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There are so many things I wish I had known about how to prepare for breastfeeding before I became a mom.
I was 21 years old when I had my first baby, and I was so unprepared for breastfeeding but I felt so much pressure not to formula feed that I never even thought twice about NOT breastfeeding.
It just didn’t seem like that was even an option back then.
I was very much under the impression that “breast is best” and formula might as well have been poison.
My first experience with breastfeeding was not a good one, at all.
Between my daughter having trouble latching, to landing multiple stays in the hospital for double mastitis not once but two separate times, and my mental health suffering terribly because of this… I was unable to continue breastfeeding after about 3 months of trying.
When I had my second baby, I was still too traumatized from that first rough experience to even attempt to breastfeed him.
I went straight to formula feeding, and I did not regret it one bit.
As I write this, I am 34 weeks pregnant with our third baby.
This time around, I have decided to attempt to breastfeed.
It has been eight years since that first not-so-great experience, and I don’t know… maybe knowing that this is for sure my last baby is making me want to give breastfeeding another shot.
If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.
I am fully prepared for the worst outcome but am hoping that we can be successful this time around.
After deciding that I definitely want to try breastfeeding this little one, I knew I needed to do some research to fully prepare myself for the journey.
Because not only is breastfeeding a journey, it is also an entirely new skill. For both you and your baby.
It is really important to me that I actually take the time to prepare to breastfeed during these last few weeks of my pregnancy.
The last thing I want to do is go into it blindly again as I did eight years ago.
Supplies
The first thing I did when I decided to breastfeed was to research the various supplies I would need to get started.
I made a list, and ordered everything I needed:
- – Electric Pump (ordered through insurance, contact your provider for more info)
- – Haakaa Manual Pump
- – Organic Nipple Balm
- – Nipple Pads
- – Breast Therapy Packs
- – Nursing Bras
- – Breastmilk Storage Bags
- – Breastmilk Warmer (totally optional, but I found it at a yard sale for $10!)
- – Bottles
- – Boppy Pillow
- – Nursing Cover
- – Milkmaid Tea
- – Vitamins (prenatal or nursing blend)
Once I’d gathered all my supplies, I set up a little rolling cart in my living room with everything I might need during all the long feedings. (plus diapers, wipes, burp cloths for baby)
This one is not mine, I am still waiting on a few things to arrive, but I really like how she has hers set up here! Credit to Chelsea (Sloppy Elegance)
Get Milk Flowing
I figured that there had to be some things I could do during these last few weeks of my pregnancy, particularly if I could get my milk flowing before giving birth.
So I set out to research what changes I could make to my diet/lifestyle that would help me increase my milk supply once my milk came in after birth (or at the very least, get a steady flow)
Here is what I am currently doing to prepare:
- – Increase Protein
- – Third Trimester Tea
- – Massage
- – Third Trimester Smoothies
- – Decreasing screen time (still working on this one, honestly)
The Breastfeeding Diet
Along with research into how I could prepare my body to breastfeed during the third trimester, the breastfeeding diet came up repeatedly.
Once the baby arrives, it’s important to continue nourishing your body with the right kinds of foods to maximize milk flow and get all those good nutrients to the baby.
But as you can probably guess, most of us aren’t really up to grocery shopping right after arriving home from the hospital post-birth.
The plan is to stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and ingredients I need before I give birth.
Plan to stock up a few days before your due date, unless you have a plan to induce or other reasons to believe your baby might arrive early.
Here are some foods to include in your breastfeeding diet:
Take a Course
Breastfeeding is a new skill.
Just like any other skill, it is something that you have to learn to do. It doesn’t just come naturally (not to most of us anyway).
It seems pretty straightforward, but learning to breastfeed can be quite complicated. Especially if you go into it with no knowledge at all.
If you can work with a lactation coach one-on-one before the baby comes, that’s great!
But if not, I highly recommend taking a breastfeeding course online.
Milkology has several courses that are packed full of knowledge and tips to really help you prepare for breastfeeding.
