While breastfeeding is often hailed as a natural process, it’s important to recognize that it may not come effortlessly to every parent and baby duo. Many new parents find themselves feeling uncertain and in need of support after their little one arrives. To enhance your chances of a successful breastfeeding journey, it’s crucial to equip yourself with knowledge beforehand. Here are five key steps to prepare for breastfeeding.
1. Enroll in a Pre-Birth Breastfeeding Education Session or Class:
Attending a specialized breastfeeding education session or class is invaluable. While hospital antenatal classes cover a range of topics, they might not delve deeply into breastfeeding. These dedicated sessions offer essential insights, including how breastfeeding functions, initiating the process, ensuring a proper latch (which should not be painful!), gauging if your baby is receiving enough milk, and understanding early postpartum days. Familiarize yourself with normal newborn behavior and learn to address potential breastfeeding challenges. If you’ve encountered difficulties in the past, consider consulting a lactation consultant for a debrief and personalized guidance.
2. Involve Your Partner/Support Person:
Having a supportive partner or support person is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Engage them in the preparation process by explaining the importance of breastfeeding to both you and your baby. Encourage them to attend breastfeeding classes with you. Partners often remember crucial details, which can be immensely helpful during those early, exhausting days of caring for a newborn.
3. Establish a Strong Support Network:
Connect with friends, family, and health professionals who can offer encouragement and guidance. While hearing about others’ experiences can be insightful, be mindful of potential daunting stories. Remember, with proper support, you can navigate any challenges. Seek out to an experienced Lactation Consultant, if you encounter pain during breastfeeding. With great advancements in technology, now its possible to connect with your Lactation Consultant online from the comfort of your home. We have 95% patients consulting us online through voice/video consultations.
4. Create a Breastfeeding Plan:
Much like a birth plan, a breastfeeding plan outlines your preferences and choices for initiating breastfeeding. Consider elements like immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, facilitating the baby-led attachment process, and ensuring uninterrupted skin-to-skin time until the baby’s first feed.
5. Strategize Balancing Breastfeeding with Work:
Understand your employer’s policies regarding maternity leave and breastfeeding before your baby arrives. This knowledge will prove invaluable as you plan your return to work while continuing to breastfeed. Familiarize yourself with your rights as a breastfeeding parent in the workplace and communicate your needs with your employer.
Bonus Tip: Maa-Si Care Community
Consider joining Maa-Si Care Community—an online community designed to bolster your breastfeeding knowledge, expand your support network, and boost your confidence in this journey. It’s a valuable resource to help you breastfeed your baby for as long as you desire.
Bonus Learning – Join my FREE 30 days email series course on Lactation (Breastfeeding) knowledge
To join this course – CLICK HERE
Conclusion:
With the right knowledge and preparation, you’re well on your way to a successful breastfeeding journey. Remember, you’ve got this, mumma!