Preparing for Breastfeeding (while pregnant)

Half of all mothers who start out breastfeeding their babies give up within the first six weeks. 

This is usually because she has little support, guidance, and information, not because she has little milk. 

Nursing isn't innate, its something that must be learned not only by the baby, but by the mother. 

"The odds in our culture today are stacked heavily against successful breastfeeding, and the emotional price for failure is high." - Dana Raphael (1976)

Worry # 1: Maybe you feel nervous about exposing yourself?
Ease your mind: There are many options to protect your modesty.

Worry # 2: Maybe you feel that nursing will be nothing but painful?
Ease your mind: While it can be at first, it wont last long if the proper latch is achieved.

Worry # 3: Maybe you feel that breastfeeding will ruin your breasts?
Fact: Women who's breasts are large to begin with can usually expect them to stay around the same size that they were late in pregnancy. Over a few months they will reduce back to their normal size. When weaning occurs your breasts typically appear smaller and somewhat droopy, but within a few months they will go back to their usual size and shape. Pregnancy, not nursing, in addition to age and heredity are what determines your breasts' appearance.

Your Breasts:
During pregnancy you'll notice your breasts increase in size and you may notice your veins are more visible. Some women develop stretch marks. The nipple and areola may double in size and deepen in color. This is to help your baby (a visual cue). Soaps and special creams aren't necessary because your breasts have small glands in the areola that secrete an antibacterial lubricant that keeps the nipple moist and protected during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Soaps remove the natural lubricant. By the fifth or sixth month your breasts are fully capable of producing milk. You may start leaking colostrum. There is no need to "prepare" your nipples for breastfeeding, but you should make sure your nipples can extend outward. Your baby may have a hard time grasping the breast if your nipples don't protrude enough. Gently squeeze behind the nipple with your thumb and forefinger, if your nipple remains flat your baby may have a hard time grasping. Special breast shells may solve this problem before breastfeeding begins.
Milk will appear by the second or third day (occasionally the fourth or fifth) after you give birth. You will get milk in whether you nurse or not. You will continue to produce it if you nurse, you will stop producing it if you decide not to. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand.

Wherever you plan to give birth (except if you're going to have the baby at home, of course), be sure to ask:

• How soon after you give birth will you be able to breastfeed?
• What happens if I have a cesarean birth?
• How often is nursing encouraged during the day and night?
• Can the baby room in? If not, how often and for how long will we be together?
• Is there any assistance available for breastfeeding? A lactation specialist on staff?
• Does the staff avoid supplemental bottle feeding and pacifiers?

See if your hospital/birth center is part of the "Baby Friendly" list:
http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/03.html

Ideally, the maternity unit should encourage the mother and baby to remain together for the first few hours after birth (nursing should occur within the first 2 hours after birth). "Rooming in" should also be encouraged to allow frequent nursing and bonding. Water and formula supplements and pacifiers can lessen the interest in nursing and may interfere with breastfeeding. In addition, too much water is dangerous to a newborn. Young babies can't excrete water quickly, so it lowers their sodium levels which can cause low body temperature and seizures.  

To all my nurses:
While I'm here and learning to breastfeed, please do not give me any bottles or pacifiers. My mom and I are learning and she would be happy to nurse me whenever I am hungry.
Thanks,
Baby A