How to Prepare for Breastfeeding For the First Time

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural part of motherhood, but for first-time moms, breastfeeding can sometimes feel a bit intimidating. You may be wondering what you need to know ahead of time to make it a positive and healthy experience, and we are here to help! If you’re looking to learn about how to prepare for breastfeeding, we have some tips and tricks to get you started on this special journey.

Before the Baby is Born

Although you may hear that breastfeeding is something you can only learn by doing, there’s quite a lot you can do before the baby arrives to prepare. Here are a few things that you can do ahead of time!

Gather the Supplies

High-Quality Breast Pump

Breast pumps are essential for modern breastfeeding mothers who want options. Perhaps there are situations where you cannot or do not want to nurse. That’s where breast pumps come in! There are a variety of options available on the market today, ranging from manual to electric and from hospital-grade to wearable. Do you research, see which options your insurance covers (if that’s important to you), and find the breast pump that suits your preferences and needs.

Nursing Bras

Nursing bras are specifically designed with breastfeeding mothers in mind. A good nursing bra should be comfortable, provide support, and make nursing or pumping easier. Find a brand that you trust and stock up on enough to last until your next laundry day.

Nursing Clothing

Your postpartum months will almost certainly require wardrobe adjustments. Whether the idea of more shopping feels like a treat or you’d rather not be bothered, having in mind a few wardrobe basics will help you immensely!

There are a variety of options for nursing clothing on the market, but not all are created equal! When building your breastfeeding wardrobe as a first-time mom, look for high-quality fabrics, convenient access panels, and comfortable, non-clingy styles. We suggest stocking up on a handful of tees and tops, as well as a few dresses or sweatshirts, depending on the time of year when you’ll be breastfeeding.

At Nursing Queen, we offer a wide variety of breastfeeding clothing to ensure that moms can breastfeed, nurse, or pump easily while looking chic.

Nipple Balm

Nipple soreness is, for better or for worse, a common experience during the first months. As you think about how to prepare for breastfeeding, definitely add a lanolin or other plant-based nipple cream to your shopping list. These creams are safe for you and the baby and don’t need to be washed off before nursing.

Reusable Breast Pads

Leaks are nothing to be embarrassed about, but still, who wants to showcase them to the world? Look for absorbent, reusable pads made from bamboo, fleece, or terry cloth. Most moms need between 6 and 7 pairs of washable breast pads during their first year of breastfeeding, though some may need more or less depending on their needs.

Nursing Pillow

These wrap-around pillows take the strain off your neck, back, and arms during nursing. Given that moms spend, on average, almost 2,000 hours pumping and nursing in their baby’s first year of life, this investment is one hundred percent worth it for breastfeeding first-time moms.

Milk Storage Bags

Start with a pack of 100 BPA-free, accurately marked breastmilk bags. After the first few weeks, you’ll have a better understanding of how many bags you’ll need for your lifestyle.

Take a Class

Many hospitals and birthing centers offer lactation and breastfeeding classes. Being guided by experienced women before the baby comes can be a needed boost of confidence and help calm that voice that wonders, “Am I doing it right?”. 

At the classes, you’ll learn about various breastfeeding positions and getting a good latch, as well as understanding how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.

Talk With Your Partner About How to Prepare Together For Breastfeeding

If you’re doing motherhood with a partner, it can be valuable to have a conversation about how breastfeeding will impact your shared lifestyle. What practical support will you need from them over the coming weeks and months? Discuss in advance how shared responsibilities might need to shift, as well as your expectations for nighttime feedings. 

Taking the time to get on the same page before the chaotic first weeks of parenthood will help you and your partner prepare for what’s to come.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: The First 6 Weeks

The early weeks with your newborn are a steep learning curve for breastfeeding for first-time moms. They can be intense as your body establishes milk production and you adjust (physically and emotionally) to a new role.

Focus On Skin-To-Skin Contact

As soon as possible after birth, snuggle your baby next to your skin. This helps to stabilize their vital signs, allows the two of you to bond, and helps establish their feeding behavior. During the first weeks, your newborn will typically feed every 2-3 hours.

Anticipate Cluster Feeding

Cluster feeding occurs during the crucial first growth spurt. During the first week after birth, babies typically cluster feed for 2-3 days, allowing them to drink frequently and for extended periods of time. This can feel like a marathon for you, so be sure to keep snacks and water within easy access.

Join a Breastfeeding Support Group

No one can understand you like other breastfeeding moms. While prenatal and lactation classes teach you how to prepare for breastfeeding, a support group puts you in touch with women who are going through it with you. Many of them are free and have virtual options, making it easy enough to find a breastfeeding support group for your location and lifestyle.

Navigating Growth Spurts in the First 6 Months

Once you and your baby find a rhythm, breastfeeding can be a calming part of your daily routine. But that doesn’t mean that the questions stop! 

Once you’ve got the gear and the basics down, how else can you prepare for breastfeeding beyond the first months? Here are a few key takeaways, but be sure to include a visit to a lactation specialist in your preparations.

What Impacts Breast Milk Production?

Like many aspects of our body’s functioning, milk production works mainly on a supply and demand system. The more often and thoroughly we nurse, the more our body makes. Here are a few other factors that influence our rate of milk production.

• Supplementing with formula too often (or too early)
• Skipping feedings or not feeding until the breast is drained
• High levels of stress or dehydration
• Certain medications that affect hormone production

If you notice a dip in supply, try increasing skin-to-skin contact and your own fluid intake as a first step. If you still find that you’re not producing enough milk, consider consulting a lactation consultant who can provide more specific guidance. And mama, always remember that fed is best!

How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough?

Unsure if your baby is drinking enough? Here’s what to look for as a first-time breastfeeding mom.

Diaper Output

By day 5, your baby should make between 5 and 6 wet diapers and 3-4 yellowish poos a day. Color and frequency are changing rapidly from the first day of life through the first month.

Weight Gain

It might sound surprising, but newborns actually lose weight in the first days of life! At two weeks, they will return to their birth weight and rapidly gain. If you do not notice weight gain at this point, speak with your child’s doctor.

Contentment After Feeding

Your baby should seem relaxed and satisfied after nursing or drinking from your prepared breastmilk supply.

Active Sucking and Swallowing

Watch for jaw and throat movements. The sound of swallowing is a good indicator that your milk is reaching its intended destination.

You Got This, Mama!

You are at the beginning of a journey full of growth, not just for your baby but for you, too! As you learn how to prepare for breastfeeding, remember that you are doing something incredible. Some days will feel magical, while others may feel overwhelming. But through it all, the love you’re giving your baby is a beautiful beginning to their life!

So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and allow yourself to feel the strength of your amazing, life-giving body!