Tips for preparing to breastfeed.

Many new mothers read lots of information on pregnancy, labor and delivery. I used to ask new mothers in breastfeeding classes "How many of you had started reading information about feeding your baby?" Only a few mothers would raise their hand out of sometimes twenty-five women.  Even more interestingly, this was out of the subset of women who decided to attend a breastfeeding class.  I think most pregnant women believe that they will have the time and energy to read about breastfeeding after delivery.  The reality is it doesn't happen for a few days or even weeks.  After your baby's birth, between being tired, excited and focused on the baby, reading breastfeeding information takes a back seat to loving and beginning to memorize  your baby's face.  Even information provided by the hospital can sit on the hospital bedside table untouched.  So, I teach new mothers to change gear toward the beginning of their third trimester and start reading information on breastfeeding.  It is very logical that those parents who know more about how they want to feed their new baby are able to understand the normal pathway and are prepared to ask questions when this doesn't seem to be occurring for some reason after birth.  So challenge yourself to find a breastfeeding book, get a comfortable chair and dream of the days when you will be feeding your baby. I recommend you try the books on the right.

You may also like to look at the links below:

http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/index.html  - Information on breastfeeding. Lists baby-friendly hospitals and birth centers.

http://www.breastfeeding.org  - San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition and Breastfeeding resource guide.

http://www.drjacknewman.com - Breastfeeding printables and videos.

http://www.llli.org - La Leche International - Breastfeeding advice and support.

http://www.massbfc.org -  Massechusetts Breastfeeding Coalition - Downloadable resources and tips.


Congratulations on getting ahead by reading now so you will be prepared to successfully breastfeed your baby.

By Linda Yandell Smith RN, MSN, IBCLC Co-author of The Triumphant Child-Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom.

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