Breastfeeding is natural; however, it does not always come naturally for you or your baby. Doing the following six things before your baby arrives will help you start your breastfeeding journey on the right foot.
1. Take a Breastfeeding Course
We offer several online breastfeeding courses, including a breastfeeding basics course, which covers reading baby’s cues, trusting your body, troubleshooting issues, and pumping/storing breastmilk.
Taking a course can empower you to feel ready for breastfeeding and help you know what kinds of questions you need to ask before baby arrives.
Catie C. said of the course, “This course is so informative and helpful for moms on their breastfeeding journey. It is organized in a very user-friendly way and broken up into easy to find sections so a mom could easily return to specific sections as needed for breastfeeding help and refreshers down the road. I love how detailed and thorough the course is, informing moms of breastfeeding help and solutions, as well as postpartum tips that I wouldn’t have thought of before.”
Even second-time mamas love the course. Autumn B. said, “I loved it! I wish I would have had this before my first baby; it would have been a lifesaver!”
You can find the course here.
2. Get a breast pump
Insurance plans in the United States cover a breast pump. Aeroflow Breastpumps is my preferred company, and they’re so easy to work with. You provide the insurance information, and they’ll tell you what pumps you can choose from. Easy as that! Plus, they follow up every three months to give you new parts for FREE. They do the hard work for you!
Another way to get a free pump is by contacting your insurance provider, who will tell you what pumps they cover and where to get them.
3. Have a birth plan
Your birth plan should include immediate skin-to-skin contact (delay weighing and baby’s first bath). Many studies show that skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth increases breastfeeding success.
4. Learn what to expect during the first several weeks
The first several weeks can be challenging, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Know what to expect to help curve the imminent shock of adjusting to having a new baby. I offer a course on what to expect in those first several weeks. Be sure to check out my Breastfeeding Basics Online Course.
5. Get your home ready for breastfeeding
As silly as it sounds, it’s definitely worth some of your nesting energy to prepare your house not only for baby but also for breastfeeding.
- Gather up supplies. We recommend Earth Mama nipple butter, a house dress, a silicone breast pump, a padded nursing bra, and washable breast pads.
- Create a nursing station. You’ll want somewhere comfortable where you can pump and/or breastfeed. Create a spot in which you’ll enjoy and feel relaxed.
- Stock up on the goods. When you breastfeed/pump, you’ll find yourself hungry and thirsty. Buy some yummy one-handed snacks and keep a water bottle with you, whether that means treating yourself to a new insulated cup or keeping several disposable bottles in your “toolkit.”
6. Talk to your partner and support people about your breastfeeding plans/goals
By keeping your team in the loop, they’ll be able to assist you better, whether that means taking the Breastfeeding Basics course with you, watching other kids while you take the time that breastfeeding demands, or by merely being the runner for your much-deserved snacks. Communication will help you achieve your goals.
