Preparing for Breastfeeding in the Month Before Birth
If you’re planning to breastfeed, there are several steps you can take in the last month of your pregnancy to make the process smoother. At Babby Cares, we understand that while breastfeeding is natural, it can also be Breastfeeding Prep challenging. A bit of preparation can make a significant difference.
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How to Get Ready
1. Get Your Breast Pump
Most health insurance companies cover the cost of Breastfeeding Prep breast pumps. You’ll typically need a prescription from your ob-gyn, and insurers may only cover specific models. The last month of pregnancy is the ideal Breastfeeding Prep time to research, get your prescription, and order your breast pump. However, there’s no need to order it too early, as most pumps have limited-time warranties.
2. Choose a Lactation Counselor
Hospitals often have lactation counselors to help you get started, but it’s also beneficial to find a counselor you can see soon after returning home. The month before birth is the time to choose a lactation counselor and check Breastfeeding Prep your health insurance coverage. Most insurers cover lactation counseling, but you need to know who is in your network. Your ob-gyn can refer you to a lactation counselor, or you can use the online directory from the International Lactation Consultant Association. We recommend choosing consultants certified by the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners), as they have the most training.
3. Discuss Breastfeeding Challenges with Your Ob-Gyn
If you’ve had breastfeeding challenges in the past or have any concerns, discuss them with your ob-gyn now. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can increase the risk of having Breastfeeding Prep a low milk supply. For those at risk, your ob-gyn may discuss hand expression before birth to produce colostrum, which may improve milk supply in some cases.
4. Plan for Skin-to-Skin Contact Right After Delivery
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps establish the bond between you and your baby and signals your body to start Breastfeeding Prep making milk. Ask about how this is done at your birthing facility.
5. Free Up Time for Breastfeeding
Prepare meals in advance and stock your freezer. If friends and family offer help, suggest they make some freezer meals for you. Tasks like painting the baby’s bedroom can wait, as the best place for the baby to sleep in the Breastfeeding Prep first few months is in their own crib or bassinet in your bedroom.
6. Know That Not Everyone Can Breastfeed
Breastfeeding can be one of the biggest challenges for new parents. Sometimes health conditions or other challenges can make breastfeeding unworkable. If you want to breastfeed and are having trouble, work with your ob-gyn or lactation counselor. But if you still can’t breastfeed or decide not to, it’s Breastfeeding Prep okay. Formula feeding can supply the nutrition your baby needs.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Body for Breastfeeding
1. Learn About Breastfeeding
Take a breastfeeding class, join a support group, or schedule a prenatal consultation with an international board-certified lactation Breastfeeding Prep consultant. At Babby Cares, we recommend using resources like the Yomingo app, which contains information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and more.
2. No Physical Preparation Needed
Your breasts will naturally adapt to their Breastfeeding Prep new role. There’s no need to toughen your nipples or prepare your breasts physically.
3. Focus on a Good Latch
Learn how to accomplish a good latch to Breastfeeding Prep prevent pain. Also, learn how to correctly use a breast pump and fit the flange.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
While you can’t increase milk supply during pregnancy, focus on eating healthy for both you and your baby. Maintain a balanced and Breastfeeding Prep nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
5. Schedule a Prenatal Lactation Consult
For more personalized advice, schedule Breastfeeding Prep an in-person, 30-minute prenatal lactation consult by calling:
- Melrose: 320-256-4228
- Monticello: 763-271-2218
- St. Cloud: 320-654-3630
- Sauk Centre: 320-352-6591
Preparing to Breastfeed
1. Do Your Research
Learn about breastfeeding basics. Knowing Breastfeeding Prep the benefits and initial challenges can help you prepare for your baby’s first few days. Check out books on breastfeeding, read our top breastfeeding tips, and spend time on trusted websites like La Leche League.
2. Find a Support Group
Many hospitals and pediatricians’ offices have support groups for breastfeeding moms. These meetings provide community and support as you learn the ups and downs of breastfeeding.
