The best time to prepare for breastfeeding? Before you give birth
Too often, parents believe breastfeeding is an after-birth consideration. Here’s why you should think about it before birth: 93% of parents who had a lactation consultation before their baby was born said it contributed to their success in breastfeeding. The best time to think about how you’ll feed your baby is during pregnancy — and there are expert clinicians waiting in the wings to help you, every step of the way! We asked an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Katie McGee, RN, IBCLC, to offer some tips parents can take to feel prepared for their breastfeeding journey.
1. Read about breastfeeding while you are pregnant
When you do this, you’ll gain a firm understanding of the many normal changes you’ll experience throughout your lactation journey. Breastfeeding on day one during the colostrum phase with smaller volumes is very different from breastfeeding on day 10 when milk begins to transition to mature milk and volume increases. On day one and day 10 you’ll also likely need support with positioning and guidance for both you and your baby. Yet, neither of these moments are like nursing a 6- or 8-month-old who barely requires you to sit down or unbutton your shirt before nursing. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique.
If you’re setting up a registry for your baby shower, consider adding a helpful breastfeeding book to your wish list. You’ll enjoy “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” (La Leche League International manual) or “The Breastfeeding Book” (Sears). (You’ll likely appreciate a great reference much more than another swaddler or wipe warmer.)
2. Make some calls to your birthing team and hospital before birth
Call your delivering hospital to ask about lactation services. You can ask questions about what to expect, like: Will you find out on day one you are competing with 30 other newly delivered mothers for an assessment by one part-time IBCLC? Will you deliver on a Friday only to find out lactation staff is off on weekends? Will your delivering hospital have IBCLCs on staff?
Proactively schedule a home visit in the first two weeks while you’re in the early days and still learning. Timing matters. By 4-6 weeks postpartum your milk supply is fully established; it is of the utmost importance to seek care early to avoid possible complications that could impact your overall supply.
3. Get a partner or support person involved during pregnancy
“The more you and your partner know about breastfeeding, the more you can support your partner,” affirms The USDA’s WIC Breastfeeding Support resource. Invite a partner to read the books you’re reading, attend prenatal breastfeeding classes, become acquainted with your delivery hospital or birthing center, and consult The Lactation Network (TLN) research library to establish a critical baseline of lactation knowledge.
From there, support partners can ask more informed questions and align with the lactating parent’s breastfeeding goals. By making gentle inquiries like, “Do you want to do skin-to-skin contact in the hospital? What is your goal for breastfeeding? Do you have plans to use a breast pump so that I can feed the baby expressed milk and let you sleep sometimes?” You can embark on this journey together with a shared understanding of the lactating parent’s expectations and intentions.
4. Schedule a prenatal, at-home, insurance-covered lactation consultation with an IBCLC
This is crucial! As a new parent, you can expect an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC, to assist you with all your lactation needs, from helping you design a workday pumping schedule and storage plan to finding the best breastfeeding position for you. IBCLCs who operate a private practice and partner with TLN may offer care in various locations— in home, in office, or virtually.
IBCLCs can also assist you with common lactation challenges, like low milk supply, breastfeeding pain, and conditions like mastitis and plugged ducts. If your baby is struggling to latch or isn’t gaining weight properly, your IBCLC can determine how to improve feeding sessions, fine-tune feeding plans for babies who are premature, and even provide a referral to another health care professional if your condition needs further attention.
“A lactation consultant is invaluable,” says Caitlin McNeily, The Lactation Network’s VP of Consultant Relations. “They’re basically your breastfeeding fairy godmother, personal cheerleader, and new-parent support team all in one.”
So, when should you meet with an IBCLC? Again, timing matters! Most prenatal consults occur within the third trimester, so the sooner you can add an IBCLC to your care team, the easier it’ll be to prepare for breastfeeding success before birth!
Need some help setting a timeline? Your IBCLC can equip you with individualized knowledge and support. Request a consultation now; prenatal consults are a proven predictor of breastfeeding success later on, can be completely covered by insurance, and done in the comfort of your home as you prepare to welcome your new family member.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
