How to Prepare for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of those experiences that's simultaneously the most natural thing in the world and surprisingly complex. 

But preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy can make those first days and weeks significantly smoother. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set yourself up for breastfeeding success, from prenatal education to building your support network.

The Importance of Preparation for Breastfeeding

While your body is designed to produce milk, breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby.

Preparation helps you:

• Understand what's normal versus what requires help
• Build a support network before you need it
• Gather supplies and resources in advance
• Set realistic expectations
• Identify and address potential challenges early
• Feel confident rather than overwhelmed when breastfeeding begins

Think of it like learning to drive—yes, humans have the physical capability, but instruction, practice, and preparation make the process much easier.

Understanding How Breastfeeding Works

Before we dive into practical preparation, let's cover the basics of how breastfeeding functions.

Your Breasts During Pregnancy

Pregnancy prepares your breasts for feeding:

• Hormones stimulate milk duct development
• Your areolas may darken (helping baby locate the nipple)
• Montgomery glands (small bumps on the areola) enlarge and secrete fluid that moisturizes and protects your nipples
• Colostrum (early milk) begins forming in the second trimester
• Breasts often increase in size, though size doesn't correlate with milk production ability

Some people experience nipple discharge during pregnancy—this is colostrum and is completely normal.

Colostrum

For the first few days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish "liquid gold" packed with:

• Antibodies that protect your newborn from infection
• Concentrated nutrients perfect for tiny tummies
• Laxative properties that help baby pass meconium (first stool)
• Growth factors that develop your baby's gut lining

Colostrum is produced in small amounts (teaspoons rather than ounces) because newborn stomachs are marble-sized. Despite the small volume, colostrum provides exactly what your baby needs.

When Milk Comes In

Between days 2-5 postpartum, your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk. This transition, called "milk coming in," involves:

• Increased milk volume (suddenly producing ounces instead of drops)
• Breast fullness, firmness, and sometimes significant swelling
• Milk that looks thinner and whiter than colostrum
• Increased frequency of baby's wet and dirty diapers

Supply and Demand

Breastfeeding operates on supply and demand: the more frequently and effectively milk is removed from your breasts, the more milk you'll produce.

Key principles:

• Frequent nursing (8-12+ times per 24 hours initially) establishes good supply
• Effective latch ensures milk is removed efficiently
• Both breasts should be offered at each feeding
• Supplementing with formula without removing milk can decrease your supply
• Night feedings are particularly important for supply regulation

Understanding these basics helps you recognize what's normal and when to seek help.

Prenatal Education: Taking a Breastfeeding Class

One of the most valuable investments you can make is taking a comprehensive breastfeeding class during your third trimester.

What You'll Learn

Quality breastfeeding classes cover:

• Anatomy and physiology of lactation
• How to position baby for effective latch
• Recognizing hunger cues
• How to know if baby is getting enough milk
• Common early challenges (sore nipples, engorgement, cluster feeding)
• When and how to seek help
• Pumping basics
• Returning to work while breastfeeding

Class Options

You can choose from:

• Hospital-based classes: Often free or low-cost for people birthing at that facility
• Private lactation consultant classes: More personalized with smaller groups
• Online classes: Convenient and can be reviewed multiple times
• Community organization classes: Groups like La Leche League offer free meetings and education

Many doulas also provide breastfeeding education during prenatal visits, which can be particularly helpful as they'll be present immediately after birth to help with initial feedings.

Partner Inclusion

Bring your partner or support person to breastfeeding class. They'll learn:

• How to help position baby
• How to recognize if baby is latching well
• Ways to support you emotionally and practically
• How to advocate for your breastfeeding goals
• What they can do to promote your success

Supportive partners significantly increase breastfeeding duration and satisfaction.

Building Your Breastfeeding Support Network

Having expert help available is crucial because breastfeeding challenges are common and usually solvable with proper support.

Finding a Lactation Consultant

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the gold standard for breastfeeding support. They have extensive training and can help with:

• Latching difficulties
• Low milk supply concerns
• Oversupply or overactive letdown
• Painful nursing
• Baby's tongue tie or other anatomical issues
• Premature or medically complex infants
• Pumping strategies
• Returning to work

Find an IBCLC before you give birth so you know who to call if challenges arise. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations or search the directory at USLCA.org.

