Knowledge Empowers: 10 Steps to Prepare for Breastfeeding Success
Many expectant parents ask, “How do I prepare for breastfeeding?” Decades ago, mothers were misguidedly advised to “toughen nipples” through painful practices—an approach now debunked by science. While no physical preparation is needed today, strategic planning remains crucial. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Advocate for Exclusive Breastfeeding
Clearly outline in your birth plan that no artificial nipples, pacifiers, formula, or sugar water should be given to your baby unless medically necessary and approved by you. Use humor and clarity—create a hospital bassinet sign like “BREASTFED BABY HERE: No bottles/pacifiers, please!” (I designed mine with breastfeeding-themed cartoons to engage nurses while reinforcing the message). If supplements are required, opt for oral syringes to avoid nipple confusion.
2. Minimize Birth Interventions
Unmedicated births often correlate with smoother breastfeeding initiation. While interventions like IV fluids aren’t universally problematic, excessive use may increase engorgement risks. Educate yourself using evidence-based resources like The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth to make informed decisions.
3. Build Your Support Network
- Education: Study breastfeeding basics through La Leche League (LLL) meetings, which welcome expectant parents.
- Professional Backup: Confirm if your hospital has an on-staff lactation consultant. If birthing at home, identify one for post-delivery support within 24 hours if needed.
4. Assemble Essential Supplies
- Supportive nursing bras
- Nursing pads and 100% purified lanolin for nipple care
- Comfortable pajamas with easy nursing access
- Cold compresses (frozen peas/cabbage) for engorgement relief,Optional extras: breast pumps, nursing pillows, or slings.
5. Craft a Collaborative Birth Plan
Treat your birth plan as a roadmap—not a rigid demand. Discuss it with healthcare providers to align expectations. Modern parents (not just “hippies”) use these plans to navigate medicalized birth environments proactively.
6. Initiate Feeding Early
Breastfeed within the first hour post-birth whenever possible. Delay non-urgent medical procedures to prioritize this critical bonding and milk-stimulation window.
7. Opt for Rooming-In
Keep your baby nearby to enable frequent feeding and prevent unwanted interventions (e.g., unnecessary formula feeds).
8. Address Nipple Discomfort Proactively
- Use nipple shells (not shields) postpartum to protect sensitive nipples from fabric friction.
- Apply purified lanolin ointment for soreness.
9. Prioritize Rest
Sleep when your baby sleeps. Enlist family/friends for help during the first week to avoid exhaustion-induced crashes.
10. Normalize the Journey
Learn what’s typical by:
- Reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.
- Observing breastfeeding friends or attending LLL meetings.
