Many of the expectant parents I talk to hope to breastfeed their baby after the birth, and with good reason. Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish your baby, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support their growth and immune system. However, achieving breastfeeding success requires preparation, knowledge, and support. From understanding the basics of lactation to creating a comfortable breastfeeding environment, setting yourself up for success can make the experience more rewarding and less stressful. Today I’m sharing some of my best tips to help you make the most of your breastfeeding journey, even before your baby is born.
- Grow your knowledge. Unfortunately, a lot of the information and advice you will hear about breastfeeding is likely to be outdated or not supported by evidence. Even many healthcare providers do not have a strong background in current breastfeeding knowledge. I encourage every parent who is interested in breastfeeding take a class to get familiar with the basic principles and techniques ahead of time. Your hospital, breastfeeding support group, or lactation consultant can usually recommend a good local class, and options are available online as well.
- Gather your support. It is helpful if your family members or other support people also have an understanding of the basics of breastfeeding, or at least clear instructions on what is and is not helpful for you. Some of the best ways to support a breastfeeding mom are by helping to make sure her needs are being met (food, water, sleep, showers, etc), giving her encouragement about how she’s doing as a mom (we all have our moments of doubt), and respecting her wishes and requests. As you look for a pediatrician for your baby, ask them how they support breastfeeding and handle concerns about weight gain or other feeding challenges. It is also a good idea to connect with a local IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) during the pregnancy. She can give you helpful information related to your particular circumstances, and connect you with other trusted resources such as support groups in your area. If feeding concerns arise soon after the birth, it will be much easier if you already know an expert you can call right away.
- Give yourself grace. Remember, your breastfeeding journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You get to decide what success means to you. Whether you breastfeed your baby for years, months, days, or not at all, trust yourself to do what is right for yourself and your baby. Celebrate the ways you are able to adapt to unexpected challenges. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your dear friend or sister. If things don’t go the way you had hoped, it’s ok to grieve that loss, and when you’re ready you will also see how your journey brought you to exactly the place you needed to be. Studies have shown that when it comes to a person’s satisfaction with their birth experience, their emotional state throughout the process tends to matter more than the specific details of what happened. I believe the same is true for breastfeeding.
Ultimately, the journey of breastfeeding is deeply personal and unique for every mother and baby. Embrace the process, learn from the experiences, and seek support when needed. The love and care you provide in nurturing your child are what truly define your success. No matter the path your breastfeeding journey takes, honor your efforts and know that you are doing your best for your baby.
Looking for more personalized information and suggestions? I am available to sit down with you for a one-on-one virtual chat covering all your questions about becoming a parent in an Ask Me Anything style conversation. All sessions booked during June 2024 receive a 40% off discount with coupon code HB2ME. Click here for details.