Hey there, mama-to-be! I know you’re probably busy nesting and prepping for your little one’s arrival.
Amidst all the excitement and preparations, let’s take a few minutes to talk about breastfeeding and the importance of preparing to breastfeed before you start.
Breastfeeding is a great way to nourish and bond with your baby, but I also know it can feel a bit overwhelming at first (I’m speaking from experience.)
This is exactly why I’m going to share some tips and encouragement to help you feel more confident and ready to embark on this incredible journey.
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1. Knowledge is Power, Mama!
Similar to the way birth education positively impacts your labor and childbirth experience, a breastfeeding course can be a total game changer when it comes to your breastfeeding journey.
All too often women get so focused on their actual birth, which, don’t get me wrong, is veryyyy important, they unintentionally neglect preparing to breastfeed (and, well, postpartum all altogether!).
I’ll be the first to admit that I was very unprepared to breastfeed my first son. What did it boil down to? Lack of preparation. You better believe I didn’t make that mistake the second time around.
There are tons of resources out there. From books and websites to breastfeeding classes, I encourage you to explore them and soak up all that knowledge.
I am a big fan of Milkology and the courses they offer. I love the flexibility of an online platform, the volume of information, and last, but not least, the price tag!
Related Reading: Milkology! The Best Online Breastfeeding Class
2. Gather Your Support Squad
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience, but just like any new skill, it takes time, patience, and a whole lotta love. Building your support squad as you prepare to breastfeed can make all the difference in the world.
Think of them as your personal team of encouragers, ready to lift you up and offer a helping hand whenever you need it.
Who might be on your squad?
- Your partner: Your partner can be your number one cheerleader and teammate! Talk to them about your breastfeeding goals so you both can navigate how they can best support you. They can help with positioning, bring you snacks and water during those nursing sessions, and offer words of encouragement when you need them most
- Family, friends, coworkers: Reach out to those in your network who have experience with breastfeeding. They can share their wisdom, offer a listening ear, and even help out with other tasks so you can focus on feeding your little one. Nobody gets it more than a mama that has been in your exact shoes!
- Lactation consultants (LC): These are the breastfeeding superheroes! They are specially trained to help with latching issues, milk supply concerns, and any other breastfeeding challenges you might face. Don’t hesitate to connect with one prenatally or after your baby arrives. If you don’t know where to start finding an LC, try asking your pediatrician if they have any recommendations
- Breastfeeding support groups: Connecting with other breastfeeding mamas can be incredibly empowering. You can share experiences, swap tips, and realize you’re not alone in this “labor of love” journey
Why is a support team important?
- Emotional support: Breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Having a support system to celebrate your wins and offer comfort during challenging times can be a lifesaver
- Practical help: From bringing you a glass of water to burping the baby, having an extra pair of hands can make those early days a little easier
- Expert guidance: A lactation consultant or experienced friend can offer invaluable advice and troubleshoot any breastfeeding challenges you might encounter
- Community and connection: Sharing your breastfeeding journey with other mamas can create a sense of belonging and remind you that you’re not alone
3. Get Your Gear Ready
This!!!! While breastfeeding is a natural process, having a few essentials on hand can make things smoother for you and your babe:
Nursing bras and tops
These make breastfeeding so much more convenient. This is especially true if you plan on breastfeeding out and about or on-the-go. There are so many options out there when it comes to nursing bras but I have a few personal favorites. Kindred Bravely and Larken both make some pretty phenomenal (and comfy) nursing bras. If you are looking for something a little less expensive look no further than this 5 pack of nursing bras.
Breast pads
These can help absorb any leaks and keep you feeling dry and comfortable. Some mamas prefer the disposable ones and others the reusable pads that you throw in the wash. I personally preferred the reusable ones! There are lots of great options out there but Lansinoh makes some that are super absorbent and even come with a handy little mesh bag for washing
Nipple cream
A good nipple cream can soothe and protect sore nipples in the early days. Take my word for it, you don’t want to forgo the nipple cream. Again, lots of different kinds of nipple cream on the market. If you are looking for something more natural, I highly recommend Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter. Lansinoh’s Lanolin Nipple Cream is a great, safe, and natural option as well.
Nursing pillow
This can help position your baby comfortably and support your arms during feedings. I happened to have and use, for different reasons, both the Boppy and My Brest Friend pillows. My Brest Friend is great for when your baby is a tiny newborn but the Boppy pillow, in my opinion, can be used longer and is more multi-functional. So, if you have to pick just one, I say go with the Boppy!
Shirts that open in the front
Game changer! Trying to nurse with an oversized t-shirt on or something that doesn’t actually open in the front can make things much more challenging. If you don’t have a button down shirt handy you can always wear a zip-up jacket or robe for easy access
These are just a few of the breastfeeding essentials I recommend having on hand. To find more items you might want to stock up on as you are preparing to breastfeed, check out the post below!
4. Nourish Yourself, Mama
Breastfeeding takes a lot of energy and burns a lot of calories. It’s important, throughout this journey, to take care of mama too. I remember feeling absolutely ravenous when I was breastfeeding. Like wayyy hungrier than I ever felt when I was pregnant.
Make sure you’re eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. You might also benefit from having a stash of healthy snacks around the house. Sometimes the hunger would just hit me out of nowhere and I couldn’t get food in my mouth fast enough.
I actually have a whole article dedicated to easy and healthy snack ideas for breastfeeding mamas. Most of the things on the list require almost no preparation and all of them are healthy – which means they should stick with you longer than other, less healthy options.
Related Reading: Easy and Healthy Breastfeeding Snack Ideas
5. Don’t forget about YOU!
Yes, breastfeeding comes “naturally” for some women but for others, no matter how much preparation and energy is exerted, it just doesn’t work. And that is okay! My first baby loved to breastfeed and always had a great latch but I had a lot of issues with my supply. As a result, he struggled with weight gain and I ended up needing to supplement pretty early on.
To say I was crushed is an understatement. I had a terrible relationship with formula (for no good reason) and this whole journey negatively impacted my postpartum experience, leading to some pretty significant postpartum anxiety.
Here is some advice I want to pass along to you. You can’t control what baby you’re going to get, what sort of life stress you will have, or what issues come along with your breastfeeding journey. You can, however, control your expectations, how prepared you are for it, asking for help when you need it, and remembering that there is a learning curve with breastfeeding.
Key things to remember:
- Breastfeeding doesn’t work for everyone
- Formula ISN’T poison
- Breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing! You can supplement with formula and still give your baby breastmilk
- Your mental health is VERY important too, mama! A happy and healthy mama is better equipped to care for her baby. If you ask me, that is more important (especially in the longer run) than the amount of breastmilk your baby receives
- Be patient! Breastfeeding takes practice. It’s okay if it doesn’t come easily at first. Be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help or introduce formula if needed
You’ve got this, mama!
Preparing to breastfeed can help you feel more confident and empowered as you embark on this amazing yet difficult journey.
Remember, every breastfeeding experience is unique, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Focus on connecting with your baby and enjoying those precious moments of closeness. Don’t forget the importance of your mental health, mama! I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!
Today we just scratched the surface on preparing to breastfeed. If you are looking for more information about breastfeeding, be sure to check out other resources of mine below.
