Preparing for Successful Breastfeeding
Tips and Advice for Expectant Mothers
“Will I be able to breastfeed successfully?”
Many mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, but an expectant mother may question whether she will be able to share this experience with her baby. While breastfeeding is both natural and normal, it is a learned skill. Our ancestors acquired the knowledge to successfully breastfeed by observing mothers and babies in their communities. In today’s world, many new mothers do not have the advantage of living in multi-generational groups. Consequently, they may be less familiar with newborn care and the art of breastfeeding. Fortunately, today there are resources available to help new mothers gain the knowledge that will help them breastfeed with confidence.
Pregnancy is the ideal time to learn more about infants and breastfeeding, as well as to line up resources to contact once the baby arrives. Attending a breastfeeding class with your husband, partner, friend, or family member will teach you the basics of breastfeeding and prepare you to handle any challenges you may encounter with this new job. A good prenatal breastfeeding class will emphasize how to position your baby at the breast to ensure optimal comfort with breastfeeding. Classes should also provide local resources and let mothers know how and when to get help if they need it. A comprehensive class may also cover strategies for soothing your baby and techniques for managing household tasks and demands.
New and expectant mothers can learn much about breastfeeding by observing and by sharing stories. While chatting with friends and relatives, find out what worked for them—as well as what did not. Check out local resources such as La Leche League, Nursing Mother’s Council, WarmLines, or other local volunteer breastfeeding information groups. Make a list of whom to call when you have questions about your new role as a mother. Ask your pediatrician, obstetrician, or midwife which lactation consultants they recommend. You can contact them before the baby is born regarding available services. Gather information ahead of time to prepare for your baby.
Keep these tips in mind as you and your baby establish your breastfeeding relationship:
- Initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
- Hold your baby directly on your chest, skin-to-skin, which is great for bonding and signaling your body to make milk.
- Breastfeed 8-12 times according to your baby’s cues throughout the day and night to stimulate and enhance your milk supply.
- Drink non-diuretic fluids to thirst and eat three meals plus healthy snacks throughout the day.
- Rest between feedings.
- Accept all offers of help with household responsibilities so that you can focus on resting and caring for your baby.
- Breastfeeding should not hurt - if you’re feeling discomfort, seek help.
Having a baby is a new job and, like all new jobs, it takes time to learn these new skills. You are learning about babies, breastfeeding, and parenting. It is vital to line up help for the first several weeks. Encourage family and friends to help with meals, laundry, and errands and/or hire help with these tasks. As a new mother, you need time to take care of yourself and your baby. As you sit and nurse your baby, your body has the opportunity to recover from childbirth. The love and support of those around you, as well as the knowledge and resources you have gathered during pregnancy, will provide you with the tools you need to breastfeed with success.