Breastfeeding Prep: How to Prepare to Breastfeed During Pregnancy

Happy National Breastfeeding Month! Did you know that pregnancy is the best time to begin preparing to breastfeed? Don’t wait until your baby arrives to figure things out.  You can be proactive and start now! Below, we’ve got a few tips for you as you begin to prepare:


TAKE A BREASTFEEDING CLASS

One common misconception about breast/chestfeeding is that it happens naturally without much effort. For some, this may be the case, but finding that you have struggles or questions is not uncommon. As funny as it may seem, nursing your baby is akin to riding a bike, and just as a child has to learn that skill, you have to learn the nuances of feeding your baby too.  Some of the best advice that can be given when deciding to breast/chestfeed is to know what resources are available to you, whether it be in-person or virtual. This is the best way to begin anticipating and finding support for those burning questions that may arise for any new parent. Those anxieties that you feel are normal, as you want to do all you can to nourish your baby, but the best way to start is to be prepared.


The Breastfeeding Center offers a crash course in breastfeeding and pumping for all parents interested in the basics. The Breastfeeding and Pump Basics class that covers:

  • What is a milk supply

  • Basics of a good latch

  • Optimal positioning while feeding

  • Dealing with initial breastfeeding issues

  • Pumping basics and equipment

  • Types of pumps, etc

  • .. and much more


A few other class options that might be helpful:

  • Baby Care Basic

  • Supporting the Breastfeeding Parent

  • Postpartum Recovery 101

You can find more information about a certain class or register for any of our classes here

BOOK A PRENATAL VISIT WITH A LACTATION CONSULTANT

Prenatal visits can offer an opportunity for a more individualized 1:1 session with a lactation consultant prior to the delivery of your baby. These offerings can be beneficial for clients who may have taken a breastfeeding course and still have questions or may have a certain concern that might have not been addressed. Or, if a client has lingering fears or apprehension regarding breastfeeding, this visit could provide a bit of reassurance and feedback in a  private setting. We also encourage parents to book a prenatal visit if they’ve had one of the following:

  • Breast surgery

  • Flat or inverted nipples

  • Hormonal conditions such as PCOS

  • Infertility 

  • Thyroid issues

  • Diabetes

  • Expecting multiples or inducing lactation

  • Surgical birth

Trust us, a class and/or prenatal will be so beneficial to start your journey on a good note. It is much easier to make your way through the initial learning curve of feeding your little one when you have a knowledge base to grow from. It is not impossible to have a successful breastfeeding experience without prior knowledge, but it can make for a smoother transition.

GET YOUR BREAST PUMP

The Breastfeeding Center’s pump bar!

We always recommend that our clients begin the process of securing a pump through their insurance provider. A pump can be helpful to express milk for another caregiver to feed the baby, help to build your milk supply, or even maintain your supply when returning to work. The Affordable Care Act ensures that parents are provided one free breast pump if they are pregnant and planning to breastfeed. Most companies offer a few options of pumps available for you to choose from, but not all pumps are created equal. We’ve created this guide to give you a glimpse into the various types of pumps there are on the market and the benefits of each.

BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK

Finding like-minded support can be a game-changer in those early days and weeks of parenting.  Many families find great support systems through parent groups or even creating their own groups. You can find our support groups here.  Line up family and friends who will be willing to help you in the early weeks. Make a list of the types of help you may need.  Would meal delivery be helpful?  What about a dog walker? Would a neighbor be willing to do a grocery shopping trip? There are also many helpful resources to be found on social media platforms. Support isn’t a one size fits all situation, so what works for you might be different than the next person. 

Contact us at 202.293.5182 to book an appointment with an IBCLC on our team.

Tips, InfoAngel Yarbornew mom tips, new baby, breastfeeding, pumping, baby care basics, pospartum, milksupply