talk you into the pacifier, water, or a bottle and will tell you that it is “no big deal.” Trust us experienced mommies…they are just trying to make their life a little easier on that work day…not do what is best for you. Stick to your plan. You will be glad that you did. Find a Good Pediatrician
When you prepare for breastfeeding, another helpful advocate for breastfeeding is a good pediatrician. If you love your OB/Gyn, ask for a reference. Ask other breastfeeding mothers who they would recommend. Make sure the doctor and their staff are open to phone calls, questions, and have schedules that allow for last minute appointments. Especially if this is your first baby, you will need their assistance. Take a Breastfeeding ClassMany hospitals offer breastfeeding classes at very reasonable rates for new mommies to prepare for breastfeeding. Take advantage of them and bring daddy along! You will both learn about the advantages of breastfeeding, what to expect and will be able to ask any questions that you may have.This was a very important step in gaining the support of my sweet husband! He heard and saw what to expect and it definitely changed his viewpoint! Watch a VideoIf you can't get to a class, the next best thing would be to watch a video. If you want to see our favorite choices for breastfeeding videos or to watch a short one online, click here.
Establish a Support SystemBesides your baby’s daddy, make sure that you have support system in place as you prepare for breastfeeding. You will want to have others around to ask questions and support you while nursing.If you don’t have anyone around who can provide that support, join a breastfeeding support group, like
La Leche League,
while you are still pregnant. They can be a huge help!
If you are planning on returning to work, you will also want to find a babysitter, nanny or childcare provider who is supportive of breastfeeding. Click here for tips to help in your search.
You may also want to check out our section here just for working moms! If you are a HIP and MODERN mom planning on a natural childbirth, a great resource for you is the Hip Chick Pregnancy Guide.com. This will put your mind at ease about how wonderful the birthing process can be.
Breastfeeding ChecklistOne of the most beautiful things about nursing is that you don’t need a lot of supplies and stuff. You don’t need to make sure that you have enough clean bottles and cans of formula to get you by.However, there are some supplies that you may want to have on hand to make the transition from pregnant woman to nursing mother just a little bit easier. Make a list of those things that you want to have on hand.
(If you need help with your list, click here.)
Then when the big day arrives, you are more than prepared!
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