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If you’re planning to breastfeed you new baby, it’s good to be prepared! While it seems like such a natural process, you want to know what to do, what to expect and what supplies you may need. In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about getting started with breastfeeding!
Before Baby is Born
Breastfeeding is very time consuming but also very rewarding. You’ll want to have resources to help you. This printable Breastfeeding Handbook can help you stay organized! It addresses common questions and has lots of tips and tricks to get you started off right!
Image courtesy The Breastfeeding Handbook
Do You Need to Take a Class?
Many expecting moms take a class about breastfeeding. If you don’t have time to go to an actual class, an online class is a great option for busy moms to be!
Supplies for Breastfeeding that Set You up for Success
You’ll want to bring these with you to the hospital.
– Breast pads, either disposable or cloth – It can get messy when your milk comes in!
– Lanolin cream for sore nipples
– Breastfeeding bras, tanks, and/or pajamas – Buy a few different brands and see what you like best
If you plan to pump, you’ll need a few more things. You’ll also want to check out my post with tips for successful pumping.
Pumping Supplies
– Breast Pump (your insurance may provide this for free, so ask before buying!)
– Breastmilk storage bags or containers
– Breastfeeding cover if you want more privacy breastfeeding in public.
Getting Started with Breastfeeding – The First Few Days of Life
In the first few days of life, you baby will need to be monitored to make sure breastfeeding is going well. Things like weight gain, wet diapers and time spent feeding can be good indicators. The Breastfeeding Handbook includes a growth tracker, diaper tracker and BF tracker. These are so important, especially in the beginning! If you deliver in the hospital, they’ll also monitor your baby’s weight to make sure they’re growing. You can continue this at home through the infant and toddler years by getting a baby scale.
Image courtesy The Breastfeeding Handbook
Challenges with Breastfeeding and Where to Get Help
Breastfeeding can be such a great experience, but you may run into a few challenges. Many of these are addressed in the Breastfeeding Handbook. For more serious problems, talk with your child’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant!
More about Breastfeeding
There are more posts about breastfeeding on my blog! Read about my experiences breastfeeding three kids and how to breastfeed when baby is stuffy.
I can’t agree more with this list! Breastfeeding is harder than people think going in, and it’s best to prepare.
I nursed my youngest son and these tips are definitely going to be a helpful guide for new mamas!
Constructive tips. I will share it with some moms
I’ve breastfed with both of mind and have had different struggles with each. These tips are all super helpful!
These are helpful tips, I will have to check out the Breastfeeding Handbook that you suggested!
I used lanolin cream for breastfeeding for a little while, but I always felt as though I healed more quickly once I stopped using it.
Nursing bras and tanks were an absolute must!
Being prepared and tracking everything when starting out breastfeeding is the best way to set you up for success.
What a great post. Like so many things that come with motherhood I found breastfeeding was one of those things where you can prepare as much as you’d like, and it definitely helps, but there’s no knowing what to truly expect until you’re in it, and doing it. It’s definitely a unique experience.