Are you pregnant and wondering how to prepare for breastfeeding? We remember the feeling of being on the cusp of a new adventure, and know it can be hard to figure out what to do to get ready.
So we asked fans of our Facebook page for their best advice on how to prepare. Here are some of the best tips we collected, plus a few of our own!
- Read La Leche League's book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.
- Attend a La Leche League meeting or other breastfeeding support group so you can get to know some mothers who can help you when the need arises.
- Get phone numbers of La Leche League leaders who will be on call during your first few weeks. These ladies will talk you through the tough times.
- Have the number for an IBCLC ready should you need to see one - and put her number on speed dial!
- Take a breastfeeding class. If at all possible take it with your partner or anyone else who will be caring for your baby.
- Read. Learn. Do your research!
- Know what lactation counseling and pumping equipment your insurance covers.
- Be informed so you can advocate for yourself and your baby.
- Have a good nursing support system in place.
- If you'll be going back to work, discuss your pumping needs with your employer in advance.
- Learn about the warning signs of issues, but don't get too worried. Most moms and babies do great!
- Focus on being informed, and don't overwhelm yourself trying to prepare. All the other things will fall into place as you and baby learn together.
- Plan to try not to be too hard on yourself if you encounter difficulty. Remember that establishing a breastfeeding relationship can take time, and plan to give yourself a pat on the back every day.
- Set a breastfeeding goal for how long you'd like to breastfeed, and (similar to a birth plan) have a backup plan if circumstances change.
- Set up your nursing/pumping station with a comfortable chair, water, snacks, pump, nipple cream, pads, etc.
- Have Motherlove nipple cream!
