What about Preparation for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?
Not to worry: There is nothing physically to do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. Instead, prepare yourself mentally and learn everything you can about breastfeeding before your baby arrives. The more you know, the more confident you will be. You do NOT need to do any special nipple preparation. Quit using soap on your nipple area as this tends to dry out the nipples, which can make them more likely to be tender after baby comes. Nipples have special glands which make their own antiseptic oil to protect the nipple, so you really do not need to wash the nipples with soap while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keys to successful breastfeeding preparation
- Read all you can about breastfeeding - there are many books available at the local library, the La Leche League lending library, and videos are available in bookstores.
- Attend a La Leche meeting – meet other mothers actually breastfeeding their babies
- Take a Breastfeeding class before the baby arrives – most hospitals and childbirth educators offer breastfeeding classes or include it in their prepared childbirth classes (see LOCAL RESOURCES)
- Educate your support person – having a supportive partner who understands the value of breastfeeding is very important.
- Find a supportive pediatrician or pediatric nurse practitioner that you feel comfortable with
Talk to other mothers who have successfully breastfed. If you find yourself talking to someone who had a difficult time breastfeeding, don’t get discouraged. She may not have been as informed or motivated as you, or did not know where to turn for help. Just by reading this, you are one step ahead!