A little preparation can make a big difference.
At Nourish and Nurse, we believe breastfeeding isn’t something you have to figure out after your baby arrives, it starts long before labor begins. Taking a little time during pregnancy to learn what to expect, build your support system, and prepare for those first few days can help you feel more confident and supported when your little one arrives.
The good news? You don’t have to know everything. You just need to know where to turn when questions come up.
Build Your Breastfeeding Support Team
One of the best things you can do before delivery is surround yourself with people who encourage and support your feeding goals. Every family deserves a team in their corner.
Your breastfeeding team might include:
🤍 Your partner or support person
🤍 Friends or family members who have breastfed
🤍 Your OB/GYN or midwife
🤍 Your baby’s pediatrician
🤍 A lactation Consultant (hey that’s ME!)
🤍 Your local WIC Breastfeeding Counselor
🤍 A breastfeeding support group ( we have that too!)
At Nourish and Nurse, we’re proud to be part of that team. Whether you’re planning ahead during pregnancy or need support after baby arrives, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Learn Before Baby Arrives
You don’t need to become a breastfeeding expert before birth, but learning a few basics ahead of time can make those first days feel much less overwhelming.
Consider:
- Taking a breastfeeding class
- Reading a trusted breastfeeding book or handout – here are a few of my favorites (Disclosure: the links go to my amazon affiliate program, I earn a small commission on items purchased. Any recommendations are my own and are not due to amazon or other parties financial incentives)
- Attending a local breastfeeding support group
- Asking questions you’ve always wondered about (there are no silly questions!)
- Learning what normal newborn feeding behaviors actually look like
- Understanding how your birth experience can support breastfeeding
Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence goes a long way during those early newborn days.
Give Yourself the Best Start
Those first hours after birth are incredibly important, but they don’t have to be perfect. Here are a few simple ways to help breastfeeding get off to a great start:
🤍 Enjoy uninterrupted skin-to-skin time.
Holding your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth helps regulate their temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood sugar while encouraging their natural instinct to find the breast. Whenever possible, try to stay skin-to-skin until after your baby’s first feeding. We call it the Golden Hour, but it is ok if it is longer!
🤍 Let baby lead the way.
Babies are born knowing how to communicate when they’re hungry. Instead of watching the clock, watch your baby.
Early feeding cues include:
- Smacking lips
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Turning their head to search
- Opening their mouth
- Becoming more alert
- Crying is a late hunger cue- calm baby down then try to nurse
Try to feed whenever you notice these cues most newborns nurse at least 8–12 times every 24 hours. It’s also worth noting that cluster feeding happens! It is ok if at times all your baby wants to do is nurse, nap, and nurse some more. However, cluster feeding should not go on indefinitely, reach out for help if it lasts more than a day or two.
🤍 Keep your baby close.
Rooming-in allows you to learn your baby’s feeding cues, practice breastfeeding often, and build confidence together. The more opportunities a baby has to nurse, the better your milk supply is stimulated. I know as a night shift RN how hard these first nights are, and while I do love the baby snuggles, and a break from my normal work chaos to snuggle up with your little one, these first nights are also when baby is nursing and stimulating your breasts to bring in your milk so that you have the supply needed to sustain a healthy breastfeeding relationship. Now, of course, things don’t go as planned and sometimes we do need to keep the baby in the nursery or have baby be separated from the nursing parent, should that be your situation please work with your health care team to get access to a pump and have your team help you protect and build your milk supply.
🤍 Protect those early feedings.
The first few days after your baby is born are a special time for both of you to learn and grow together. Whenever possible, try to minimize unnecessary interruptions so you can focus on getting to know your baby and establishing breastfeeding. It’s perfectly okay to ask family and friends to visit at another time if you need to rest, recover, or feed your baby. Giving yourself permission to slow down and prioritize skin-to-skin contact, frequent feedings, and bonding during these early days can help build your confidence and support a healthy milk supply. Remember, there will be plenty of time for visitors once you and your baby have had the opportunity to settle in together.
🤍 Skip the pacifier, for now.
During the first few weeks, your baby is teaching your body how much milk to make. Offering the breast whenever your baby wants comfort or food helps establish a healthy milk supply. Once breastfeeding is well established, you can decide with your healthcare provider when introducing a pacifier is appropriate for your family.
🤍 Supplement only when medically necessary.
Many families worry they aren’t making enough milk in the beginning. The truth is that newborn stomachs are tiny, and frequent nursing, not large feedings, is how milk production increases. If supplementation becomes medically necessary, your healthcare team can help create a plan that protects both your baby’s health and your breastfeeding goals.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. Needing help is completely normal. Whether you have questions before birth, need help with latch, pumping, milk supply, or simply want reassurance that things are going well, Nourish and Nurse is here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care that meets your family’s unique needs.
Every feeding journey is different, and we’re honored to be part of yours.
Ready to Prepare for Baby?
A prenatal lactation consultation is an excellent opportunity to prepare for a successful breastfeeding journey before your baby arrives. Together, we’ll build your confidence by discussing what to expect during the first hours and days after birth, helping you feel informed and ready for the transition into parenthood. We’ll create a personalized breastfeeding plan based on your individual goals, medical history, and family needs, while also addressing any previous breastfeeding experiences or concerns that may influence your feeding journey. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, supportive, and judgment-free environment, ensuring you leave feeling empowered and prepared to welcome your baby with confidence.
We’d love to help you start your breastfeeding journey feeling informed, prepared, and supported.