Hospital Lactation Support

Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff. Before birth, ask:

• Is there lactation support available 24/7 or only during certain hours?
• Will someone help me with the first feeding?
• What if I'm struggling after discharge?
• Do you offer outpatient lactation consultations?

Doula Support

Many doulas provide breastfeeding support in the immediate postpartum period. This includes:

• Helping with initial latching
• Positioning assistance
• Answering common questions
• Recognizing when professional lactation help is needed
• Emotional encouragement

Some doulas are also IBCLCs, providing seamless transition from birth support to lactation help. If you're in California, Raya Health can connect you with doulas who offer breastfeeding support and accept your insurance, including Medi-Cal.

Partner and Family Education

Your household members need education too. Share information about:

• Why frequent feeding is normal, not a sign of insufficient milk
• How they can support without undermining your confidence
• The importance of limiting visitors who aren't helpful
• How to help with household tasks so you can focus on feeding

Well-meaning family members sometimes give outdated advice ("supplement with formula," "put baby on a schedule"). Arm your support people with current, evidence-based information.

Physical Preparation: Nipple and Breast Care

Contrary to old advice, you don't need to "toughen up" your nipples before breastfeeding.

Avoid these outdated recommendations:

• Don't scrub or excessively wash nipples (this removes protective oils)
• Don't use alcohol or harsh soaps on nipples
• Don't rub nipples with towels to roughen them
• Don't apply tinctures or toughening creams
• Don't pump during pregnancy to "prepare" (unless directed by a provider for specific medical reasons)

These practices can cause irritation and don't prevent nipple soreness, which is typically caused by improper latch rather than sensitive skin.

Simple nipple care includes:

• Wear comfortable, supportive bras that don't compress your nipples
• Go braless when comfortable to allow air circulation
• Apply pure lanolin cream if nipples feel dry
• Moisturize with expressed colostrum if you experience leaking
• Let nipples air dry after showers

When to Hand Express Colostrum

In certain situations, prenatal colostrum expression and storage is beneficial:

• If you have diabetes (including gestational diabetes)
• If you're expecting multiples
• If baby may need NICU care
• If baby has a cleft lip or palate
• If you've had previous breast surgery

Talk with your healthcare provider before starting prenatal expression. If approved (usually after 36-37 weeks), you can collect and freeze small amounts of colostrum to use if needed after birth.

Gathering Breastfeeding Supplies

While breastfeeding itself requires no equipment, certain items make the experience more comfortable.

Essential Items

These supplies are genuinely useful:

• Nursing bras (2-3): Comfortable, supportive, and allowing easy breast access; avoid underwire initially
• Breast pads: Disposable or reusable to absorb leaking milk
• Nipple cream: Pure lanolin (Lansinoh) or other safe options for soothing sore nipples
• Water bottle: Breastfeeding makes you thirsty; keep water nearby
• Nursing pillow: Helps position baby at the right height (though regular pillows work too)
• Comfortable feeding spot: A chair or spot on the couch where you'll spend significant time

Nice-to-Have Items

These aren't essential but many people find them helpful:

• Hands-free pumping bra: If you'll be pumping
• Breast milk storage bags: For storing expressed milk
• Haakaa or similar manual pump: Catches letdown from one breast while baby nurses on the other
• Nursing tanks or tops: Clothing designed for easy breast access
• Nursing cover: If you prefer privacy (though receiving blankets work too)

Pump Considerations

Most insurance plans (including Medi-Cal in California) cover breast pumps. You can usually:

• Order a pump during pregnancy
• Choose from several models
• Get pump supplies (flanges, bottles, tubing)

However, don't feel pressured to pump immediately. Many people establish breastfeeding first, then introduce a pump weeks later if needed for work or occasional separation from baby.

Takeaway 

Preparing for breastfeeding doesn't guarantee a challenge-free experience, but it significantly increases your chances of success and satisfaction. By educating yourself, building your support network, gathering supplies, and setting realistic expectations, you're giving yourself and your baby the best possible start.

Remember that breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both you and your baby. Give yourself grace during the learning process, access support when needed, and know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Your journey will be uniquely yours, with its own timeline and challenges. With preparation, support, and patience, you can achieve your breastfeeding goals and provide your baby with this special form of nourishment and connection.