Tag Archives: breastfeeding support

Preparing For Breastfeeding While Pregnant

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When you’re pregnant, you eagerly await the birth of your little one and get used to a fair amount of uncertainty. But, we have good news. You don’t have to wait to prepare for breastfeeding. You can start preparing to breastfeed throughout your entire pregnancy. Follow these tips and you’ll feel more confident about breastfeeding and more able to enjoy the incredible bond it creates.

Develop a breastfeeding support system.
Not only is it important to begin learning about breastfeeding, but it’s also beneficial for your friends and family to understand the benefits and demands of breastfeeding. If they share the same knowledge as you, they’ll be able to provide the most valuable breastfeeding advice and support.

Talk to your hospital or healthcare professional about your desires to breastfeed.
A supportive hospital can make a huge difference in your breastfeeding success. So, talk with whomever will be delivering your baby about your desires to breastfeed. Ask questions like these:

  • Is there a Lactation Consultant on staff I can work with before and after delivery?
  • What can be done to support breastfeeding if I need to be separated from my baby immediately after delivery?

Learn about breastpumps.
If you plan on pumping, begin researching breastpumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Consider factors like your need for mobile pumping, how often you plan on pumping, and your need for portable options. We offer a “Breastfeeding Personality Quiz” to help determine which Medela pump best fits your needs. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Lactation Consultant for additional guidance.

Consider a breastfeeding class.
Breastfeeding classes are offered for expectant moms, too. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the basic techniques and get to know a Lactation Consultant or other breastfeeding professional before your baby comes. It’s also a great place to ask any breastfeeding questions you may have. All moms have breastfeeding questions, so never hesitate to speak up when you have concerns.

Moms, how did you prepare for breastfeeding while you were pregnant? Share your tips in the comments below.

Managing Breastfeeding at Night

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Breastfeeding At NightAs a breastfeeding mom, it may seem like you’re breastfeeding all the time. Newborns need to eat frequently around the clock, and healthy full term babies should eat whenever they are hungry. As a new mom, you’ll want to prepare yourself for the first few months (when “around the clock” is taken quite literally) with feedings necessary throughout the night. But don’t worry; we have tips for managing late night feedings and getting you a little more rest.

Look for family breastfeeding support. As your baby grows, his or her needs will help establish your supply and determine a feeding routine. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, ask for assistance with late night and early morning feedings, such as having your helper get you water or gently lift your baby out of your arms and put him/her back back to bed. If you’re pumping, let your husband or other family member use a breastmilk feeding solution, such as Calma, to help give you a break for the other feedings. This will give that family member some time to bond with baby and let you catch up on sleep.

Keep the crib in your bedroom. For some families, keeping the crib in your bedroom helps cut down on the amount of time it takes you to fall back asleep between feedings.

Stay comfortable. Comfort is key for breastfeeding, and it may even make your feeding sessions more efficient. So, make sure you have a comfortable chair or rocker, a glass of water and maybe a nursing stool to help with positioning.

Be prepared. Make sure you have everything you could need throughout the night set out or easily accessible. Things to lay out include diapers, wipes, towels, breastmilk storage containers, your breastpump, a glass of water and anything else to keep you comfortable. Doing this will help prevent you from making unnecessary trips to other rooms or rousing yourself too much searching for what you need.

Shift your perspective. At times, it’s hard not to be frustrated when you have to wake up multiple times each night. But, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s only temporary and that those late night feedings are truly special moments. So, when you’re frustrated, breathe deeply and just try to enjoy the special bond you’re creating with your little one.

How did you manage late night feedings? Share in the comments below.

The Family’s Role in Breastfeeding: Keep The Connection

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Family support

Although a baby spends lots of time with his or her nursing mother, your family’s role in breastfeeding can be instrumental to success. The suggestions below will not only help make your breastfeeding journey a success, but will also help your partner and family keep the connection with the little one.

Family Support

Your family’s attitude toward breastfeeding can dramatically influence your own decision to breastfeed and ultimately provide you with the encouragement to breastfeed longer. If sleep deprivation and hormonal changes wear on you or cause you to question your decision to breastfeed, supportive words and encouragement from your family are essential. Try talking with your family and guide them to words that will give you the motivation you need.

Help With Household Chores

During this busy time, your family can help by taking care of household responsibilities while you’re breastfeeding. This allows you to relax and focus your energy on providing the best nutrition for your little one. Ultimately, you may notice you have more relaxing time with baby or moments to focus on you.

Shared Responsibilities

Although you may feel like you’re breastfeeding constantly, remember there are many responsibilities that your family can help with, too. A baby’s brain development depends on frequent verbal, physical, and emotional interaction with someone familiar. A mother engages in most of these activities while breastfeeding, but this is also a great opportunity for your family members to help your little one grow. After you finish breastfeeding, let your partner or another family member share some time playing and cuddling with baby. Make sure playtime includes plenty of eye contact to help stimulate your baby’s development. Also, if your family isn’t always around during the day, try saving some tasks, like reading a book, for when they return home or stop by.

What has helped your partner or family member keep the connection while breastfeeding? Share in the comments below.