Prepare For Breastfeeding

Prepare for Breastfeeding

The most important thing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding is believe you can do it!

Planning for your breastfeeding journey might include setting short and long-term goals.

Set Your Breastfeeding Goals

Here’s what else you can do:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Tell them about your plans to breastfeed.
  • If you have depression or are taking supplements or medicines, talk with them about treatments that can work with breastfeeding.
  • Ask if the place where you plan to deliver your baby has staff to support you.
  • Talk to WIC.
  • Ask your local WIC clinic for breastfeeding support. WIC has lactation consultants and Peer Counselors that can help you set your breastfeeding goals before you have your baby.
  • Talk with others who have breastfed.
  • Don’t let a negative experience change your goals, ask more questions and learn through it.
  • Join a breastfeeding support group.
  • Talk to friends or family who have breastfed.
  • Be prepared at home.
  • Prepare a comfortable, relaxing space in your home to breastfeed.
  • Have milk storage supplies ready if you are going to pump.
Breastfeeding Checklist

Once your baby arrives, here are some basics to keep in mind.

Breastfeed Often

When your baby is born, they are ready to cuddle and eat. Practice skin-to-skin in the hospital and at home. They will be hungry within a few hours of their birth.

  • Your baby’s tummy is very small, but they are growing fast. This is why they will eat 10-12 times a day, sometimes more.
  • Feed your baby when they are hungry. Do not feed them on a schedule. You will learn your baby’s “I am hungry” cues.
  • Let your baby eat as long as they want. You will learn your baby’s “I am full” cues.

Get Comfortable

Breastfeeding takes practice. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be. Find what works best for you and your baby.

For Mom

  • Find a relaxing space.
  • Sit or lay in a comfortable position.
  • Grab water and a snack – you will want them!

For Baby

  • Hold your baby in a position that is comfortable for both of you.
  • Support the back of their neck, not the back of their head.
  • Keep your baby’s hands free. They feel safe when they can touch you.

Your baby may not want to be held the same way at each feeding. Try different holds until you find what is comfortable for your baby.

Take Care of you​

Listen to your body when you are feeling stressed. Take care of and be kind to yourself. Find ways to ease the stress you're feeling.

  • Surround yourself with supportive people
  • Raising a child is a lot of work! Let family and friends help you with housework or hold your baby while you sleep, rest, or take a bath. Chances are they want to help, and you deserve a break! In the same way, give yourself space away from people who say or do negative things that lead to you feeling stressed.
  • Relax
  • Find a quiet, comfortable, relaxing place to nurse. Feeling relaxed when breastfeeding is more enjoyable for you and your baby. Use this time to bond with your baby, listen to calming music, meditate, or read. Breastfeeding can help you relax and handle stress better. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has a natural soothing effect.
  • Sleep
  • It's important to get enough rest so you feel refreshed. Sleep helps you feel better and stay strong. It also gives you the energy to take care of your baby and keeps your immune system working well. Plus, getting enough sleep helps your mood and makes it easier to handle the challenges of being a new mom.
  • Get moving
  • Physical activity improves your mood. When you exercise, your body makes certain hormones that can help relieve stress. Try a walk around the block and ask your healthcare provider when you can return to strenuous exercise after giving birth.
  • Get help from a professional
  • A therapist can help you work through stress and find positive ways to deal with problems. Reach out to WIC to help find the support you need.
Side-Lying-Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle-hold-1

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football-hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE-HOLD​

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position