Even after having had two babies I still feel like some preparation must be done for breastfeeding your new baby.
Is this your first baby?
Breastfeeding can definitely bring a new set of challenges with each birth.
With our first baby I had trouble building supply and met with countless lactation specialists before the problem was solved.
Severe jaundice made it so our second baby couldn’t stay awake to nurse and had to be supplemented with formula to stay healthy for the first few weeks.
Both my second and third baby rejected my right breast for some reason and I had to nurse them and pump from one side exclusively. That was a journey!
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This post contains affiliate links. All content and opinions are my own.
Although some of these situations are out of your control there are plenty of ways you can prepare for your breastfeeding journey.
If you plan on nursing check out some of my nursing prep secrets below to make it easier. You may even find ways to save some money on costly baby expenses too!
How do I prepare for breastfeeding my baby?
Prepare a Comfy Space to Nurse Anywhere
Comfort is so important when nursing and you may want to prepare by setting up a quiet rocking corner in your room or nursery, getting a nursing pillow, or finding the perfect chair.
I work from home full time as a blogger, so I needed to get a comfy desk chair with arms for my second baby. This made it easy for me to nurse during working hours.
Here are some comfy nursing chair options:
Coming Up With a Nursing Plan That Works for You
Do you plan on returning to work? Will you be staying at home with your baby? Either way it’s good to have a nursing plan.
You may need to arrange a plan with your boss for taking breaks to pump at work. If you are staying at home you might want to come up with a good pumping/storage routine, so you have supply stocked up for your spouse to help with feeding or a well deserved date night.
Make sure to put yourself first every once in a while for some “me time”. Breastfeeding can be exhausting and you will need a mental health break.
Will you need a breast pump? You may be able to get one free!
Getting a breast pump before the baby comes might make your breastfeeding that much more successful.
Having a quality pump from day one will allow you to start pumping and building up your supply for a return to work or help from family members.
I was lucky to find Aeroflow, who helped me qualify for a free Medela breast pump and supplies right after the birth of my last baby. This was a tremendous help to my family and I. Having a breast pump and storage supplies allowed me to be successful at breastfeeding my baby for the first 2 years.
Visit Aeroflow to see if you qualify for a free breast pump!
Here are some of the breast pumps you can get for free:
Get a Comfy Nursing Pillow
Having a comfortable nursing pillow to prop up baby makes the whole experience better. My favorite nursing pillow is Boppy!
Boppy has nursing pillows that make nursing more comfortable for mom and baby allowing you to rest your arms and prop up your baby. This is great for when you need extra support after a c-section or an extra hand to read a book!
Here are some of my favorite Boppy designs!
An ergonomic nursing pillow for feeding anywhere you go! Great for small living spaces, on the go, and breastfeeding moms recovering from a caesarean.
A customized nursing pillow that is as unique as your little one!
The award-winning Boppy Original Support Nursing Pillow is a registry must-have and family favorite. Ergonomic support for nursing, bottle feeding, and bonding.
Go natural with 100% organic cotton fabric and hypoallergenic fill. Help position baby for a better latch and back relief while nursing and bottle feeding.
Let Hospital Staff and Family Know Your Wishes
Do you plan on supplementing with formula? Using a pacifier? Exclusively breastfeeding?
Depending on where you live hospital staff might follow different guidelines on baby care after delivery. If you don’t want them feeding your newborn formula or giving them a pacifier be sure to let hospital staff know.
A well intentioned family member also may try to give your baby a pacifier or formula to help you out.
It’s nice to make sure everyone is on the same page with your wishes beforehand. This is your baby and it is your choice whether or not you want them exclusively breastfed or to use a pacifier.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Help
Breastfeeding can be hard and different challenges can arise with different babies. You may be having trouble with latching or finding a good hold.
When you’re at the hospital their are lactation specialists on hand to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’ve had different issues with both of my babies and was able to get a solution both time from the lactation specialists at the hospital.
Check out how to find free breastfeeding resources at home!
Breastfeeding Might Be Uncomfortable or Painful
You can definitely prepare for the pain accompanied with breastfeeding by purchasing a good nipple cream and applying it in the weeks before your birth.
Working with the lactation specialist can also help you with avoiding any discomfort. Often times the latch or the way your baby is sucking can cause pain, but the specialists at the hospital can help you and your baby find a comfortable way to nurse!
Here are some of my favorite nursing products to make the experience better!
- Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Essentials
- Earth Mama Organics Nipple Butter
- Milkmakers Nipple Balm
- Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs with Soft Covers
Your breastfeeding must-have. #1 doctor recommended, our 100% natural nipple cream has been trusted by moms and healthcare providers for nearly 40 years to soothe and protect sore nipples.
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Organic Nipple Butter works hard (just like you!) to moisturize dry skin, and bring nipples back to their happy place with an organic, cruelty-free and wonderfully smooth plant-based blend.
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Cracked nipples can be an unwelcome surprise on the breastfeeding journey, but nursing moms can find instant relief with Milkmakers All-Natural Nipple Balm.
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The ultimate multi-tasker. These multi-purpose little gems provide relief that’s a breastfeeding gamechanger. Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy gel packs provide therapeutic relief for the most common breastfeeding challenges.
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How are you preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy? I would love to here your tips and thoughts in the comments below!
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