Getting Ready for Breastfeeding

You have made the decision to breastfeed your baby that is on the way. Congratulations! Now, what can you do to prepare? Use these tips from the New York State Healthy Partnership to help you get ready for breastfeeding your baby:

1. Have confidence! First of all, have confidence in your ability to give birth and breastfeed your baby! Millions of women have been doing this since the beginning of time.

2. Learn all you can. Learn as much as you can by talking to other women who have happily breastfed their infants. Go on the internet, read books and pamphlets to collect tips and how-to information.

3. Tell others you are planning to breastfeed. Tell your health care provider, friends, and family that you are planning to nurse your new baby. Talk to your employer. Does your place of employment have a breastfeeding policy?

4. Form a support system. Surround yourself with enthusiastic breastfeeding supporters: women who can help you breastfeed and people who can help you around the house. Is there someone who can help cook meals? Do the shopping? The laundry? Arrange your support system before the baby comes.

5. Do ahead and simplify your life. For this short time of your life, don’t be afraid or shy about accepting help. There are many times that women give of themselves; this is a time to receive. If you have no one to ask for help, make meals ahead and put them in the freezer. Think of ways to make life simpler after the baby is born: use paper plates, let the housework go. You are doing something more important than keeping a neat house - you are breastfeeding and giving your baby a most important start!

6. Talk to Dad. Some dads are unsure about breastfeeding. They are worried about feeling left out. He can do many other things to help: he can keep unsupportive people away, help with the housework and meals, rock a crying baby, limit visitors when you need rest and privacy, put you to bed. Talk with dad about his role in breastfeeding before the baby comes.

7. Wear your baby. Babies need to be close to and held by their parents. So, work with human nature! If you don’t already have one, get a little baby carrier or sling so that your baby will be near you. An added advantage, you will have your hands free to take care of your other responsibilities.

8. Don’t have any formula in the house, “just in case.” Women make plenty of milk; babies just need to nurse often and well. They need practice! If you have any problems, call a friend who has breastfed or a lactation consultant at WIC or at the hospital where you delivered.

9. Continue breastfeeding when you return to work. Did you know that New York State law "requires employers to provide uncompensated time, and make a reasonable effort to provide private space for women to express milk or nurse their children . . .iit also bars an employer from discriminating against an employee exercising this right. For more information on this law, click here.

Keys to Successful Breastfeeding
> It’s your baby - follow your instincts
> Nurse a lot
> Get a lot of rest
> Remember to eat
> Keep your baby close

The Recommended Breastfeeding Goal
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy term infants, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Infants should be introduced to nutrient-rich, solid foods with particular attention to iron at six months with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

 

Developed by the Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
January 2000, Funded by NIH Grant #DK57439
Revision 2007, Funded by USDA/CSRESS #2005-35215-15427