How to Prepare for Breastfeeding

Did you know your body starts producing your earliest form of breast milk between 16 and 22 weeks of pregnancy? You may not realize it, but your body is hard at work preparing to breastfeed while your little bundle of joy is still in the womb. Pretty amazing, right? While your body brews up that awesome breast milk, you can prepare for breastfeeding too. Today we’re sharing some terrific ways of how to prepare for breastfeeding.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding – Learning

Knowledge is power, as they say. Studying up on breastfeeding by reading a breastfeeding book or taking a breastfeeding class will familiarize you with the various parts you’ll have to put into practice when your little one arrives. From understanding the logistics of latch, positioning and milk supply, to learning about the benefits of breastfeeding and where to get help, reading books and taking breastfeeding classes are smart ways of how to prepare for breastfeeding.

There are many fantastic breastfeeding books; you may even want to read more than one to get several perspectives on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding classes are often offered at hospitals, birthing facilities, community centers or through your OBGYN’s office.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding – Planning

Making breastfeeding a goal and priority will help you prepare and ultimately be more successful. Discuss a goal with your partner so the two of you can work together to achieve it. You can also discuss your breastfeeding goals with your employer, family members and friends who will all be critical in encouraging you along the way.

A birth plan is another fantastic way to prepare for breastfeeding. Many moms have an entire section of their birth plan devoted to breastfeeding since it is ideal to nurse as soon as possible after giving birth. Whether you believe you are delivering vaginally or already know you’ll be having a c-section, putting notes about your desire to breastfeed in your birth plan is helpful to you and your caregivers.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding – Resources

No matter how much you prepare, breastfeeding doesn’t always go as expected. In the event that you run into roadblocks, have go-to resources on hand including: breastfeeding websites that cover a range of topics and make recommendations you can try, a few lactation consultants in your area, and experienced mom friends who can give you some hands-on tips.

You can also talk to your OBGYN or pediatrician for breastfeeding resources. They may be able to help you navigate through your issues or at least point you in the right direction to get breastfeeding support.

 

Leading Lady’s All About Breastfeeding blog series serves to educate and inspire new moms with information on a range of breastfeeding topics during the month of August in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month. This resource guide of helpful tips, breastfeeding advice, and research-based information supports our mission to raise awareness for breastfeeding and motivate moms on their breastfeeding journey.

 

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