Nursing works better when you are prepared. Both Mom and baby are learning how to work together to have successful nursing. Even if Mom has nursed a baby before, there is a learning curve because her newborn hasn't nursed before.
I have some suggestions of things you can do before baby is here to be prepared for breastfeeding.
I have some suggestions of things you can do before baby is here to be prepared for breastfeeding.
- Attend a few La Leche League meetings to learn more about nursing and connect with other nursing Moms
- Read books on breastfeeding. I recommend The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins, and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessenger.
- Check out online resources on breastfeeding. I like kellymom.com, llli.org, and ibconline.ca.
- Watch videos of babies breastfeeding. I highly recommend the videos on ibconline.ca.
- If you have friends or family who are nursing, ask them if you can watch them nurse their baby and ask them questions about what helped them with nursing.
- Attend a class on breastfeeding. Some hospitals offer classes, doulas and childbirth educators may also offer them as well.
- Know what the local breastfeeding resources are in your area: lactation consultants, lactation educators, LaLeche League leaders.
- Have access to a breast pump. This can be a handy tool to soften your breast before baby latches on if you are dealing with engorgement.
- Consider getting a pillow that has been developed to assist with supporting baby while nursing such as a Boppy.
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