- The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class
- The Ultimate Back to Work Pumping Class
- The Ultimate Exclusive Pumping Class
- Pump it Up
- Master Your Milk Supply
These are all excellent online classes tailored to different breastfeeding needs.
I believe that this could be the difference in whether I ‘fail or succeed’ at breastfeeding this time.
(I don’t believe that if I end up formula feeding that means I’ve FAILED at breastfeeding, just to clear that up)
It’s important to me to go into this thing fully prepared for what is to come so that I don’t panic when something inevitably goes wrong.
Some examples of things you’ll learn in a breastfeeding course are: knowing the difference between clogged ducts and mastitis, different latching methods, what to do if baby won’t latch, pumping tips, how to maximize your milk flow, how to use a manual pump, breastfeeding positions, etc.
You want to be prepared for whatever comes your way because every baby is different and every breastfeeding journey is different. You just never know what to expect, and being somewhat prepared can only help you!
Learn the Basics
If you’re not interested in taking a breastfeeding course, you should still make sure you research the basics.
- – Proper Latch
- – Colostrum + When Milk Comes in
- – How Often Baby will Eat
- – Maintaining and Increasing Supply
The American Pregnancy Association is my trusted source for all of this info, and more.
There is also information on breastfeeding and COVID-19, which I am sure all of us soon-to-be and new moms are looking into these days.
Join Breastfeeding Groups
Connecting with other breastfeeding moms who are going through the same things you are, or who have been there and done that can be so helpful when you’re in the thick of it.
If you’re on Facebook, seek out breastfeeding groups to join there.
I’m not on Facebook, so I have just been trying to connect with other moms that I know have breastfed or are currently breastfeeding.
You might even consider looking into groups that meet in person if that’s something you’re comfortable with and think could be helpful to you.
Think About Schedule
Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or a work-from-home mom, you’re going to want to start thinking about how to fit breastfeeding into your schedule.
It is very time-consuming, and it’s important not to skip feedings or pumping sessions to keep up your milk supply.
Here are some great posts with info on breastfeeding and pumping schedules:
I will admit I’m under-prepared for the sheer amount of time it takes out of your day to breastfeed during the first few months.
Luckily, I will be starting my journey at the beginning of Fall and working through the first few months over the winter- so we will be spending a lot of time indoors anyway.
But, with that being said, I do have two other children and am not the kind of person who likes to sit still for very long.
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I am going to be spending a lot of time on the couch, feeding my newborn. But hey, maybe I’ll end up hitting my 50 books for the 2021 goal after all?
Your journey/timing might be similar to mine, or it might be totally different. The most important thing, I think, is to start mentally preparing for how much of a commitment breastfeeding is.
This will help prepare you a little bit, and allow you to relax (hopefully!).
Your mental health is your #1 priority when it comes to breastfeeding.
I said what I said.
Do not let anyone pressure you into believing that you should suffer so that your baby can be exclusively breastfed. Or breastfed at all.
If you are struggling mentally because of breastfeeding, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.
Your newborn needs a healthy + happy mom more than they need breastmilk.
It is ONE MILLION PERCENT your decision and yours alone how long you choose to breastfeed, or if you do at all.
And do not let anyone shame you for your choices.
Fed is best.
Fed is best.
If you’re reading this post, I have to guess that you’ve at least decided to consider breastfeeding.
But I want you to know that while it’s a beautiful thing, it is not the most important thing.
Your baby will thrive no matter whether they get their first meals from your breast or formula.
I promise.
The best thing you can do for your new baby is take care of yourself, and that includes mental health.
Remember, every breastfeeding experience is different. Every mama and baby is different.
Just because your friend was able to breastfeed for “seventeen beautiful months”, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have the same experience.
To me, the most important thing is to prepare myself mentally and just relax about it.
I’m not going to stress myself to death over it this time. It is what it is.
Hoping that it works out, but if it doesn’t, that’s perfectly okay too.
I hope this post has helped you feel a little bit more prepared to breastfeed.
Let me know what you think in the comments! What other ways are you planning to prepare for breastfeeding?
XO, M
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