Pregnancy
Breastfeeding begins before birth. Here are some first steps you can take to help set yourself up for breastfeeding success!
Gather your team, including:
Your partner
Friends and family with breastfeeding experience
Obstetrician/midwife
Pediatrician
Lactation consultant
WIC counselor
Peer support group
Learn about breastfeeding:
Learn about breastfeeding through books/brochures (Take care to only use sources with science-backed information. If you are unsure, consult with a professional, such as your OB/GYN or an LC.)
Attend a breastfeeding class or peer support group
Ask questions: what things have you heard that may or may not be true? What are your concerns or fears?
Learn about the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and how it can help you get started with breastfeeding
Develop a birth plan that includes best practices for breastfeeding, including:
Holding your baby skin-to-skin right after birth until the first feed
Delay necessary procedures until the first feed is done (e.g. newborn weight and length, eye treatments, vitamin K shot)
Prefer rooming-in (keeping the baby in the room with you as much as possible)
Prefer breastfeeding any time the baby shows feeding cues (at least 8 times in the first 24 hours)
Plan for quiet hours without visitors so you have time to focus on baby
No pacifiers (offer breast if baby is fussy)
Prefer no supplemental bottle feedings unless deemed medically necessary by a medical health professional
