04/16/2025
5 ways to support your breastfeeding journey BEFORE baby arrives✨
1. Take a breastfeeding class! There are plenty of online course options for this and those can definitely be helpful! However, I tend to gravitate toward live, interactive classes (in person or virtual) where you can ask questions and expand on concepts that maybe don’t make sense at first. Or better yet, make a prenatal visit with your local LC. We can tailor the visit to not only discuss the basics of lactation, but also any of your specific health concerns.
2. Learn to hand express! 🤚 Learning to get milk out with your hands can get you more familiar with your body, make you more confident that there REALLY is milk there before your baby is born, and is a skill that can come in handy when baby is here.
3. Order your pump before baby gets here! Yes, we do hope baby will be a term kiddo and latch right away after birth, but birth and breastfeeding can go differently than we first expect. Having a good quality pump can help bring in a milk supply if your baby isn’t yet able to latch. Be sure to talk with your LC about which pump might work best for your situation.
4. Find local in person or online support groups! Breastfeeding is such a unique experience for each family - and might feel isolating at first. Having peer to peer support to lift you up, commiserate with, and to ask questions to can help you feel seen and heard in your journey.
5. Surround yourself with a circle of support. Before you have your baby, talk to your partner, family, and friends what they can do to help support you as you heal from birth and learn to feed your new baby. It might feel weird, but ask others to bring you meals postpartum, pick up your house, take your older kids to play, bring you water and snacks, etc.
Breastfeeding looks different for every family and for each baby. Education and support can help you feel a bit more prepared. And after baby arrives, schedule a lactation visit. 🫶🏼🫶🏼 we would love you see you and your sweet babe. 🥰
