How to Prepare for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is both normal and natural… right? …right!! So why do you need to prepare for breastfeeding?? Well, in my opinion it's the expectation that breastfeeding should come naturally that makes many mums feel that they can't breastfeed (or worse, that they have failed) when they experience pain or run into problems.
Like most things that come "naturally" breastfeeding is something that we need to learn how to do with our babies, something which needs to be developed and nurtured. This is why it can help to prepare for breastfeeding, or at least know roughly what to expect. It's natural for people to walk and talk but we have to learn how to do these things and it's a process...so why would we assume that breastfeeding is any different?
Thankfully, like any type of learning, with the right information, guidance, and support, most mums and babies are truly able to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.
So if you haven't had your baby yet it might be a good time to start reading as much breastfeeding information as you can to help you prepare for breastfeeding.
What you can do now
In the meantime, while you are waiting for your little baby to arrive, some things you might find helpful to do during pregnancy and continue to do while breastfeeding are:
• Check the fit of your bra or maternity bra to see if it still fits properly as your breasts may have grown during pregnancy.
• Keep anything drying, like soap away from your nipples. Be gentle when drying your nipples after a bath or shower.
• Many mums find that they don't need to do anything to their breasts or nipples, even if they have inverted nipples. Most mums find that their bodies change naturally after pregnancy and their nipples become larger, softer and more prominent.
• If your nipples dry out (especially once the baby arrives) you can try expressing some breast milk and rubbing it onto your nipples… you may only get a drop but it will still help. It's a great way to moisturise your nipples and breast milk has anti infective agents which will help protect you against breast infection.
• If you already have breast milk, some women do and some don't, you can express it and store your breast milk, you may need to use it at some point after your baby arrives.
• Speak to or join a breastfeeding support group in your area. You can contact La Leche League, they have numerous branches and groups in many countries all over the world. Or you can contact The Australian Breastfeeding Association and attend a meeting at a local group. Breastfeeding meetings are a great way to gather support, meet new mums, and learn how to prepare for breastfeeding… and an added bonus is that counsellors attend every meeting so you can ask them specific questions and know that you are getting the right answers.
Please always remember to consult your health professional to find out information that is relevant to your specific situation.
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Here are some links to other useful breastfeeding information you may be interested in:
Benefits of Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, not sure what you think of breastfeeding, or trying to decide how you will feed, here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding.
Let Down Reflex
Understanding the let down reflex can help you express breast milk and increase your milk supply. Find out ways to make your breast milk flow.
Breastfeeding Positions
Varying your breastfeeding positions can help solve many common breastfeeding problems and help you enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.
Attachment
Correct attachment is pivotal to successful and pain free breastfeeding. Find out how to tell if your baby is attached properly.
Colostrum
Your breasts may produce colostrum during pregnancy, after birth and while weaning. Learn how special and important this antibody rich milk really is.
Looking After Yourself
For most mums looking after yourself is at the bottom of the to-do list, that's if it even appears at all! So how can you make time for you and recharge your batteries?
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