Prepare for
Breastfeeding
The most important thing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding is believe you can do it!
Planning for your breastfeeding journey might include setting short and long-term goals.
Here’s what else you can do:
- Talk to your healthcare provider.
- Tell them about your plans to breastfeed.
- If you have depression or are taking supplements or medicines, talk with them about treatments that can work with breastfeeding.
- Ask if the place where you plan to deliver your baby has staff to support you.
- Talk to WIC.
- Ask your local WIC clinic for breastfeeding support. WIC has lactation consultants and Peer Counselors that can help you set your breastfeeding goals before you have your baby.
- Talk with others who have breastfed.
- Don’t let a negative experience change your goals, ask more questions and learn through it.
- Join a breastfeeding support group.
- Talk to friends or family who have breastfed.
- Be prepared at home.
- Prepare a comfortable, relaxing space in your home to breastfeed.
- Have milk storage supplies ready if you are going to pump.
Once your baby arrives, here are some basics to keep in mind.
Breastfeed Often
When your baby is born, they are ready to cuddle and eat. Practice skin-to-skin in the hospital and at home. They will be hungry within a few hours of their birth.
- Your baby’s tummy is very small, but they are growing fast. This is why they will eat 8-12 times a day, sometimes more.
- Feed your baby when they are hungry. Do not feed them on a schedule. You will learn your baby’s “I am hungry” cues.
- Let your baby eat as long as they want. You will learn your baby’s “I am full” cues.
Get Comfortable
Breastfeeding takes practice. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be. Find what works best for you and your baby.
For Mom
- Find a relaxing space.
- Sit or lay in a comfortable position.
- Grab water and a snack – you will want them!
For Baby
- Hold your baby in a position that is comfortable for both of you.
- Support the back of their neck, not the back of their head.
- Keep your baby’s hands free. They feel safe when they can touch you.
Tip
Your baby may not want to be held the same way at each feeding. Try different holds until you find what is comfortable for your baby.
Tip
Your baby may not want to be held the same way at each feeding. Try different holds until you find what is comfortable for your baby.
Take Care of You
Listen to your body when you are feeling stressed. Take care of and be kind to yourself. Find ways to ease the stress you’re feeling.
Surround yourself with supportive people
Raising a child is a lot of work! Let family and friends help you with housework or hold your baby while you sleep, rest, or take a bath. Chances are they want to help, and you deserve a break! In the same way, give yourself space away from people who say or do negative things that lead to you feeling stressed.
Relax
Find a quiet, comfortable, relaxing place to nurse. Feeling relaxed when breastfeeding is more enjoyable for you and your baby. Use this time to bond with your baby, listen to calming music, meditate, or read. Breastfeeding can help you relax and handle stress better. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has a natural soothing effect.
Sleep
It’s important to get enough rest so you feel refreshed. Sleep helps you feel better and stay strong. It also gives you the energy to take care of your baby and keeps your immune system working well. Plus, getting enough sleep helps your mood and makes it easier to handle the challenges of being a new mom.
Get moving
Physical activity improves your mood. When you exercise, your body makes certain hormones that can help relieve stress. Try a walk around the block and ask your healthcare provider when you can return to strenuous exercise after giving birth.
Get help from a professional
A therapist can help you work through stress and find positive ways to deal with problems. Reach out to WIC to help find the support you need.
