Prepare For Breastfeeding

Your body will do most of the work in preparation for breastfeeding; your nipples become larger, your milk ducts increase and become mature during pregnancy, but YOU can also do a few things to prepare for a great breastfeeding relationship.

Things that you can do to prepare for breastfeeding

1. Visualize yourself breastfeeding baby. Believe in yourself! You were perfectly made for this. Make the decision and stick with it.

2. Think of having a natural birth if possible, medical interventions can cause more problems. Get a doula that knows a lot about breastfeeding

3. Know that you need to breastfeed immediately after birth or at least 2 hours after birth. Let the doctors and nurses know about your plans beforehand.

4. Find as much info on breastfeeding as possible…Read through our sitemap , or read our recommended step-by-step e-book on breastfeeding. The more you know, the more confident you will be.

5. If you are going into hospital, request in writing that you don’t want baby given any formula or supplements.

6. During the last six weeks of pregnancy you can start massaging your breasts to clear the ducts. Also, use the breast shells (mentioned below) to draw out your nipples if your nipples are flat or inverted.

Prepare for breastfeeding with flat and inverted nipples

7. The best way to prepare for breastfeeding is to attend a breastfeeding class...ask at your hospital

Things that you will need when getting ready for breastfeeding

1. A good breast pump ~ This is for moms who will need to increase milk supply or store breast milk for later. Read more on choosing a breast pump here

2. A comfortable nursing bra for convenience and support. (buy them after 36 of pregnancy so that you don’t get one that’s going to be too small)

3. Get a proper breastfeeding pillow

4. Get some breast shells if you have inverted or flat nipples which can be used from five months to draw out your nipple in preparation for breastfeeding.

5. Set up a nursing station in a quiet room with a comfortable chair and plenty of pillows for support.

Things that you should not do when preparing for breastfeeding

1. Don’t toughen your nipples. Your nipples need to be supple for breastfeeding, toughening them will just cause them to crack. Wash your nipples with only water…no soap is needed.

2. Don’t listen to different opinions on what you should do. Read uncovered breastfeeding myths.

3. Don’t keep formula nearby. Your breasts need stimulation and giving baby a bottle will mean less breast milk production.

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Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with breastfeeding preparation

-  How does breastfeeding work?

-  Breastfeeding step by step guide

-  First time breastfeeding moms

-  Breastfeeding diet guidelines

-  The breast crawl

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