PREPARING FOR BREASTFEEDING

Preparing for the arrival of your baby is one of the most exciting times for an expecting mother.   Dreaming about the baby’s tiny face, their little fingers and toes, setting up the nursery – the anticipation is so much fun.  Birthing classes are a very popular and critical aspect of the preparation period, but it is the time after labor and delivery that the real work begins.  A newborn baby can make even the most confident and secure of us feel inadequate and like we are “all thumbs,” especially for first time parents.  Being informed and prepared for what to expect during your breastfeeding experience will help soften some of the bumps on the road to parenthood during your first few postpartum weeks.

How to Prepare For Breastfeeding

When it comes down to it, all you really need to breastfeed is breasts and a baby.  However, there are a few things that can make a big difference in terms of your confidence, comfort and level of success. 

Ø       Taking a breastfeeding class taught by a Certified Lactation Educator is critical.  The information you obtain will provide you with a knowledge of basic breastfeeding techniques and theories.  You should be able to walk out of the class with resources and tools to call upon during the post partum period should you require help.  

Ø       Success in breastfeeding requires having support system in place before the birth.  1) Try to locate an experienced mother or two who have reached a breastfeeding goal similar to yours.  A great place to find experienced breastfeeding mothers is at a local La Leche League meeting (visit www.LaLecheLeague.org) which you can attend while still pregnant.  An experienced mother who is breastfeeding can a great resource.  2) Identify a family member that is willing to run out to get you any supplies you might need (like a breast pump) during your recovery period.  3) Obtain the phone number of a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) by contacting your local hospital, pediatrician’s office, a local La Leche League leader for referrals.  Noting her hours of operation is important – some IBCLCs do not work on weekends or after hours while others are available around the clock and make home visits.

Ø       Having some basic products on hand before the birth is a good idea.  Some items we strongly suggest you have are 2-4 nursing bras (2 to sleep in and 2 or more for daily wear), a book and/or video on breastfeeding, a breastfeeding pillow (which helps you position the baby and avoid fatigue), breastfeeding shirts and nightgowns (for easy access), nursing pads (to catch drip milk from leaking onto your clothes) and Soothes or Lasinoh (for sore nipple care).  There are many other breastfeeding products available and they all serve various purposes, but these basics are a great foundation to get you off to a good start.

Ø       Prepare a lactation support budget of $300.  Check with your insurance company to see if lactation services, breast pump rentals and other products are covered by your plan.  Most IBCLCs charge between $100-200 for an initial 2-3 hour consultation and between $70-100 per hour for follow-up appointments.   While this may seem expensive, the $300 out of pocket expense pales in comparison to the $5,500/year cost of formula feeding.  Getting help fast is critical when you are having a problem because breastfeeding problems get exponentially worse each day they go on.

Ø       Identify a Pediatrician who is supportive of breastfeeding.   Your Pediatrician will assess the heath and development of your baby and has the ability to order formula feeding to your infant for medical reasons.  Examples of questions to ask that will help you assess a doctors level of support include:

§         What is/her opinion on breastfeeding vs. AIM (formula) feeding? 

§         Would she/he ever recommend supplementing the baby?  If so, would he be willing to note your chart accordingly? 

§         Who would she/he refer you to if you had problems breastfeeding?  

§         Can she/he write a prescription for lactation services so that you can potentially be reimbursed by your insurance company?

Ø       Make sure your Obstetrician knows about your intent to breastfeed.  Your Obstetricians decisions can have an effect on your breastfeeding outcome.  Your OB has the ability to 1) write the order for an epidural, 2) make the decision about whether or not you have a c-section, 3) prescribe you something should you become sick or get a breast infection, and 4) prescribe birth control (usually at your 6 week check up after the baby is born).  Did you know that too much pain medication received during labor can cause the baby to be too groggy to breastfeed?  Epidurals given too early in labor can slow or stop labor and lead to higher incidence of cesarean section deliveries.  Studies show that cesarean sections delay lactogeneis (milk coming in) by an average of 8 hours.   Some birth control pills and gynecological creams contain estrogen which can lower your milk supply.  Some doctors rely on the pharmacy to review prescribed medications for safety.  Examples of questions to ask your Obstetricians include:

§         What percentage of her/his patients are breastfeeding at one year? 

§         At what stage of labor does she/he recommend an epidural? 

§         What percentage of her/his patients receive cesarean sections? 

§         What is her/his recommended birth control method for after the baby is born? 

§         How does she/he review medications for safety of use for breastfeeding mothers?   NOTE:  When picking up a prescription, inform the pharmacist that you are breastfeeding and ask them to show you what the medical literature states about  the safety of the use of each medication in breastfeeding mothers.

What You Don't Need to Do

While these suggested preparations will get you off to a good start, there are a few things you don’t need to do to prepare for breastfeeding. 

Ø       Nipple preparation is not necessary, unless the nipple will not evert (come out) upon compression.  If this is the case, seek the advice of your doctor or Lactation Consultant who may recommend the use of breast shells prior to delivery and in-between breastfeeding. 

Ø       There is no need to stimulate or toughen your nipples or express your breasts prior to delivery.  These practices can, in fact, induce labor.

Ø       Don’t worry that you don’t have all the answers.  Breastfeeding is a skill not an instinct and it will take 4-6 weeks for you and your baby to learn together.  We wish you all the health, success and joy that comes from the gift of breastfeeding your baby!

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Disclaimer:  BreastfeedingWorld.com would like to remind you that any actions taken as a result of information obtained from this site are done so at the risk of the reader.  It is recommended that you discuss your plans with your doctor and your baby's doctor before taking any actions.  Please read our legal page.

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