How to prepare for breastfeeding
There’s a lot to think about before your baby arrives — nurseries, birth plans, tiny clothes. The list goes on and on. And one of the big things to think about is how to prepare for breastfeeding, if this is something you’ve decided to do.
At The Lactation Network we believe getting prenatal care, including breastfeeding support, from the very beginning can make a world of difference. Whether you’re aiming to exclusively breastfeed, pump, combo feed, or just want to explore your options, preparing before the baby arrives helps you feel informed, confident, and empowered.
Working with one of our Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) is one of the best ways to prepare for breastfeeding and take care of yourself and your baby while you’re pregnant (and after your baby is born).
Why IBCLCs are the most qualified to support you
IBCLCs are the most qualified professionals to support you in your feeding journey. They’ve completed rigorous clinical training, passed a comprehensive board exam, and are required to stay up to date on the latest research in lactation science. As your go-to expert, they’re equipped to cut through the noise, advocate for your rights, and help you breastfeed with confidence and clarity.
Our IBCLCs provide you with evidence-based knowledge and personalized guidance tailored to you. You’ll get a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions (even the ones you’re afraid to say out loud), talk about any medical or personal factors that could affect breastfeeding, and start building a trusting relationship that doesn’t end once the baby arrives. This is support that evolves with you.
What about breast pumps?
It’s helpful to get familiar with breast pumps before you’re sleep-deprived and juggling a newborn — and this is true whether you plan to pump daily or just occasionally. An IBCLC can help you choose the right pump based on your goals and insurance coverage, determine your perfect flange size, show you how to assemble and clean the parts, and walk you through how to pump effectively and comfortably.
Need help building a pumping schedule for going back to work? Want to make sure you’re expressing enough milk? Your IBCLC has your back.
Road bumps? You’re not alone
Even with the best preparation, those first few hours and days of breastfeeding can come with challenges — latch issues, nipple pain, sleepy babies who won’t wake to feed, or confusion around whether the baby is getting enough milk. It can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to.
Working with an IBCLC before birth gives you the tools to navigate these first moments. You’ll know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to ask for help. You’ll already have someone to call, someone who knows your story and is ready to jump in with support the moment you need it. No Googling at 3 a.m., no second-guessing yourself.
Get the support you deserve
You deserve access to real, evidence-based breastfeeding support from the start, not only when something goes wrong. Connecting with an IBCLC prenatally gives you a solid foundation to build on, so that when the baby arrives, you’re prepared instead of scrambling.
Meet with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant today so you’ll feel ready, confident, and supported every step of the way along your breastfeeding journey.
We know what early parenthood is like, and we’ve been there—searching for countless, often conflicting answers online. At The Lactation Network, our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are committed to providing families with trusted, authoritative information about your prenatal-to-weaning journey.
The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is made available with the understanding that The Lactation Network is not providing professional medical advice on a particular matter. Every family, parent, and care plan is unique—your MD and IBCLC can work with you to ensure you receive the evidence-based, personalized clinical care you deserve. Always consult your clinical team for medical guidance.
Book a free prenatal appointment with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant today
