{"id":111601,"date":"2021-07-30T08:54:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T12:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111601\/9-ways-to-prepare-yourself-for-breastfeeding-success-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T12:49:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T16:49:29","slug":"9-ways-to-prepare-yourself-for-breastfeeding-success-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111601\/9-ways-to-prepare-yourself-for-breastfeeding-success-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"8 ways to prepare yourself for breastfeeding success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even though breastfeeding is something your body can do naturally, it can be challenging, and there is certainly a learning curve. Fortunately, there\u2019s a lot you can do in advance to set yourself up for breastfeeding success before your baby is born and even when you\u2019re in the thick of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Take care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking good care of your own health and your baby\u2019s health by getting proper prenatal care will set you up for success and <\/span>may<\/span><\/i> help avoid having a baby preterm. Preterm babies can have more problems breastfeeding than full-term babies \u2014 that definitely doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not possible to breastfeed a preemie, just that it can sometimes be more challenging! Prenatal care also gives you the opportunity to regularly talk about preparing to breastfeed and the questions you may have!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Take a breastfeeding class<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Breastfeeding classes, available in person and increasingly online, can do so much to help you learn more about all the ins and outs of breastfeeding \u2014 including basics like how to hold your baby and get a good latch, how to care for your breasts, how often your baby needs to eat and how these needs will change over time, how to recognize signs of hunger, and how to work through and get help with any challenges that you face along the way. Being taught by an expert can help you feel confident and prepared to begin breastfeeding. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Make sure you have breastfeeding support from your care team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Talk with your healthcare provider about your plans to breastfeed, and learn more about if the place you\u2019ll deliver your child, whether at a hospital or a birth center, is prepared to help support you. Many hospitals have special designations and certifications that confirm their commitment to support breastfeeding families. This means that the hospital will encourage lots of skin-to-skin time, will keep you and your baby together in your room, and won\u2019t offer anything to your baby other than breastmilk unless you request it or if it\u2019s medically necessary. They may also be able to offer suggestions of breastfeeding friendly pediatric providers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Talk to friends and family who have experience breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ask your friends and family about their breastfeeding experiences. Keep in mind that everyone\u2019s experience is different, so try not to compare yourself to anyone else or expect that you\u2019ll have the exact same experience. But it can be incredibly valuable to talk with loved ones who have gone through it before, and to know that you can reach out to them if you have questions or need moral support. That midnight text to reassure you that you\u2019re doing a great job or what you\u2019re experiencing is normal can be such a win on your breastfeeding journey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Seek out a supportive community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have friends and family who\u2019ve had the experience of breastfeeding, or if you find that they\u2019re not being particularly supportive of your goals or choices, it can be hugely helpful to find a supportive community. Most cities and communities, and often even hospitals or community health centers, have breastfeeding groups in which new parents share their experiences and offer support along the way. You can find many supportive communities online too. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Get breastfeeding essentials <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Breastfeeding doesn\u2019t require much to get started, just a few staple items, most of which are widely available in stores or online. Three good quality nursing bras are a must, since you\u2019ll find they need frequent washing! They come in a handful of styles, so you may want to experiment with a couple and see which style you\u2019re most comfortable in. A nursing pillow may also be helpful depending on where you\u2019ll nurse most frequently and the size of your breasts. And at some point you\u2019ll likely need a breast pump. Most pumps will come with some starter essentials like storage containers, bottles, and nipples \u2014 so be sure to check out what\u2019s included with yours!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Give yourself a goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone\u2019s breastfeeding goals are different, but sometimes setting them in advance can help you get through difficult days and can motivate you to continue when it gets challenging. That being said, the goals you set before your child is born (especially if this is your first and you haven\u2019t breastfed previously) don\u2019t always line up with the reality of your experience once you\u2019re breastfeeding. If it makes sense to reconsider your goals at any point, you can definitely do that. Always reach out for support on your toughest days \u2014 breastfeeding changes quickly and you may find more joy from one day to the next!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Seek out professional support <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you do a lot of preparation prior to breastfeeding, it\u2019s normal to face challenges, have questions, or need reassurance once you get started. Fortunately, there are a lot of people who can help you. Certified lactation consultants are experts in helping folks who are breastfeeding with all of this \u2014 and you should be able to find one in your area or even one that you can work with remotely by video. Your child\u2019s healthcare provider or even your own OB provider may also be able to be of help too.<\/span> You deserve all the help and support you need along your breastfeeding journey.<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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