How should I prepare to breastfeed before my baby arrives?
- Your breasts start to prepare for breastfeeding during your Second Trimester.
- You might leak colostrum—you might not! Leaking or not leaking does not determine whether you’ll make enough milk for your baby or not. Don’t worry!
- This is a great time to speak with your employer to plan for pumping breast milk at work. This form can help break the ice with your employer. Click here to view form.
- Talk about your breastfeeding plans with family and friends who will help to take care of your baby. Tell them about supply and demand -- the more your baby breastfeeds, the more milk you will produce. Talk about cues that show baby is hungry, how many wet and dirty diapers baby should have, and pace feeding.
- If you have older children, this is a great time to talk about breastfeeding. Explain that the new baby will need to eat often and be with mommy a lot. It does not mean you love them any less. Some wonderful books explain breastfeeding in a child-friendly way.
- Have some items ready that you might use: nursing pads, nipple cream, a nursing pillow, nursing bra, nursing tanks, or nursing cover. But, just know that these items are not necessary to breastfeed your baby!
- Communicate your breastfeeding plan to your doctor and hospital staff. Tell them that you want to have your baby skin-to-skin and breastfeed right after birth. It's best to have skin-to-skin time during the first 2 or more hours after birth. Usually, most newborn tests can be done while your baby is skin-to-skin with you.