3. Enlist a Lactation Consultant
You may be connected with a lactation consultant Breastfeeding Prep through the hospital or your baby’s pediatrician’s office. If not, you can find a certified lactation consultant through your insurance provider. These professionals can help you monitor weight, troubleshoot latch issues, and address challenges.
4. Prepare to Pump
Order your breast pump (or get one through your health insurance plan) and educate yourself on pumping and storing breast milk. If Breastfeeding Prep you’ll be working outside your home, talk with your employer about where you can pump.
5. Talk with Your Partner
Discuss how they can support you as a breastfeeding mom. Your partner can take on more housework, care for older children, and deliver Breastfeeding Prep water and snacks to you.
6. Get Close Right Away
Immediately after you give birth, place your Breastfeeding Prep baby skin-to-skin on your bare chest. This wakens their feeding instincts and increases the chances of breastfeeding success.
7. Start Breastfeeding Early
Start breastfeeding in the first hour or two Breastfeeding Prep after you deliver your baby. Follow your baby’s hunger cues and feed on demand.
8. Enlist Friends and Family for Help
Breastfeeding will keep you busy, especially when your baby is a newborn. Friends and family can help by dropping by meals, spending time with your older kids, and helping out around the house.
Do You Need to Prepare Your Nipples for Breastfeeding?
No. Your body is already preparing for Breastfeeding Prep breastfeeding. There’s no need to rub or scrub your nipples – this will only cause pain and may make breastfeeding difficult. Teaching your baby the right way to latch on to your breast from the beginning is the most effective way to prevent nipple fissures.
Should You Pump Before Birth?
Generally, pumping breast milk before birth isn’t recommended. Nipple stimulation with an electric pump may increase the risk of premature labor. However, learning to hand express breast milk during pregnancy can be beneficial. It’s a useful skill and could be helpful later to stimulate milk production and relieve engorgement.
What Do You Need for Breastfeeding?
- Nursing Bras: Comfortable and supportive, with flaps that you can easily undo at feeding time.
- Nursing Tops and Pajamas: Convenient flaps for easy and discreet breastfeeding.
- Nursing Pillows: Specially designed to support your baby while nursing.
- Nursing Pads: Disposable or reusable pads to keep you and your shirts dry.
- Breast Pump: Useful for relieving engorgement and other purposes.
- Bottles and Nipples: For feeding your baby pumped breast milk.
- Other Accessories: Nipple cream, hot/cold gel packs, nursing cover, and breast milk storage bags.
At Babby Cares, we’re here Breastfeeding Prep to support you every step of the way. For more information and resources, visit Breastfeeding Prep our website or contact us directly.
Conclusion
Preparing for breastfeeding in the last month of your pregnancy can make the process smoother and more successful. By getting your breast pump, choosing a lactation counselor, discussing potential challenges with your ob-gyn, planning for skin-to-skin contact, and freeing up time for breastfeeding, you can set yourself up for a positive experience. Remember, every mother and baby are unique, and it’s okay if breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned. There are always alternatives to ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need. At Babby Cares, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Read More: Breastfeeding Prep
5 FAQs
1. When should I order my breast pump?
You should order your breast pump in the last month of your pregnancy. Most health insurance companies cover the cost, and you’ll need a prescription from your ob-gyn. Ordering it too early may waste the limited-time warranty.
2. How do I find a lactation counselor?
You can find a lactation counselor through your hospital, ob-gyn, or the International Lactation Consultant Association’s online directory. It’s essential to choose a counselor certified by the IBLCE, as they have the most training.
3. Can I prepare my breasts for breastfeeding before giving birth?
Your breasts will naturally adapt to their new role, so no physical preparation is needed. However, learning about breastfeeding and how to achieve a good latch can be beneficial.
4. Should I pump before birth?
Generally, pumping breast milk before birth isn’t recommended, as it may increase the risk of premature labor. However, learning to hand express breast milk during pregnancy can be helpful later on.
5. What should I do if I’m having trouble breastfeeding?
If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ob-gyn or a lactation counselor for help. They can provide guidance on improving your baby’s latch, increasing your milk supply, and addressing other challenges. Remember, it’s okay if breastfeeding doesn’t work out – formula feeding can also supply the nutrition your baby needs.